PAPER PLANES CONTEST

Just because I love them so and because my GIANT bold print on the last post wasn't big enough...they get their own post.

Paper Planes. Rockin tunes. New stuff.

And if thats not enough for you to swiftly move your index finger on over to itunes to buy their new EP "Talking to Space" for only $2.37 then ...

think British accents.

CONTEST

First one to buy the album and comment on their favorite song wins the contest.

I will order you a pizza and have it delivered. (I would do cheeseburgers but that might be a little difficult to deliver) I will also get you an autographed copy of the CD. And I will also get them to sexily say your name via video post in a British accent (they havent agreed to this yet but they will. right damien?) Boy followers of the Serengeti- dont be strayed. Your name in a British accent can be just as sexy.

GO GO GO! Clearly this cant be passed up!

**PS this is NOT related to M.I.A paper plane song. These are my boyzzz I met while abroad***

Today was a GRAND day

Monday couldnt have gone any better. I am completely content right now that I dont want Tuesday to come. It cant beat this day.

Here's why

1. I got to work only to find the BEST email from a parent. She also copied in the principal and assistant principal to brag. :) Here is a little snippet:

Hello, Ms. Terry--

I just wanted to write and send a very warm thank-you for making my son feel so welcome at [Middle School] his first week of school. "John" attended "X" Elementary, and so he doesn't see a lot of familiar faces in the hallways. (His elementary classmates feed into another middle school) As shy as he is, and at this crucial middle school stage, I only hoped and prayed he would meet with a warm welcome from someone like you. You really made an impression on him.

This is why I love my job. Making a difference in kids lives. Mmmmmm.

2. My students are FANTASTIC. They behave and do what they are told and are interested in learning .... this far. I know we are still in the honeymoon stage sooo I'll let you know.

3. I played the Frank Sinatra station on Pandora all day today at school and my kids didnt complain ONCE that it wasnt Lil Wayne or Miley Cyrus. They just let me pretend I live in a simplistic world as I glide across the room in my a-line skirt and cardigan dreaming of dreams and excited about love...and maybe allowing myself to do it again one day. I dunno. We'll see thats kind of asking a lot ;)

4. The weather is changing. Dont get me wrong it is still 95 F outside but its not 108 F and I can tell autumn is soon. I can't wait for crisp cool days.

5. FOOTBALL SEASON begins this weekend!

6. Sexy Mike was working today ;)

7. I get to see Traci this weekend :)

8. One year ago today I left for England. It completely changed my life. This past year was interesting. Some of it good....most of it hell. And to be honest...I would go through another year of pain and heartache to get to this fantastic feeling on the other side. It feels good to be free :)

9.PAPER PLANES EP came out on itunes at midnight. Go check them out. "Talking to Space"

They are beyond talented and good guys to boot.

10. I also got to eat Subway for lunch. It also included iced tea and SUN CHIPS (yumm) No worries. I ran 4 miles at the gym tonight so Im covered.

yeah yeah! good day! yeah yeah!

NYC

I completely forgot to post about my NYC adventures a couple weeks ago. We all had a blast. I will post soon. But for now here is a little preview :)

"La BET"

Still haven't had a cheeseburger. It has been difficult but not as hard as depriving myself of Mexican food. "La Russian" agreed so we changed it. Instead of enjoying pure pleasure once every two weeks its now once a week. That sounds right.

As of now Im going strong and "La-dorable" (my personal trainer) was pleased with me when he took my measurements the other day. In just one week of NO cheeseburgers my %body fat went down drastically which made me loose inches as well. Sweet. Now if I could just land a date with sexy Mike who works at the counter. It will happen. I just need to wink a little more. ;)

Im off to Dallas to spend some girl time with the bestie.

Have a beautiful weekend!

A TB Update

"Come, and let us return to the LORD; For He has torn, but He will heal us; He has stricken, but He will bind us up"

Hosea 6:1

Traci is still in ICU and scheduled for surgery in the morning. Pray for the doctors. Pray for TB as she begins the recovery process. Pray for my aunt and uncle, Lisa and Travis, as they begin to understand their new "normal". Pray for my cousin Lora (Traci's older sister) as she continues to be the rock for her sister and her parents. Pray for my cousin Seth (Traci's younger brother) as he tries to focus at school this week.

Just prayers all around. Please :)

Prayers Needed

Last night my dear cousin, Traci, was in a horrible accident. She is out of surgery but is paralyzed from the waist down. Pray for her recovery and for our family. Thank you.

{This is one of her stunning senior pics taken a few weeks ago}

"May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit." Romans 15:13

Sidenote: Today Jordan and I tried out a new church. We really liked it and I learned a lot. A post about that soon to come.

I have been waiting for you

All summer long I have been waiting for you. Since last May I have been watching you. Waiting and hoping until my face was blue. They wouldn't release you because you were too new. I have waited to paint my room because of you. I have waited to buy new curtains because of you. I have waited to even hang the rods because of you.

Now that you are finally here I cannot now purchase you. I cannot paint my bland room blue. To buy new curtains I cannot do. See, because NOW I cannot afford you. UGH! I am kinda mad at you.

Why did you decide to arrive, when into my classroom my monies dive? Me from your beauty why must you deprive?

Dang...without you, for now, I must survive.

Did that really just happen or was it a dream?

So remember when I was day dreaming of Paul McCartney last month?

Last night mom, dad and I bolted over to the NEW Cowboys Stadium (beautiful btw) at the chance to awe over a LEGEND. It was a perfect night. We somehow beat the traffic in and out, had to stand in minimal lines, and even found a SMALL t-shirt amongst the sea of rampaged through XL's. Originally our seats weren't all together but ended up that way. We had a perfect view of the stage and for once I didn't care that I wasn't able to sing along on the front row of a concert. I was IN THE BUILDING and that was enough for me. I wouldnt go to Paul with anyone other than my mom and dad with the exception of my clone and FFFFUN aunt Lisa who wasn't able to make it.

{These photos are horrible. They were taken with my iphone. Apologies}

Paul was beyond incredible. Nothing fancy just pure brilliance. He doesnt need the costume changes and crazy sets with pyrotechnics, his music is enough. He made me laugh, made me cry, made me relax and made me dance. Sir Paul KNOWS how to put on a show.

I tried to soak it all in. "Taylor this is what you have been yearning for...for years!" I embraced every moment and yet not enough.

I just want to talk to him, actually, listen to him. This man has been in the presence of so many inspirational, motivational and talented people in his life time. He lived through some of the most influential time periods and has experienced so much. He just fascinates me. He is intelligent and driven and can sell 80, 000 tickets to a concert over 40 years later.

I just cant believe I had the opportunity to see my favorite songs of all time performed LIVE by the mastermind himself. I am SO grateful.

This morning I drove back to Austin at 4.30 am to make it to work by 8. I am exhausted but it was ABSOLUTELY 100% worth 3 hours of sleep and 6 hours of driving to and from.

PS........

Isnt my mother beautiful? I only hope I look half as stunning as she does at her age :)

am I normal?

ok. no...on many levels. but im not talking about "is it normal to have an unhealthy craving for cheeseburgers?" or "is it normal to not have read or seen ANY movie relating to the Harry Potter royalty?" because clearly...no its not normal.

I have a little more serious of a ponder I'd like to bring to the table.

"La-dorable" took my measurements today. I have been putting off this day all summer. There is something about the concept of no daily routine that makes all previously established routines disappear as quick as left over birthday in the teachers lounge. And this routine I am talking about??? The routine of healthy eating.

Every Tuesday and Thursday at the painfully crowded gym at 530, "La-dorable" asks about my eating habits. We have friendly banter back and forth when I explain that I am not able to share due to my full awareness that his "La-dorable muscles" are quite larger and stronger than mine. Yikes! He has been wanting to take my measurements for a while now, but I keep postponing in hopes of a full week of no cheesebugers or cupcakes.

So today was the day. It was inevitable. The time has come to face reality and get back to my previously established routines of consistent eating and consistent training. The numbers werent horrible...but they werent record breaking either. I demanded "la-dorable" give me a tough work out...and I quote "I want to be sore tomorrow".

Famous last words. Might as well say "Hey could you just go ahead and dangle me from a moving vehicle, making sure I hit the ground? Thaaaanks so much!" But in all honesty, I haven't felt sore since my last workout with "Sugar Slice" in June.

So "La-dorable" busts out the work out of all time including but not limited to: squat to row, planks, push ups, lunges with shoulder press, plain shoulder press, weird side arm things, jumping on boxes and burpees. HUZZAH.

I didn't complain once and even thought I was a champ until something happened out of the norm. As I finished my last set thus completing the most strenuous workout to date, I started to.....cry. not a lot. and not by choice. I started to involuntarily....cry. I know you may think its a girl thing but I really was not sad nor mad nor was it any other girl timing mishap. I just....cried. This isn't the first time I have shed a tear after a rigorous workout.

what the heck is this? I laughed in uncomfortable awkwardness because I could not control it.

So is it normal? "La-dorable" classified it as a release. I could see that.

Anyway....thought it was interesting. More interesting than my teacher training sessions I've been in all week, but I won't bore you with another story.

Good Niiiiight. I cant wait for tomorrow!

"la BET"

I saw my adorable personal trainer today "la-dorable" and he asked me about how I did the last week with my diet.
L-a: "So how did you do this last week?"
me: "I....dont want to tell you"
L-a: "You have to tell me!"
me: "All I'll tell you is that I was on vacation since I last saw you....and it might have included lots of cheeseburgers"
L-a: "TAYLOR! how many? lots? geeeez!"
me: "it may or may not have been.....5"
L-a: almost fell over in pure shock and heart failure "Ok so what did you eat today?"

me:" I dont want to tell you"

L-a: looks at me frustratingly

me: "corn"

L-a: "what do you mean corn? like thats what you ate for lunch?"

me: "yea"

L-a: "like frozen corn"

me: "no like from a can"

L-a: "WHAT? You had corn from a can for lunch"

me: "THATS ALL I HAD!!!" I whimper. "IM SORRY IM POOR"

So with that....and the fact that my legs are comparable to an elephants trunk at the moment. I decided no more cheeseburgers.

Thats where Bjones comes in.

I tried to think of a nickname for him but he is just Bjones. Here were some considerations "la fun" "la flake" and "la stud" After a long, heated, mental debate (between "la flake" and "la stud" I decided to go with "la-first time I met him he made me a white russian and it was disgusting" aka "la white russian" or "la russian" for short.

In order to help both of our aging waistlines we have come up with an encouraging process to help us stay clear of our unhealthy vices.

"La Russian" and I have made "la BET"

1. First one to eat a cheeseburger loses

2. First one to have Mexican food MORE THAN ONCE within a two week time period...loses

IF "LA RUSSIAN" loses then he must come to Austin and country dance without writing a cheat sheet on his hand. He doesnt like to dance country. He prefers the ballet.

IF "LA BEAST" (me) loses then I have to read ALL of the Harry Potter books. Ok. those of you who know me know....I dont read. and when I do it isnt that HP nonsense. Everyone I talk to thinks I would LOVE it but quite frankly....i probably would. I just dont have the time nor do I have the desire to get trapped into a land from far far away. one with castles and wizards and magic and broomsticks. ehhhhhh...no thanks. and guess what- i wont read it because

IM NOT GOING TO LOSE. FILL UP THE TANK BJONES you got a trip to ATX soon!

Ill keep you posted.

gimme dat chicken bowl

I discovered a new tasty goodness with Pops a few months ago. But whilst attending the wedding this weekend in NYC with my "+ 1" we had a sudden craving and by golly- we caved.

we caved for our craving.

KFC chicken bowl is the sweet combination that warms my heart.

ive been blogging a lot about food. i should maybe cut back on that.

Good news/bad news depending on how you look at it.

Brian and I have a pact to no longer eat cheeseburgers.......until we cant stand it any longer.

He tried to give Mexican food up forever and I said.... HECK no! we settled on once every 2 weeks. HA! ill let you know how that goes.

So....I lied

I ate another cheeseburger....

but Jen MADE me. She said 

"They are so good, people stand in line for them...and New Yorkers don't wait around for anything"

So of course I can't pass up a cheeseburger, especially one with such grand reviews. 

We mosey-ed on over to Shake Shack and stood in line for maybe 30 minutes?? I lost track of time due to the full entertainment of people watching. 

It was quite scrumptious I must say. And the reason I love it so much was the portion size. Little burger for a little girl :)

We all know that I can eat the Texas size monstrosities they pull down South but my waistline is also becoming Texas Size. Yikes!

Then we went to Central Park and played in the city. Pictures of that will come later.

But for now

Isn't she pretty?

NO MORE CHEESEBURGERS

Confession- I had ANOTHER cheeseburger last night. Blaire and George are moving so I went to have dinner with them before they leave for Waco. I didn't pick the place but of course I'm not going to refuse a cheeseburger.

I see it as a problem that I've had four in the past week. My trainer agrees with me.

So at least for a little while....NO MORE CHEESEBURGERS.

Also I am off to NYC today to play with my dearest friends and attend the wedding of a lifetime(we're talking fan-cy!)

I am bringing my new friend Diana along to play. Should be a GREAT time!

The way a movie should be watched

Ok I had to follow that post with something a little more cheerful.

Last night I was taken to the RITZ theatre in downtown Austin. It was stinkin fantastic!

We arrive to find an enormous line all waiting to see the same move "Funny People". The boys told us to hold on a second and left Jordan and I waiting out front. A few minutes later they return poking their head out the other set of double doors (the one with out the line) and notion us to follow them SKIPPING the LINE. Once inside this old theater there is a lady waiting for us by a door with a circular window that states "Employees only". We follow her as she carries this bucket of champaign and four glasses through the kitchen to a back staircase, up 3 flights of stairs, through another theatre, into the projector room and then finally to our VIP seats in the balcony!

In the balcony were four gigantic leather RECLINING seats that extend to FULL HORIZONTAL position screaming our name. We had our own personal waiter delivering us 2 pitchers of Sangria and my 5 year old kids meal.... chicken strips (i bet you thought I was going to say cheeseburger...but I had one for lunch remember!!)

We decided our only complaint is that they should also have soft blankets waiting for you because I was FReeeeeeeeeeEEEEEZING.

It will be hard to ever watch a movie in a theatre normally again.

Movie Review: Long, hysterical, surprising. See it.

:::I need to stop working out so much:::

Blogs can easily become a show of life. “Look how great my life is!” “Look what I did today…aren’t I fun?”

And while I do believe I have a great life and really do enjoy the small things I post about, I wouldn’t be human if I didn’t have bad days. Because I believe in full honesty and am not interested in painting my life as a perfect picture it’s about time I come clean with my fellow followers.

I’m having a bad day…err days rather.

I haven’t been myself for the past week or so and my poor roommate has been getting the brunt of it all. Never having been in my position she is an angel sent to be patient and as understanding as she can be. She listens yet doesn’t take offense when I don’t want to talk about it.

This morning after a night of no sleep I find a note that helps put it all into perspective. Thanks Kelly!

“Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him and he will make your paths straight”- Proverbs 3:5-6

I wish I could control this situation that has my stomach in its own 3-ring circus or at least have a say in it but it’s not about me.

The only time I have felt at peace about this during the last week is when I dove deep into prayer. So instead of unhealthily working out 2 to 3 to 4 times a day to get my mind off of it and run off my emotions I am stating my plan as accountability.

No longer will I try to control what happens to me. It’s hard to hand over the reigns to my life but I’m not living for me I’m living because of Him and for Him.

But good things will come from this situation! I finally started writing again! It feels good. There’s nothing better for a writer than a troubled mind! I have so many ideas for this book- it’s a little overwhelming. But I think this one will be a good one. Maybe even a movie- wouldn’t that be freakin fantastic!

Thanks for reading. I appreciate you!

:::Michelle and Russell's Engagement:::

Russell took our dear friend Michelle out for a sunrise horseback ride this morning and proposed! She was then surprised with all of her family and friends to celebrate! We grilled out and stuffed our faces with all food that is bad for you...including....

HOMEMADE ice cream....which Natalie THOROUGHLY enjoyed

AND CHEESEBURGERS. and yes it was paired with quac.

Sweet Roses of Lillianne

BUT CONGRATS TO THE LUCKY COUPLE!