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....

Oui Oui PAREE!

I'm back in the USA! After five days abroad, I arrived back home to good ol' Maryland late Sunday night. Getting back into the swing of work and the Eastern Standard time zone, have been a challenge these last few days, so that's why I'm a little slow on the posting. I must admit, this wasn't the easiest vacation I've ever been on; after multiple flight cancellations and delays, as well as some minor(ish) panic attacks, I finally got on a huge plane for the long, 8 hour flight to France!

This might prove just how much of a sheltered country bumpkin I can be at times but... I had never been outside of the continent of North America before and had no idea how nice those transcontinental airplanes could be! I got to watch a ton of movies and TV shows, as well as catch up on some very important Harry Potter reading during the flights to and from the US.

After a very long, brutal two hours of waiting in the Paris airport, all alone, scared and realizing just how little French I understand, Sydney met me and we were off for a whirlwind 4 day trip! Rather than bore you with all the little details about my quick European Spring Break, I figured I'd just give you a picture-guided tour!

We saw the Eiffel Tower at night time and I, personally, think it's much more beautiful then.It even sparkles every hour after sunset!

We also visited Sacre Coeur, or the Basillica of the Sacred Heart, which was mesmorizing. It was kind of funny, though, because this is what was right down the street:

MOULIN ROUGE!

One rainy day, we attempted to visit the Palace at Versailles, where Louis XIV and Marie Antoinette lived. The extremely long line was outside and we were all wet and freezing, so we settled on taking some pictures with the extravagantly golden gates. Then, we hoped back on the train and headed to the Musee D'Orsay where I saw this:

And this:

And this:

REAL LIFE PAINTINGS BY MONET AND VAN GOGH! Among other famous French artists that you learn about in elementary school. They were so beautiful and close, I could have reached out and touched them. (I didn't though, don't worry)

We of course had to visit the Arc de Triomphe and Champs Elysses. We wandered around admiring the beautiful stores, and even went inside the original Louis Vuitton!

My most favorite thing I saw on this trip though had to be the Cathedral of Notre Dame. It was so gorgeous, and awe inspiring. Sydney first took me to visit the cathedral at night, which was honestly, a little eerie. Construction began in the 1100's and you could literally feel the history in the building, especially since there weren't many other tourists around late at night. The Gargoyles were also pretty creepy (but also totally AWESOME)

A few days later, I got to see the cathedral during the day and it was just as gorgeous and breathtaking in the sunshine as in the night time.

I'm not sure why I was so taken with Notre Dame, but I couldn't get enough of it! Beautiful does not begin to describe the hand created detail of the massive structure. I've always been a huge fan of visiting and learning about "old" things and this one really takes the cake in my current repertoire.


Notre Dame was also very close to the Latin Quarter of Paris, which boasted some excellent cheap souvenir shopping and delicious street food. The street food was, honestly, one of my favorite parts of the city. I loved that you could grab a truly delicious meal on the go to the next amazing destination. I had a fair number of crepes, as well as a super loaded fresh Gyro and yummy baguette sandwiches.


My favorite, by far, was the Nutella crepe. I had literally at least one a day while there. Sometimes 2 or 3. I'll wait while you make fun of what a fatty I am...

All in all, it was a pretty amazing way to spend Spring Break. Even though I confirmed suspicions that I truly am just not a city girl at heart and it was very stressful cramming so much sight seeing into just 4 days, I had a great time. I felt so lucky and blessed to be seeing some of the most historical and lovely landmarks and monuments in the world. I just kept thanking God for giving me such an amazing opportunity. It was very eye opening to be in a foreign country, where I didn't understand the language, the customs, or even most of the food. Even though I was very far outside of my comfort zone, it was a once in a lifetime opportunity that I would never give up. I was, however, very happy to see this gorgeous Maryland sunset as my plane touched down in Baltimore...

A Brain Vacation

When my students' writing seems to obviously go off onto a strange tangent, I tell them that their brains must have gone on a "brain vacation". Now, in writing this is not recommended. Especially in elementary school. However, after spending 2 hours shoveling out my car (Hey! There WAS a car under there!) and walking around the neighborhood watching people attempt (and fail) to get out of their driveways, I'm starting to think that a brain vacation might not be such a bad thing...So, to get my mind off of the literal mountains of frigid, debilitating white powder outside, I'm taking a brain vacation back to some of my favorite real life vacations (and counting the days until summer vacation: 130) Enjoy!

Antonio and I took our first trip as a couple to Siesta Key, FL in July 2009. It was the first time I had ever seen clear, see through water and it was absolute PARADISE. We have already started planning our trip back this July!
In March 2007, I went on my first real Spring Break trip to Acapulco Mexico! It was the first time I had ever been on a plane OR out of the country so I was a little nervous. I went with 4 of my good friends and sorority sisters, including two of my blogging friends Lauren and Rachel! It was an amazing trip: we spent ALL day on the beautiful beaches and all night out partying! I wish I could go back soon...too bad we all have grown up lives these days...


A few years ago, I went on vacation with my real life friend, Lauren's family to Ocean City. My family doesn't really go on summer vacation anymore, so it was a great change of pace! Lauren also has a ton of siblings and cousins, in varying ages, so there was always something to do or someone to hang out with (or take pictures for you...) Here, we're eating some delicious ice cream together at Solar Polar. MMMM...

Senior Week 2004! The morning after graduating from high school, a bunch of my friends and I packed up and headed down to Ocean City, MD for a week of sunshine and freedom! It was my first taste of "freedom" away from my parents and I took full advantage

1st Annual Phi Mu Takes Over OCMD Beach Trip! About 8 of my sorority sisters and I rented a cute little townhouse in Ocean City, MD and had one hell of a week! Since most of us had recently turned 21 and just graduated from college, it was a great way to celebrate with everyone one last time. We had a great time making dinner, getting ready to go out and talking late at night together. And we ended up creating a brand new tradition!

Which brings me to the 2nd Annual Phi Mu Takes Over OCMD trip! This is a picture of some of us hanging out at Seacrets, a super awesome Jamaiican themed bar and restaurant, that features tables and huge floats rafts to eat, drink, or just hang out on! Seven Phi Mu sisters total traveled down and squished together in one small, but cozy hotel room.

Even though it involved snow, I must say I had a pretty amazing time during my recent snowboarding trip to Deep Creek Lake! Here is a sneak at me finally making it down the mountain all by myself! It felt really great to try (and really enjoy!) something that I had never even thought of trying before. The week of relaxation and New Year celebrations wasn't too bad either!

College Cheerleading Trips! This picture is from Binghamton, NY where our men's basketball team won the semi final tournament, allowing them to compete (and earn!) a spot in the NCAA College Basketball Tournament! Cheerleading trips were always a great time to bond with your team, while also getting some really awesome exercise in during the action packed games! I didn't leave the team on the best of terms after the season this photo was taken, but I do miss cheering, and my teammates, a whole, whole lot!

My senior year of college, Lauren and I decided to take an impromtu 2 day trip to Ocean City, MD with two of our favorite TKE brothers during Spring Break. Even though it was March, and still pretty cold, we had a great time walking the boardwalk, taking a dip in the ocean, and drinking (maybe a little too much?). This is picture is of three of us warming our frozen feetsies in the hotel bath tub after a late night "swim" in the Atlantic. Yes, my hair is pink. It was cute.

This summer, Antonio and I spent Fourth of July weekend at his family's house on the Eastern Shore, in Kent Island. I've said it before and I'll say it again: I LOVE THIS HOUSE! Kent Island is such a quaint, but beautiful little island on the Chesapeake Bay and I would absolutely love to move over there one day. We had a blast celebrating America's Birthday, tooling around on the jet skis and boat, and spending some quality time together with his extended family. We are definitely looking forward to this year's festivities!

WHEW! That was wayyy more of a walk down memory lane (and a much longer post-sorry ladies!) than I had intended on but definitely brought my spirits up! It also got me even more excited for my next Spring Break trip to Paris France in March! I can't wait to add it to my ever growing list of favorite trips of all time

Now, I feel pumped and ready to go root on the Saints in tonight's Superbowl game! Partially because Drew Brees is pretty attractive, but mostly because those awful Colts knocked my beloved Ravens out of the race! WHO DAT?!?!

Happy New Year!

I know, I know - I'm a little late on this post. But, you have to forgive me. I got home from my very first snowboarding trip (more about that alter) late last night and have been spending the entire day unpacking, doing, laundry and preparing to go back to work tomorrow. (Insert crying and whining here)

So I wasn't sure if I should just give a rundown of how I spend my new years eve, some resolutions, or high points from the past year. However, when I saw what my good friend Lauren decided to do, I knew how to ring in 2010 through blogging. (Thanks Laur!) Without further ado, 2009 in pictures!

January
The Ravens made it to the playoffs! Lauren and I went to a local "Ravens Bar" to watch the big game! What a fun night, despite the loss!

We celebrated Antonio's birthday with a huge toga party!

I got my very first real teaching job!

February
Antonio and I celebrated our first Valentine's Day together by going to the aquarium and having dinner out

March
Antonio and I went out for St. Paddy's Day and I had my very first green beer!

April
We spent a warm April day to wander around DC and enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival

May
Antonio's fraternity had their spring formal on a dinner cruise in Baltimore! And, I found amazing shoes to match my dress!

My best friend, Shannon, and I checked out a local wine festival in MD. It was FULL of MD winerys giving out free samples of delicious wine. It sort of turned me into a MD Wine Obsessor.

My mom and I went to a Kenny Chesney concert and had AMAZING seats! He's one of my favorite artists and played just about every song he's released as a single. Amazing...

June

Some of my best friends, and Phi Mu sisters, went to a Taylor Swift concert. We were the oldest people there, practically, but it was still great!

Mom and I took a bus trip to NYC. We shopped on Canal St., browsed 5th Ave., and saw Wicked on Broadway!

I took a long weekend vacation to Ocean City with one of my oldest friends, Samantha.

July
Antonio and I spent 4th of July weekend at his family's on Kent Island.

Antonio took our first vacation as a couple to Siesta Key, FL aka Paradise.

August

The 2nd Annual Phi Mu Takes Over OCMD trip took place, with a few of my very best friends and sisters.

I moved to a new school, new classroom, new co-workers, and had my very first "First Day of School" as a teacher.
September
My birthday! I had a cookout with a few friends at my house on my birthday, then went out for sushi and drinks in Annapolis that weekend! And Antonio took me on a day trip to my favorite place, the beach!

I saw another of my favorite artists, Alan Jackson, live in concert with great seats!

October

I walked in Race for the Cure with some of my Phi Mu sisters.

My Mom Mom passed away at 83 years young. She held my whole heart in her hands. (Sorry for the downer...)

November

We celebrated Thanksgiving at my brother and sister in law's house.

December
We survived the Blizzard of 09.

Mama Hef had her baby shower. Baby Boy Hef shoud be here any day now!

Whew! What an absolutely fantastic year! And such a nice walk down memory lane. Except now I'm really itching for summertime... Hopefully 2010 will be just as great!