Atlanta's White House

Quick update......

2011-12-28T11:41:00.000-08:00

Well its been awhile, I've been running around almost like a chicken with my head cut off but have had a lot of peace of mind while doing it. I made the leap into personal training and it hasn't gone as smoothly as thought, but it has been interesting. There is tremendous upside to training (my own hours, more time with my little one, doing something I really enjoy) but so far the financial side has not caught up. I know economically many people can not afford things like personal training anymore, but I was hoping it would be a lot more financially stable than it has been. I hope and pray that business picks up at the beginning of the year with all the new years resolution gym goers.....
My family is great, my little one is growing up so fast. My husband and I enjoy her so much as well as each other....I can't believe she will be three in a little over a month and a half...we had a great Christmas (my husband of course got my girl all the gifts she wanted) and I look forward to the surprises and joys of 2012...I promise to be better at keeping this updated in 2012!! :)

Its been a busy, busy summer!!!

2011-07-28T15:18:00.001-07:00

Wow, its been such a busy summer, I don't know where to begin!!! Well I'm in full swing at my new job....its been interesting, tough, but very rewarding. I hear summer is a slow time for training, so I'm looking forward to the fall when business picks up. Luckily, I have an awesome boss who has been very helpful and supportive during my time there. There is a great atmosphere at the gym, and it feels like family so far which makes it a great environment to work in. I have a few clients and hope to earn many more with my knowledge and passion for fitness....time will tell.
Outside of training, I've also being coaching summer basketball....that has not been a fun and smooth experience. Unfortunately, I jump into to situations thinking that others involve themselves with kids/coaching with the ultimate goal of helping the kids become better players and people. This naivety as gotten me in trouble twice last summer with one organization and GM that didn't communicate boundaries well. We have since communicated our issues and misunderstanding and found a mutual respect for each other.
Well this summer I got into double trouble with a prideful president of a summer basketball organization. When someone does not have the kids' best interest at heart, that is not a situation for me. Unfortunately all of the drama from coaching has worn me, my husband and my daughter out. I walked away this week and feel complete peace about being at home with my family and not dealing with nonsense. Although I love my team and my girls, I feel walking away was ideal and removed drama from their rest of their summer playing experience. I now have to sit down with my husband to re-examine if coaching is best for me and my family. I enjoy it, but don't want to revisit another situation full of drama and selfish focus instead of it being on the kids!!! :)
Off to spend more quality time with my little girl before my husband gets home....I plan to be better keeping this blog updated!!

Spring Break!!!

2011-04-03T17:41:00.001-07:00

Yeah, one of the better times in the life of teacher....SPRING BREAK!!! Most teachers have been counting down until this break for two reasons....first, it is a long time without a break between Christmas break and now (3 months!!) and secondly, we know once we come back its really the home stretch until summer (for us 35 days!!)
This spring break is going to be a somewhat new experience for me....yeah rest, relaxation, family time are on tap as usual, but also transition. Transition from one career to the next. I'm using this week to also get my feet wet at my new personal training job. I plan on going in each day this, learning each day so I can take the complete plunge in 36 days. Its a very exciting feeling, but also a little nerve racking too...

I'm truly blessed to be in the position I'm in right now, so I will keep enjoying the ride....

Woo-WHO!!!

2011-03-27T15:17:00.000-07:00

Well I have wonderful news.....I finally got a full time job as a personal trainer!! I'm so excited and very grateful for this opportunity. This new opportunity is truly a blessing for God and I'm so excited He has opened this door for me. Granted, I'm still a little nervous because I've been a teacher so long, but to make a 180 degree career change is a a challenge I'm looking forward to.
I'm helping out part-time whenever I can after school right now to learn the business and more about the company. I'm also planning on getting a second personal training certification (test this April so keep me in your prayers) to beef up my education.
This a very exciting time in my life. I can't wait to see what this new chapter holds. I know it will allow me more flexibility in my schedule and time with my family which is very important to me. I'm just going to finish out this school year on a strong note and set my mind on being the best personal trainer I can be!! :)

Another teenager gone too soon.......

2011-02-24T15:43:00.000-08:00

I write this post with a heavy heart having been to a funeral earlier today. A former student of mine passed away last week in a single car accident. Unfortunately the driver of the car was drunk, and Lawrence Ogunnowo, who I got to know in my three years at my old school, died at the accident scene as a passenger in the car. He was an AWESOME young man, full of life and potential. He had such zest for life and impacted the lives of so many others. It gives me peace to know he had given his life to Christ and lived the way has God called His followers to do. It saddens me so because so often I hear of teenagers losing their lives because of poor decisions of themselves or others. I hope that Lawrence's tragedy will impact the lives he touched while here on earth in a positive way. I hope young people learn to turn from their careless and sometimes destructive decisions and instead become purpose-driven individuals that positively affect society. I know God is in control and called this young man home as a part of his divine plan. I just hope that others learn from his death and live life has it is meant to be led with passion, zest, and purpose (myself included). Rest in peace Lawrence Ogunnowo, you will be missed an my prayers are with your family.

Well, well, well......

2011-02-09T17:34:00.000-08:00

Well, I'm really every single day, teaching is wearing me out. It is very unfortunate, because I used to like teaching and feel it was my calling. I know a lot of people in corporate America think teaching is easy-peasy and we get off all summer and shouldn't complain....to those individuals I say, please just spend two hours in my shoes and you will see it isn't as easy as you believe!! Unfortunately, now I see why so many teachers are leaving the profession. There will no longer be people in education like my mom (retired last year after 39 years as a teacher and principal) or my aunt (retired last year after 35 years as a teacher). Its sad when my mom and aunt both agreed it was time to get out because of all the unnecessary "drama" public education brought on.
Well my goal is to ride out this year, still work hard and do my best. Keep me in your prayers for strength at school daily (I teach all middle school boys all day!!!) and for guidance looking for a new career....I know things will always work out for God's glory and purpose, so I'm trying to enjoy the bumpy ride!! :)

Happy MLK Day!!

2011-01-17T12:32:00.001-08:00

Well I hope most of you are enjoying the day off....I had five days off last week....yes, FIVE DAYS...because of the snow....in Atlanta we don't normally deal with snow and ice, but in all my years of living her, staying out of schools all of those days was legit. The ice was too dangerous for buses, which is important. I didn't want to miss that many days of school personally, but I did enjoy the extra time with my little one. That picture is of her out in the snow last Monday.

Well in the spirit of the holiday, I've been thinking about motivation and passions. What is your motivation? What are you passionate about? I have many things in my passion pouch, or things I'm passionate about. My main passions are my relationship with Jesus Christ, my family, fitness/health, and desire to help others, especially kids. Being a teacher, now I help kids on a daily basis so I'm able to fulfill my passion of helping children everyday. Also I can't leave out the fact that I'm a mom so I help my daughter every single day!! I still have the itch to pursue personal training and help adults and children meet their fitness goals as a full-time occupation. Hopefully God will open a door for me this year. My passions are and will continue to be consistent, strong, and pure. Imagine if Dr. King hadn't had such strong determination, passion, and drive??? For one man to have an impact on so many others, his motivation had to be genuine and strong. So again, I ask what is your motivation?

Been a long time...

2010-12-14T09:32:00.000-08:00

Its been a very long time since I've posted on here, so why don't I update everyone on what's been going on....

I'm at a new school (a middle school) and I teach all boys all day....(so prayers are definitely appreciated). My school is in a very poor neighborhood and we have majority diversity here (63% Hispanic). Its a huge change from my old school which was near a country club and affluent individuals.

Caylan is almost 2!! I can't believe it, time really does fly....she's all over the place and a very active toddler. She's already "pee-pee potty" eight times and we are hoping to get her out of diapers by her 2nd birthday in February, but I'm not holding my breath....

Stacey got a new job, which he's excited about, but they have been working him hard. Glad to see he's happier in this new job and new position.

Well that's the general jist of things...I will post some holiday pictures soon...I hope everyone else out there is doing well...are you excited about the holidays??

2010-06-29T10:26:00.000-07:00

Well we survived our first family trip out of the country. We went to the Bahamas last week and Caylan did okay. She did very well on the plane (because she slept majority of the time)...the check-in and customs lines however were another story. She screamed, tried to climb out of her stroller and cried majority of the time. On the way back a man in front of us even gave her a yo-yo to keep her happy...it calmed her down for 5 minutes which was a blessing.

The trip had a few bumps of course when you travel with a 16 month old that is expected. But she loved the beach and the water and hubby and I got a little R&R which is want we wanted...

Overall it was a good experience, but I don't know if we will be gettin go a plane with little C-Dub anytime soon!! :)

Caylan's First Birthday!!!

2010-03-08T15:30:00.001-08:00

I can't believe that my little girl is one!!! We had a family brunch and Caylan really enjoyed her cake....can't believe a whole year flew by!!! :)

"Morals and ethics people!!!"

2010-02-10T10:37:00.000-08:00

Title of my entry today is based on something one of my good friends that teaches with me said awhile back...."where are the morals and ethics people??" She made that statement based on her frustrations as a teacher and the fact the people who do their job, have integrity, and do the right thing always seem to get stepped on or play second fiddle. The people are a manipulative and find ways to cut corners always seem to have it easier....so why is that??

Similarly, yesterday I got to hear from my husband's someone who threw him under the bus to make himself look better. His lie caught up with him (by the end of the day), but what caused him to toss my husband under the bus in the first place??

Having standards and upholding them is key, but I'm starting to realize with that type thinking, I'm considered the minority now which is sad. To see people in every walk of life, cutting corners, cheating, and lying to make themselves look better is unfortunate. This mentality has even leaked in public school education which is scary, because we are the ones directly influencing the lives of kids.

The only thing I could reply to my friend when she made her statement is "those people are doing their best, it might not be what you think of as best, but its their best." She as well as my other friends now hate when I say it but it is true. Those people that are manipulative and cut corners are doing what they feel is best and ultimately their corner cutting ways will catch up with them. They will reap what they sow.

You have to stand up for what you believe and do the "unpopular" thing sometimes. I always tell my kids and my friends I would rather be respected rather than liked anyday...being liked is a fleeting feeling, respect lasts a long time.

My friend agreed and continues to work hard and do the right thing while others cut corners around her. Ultimately, she might not get rewards or get fanfare, but ulitmately she should have peace in her heart and mind when she goes to bed at night that she's done her best, like I do and that's all that matters.

2 Chronicles 15:7
"But you, be strong and do not lose courage, for there is reward for your work."

1 Corinthians 3:8
"Now he who plants and he who waters are one; but each will receive his own reward according to his own labor."

Been a hot second.....

2010-01-21T15:31:00.000-08:00

Wow...its been awhile so I will give you a quick update of what's been going on.

Great two weeks away from school during Christmas break. Helped recharge my body and mind to deal with another 18 weeks of school.

Even though I'm glad not to be coaching basketball and having time to spend with my husband and my little girl, I missed it....so I ran into an old friend that offered me the opportunity to coach AAU basketball this summer. She's no-nonsense like me, has certain standards she upholds for her program and its players. It will be an intense 3 months of basketball, but should be fun, I'm excited to get back on the floor....

Actively pursuing other avenues of employment next year. Praying that God will open one of those avenues up for me in the next month or so.....

Little one is almost one!!! Wow how fast this year has flown by....can't decide if we are going to have a party or not...I've heard pros and cons for both...we will see, I have a few more weeks to decide since her birthday is not until the end of February...

New semester, new kids....only have 102 (yeah, drop from my usual 105) this quarter which is good. Most of them are scared of me which is the way I like it in the beginning. I lighten up on them as the semester gets going. But so far besides the volume and slight talkative nature (which is to be expected of freshman) I have good classes so far...

Played in a national flag football tournament this past weekend in Orlando...our coed team placed 3rd and women's team placed 5th. Super sore on Monday once I returned home...but I really enjoyed the competition. Got some nice scratches and bruises to boot as well, but was named to the All-American team which was pretty cool. Not bad for a 31 year old mother and wife!! :)

Well sorry its been awhile, but thought I would do a quick update while the little one takes her evening nap...off to cook dinner!! :)

Merry Christmas

2009-12-27T18:03:00.000-08:00

I hope everyone had a Merry Christmas...my little one seemed to have a good first Christmas....I got a little emotional re-watching the video of her opening presents for the first time. Her dad spoiled her and got her a bunch of noise making, light-up gifts that she loves. It was so cute to see her facial expressions when we set up the toys for her. It was also sad because she's been sick all week. I was hoping she would be able to be well, by Christmas, but she still had a runny nose and trouble sleeping because of the congestion. I'm glad that we still saw glimpses of her enjoying her new toys and enjoying ripping wrapping paper even though she was under the weather!!

She's growing up so fast, I remember taking her home from the hospital 10 months ago!! Wow time flies.....people told me when I was pregnant that the first year flies by, I didn't believe them, but I do now!!

Merry Christmas to all, truly the real reason for the season is the most awesome gift in the world, a Savior, Jesus Christ!! :)

The constant question......

2009-11-23T08:02:00.000-08:00

Okay, I think almost everyday, I get asked the question...."so when are you going to have another one?"

Now I'm new to the motherhood thing, looking for onesies, formula, etc....I've never been a big girly type. I never planned on getting married or having kids so I'm really learning this motherhood thing on the fly...I didn't know what butt paste was or a layette....and I still don't know a lot.

I guess I don't get why people keep asking me almost everyday, when are you going to have another...is it just assumed that once you have one kid you will pop out another?? Is it not okay to raise an only child?? Everyone has said to me, well when they get around the age your little one is (9 months), you always want more babies. Well right now that's hasn't hit me.....I mean raising one kid is really hard work. Of course none of my friends warned me on how hard it is care for a baby. I love my little girl more than anything and I cannot mentally see myself being able to care for another very needy newborn right now or in the future. I've discussed it with my husband, but working full-time and being a wife and mother is so exhausting. I can't imagine doing it again at least not anytime soon....

Anyone else get asked this question on the regular after your first one??? How did you handle it?

Workout Snob...

2009-11-20T13:00:00.000-08:00

I've been called a "workout snob" by a couple of friends at school recently...you are probably wondering what "workout snob" means.....well I'm a huge fan on lifting weights, and when I mean lifting weights, I'm not talking about the pink 2.5lb dumbbells.....I'm talking about really pushing some iron. I haven't done my max bench, squat, deadlift at least a year before I got pregnant with CQ, but I think I'm pretty strong for a woman with a 9 month old (time flies) little one. Put it this way, I get come interesting looks from some of the guys in the weight room as well as some compliments.....

Well I started a fitness classes at my school to encourage my friends to get fit and make exercise a regular part of their routine....the first day I had about 15-17 fellow teachers (all females) show up....we did a hard tabata style workout of mountain climbers, body weight squats, push-ups, and squat thrusters and finished it off with some ab work. I was tired because I pushed myself throughout the workout because I decided I was not going to lift weights that day. I had some of the teachers ask, wow Shana, that's was hard and I can tell it was hard because you are sweating....

Well that got me to thinking later on that night....were they working out hard while I was doing the exercises or chillaxing while watching me (granted I figured we are all adults so I didn't really take the time to look up and keep tabs while I was working out to see if everyone else was). So after a few weeks of a group style workout, I changed things up to station work, where the teachers rotated through 7-8 stations (after hard workouts the first weeks and lack of a commitment by some, my numbers have dropped to 5-7 people that come consistently so I didn't need tons of stations). I also then decided to stop working out with them and stand and watch, correct bad form and just walk around instead....that caused a little stir because now some of them ask, why I would rather go to the gym and lift weights and not do a group setting type of workout with them...granted if I had a choice to bench 135lbs multiple times or sit in a room behind a step with 30 other women and workout for an hour I would definitely choose the former....

Now there is nothing wrong with group exercise and it definitely has it benefits for individuals that are consistently involved (as with any exercise program). But for me I get more out of being in the free weight room with the guys and trying to punish my muscles everyday....

Well two of my friends bet that I would not take a group exercise class at their gym...they have been calling me a "workout snob" the past couple of weeks because I would rather go lift heavy weights and push myself in the weight room then doing conditioning class with them....well as a very competitive person, I've taken them up on this challenge and will be attending my first ever total conditioning group fitness class as a participant only...I'm very interested to see how this one turns out tomorrow......I'm making sure the words "workout snob" are removed from my friends vocabulary permanently!!! Hey who knows, God might open a door for me to pursue my passion for fitness on a full-time basis as a group exercise instructor!! :)

ABC's of ME......

2009-10-28T06:57:00.000-07:00

Got this idea from another blog (Propeller Head Mom) I saw and figured I would try it out for me....

Age: 31

Bed: Queen size....yes, I've delivered a couple of knees in my hubby's back or side from time to time, because I move around when I'm sleeping...

Chore I hate: Definitely without a doubt folding clothes!!! I can wash and put up, but folding, AGH!!!!

Dogs or Cats: Definitely Dogs....fave dog is a lab!! :)

Essential Item to Start the Day: Reading the Bible/devotial time/prayer and breakfast

Favorite Color: Blue

Gold or Silver: Definitely silver...

Height: 5'7"

Instruments I've Played Before: flute (1 year) and clarinet (2 years)

Job: High School Health/PE Teacher (for now)

Kids: CQ-Dub (as we call her who almost 9 months...time flies!!)

Loud or Quiet: Definitely loud...I've always been loud,including the day I was born!!

Married: 3 1/2 years!! :)

Nicknames: Sunshine, RedBone, Shamus, GreenEyes, Sha (pronouced with a long a)

Overnight Hospital Stay: Delivery of little one and ACL surgery

Pet Peeve: wow...so many....people that are shady/decitful, people break rules/cut corners, people that make excuses and don't take responsibility for their actions or lack of actions.

Quote from a Movie: "Say hello to my little friend" (Scarface); "Attitude reflects the leadership captain." (Remember the Titans); "This is my home. My country. Frank Lucas don't run from nobody. This is America." (American Gangster)

Right or Left Handed: Right (always wished I was left handed for sports purposes...)

Siblings: A younger sister

Time you wake up: Well 3am with little one some mornings, but alarm is set for 5:30am.......we start our first class at 7:10am here!!

Underwear: Yes, I wear them....

Vegetable you hate: Um....cooked spinach (love raw spinach though). I would also have to say cabbage too....

Ways you Run late: I'm very picky about being on time (always show up 10 minutes early) because I think its disrespectful when you are late, now with a little one she can spoil my promptness now and again....

X-Rays you've had:TONS!!...knees, leg, both hands, both ankles

Yummy food you make: Macaroni and Cheese, Lasagna, Chicken Pesto Pasta with veggies

Zoo Favorite: Definitely Lions and Tigers (and Bears oh my!!!)

Halloween????

2009-10-26T17:32:00.000-07:00

So when is it too old to go trick or treating??
Is there an age where the kid is entirely too young to trick or treat??
(For the record my little one will not be out this year...maybe next, but who knows)

I'm not a big fan of Halloween in general....what are your thoughts??

BOO!!!

Few New Fall CQ Pics....

2009-10-17T17:34:00.000-07:00

2nd Half

2009-10-15T17:31:00.000-07:00

Well we officially began the second half to the semester (quarter #2) yesterday...this has been a long week and that always seems to happen when the week is shorter (we had Monday off for fall break). I really don't enjoy the change over with classes. I get to know 103 students well over a nine week period (and I enjoyed my last group of kids) and today, I meet a new 105 students that I have until December to get to know....yes, I can't believe I teach over 400 students every school year...that's a lot of kids!! I feel like a herder and a factory worker more than a teacher sometimes. Its no wonder why so many students slip through the cracks, in many cases they are a just a number....

I was talking to one of my good friends who teaches at school with me earlier today. I told her I was in a mood where I didn't want to be at school because I was sick of things and I wanted to just got home at the end of the day. After going back to my trailer (yes our school has trailer classrooms) to eat my lunch and re-focus, I decided to stay late as originally planned and run my faculty fitness class. While heading back up to my friend's room at the end of school to tell of my change of heart, I said, I need to change my attitude and not let the negative things that happen at this school bring me down. However, teaching in public school is so much more difficult than I thought and so more mentally draining....it is so disappointing to see people with the opportunity to have a positive affect on the lives of our young people take the easy road. There are so teachers at my school have the just collect a paycheck mentality and don't realize how important their jobs are. There are so many people in positions of authority/leadership that should not be there. To be constantly bombarded with mounds of random paperwork, poor thought out ideas handed down from leadership to implement daily, and just unnecessary hoops to jump though.
I constantly ask my husband, if his company was run like our school where would it be...he promptly replies, "it would no longer in existence or bankrupt, but remember you work for the government so that factors into the quality of workers you have." It sad to think of the state of education now and daily I lose small bits and pieces of my desire to stay in education any longer.....I will try to keep a positive mindset the rest of the school year and I always work hard, but that optimistic mindset is beaten out of me almost daily......

What do you think about the state of our public school and our students today???

I've almost made it....

2009-10-02T18:31:00.000-07:00

Well, I've almost survived the first nine weeks of school. The quarter ends next Thursday...and I'm glad its over, but I actually like the three classes of kids I have this quarter. In the past, I've had some interesting classes, some disrespectful classes, disinterested classes, lazy classes....however my three classes this quarter have been pretty good for the most part...now don't get me wrong, there are some lazy kids in these classes, I've been disrespected by students (one student this week told me to shut the f--- up because I told him to complete his assignment). But aside from those few semi-bruised (they are not rotten yet) apples, I have a larger bunch that's pretty good and have not be ruined by the semi-bruised apples (kids). The parents on the other hand are another story!!!

We enjoyed a game of health Bingo today in class and I was excited about how much the kids enjoyed it and remembered terminology they learned all the way back to the 2nd week in August. I'm glad that the information has stuck and hopefully they have all learned something from my class that they will take with them to make their lives better in the future. I tell them everyday in class, if you don't remember any statistics I give you or definitions of a health terms just remember every choice you make has a consequence good or bad. Strive to make good choices so you will stay away from bad consequences. Knowing that simple fact, will make them successful students and successful members of society as a whole.

2009-09-21T11:59:00.001-07:00

Couple of recent pictures of Caylan....time is really flying by she's over seven months old now!!!

Sex Education.....

2009-09-21T10:41:00.000-07:00

Well last week we finished our sex education unit in health. It probably the easiest lesson to get kids involved with...its so interesting to me how much teenagers are willing (knowingly and unknowingly) to share with their teachers about sex and the information they know, but when I ask do they talk to their parents, they usually scream NOOOOOOO!!! That is a problem....

There are currently 25 known STDs and an even scarier fact is 4 million teens in our country contract an STD each year!!! We have 65 million people in this country right now with incurable STDs!!! These stats are scary to me as a married women and I know my students were freaked out by some of these numbers presented to them in class last week!!!

It starts with education at home. We have an abstinence based curriculum at school, but children need to be educated by their parents early and often about the dangers and the risk of pre-martial sex. Not only the risk of STDs and pregnancy, but the emotional risk of being involved in sexual behaviors before marriage can cause even more damage and unnecessary baggage in their lives. Instead of tip-toeing around the subject we need to take control of our children, our households and our future as a whole by educating our kids. If they don't learn the correct information from you, they will learn it somewhere....believe me as a teacher the things they are learning from friends, society, and so-called role models are ruining and damaging our kids!! :(

Anyone else frustrated??

2009-09-10T14:31:00.001-07:00

Well this post is going to allow me to release some frustration. Its been awhile since I posted on my blog and this topic I've dealt with numerous times, but I had a couple of new instances recently...

As I new mom, I am learning how to be a good parent and wait for the challenge of parenting Caylan when she gets older. But as a teacher I see children from a different angle. I just hope I remain steadfast to my conviction in regards to dealing with my child's decisions and behavior.

When did it become okay to make excuses for children and their behavior? Now, I was raised in a conservative home and learned from the school of hard knocks. I learned that you make a decision, there is always a consequence. That has and will never change. But now I noticed people (and as a teacher especially noticed parents) making excuses for their own or other people's behavior. Everyone wants have accommodations made for themselves or their child and don't feel their kids are subject to certain rules or standards...when did this become the norm????!!!

For example, I had a student question why he received a certain grade on an assignment in my class. When I explained that you did not follow the criteria that I gave you in written form, explained to you verbally, and had another teacher explain to you so your grade suffers because of your choice not to follow my guidelines. His answer is that's not fair!! And to make matters worse, his parent agreed with him and emailed an excuse as to why it was not fair his child received a lower grade.

When has it become okay that everyone gets what they want and don't have to follow any rules or guidelines from others???? When has it become okay to "pass the buck" and blame others for our misfortune based on a decision YOU made??? I don't know maybe I'm too old school, but to me decisions and choices we make are black and white. You either do something or you don't....you follow directions or you don't....you complete something or its not complete...but we have allowed so many shades of gray to penetrate our thinking when it comes to rules, guidelines and regulations. We've allow excuses replace responsibility.....

As a teacher if I can't hold a kid accountable to a certain reasonable standards, require him/her to follow certain rules or guidelines, and meet certain expectations what exactly am I supposed to you????? Yes, I know that I teach a content area and should increase each student's knowledge basis in health, but they should also learn life lessons....if they don't learn them from me in a relatively nurturing way, unfortunately they will learn it the hard way when they reach the real world....unfortunately by that time they might have made a really bad choice and the consequence causes a huge misfortune in their life and mommy or daddy won't be able to "bail" them out of it......

Sorry to ramble, but this topic really gets me amped!!! :)

Let's Go Deacs!!

2009-09-01T12:50:00.001-07:00

Are you ready for some football??? YES I AM!! :)

Paperwork!!!!!!!

2009-08-31T17:31:00.001-07:00

I'm so tired of paperwork....I feel like all I do in public school is paperwork....I must have killed 5-10 trees already this year with the paperwork I have to fill out....this is not including the worksheets and other materials I use to teach health. I'm talking about random forms, county standards, etc. that public teachers are required to almost fill out on a daily basis....
Well I'm pretty anal and uptight when it comes to paperwork so I usually work on things weeks in advance so they are turned in ahead of time. But it seems like every time I finish one pack of paperwork to turn in...here comes another pile creeping up and mysteriously hopping on my desk....I guess the county office and administrators do think we have enough to do during our planning period and we must not be busy teaching!! I guess they don't think it takes a lot of time to plan a lesson for 104 students or to educate/keep the interest of high school students for each hour and a half long class????
I guess they think I can just throw an informative/productive lesson together right before the kids arrive. Since that is the case, please keep piling on the random paperwork that no one looks at and kill more trees!!! :(

Faculty Fitness

2009-08-25T17:03:00.000-07:00

Well I had an prompting this summer to do something active this year when I returned back to work. Since I resigned as varsity basketball coach after I had Caylan, I wanted something to do with the extra time and energy I would probably have. I came up with the idea of starting workouts for the faculty/staff of my school. I figured it would be a great way to get a quick workout in after school before picking up Caylan plus give me a chance to share some good workout tips and information with fellow co-workers. Since I have a passion for fitness, I thought it would be a great opportunity to tryout my fitness passion in stress free situation.

Well today was the first workout and to be honest I was really nervous. I didn't know what teachers would show up, what kind of shape they would be in and if I really could teach a group exercise style class. Well after saying a prayer before I headed up, I calmed down some and knew things couldn't go as bad as I imagined (I actually had a nightmare last night about the class being a complete disaster!!). Well about 12 people showed up and we worked out hard at their fitness level for 30 minutes doing a tabata style body weight circuit. Many people left thanking me and with tired smiles.....which made me feel like it was a success!! I don't know why I was so worried before!! I look forward to day two of circuit workouts on Thursday!! :)

Been Awhile.....

2009-08-18T14:14:00.000-07:00

Its been awhile since I posted to my blog!! I didn't realize how time consuming adding returning to work full-time to being a wife and mom!!! Kudos to other working moms out there....kudos to stay at home moms too!!

Well my classes are crowded...105 students, 35 in a trailer each class for an hour and a half!! They took their first test today and for the most part did pretty well. I usually have a lot more failures on my first test and these kids did well so I'm happy to see that...hopefully they continue their commitment to doing well in my class. We just recently covered the mundane introduction to health...now we get to cover peer and family relationships. For these chapters instead of a test, I have them get into groups and put together a skit based on peer and family relationships. In the past some of the skits have been bad, but some have been really good from Jerry Springer type shows to families in complete shambles who get help and greatly improve their relationships (I make all the skits have a happy ending!!). So I'm interested to see what these three classes do. They picked their groups today and will begin work on their skits tomorrow.....hopefully we have some future actor/actresses in the making!! :)

I'm off to enjoy some time with Caylan...I can't believe how much I miss hanging out with her all day like I did this summer....granted, I'm happy to have a job and love to teach, but would love nothing more than to change dirty diapers and baby babble all day!! :)

Two Days Down 178 more to go!!!

2009-08-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

Well I survived the first two days of school!! It was not as hard as I thought it would be to get back to school and get up early in the morning (we start our first class at 7:10am!!)....it was harder not seeing my little girl for about 8-9 hours!!!

I teach freshman health and the cool thing is that this group of freshman so far seem to be more well behaved which is key when you teach 35 in each hour and a half long class.....last year's freshman were really disrespectful and wild!! I got cussed out twice last year for the first time in my teaching career!! :(

I look forward to jumping into the meat and potatoes of the class, talking about nutrition, sex ed, and alcohol/drugs....those are the things I give great statistics for and tend to shock with the kids with all the detailed information I give them!! I know that when they leave my class they will be better equipped to make healthy decisions about their lives, which makes my job worthwhile...and they will hopefully be beneficial to society as a whole!!

Well off to bathe and put my little one to bed, eat dinner, then sleep!!! I need the rest!!! :)

Decisions.....

2009-08-08T17:21:00.000-07:00

Well hubby already has the itch for baby #2!!! I heard that's how things are, you have the first one and are itching to have another soon...I don't know, to be honest I really did not like being pregnant!! I understand it takes nine months for the baby to develop in the womb and growth of the fetus is truly remarkable, but I did not enjoy it. It probably didn't help that I was coaching basketball on the high school level while I was pregnant....so that stress didn't help me feel comfortable at all!!
Actually, I didn't like how physically uncomfortable I was...not being able to sleep, not fitting clothes or feeling comfortable in them, people asking to touch my belly (which really gets annoying), morning sickness (even though it wasn't that horrible), not able to workout like I like to (lifting heavy weights), etc. You other mothers out there know all the things I'm talking about. And to go through it again, just now when I starting to get used to seeing myself close to my pre-baby shape and gaining confidence in being a mother. I really don't know if I'm ready to do it all again soon or at all for that matter.
I love my little girl and I'm so happy God blessed us with her. If its in God's plan to have another we will, but to be honest I know I'm definitely not ready at all just yet.......just need to convince hubby that we might need to wait longer than his timetable so that I'm ready........we will see!!!

Wow Back to Work!!!

2009-08-03T12:39:00.000-07:00

Wow...its that time of year again....school time. The time many parents are excited to stop playing entertainer and have their kids taught (some just want supervision) for about seven hours a day five days a week. As a teacher its the time where we all say "wow where did the summer go" at is as seemingly flown by....

Well for me I've had extended time away as I was on maternity leave from February until the end of the school year and then had the summer...but was it really a vacation?? I think not....Granted I was away from teaching 105 kids, grading papers, calling parents, attending meetings, etc. but I was doing a much harder job....caring for the wants and needs of my first child.

I'm nervous about returning to school because I haven't taught in such a long time so I'm not sure if I'm ready for the daily grind. Also being off I've gotten the itch to get involved in other avenues and leave the classroom. But right now God has me right where He wants back in a public school classroom teaching health to eager and some not so eager students....

So when that bell rings early next Monday morning (we start first class at 7:10), Coach White will have her game face on ready to hit the ground running until May!!! :)

Beach Vacation....

2009-08-01T10:47:00.000-07:00

Here are a few pics from our beach trip. We had a great relaxing time in Hilton Head. I was so happy that Caylan did well considering her routine was changed slightly for the week. She also enjoyed the water and loved the waves from the ocean. For her first pool and ocean experience she did great. I know my husband needed the rest and relaxation and I enjoyed the get away before I return to work next week. Time to unpack and return to the real world....the beach was wonderful!!

Random Thoughts....

2009-07-23T12:34:00.000-07:00

I've been doing a lot of research the past couple of days....after a talk with my mom and my husband I'm really kinda not sure which direction to go with my career. Both my mom and husband think that I would be a good athletic director on the high school level. I agree that is a path I've been interested in following, but the opportunities for being an athletic director are not common, plus very political and the number of female athletic directors in GA I could count on one hand...I know if that's the path I go, I will need to go back to school and earn a master's degree in sports management or earn an educational leadership degree. How hard is it to go back to school, work full-time and be a good wife and mom??? I think very difficult...plus cost $$$$$

The other path is being a personal trainer full-time and hopefully moving toward having my own non-profit organization that trains overweight kids and teaches health and fitness to inner city kids as well. I have a solid fitness certification, but I think I probably need another certification or even a management degree if I move to establishing my own organization...once again school, work, wife, mom which I don't know if I can handle???

I've been praying about direction on this and still waiting on God to tell me which direction to go...its hard to be patient and wait, but hopefully he will answer my prayer and give me a green light for a direction to pursue....I will continue to be faithful and gather as much information as possible about both paths so I'm ready to hit the ground running once I get the green light from God.

Daycare Experience....

2009-07-20T12:51:00.001-07:00

Well my little one is knocked out upstairs....I've noticed that she just has a hard time with new people and I don't know why....I know all babies are different, but Caylan does not like to be held by people (she's fine with family) and if I do let someone hold her they have to turn her so she can see me so that she's semi-content...she eventually starts wailing (with no tears I mind you) like she so incredibly uncomfortable...she acts like she's spoiled, but when we are at home together she plays by herself on her play mat or in the swing or even in her crib, so its not like I told her every hour of the day.....

Well I got back to work in two weeks (agh!! summer is over!!) so I told my husband it would be a good idea to expose Caylan to her daycare early. We found an awesome lady who has been working with kids for 28 years to keep Caylan in her home with three other kids. The other awesome thing is that she is less than a mile from my school so if I need to go get Caylan I can easily. When we went to interview her, she held Caylan (she was the first non-family member to hold her) and Caylan smiled and was so happy and content in her arms. That was a huge factor in making me comfortable with her watching Caylan when I went back to work....

Well I've dropped little Caylan off twice so far so that she can get used to the caregiver and its not a complete shock in two weeks. Well both times she's cried when I dropped her off and is crying when I come to get her...I feel so bad for the caregiver because Caylan is pretty low key, but she fussy pretty much the whole time she's there...I hope things get better (the caregiver said she knows they will), but as a first time mom I just kinda sad and a little embarassed that my five month old doesn't seem to like other people....hopefully Caylan will improve and my embarassment will lessen over time....

Good Day...

2009-07-18T16:47:00.000-07:00

Today was pretty low key which was good....took care of Caylan while my husband worked out early this morning...once he got done we did the switch-a-roo and I went to workout and my husband took care of Caylan.
I had a great workout...did some exercises for my back and chest, mainly push-ups for my chest and pull-ups for my back...then did 200 abs exercises...I do a variety of exercises to hit my muscles in different ways, but 200 still burns at the end...I'm working to get my toned stomach back. Having a baby does a wonder on your abdominal muscles...I'm starting to see a little of the definition coming back which is good and motivates me to do more. Then after that I did a spin class...my husband and I like to do spin on Saturdays (we alternate each week) because there is an awesome spin teacher at the gym that we both like. The cool thing is today that class was not as hard as it has been. It normally completely kicks my rear end, but today it was very hard, but not as bad!! :) So that's a good sign that I'm getting back into shape.

Well my little one put herself to sleep in her crib tonight so that was a blessing. Bedtime isn't really bad here, but sometimes Caylan just doesn't want to go to sleep and fights it like Muhammad Ali!! :) But tonight I sang and rocked her like I normally do, then just put her in the crib and actually told my husband to come up and check on her while I washed my hair...by the time he got up the stairs she was knocked out!!

Off to hang with my hubby and watch FoodNetwork...church tomorrow then a Sunday School class bowling outing that I organized. I hope it goes well!! :)

Ten Interesting Facts About Me....

2009-07-17T12:54:00.000-07:00

I'm still very new to the blog universe so I figured today would be a good day to give people a little more insight to who I am....so here goes!!!

1. I was born and raised in Atlanta and still live here....granted I left to attend college (undergrad and grad school), but I have lived pretty much in the suburbs of Atlanta my whole life, which is very rare...when I tell people I meet that I'm from Atlanta they are shocked because there are very few native Atlantans.

2. I've known my husband since we were in high school.....no we were not high school sweethearts, actually he said I wasn't cool in high school because I couldn't hang out and party on the weekends (my parents were very protective of me). For the record I was pretty popular in high school mainly because I was a star athlete, playing softball, basketball and soccer....my husband has a different opinion and his is wrong!! :)

3. My husband and I reconnected/met at the gym...we both love to workout and connected a little over 5 years ago working out at the local YMCA. We dated for two years and have been married for three....(he's also a native Atlantan)

4. I have recently become addicted to the Food Network....I used to skip this channel, but now I watch almost all the shows...I'm a big fan of Paula Deen, Down Home with the Neely's, Bobby Flay Throwdown, and Food Network Challenge...I've picked up some new recipes which my husband appreciates!!

5. I attended Wake Forest University (Go Deacs!!) and was a walk-on for the women's basketball team...

6. I have coached basketball in some capacity for the past 19 years...I started coaching while in college and was most recently the varsity girls coach for a public high school. I resigned this past spring once I had Caylan and I'm not sure if I will enter the profession again....time will tell..

7. One of my favorite vacation places of all time was Jamaica....if you ever have the chance to go, please do!! The beaches are outstanding (I've been to Hawaii, Cancun, Cozumel, and Bahamas and Jamaica tops those) and the people are so friendly and welcoming...my husband and I had an amazing time!!

8. I love to lift weights...I'm working on improving my desire to do cardio, but I love lifting weights...I love lifting heavy weights moreso....its so awesome to go into the gym and have guys be impressed with what you are lifting or when I can lift more than them!!! I just like being strong and seeing my muscles...hopefully I will return to my pre-baby form soon...I'm getting pretty close!!

9. My favorite book in the New Testament is Romans....my favorite in the Old Testament is Proverbs.

10. My favorite sport is football, both college and the NFL....I pretty much like any sport except baseball....but I love watching football!! I can't wait for the upcoming season to start, its around the corner!!

I hope you enjoyed find out a little bit more about me....

Patience....

2009-07-16T10:45:00.000-07:00

While folding a mountain of clothes, I heard a song on the radio, that I heard before, but I listened more intently to the lyrics because they are so pertinent to what is on my heart now...John Waller's "While I'm waiting".....here are some of the lyrics below...

I’m waiting
I’m waiting on You, Lord
And I am hopeful
I’m waiting on You, Lord
Though it is painful
But patiently, I will wait

I will move ahead, bold and confident
Taking every step in obedience

While I’m waiting
I will serve You
While I’m waiting
I will worship
While I’m waiting
I will not faint
I’ll be running the race
Even while I wait

Patience...ugh, hearing the word just conjures up visions of sitting in Atlanta traffic, being stuck behind a slow driver on the road, a person who can't make up their mind, or waiting for that next big break. As you can guess patience has NEVER been one of my strong suits....but it gives the Lord an excellent avenue in which to mold me into the image of His Son....while John Waller's song reminded me of being patient and waiting on God, having a baby to me has been the biggest test of patience in my life.
Recently, when it is time for Caylan to go to bed, after our night time routine, her eyes are closed and she is breathing heavily, I lay her down in her crib and head downstairs. Ten minutes later as I'm taking a bite into my dinner, I hear a wail on the monitor. I head up to her room and there she is covers kicked off, staring at me wide awake with a gummy smile...the same child that couldn't keep her eyes open 10 minutes ago!! Unfortunately, I get impatient with her after trying for a few minutes to get her back to sleep and say, "Caylan I know you are tired, go to sleep, please (with an impatient tone)" and sometime have to call in for reinforcements (i.e. her dad) to finally get her to sleep for the night. But this morning I thought wow, God is using something as simple as getting my daughter to sleep to rid me of my sinful impatient nature!! How omniscient is that!!
Impatience, I know is a thing that is holding me back from possibly pursuing my future endeavors. God will continue to test me until I wait contently and peacefully, on His direction for my life and improve my patience in general. But as the song states we are not to wait without anticipation of the door God will open or be idle while we wait, but we should wait singing God's praises and worshiping Him (reading His Word and prayer are key), doing works that glorify Him, remain confident in God's promises. So as nighttime draws near, I will remember that God will continue to test my patience with a simple thing like putting Caylan to bed before He opens other doors that require even more patience from me.

Three Things You Didn't Know About Me.....

2009-07-15T10:45:00.000-07:00

1. I know how to crotchet....yeah I shocked everyone because I'm into sports and kinda a tomboy, but I learned to crotchet in 5th grade and have made some Afghans for people.....

2. I love to sleep on my stomach....I missed being able to sleep (in general) but sleep on my stomach while I was pregnant....sleeping on my stomach is so comfortable...

3. I wish I could play contact football....I love football, play flag football, but want to play contact...I kinda have a mean streak and would love to put on some pads and lay a hurtin' on that wide receiver coming across the middle!!

In the Moment

2009-07-14T10:19:00.000-07:00

Today a friend of mine on twitter posted a great Bible verse (Proverbs 3:5-6)...one of my favorite of all time, this verse is so empowering and truly captures the essense of being a follower of Christ and walking with God...then he reminded me to enjoy every minute with my little one and "not miss or overlook a moment together"....and I thought wow, I really need to truly "take in" all the moments I have with Caylan....enjoy all of her smiles, squeals, her babbling conversations with me (and me letting her know I completely understand the babbles), the diaper changes (the easy ones and the ones where I wonder how does all of this come out of your little body!!)...just EVERYTHING!!! No matter how tired I am...just enjoy all of these moments with her, because one day I will look up and she will be in school, then going to Prom, then off to college....and I will tell other moms what I was told today "enjoy every minute it will be gone before you know it." On that note let me finish this blog so I can enjoy those moments.... :)

Good Weekend....

2009-07-12T17:07:00.000-07:00

Well the White family had a very good weekend...it is so awesome everyday to see my little one grow up and to see my husband be an awesome father....yesterday we both got good workouts in, then were blessed with the opportunity for a "date day" and go enjoy a movie while my mom watched Caylan. It was great to get out as husband and wife and enjoy time together without Caylan. Don't get my wrong I love my little girl, but our marriage has to still be first in order for my husband and I to be good parents for her....we saw Public Enemies which was a good movie even more of a shock was the fact Stacey and I both agreed it was a good movie which is rare in the White House!!

Today we went church (well I made it to Sunday School class), Stacey however tried to calm fussy Caylan down during the entire class...church isn't working so well for Caylan, because it completely interrupts her nap time which makes her fussy and irritable. Add to that everyone in our church seems to love babies, especially Caylan, and they decide when she's fussy to get in her face and try to talk to her, or better yet give me advice on what she needs or how to get her to stop crying...so that definitely doesn't encourage nap time, increases her fussiness and even more so irritates me. Thanks random person for further irrating my child as well as offering advice. I really need help being Caylan's mom, I've only been doing it since the end of February when she was born!!
Hopefully in time, she will be able to handle Sunday School and church in the nursery, but right now we keep her with us until we are both comfortable leaving her with nursery workers....so over time our Sunday church routine will improve!! We did have a wonderful lunch and fellowship with our Sunday school teachers today at their home after church....it helped to uplift my spirits which is needed right now...

Well time to hang with Stacey since the little one is in bed......

Peace and Hair Grease...

First Blog Post!!

2009-07-10T19:15:00.001-07:00

Wow!! I've started a blog...I'm excited to share any and almost everything the is going on in the White Family....

Well I decided to start a blog for a couple of reasons...

1. My husband said why start a blog (even though the name of the blog was his idea), "your time off for the summer has been a blessing and curse..."
2. I have a lot things I enjoy talking about and right now talking to a four month old baby isn't cutting it...
3. I hope to encourage and bring a smile to someone's face each day sharing an idea or a story about something that has happened to me...
4. And to quote one of my favorite movies "This is America Jack" so I can!!

So as you can hopefully tell, I'm excited to begin this blog journey, so stay tuned...however its getting late and my little one will be up soon ready to eat....

Peace and hair grease....