Try a Little Tenderness

One of my all time favorite songs has been everywhere recently.

 I am so excited about this.

Otis Redding sang with the perfect amount of soul, swag and sass. This song moves through me and my body moves with it. Its like I have no other choice but to dance to this song.

It's instinctive.

It's natural.

Recently it has been danced to on So You Think You Can Dance

 featured on Glee

and NOW

Kanye and Jay-Z are incorporating it into their new single "Otis"

So push play and dance with me.

The Secret's Out

The thing is...we all have secrets. 

Today I had cookie dough for breakfast AND lunch

I have to put lotion on my hands after I wash them

I cry every time I watch "surprise homecomings"

When running I picture myself on stage as a superstar as motivation

When driving sometimes I imagine myself driving in a different state.

but the truth is I've been keeping a big secret from you all..

I got a JOB!

I accepted the offer two months ago but I didn't sign the contract until last week. I am now the latest and greatest 5th grade MATH teacher. As many of you might know, Texas went through some major budget cuts this past year and as a result many excellent teachers were let go based on the number of years that were taught and not based on performance. I was (along with many of my friends)  let go because of that. In the beginning, the search for a new job seemed to be a mission impossible. Principals were getting so many emails from the unemployed that I am certain mine were never opened! 

The support from my staff, parents and students many times left me speechless. Students rallied to host a bake sale in hopes to raise enough money for me to stay. When my principal informed them of the minimum money they needed my poor little students heads dropped in defeat. But it was all the kind words, notes and gifts kept me going. 

 I was humbled by the process of the whole job search. The unknown is an uncomfortable place to be in. God really did some amazing works in me these past couple months...but am I really surprised by that? I am in awe of his timing and the path his light is leading me down. After months of silence I went on several interviews at once. I loved every one of them, but there was this one school that tugged at my heart a little stronger. They offered me the job as I pulled from the parking lot and I needed no time to think. I accepted right away. 

Even though it was a math position I felt it was right where I needed to be. 

Since then I was offered my old job back along with other science positions. Here's the thing... I love science. I absolutely LOVE science. Yes. I might be a little bummed that I'm not teaching it next year

BUT

my PASSION is teaching. 

and as long as I am still doing that...

I have a great life. 

:)

binders

Fun Fact...

I LOVE school supplies. 

Like more than normal people.

If I had to be locked in a building for the rest of my life and restaurants were not an option I would choose an office supply store.  I love markers, crayons, binders, tape dispensers, writing pads, academic calendars, whiteboards, colorful paper, big jumbo erasers, composition notebooks, correction tape, desk chairs, desk organization, desks in general!

I. love. it. all.

Which is why today was a good day.

Happy Weekend

Boy and I are off to the farm this weekend for some family fun! 

Have a safe holiday weekend readers

{doesnt my bf make ear surgery look hot?}

Oh and the South Carolina Gamecocks won the College World Series.....

Back to Back titles.

Good Job boys!

Wedding Hankie

This past weekend was the first Tiny Dancer Wedding! I have been close friends with this close group of girls since middle school. In high school we all made the dance team hence the name, Tiny Dancers. In order to bond us even closer together I started a new tradition that will be passed around for years to come.

Announcing the Wedding Hankie. 

I found this vintage (and gorgeous) handkerchief at a local store and embroidered the Bride and Grooms name and wedding date (in their wedding colors). I presented it to the bride at the bridal luncheon with all the Tiny Dancers present. The bride was instructed to pin it under her wedding dress and then pass it along to the next Tiny Dancer at her wedding with the next wedding date embroidered. In the end all of the Tiny Dancers will have carried the hankie on her wedding day with everyones names/dates embroidered. The sentiment brought tiny little tiny dancer tears to the corners of our eyes but it was our mothers who couldn't keep it together.

Who gets it in the end?

Our plan is to force all of our children to become friends and it will then be passed along to the first of our daughters to carry on her wedding day. 

Do you have traditions among your group of friends?

New love of my life

You know what else Im really in to? 

Cheese Fries. 

I cant get enough. Last night I dreamt about eating cheese fries. 

I have written a little note to my current and long term love, the cheeseburger. 

Dear Cheeseburgers,

I know it was love at first taste between us. 

You are one I look forward to seeing everyday. 

I miss you during days apart.  

You know I will always love you

but

 If I were you I'd watch out.

You might quickly be replaced by these 

cheesy

 melt in your mouth

 pretty please

 with bacon on top 

pommes frites

In order to stay number one on my list..try adding bacon to your party. It might help. 

xoxo

la beast

Baseball

Ive been trying to like the sport of baseball for YEARS. I mean.... I like the idea of baseball. Going to the ballpark, eating peanuts, and socializing with friends. I even like little boys in baseball uniforms and will DEFINITELY force my athletic tykes to jump on that bandwagon... but as for the sport itself...well it just bores me. It can go hours without a score. It takes fortyleven years for a play to even happen!

Each summer I say to myself  "By the end of the summer you WILL be a baseball fan". Disappointment annually sets in as I pass another season not an becoming avid fan.

Well. Its finally happened.

Im really in to baseball at the moment. Like really in to it.

I will credit my new found love of the game solely to my sport-loving and recent surgery victim boyfriend of mine. Last week he was bed ridden, post-op, and the only option was the College World Series. I was not initially excited for a week of only baseball games but it helps to have a boyfriend who has the answers to all my questions and knows all the stats and information of almost every team and every player.

This College World Series isn't just any old College World Series for boyfriend. His alma mater, University of South Carolina, entered into the series to defend the title they won last year. And they've made it to the finals again this year. Last night was game 1 of the 3 game series against Florida. I was on the edge of my seat- something new for la beast. So thank you Gamecocks and thank you boy for igniting my new love of baseball.

Lets GO COCKS!! (sorry la gentleman)

Sayonara

Friends,

I am no longer an Austinite.

This post has taken me several weeks to write due to denial. The 2.5 years I was there were the most important years of my 25 this far. I moved there alone to start a new life. I learned to navigate a new city, make new friends when I knew no one, start my first job, and most importantly rely solely on Him to develop, create and guide me to be the independent young woman I am today. The personal growth during my time there is incomparable.

I had fun as a single 20 something bolting around the greatest city in the world conquering life as it was thrown at me each day. Austin taught me to live and for that I will always be thankful. I will miss my wonderful job, the family I made, my church, town lake and all of the live music :)

What's that saying? With every closed door another one opens? The story may be closing in Austin for now but I couldn't be happier to see what this next chapter brings me. I mean.... Gods involved so it's gotta be good right?! I'm back in Dallas and now close to family, friends and of course boy. :) AND pearl girl will be my little slice of Austin here in Dallas.

As sentimental as I am, I'm just as excited to share my new adventures with you! But for now heres a tribute to my time in Austin

x

labeast

Frames

What's better than cheeseburgers and James Morrison combined?

Having time to do art projects!

For this project you will need

• a cheap frame 
• screening (this is the kind i used)
• scissors
• staple gun

Step 1: Find a frame. I found my frames at goodwill for under 2 bucks a piece

Step 2: Place the frame on the screening to use as a template. Cut around the frame leaving about an inch or so on all four sides

Step 3: Use the staple gun to attach the screening to the inside of the frame. Start with all four corners. Make sure to PULL TIGHT when stapling.

Step 4: Cut off the extra screen.

Step 5: Hang on the wall

Now your jewelry is a piece of art :)

Oh. hello.

Remember me? 

my extended absence might not have affected you as much as it has me but i've been dying to get back to blogger. i have so much to tell you, friends! 

stay tuned....

10 days

Im alive!!!

{barely}

In the next 10 days I will be

- throwing an awards ceremony

- packing up my classroom

-grading projects and final exams

- packing up my house

-attending a bridal shower

- turning 25

-attending an engagement party

- going on 2 interviews (hopefully more)

-applying for jobs

-writing a maid of honor speech

-giving a maid of honor speech

-attending my best friends wedding

-moving back to dallas 

-working out?

Needless to say I wont be back on blogger until June. But while you are waiting for my return here is a quick glance at my last weekend/birthday celebration in Austin.

My friends threw me a lovely picnic at the park with all of my favorite things and even surprised me with the sassy shoes I had been wanting! 

But the best surprise of the weekend was Ms Lindsey Brown showing up on my front doorstep 2 months early from LIBERIA. I pounced on her. I am going to miss these lovelies. 

xx

Birthday Brother

Happy 23rd Little Brother!

I think the best birthday gift I could ever give you is an apology....for being the terrible older sister. So here it goes.

Im sorry for.....

• not letting you hang out with me when you wanted to
• forcing you to dress up when we were little
• forcing you to be my student while I played teacher
• always crying on your birthday and throwing a fit because your birthday happend first even though I am older
• giving you a box of cotton for christmas and then laughing at you
• getting PISSED because you gave me a box of cotton the next year
• yelling "FIRE GET OUT OF THE HOUSE" while you were in the shower and then locking you in the bathroom on April Fools.

Despite all of those things...you know I love you right? and Im so STINKIN excited to see you this weekend!!

Love, 

Your terrible big sis

CJ de Mayo

This past weekend we had a fiesta to raise money for my friend CJ's mission trip. 

God showed up. It was AWESOME.

But we also played fun games including one of Laurel's all time faves... watch below

and she ASKED to play this game. 

If you don't believe God answers prayers...Ask me about what happened at CJ de Mayo :) :)

does this count as a picture post?

I dont take pictures of myself very often. But when I do they look a lot like this....

so thats why, blog friends, there has been a lack of picture posts recently. 

Ill try to be more photogenic in the future :) and not take a picture when abby is driving with the windows down on our way back from a concert on a school night

Happy Weekend!

Easter Weekend

some photos to recap my weekend away...

and since i've decided to stop documenting my life with actual photos i have stolen all of these from {weheartit}

This past weekend was the first time in a long time where I actually felt relaxed and rested. I indulged in steaks grilled by my fathers hand, a nap that lasted all day Friday, 2 bike rides around the lake with boy, grading papers, painting my new room and celebrating the greatest day in history exalting and worshiping Him. 

Hope your Easter weekend was blessed.

Meet in the Middle

{photo credit}

living three hours away from my handsome man can turn me in to a whiny baby.

i know its unreasonable to think i could spend every weekend with him but... 

i want to!

i should be using the weekends away to get things done or explore Austin while I still live here-

 but all i want to do is wrap up in his arms. 

this past weekend was no different. 

while i whined and pouted friday AND saturday night, boy graciously offered to treat me to a meet in the middle. 

so sunday, i met him in the middle, middle of nowhere. 

there's not much between Austin and Dallas except the bustling metropolitan of Waco, Texas. 

it's not our first MITM in this dismal city but boy knows how to make it romantic each time.

but even so, those dimples and blue eyes of his are worth the drive. 

boy, thanks for being patient with me 

i love our meet in the middles

Today I am...

feeling completely discouraged...

.....if honesty is what Im supposed to put on this thing.

governor rick perry has taught me that hard work, dedication and love of your job gets you laid off. 

he also has taught me that if you've been there for 20 years and sit at your desk while the kids do their 69th worksheet of the week and its only tuesday...you get to keep your job.

cool.

countless hours have been spent on this overwhelming job search and of course there has been nothing even close to a response.

 schools are getting so many emails a day they cant even open them all.

so I need to come up with a catchy email subject title so that principals will just OPEN my email. 

For example:

"Let me tell you why you should HIRE ME!"

"If you don't open this email you're students won't learn anything or will hate you for not hiring me!"

"Parents and students agree Hire Ms Terry!"

"IM NOT DESPERATE!"

"This is God...Hire Ms Terry"

"{insert a subject title that would get you to open the email here}"

Any suggestions?

Im not on American Idol but sometimes life feels like it

Remember that Thursday I was sitting on my hammock with roommate pretending we didn't have a care in the world? Well....actually we did. In fact, we had a HUGE care.

All day I felt like I was a contestant on American Idol. The anxiety they must feel the day they perform, perfecting their song selection and practicing it repeatedly. Preparing their mind and body for the roller coaster they are about to jump on knowing full well that the possibility of elimination lurks in the distance. They must ask themselves.."How did I do today? Did the judges like me? Will America like me? Am I safe from elimination tomorrow night?"

Monday that week I received an email from my boss aka principal to schedule an individual meeting with him after school Friday. In any normal circumstance this would not be alarming. I would actually be excited to meet with him hoping he'd give positive feedback or constructive criticism or some communication that would enable me to grow to be a better teacher. But this was not a normal circumstance, and actually, things haven't been normal for months in my world.

The state gives the schools money, but guess what...the state is short 10 BILLION dollars this year, which means schools statewide will be making budget cuts. And unfortunately those cuts include qualified, great at what they do, compassionate teachers.

So while roommate and I rocked in our hammock and watched the world pass by, our world as we knew it had possibilities of a scary, frightening change. I laid there asking myself "How have I done this year? How does my data look?  Does my principal approve?  Am I safe from elimination tomorrow night?
But in reality, I have performed exceptionally well this year, my data looks great, my principal approves but I was not safe from elimination and neither was Abby.

Because of the type of contract we hold  as 2nd year teachers in the district (not because of how well we do) we were laid off along with 280 other teachers that hold the same type of contract. Ill tell you this...its a weird feeling, to lose the job you love knowing you couldn't have done anything else to change it. I didnt cry when I was with him in the office. I knew it was just as hard for him and that he didn't want to let me go. I know that if/when he can he would hire me back in a heartbeat but I prepared myself for it. I didnt really have much to say either. I just nodded my head and excused myself from the meeting. Immediately after exiting his office I see an unknowing parent waiting for me in the hallway.

"Ms Terry! Ms Terry, Hello. Ive been looking for you"

Raw and overwhelmed I smile and nod "Hi, how are you?"

"Really well actually" she points to her son and my student standing beside her.

"I just wanted to thank you for being such an incredible teacher to my son. He had a terrible 5th grade year, didnt really enjoy science, and now he is loving school thanks to you. So I just wanted you to know"

I look at her son smiling up at me and I lost it. I mean...the UGLY cry! Where your face scrunches up and your eyes dont open no matter how hard you try. I know you know what Im talking about. We've all had one. Abby and the other teachers see the paperwork in my hand and immediately comfort, console and whisk me away from the parent and her son.

I will never forget that the first thing I heard after being laid off was a parent who praised me for changing her sons vision about school. And no matter how low I feel and how hard it is going to be to find a teaching job in the state of Texas, I have to keep trying....for students like that... I have to keep going.

:::UPDATE::::

Since being laid off 2 weeks ago I have been overwhelmed with love from parents, teachers and students at my school. The students are especially loving. After hearing the news, my students organized a bake sale to raise money so I could keep my position! Once learning that they would need to raise $55,000 they still wanted to continue with the sale in hopes of donating all the profits to the school. A paper petition was started by my students from last year as well as a facebook group to keep me around. I am so lucky to have such caring students!

"For I hold you by your right hand- I, the Lord your God" 

Isaiah 41:13

today

today roommate and i sat ourselves in a hammock. i read. i dreamt. i laughed. i tied roommate's shoe to the hammock and i cherished every moment.

because today is perfect.

today i am blessed.

"So don't worry about tomorrow, for tomorrow will bring its own worries. Today's trouble is enough for today"

Matthew 6:34

{Isaiah 55:8-9, Matthew 6:25-34, 1Corinthians 1:25}

Its time

....time for Pearl girl's first drop top cruise of the season!

she's been classy all winter long saving up her sass, but spring has sprung my friends. and she's ready to dart around town blaring whatever she likes whenever she likes.

Because all she does is win. 

Lucky Brew

I spiced up some bottles of XX last night before bringing them over to boy's flat. Our favorite brew needed some festive gear too! We sipped on our newly named Lucky grog before joining friends on Mckinney Ave. It was a beautiful night of fun.

I found these Lucky Brew printable labels while perusing the internet. Adorable!

Happy St Patricks Day

Did you know the color for St Patricks Day used to be blue?

Ponder that one for a second. 

Can you imagine waking up this morning and picking out your blue attire for the day? Instead of coloring shamrocks as a kid you'd color...blueberries or bluebirds? Instead of green beer and brats you'd be putting back a few of your favorite blue toned brews? How would the world look today if the tradition never changed? Would I associate Ireland with the color blue? Would leprechauns liger around in their navy and gold get up? 

Thank goodness that never happened. I look better in green anyway. I will be fully embracing all things green today. Will you?

-x-

labeast

Instax

I could do this for hours
I <3 my Instax

grr

I walked to Pearl Girl after bible study Monday evening and at first sight of her my hands were instinctively thrown into the air. I turn side to side and uncontrollably mouth an inappropriate word with enough force to take the edge off but soft enough so others (and God) aren't alarmed. Next I look at my watch. Is it already April 1? Surely not. I know February went by fast but...when is April Fools Day again?

I folded my arms across my body with a huge pout as I stare at my precious Pearl. This pout was...classic. The really good kind. The kind where the bottom lip sticks out and your brow furs. I stomped in place for a second and whimpered like a 2 year old. I might have punched the air. Yeah pretty sure I punched the air. I didn't feel any better. You'd think throwing a miniature temper tantrum would alleviate all anger but.. it doesn't. Instead I just questioned my current age and resulted the spontaneous overreaction to the fact that the majority of my social interaction is in fact with eleven and twelve year olds.

I pet my poor girl and apologized for her loss. Pearl Girl lost her identity.

Her tags were stolen for the second time in 20 days. You read that right. They've been taken TWICE!
At first I wrote it off as a thief. This time I KNOW its a thief who thinks they are pulling the all time best prank ever. This thief is also more than likely age 11-14 and owns a screwdriver. It has to be....right? Theres NO WAY that randomly happens. Someone's pullin my chain. What this thief doesn't know is that chain they are pullin is tugging on an already overly stressed la beast who will pounce any second.

Both sets of plates have now been reported stolen and I have brand new shiny tags. The parking lot cameras at work will now be rifled through and the culprit WILL be found. Im sure of it.

I dont know what happened...

...I mean...I kinda do. It was Friday last week and I was trying to bolt out of work to get to Dallas. But I really needed to make this worksheet before I left. It was a copy and paste kind of worksheet making that required minor editing and font size changes. A quick "tab" here, a "shift" and "align" there and I was done-zo. I sent it to Printer 217A in the teacher lounge and proceeded to make the 130 copies for each of my lovelies. I remember standing at the copier waiting for my copies to finish with a smirk on my face. One not to big but not too small either. I was...whats the word?.... impressed with my productivity level for a Friday at 3:30pm. I skipped my warm, fresh, hand made worksheets back to my room and set them on the Handout Table waiting for grimy little hands to grab one as they came in Tuesday (this) morning.

Fast forward to this morning around 8:45 am.
"Okay class (yes- I say it like they do in the movies) would someone please raise their hand and tell me what they remember about density?"
"you need mass!" a child pipes from the back of the room
"Yeah! and volume!" responds another.

Being in an exceptionally good mood I respond, "Great! What wonderful memories you all have! Now I would like for you to look at number one on your worksheet"

It was silent. Maybe they didnt notice? Too afraid to look up I linger a little longer contemplating my reaction. Do I have to look up? Is there a way I can teach the rest of the class without looking up? Is that possible? Taylor just look up. They probably didnt even notice that it says ASS on their page. Its not like you're working with middle schoolers or anything. After much convincing I look up to a wide-eyed class with heads turning left and right as if squirrels were running from wall to wall. Each kid to afraid to laugh first, they just looked at each other instead. Finally "Jim" found humor in my mistake and the laugh he was holding in burst through his lips like a whoppie cushion. It only triggered a class-wide uproar of laughter. "Jim" reaches to the sky..
"Yes Jim?" I hesitate...
"Ummmmmm....Ms Terry.....Ours doesnt say 'mass'..."

Crap...they DID notice! Now what?!?!

Subduction Sliderz

Wondering what Ive been up to lately?

We've been demonstrating Earth's plate movement with foam pieces and making cool subduction sliders in our science journals. 

Subduction Sliderz

Here's to another week in the classroom :)

Valentines Cards

Was thiiiiiiiis close to getting the card below for boy 

but then he met mom 

{and its a lil cheesy}

so it proved to be irrelevant

But I still haven't been able to get these adorable cards off of my mind. 

You think I could make it?

Order yours here

Theres still time right?

Iceland

Thats one place Ive never thought about going. Maybe because Ive never heard anything good about it? Or maybe because I havent heard anything at all? What does it look like? What do people DO there? 

Inspired by Iceland Video from Inspired By Iceland on Vimeo.

Maybe just maybe this place is now on my list of places to explore in this lifetime. 

Who wants to join me?

Brrr

Its a big day for Pearl Girl! She gets to see snow for the first time! This .5 of an inch of snow was enough to close down schools in Austin but it wont keep me from safely {and slowly} driving north to Dallas for a birthday dinner for Mom and a weekend with Boy.

Other than today....this is what cold weather in Texas usually looks like