Time Flies...

WHERE HAS THE SUMMER GONE?!?!?! I've spent the last few days POURING through some absolutely amazing teacher blogs getting ideas for the new school year (more on that in a different post) and it struck me - the summer is almost over. (Well at least the not going to work part anyways!)

I also realized I hadn't blogged AT ALL since this glorious season started. I guess I was just busy having too much fun! So, I figured I'd get it all out there in a summer recap post. Don't worry, I will try to be brief!

Well, I've obviously been doing a lot of this. I am just such a sun lover. I'm sure it will come back to haunt me later in life but for now I'm happy being bronze.

 We went camping to celebrate my friend Julie's (far right) birthday during the insane heat wave that MD experienced earlier this summer. Luckily there was a lake to cool off in!

 Following our usual tradition, we traveled over to Kent Island to celebrate July 4th. This also happens to be where we will be getting MARRIED next June!!! 

 Since we're usually in Kent Island, we don't always get to celebrate America's birthday with my family. Luckily the dates worked out this year so that we did!! Again, during the crazy heat wave. Man, was it hot - please excuse my appearance!

 

 I headed out to Baltimore to see my boys get ready for the season! I've been once before but I always get so star struck being SO CLOSE to my favorite players!!!

I had some much needed girl time in Ocean City with two old friends. Sam and I have known each other since middle school - she's even going to be in my wedding! We were BFFS all through high school, where we both became lifeguards one summer. Well, at the pool we met Katie and even though she was four years younger (a huge gap at the time, I'm sure) we all became fast friends. We always promised Katie that the summer she turned 21 we would take her to Ocean City and party it up! So that's just what we did!! And since Sam and Katie are ALMOST as big of sun worshipers as I am, we of course spent a lot of time on the beach...

I know it doesn't seem like much but I feel like I've had a pretty relaxing summer. I've even gotten a TON of wedding planning done - including buying my dress! Let's just hope that this last week before school starts goes very.... very... slooooooowly....

Formal....Finally

I've been so busy (and sicky) this week that I haven't been able to find the time to write a good entry for last week's Formal in Ocean City. But, as I put off going to the gym this lovely Saturday morning, here it is; hope you enjoy!

We got a late start down to OC because Antonio got a late, add on case and didn't get off of work until like 9 at night! What a bummer! But, I tried to remind myself that I was going to my most favorite place - the beach! How could I really be mad that we got started a little later than planned to go to the BEACH??? We even got to stop at the new SONIC on our way. Maryland does not have many Sonic Drive In's. When I went to Georgia a few years ago, I fell in love with Sonic and crave it everytime those dumb commercials come on! I was stoked to get a yummy corn dog and cherry limeade as a late night snack!
Well, when we got down there around 12:30, everyone was pretty tired or already sleeping, so we didn't do much. I was starting to feel sicky, but had convinced myself that it was just allergies again, so I headed to bed to re-energize myself for the next day...

Saturday I forced myself to wake up for a sunrise, and it was definitely worth it. After getting back to bed for a few hours, we woke up pretty early and headed straight for the beach. It was beautiful weather: sunny and 70. We took a walk in the freezing cold waves, and wandered up and down the boardwalk, laughing at all the funny t shirt designs. This is one of my favorite things for us to do together: just be us, with no responsibilities or places to get to, and laugh and relax.

Anyway, after our beach visit, we met up with one of Antonio's frat brothers and his girlfriend for a yummy crabcake lunch. I really really wanted some beautiful purple jewelry to match my dress, so we went back down to the boardwalk on a mission. Our mission was slightly interrupted by the discovery of a Candy Kitchen and the purchasing of my fave fave fave chocolate covered strawberries! I didn't end up finding any purple jewelry but I did get a great deal on a silver sand dollar pendant and earring set! Sans purple jewels, we went back to the hotel to get ready for dinner and the night ahead!

Dinner was amazing! It was at the hotel restaurant, which we were a little iffy about, but let me tell you-it was GOOOOD. Antonio and I both ordered the filet, and it was delish. We also got some yummy chocolate strawberry tuxedo cake to finish off the yummy meal. Three of my own sisters also date boys in the fraternity and I loved getting to spend some time with them!

Don't we look super hot together?

After dinner, everyone paraded across the street to the Galaxy 66 Bar, where we had a special rooftop open bar set up. It was FREEEEZING up there, but still very cool and I felt very swanky! I spent some time trying to relax and have a glass of wine, but I was unfortunately starting to feel worse. But, I knew this weekend was important to Antonio so I pushed through; we danced (or at least I tried to in those fabulous, but painful, purple peep toe heels) and drank and I caught up with my sisters some more.

By about 12:30, however, my body was screaming at me; between my aching feet and the growing cold inside of me, I was dunzo. Let's suffice it to say that Antonio was not exactly, um, happy that I wanted to leave. We ended up attempting to visit Denny's for a late night breakfast, but there was a wait and I just couldn't take it anymore! I needed a bed! Stat!

Sunday morning, we woke up and decided to have a laid back last day at the beach. I realized that my ailments were more than just allergies and grabbed up some loopy-inducing cold meds.We visited one of our favorite cheesy souvenir stores, Sea Shell City. Then we had lunch at my favorite bar/restaurant in Ocean City: Seacrets! It was delicious and relaxing. We topped off the day with some more chocolate covered strawberries (don't judge) and started out on the long ride home. We stopped at Sonic yet again, even though I couldn't taste it this time because of the cold. I'm sure it was still delicious. Despite a few speed bumps and poopy moods, it was a good weekend away with my wonderful boyfriend!

By the way, in case you've been keeping track, this is post numero 95! That's almost 100! I've got something pretty great coming up for post number 100, so stay tuned!!!

Formal Friday

So, even though Antonio and I have both graduated and moved on to the "grown up" world, we still like to pretend that we're in college. We go to fraternity and sorority parties and events, and hang out on campus with our friends who are still in college when we can. This weekend, we will be attending yet another event that allows us to pretend we're not grown ups quite yet; FORMAL!

That's right my bloggie friends, I am anxiously awaiting Antonio's arrival to pick me up and start the two hour journey down to Ocean City for the weekend! We'll be going to his fraternity's spring formal and having a generally awesomely relaxing time at the beach. Good friends, tasty drinks, pretending not to be a grown up, ignoring the mounting pile of papers to grade/report cards that are due on Monday, and my favorite place ever... what could be a better weekend???

Here's a picture of us from last year's formal:

This year's will be soon to come! Have a great weekend ladies!

Celebrate!

Let me preface this post with this: I began writing this on my actual birthday but, obviously, was too excited about it being my birthday to finish! Being the lazy bum that I am, I decided not to edit this post for tense sake. Laziness and the fact that it would take away from the excitement that was obviously showing through on my birthday! I also realized I wouldn't be able to write about my actual birthday celebrations that night since they hadn't happened yet, so I decided saving was the best idea... Anyway, enjoy! :o)

Guess what today is?!?! MY BIRTHDAY! That's right - It is my most favorite holiday all year TODAY! Now, I know that birthdays aren't really holidays, but isn't it great to have a day that's just yours? Even if you just sit around, relax and generally act like a lazy bum (as I have been doing since leaving work at 11 this morning). I am like a little kid in my feelings about birthdays still, whether it be my own or someone elses'. I get really excited and begin a countdown as soon as August rolls into September. I even get excited when it's 9:16 on a digital clock. (Ok, ok... Yes, I'm a dork.)

Even though today is my real life birthday, my birthday celebrations really started on Saturday. I woke up, put on my best Navy Football shirt and headed out to Annapolis to tailgate for the 2009 season opener. Antonio and I met up with one of my sorority sisters and her boyfriend for the game. We had a great time relaxing, munching on delicious sandwiches and drinking ice cold beer in (irony alert!) an elementary school field. The game was also pretty action packed, even though we had to leave a bit early to get ready for the festivities that night!

Antonio and Shannon had not-so-secretly planned my official birthday celebration. I say not-so-secret because though they both tried to keep the events of the night a secret, my obessive need to plan and be in control totally effed up their plans. We started out eating some de-lic-ious sushi in Annapolis. I tried out my new favorite, the Dynamite California. It had a HUGE california roll on the inside and a verrrry green seasweed salad on top, covered in "Wasabi Sauce". It was sweet, tangy, and spicy all at the same time. Definitely a must-have!

Anyway, about 10 of my sorority sisters, as well as significant others came out for dinner. We had our own little area in the back and we even had to take our shoes off to get inside! At the end of the meal, the waiter brought me a tasty little ice cream treat and everyone sang, loudly, to me. (I mean, we are Phi Mu afterall - loudness should be expected.) The cozy setting and my most favorite food made for a very comforting beginning to the night.

After dinner, we headed over to Pusser's for drinks. Their back deck is located right on the edge of Ego Alley, the main dock area in downtown Annapolis. If you are so lucky to own your own boat, you can even park right on the dock at Pusser's and hop out for a drink or a bite to eat! Upon arriving, Shannon informed me that my first "surprise person" of the evening was waiting for me on the back deck. When I walked outside, I saw one of my oldest friends - Sammie Jill! Sam and I have known each other since 8th grade and I consider her one of my very best friends. She brought along her little brother, Cody, who feels like a little brother to me too! We aren't always able to get together very often, since she is beginning her teaching career this year so I was just so, so happy to see them!!

We spent quite awhile at Pusser's hanging out out back at Pusser's, even through the rain and chilly conditions. I think that when you are in a great mood, with greater company, weather just doesn't seem to have an effect on your body. A few more sisters showed up and I was having a perfect birthday. Then, Shannon told me my NEXT surprise guest was about to join us! I wasn't sure if I could keep up with all of these surprises! A few minutes later, Megan and Caitlin - more home/high school friends! - walked around the corner! After a few drinks at Pusser's, we decided that it was time to dance! There are only a few bars that actually play "dance music" in Annapolis, so we made the trek over to Federal House, across the street. There was quite a bit of dramatics in trying to actually leave, but that is another story for another post.

At Federal House, we ran into quite a few familiar faces. Mostly people from high school who I haven't seen in ages, but we also met one very famous person - CAPTAIN MORGAN! Caitlin was instantly in love with the Captain and the rest of us definitely thought it was pretty cool. At Fed House, I finally tried Shannon and Megan's signature drink, The Dirty Shirley. It's basically a Shirley Temple with vodka (my alcohol of choice) in it. Well, once I had it, I definitely understood what all the hype was about - it was great! We danced and drank until we realized we were all just getting too old for this lifestyle. (HAHA)

The next day, Antonio and I made a day trip to Ocean City. The beach is my most favorite place ever and I really wanted to be there for my birthday. We got down early and did all of our favorite things: Fractured Prune donuts, boardwalk, go karts, shop, eat and beach! It started out really cloudy but after a few hours of dreariness, the skys opened up and it turned into a beautiful, hot, sunny day! It was a perfect day trip with the love of my life.

On my actual birthday, my friends and family came over for a really fun, chill cookout at my house. There was a TON of all my favorite cookout foods, which as I've said before, are my favorite. I tried my hand at sangria for the first time, using Em's recipe and it turned out DELICIOUS. My Aunt Toni also made me TWO batches of my most favorite ever Confetti Cake Birthday Cookies from childhood and banana pudding, a close second favorite.

It was really great for all of my favorite people to be in one place at one time, with nothing to do but relax and enjoy each other's company. I think the thing that I miss the most about college is not having all the much responsibility. I mean sure, you hav eto do your schoolwork and go to class, but at night you have all the time inthe world to just hang around and be lazy with the people you love the most. And, that, my friends, is EXACTLY what we did on my birthday!

All in all, I think it was a great birthday celebration. Nothing too wild or crazy, but I liked it that way. Maybe that's because I'm getting old... ;o)

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Back to School!

I know, I know, I know - I have been a poor blog-keeper recently. My increasingly high stress level due to school starting back up this week, along with the fact that I have led a fairly boring life lately are to blame. I do return to my blogging life with good news however! I am officially teaching 3rd grade again!

The day that my Phi Mu loves and I got back from the beach, I got a late afternoon phone call from my Principal. Apparently a 3rd grade teacher had been holding out for a better job out of state and decided to go for it at the last minute! The needed a teacher with standardized testing experience and I was their woman! I am exceptionally more comfortable (though there are quite a few differences still...) and so much happier to start this school year. I keep meaning to take pictures of my classroom and post them but keep forgetting, another reason for my lack of blogging. I promise pictures and a classroom post THIS WEEK though!

School started today for the 2009-2010 school year. Bright and early at 7:45 AM, I had 23 smiling, eager 3rd grade faces in front of me. Knowing that this was causing me a great deal of stress and anxiety, Antonio suggested we take a day trip to the beach yesterday, to officially say goodbye to the summertime.

We woke up super early and headed down to Ocean City Sunday morning. We got there around 9:30 AM and made a bee line for The Fractured Prune donut shop. *L* introduced me to TFP the last time we were at the beach and I was absolutely HOOKED. They have about 10 different glazes and probably 20 different toppings, and you can either choose a pre-made donut such as the strawberry shortcake (strawberry glaze, graham cracker crumbs, and powdered sugar), peppermint patty (mint glaze and mini chocolate chips) or the pebble beach (honey glaze, cinnamon sugar, and mini chocolate chips) or you can create your own! The donuts are literally made right in front of you; the donut master (my personal title for their job) grabs the donuts, hot out of the oven, dips them in the glaze and toppings and puts them immediately into boxes. They are almost too hot to pick up! Though I've never had a bad donut at TFP, I highly recommend styles without chocolate (I know - GASP!). The non chocolate options, I think, allow you get the full taste of the warm, homemade donuts. Antonio and I tried 6 different kinds and they were all delicious. Don't let the long line out the door of TFP turn you away, it usually goes pretty fast and is COMPLETELY worth it. Yes, I know donuts are the worst thing you can eat and yes, I ate 3 of them. Don't judge.

After our donut adventure, we found a SUPER CLOSE parking spot and set up shop out on the beach. The only problem, though, was that there are currently a number of hurricanes and tropical storms working their ways up the east coast. This made the waves so incredibly big, that even I (who am NOT afraid of the ocean) couldn't go swimming. They were well over 6-7 feet high at some points of the day. Due to this lack of ocean swimming, along with a wipe out of our towels and bags, we decided to cut the beach portion of our day early. I was very sad, but knew we would still have a great time anyway.

For lunch, we gorged ourselves on Hooters wings and fries (so I had a fatty day...whatever I had a salad and tomato for lunch today) then headed for Seacrets. Antonio had never been there before, and we had a great time lounging on the rafts in the bay, drinking delicious frozen drinks, and wandering around. We even got to watch a wedding! The couple and their bridal party walked the aisle down the dock at Seacrets, along the edge of the "drinking bay", as everyone watched and cheered! As we were leaving there was a really good band playing under a big tent, so we stayed a little longer and danced and enjoyed the music. Being at Seacrets made me think that perhaps I've become a little boring. There were a ton of scantily clad girls (in full hair and make up in the scorching sun, lounging on rafts in a bay, mind you) dancing and being, honestly, just really drunk. I, however, was perfectly content in just hanging out and taking it all in!

As the sun started to go down, we walked on the boardwalk for awhile. I love looking at all of the silly little stores and of course, the crazy people on the boardwalk. There were quite a few magicians and balloon animal makers, along with some decent musicians playing last night. Antonio and I had a great time just strolling, browsing and eating. If you've ever been to Ocean City, you know that when you get to the boardwalk, Thrashers french fries and Fisher's popcorn are both a MUST. So that was what we had for dinner! We also stopped into Candy Kitchen and got some treats for later in the week. After we were exhausted from walking and stuffing ourselves (again) we decided it was time to head home.

All in all, it was a perfect ending to a perfect summer.

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