Sonnet Saturday

What is the definition of a lady? Such a loaded question but here is something I found today that I thought was pretty great! Enjoy!

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

Sonnet Saturday

Today I leave you with twisted, beautiful words of E.E. Cummings.

"Dive for Dreams"

dive for dreams
or a slogan may topple you
(trees are their roots
and wind is wind)

trust your heart
if the seas catch fire
(and live by love
though the stars walk backward)

honour the past
but welcome the future
(and dance your death
away at this wedding)

never mind a world
with its villains or heroes
(for god likes girls
and tomorrow and the earth)

peace and blessings,

 kjo

Out of my Comfort Zone

Y'all know that I love just about every part of being a teacher even if I am just currently a substitute teacher. I have subbed a few times at the local elementary but yesterday was a whole new world literally. I got roped into subbing for half day Kindergarten. Oh  MY GOODNESS I have no idea how all of you sweet Kindergarten teachers out there handle that kind of chaos everyday.  I often think that high schooler's are rowdy and uncontrollable but these precious little ones were almost too much for me to handle.  Simple tasks like reading them stories, coloring pictures, or lining up for snack cause a million and twelve questions to be asked and often tears to be shed.  I received so many wonderful hugs and silly hand drawn pictures that ended up making the day worth it in the long run.  Whew lets just say I do not plan on picking up an early childhood endorsements in the future.  I do believe it was blessing in disguise -- because even though I left extremely exhausted and with a the worst teacher headache that no amount of Diet Coke (liquid of the gods) could cure my heart was just as happy as when I walk out of any other classroom. I never dreamed that I would gain so much happiness through my career but I am so blessed to have chosen this crazy, awesome, and often exasperating profession.

Do you love your job? What makes your heart the happiest?

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

What a Weekend

This past weekend was more fun than I ever imagined it could possibly be! We left on Friday and made our to Colombia,  Missouri, home of the University of Missouri to attend the Mizzou v. Alabama football game.  Upon arrival we dropped our belongings off with Chevy Girl at her adorable house and proceeded to get dinner. After dinner we headed out to Whiskey Wild's Saloon to watch get some cheeeeappp drinks, watch the Cardinals win, and be sure to scream Roll Tide Roll during the pauses in Sweet Home Alabama.  We were extremely successful at all three of those things.  Upon arrival at Chevy Girl's abode we promptly crashed and went to sleep. When we woke up it was game day and time to get ready for a good time.  Our little group was filled with the worst morning people ever so I'm sure you can imagine how that went.  Anyway, we made it to the tailgate which was right outside the stadium because Meredith's Uncle is AWESOME. I wasn't able to meet up with any of the friends and family that I hoped too but I did have a blast all day long even though it was pouring down rain and we were little soaked all the way through.  After the game (RTR) we headed to a local Italian restaurant and then onto the piano bar.  Shortly after we headed home to crash.  It was a great trip and I had the most fun.  It was exactly the kind of weekend I needed.  The only downside is that due to the bad weather conditions there are no photos except one drowned rat photo that I'll spare y'all the viewing pleasure of.  

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

FOOTBALL FRIDAY

Woo... it is finally Friday and boy has it been a busy week.  I subbed everyday and worked at Not Starbucks two nights in a row and boy am I exhausted.  I was so excited to sleep in today because in a few shorts hours I am departing to head to MIZZOU to see the ALABAMA CRIMSON TIDE defeat the Tigers.  Cash Money, Future Senator, and Cash Money's hs friend Meredith, are making the journey to COMO and I could not be any more excited.  I hope to see several family members as well as include a long over due five year reunion with Muh Boo, and hopefully get some hoe-down throwdown action in with Vandyloo. I am the MOST excited to reunite with my girl, Chevy Girl, and crash at her lovely little apt, it has been waaaaaaaaaaauy to long since I have seen that girl! So I cannot wait to get back to y'all and keep you updated on my crazy adventures, but I have to admit I think I mostly excited to be off work totally for the first time in 17 days AND to play college!  

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

Music and Manicure Monday

Two things you must purchase today:

essie head mistress

american aquarium small town hymns




ready, set, go and do it.... now!

peace and blessings,
kjo

Here is to you World Travler

I want every to picture late August of 2007, some of us were beginning our senior years of high school and for others they would soon be jet setting off into the wide world of college.  If you were a precious innocent late 1989 baby like I was you were about to begin Senior Year.  However, if you were a late 1988 baby like my best friend World Traveler, you were about to begin the epic journey known as college. I was fortunate enough to spend most a large chunk of high school being best friends with Red, Chicago, Mugen, and World Traveler. We were literally the best friends anyone could ever ask for.

Here we are at various events: a homecoming, a winter formal, and a birthday bonfire.  We did everything together.  Let us fast forward to these lovely ladies senior year of high school 2006-2007, World Traveler and I became literally attached at the hip. There was very few hours of the day that we did not spend together.  Here are some beautiful action shots of our mayhem.

Fast forward to World Traveler departing to being her college career at Loyola University Chicago, I was one hot mess. I cried for three straight days and I think I might have been so hysterical that I lost ten pounds and got sent home from school one day.  It was a rough start to my senior year and an interesting semester as I learned to deal with my best friend in the entire world being over six hours away.  Y'all might be wondering why this story is relevant to this day and age? Well tonight I said good bye to World Traveler as she is about to embark on six monthish backing pack trip to New Zeland.  While I am glad to stay I am perfectly emotionally stable I am a little sad to lose her out of my routine back at home.  So here is to you World Traveler, I wish all the best adventure in love and luck, and safe travels filled with never ending laughter and joy everyday you are gone. I will be ready to eat the Dale when you return.  So much love!

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

PS Thank Goodness these girls were around the first time World  Traveler jet setted and that they are still around today                                            \