Have you ever felt as though you were in a rut? Everything and everyone around you seems to have a clearly defined path, but yours is not as evident as others.

Growing up, I always knew what I wanted to do with my life. I was going to live in New York City and either write for a top women's interests magazine or  be on tv as a correspondent. Then my senior year of college, I decided that I wanted to give back. I was going to work with children. I left behind my passion for a different life...that of a teacher. And now I have been teaching for 3 years.

Each morning I welcome my children into my class, where they seek refuge. Unfortunately, their disorderly conduct and ignorance follows them to and from school. The anger, hostility, this learned mischief comes along as well. And as we, the teachers, are breaking down this wall, for order and structure...our time is being torn.

On a daily basis, I am faced with a horrid reality of the future. Families torn apart, children neglected, and lack of sane judgement; that's my day to day life. I carry all of that home with me. It's hard to just leave it. I am not only a teacher. I am a nurse, a mother, a caregiver, a psychiatrist, a counselor...I am so much to these kids. And they have so much to give. But sometimes it's hard...trying...difficult to see. Sometimes we miss it because we can't see through the chaos.

Sometimes I just think that they need a hug. And maybe the hug will just help a little, but it's nice to know that someone cares. Such little shoulders to carry these heavy loads.

I almost forgot about Xanga. It's been quite some time, but xanga is such a part of my growing up that I'm just not ready to let it go. Everytime I come to this site, I feel so liberated!

Life is crazy right now. It's almost 2008, literally, and I've decided to stop talking so much and actually putting that talk into action. I'm going to have "short-term" goals instead of "long-term" because I work best under pressure, and let's face it, nothing has been getting done, lol. So I have my short-term attainable goals and I'm ready to make some moves.

I finished my certification last year, YAY! And now I'm looking for a new challenge, career, adventure. I'm ready for something new and this time it's got to be BIG, because that's the theme of the year. Bigger and Better than last.

I've realized a lot over the past 2 1/2 years. I've grown and definately have learned from my mistakes. God has watched out for me and by His grace alone, have I made it to where I am. I could've been in so many different situations, but praise God I'm not.

All I have to say is Thank You. Regardless of what I say or do, You ALWAYS take care of me. Thank You. I don't deserve it, but I'm grateful for it. Thank You, Father, Friend. Thanks.

The End of Xanga!!!!!!!! Say it ain't so ladies, say it ain't so.....

This online journal chronicles pretty much my entire college career. Now that's what I call a knee slapper.

It's funny to have friends all over the place now. People moving here and there, changing careers, boyfriends, or just growing apart. That's life. I guess you don't always have it all together. There's always room for improvement - key word: modifications.

You never know where life is going to put you, what situations you'll have to deal with, or who you'll meet; whether the person is a leaf, branch, or root (watch Madea goes to Jail for explanation.)

There was a time when I would never let go...never let go of how I wanted things to be. And I haven't totally let go, but I've definately loosened my grip. That's life.

But there's not too much going on down here. Let's see, things to look forward to:

1. Trip to Conneticut to see my brother play UConn. This will be aired on ESPN Sunday, Nov. 19 at 8 p.m. Don't worry I'll be sending out e-mails, bulletins on myspace, and text messages. You will know of this game.

2.Completing my certification requirements: almost there!!!

3. Being done with my certification so that I can figure out what it is I want to pursue next.

That's pretty much all that's on my mind right now. Life is good. God watches over me EVERYDAY, EVERY MINUTE, EVERY SECOND. So I don't have any complaints. A lot of praises, but no complaints.

Well, I just wanted to do some kind of update. Luv you guys!!!

Early Twenties

Just Thoughts

I decided to title my entries. Aycock was doing it and it looked pretty cool, lol. So why not give it a try!!

I'm very excited about my classroom. It looks so good! Everything has a place and I have all of these procedures, it actually looks like a classroom this year. All I can say is that I'm very excited.

I have a lot of ideas for the next year. You know, like when to move (not where yet) and what to study (not where yet). Location, location, location...this is the key. I think I really like it here though. I love my school, and I think I want to keep teaching for a while. It's an amazing job. I definately want to further my own education. As the saying goes, knowledge is power.

This year is going to be great...wow, I'm really excited.