Bittersweet

I love words so much. I told a friend earlier that I am a "quote junkie." Whatever. I'm not feeling too philosophical today, so I'll just quickly say that I feel weird when I go a while without writing something. I don't like it, so I set aside just a few minutes to give an update on our lives.

I still have school through next week. I'm sure most teachers hate it, but I'm trying to soak up as much as I can before I have to move. It's the most bittersweet feeling I've ever had, followed closely by graduating high school and leaving for college. I've been looking forward to this all year long, but now that it's here, I'm feeling much more sadness than I had ever expected. I've lived in Central Arkansas for 6 years now--not just any random 6 years of my life, but some of the most important years: college, first 2 years of marriage, first 2 years of a real, "big girl" job.

What's gotten to me the most so far is leaving my students. Sure, I'm happy the year is ending and that I get a break, but there are a few students whom I love to pieces. I don't know if it's because I'm young or because I just happened to find that connection with a few of them (which I know could happen only like once in a billion light years), but I feel like I am leaving a couple little siblings behind. Weird, I know. But it's true. I'm definitely struggling there.

I'm not even to the point of thinking about leaving my friends and this city in which I adore living. If I began considering that in conjunction with the aforementioned, I'd be one hot mess. I've hated my job at times, but looking back, it's been incredible. Just trust me when I say I can't stand to leave it.

Cannot stand it.

Luckily, our cruise heads out on the 13th and I have that to look forward to! I don't even think I've posted about that, but we've had it planned since December or so. This Bahama Mama is ready... after this horrid sunburn goes away. When we get back from the cruise, it's moving time! I should be super excited because I don't have a job yet, which maybe means I won't have to work! Not.

Love!

Hey, Stranger!

Lately I haven't made time to blog. I think about it every day, but I haven't gotten around to it. I'm ridiculously late in saying this, but Ryan's surgery went really well. We are in week #5 now. Long story short, there was much more damage to his knee than expected, and he was told to not put any weight on it at all for 6 weeks. Thursday is our last day of that! It's been tough for me because he couldn't do anything on his own--getting drinks and food, bathing, and other normal everyday tasks. You can imagine. But he's doing great, and as long as everything goes well at his appointment Thursday, he'll be walking out of the surgeon's office without crutches! He'll still have another whole 6 weeks of physical therapy, but it will be such a relief to lay down those pesky crutches. I'm stoked for him!

Somehow with taking care of all of that, I've been reading a ton lately. I haven't really been watching t.v. or getting on the Internet very much. Here's what I've read in the past 3ish weeks:

Great book. I saw the movie, too, and they are really similar. The book has more detail of course, but I enjoyed both.

This is a young adult novel. It's about a Hispanic gang member and rich, preppy white girl. I loved this book!

I cannot get this book out of my mind. I loved every second of it. It's quite adventurous and had my heart completely racing at times! It's a young adult novel, too, and I'd venture to say it's maybe my 2nd or 3rd favorite book... surprisingly.

Another great book. It's written from the perspective of a 5 year old boy who has never been outside the one room he's in. I can't tell you why or anything else about it. See for yourself!

Eh. So so. This book made me think, but it's one of the less climactic/exciting books I've read in a long time.

I enjoyed reading these little essays, both by famous people and ordinary people. Quick read.

I started this book yesterday and am about 200 pages into it (which is about half way). It's fantastic! It's a young adult novel, basically told from the perspective of a girl whose boyfriend committed a school shooting. Excellent book so far!

 I feel like I'm leaving a book out, but I can't think of what it would be. That should be it. Pick any single one of those and you will not be disappointed! My least favorite was Please Look After Mom, but books like that have their places, too. Do you have any recommendations?

March Madness

Unlike many of my friends in the northwestern part of the state, I have been able to enjoy this entire week off from school (sorry Meg). I made no plans for my break because I'm so tired of having to be places at certain times. I hate that... even when it's things that I want to do! Weird, I know.

It's been a great week, and, as usual, I'm dreading going back. But I get an extra day off: Ryan is having surgery Monday morning. In January, he tore his ACL, Meniscus, and LCL. This is the second time he's torn his ACL in the same knee! Just like last time, he's walked around on it and has done everything like normal during this two month waiting period. He's such a tough guy.

I'm working on applications for NWA; sometimes I get excited about them, but generally I'm dreading "starting over." I just want to know where I'll be--that's all! We want to find a place to live as soon as we can, and it sure would help if I knew where I'd be working. I'll keep you updated for sure. :)

So long for now. If you think of it, say a little prayer for my hubby on Monday! Enjoy this crazy madness of busy spring schedules!