Perfect

Oh, man. I love my job. It's moments like this that make it all worth while...

Today it was rather chilly and rainy. My last group of the day came in and did their assignments quietly. I was working on some "important business" (aka an IEP) at my desk while they worked on elapsed time. Keep in mind, it's cold and rainy and my heat wasn't working today. All 3 boys have their coats on. As they are getting ready to leave, I notice that one of the boys has his coat on upside down, and he doesn't seemed bothered at all!! So, I say to him, "Sweetie, your jacket is on upside down. Let's fix it." He replies with, "No Ms. Cormack (he never gets my name right). It's PERFECT!!" I say, "Okay, whatever. Let's go to your room." I walk with him back to his room and show his teacher, who informs me that he has had his jacket on like this all day. :)

How in world could that be comfortable? Who knows what his thinking was, but it was a perfect fit. So, no matter how backwards you think something is, it's perfect for the person.

A Happy Note

I can't even begin to express how grateful I am to be home. Here are some reasons...
1. A FANTASTIC time with my friends for a birthday/Thanksgiving celebration.
2. Dance night with DJ Paul
3. Way TOO much food for Thanksgiving
4. GAP buy one get one free sweaters
5. Sleeping in late...
6. Staying in my pajamas all day...
7. Lunch--that does not include a PB & J
8. FAMILY!!!
9. Laughing with my mom
10. Birthday money from my fam.
11. ALABAMA FOOTBALL
12. Fires
13. Having my mama do my laundry :)
14. Seeing old friends
15. Cold weather

The list will continue to grow. Hope you are enjoying your family and friends this holiday season!!

NEWS FLASH!

I am happy to announce that I will be starting my Master's Degree in Summer 2010!!!!! As you know, this has been a true struggle for me. Knowing which way God wanted me to go was so unclear until I met with Sister Madeleine on Sunday afternoon. We discussed the pros and cons of a master's in Special Ed. She helped me see that it takes someone special to teach special ed and if I have it, I should use it. Now, I have to apply for graduate school, take the GRE (AHHH!!!), and figure out how to pay for it all. :)
Since I have decided I will be returning to school, I will not be pursuing a new car. :( I am sure my daddy is happy about that decision... There's no way I could afford both. Let's hope the A-ccord holds on.
What I am even more excited about is my week off for Thanksgiving. As I left school Friday afternoon, I thanked God for this break to refresh myself and prepare for the month of December, which will be full of challanges at school. This weekend, I traveled to Tuscaloosa to cheer on the TIDE :) Sunday, I visited with Sister Madeleine and drove back to Birmingham. This morning I woke up, cleaned my apartment and headed home. Tonight I will be going to watch sweet Luke Ausley play basketball, and watch the finale of Dancing with the Stars. Tomorrow I am going to spend my afternoon with Grace cooking for our Thanksgiving Reunion tomorrow night. I am so happy that I will be in the company of the best friends in the world tomorrow night. Wednesday I will be resting and start cooking for my family's Thanksgiving. Thursday I will be eating my heart out! And Friday, I will be shopping and watching the Bama trample over Auburn. ROLL TIDE! Saturday, I will be celebrating my 22 years on Earth. And Sunday, I will head back to Birmingham. What a great week I have planned!!
As I am sitting in the comfort of my mom's house, I pray that everyone feels as loved as I do when I enter Guntersville City limits and the door to my mama's house.

Whoa

Talk about knocking your socks off... This week has been the hardest week I have experienced yet. I can't really talk about it for privacy reasons, but just know that I have questioned why I ever wanted to teach. And more importantly, why God lead me to this school. But, at the end of the day, the answer is clear. This is my passion, and that is the reason I survived this week :)
I am really a grown-up. SCARY!! I received my first credit card bill in the mail. HA! Who woulda thought I would EVER use one? Well, I decided I need one to build some credit and not always to use my debit card. So, I paid for Millie's surgery on my card. From the day I used it, I have been stressing out because I wanted to pay it off immediately. The bill finally came in the mail yesterday, and I have already put my check in the mail to pay it off.
Friday I had the privilege of dress shopping with Cassie. As we started at David's Bridal, I never though she would find the dress that she wouldn't want to take off. She tried on 10 dresses, but found the one that will blow Mike's mind. :) AND she found our bridesmaid dresses. The bridesmaid dresses are cute, comfy, and affordable!! What more could we ask for?
Yesterday morning, I woke up, took a quick shower and ran to Brannan Honda to have my car checked out. I called my dad after they informed me it would be an hour or two. I was freaking out that I was going to be stuck there that long. To my surprise, I met the nicest car salesman who let me waste much of this morning and early afternoon. When he approached me, I quickly informed him I was in no position to buy a new car and I was waiting on my car to be fixed. He began carrying on a conversation with me. And he talked me into looking at cars. BUT, I talked him into letting me test drive a 08 Accord. Too bad I loved the car. I guess I'll just have to keep saving...
Family is a word that brings so many thoughts to my mind. When I think about my family, I often think about what it used to be. I had an amazing aunt that was larger than life and an inspiration. I had a 'grandfather' who took me under his wings and taught me to love baseball. I had 2 generous grandmothers who would stop their world to fix yours. I had parents who were married and acted like a team. Now-- I have none of that. But, I couldn't be more thankful for what I do have. So here's my list of things I am thankful for:
1. My God--He gives me hope and love.
2. My Family--although my family as dwindled down, I still have my mom, my dad, my brother, and Prissy.
3. My job--even though it's crazy and hard, I love it.
4. My friends--where in the world would I be without amazing friends who lift me to my feet?

So, as I start this week, I look forward to what God has in store for me this week. And, I only have one week before I am off for a WHOLE week of relaxation at home with my family. Not to mention that my birthday is approximately 13 days away!!!