Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Dear Ireland,
I came THIS close to seeing you this year.
Next year, it's fair game all over again.
We shall meet soon. I can FEEL it.
Yours Sincerely,
Mel

This is a great song from the adorable (always makes my heart sink to my tummy) "PS.Iloveyou" movie. I know Paige will enjoy this. Happy St. Patrick's Day!

Drove home from OCPS today and was filled with joy. Excited to get home to the patio and feel the fresh air some more and enjoy the sunshine! This is the best time of the year to me. When ever the seasons are changing, it's inspiring and glorious to experience. I've got a fresh bottle of SMART WATER (mmmmmm...), taking the TOMS off to go barefoot, and changing out of "teacher clothes"---> in to running shorts and a tank top. It's going to be a Tony Horton kind of afternoon, but first... just simplifying things.

Before I run a to-do list in my head, I'm going to be still. I am thankful for a great day of teaching, smiling kids, new bonds with teachers and co-workers, increasing knowledge and confidence for teaching, fresh ideas in the classroom, wonderful friends and family, little treats for the kiddos, and "Irish holiday cheer" for all :)

"BE STILL AND KNOW THAT I AM GOD. I WILL BE EXHALTED...."- PSALM 46:10

What has brought you joy today?
How do you find joy?
Don't let anyone take your joy. Ever!

Today:
-Waking up refreshed from a night of "girl talk" with Ash*Bash
-Dressing up in green and seeing everybody in green at the school! I seriously love holidays. It just adds something special to the day!
-Bringing St. Patrick's Day goodies for the kiddos and having extra to share with kiddos from other classes. Is it crazy to think I want to make cookies for all the kids at OCPS? Would anyone be willing to do "Cookie Mission" with me? I think that's a goal for the end of the year. May even get so crazy as to bake some for the teachers and put notes with encouragement on em. I think that would be cool and a sweet memory. Just an idea...
-The day going smoothly! Miss having my mentor teacher there but enjoyed working with the team and students today. We had a good afternoon and everyone seemed happy and positive. Love that!
-I love smiling and getting smiles back from other people too. I love taking the time to get to know people and ask about their days. I love taking the time to compliment or appreciate the little things. It's simple things that bring me such big joy.
-Getting work done this week! Wow, it feels SO SO SO great to be getting ahead on things!!
-Driving home from work with the windows down and music on.
-Going to THE HUB to get my bike rack back on "Tom Tom"! YESSSS BIKE season is back! Debut race of the year will be Twilight weekend! **Double joy for having new races and goals to work for!
-HOW NICE EVERYONE AT THE HUB IS ALL THE TIME! I love singing their praises because they do such a great job and service! If you need ANYTHING they will drop what ever they are doing and help. Such a great family that owns the shop and smart people working there. If you ever buy a bike, especially from Athens, I highly reccomend this crew.
-Clay texting me, "I think you're amazing." What a great brother! I appreciate him so much! LOVE!!!
-Going to Earthfare to use my 50% coupon :D Love.:Earthfare! Love: Coupons!
-Patio time and pretty weather
-Talking to my mom
-Diarmuid calling from Ireland to wish a "Happy St. Patty's" and telling me about his mum
-Getting ready for "date night" with Ash and Ni Ni
-Sleep over at 1028 with "the roomies" XOXO
-My daddy calling to say hiiiii :)