Work on a Saturday-not always a BAD Thing

I often do NOT blog about work. I developed this blog to be my personal update to our family and friends, not a work blog. I am going to alter from this today, because I am filled with pride. I went to work this past Saturday. Now, this doesn't sound very fun, but it was a really rewarding experience. Twinhill Elementary School had a Spring Clean-Up day. This was new to Twinhill, so I wasn't sure what kind of turn out we would have. The purpose of this day was to come together as a community to do some of those important spring cleaning activities around the school. We had the following duties to complete: pull weeds, plant a tree donated by the City of Riverside, rake leaves, hose down and wash outdoor walls, and paint the main office. I had a teacher who coordinated the outside activities (and she did a GREAT job) while I was pretty much stuck in the office painting with my attendance clerk. This was a big project we NEVER thought would end. There are still touch ups to be done, but we will get to it in time.

So what made me so proud. I was proud because our community is filled with many low income families. They work really hard during the week to provide for their families. The fact they took time out of their busy Saturday to help their community school was a really special moment. I am so proud and lucky to be the Principal of Twinhill Elementary. Thank you to everyone for their help! The school looks GREAT!

Day at the Zoo

Brad and I had an afternoon date. We headed down to the world famous San Diego Zoo and walked around for a couple of hours. Beautiful day, animals were in good spirits, and just enjoyed some time outside. Here are a few non-edited, no biggie, pics (point and shoot camera, didn't want to hassle with the big guns).

Everyone have a GREAT week!

Hes' so cute and scruffy! Love my man!

One of my favorite parts of the zoo. Great views of San Diego!This is just hilarious! By the way, we were about 1 foot from the sign...oh heck!
African Lions getting ready for a training session.
Lion and his keeper.The next two pics are my fav. The lion is a creature you must respect.
I have found myself in some compromising positions, but this is ridiculous. I love me some giraffes!

New Projects

Well, I took on ANOTHER new project. I am always willing to try something new with the hopes it will turn out to be something I LOVE.

Finding a hobby I LOVE has been a challenge of mine for 15 years now.

(Oh, and I am a perfectionist...unless I am good at it the first time I QUIT!)

Well, this project I really enjoyed...I sewed a baby quilt. I don't want to say who the quilt is for yet, because she may read this blog (those of you who know me could probably infer based on who is currently pregnant and having an upcoming shower). But I hope she and her new baby loves it.

Please don't look to closely...I named this baby quilt

"THERE IS PERFECTION IN THE IMPERFECTIONS"

Excited to get started...

Processing the fact I have NOOOOO idea what I am doing!

The end product. Patchwork on the front side with a purple fleece on the back, and satin green edge.
Poor lighting in this picture, but wanted to show the quilted back.

Spring Break 2010

This week was a much needed Spring Break. Brad, Juan, and I spent 5 days beach camping at Dohney State Beach. It was GREAT! There wasn't much activity per se. We just enjoyed some time to relax, watch the waves, ride bikes, read, etc. No agenda, no schedule, no plans. Although I am all about traveling and seeing new things, camping trips include as little planning as possible (this way we can truly relax).

So, we are now home. After packing up the trailer, completing about 10 loads of laundry, and catching up on my recorded programs, I can blog about our trip. Here are the things I want to remember the most:

Juan's smile when running through the birds (I think every parent lives just to see their child happy...this happiness makes my heart fill with joy.)

Beach houses (I want a beach house when I grow up.)

Sand formations (The high/low tides make some awesome shapes in the sand.)

Silhouettes of fisherman at dusk

Roasted marshmallow on top of brownies (Seriously, DELICIOUS!!)

Juan saying how bored he is (whatever!)

Silly chatter with Juan because he is SO bored (So bored, but was entertained by bugging me...secretly I didn't mind one bit, I have to embrace every moment.)

Full moon (Brightened the entire night sky.)

Fish and Chips (Can't go to the beach without some good ol' fish and chips.)

Smash Ball games (never knew a paddle game could have so many different game types)

Waking up and falling asleep to the sound of the ocean

TIME TIME TIME...I love time with my FAMILY !!!!!

Here are some random pics of our trip.

I am....

Last Sunday I said I was going to try to blog a bit more often. Well, obviously this plan did not work out so well. I stumbled upon a blog recently with answering the following questions, so I decided I would post my thoughts.

I am...

wishing everyone lived a life of integrity.
I think...

I need to find a true passion (non-work related). I need to truly explore what makes ME happy. Is it photography, jogging, music, what "hobby" completes me?

I should...

get my doctorate. My goal has been doctorate before 40, but I just haven't been too inspired lately.

I dream...

about being debt free.

I want...

to lose 50 pounds. I know, not very unique. Who doesn't want to lose weight, but 50 lbs would be AMAZING!

I know...

I am loved by many friends and family.

I don't like...

vegetables. I wonder if there is a connection with the lbs above with my dislike of veggies. Mmmmm!! Just wondering.

I smell...

Jayme's (the golden) farts. Gross, but my reality.

(Had to add this photo, because it just makes me crack up! The funniest Jayme picture ever.)

I hear...

Adam Lambert on my I-Pod. I really like him! I am glad he didn't win Idol; he deserved to make a name for himself (not as an American Idol winner).

I fear...

being alone. My husband and son are my whole life and I hate being without them (even when they drive me crazy).

I search...

blogs and websites which inspire, educate, and make me laugh.

I miss...

my mom (everyday Mommy...I LOVE YOU!)

I always...

am second guessing myself. My controlling ways are always present and take over my thoughts.

I crave...

chocolate. Again, love of chocolate...hate of veggies...losing 50 lbs. Come on Em, don't you see the connection. HA! HA!

I remember...

my one BIG birthday party. Brandi and I shared our party, because our b-day’s are so close together (Brandi-10/9 Emily 10/10). We had lunch, cake, and a piñata in the backyard at the Studebaker house and then went bowling. Super fun!

I need…

to be balanced. I don’t do well when I feel overwhelmed and behind. I need routine, structure, and always know the plan.

I forget…

things that happen more than a year ago. Brad can remember every detail, date, and event and it drives him crazy when I don’t recall something he remembers. He is my walking diary.

I feel…

tired. It has been a stressful few weeks and I look forward to the balance spoken of above.

I can’t…

say “roar.” It’s true. My family and friends have taught me every phonetic sound and blend; I just can’t seem to get it out right. I say “WAR.” Hey, can’t be perfect.

I am happy…

when I see Juan and Brad smile!

I sing…

just about anything. It drives Juan crazy when I roll down the window and get down with the hip hop (dancing included). Now, Brandi is the lyricist…she knows every word of every song! Amazing!

I listen…

to about any type of music.

I shop…

not very often anymore. That ol’ debt free thing, you know.

I eat…

anything yummy! I love food! Do we really have to add salt to the wound. Was this blog starter blog planted, so I would keep thinking about the 50 lbs. Damn you blog posts!!

I love…

my FAMILY!

Now, your turn. Cut and paste these sentence starters to reflect on your “I AM”
I am
I think
I should
I dream
I want
I know
I don’t like
I smell
I hear
I fear
I search
I miss
I always
I crave
I remember
I need
I forget
I feel
I can’t
I am happy
I sing
I listen
I shop
I eat
I love

Just kind of cute!

I have never wanted to get a car decal stick figure thingy...but this was kind of fun to play with. (Thanks to Casey Starnes for this from link!)


My Stick Family from WiddlyTinks.com

Make your own stick family at Widdlytinks!

Too much to BLOG about

So, it is Sunday night and I should be getting ready for some shut eye.

ZzzzzZzzzzZZZzzz

But then I realized I haven't blogged all week.

Well, I am going to keep this short anyway!

This week has challenged be emotionally and mentally both professionally and personally. Big thanks to my family and friends for their love and support. I am so grateful for Brad and Juan---they make me smile, cry, yell, shout, cheer, and most of all, LOVE!

I hope to have some future blogs which generate provoking thoughts and discussion. Be sure to let me know if you want to hear about anything in particular. Some have asked me to write about work. Although I love my job, I probably won't write about it too much. This blog tends to be my personal outlet where I leave work, work!!

Keep reading!