Productivity at it's finest.

At 9 AM, I have been up for 5 hours. I chalk this up to my teacher schedule. Anyways, I've accomplished the following things:
1) answered all morning email


2) church (from the gentle reminder from my father that a week from today would be my late grandfather's 80th birthday, and my Nenaw always has a mass said in his name).

St. Stephen's Catholic Church

3) shopping at Whole Foods (let Dukan begin with the support of my lovely friends Rachel & Christina)




4) Caught up on watching my new favorite television show (Revenge on ABC)

She seems so not harmful...but...

5) Calling my dad to continue the 60th birthday surprise plans for mbZF. Yes, parade season is quickly approaching.

Although I have been crazy productive, my room is still a mess, my lesson plans for this week are not complete, and I have a laundry list of things to do. I have throughly enjoyed this morning. It's amazing what one can accomplish before the rest of the world gets up. However, there is something to be said about a lazy sunday morning with a book, the paper, or some television snuggled up in bed. That will be my post next week. Until then!

Ring in the New Year

New Years always comes with a lot of thinking. I got extra time to do so as my January 1st was longer than your usual person's as I got to relive it twice when traveling back to the US from my amazing Christmas vacation in Australia with Paige. I love how everyone in Europe and Australia call it "on holiday."

My few new years resolutions:
1) long run at least twice a week
2) call at least 2 of my friends a week that I don't get to see often
3) drink more water
4) start actively doing back rehab
5) figure out my next step by June...

This last one is the main source of my anxiety, frustration, and confusion as of recent. That is why I give myself until June. Therefore, look forward to hearing me sit the fence, be wishy-washy, and question everything I do.

On a happier note, Australia was amazing. Now that I am a "New Orleanian" I had to try this on Christmas: a champagne oyster shooter (amongst other seafood). I have never seen the allure of oysters (presumed to be an aphrodisiac)


It tasted more like champagne than anything else...so obviously I enjoyed it. Speaking of Champagne. Another part of the trip that was absolutely amazing was a vineyard tour in the Yarra Valley. Possibly one of the prettiest places I have ever been, the Yarra Valley is home to scores of small and large vineyards (including the vineyard and distribution for the ever so famous Yellow Tail). I wish I knew more about wine, but this trip was very informative and I did learn about pallets for sipping wine, how to hold your glass for different types, and the riddling process of sparkling wine (not Champagne).




I could go on and on, but I will leave with a few points. 1) I love being an American. Yes, we have our problems with debt, greed, pollution, rudeness, etc here in the USA, but, when push comes to shove, I love the red white and blue. The convenience of things is amazing, my family and friends are here, and the opportunities and diversity I just love. So after any long trip abroad, I appreciate being from the US more and more. And 2) I love my family and realize that all our stupid little holiday traditions are just that, stupid, but ever so important to me. Baking and decorating cookies with Katie is a must. Butler basketball games in copious amounts over the holidays gets my sports fix. Large family get togethers with the Fischers and Zays where I eat until I feel sick. Christmas chinese food (oh how I miss Hunan on 86th street in Indianapolis). Christmas evening movies with the neighbors I miss. So, as much as I loved this trip, it's safe to say I want to spend next Christmas in my pajamas safely in the confines of my home with my family.

My aunt said it best. She stated that in your 20s you are in that odd middle ground: grown up enough to be away from your family and starting out on your own, young enough to still be a "kid," and too young to really have a family and traditions of your own yet. So, true you may feel kind of lost, which I guess is the feeling I experienced. However, being "lost" in Australia with my best friend is a great, once in a life time lost I wouldn't change.



So happy new year to you and yours. I hope your resolutions don't falter by February like so many do. But, leaving 2011 in the past I am ready for some positive change!