Happy New Decade---2010!

My daddy always said that as we get older, the time flies by even faster. This was no exception with the last decade. Just from reading facebook posts to comment on the new year, everyone was reflecting on the past ten years and how much has changed (and not changed) throughout our lives! I guess this was time to catch up on my blog to make myself remember...

Of course all of us can recall the scare of Y2K and we all held our breath when the clock struck 12 on January 1, 2000. The computers didn't crash, and this was the first New Year's Eve I spent away from my parents. However, I still watched the ball drop on television with Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve. Who would have thought three years later, I would be in Times Square on that special night!

At the beginning of the decade, I became a college student at Appalachian State University. This was before they won three national consecutive national championships and beat Michigan, so Boone was still just a little mountain town found teeny tiny on the map. Being three hours away from home was scary at the beginning, but eventually the hours flew by due to my eagerness to get up the mountain.

My blood will always flow black and gold for the love of my alma mater, and it makes me proud to have both bachelors and masters degrees from this university. Only missing two homecomings in the past 7 years, the most memorable was when I was crowned Homecoming Queen in 2001. This was the first day my parents had spoken since their separation and it was unforgettable to have them on each arm when they escorted me on the field.
Even though I was born in Boone (but moved to Moore County when I was 4 years old) I never appreciated the unique mountain culture until walking to class in freezing temperatures and trying to make it through "take your breath away" winds. I miss the mountain people's slow paced life and genuine "southern friendliness". I still can taste the stewed apples and homemade biscuits from the Daniel Boone Inn---probably one of the main reasons I gained 30 pounds in college (thankfully losing the pounds after returning back home).

When 9/11 happened, I was in disbelief and didn't realize what truly happened until watching it on television in Dr. Jamison's education class. Surrounded by friends, we all were left in silence and tears. The entire campus was quiet that day.

I still cannot decide which political party in which I belong because I see both sides to all issues. This became a problem during the close presidential elections, who was the best choice for our country?

Cannot remember the main reason we are STILL at war with Iraq?

Hurricane Katrina made me want to work with the Red Cross, then even more when fire destroyed three homes of children at our school.

I have kept old friends and enjoyed the new ones. Each have added to my life in a different way. Thank goodness for facebook ensuring that we all keep in touch on a regular basis. During the last ten years, wedding season began and it was an honor by watching them walk down the aisle, and many of them actually serving as bridesmaid.

Motherhood still scares me, but after the birth of my beautiful niece, Lelia Kate, I was able to understand the miracle of life. Maybe one day I will be ready?

I have fallen in love (and out of love) numerous times. I have had my heart broken and in some instances, I was the "heart breaker". However, each relationship taught me something new about myself and emphasized different meanings of love. Some of these guys ironically remain friends, which shows how the strongest relationships are built with the foundation of friendship first.

After eight years of debt to NC Teaching Fellows, I celebrated when the $26,000 loan was paid after my 4 years of teaching. 26+ more to go!

I will never forget the nervousness in the pit of my stomach when checking the computer for my National Board certification. Just the first word CONGRATULATIONS left me screaming and crying.

After being immersed in the Hispanic culture with my ESL students, my main goal is learn Spanish. The "browning of America" is occurring and so many people refuse to change their prejudice judgements.
North Carolina is the most beautiful and diverse state from the coast to the mountains. During my Regional Teacher of the Year travels, I truly understand what makes our state so wonderful. This experience allowed me to spread my passion for education while creating an instant bond with eight fellow educators who share this same enthusiasm for the teaching profession. We remain each other's great supporters and dearest friends.

Even though I remain a mountain girl at heart, I fell in love with the Outer Banks after spending time at Ocracoke Island for NCCAT seminars. I could even see myself retiring there, in my own little world.


Cindi Rigsbee, former NC Teacher of the Year, reminded all of us about the impact of a teacher. She used Good Morning America to locate her 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Worneke, after 40 years. Just for a simple thank you is all it takes...Can't wait to read her book!
I traveled to the happiest place on earth last summer---Denmark. The Danish pastries and culture changed my life forever. However, this world traveling experience also made me despise airports (check out the Denmark blog under June)!

Each time I look at the moon, questions overwhelm me with space travel. Attending NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, was an unforgettable experience. International Space Camp connected numerous teachers from across the world and made us all astronauts. The blue space suit was so worth it!

My life's lessons have been learned through the eyes of my students. My classroom was my world. My students become part of me with their stories and personal experiences. I have learned more from them than they have from me.This year has been a little different in my role as instructional facilitator, but now my eyes have been opened to other realms of public education.
Teaching is not easy, but loving to teach is natural. This must run in our family since Dad is approaching his 35th year in education and my younger sister is an incredible high school English teacher. This is where and why we belong in this career....

Always a cat lover, I never would have thought to be fond of dogs. This quickly changed after meeting a sweet boxer puppy, Elvis. He defined the true meaning of "man's best friend", he still resides in Boone so I miss him greatly. I would not survive without these close companions. My heart ached after losing Bailey (great dane) and my Alvin (Pom). I still visit the Pet Loss/Rainbow Bridge webpage for comfort. However, I smile as the new addition to the family is barking downstairs wanting to play. Paige, my boxer, was named after Page Street since I bought her the day I was hired in Montgomery County.

I am a creature of habit, but still successfully adjust to change. I had to adjust living in Asheboro, but drive 30 minutes to what I know best. I still go to the dentist in Robbins, doctor in Pinehurst, dry cleaner in Troy, thinking in Highfalls, shopping in Boone, and visit friends everywhere in-between. Maybe this suggests that I have more than one home?

I still cry each time I go through Highfalls, my childhood was just that wonderful!

I remain addicted to diet coke, the caffeine needed to get through the day. However, slowly getting the acquired taste to drink coffee.

Clogging remains an intricate part of my life, but quickly learned that competition and dance studio drama could make one lose the love of this dance. That is why I stopped teaching (for now)....However, one of my fondest memories was watching four young ladies watch Lord of the Dance in Greensboro and then "nail" their own Riverdance routine to win the 8 foot trophy and bragging rights of becoming National Champions. You can still find me clogging down the aisles of Walmart, just call me Happy Feet.

Turning 25 was horrible for me (quarter life crisis)...realization that my youth was over and I also discovered my first gray hair. Learned that plucking it out doubles it. Hopefully, this will make it easier when I turn 30 in two years?

The past is done, enjoying the present, and preparing for the future...HAPPY 2010!

I look forward to see what the next ten years holds for me and all of us...