What’s Up Wednesday

I’m joining Mel, Shay, and Sheaffer for their What’s Up Wednesday link-up!

What we’re eating this week:

With Mike gone this is so much simpler. I have to say it is one perk about being apart. I made a whole chicken in the crockpot and am using that to make protein chicken and pasta, tacos and chicken and rice.

I also got sugar free chocolate pudding for the week because I’m going crazy at night with my sweet tooth.

What I’m Reminiscing About:

This time last year my school looked very different. We felt like we were on the cusp of real change. There was a lot of momentum for some initiatives my team and I were planning. Things have changed drastically since then and I miss my teammates that have left.

Being able to have people that get my counselor/behavior mind was a blessing I didn’t even know I needed.

What I’m Loving:

Daylight! Walking Sam is so much more enjoyable when it is light out. It is not nearly as cold in the morning and we can take our time at night. I aim to get in at least 10,000 steps and those walks are the majority of it.

What We’ve Been Up To:

This is my first full week alone at home and we (Sam and I) are settling in. I’ve tried to stay entertained by hanging out with friends and taking them in before we aren’t a short car ride away anymore.

I look forward to Mike’s calls each night telling me what he learned. The excitement in his voice is something I prayed for and I just hope this job is the blessing I anticipate it to be.

What I’m Dreading:

Starting the school year I was only the counselor to kindergarten through 5^th grade. Well the school consolidated at Christmas and now I am the only Student Support staff for all 400 students. My 8^th graders have to apply to high school, which they did with the old counselor however, we just found out about half of them need to reapply because they didn’t get in anywhere.
I know I am fully capable of applying my students but if you’ve ever worked with teenagers and their parents you know there are hurdles. Hopefully the application process with be quick and painless!

What I’m Working On:

The blog! This is a dream come true. Teaching myself WordPress frightened me but I’m proud of my progress so far.

When I told Mike about my concerns leaving counseling and moving without a job prospect he said the sweetest thing. He said he knew I would find something I enjoy, that is all me and I could be my own boss. He believes I’ll start a business and be like the women I so admire. It was just kind of him to express his belief in me. It really gave me the courage to do this.

What I’m Excited About:

The weekend! Happy hour with my favorite co workers is on Friday and there is something about people in education. They just get me. I’m ready for nonstop laughter and a couple margaritas.

What I’m watching/reading:

Big Little Lies

I am currently obsessed with Big Little Lies on HBO. I love Reese Witherspoon’s character and think she is just a talented actress. It is taking everything in me not to google the book to see the ending. I have a terrible habit of doing that. I tried to read the book but was turned off by the Amazon sample. Maybe I will try again after the series is completed.

Vanderpump Rules

Did anyone else watch Tom and Katie’s wedding? That group is a total train wreck but for some reason I can’t turn it off. And Scheana’s divorce? I feel like there is more to know there. I can’t wait for the reunion.

What I’m Listening To:

At work I always have on Pandora. My favorite stations are Florida Georgia Line and Fall Out Boy because I still love the angsty music from my teen years.

I heard a school counselor years ago say she kept a New Kids on the Block poster up in her office to reminder her of being that age. It is definitely helpful to remember the flood of emotions at that age when working with hormonal teenagers.

What I’m Wearing:

I dread getting dressed for work every morning. I am just so ready for sun dresses and jean jackets. Instead I’m wearing a lot of button ups and trousers. I have the Old Navy Pixie pants because I lost weight after the deployment and couldn’t get a bunch of new pants from Loft. Mistake. They fit horribly. I can’t wait to retire them with the good weather.

What I’m Doing This Weekend:

Girls night! Saturday my friend who is the gym teacher at my school is coming over. I am grabbing this bottle of wine I had at Mike’s new job celebration dinner. I am not a big drinker but I’ve been dying for a glass of wine.
Other than that I’m starting to purge different parts of the house. I started going through my beauty drawers and am giving away or throwing out all the make up, lotion and brushes I’ve just been hanging on to “in case”.

What I’m Looking Forward to Next Month:

Spring Break!! I can’t wait for the sun in Oklahoma and Easter with my family. It is going to be hard to come back to school after. It’s that end of the year itch.