Ruby Red Slippers

Tuesday, January 18, 2011

Bad Habits

So, I have developed 2 really bad habits since I've begun student teaching. Ok, maybe 3.

Bad Habit #1: I have become one of those people. You know the ones. Those who join a gym after the holidays, work out a few times, and then don't go back. I keep telling myself it's because I'm not into a groove from the big move, I'm super busy learning and lesson planning, and it's just too darn cold outside. Ugh. This habit must be broken ASAP.

Bad Habit #2: I am a pop drinker again. This one makes me quite depressed. When I was in college, I used to drink at least one 32 oz. Diet Coke a DAY. It was bad. Then, I gradually slowed down the consumption of soda and last year, I finally decided to stop drinking pop altogether. Well, between moving back and the need for caffein, I started drinking it again. Grrr!!!

Bad Habit #3: The blogging has slowed way down. But I'm working on this one. I'm busy, but it's no excuse.

Does anyone else feel like they need a support group for any of 1-3 above?!?!

Sunday, January 16, 2011

Lookin different around these parts

Wow. Another week has passed.

Nearly an entire week since I've blogged.

Honestly, life hasn't slowed down one bit since moving back home. In fact, contrary to popular belief, it's moving more rapidly than before.

I am still trying to grasp the concept that we are officially moved back to Kansas. I'm not sure when it's going to feel real. It's also quite funny to note the major differences between the east coast and the smack-dab-middle of the country. I can remember comparing the same things when we first moved to New England...and now I'm revisiting them on the other side:

1). Picture the flattest item you've ever seen: pancake, table, ice skating rink. Multiply that by 100 and you've got Kansas.

2). I cannot believe it. Everyone back east was right. The midwest has some major-pants accents. I hear it everywhere. And it's only a matter of time before I slip right back into my drawl.

3). Streets are not plowed until a day after the snow falls. I had my FIRST snow day as a student teacher...all because of the lack of plowing/de-icing.

4). When I say "pop" and "tennis shoes", everyone knows what I'm talking about! :)

5). EVERYONE smiles all.the.time. And people really, really like to talk. Even to strangers.

6). There is a church on every corner. Now I totally know why this is called the Bible Belt.

7). I feel like a billionaire. The prices are cheaper on everything. It's actually exciting to house hunt because we can AFFORD it!!!

8). It takes forever to get anywhere. Not because of traffic. Because of the huge-ness of Wichita. Seriously, it takes the same amount of time to get from the east side of town to the west side as it did to drive across the entire state of Rhode Island.

9). Two words: Quik Trip. Who knew I would miss a gas station SO much. For those of you who live in the Midwest, I'm sure you understand this deep-rooted love.

10). No Dunkin Donuts, Macy's, Marshalls, or Christmas Tree Shop. What am I going to DO?!?!

Needless to say, although I miss my second home in Little Rhody, it's good to be in the comfort family, friends, and HOME!!!

Hope you all had a fabulous weekend. I begin actually teaching in the classroom this week...wish me luck! :)

Sunday, January 9, 2011

Memoir Monday - Bon Voyage

What a whirlwind.

It's been awhile...so I thought I'd recap our BIG MOVE with a Memoir Monday.

Nearly 3 weeks ago, Mr. Ruby and I packed up my belongings and stuffed them into our car. (And by belongings I really mean my clothes...winter clothes only).

Why just my stuff? Well in case you missed the story with all the holiday madness, it was originally only going to be me who moved home to Kansas for a few months to complete my student teaching while Mr. Ruby looked for a job in the vicinity of home (i.e. within 200 miles). BUT by the grace of the Good Lord, Mr. Ruby received a job offer from an awesome company in our home town. Woo-Hoo!!!

Because it was so last-minute, he was left with the duty of packing up all of our belongings and driving our stuff 1,600 miles across the country (pics and stories soon to come!)

But before he could finish his two weeks at work and begin packing, he first had to drive ME across the country and spend Christmas with our families.

This is our story:

One last hurrah. We began our journey with one last "Family Breakfast". These are already greatly missed.

Cheers. A sentimental toast to the Rubies' new future. (My dear sweet friend...and every other girl in the room got emotional on this one).

Goodbye. This humble abode and its amazing landlords/neighbors/pseudo family will be greatly missed.

And we're off. Only 30 hours and 1,600 miles to go!

Empire State of Mind. Let's hear it for New York.

My BFF's. Magazines, the latest Nick Sparks book, and Christmas cookies for the road made by the aforementioned neighbors/landlords/pseudo family.

Stylin. Mr. Ruby forgot sunglasses...so he had to borrow mine.

Delaware. One of many pee breaks. And tolls.

Pit stop. Nope, not kidding. Met up with our friends in D.C. who live a few streets over from the White House.

Best road trip ever. Got to see the W.H. Christmas Tree.

On the town. With these two D.C. high-power attorneys. ;)

Nom.Nom. Better than our usual road trip meal of Taco Bell and McDonalds.

Much needed rest. For our busy day ahead - 15 hours!

Mrs. Ruby takes the wheel. But only with a giant iced coffee.

KFC. Kentucky = more than halfway there.

Next stop. St. Louis to stay with sis-in-law and her hubby.

Thank God. I have never been so happy to see that little checkered flag.

Bittersweet. Symbolic greeting to our new life.

Wednesday, January 5, 2011

I'm Lovin It

I must admit something.

Since quitting my corporate job exactly 10 months ago in pursuit of an elementary teaching career, I've had the following thoughts creep up:

What the $%@# did I just do?

What if I hate kids?

Money isn't everything...right?

What if I don't get a job?

Holy Cow. Every state is making about 2 bazillion dollars in education budget cuts. I'm definitely not getting a job.

You get the point.

But the past two days have put all of my worrisome thoughts to rest.

I began student teaching in a fourth grade classroom this week. I am now 100% positive that I made the right decision and wasn't absolutely wack-a-doodle for quitting my job to pursue a dream. I am in love with my host teacher. I am in love with the kids. And I'm in the NUMBER ONE school district in my area.

Obsessed.

Yes. I'm completely aware that the hard part hasn't even begun. I am prepared for sleepless nights, tears, and even a few nervous breakdowns. But it's totally worth it.

Teaching is absolutely what I was put on this earth to do.

P.S. Be sure to remind me of this when I experience the aforementioned nervous breakdowns. Mmmk? Thanks.

Tuesday, January 4, 2011

180 Degrees

They say change and ventures out of your comfort zone help you grow, achieve, and truly experience all life has to offer.

There are many times in life in which we encounter major transitions: graduation, new jobs, marriage, new friends, big moves, buying a house, babies...the list goes on and on. These changes are what truly mold us and force us to abandon everything we've known and everything that's comfortable.

Well my friends, I have officially been bombarded by change and transition in the last 2 weeks. We're talking a whole new life: Stopped working completely. Began student teaching. Mr. Ruby got a new job. Left Rhode Island. Moved back home to Kansas. Left behind some of the best friends ever. Looked into buying our first house.

It's quite ironic that exactly 3 years ago, we completely turned our backs on comfort when we decided to move to Rhode Island with my previous company. We knew absolutely no one within a 1,000 mile radius. Literally. Turns out we had the time of our lives. We found "our" local spots. We traveled all over New England. We had neighbors who consistently made us dinner and watched our dogs while we traveled. We went to the beach every weekend in the summers. We lost our midwest accents (kind of). We made friendships with people we now consider family.

And now, we have come full circle. We got comfortable. Then left. And now, we are home - where we've always hoped to end up. It seems sort of silly, but I feel like I'm starting all over again and just need time for the comfort to settle in. After all, it is "home".

Strange how things work, huh?

Although it was weeks ago, I would still like to share pics from a special night in Little Rhody. When our friends decided to throw a surprise going away party. So special. So hard to say goodbye!

The sneaky ones. They threw one awesome surprise bash.

Bon Voyage.

My favorite photo hijacker. ;)

Best gift of my life. No seriously, this scrapbook was amazing.

Getting emotional on the first page.

So good it made others emotional.

Foot Heaven. I was SO excited. These things are down comforters for your feet.

Loving from my girls.

The real star of the party. As always.

Love this girl.

Love this girl too.

Another show stealer. Look closely.

Boyz to Men.

It's My Party. And I'll cry if I want to.

Perfect Ending. To a perfect night.

Sunday, January 2, 2011

Year in Review

Ok. Ok.

I'm behind in every aspect of life.

Returning phone calls. Getting prepared for student teaching - which begins TOMORROW. Unpacking. Updating phone numbers into my new phone. Going to the gym (and it's really beginning to show). Blogging.

The list goes on and on.

I will hopefully get my life in order ASAP, and then I will soon be posting on a more regular basis.

But for now, I want to take a look back at 2010. If I had to describe it in one word...I'd have to say:

Blessed.

So go ahead. Take a stroll with me now to peek back at this past year...

january

fam in town for holidays