Quickie

-We had to get a new latop. Ours would not turn on, we took it in, and the motherboard was out. It costs like $500 to replace that, and you can get a new laptop for $500, sooooo...this is my first post from the new computer. It's an Asus, and is supposed to be amazing. I had never heard of this brand before but the super friendly, smart, and helpful guy at Best Buy swore it was great. Plus we got an amazing deal on it. Windows 7 is about to come out, and this has Windows XP, so it was cheap...AND we get to upgrade to Windows 7 for free when it is available. He hooked us up...it was nice. What is not nice is dropping $700 on a random Monday. (After we bought the insurance and paid to get our stuff off the old laptop's hard drive, it was a bit expensive.) Oh well...we are both in school and we both NEED a laptop, so it's not like it was really an option. At least we got a sleek computer with nice specs. OH-Oh-0h! I can't believe that the first thing I said wasn't that we have a camera on our laptop now! I didn't even realize it when we bought it, but tonight when we were picking it up from Best Buy I accidentally turned it on. Guess who gets to Skype their awesome cousins living in Paris, London, and Edinburgh now? It's ME!!!
-Kids are dropping like flies at my school. I think that there were 100 people absent Monday, and 140 absent yesterday. There have been 60+ confirmed cases of flu. My district offers flu shots at the very end of October, but I don't think I'm going to wait that long. I think I might go ahead and try to get one this weekend. Geeze, just all this talk is making me feel germy. Since I am in a contained classroom, it's even a little worse. We have had two out with flu, and there are only 12 in our room. Yikes! I am taking Vitamin C though, and drinking Emer-gen-C, and using Germ-X like it's nobody's business, so hopefully these things will help protect me. Hopefully!!
-Do any of you have twitter? I love it. I didn't like it at first, but now I get on a lot. Let me know if you have it, so we can follow each others tweets.
-Y'all my good friend Michelle (from Burnet, who also lives here), her father passed away last weekend. He is two years younger than my dad and died of heart stuff. Life is so so precious. And death is so so final. Please pray for Michelle and her family. What a rough and unexpected loss! I can't even imagine.
-Zac's birthday is coming up. Yay! That's all! :)

Catching Up...

It has been way way way too long! Since I last posted, I have completed five weeks of a new job, (a month of school), and had a somewhat serious surgery. Obviously I don't have enough time to cover it all, but here are a few quick things I will say...
-I love my job. Love it. I have 11 kids in my class and every single one of them has touched me in one way or another. I feel blessed to be in an atmosphere that has so much love and caring, every single day! We tell our class we are like a family, and we really are. I love my co-workers, and I feel like Zac probably knows the kids too, since I talk about them so much.
-As much as I love the kids and the "work" I do, I am so exhausted at the end of each day. (It doesn't help that I had surgery the second week of school, and have not quite felt myself since then, but that is getting better.) I stand ALL DAY LONG, which I have gotten used to, but it seems that I am more "emotionally" exhausted than physically exhausted everyday. Some of our kids have rough lives and I just want to bring most of them home with me. It's sad to see these kids have to persevere through so much. They are amazing, and never seem to complain, but part of that is because they don't know any different. I do, though. One of the kids came up to me this week, and whispered a simple three-word sentence, but it made me tear up. He said "You're so loving."
-I think about blogging all the time. I will hear a song or read about something and think "oh, I wanna blog about that" but then I don't get around to it. Hmph, another thing I have learned about having a full time job, is that the evenings are so precious. I am having a hard time balancing work and "me time." I think I am getting better at it, but for awhile it was kinda discouraging. I am someone who needs LOTS of sleep, but since I'd get home from work at five, and then Zac would get home around 6, we'd eat dinner and visit and watch our shows or whatever, I didn't really have alone time (which I used to have all day long, every day). So instead of going to bed early, like I should have, I would stay up and play online or read, or watch a show or something to unwind. I know that it's impossible to ask anyone to sympathize for me, since most of my friends and fam have had full-time jobs for years now, and they have had to figure out this balance long ago, but I'm just saying that I am just now getting the hang of it. I guess I got used to having lots of "me" time, so I was sacrificing sleep to have some. I am better now, but gosh, it sucks having to get things done in the evening and weekends. I like getting things done during the day (which I can't do anymore, since I'm at work now) and just relaxing on the weekends and evenings. I have class every other Tuesday from 4:30-10, and then every Thursday and Friday, I try to go to Zac's football games. It's busy. I know, I probably sound bratty. Sorry. I'll stop, but I do hope you know what I mean. It's just challenging, that's all. I can't even imagine being a working mom. How do you do anything, and when do you sleep? I have SO much admiration for working moms. Truly! I really don't know how they do it! I fear I am making myself sound weak or whiny, but I'm just being honest. I think I am transitioning fine now, but I'll admit I love my alone time. It's a good thing I LOVE my job!!
-Last, but not least...I graduate DECEMBER 19th! That is exactly three months from today! I can't believe it! I am so excited! Now...I just have to get through 6 more hours of classes, projects, and two big state tests.
**I know that this post was very poorly written, I'm just too lazy to change it. Forgive me? Okay, now here is a video to make you forget about my "stream of consciousness" writing. Wouldn't it be fun for this to be Zac and our future daughter? :)

very touching...

You all know that I have a big place in my heart for kids with special needs. I thought this story/video was very neat, and I think you will like it too. (Get a tissue...)

Here is the description of the following YouTube video..."Freshman Matt Ziesel scores a touchdown against Maryville. Below is a little write-up from the Ziesel family for those of you not familiar with Matt: Matt is a special athlete who has Down Syndrome. He loves football and has grown up in an environment surrounded by sports. His father is a coach/ athletic director, and all his siblings play sports. He grew up at athletic events, and has always been a cheerleader. He registered as a freshman at Benton High School -Saint Joseph, MO this year, and told his mother and father he wanted to play football. The team takes good care of looking after Matt, and he is still the cheerleader on the sidelines. He puts his pads and helmet on, stands next to Coach McCamy and waits for his turn to play. Over and over during the course of the game Matt will say, "Coach McCamy, I am ready! I am ready Coach!" On this Monday night coach gave him a chance. The Cardinals were down by a few touchdowns with 15 seconds left. Coach McCamy called a timeout and asked the coach of Maryville High School if they could run their "Matt Play". He agreed and this is where the video begins. Thanks to Coach McCamy and the freshman coach at Maryville, Matt and his family will cherish his moment forever!"

Imagine Leadership...

This week I am doing teacher inservice for my new job. I am SO excited about my new job and the people I will be working with! (That's a whole other post though!)
The video below was shown at one of our meetings, and I thought it was blog-worthy. It's only six minutes, and offers some pretty good food for thought! I know I'M ready to be a better person and leader! :) Enjoy...

Captain Random

-Zac and I were watching Nacho Libre on TV the other day and Zac said he wanted to dress like Nacho for halloween, and wear "stretchy pants." I just realized that for the last several years, about once a month, Zac tells me what he wants to be for Halloween. We have NEVER dressed up for halloween or even gone to a party, so it's pretty funny that he puts so much thought into his "costumes." I do have to admit that he is pretty darn creative though...if you ever need an idea, hit him up!

-Did you see this article on MSN about redheads? Interesting!!

-I'm going to Houston this weekend for Carrie's wedding! I can't wait. It will be so much fun. Saturday, Madeline has a birthday party to go to, so Andy is going to take her to that and then pick Zac up from the airport. Zac's flying in because he has a scrimmage Saturday morning. My dad won't be able to go because he has his Midland High class reunion...I can't believe he graduated from high school 40 years ago!! So that leaves just me, Mom, and Liz to have a girls day Saturday. It will be fun! I think we might go to one of my fave Houston restaurant, Barnaby's. (Even if you don't care where we eat, you should click on that link to see how precious the website is, and see why they named it Barnaby's!) Here is a pic from Carrie's bachelorette party, which was a few weeks ago...
-I started watching the "True Blood" series. I like it a lot, but I have to admit that I like the "Twilight" version of vampires much better. Maybe it's just because Edward is way hotter than Bill. Anyways, I still love True Blood, and I plan on posting all about that...later.

-I can not wait to see this movie! Not only does it have Sandra Bullock, one of my favorite actresses, but it is about high school football. I can't tell y'all how many times Zac has wanted to bring a player home, knowing that he had a bad home life. This movie looks so touching, AND it's a true story!


-Here are a few of my favorite songs right now. (*Disclaimer-I like the song, not neccesarily the video. I just include the link to the video so you can hear the song. But most of you ignore this section of my blog anyways. Are you even still reading this? If you are, leave me one or two of your fave songs in a comment, and I PROMISE I will listen to it, beginning to end!)
Knock You Down by Keri Hilson (featuring Kanye West and Ne-Yo)
Party in the USA by Miley Cyrus
You're a Jerk by New Boyz (this song is awful, but for some reason I LOVE IT! I turn up the radio everytime it comes on!)
Love Drunk by Boys Like Girls
Best I Ever Had by Drake
Down by Jay Sean and Lil' Wayne
Please Don't Leave Me by P!NK (what an awesome name! hehe)

Mailbox Delight

I have always loved checking the mail. When I was a kid, everyone in our house knew that I got to check the mail. If I was home and heard the mailman coming, I would meet him on the porch. If we were all getting home at the same time, they all knew not to touch that mailbox...that was my territory. My sister and I each had a few magazine subscriptions, plus I always loved reading the church bulletin, and my mom always got cool catalogs from stores. I just loved it. Anyways, now that I am an adult, let's just say that I do not find checking the mail nearly as fun. First of all, we have community mailboxes, so it's not right in front of our house. I think these are kind of annoying, but I know that more and more subdivisions are going to these. Secondly, our mailbox usually just has junkmail and bills in it...neither are what I call "fun." Well, imagine my surprise the other day when I went to check the mail and had a pretty package waiting for me! It had a heart right above my name and everything! :) It was from a college friend Katie, a beautiful Christian and Mom to a sweet and adorable little redhead, Cameron. We haven't talked in quite awhile, but started following each other's blogs about a year ago, and have been keeping in touch through that and facebook. (TGFT...thank God for technology!) I was so tickled and happy, I could have just stared at the package, thinking about what a thoughtful friend I have. When I opened it, I was even more moved. A simple post-it note read "Julia, Hope this book touches you. Highly recommended by a friend of mine. Love, Katie" The book is about a Ethiopia (specifically Addis Ababa) and the battles they are fighting daily. I have already learned SO much about the country that I didn't know. (Which I will share in another post...this book deserves it's own entire post dedicated to it.) This post is about the generosity and kindness showed by a friend who I haven't seen in over five years. (Or is it six?) Katie-not only will I be touched by the book, but I have been touched by your sweet thoughtfulness! I am blessed to have you in my life. Thanks so much for the book! You're the best! :)

I'm gonna be an UNCLE!

Haha, I just realized that I said that wrong. I will still be an AUNT, but I am going to have a NEPHEW!!! :) My sister is pregnant, and will be having a little boy at the end of December! I am so excited! Here is his first pic on my blog...

I'm feelin so energetic, don't think y'all will ever get it...

Have you ever found an artist that you LOVE, and you're like "how are they not HUGE?" "When are they going to blow up?" because you know they have massive potential and a mad amount of talent? Well, that is how I feel about BoA! If you don't like pop, you won't like her, but if you do like pop, or you are curious as to what I would buy stock in, if you could buy stock in performers, here she is!

Now, don't you want to "Report to the dance floor?!"

Blue Skies for Everyone!

Thanks, Bob Schneider! I LOVE YOU!!!
This is a really old song, but the trusty ol' iTunes shuffle played it for me today, and put me in the best mood. I think I listened to it nine times in a row. (yes, literally) It is cheery, even though it sounds like it would be kinda dark. Anyways, it has a nice message...one I could use when I am finishing up projects due tomorrow and studying for summer school finals, and I literally want to poke my eyes out! ;) Enjoy!

Spit on the ground, hold your breath
Try and scare yourself to death
Bury your bones under the dirt
Tear your heart out, rip your shirt
Stomp your feet in disgust
Curse the gray sky if you must
But you'll find when you are done
They'll be blue skies for everyone

Drink your wine, break your heart
Give up the race before you start
Drop your drawers, roll around
Burn your house right to the ground
Go to sleep, hit your head
Scream until your face is red
And you'll find when you are done
They'll be blue skies for everyone

Blue skies, setting suns
Cherry pies, bubblegum
Lullabies, to come undone
Blue skies for everyone

So get right down on your luck
Spin your wheels until you're stuck
Wring the blood out, let it dry
Stick a needle in your eye
Dry your tears and drop your drink
Let me tell you what I think
I think you'll find when you get done
They'll be blue skies for everyone

Bob Schneider is an Austin guy who pretty much RULES! His music is awesome! Zac and I danced to "The World Exploded Into Love" at our wedding reception, as our first dance. If you are not familiar with him, you should check him out! ;) Fun sidenote: he dated Sandra Bullock for a few years, and I saw her at one of his shows once! 2nd funny side note...I usually like preppy jock-type boys, but I think Bob's hot in a dirty-rocker-soulful kind of way. haha!
Okay, and come to think of it, I love the words to "The World Exploded Into Love" too much to not share with y'all! It's a sweet song, and extra special and meaningful to ME! :) It's "OUR SONG!"

There is a universe that can't be seen
It's just a feeling if you know what I mean
A delectable dimension, undetectable by sight
It'll fill up your heart in the dead of the night
Some say its an astral plane
Can't be described, can't be explained

The world exploded into love all around me
The world exploded into love all around me
And everytime I take a look around me
I have to smile

Oh is our life just an illusion
There is no need to figure it out
The separation exists not in your love filled heart
But only in your mind
The real story's all around you
Even now it surrounds you
Even now I feel the power

The world exploded into love all around me
The world exploded into love all around me
And everytime I take a look around me
I have to smile

90s on 9

My parents just returned from a week in Canada. While they were gone, we kept Rusty and also their car. I drove it all week and came to LOVE the satellite radio. Mostly, I loved one particular station..."90's on 9." Listening to all that fun 90's music brought back so many memories. I heard so many songs that I had not even thought of in forever! I am sure it will do the same for you...
Tub Thumping by Chumbawumba
Lump by Presidents of the United States of America
Breakfast at Tiffany's by Deep Blue Something
Wonderwall by Oasis
I Want It That Way by Backstreet Boys
Genie In A Bottle by Christina Aguilera
Waterfalls by TLC
Losing My Religion by R.E.M
This is How We Do It by Montel Jordan
Ironic by Alanis Morisette
Jump Around by House of Pain
Tearin' Up My Heart by 'Nsync
Plus, lots of fun songs by: Spice Girls, Third Eye Blind, En Vogue, The Fugees, Hootie and the Blowfish, Matchbox 20, Naughty by Nature, Ace of Base, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime, Cake, Dave Matthews Band, and more...
We think that decade probably had more one hit wonders than any other time. Zac and I also started talking about all things 90's. Sports, News, and my favorite...FASHION! :) We started comparing our high school trends with what is in style now.
We wore Doc Marten's...they wear "boots with the fur." We wore polo shirts tucked into high-waisted jeans...they have low rise jeans. You get my point. But I want to know what YOU miss about the 90s. Or do you despise the 90s? Either way, leave me your thoughts! Also, are there any MAJOR songs I missed? What songs take you back to the 90's?