Top 3 Things: Scared

Lately, I've been thinking about the top three things I'm afraid of happening over the course of the next year. I know, I know, I sound like such a debbie-downer... but it is just what has been on my mind! Here is the list I've come up with:

1. Not finding a teaching job when my Fellows year is over.
2. Not finding a teaching job within an hour of where Benjamin finds a job.
3. Losing touch with people I love because of stress, being busy, and work.

While in the process of job hunting, these first two things are circumstances that I consider a lot due to where I've been getting calls from. While I will be very excited to (potentially) be offered a teaching position anywhere, it's scary to think about the realities of where a job may actually be available AND a good fit for me. Logistics of Ben and I both being able to work in a small town don't really play out how we need them to, and openings in metro districts are few and far between. Cross your fingers for my brand new little family. :)

Job Hunt

If you are wondering, I'm in the midst of hunting for a job. I've submitted applications to a number of schools, including places that I never thought I'd consider plopping down in (at least for a year or two). I've been called for and gone on a couple of interviews, and my applications for a number of other districts are now "under review."

It's a stressful time in the life of a Fellow. Not only are we trying to figure out where we are to go from here, we're still trying to live HERE. I am in the midst of conducting an action research project (to be accompanied with a huge paper/write up and followed by a 30 minute presentation), on top of my regular day-to-day teaching duties. This is what I signed up for, but sometimes things get a little overwhelming.

With all of that said, over the next few months, blog posts may be a posted a little more sparingly, and when posted, may be more personal "journal entries" than the typical fun and fabulous that we're used to. I will do my best to keep you all in touch with everything going on and also to post recipes, updates, and other things as well.

Thanks for sticking with PDC!

WIWW

I apologize friends for being the worst blogger ever. To be honest with you, the past 2 weeks have been so overly emotional/stressful that I just couldn't even think about trying to keep up with the Polka Dots. I know it isn't fair to the readers, but I needed to take a little bit of time for me to rest, relax, and get over being sick. You see, I've recently found that I have a (potential) allergy to citrus. Bummer to the max because I love anything of these flavors. I was breaking out regularly, and we finally pinned it down. Then after that, I got so overwhelmed with school, work, and life, that my body started breaking out in stress hives. Talk about a NO THANK YOU! Anywho, thanks to some meds from my good old doctor, I am back on a normal track and here to say hello with a few outfits. From the past 2 weeks...

My Valentine's Day outfit; trying to stay in the spirit. Excuse the school bathroom selfie.

Shirt: Sam's Club, Cardi: Old Navy.

I wore this outfit for both a day at school and then a job interview (with different shoes). I love the combo of polka dots & mint!

Dress: JC Penney, Cardi: Old Navy, Boots: Rampage, Tights: Walmart,

Watch: Charming Charlie's, Belt: H&M

Jeans + striped tank + cardi: Old Navy, White button-up: JC Penney,

Boots: Rampage, Watch: Betsey Johnson

Skinny dress pants + cardi: Old Navy, White top: NY&C, Necklace: Charming Charlie's

Heels: Liz Claiborme

Black jeans + black top + cardi: Old Navy, Watch: Groupon, Shoes: Macy's, Scarf: Gift

Saturday morning errands. Bumming it up.

 

Sweatshirt + jeans + tennis shoes + tank: Old Navy, Purse: Charming Charlie's

Sunday morning drive back to Chilli.

Shirt: Chiefs team store (gift), Scarf: Gift, Cardi: Old Navy

Another job interview ensemble:

Dress: Banana Republic, Scarf: NY&C (gift), Cardi: Old Navy, Tights: Walmart, Shoes: Macy's

Tuesday school day; trying to brighten up the gloomy weather and forthcoming snow! :(

Black jeans + cardi + tennis shoes + tank: Old Navy, Yellow top: LOFT

In the Name of Love

In honor of Valentine's Weekend, I stumbled across this Old School blogging post centered around just that. While it may be coming up to the blog a couple days late, I think it's always fun to think back!

How do you typically celebrate Valentine's Day?
I have been explaining to a lot of people lately that Ben and I have never gone out for Valentine's Day. We are more of a "stay at home and cook a better meal than we'd get out in a crowded restaurant" type of couple. Usually there is a single flower involved. Here are a couple examples:

Do you like to get A) chocolates  B) flowers  C) a sweet card  or D) ALL OF THE ABOVE
I, myself, believe it's the thought that counts. I think sweet cards or single roses mean more than huge bouquets or massive boxes of chocolates. I think on Valentine's Day any person enjoys getting spoiled with signs of love and affection.

Would you consider yourself a "cuddler"? If not, would you at least cuddle on Valentine's Day?
I like to cuddle until it is time to go to sleep, then I am very much so a lone sleeper!

What is your favorite movie about love or with a love story?
I have many movies that I love the story line, but oddly enough, the first movie that pops into my mind is He's Just Not That Into You. Mostly because it is a true representation of love and relationships.

Do you believe in "love at first sight"? Did it happen to you?
I believe in interest or attraction at first sight, for sure. I think love takes time, communication, and nurturing.

Do you believe love can conquer all things?
I think that if two people are in it together, all things can be conquered.

What is one of the main things you love about your significant other?
I love the way that he makes me feel like I can accomplish anything that I could ever want to, and more than that, that he'll be there to support me.

If you could have the perfect Valentine's date what would you and your loved one do?
I would love to take a trip for Valentine's Day someday, but for now, I'm happy with our simple dates.

Tell me about your first crush!

 

Do you have any embarrassing or horror dating stories?
Well, I spilled my glass of water all over Ben on our first date... Clearly, my charm won him over.

Favorite flower?

What's the first type of chocolate you hope for when you reach into a box of chocolates?

Favorite love song?

I wasn't Bold before Bald.

As of February 10th it has been one year since I shaved my head. If you don't know my full polka-dot story, click here to catch up. With my anniversary having come and gone, I find myself reflecting on the past year of my life in terms of health, coping, and how I've moved on. The thing I notice the most is that before I shaved my head, I was much more afraid. Does that even make sense? Afraid of life, afraid of failing, afraid of taking any sort of chance on anything.

When I shaved my head, I realized that my only option for living life was bold. After all, I was bald and chose not to get a wig. That was a tough decision for me, but I'm so glad that I decided to own my condition and bald head. Having done so has made me realize that people will love me and accept me despite my conditions. They are a part of me, for sure, but they are not all that I am.

Not only that, but I rocked bald.

List of 5's

Five Things I Have a Passion For:
1. My family - I've grown up very close with my immediate family and I couldn't imagine not consistently having conversation and relationships with them.
2. Teaching - I am definitely no expert, and I have so much more to learn, but working with kids has changed me and I couldn't imagine doing anything else.
3. Traveling - I love planning trips and visiting new places. As an admitted "foodie," trying new things while in new places is one of my favorite things.
4. Reese's Peanut Butter Cups - oops.
5. Blogging - Really, writing in general. It's a favorite hobby of mine; it relaxes me.

Five Things I Would Like to do Before I Die
1. Return to Europe - I mean, why not?
2. Expand my family - I would be happy if this was the only thing I was able to do. Having kids with Ben is the most important thing.
3. Have nieces and nephews - This will be happening this year thanks to my brother- and sister-in-law having a baby! I just want kids that I can spoil, then send home!
4. Run a 5K - I know it's not a lofty goal, but with my Psoriasis and Arthritis it would be a big accomplishment for me!
5. Have clear skin - Just once before I die, I'd like for all of my skin to be healed and healthy. Even for only one day.

Five Things I Say A Lot
1. "So like..."
2. "... and whatever"
3. "What are you doing?"
4. "I'm bored..."
5. "... UGH"

Five Books and/or Magazines I Have Read Lately
1. Unenchated (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale 1) - Chanda Hahn
2. Fairest (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale 2) - Chanda Hahn
3. Fable (An Unfortunate Fairy Tale 3) - Chanda Hahn
4. A Framework for Understanding Poverty - Ruby Payne
5. My research textbook, haha

Five Favorite Movies
1.  Check out this old post to read about my 5 favorite movies... EVER!
2.
3.
4.
5.

Five Places I Would Love to Travel
1. I feel like I'm cheating... read my recent Vacation Bucket List post for my complete list!
2.
3.
4.
5.

WIWW

A quick recap of my outfits from the past week, including a homemade shirt by 2 of my students! Enjoy!

Jeans + cardi: Old Navy, Shoes: Converse, Shirt: Gift

Watch: Groupon

Shirt + cardi: Old Navy, Scarf: Charlotte Russe, Shoes: Macy's

Watch: Betsey Johnson, Pants: Dillard's

Skinny cords + shoes + chambray button-up: Old Navy, White top: Gap

Scarf: NY&C, Watch: Charming Charlie's

Cords: Old Navy, Hornets shirt: gift

Green cords + tank + cardi: Old Navy, Shoes: Kohl's

Watch: Groupon, Black top: ???

Wedding Photography Tell-All

When time came for Benjamin and I to weigh our options for a wedding photographer, an old friend of mine popped into my mind first. Audrey and I worked together at Old Navy for a long time, she had just finished up her photography degree, and we were friends, so I knew she would take care of me. We checked out a few other options, including a girl I went to highschool with who does STUNNING work. Ultimately, though, we came back to Audrey. Her prices were (ridiculously) low as she starts up her business, her work is amazing, and again, I knew she would take care of me and deliver beautiful images of my big day. We snatched her up quickly for our engagement shoot and wedding day.

When my alopcia developed, Audrey was on our team 100% allowing us to rush to get our session in before I lost all of my hair. She made us (even me, half bald) look beautiful, and I knew I had made the perfect choice for my big day.

 

After I shaved my head last February, and my hair started growing back in, I wanted to have a few pictures taken with my "new look." Here is where I tell you that I made the major boo-boo of going with another photographer. We had photos taken a number of locations, and the photos themselves were great! Unfortunately, no editing was done due to some technical issues that the photographer faced, and once I received the files, that was it. I never got edited photos.

So when I decided to get my original bridal photos taken, there was no doubt in my mind that I would be having Audrey take these pictures. She scheduled a day with me, and she delivered a number of beautiful shots. This was also the day that my dress situation all began to unfold; she coached me through that too.

When the wedding rolled around, I had no doubt in my mind that the pictures would be perfect. They were. I could not be happier with what I've seen, and I know the rest are equally are gorgeous. If you're in the market for a photographer, I highly suggest using Byam Photography. You WILL NOT be disappointed. If though, you're in the process of choosing... go with your gut. Your day will be perfect.

Vacation Bucket List

As of recently, Ben and I have been talking a lot about trips we would like to take (eventually). We came up with a fun list of places we'd like to go, and have started planning a few of the trips for the next year or so. Check it out and let us know if you have any tips, savings tricks, or suggestions!

- A STAYCATION IN KANSAS CITY: we may live here, but there are so many fun things to do, places to eat, and things to try that we have never even heard of. Having a few days off of work to just explore our city would be so fun!

- We're hoping to take a roadtrip back to FLORIDA, but arriving by way of a trip down the South East coast. We're not sure where we want to visit yet, but it would definitely be a fun winter get-away.

- NEW ORLEANS: Cajun food, bars, and views. What more could we want out of a trip?

- A zig-zag trip through TEXAS visiting all the major cities and sights! Warm weather and fantastic Mexican food. YES, PLEASE.

- NEW MEXICO.

- NEW YORK CITY.

- A trip to the fun, colorful, and full of culture SAN FRANCISCO. Good food, a lot to do, and we may even visit the original Gap store. We're losers.

- Our biggest dream is our planned 10th anniversary trip (we are planners... don't judge). For this trip we would like to BACKPACK EUROPE for 2-3 weeks.


Leave a comment telling me where you want to go! XXO