States Survival Kit

Today, after working in my classroom (more on that later), and lunch with dad (he gave me a huge TV--!!!), and a trip to IKEA (needed something to put the TV on), I had the added surprise of three packages sitting in my mailbox. 

Thank you Caroline,  Mal, and Mom!

Let me tell you a bit about this girl, Caroline.  She was my roommate my second year in Honduras, she writes a pretty amazing blog [ here ] , and she lives out the gospel--loving people and God--like no one I know.
Take a look at the States Survival Kit she made me, and you'll understand just how special she is.

A Care package from my friend, Care.

This is what she wrote:

States Survival Kit

• Party Snacks Recipes - I know it's hard, but press in to new community--your life depends on it! (So HOST PARTIES!)

•  Heart Bracelets - for those moments you miss your hondy students and want to dress like them.  

:)

• Celebration Candles - notice these are NOT birthday candles.  Find something to celebrate and then light these babies! 

• Razzles - for you to smile when you're 30 :)

• Batman Roller Stamps -  So you'll be a hit with new students.

•  Thank You Cards - being grateful does wonders for your soul!

• Love Cards - to keep and give as reminders

Now, Stay Alive!

Thank you, Caroline!

Happy Birthday - Bank

Dear Wells Fargo, 

Today I hated you.  I drove all over my side of Orlando, looking for an ATM (thanks for the check Grandma!), chasing misleading GPS directions to two incorrect locations until I dead-ended in the employees-only entrance of Lockheed Martin and had to ask the security guard for directions.  Wells Fargo, why do I have to pass approximately 14 banks before reaching one of yours?  I appreciate that you understood my frustrations and, when I finally made it to your downtown branch after dinner, wished me a happy birthday.  How very kind of you.  

Sincerely,

The Birthday Girl

Off the Radar

Hi friends.  Remember me?  I'm that girl who used to blog fairly regularly in Honduras... but has since lived a whirlwind of speedy, American life and hasn't had the time, or motivation... or something.... to keep people updated.  (I blame some of it on the Olympics).

economist.com

Here is what's on my mind at the moment.

Everyone asks me if I miss Honduras.  They've asked since, like, Day 2 of returning to Florida.  So, sometimes, my answer was, "no."  Do you miss something you only just left?

Now, however, it's different.  It's August now.  I thought that the incredible blur of job hunting and finding, apartment hunting and renting, moving and decorating would mask all thoughts of going abroad.  But things have slowed down this week and last.  I can't go work in my classroom and I don't have enough money to go out and buy the things I want/need for the apartment (or my classroom).  So, perhaps for that reason, I'm dwelling on the fact that many of my friends are packing their 2 suitcases in order to head back for another year.  Some of them are going to teach my very own babies.

I want to take my mind off it by working, but I'm mysteriously not permitted to go to my classroom early.  I had a dream last night (one I have often before a new school year) that it was the first day of school and I had NOTHING ready.  yikes. So I fill my time on Pinterest and teacher blogs, filling up my brain with all kinds of to-do lists... but that ends up making me even more stressed out.

I've been making pennant banners to decorate
my classroom.  Useless?  Maybe.  Cute?  For sure!

Tomorrow is my birthday.  My last birthday in Florida was in 2008.  It feels weird.

And that is... the end.
 Sorry if it's a downer.

image credits go to  economist.com, etsy.com, and gifttree.com