Talk to me..

Honestly..

I LOVE WORKING WTH PEOPLE..

but there are times that I wonder if the people I talk to forgot their heads at home..

because that would be better than knowing they actually attempted to use their brains to carry on a conversation with me..

but in other news

MY LITTLE BROTHER GOT INTO THE UNIVERSITY WITH ME!!!!

AHH!!!!!!!!!!!

I'm so excited!!

What a wonderful day for him! He deserves it! 

Hope y'all haven't had to deal with any people forgetting their heads at home! & I hope that y'all have received some good news today! (even if it is not something that directly involves you)!

peace & love

-A

Those who can't do

Yesterday,my professor said the infamous quote, the one that turns me from rainbows and butterflies to furious and spitting fire... 

Now, before I tell you what it was, let me say that it was in regard to himself.. 

but the saying still makes my heart hurt.

Let me tell you..

I have had my fair share of teachers that teaching was OBVIOUSLY not their calling OR first choice 

BUT

they are the reason I went into Secondary Education, because I want future generations to have a positive learning experience.

with that being said

THERE IS NEVER A TIME OR PLACE FOR THIS QUOTE

EVER.

I wanted to stop him and ask the class, "If those who CAN'T do taught ALL OF YOU and now you are in a GRADUATE program..then we must ALL be some crazy geniuses that didn't need teachers to begin with.

Honestly, next time you think you want to say that quote, ask yourself how much you learned from some of those people that "can't do".. it will probably shock you.

Next time you think that you are better off than educators ask yourself how you got to the place you're at.. I bet one teacher motivated you, or found that special "something" and encouraged you to live out your dream...

Now don't get it twisted.. I'm not saying teacher's are perfect..there's a lot of things I can't do.. 

-I can't stand to disappoint people

-I can't handle people not living to their full potential 

-I can't understand math or science

-I can't draw or play a musical instrument 

-I can't stand to think that there are so many awful things happening in this world

-I can't listen to that music where the "singer" screams the whole time and I can't understand a word they are saying.

-I can't predict the future

-I can't go back in time

-I can't help but want to kick someone when I hear the saying that has started this whole rant..

BUT 

there are a lot of things that I CAN DO.. just as an educator

-I can be a helping hand

-I can be a listener (and maybe even a therapist from time to time)

-I can be a role model

-I can save lives

-I can show the future of this country the potential they have, and what great things they can do with it.

-I can reference the past, in order to encourage my students to make History.

-I can have the future President of the United States sit in my classroom (and when someone ask him how he became such a wonderful person, I may just be in that list of influences)

-I can be the parent someone needs (I mean, they will spend more time in school then at home)

- I can make learning fun

and dare I say it

-I CAN CHANGE THE WORLD

Now I know what you're thinking.. a lot of professions can change the world..but do all those professions work with the FUTURE generations? Do all those professions have one on one time with them (roughly) 10 months out of the year?

No?

That's what I thought.

My whole childhood my mom would tell me to find a career where I could do what I loved.

well, 

I love History

I love interacting with people

I love making people smile

I love encouraging people to be the best that they can be

I love knowing that I may just help make this world a better place from my classroom

So, when a future educator, who loves what she is about to get herself into, hears such a mean comment about her profession..

She's going to get mad..

and probably write a blog about it

If you've learned anything from this post, I hope that it's how much teachers and education influence your life.

I apologize for the rant but I had to get that all cleared up..

peace & love

-A

You gotta run the race to win the prize

Well, we have been training for 5 weeks and this past Saturday we completed our first (my second) 5k! 

The glow run was a pretty awesome experience! They had music playing and glow laps all over the course! Towards the end they had this cool tunnel thing and it was awesome!

We got really cool medals and we even finished under our target time!

Afterwards we treated ourselves to a wonderful meal at Outback 

and then I came home took a nice long shower and watched Hairspray (that's where I got the title for this post "Welcome to the 60's")

Next 5k is just a short 19 days away.. I want to be able to run this one (in honor of my Memaw) in 30 minutes so for the next 3 weeks I will be focusing on time not distance. 

Here's too it!

Running for Ruth is my motivation this Monday!

What's yours? 

I hope you do something wonderful today! Smile at a stranger! Tell someone you are thinking about them! It could be just what they need!

peace & love

-A

Hope for the hopeless

Oh. My. Goodness.

I got to check another artist off my bucket list of people to see 

and

I would go see him again tomorrow.

BRETT DENNEN

I'm obsessed with you and everything you sing about.

This man, ladies & gentlemen, is going to change the world one song at a time.

I loved him before and somehow I love him even more AFTER I saw him in concert.

He is so focused on happiness and love and not letting the negative people get you down..

WHAT A WONDERFUL WAY TO BE!

if you ever get the chance... go support this dude.. you won't regret the money you spent!

my lovely mother went with me and kept me laughing the whole night

(let's just say she is not so "hip with the times" when it comes to Brett and his music) 

if you want to see my live tweets from the concert follow me on Twitter.

I have lots more to update you on but I'll save that for tomorrow

I'm going to leave you with one of my (new) favorite Brett Dennen songs that is now on mine & D's playlist 

(yes, playlist.. we figured why have "one song" when you can have a whole list of them that remind you of each other!)

Brett Dennen - "You Make It Easy"

peace & love

-A

ALWB Blog Hop - Interview!

1. What part of the state do you call home?

Central Alabama (all over that area)

2. How long have you been blogging?

well, this blog just started but I have been on again off again for about seven years.

3. Why did you start blogging?

I want to share my story with the world. I'll never have the money or time to write a book, so this is a great place to make that happen. I enjoy the little moments in life. I also want to spread happiness and motivate people to do good things even when the world isn't so nice. 

4. What do you love most about blogging?

I love the connections you make. You get to hear people's stories and they get to hear yours and sometime along the way you realize that we're all just trying to figure life out.

5. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

I see myself teaching in Georgia. I see myself still wondering how the world really works. I see myself traveling, a lot. (and hopefully married to D).

6. What is your favorite movie?

Because I Said So. My mom is Diane Keaton and I am Mandy Moore.

7. If you could use any actress to play you in your life, who would you choose and why?

That's a hard choice either Julia Roberts, because she's America's sweetheart and I admire her work.
or
Zooey Deschanel because she's my favorite.
and
Betty White as me in my older years

8. Name the top 5 things on your bucket list.

1. Travel to Europe (including but not limited to: London, Rome, and Paris)

2. Provide my students with motivation to be the change we need in this world.

3. Open a store (probably antiques, & name it in honor of my mom's mom).

4. Work a music festival or concert (filling food bowls for artist would be just fine by me).

5.  See Jimmy Buffett on the beach somewhere.

9. Who or what inspired you to blog?

Life. There's a lot of small elements.. but I realized I wanted to a "creative outlet" so this is where I let it all go.

10. If you could be known for one thing in your life, what would it be?
Helping others/Making the world a better place (even if it's just for one person).

11. Where is your favorite place to go on vacation?
The beach

12. Describe the best moment in your life.
My first kiss. D (my boyfriend now) was actually my first kiss in the summer of 2004 at the beach. The night before, he revealed to me that he had told his Grandfather that he was going to marry me one day (again this was the night BEFORE my first kiss EVER). Then the next day we were swimming in the pool, parents all around, and he tells me to go underwater & then he kissed me. (little did he know I was the world's BIGGEST Mariah Carey fan and LOVED her "Always Be My Baby" video b/c they kiss underwater).  
It is one day that always makes me smile, even when D and I lost touch throughout our undergraduate years.

13. We’re headed to your neck of the woods for one day. What is one thing we have to do, and what restaurant we must eat at?
Well my original neck of the woods is Birmingham so.. There's a lot to do. Me? I would go downtown to Avondale Brewery. Then I would go eat at Crazy Cajuns.

14. What is a tradition you and your family have?
Christmas is really big at our house. So on Christmas Eve, even though the youngest is now 17, we make Christmas cookies, read 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, and then we all sleep in the same room for one night. It brings back some wonderful memories from my childhood, and it will be the one thing that will probably bring me home every year for Christmas Eve.

15. We all love social media, share your links so we can follow you.

right now I'm trying to figure out the divide between personal life and blog life so I'm limited to 
Twitter

Heaven can wait..

Hello again!

Well this weekend was wonderful. So wonderful that I cried like a baby watching D leave to head back to GA (stupid Chiropractor midterms!) 

I started off my weekend thinking it was going to perfect, and although my day at work was anything but..  D made it his goal to make me have a Valentine's Weekend to remember. 

Friday morning I woke up and went to the gym, got in the Bodpod, found out I have more lean muscle than fat (score!), ran 3 miles in 35 minutes (yay!) and then headed to work.

I bought Valentine's Day themed Krispy Kreme doughnuts (duh) for work and D, made cute little goodie Valentine's Day bags for my co-workers & trainer, even baked COOKIES, and decorated my dining room so when D arrived everything would be PERFECT!

My work day however, was not perfect. It was very stressful and I was very tired driving back home at 5 pm. 

BUT

When I got home this handsome face was anxiously waiting for me to arrive. 

We had the most perfect night! Yummy infused drinks at our favorite bar while we waited for a table at Five (our favorite splurge dinner). Then we came home, drank some wine, snuggled on the couch, and watched sappy movies until we both gave up and went to bed.

D also SPOILED me with love and thoughtfulness in all his gifts..

He got me these PERFECT pillowcases (the stethoscope since he is going to be a doctor) and since we are long distance. He even got his Nana to hand-stitch our names on mine because I am OBSESSED with her hand-stitching and it makes it that much more personal/sentimental. 

Then I got three BEAUTIFUL Brighton charms, the hearts (for Valentine's day) the D, and the cross bead which I LOVE.

and of course my FAVORITE flowers because he knew I wouldn't be happy with anything else but Sunflowers :)

I mean.. is he the sweetest or what? I cried like a baby just reading this card..

(& honestly this card would have been enough)

OK 

enough with the sappy lovey dovey stuff.. I'm moving on..

YESTERDAY:

We got to check another Brewery off of our list! 

Black Warrior Brewing Company 

The atmosphere and the apricot wheat is awesome!

We were joined by the lovely Southern Scripted and her boyfriend!

D and I both really love their company because 1) She's my best friend and 2) Both couples have a strange amount of things in common so there is NEVER a dull moment with all of us.

(also she gave me that ROCKING American Flag scarf)

This weekend gave me a lot to be thankful for and I have realized how blessed I truly am. 

I'm going to leave y'all with a song from one of my all time favorite bands

We The Kings - Heaven Can Wait

"Tell me you want me to stay forever, cause Heaven can wait.."

I also want to shout out to my best friend since 4th grade AM!! She finally let the world know she is having a baby in August! I admire her strength and I am so happy for her!! She is going to be an awesome momma! && now I can tell the world!! Love you girl!!

peace & love

-A

Throwback

One more night of sleep without D! I decided to throw it back to last Valentine's day.. This was a tough weekend for us.. 

We had been through so much, trying to figure out what exactly we wanted to be, I had a crazy moment (or two) but I wouldn't change any of it... 

I love this boy with my whole heart and I can't wait to have him here tomorrow!! I'm counting down the hours!!

Who's your Valentine? It doesn't have to be a significant other! It can be yourself! It can be your mom! It can be your pet! Just take tomorrow and spread the love!!! Give love to everyone tomorrow!! 

Peace & love

-A

Most folks are as happy as they make their minds up to be...

ohh hump day..

you always bring so many interesting things..

LIKE SNOW!!

(wish the snow would have shown up before my presentation today)

but it was beautiful after I was leaving the gym from my session with the trainer!

&& I stole this cute pic of D in the snow with his sister 

(they live outside of Atlanta)

isn't he the cutest snow bunny you've ever seen!?!

I hope this weather doesn't mess up our weekend plans!

In other news Ellen (my girl!) tweeted this Abraham Lincoln quote (probably because it's his birthday) and I thought it went perfectly with what I've been going through lately

"Most folks are as happy as they make their minds up to be.."

SO we need to start just deciding to be happy, no one is going to do it for us!

We have to stop looking at situations as "why me.." and "the sun is never going to shine"

BECAUSE THINGS WILL TURN AROUND!

YOU'VE GOTTA KEEP YOUR HEAD UP!

Will you do that for me? Right now? Make the decision right now to be happy! Stop counting all the things that are going wrong and start being thankful for what is going right!

For me: I've got my health, my family & friends have their health, I have a great education and I'm continuing it, I have my wonderful boyfriend, my sweet puppy, food in my refrigerator, power, running water, I have TWO jobs that I am so happy to be working.. I could go on but I'll stop!

What is going right in your life? There has to be something? Let's stop being so negative and start thinking positive! I think it will change your life :)

peace & love

-A

Gotcha!

Hey remember yesterday when I said classes were cancelled and I wouldn't have a test today..

MY UNIVERSITY LIED.

So.. just failed a test today! Yay! Starting this semester off right.. and it's with my favorite professor

(he quotes Jimmy Buffett, it must be love)

&&

Tomorrow I have a presentation in Political Science

(which is not a strong subject for me)

I'm thinking I'll start it off with some wise words from Kid President 

I don't think many of the Ph.D. students in my class would enjoy that as much as I did..

So, wish me luck!

How do you handle last minute situations? 

Humor & sarcasm seem to be my defense of choice..it usually doesn't get me too far..

I'm open to suggestions (and I know being prepared is a practical one..)

peace & love

-A

Don't let the sound of your own wheels drive you crazy..

Happy Motivational Monday! 

Today I am using the Eagles to help me out:

"Don't let the sound of your own wheel make you crazy, lighten up while you still can.."

Today at work we did anything BUT take it easy!

The Sassy Six went to the Fab Five over the weekend and we were all trying to adjust. 

but we did have a positive moment:

WE ALL GOT HEADSETS!

Do I look official or what?!

&&&

SCHOOL IS CANCELLED FOR TUESDAY!

(so no test!)

I didn't have time to think about eventful moments throughout today because well, we didn't have time to think at all..

Ever have one of those days? 

What gets you motivated  after a day so exhausting you want to go to bed at 7pm?

Today mine was "Take it Easy" and reminding myself that we may lose & we may win..but we will never be here again..

So I just need to take it easy and enjoy what I've got going on right now 

(even though it's hectic)

I hope y'all had a wonderful (manic) monday!

-peace & love

-A

Ain't it fun..

Hello!

I started my AM off with waking up early, on the day I could sleep in, but that's ok because I got to watch "You've Got Mail" with my Ma!

It's one of our favorites, and we can watch it 1,000 times and we always come up with a new reason why Tom Hanks says something when he sees Meg Ryan..

& I cry every time they start playing "Somewhere Over The Rainbow" and he yells for Brinkley and Meg Ryan's face lights up..

then I went and got my nails done at the best place in Birmingham!

(Luxury Nails)

& after my little pampering for Valentine's Day I came back to my school and went to see a VERY hilarious movie with my girl Autumn 

This movie was so funny! At one point I had tears! Plus it didn't hurt that my boyfriend, Zac Efron, was in it! 

If you need a good, sometimes inappropriate, giggle.. I recommend going to watch this movie!

Then after I left the movie, tummy filled with popcorn and chocolate covered raisins.. I went to the grocery store..

& every time I go to buy groceries I always wonder how ONE PERSON can spend SO MUCH.

But I'm hoping that this trip will last me two weeks, and then I won't be so upset! 

On my way home this song popped into my head, as I'm getting angry about all the hard earned money I just dropped on "healthy" food.

Paramore - Ain't It Fun

"don't go cryin to your momma, cause you're on your own in the real world.."

Your whole life you just can't wait to grow up and be independent..then once it happens you wish you could go back to the days you didn't have to worry about bills.. 

I call it the nap theory.

(you hate them when you are required to take them, and love them when you never have time to take one)

How was your day of rest? Did you treat yourself? 

 I hope so!

Fingers crossed that tomorrow goes better than last Monday!

peace & love

-A

Put one foot in front of the other..

Well.. I survived a two mile run..that wasn't on a treadmill..

I'm not proud of my time.. But it's faster than sitting on the couch eating unwrapped starburst(yum)! 

However, I'm not going to focus on time because honestly it's not why I'm running.

I've found this new love in running. It may be because of the scenery, or my playlist, or my new workout gear.. But I think it's the fact that I know I'm going to be running for a good reason here in the next few months.

As I mentioned yesterday, I'm running in two weeks for an organization that I used to be involved with and I absolutely adore everything about. Then in March I will be running for Brain Disorders with my mom at the beach(major plus).. Which hits super close to home. (My mom's mom had brain tumors and after her second surgery for removal she was never the same, she's the one that passed away last year) So I almost feel like I've got my own running buddy.. 

While running I get to sort through my troubles and my joys and my to-do's.. And sometimes I bend God's ear or even ask him to hand the phone to my Memaw..

Dare I say it.. I actually enjoy my time running.. 

So, what gets you going?

It doesn't have to be EXCERCISE. It could be just getting you out of the bed..

Is it someone you look up to? A goal you have? That new album that your favorite band just put out?

Right now mine would be my memaw, wanting to complete a 5k without walking, and my playlist (which includes lots of P!nk, Macklemore & Ryan Lewis, We The Kings, A Rocket to The Moon, & many many more) 

Talk to me! Let me know! I'm also always up for new music suggestions! 

Hope you've had a wonderful Saturday!

peace & love

-A

Frantic Friday

FRIDAY!!

I made it to the end of this week.. Every morning I dealt with this..

because Autumn and I are going to run this...

in TWO WEEKS...

(it helps that it benefits a local organization that we both are involved with and love!)

and we have been training for four complete weeks now..

I'm so ready to just sleep in..

I work two jobs.. Customer Service Rep by day and Server by Friday/Saturday night..

andddd I'm a full time Grad Student.

let's just say.. I don't have a weekend, life, or any sanity left..

but tonight at the restaurant was AWESOME.

Awesome vibe and even awesome people.

SO I decided to treat myself...

(note: I am a big believer in treating yourself..so you'll see more of this!)

I hope y'all have had a wonderful end to your work week and have great plans for the weekend!

I'll be working.. and running..and then heading back to college life..

until next time..

peace & love

-A

Making it to the pearly gates..

So today was much better than the rest this week..

First, I started the day off with me picking out this outfit..
(and I'm not much on fashion so.. I'm pretty proud of it)

and then once I got to work things were pretty normal, answering phones, and all that jazz that goes with being a Customer Service Rep.

and then this WONDERFUL man walked into the office..

I know what you're thinking..

"Anna, whoa, you totally just said like two post ago that you're in the best relationship" 

& you're right, you dedicated reader you! 

but this man was no average man.

He is a veteran.

He flew planes in WWII.

He survived D-Day, multiple attacks, and even a plane crash.

He will be 90 this summer.

and I am OBSESSED with him.

Fun fact:

Being the History nerd that I am, and being that I just received my degree in History this past spring, for graduation I got a weekend trip to D.C. (aka History holy ground for me).

& I died when I saw all the WWII vets at their BEAUTIFUL memorial!

However, I had to fight the urge to go and talk to all of them because they probably know much more than I ever will about the Second World War.

BUT today--My dreams were fulfilled and I got to talk to a WWII veteran.

The best story he told me was about the plane crash he was in, two days after D-Day.

He said in their barracks they had blackout curtains every where (so the enemy couldn't see the light @ night) and so he was very used to dealing with darkness all the time.

So, when he woke up in his white hospital room, after his plane crash, he said to himself, "I've made it! I finally made it to the pearly gates! I'm in Heaven!" and then he reached up and touched his head, looked down at his hand, and saw blood. 

He didn't make it to Heaven, but he did make it out of a plane crash alive!

His war stories were absolutely amazing!

But his love for his wife is breathtaking. The way he talks about her, even though she is no longer her on Earth, is what any woman would hope to her husband says about her when she isn't around.

He talked about how he never believed in love at first sight, until he saw her.

&

How she didn't need a touch of makeup, she would put on a little powder, comb her eyebrows down, and lick her lips, & she was ready.

He said she was always up to something like cooking a dinner and setting out the nice china and candles, just because.

You could see his face light up the more he talked about her.

I could go on but I won't.

Long story short: I told him to call me any time he ever just wanted to talk to someone because I truly enjoy hearing about what all he has seen and done.

So, what's going to be your story? Are you going to do something that makes crowds, strangers, or maybe just your children stop and get starry eyed because YOU did something AWESOME?

Think about it! You, my friend, could be the next person to change the world or someone's life! You could be someone's love at first sight!

Well--Stop reading--Start doing!

Good luck!

peace & love

-A

Razor in the toilet, eye liner in the air vent

Well today did not start off how I had planned it in my head. 

I woke up, took Bear out, went to the  restroom, and as my toilet continued to flush I went to grab my toothbrush from my little travel bag and as I did.. My razor came out with it, flew straight into the toilet, and flushed with the rest of the water. 

Bye bye travel razor.

I plunged, looked, plunged some more and nothing. Hopefully this won't result in any plumbing issues.

Then, I went and did my morning work out, came home, showered, and started to get ready..hair..make-up..

Well, make-up almost.. 

I went to finish up my eye liner.. and as I flung it around.. it flew out of my hand and into my air vent..

bye bye eye liner!

RIP travel razor & eye liner..

Have you ever had one of those days that when it starts you PRAYING that it isn't a sign of what your day is going to be like?

That's been me all week..

Constantly peaking over the trenches to make sure there isn't another attack coming, or worse, a bomb.

So, what do you do in these situations? How do you handle a rough week?

Me? I listen to Jimmy Buffett, and when it comes to people making me want to SCREAM, I listen to his song Fruitcakes. It reminds me that not only are crazy people out there, but it's ok for me to be crazy too.

"So, I put on my Bob Marley tape and practice what I preach.. "Get jah lost in the reggae mon" as I walk along the beach.. Stay in touch with my insanity it really is the only way.. It's a jungle out there kiddies.. Have a very fruitful day."

Since we're still getting to know each other I should let you know that I am a proud Parrot Head..so you'll see me quote Jimmy Buffett a lot!

I also cheer myself up with online shopping.. (which isn't best for the bank account) but I couldn't help it.. THESE KEDS ARE SO FREAKIN CUTE!!!

How was your Wednesday? I hope you had a good laugh and listened to some good music!

peace & love

-A

Intro.

Hi!

So, I have decided to start a fresh, new, organized (maybe) blog. I honestly can't tell you how many times I say I'm going to do something and never stick to it but hey.. what's one more time?

For this first post I've decided I'm going to give you a little rundown on why I'm here and who I am... all those questions you want to know on a first date. I'll call it blogger speed dating (insert cheesy game show song here).

Well, first thing, my name is Anna and I'm 23. I am currently in my second semester of Grad School. I have a degree in History. I have a dog, his name is Bear, and about 90% of the time he drives me crazy, but after watching Marley & Me, I have decided to love all the annoying things he does (advanced apology--I love to post pictures of him). I am currently in the best relationship ever. He was my first love and even my first kiss (back in the summer of 2005). We decided during our senior year of college to finally make things official (after having almost 10 years of feelings for each other). I will reference him as D, and we are long distance (roughly 3 hours).  My mother, aka Ma, is my best friend and sometimes my biggest frustration. My Dad is where I get my humor from, if you don't like it, blame him. He has heart problems, so I will probably touch on that from time to time. My parents are divorced.  I have an older half sister, younger brother (Z), and (M) a younger sister. Z is about to graduate and M is a year behind him.  Sometimes I feel as if I am more of a mom to them than a sister, you'll hear about that a lot too. My friends all have codes too but some of their names start with the same letters so I'll introduce them later once I've thought of some clever things.

My blog title: "Sunflowers in her hair" is to honor my mom's mom who passed away a little over a year ago. She taught me to love nature. I also adopted her extreme love for sunflowers and birds as a young girl and I hold on to that shared love as something that will always keep me close to her.  (the sunflower tattoo is for her, and the three birds on my wrist is in memory of my dad's dad,who passed away a month before her, and her then I'm the bird that isn't flying--Three Little Birds by Bob Marley calms me down & is one of my favorite songs)

(and on a funny note I've always wanted to be a hippie, so flowers in my hair, especially my fave flowers, would be AWESOME).

I am here because I want somewhere that I can let my thoughts out. I'm a typical 23 year old that likes to brag, and complain, and share her feelings.

I'm fully aware that my life is not perfect.

I hope that maybe with this blog I can make someone's day or help someone through a similar situation.

I'm always on the internet so expect to hear a lot out of me!

peace & love

-A