Another School Year Down: Thanks You's and Lessons Learned

Those of us not working in the real world start our years in August and end our years in May. We write New Years Resolutions in August and say our goodbyes and have party's in May to celebrate the ending of yet another school year.

As I look back on this past year it has definitely been an up and down ride. So many high's such as running a half-marathon, being back in grad school and meeting Greg. And so many lows, like being sick for three weeks in April, sitting at countles cheerleading events and moving in the middle of the year. No matter what happend this year, there were so many people who helped me get through. They listened to me complain, cry, whine, and place blame. Then they helped me enjoy life, laugh and smile. And told me that it will be okay. And it was.

So, to them, I say thank you...

Courtney - my best friend who listened to me talk about almost everything this year. From cheerleading drama, to grad school frusturations, to running stories...she listened to it all. And is still my friend. Be impressed folks, she's kind of amazing.

Greg - when we met I kept telling him not to get too comfortable until he had survived the school year with me. I'm not sure he knew what he was getting himself into, but he did stick around long enough to figure it out. And he's still around...3 months, 2 weeks of sickness and 1 spring show later.

Mom - Thanks for answering the phone at 7:30am. And for coming into town occassionally to have lunch.

Heather - There were times this year where you single handedly allowed me to survive in the classroom. And you listened to me complain about cheer and talk about life. You make me want to be a better teacher and allow me that opportunity by your generosity.

Teal - You gave me so much this year...encouragement, listening, laughter, stories, inspiration, accountability. Thanks for everything.

Laurie - Thanks for the occassional dinner/lunch/breakfast to talk about life and love. You are the best. And you're children are kind of cute. I may love them.

John, Solomon, and Kristin (and all FUMC Youth and Counselors) - Too often I didn't show up or follow through with commitments or events this year. And you all just understood and welcomed me back whenever I could come. Thanks for being flexible with my schedule and telling me to keep breathing...probably when I needed to hear it most.

Through everything I have also learned a few lessons...

1. Life is easier when you work out/run everyday. The only reason I didn't lose it this year was because I was running 45 minutes everyday.

2. There will always be people who make your life harder. Find the people who make your life easier and spend your time with them.

3. Sometimes the hardest decisions to make are the ones that turn out to be the best for you. And sometimes you hurt people in the process. And that's hard. But it doesn't mean it was the wrong decision.

4. Life changes really fast.

5. There are times to take control of your life and times to let go. The first is easier but the second is more fun.

6. The only way I am productive is if I make myself a list.

7. It is important to be a global citizen. If there is one thing teaching world geography has taught me, it is that there is more than one story about a place and it is our job to learn a different story and then tell it.

8. Laughter and long talks are the best cure for anything!

9. I really do love to learn. Being back in graduate school has reignited my love of learning something new and challenging myself.

10. I am stronger than I think I am.

Now, I am ready for summer!

-Cynthia

11 NEW Things about me...

I started this blog in January with a post that included 11 things about me. So much has happened in the past 5 months that I feel like maybe I need to modify my list of 11 things about me...

1. I am (still) a Jesus follower. Still trying to follow and worship Him everyday. And still failing. But still trying again.

2. I am (still) a high school world geography teacher. But next year I get to add the title of 'AP Government' teacher as well. I am hoping I am a better world geography teacher next year than I was this year.

3. Still in graduate school. Done with my first two semesters. I am no longer trying to graduate by next May. I will be lucky to get out by August 2013. And I am okay with that. All in good time, my friends.

4. I am NOT a cheerleading coach. After having spent 3 years as a middle school coach and 1 year as a Freshman cheer coach, I think I have officially retired my pom-poms. I might have even burned them. This year was hard, really hard. I spent the year frustrated and tired and cried many tears. But I am done. And I am thankful for that.

5. If running 13.1 miles through the streets of downtown Dallas makes you a runner and an athlete, then I AM a runner. Now if I could only figure out how to motivate myself to stay that way.

6. I have discovered pinterest and I am maybe a little obsessed. Maybe...

7. I am in a relationship. His name is Greg and he is fantastic. 

8. I (still) LOVE to shop. Not sure that will ever change about me. And it's summer. So, of course, I need cute summer clothes. Right?

9. I am getting really excited about the Summer Olympics. I am ready to just watch sports all day long for two weeks. Even if it means watching rowing...

10. I am learning to love baseball. Especially my Rangers.

11. I am discovering the fun in cooking something new. Even if it doesn't always turn out. It's fun to try.

One more week of school...

-Cynthia

About those May Goals...

Hello Friends!

It's been awhile. Probably too long.

The last time I posted, I wrote some goals for the month of May and I thought I would do a status check on some of those things even though the month is not over.

1. Do cardio 5 days a week. I started out strong but then got sick. REALLY sick and have been down for the past 3 weeks. I am hopefully going to get back to it this next week. I went twice this week and will go again tomorrow. That's 3...which is better than 0. Right?

2. Intentionally run. Nope...haven't done this in 3 weeks. That race on June 10th is going to be bad...

3. Run a 5k. I don't think I am going to get around to this 5k. Oh well.

4. Eat better. Haven't really done this either. There is always tomorrow...

5. Try a new recipe every week. Again, with being sick I certainly haven't felt like cooking, but this week I have tried four new recipes. One didn't turn out, but the other three were fantastic. I am not sure Greg thought so...but whatever. :)

Strawberry Limeade Bars

(Mine did not look like this...but probably tasted the same)

Pesto Chicken

(I love Pesto and this was super simple to make)

Zucchini Bites

(so good and easy)

Garlic Bread

(maybe my favorite of all 4)

6. Finish the semester strong with graduate school. I did great in one class and did okay in the other. Stupid multiple choice tests...BUT the most important part is that I am FINISHED until June 4th. Breathing a little easier these days...

7. Go through all my clothes. Slowly, I am getting this done. I will hopefully get it done in the next couple weeks and take it all to metrocrest.

8. Spend more time outside. I went for a walk outside this morning. It was wonderful. I need to do it again soon. 

In other news...last week my friend Teal Perez graduate from UNT with a masters in counseling so Greg and I went out with her and some friends to celebrate on Saturday evening. We had so much fun even though we had to wait 1.5 hours for a table at Coal Vines. The food ended up being good and the company even better.

(Sommer, Teal and myself...I miss working with them so much)



I am also no longer a cheerleading coach. For those of you who know me, know that this has been a long time coming and is a HUGE celebration. I will still be really involved in my school, but it will be in a new and different (and hopefully less stressful) way.

I am getting excited about summer and everything I have planned. But mostly I am excited about spending time with my friends and family. Something I have not had a lot of time for this year.

-Cynthia