Vapid with the "V" Alliteration...

Well, hello there! I am getting a little vapid, or lacking interest, in the use of alliteration of V for each title, so I hearby dub this my last V alliterated blog. But, I think I can meet the challenge of continuing with alliteration with the titles, with all letters this time though. How's that sound? :)

I am writing from the end of a glorious Fall Break (which I LOVEY LOVE LOVE fall...Did you know that?), where I thoroughly enjoyed the much needed time off. Here's what I did on this wonderful break...

Shopped...
Oh I sure did shop, and it was GOOD! I went shopping at the outlet malls with one of my dear friends of over 15 years. She and I always can pick up where we left off, even if we don't see each other for months. I love a friendship like hers, where it's just easy to be together and enjoy one another's company. Through life's changes, and thick and thin, we have stuck together, and I know that we always will. And by the way, we found some fabulous items to add to our fall wardrobe.

Slept in...
Have I mentioned that I LOOOOOOVE sleeping? Why did I give up all those nap times as a child? I want to take it back now! Or why can't I store up sleep from the summer and use it as needed during the school year? Anyways, I have slept A LOT this Fall Break, and I am not ashamed of it. It has been amazing, especially with all this rain. And I am really good at it too!

Graded/planned for school...
I tried very hard to get everything done before school was out, but there's always more to do. It's okay though, because I got to spend the afternoon on Friday (before it started raining) grading, planning, and reading on OU's Campus with the dog. It was a windy, but lovely day, and I was able to get it all done! YAY! Though I haven't blogged since school has started, I am really loving teaching this year. I feel almost as if I have been "enlightened" this year...Some say your truly better year is your third year, but I am a bit of a slow learner, and this fourth year has been the very very best so far. Now, if I could just teach and not do all that extra stuff! Darn it! But that's not how the world of education works, and I am well aware of that.

Read...
I've never really loved reading, but since becoming an English teacher, I have had a real passion for reading reading reading! So right now, I am finishing up One Day by David Nicholls, which I have enjoyed, though not LOVED. So I am on to a new book, but not sure which one to pick next...Twlight Series? 'Tis? Girl with the Dragon Tattoo Trilogy? Baby Proof? And the list goes on and on...

Cooked...
I have this increasing passion for cooking, and I love making food for others! It makes me so happy to make something for someone else (my husband, my colleagues, my friends, my family, my students...), and to see them happy, even just for a moment, because of something I made. Maybe I love it too because I can control this small aspect of my life, while so much else changes, for better and for worse. Here's a few things I've tried this week...
Baked Potato Soup
Caramel Apple Cheescake Bars
Pumpkin Cupcakes with Salted Caramel Frosting

And a few things I am trying this week...
Ranch House Crock Pot Pork Chops with Parmesan Mashed Potatoes
Roasted Lemon Garlic Shrimp
Pumpkin Scones

Relaxed... 
Or I might say, sat on the couch, watched TV, and added to my new addiction pinterest? I love love love this new website, that connects to other websites, blogs, etc. of fabulous and delicious ideas.

Which brings me to my final bit of Fall Break, relaxing with Chris while watching "Julie & Julia"and eating a dessert of caramel apple cheesecake bars, pumpkin cupcake with salted caramel frosting, and apple cider. Every time I watch this movie, I just about want to cry. I may have written about this before, but I love Julie's blog, Julia's funny phrases, Paris, and the story about two women lost in their lives, who finally find their way because of cooking for others. It's just a movie that leaves you feeling happy and ready to bake soon...What a lovely break it has been!

View from Mrs. Valentas

 Can't believe this wonderful summer is coming to an end. It truly has been wonderful - productive, relaxing, fun, and full of memories with people I love. I don't want it to end, on one hand, but I am also looking forward to a new year full of new opportunities, challenges, and surprises.

Our vacation to Hawaii was incredible, and now I want to go back so badly!It was great to just be with Chris and spend time with him. We were able to see so much there, thanks to the kindness and hospitality of Janae, JD, and our three sweet nieces! We enjoyed the Dole Plantation, the Swap Meet, several beautiful beaches, Pearl Harbor, and lots of pineapple and coconut, among so many other things. I was so sad to leave such a beautiful place!

1. Finish reading Harry Potter, among at least 5 other books.
I finished reading Harry Potter last time I wrote, but I've also been working my way through some Emily Griffin books and The Hunger Games trilogy. I'm also rereading The Help, which I first read last summer. It is one of my very most favorite books, second only to To Kill a Mockingbird. The movie came out this summer, and I was so excited to see it, that I saw it twice the day it came out, once with Mom, Emily, and Aunt Jayne, and then once with all my awesome colleagues. What an incredible story...If you haven't read it, READ IT! I would say this has been a goal that has been met this summer. :)

2. Get healthier with eating and exercise, and be within a healthy BMI.
Though I didn't meet the weight and size goals maybe that I wished for, I am happier and healthier with myself. Now I just need to keep it up with running and exercising on a regular basis.

3. Reorganize and purge my classroom.
Did this last time too...YAY! A new place to start off on a new foot...

4. Paint trim of the house, and maybe a new roof?
We started the process and have the paint, but DANG! It has been way too hot to do anything more. We did get a new roof  this week, and it looks lovely!

5. Find a church "home".
Our favorite place is still Journey, and where we'll continue to go this year. 

6. Pay off all credit cards... YIKES!
I think this one will be accomplished at the end of this month. What a great feeling that will be!

7. Catch up with our photo albums and framing memories.
Haven't completed all of these projects, but I am glad that I was able to get several done.

8. Reorganize and purge our house.
Yes siree! Again, didn't get all those projects on my list done, but I think I am okay with that.

9. Spend time with people I love every week.
This was a really wonderful part of the summer that I miss out on during the busy busy school year.  I'll still spend time with my loved ones as much as I can though!

10. RELAX!

Biggest goal that I have met, and probably needed to as well. I have tried to remember this summer was not just about accomplishing a to do list. I have been able to spend more time than ever relaxing. Very thankful for this summer!

I have high hopes for this year ahead, and of course another set of school year goals, but for now, I'll remember how this summer has been so refreshing! I must keep reminding myself that though I did not accomplish every single little "to do", it was a very successful summer in so many ways. I've had my challenges, but right now, life is GOOD! :) Here's to the end of an awesome summer!

Voyage of Summer

It's been a few weeks since I've written, and now there's only a few weeks left of summer (wah wah...). I have been able to get quite a bit done these last few weeks, and though I have more to do, I feel that this summer I have really been able to accomplish many of my "to do's", while also getting to enjoy my time off and relax. Ahhh...summertime! :)

I just got back from a fabulous trip to Nashville for a High Schools That Work conference, and now we are heading to HAWAII! The trip to Nashville was so incredibly fun. I was able to spend time with so many awesome people that I work with...I really am SO lucky to work where I do! Many of the sessions we went to were very helpful too, and helped me realize what I might have been doing wrong, and what I can do better. I am getting excited for the new year, with a new perspective, a new room, and new leadership. I didn't want to leave I had so much fun, but now I'm back and heading to Hawaii in the morning! Woo Hoo!

Here's an update to those summer goals:
1. Finish reading Harry Potter, among at least 5 other books.

YAY! I am done with Harry Potter! What an accomplishment! :) I've also read a a few others, and hope I can read several more on our upcoming vacation. I also went to the midnight showing with some of my dearest friends. It was an experience to say the least, and so glad that we did it!

2. Get healthier with eating and exercise, and be within a healthy BMI.

I have done better than I ever have in my life, but still on loosing the lbs...But I will keep on keeping on! I am going to even exercise on our trip! Or at least that's what I plan...

3. Reorganize and purge my classroom.

Done and DONE! I have moved into my new classroom, and reorganized A TON! I guess I still have some to do, but it's definitely better than it was. And more importantly, I had some wonderful people help me, most of all Katie Lentz. What a sweet friend that I got to spend the whole day with!

4. Paint trim of the house, and maybe a new roof?
We've started sanding on the garage door area, and when we get back, we are scheduled to get a new roof! WAHOO! God works in mysterious ways indeed, and when you think something bad is happening, it is actually for the good of us. Now, if I can just remember that next time...

5. Find a church "home".
Haven't done so hot here, but hope to do better when we get back.

6. Pay off all credit cards... YIKES!
Moving on up with this one! Excited about it! We are also thinking about reading Dave Ramsey's book, or taking a class. With a family in mind for the future, and a great need to pay off that darn debt, we need to get a plan and budget going.

7. Catch up with our photo albums and framing memories.
Done a few more of these too! I love checking off my to do's!

8. Reorganize and purge our house.
I have been able to do this for the most part. It feels good to know where everything is and get rid of more stuff!

9. Spend time with people I love every week.
I've been able to really spend time with people this summer, and I am so very thankful! I can't even list everyone (good friends, teacher friends, old friends, and new friends) that I have had the chance to hang out with, but it has been wonderful.

10. RELAX!

Yup! Done this too...lots of swimming, Farmer's Market, garage sales, lunches with friends, shopping, and Sonic. And NOW...VACATION! Just back from Nashville, and now onto Hawaii and LA!

I will be kind of sad that after we get back, we only have a week or so before school, but this summer has been so wonderful for so many reasons. Summertime is just what I needed, and I hope that it prepared me for the new school year. I look forward to staying home someday and being a mom, but this time of year refreshes why I love teaching. New school supplies, new school clothes, new ideas, and reconnecting with colleagues. I'll say it - I am actually looking forward to starting school this year! :)

Victories of Summer!

Well, with the first month of summer sadly coming to an end, I thought I would write a little update on my 10 Goals for the Summer (or whatever I called them before). Been a pretty good month actually, and I still have July and most of August! Woo HOO!


1. Finish reading Harry Potter, among at least 5 other books.
Well, I finished HP6, and am halfway through HP7. I am very determined to get through it this weekend or soon thereafter, so I can watch the movies again and be prepared for July 15th! Also there are a ton of other books on my list to read (some which show that I am really behind in the land of reading...) like: The Girl with the Dragonfly Tattoo (and the sequels), Hunger Games Trilogy, Heart of the Matter, Poisonwood Bible, reread The Help, and probably a bagillion more...GAH! Not enough summer left!!!


2. Get healthier with eating and exercise, and be within a healthy BMI.
The past two weeks I have exercised more than I ever have in my entire life (almost everyday...only skipped one day), but still seeing no actual weight change. I am feeling stronger and slimmer, but not sure if it is actually happening, especially considering a student asked me if I was pregnant last week...AWESOME! So, I must continue, and even plan on going on a jog before we head to Kearney  for the 4th tomorrow morning. UGH!


3. Reorganize and purge my classroom.
Welp, I will be doing this for sure, because I will be moving classrooms for next school year. Kinda bummed about it, but such is life. Haven't worked too much in my classroom, thought I REALLY need to, but plan on it next week for sure.


4. Paint trim of the house, and maybe a new roof?
It looks like I will be getting my "wish"! Just after the last post with these goals, we had a BIG storm with straight-line winds, hail, and possibly a downburst. Made a tree fall happily between our two cars with minimal damage, and two feet from our house, but landing on our electrical line. It was pretty scary, but luckily, we get a new roof out of the deal! We've been saving for one, and now we can get it for sure! God works in mysterious ways....


5. Find a church "home".
Journey church has continued to be just what we're looking for, or so it seems. We will be continuing to go there this summer, and this just might be our first church "home" together. 


6. Pay off all credit cards... YIKES!
Heading that way, and boy, does it feel good! I think we'll meet this goal at the end of this summer! And more debt paid off = closer to the time when we can have a baby Valentas!




7. Catch up with our photo albums and framing memories.
Doing pretty good here too! Finally reframed my bridal portrait I broke the glass out of the day before we got married, and framed two pictures we got in NYC. I also made one of the many albums that have been on my list for quite some time now...Hooray!


8. Reorganize and purge our house.
Haven't done much of this, but there is still time. I am going to hit the ground running after the holiday weekend...Oh! But I forgot! We did have a garage sale which I deemed as a pretty great success. So I guess I am doing good here too, but still much to do!


9. Spend time with people I love every week.

Ohhhh...This one has been extra taken care of, and I am so glad. I've gotten to see the Buller family,  Jennie & Hazel, Aunt Jayne, Matt, & Greyson, Heather & Randi, my English peeps - Liz, Kendal, Gayle, Laurie, Shayna, Harper, Jen, Katie, Shannon, Beth, Jessica, and Heather (not English, but still AWESOME! Plus other colleagues), not to mention all the times I've been able to spend with my nearest and dearest friends from college and before, as well as my sweet family. I still have some good people to catch up with, but I've had such a wonderful time with these people and others, and I am so so so thankful for this time to be with them.


10. RELAX!
Yup! Done this by reading, napping, gardening, swimming at least 2x per week, going to the Farmer's Market, and in other ways too. Now summer school is over, I am super pumped to be able to SLEEP IN! OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG...YAY! :)

Vacant & Veracious

Well, hello again FINALLY! Geez! It certainly has been quite a few MONTHS since I have written! I guess it is an indicator as to what the past 4 months has brought: some serious snow days, first babies born to our friend group, long long long work days, lots of yardwork with great rewards, many evening 5K jogs, weddings, engagements, Tigerpalooza dancing, tons of IEPs, the Red Bud Classic 5K, OKC Memorial Relay, NHS Prom, house projects that were accomplished, EOIs, serious family medical issues, an almost rapture, Chris traveling, graduation for my first year kiddos, saying goodbye to a good friend and colleague, shopping trip to Kansas City, start of summer school, and a lot of summertime activities already like Summer Breeze concerts, swimming, snocones, grilling out, Farmer's Market, and movies! Whew! Quite a lot happening around here, I guess.

So out of all of that (fun) craziness, I am so thankful for summertime. I titled this blog "Vacant & Veracious" because my hope is that I can be these two things this summer, "unoccupied and free" and "truthful and honest". I get kind of worked up about my "to do" lists, and want to get the items checked off, but also I want to fully enjoy summer with relaxing. Summer to me is two fold: time to get stuff accomplished and time to unwind. So in with keeping my 5 Hopes for 2011 in mind, I have made yet another list some things I'd like to accomplish this summer, some silly and some serious. Here they are:


1. Finish reading Harry Potter, among at least 5 other books.
2. Get healthier with eating and exercise, and be within a healthy BMI.
3. Reorganize and purge my classroom.
4. Paint trim of the house, and maybe a new roof?
5. Find a church "home".
6. Pay off all credit cards... YIKES!
7. Catch up with our photo albums and framing memories.
8. Reorganize and purge our house.
9. Spend time with people I love every week.
10. RELAX!

Maybe I'll write again soon, and update on this list...or write about food...of write about vacations...or whatever comes to mind!

V = 5 Lessons from 2010 and 5 Hopes for 2011

A new year and a new blog! A little later than I had hoped to write my first blog for this year, but oh well! :) In years past, when I've only had my journal to write in, I always reflect on the last year and think about what I want to accomplish in the new year. I always write in my journal at this time of year, as many other people may do, and often make lists of different things, so that is what I will do here. 

I feel like I've learned a lot this year, about myself, about people, and about life in general. But I am also realizing that the older I get the less I really know. Here are five things that have really rang true to me this year:

1. The best investment in life are people. 

Being around those that I love is the best way I can think to my spend time. People are my hobby. After I am done spending time helping people, hanging out with people, or talking with people, I feel so much better about all of my worries. I remember my Grandma Re loving this too, and her saying that she thought it was so sad that she wouldn't be able to meet all of the wonderful people in the world. I've thought about this many times this year, and I now can understand what she was saying. At school, I love that I have lunch and planning together in the middle of the day because it allows me to reconnect with my friends, and especially on challenging days, I find that I really need this support. And my job is exactly this: investing in people. Despite my many days of continuous frustration, I do believe in the end that through my job I AM making a difference in these children's lives. I am very thankful that I am able to be in a occupation that allows me to do this too.

2. Everyone deserves common decencies.

I strongly believe this, no matter how annoying or irritating someone can be, they deserve kindness and someone to try to understand them. The kids I teach often have tough home lives, and therefore may not know how to really talk to others or give and show respect. Again, I feel this is part of my job. I also believe, and something I try to model and practice everyday, is that no matter what is happening in my life, I cannot allow that to effect how I treat others. There have been times this year with people I truly care about who are having hard times, but then they act out their frustrations on those that care about them the most. It's the opposite of what you would expect them to do, but alas, it is what they do. 

3. Take every chance you have to make memories with those that you love and that love you.

No matter what it costs financially or emotionally or logistically, I always try do whatever I can to make memories with those that I love. And thinking back about the past 10 years or so of my life, I am so glad that I have lived by this. I've been able to travel and do many "once in a lifetime" things, and wouldn't have done it any other way. I have had a wonderful life so far, and have had the opportunity to do so much already. I can't wait to see what the next 10 year bring - probably many more adventures! 

4. Taking time for myself makes me a much happier - and nicer - person to be around!

Yep, this is totally true. Though I have much to learn in this area, I feel I have grown in understanding the importance of alone time and doing taking time for me, whether it be sitting on the couch, reading a book, taking a walk/jog, or cooking, it helps me refocus and rejuvenate for what's next.

5. Domestic life = MY DREAM! 

We've lived in our house for about a year and a half now, and I find myself truly enjoying those simple things about life, that may be characterized as "domestic". I love having a garden and working in the yard, cooking dinner and baking, making our house a home, cleaning and organizing, and crafting. Oh how I love crafting! And as I see some of my beautiful friends have babies of their own, it reminds me of how much I've always wanted to be a mom, a stay-at-home-mom. I hope that will come sometime soon for me, but I still have a few "ventures" that I want to partake in first. :)

So though these things might not be life-changing for most, to me these are big things I've learned this year. And I am so glad I did.

Now, here are the things that I hope to try to do better or accomplish in this next year. 

1. Lose weight and get healthier!

I am planning on running a 5K leg in the OKC Memorial Marathon relay in May. I have NEVER EVER been a runner, but I am learning how to enjoy it! In the past year, I have also noticed more and more the foods and activities that make me feel awful, and that I need to stay away from them. I have a certain weight and size in my head that I want to be, but really what's important is that I continue to eat healthier and exercise regularly. And when I do that, I feel so much better about me, and that is really my goal.

2. Become a tougher cookie at school.

My frustrations this year have mostly centered around this; I am a third year teacher but find myself making the same 1st year teacher mistakes. And that is SO totally frustrating to me! I don't enjoy being mean to kids or getting on to them when they're doing something wrong, and I think I'm doing them a favor by "slapping them on the wrist" by giving them "a talking to" and giving them "one more chance", but I realize that I give too many chances, and then they learn they can walk all over me! ARGH! So, I am doing better, but I must continue to use those Super Nanny rules: warning 1st, then follow through with punishment. Let that be my mantra when a student starts to push the limits....

3. Do more things I love!

 I work hard, so I must learn to play hard too...I want to do more things I love, like I did today on a "snow day" - sleep, read, watch Rachel Ray, upload pictures, dinner with friends, grocery shopping, and write this blog. Maybe I should have vacuumed, cleaned, or done work for school, but I did not, I just enjoyed my day. :)

4. Money = pay off debt, save more, spend less

If I want to be a stay-at-home-mom, I really need to do this! So here's to another year of getting rid of all that darn debt! I hope to get a job of some sort this summer, and maybe even get to tutor. We'll see what happens...

5. Spend more time with people I love.

Though I called people my "hobby" earlier, there are still many people I don't see often enough or spend enough time with. So I want to do that more. And continue taking every moment I can to make memories with them.

Well, goodness, that was a lot to say! If you read this whole thing, thank you! Now I'm off to bed! Goodnight dear friends!