Florida, School Year, Interests, and Goals

I know, I know.....I am the worst at this, but bare with me!!

First of all, let me tell you all about my amazing trip back to Florida to visit my best friend Angie! (Sorry Mal, I don't really have any pics to put on here....I was really bad at the taking pictures thing...)

So for my birthday/Christmas present this year, my Grams gave me money to buy a ticket to Florida. I was SOOO excited-there may have been some screaming, jumping up and down, I may have even been a little speechless....I know right?! ;) Anyway, the next day the tickets were purchased and my trip was planned. Angie and I spent the next month planning the trip, and I am sure I drove my family nuts with my countdown!! When the day finally got here I was so excited, even though my wonderful Dad and Brother had to wake up at 2:00 am to take my sorry behind to the airport! I had a four hour layover in Charlotte, NC that ended up being a seven hour layover. One man threw a fit, security was called, and finally we got on the plane. Thankfully, I did get to sit by a very handsome pre-med student so that wasn't bad! After I finally got there, the party started! Angie had to work the first full day I was there, so I went a checked out the downtown area of Celebration. It was the cutest little area, and I loved looking at all the shops and the great walk to get there. After Angie got off, we went to Hollywood Studios and met up with her friend (and now my friend) Yoshi. We had a great time around the park, and finished the night off with Fantasmic! Angie and I went back to her apartment and watched our traditional movie Princess and the Frog then crashed after a long day! The next day we hit Magic Kingdom! I finally got to see the new Fantasy Land. They were doing construction on it while I was working there, so it was so great to see the final product! After the park we decided we needed pedicures, so we treated ourselves. We didn't go back to see Wishes, which is my favorite firework show by far-lots of special memories-but it was still an amazing day! Sunday we hit Animal Kingdom and Epcot. Angie hooked us up with VIP seating to watch Illuminations! It was so incredible to be that close! Angie had to work again on Monday, so I spent the day at Downtown Disney getting some shopping done! Sadly I had to leave the next day. The trip was fast and furious, but it was amazing! I can't wait to go back again!

I got back a around 2:00 am from the airport the day school started back up. That was kind of a rough day with getting myself back to Az time and dealing with not much sleep (again, a HUGE thank you to my Dad and Brother) but it was still a good day! So far the year has been very busy, but fun. I am the Student Council advisor. I am finding somewhat of a challenge, but a great learning experience for me. I also started a dance team this year! I have five girls now and they are so wonderful! Each is very hard working, and enthusiastic. The best part about it is being able to see them come out of their shells. I am so proud of all they have accomplished and couldn't ask for a better team of girls! I also got a sort of promotion at work, I am now the Title I assistant. I am learning a great deal about this program, and am keeping very busy! I love working at the school, helping the students, and finding how far a little encouragement can go. I know that I have made a small difference in these students' lives, and that is a wonderful feeling.

As far as interests go, I am now a HUGE Stephen King fan-I blame my Father for this as he is my enabler. A good friend at work described it as my drug, and that is kind of true. He takes you on an emotional roller coaster with every book and you swear you wont do that to yourself again. But when the book is over, you start all over again. You just can't help it.....;)

I am still figuring out what the future holds for me. I don't know where I will be this time next year, but I am so incredibly grateful for where I am now. I have the most incredible family, wonderful friends, and a great job. I am so blessed, and can only go up from here!!