Monday, January 20, 2014

A New Direction

Hello Lovelies,

I know I had been posting regularly but I've been thinking a lot about going in a different direction with this little blog and need some time to think.

Peace and Blessings
kjo

Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Homemade Fajitas

Hello Lovelies,

As I finished my second snow day, I was scouring Pinterest to find something delish to eat. Delish indeed may I present to you homemade fajitas. 
The original pin I found just had chicken and vegetables sitting on a panini grill so I figured my George Foreman would do just the trick. I thawed my chicken, marinated it Lawry's chicken fajita seasoning and threw it on foreman. I also cut up my vegetables and marinated them as well. Now I won't make any grand claims about it being steaming and hot, hot like at a Mexican restaurant but it had the same tasty flavor. I will definitely be making this dish again!

What is your favorite Pinterest success?

Peace and Blessings,
kjo

Sunday, January 5, 2014

Snowy Sunday Sayings.

Hello Lovelies,

Well it is quite the snownami outside in good ole St. Lou! I believe there is something like a foot of snow outside. Brr is an understatement. The good news is that all the teachers and munchkins will be safe and sound at home tomorrow throughout most of the city! I do enjoy a nice snow day!
 Ladybug!


Since we are all trying to get back in the swing of things, especially me on this little ole blog, I thought a nice Sunday Sayings would be a great way to get back into the groove of things!

peace and blessings,
kjo


Saturday, January 4, 2014

Pink Obsessed.

Hello Lovelies,

THANK GOODNESS for lazy Saturdays, and today has been the laziest of them all.
Last night I got together with some friends to watch the Mizzou game and although Mizzou ended up winning it was difficult to be excited after Alabama's defeat the night before. Oh well, Roll Tide! This morning it was difficult to get going but once I smelled the Blueberry Sunrise coffee brewing I was ready to get rolling.  Apparently, a Snownami is on its way to the Lou this evening so I decided to make sure I had the essentials in my kitchen( coffee creamer, diet coke, and alcohol) I was missing a few of the essentials and made my trek to the local supermarket along with everyone else in the city. It was an adventure to say the least. The weather is still pretty mild right now so I cleaned ladybug out a little bit and took out the trash. Now, I am all ready for the Snownami, or whatever it will be.

Growing up I always had a vanity in my bedroom and it is something I have dearly missed in my getting ready routine.  I was excited when in early November my mom said she had found the perfect vanity for my apartment and that it just so happened to pink! It was ready and delivered while I was gone for Christmas and now that I am back at my apartment I have to admit, IT IS AWESOME. I love having all of my essentials right at my fingertips when I am getting ready. I also feel like some sort of old Hollywood celebrity when I am getting ready. It is so great!

What is the key part of making your getting ready routine a breeze?

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

Here it is in all of its chic glory!

Friday, January 3, 2014

It's off to work and SCHOOL we go...

Hello Lovelies,

Today, was the first day back from Christmas Break 2013 and although I was not expecting a normal day by any means it was quite the day.  First off I should mention that we were supposed to go back to school on the Second however we got 4 inches of snow causing us to have our first SNOW DAY of the year. I only had five of my thirteen munchkins and that was one of the biggest bunches in the school.  I had to to do some quick, on my feet thinking about how to restructure our day without causing too much chaos.

We were supposed to begin implementing Whole Brain Teaching techniques today and I gradually laid the framework for the munchkins that were in attendance. It thankfully went very well. I decided to push back our New Year, New ME activities until more of the students were in attendance. Thankfully I have a small arsenal of animated book writing activities and coloring sheets to keep us occupied. We were also fortunate enough to join the rest of our elementary cohorts in an afternoon movie and buddy reading session which made out afternoon a breeze. I am sure blessed with the best coworkers ever!

On another note it is ABSOLUTELY freezing in St. Louis, not only is there a ton of snow on the ground and the forecast only calls for me. It is frigid and I am not a fan! Maybe it is time to head back down South (haha don't get your hopes to high)

How are you handling the winter weather in your area?

Peace and Blessings,

kjo

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Pop, Fizz, Clink. Happy New Year 2014

Hello Lovelies,

Before I get to far into my New Year, New ME speech, seriously where did 2013 go? It seems like just yesterday I was graduating from Spring Hill and we are slowly approaching the TWO year anniversary of my departure from the Hill. The year 2013 brought so many lessons and blessing to my life.  I got my first teaching job, teaching the sweet Migrant kiddos and had a blast everyday. I made friends with an awesome Ginger who became my partner in crime and got me obsessed with One Direction. We are pretty much soul mates. I was in not one but TWO weddings! I had the privilege of standing beside two of my best friends as they married the men of their dreams.  It was awesome .  I became a certified barista (hilarious, let me tell you). I almost gave up on my dreams of being an inner-city teacher or really a teacher at all, but then I became a Tiger.  Teaching at MHT has definitely been the most challenging experience of my life, but everyday I feel blessed to be given the challenge of my munchkins. They are spectacular little humans who need unconditional love and support. As much as I give everyday, I get a lot in return. Some days I get more than others but its those sweet hugs and smiles that make an awful, no good, rotten day better.  I also lucked out in the co-worker department, my fellow Tigers make work a pleasant experience, if not a party everyday. With my job at MHT came a move to the big ole city of St. Louis.  I have learned a lot about being a grown up and growing up at the end of 2013 and I have to say it is quite the pleasant surprise.  I began working with the crazy Holy crew towards the end of 2013 and I have to say I look forward to our Thursday night meetings.  They are a great group of teens and adults, and I am blessed to be apart of it.  So all in all 2013 was a pretty great year for a Pearl Kind of Girl. Here is to hoping that 2014 is filled with even more love, laughs and hilarity than 2013. (It seems to be starting that way, my NYE was quite comical)

Are you ready for what 2014 has in store for YOU?

Peace and Blessings,

kjo