October 4, 2009

So, I'm not sure I'm quite interesting enough to have a blog, but here I am. You want the all the facts and gory details of my life, then read on my friend. I guess I will start at the beginning...I grew up in Quincy, Washington. A town of about 4,000 people, smack dab in the middle of the state, literally. You find the middle of the state, there we are. I lived in the same house, with my younger brother and parents, my entire life. I really enjoyed my childhood. My parents farmed, so I had lots of room to run, ride bikes, and play. I did really well in school. Always in the highest reading group, caught on to things quickly, and I pretty much always followed the rules. I was never a part of the "In" crowd, but had plenty of friends, and we had a good time. I was very active in clubs, sports, and after school activities, especially in high school. Drill team was my favorite, but I also played tennis, and was in foreign language club, science club, pep club, on and on and on. (I think you get the picture).

Ok, fast forward to college. I went to Eastern Washington University. About an hour and half east of where I grew up. Most of my friends also went to Eastern. I have great memories of my time there, but it was by no means easy for me. I had a difficult time socially, academically, and emotionally. I tried joining a sorority and had a boyfriend, but that didn't help all that much. I skipped classes all the time, and pretty much stayed my dorm room or apartment. I'm not sure how I even made it through. My parents were a WONDERFUL support system for me then, and now. I feel bad that I put them through so much during my college years, but I'm learning that is what the role or job of a parent is. Anyway, I had one quarter left at Eastern, student teaching. I had been sick about it for months. I just sort of decided that it wasn't for me. Here lies the problem. My degree (Child Development) was tied to my Elementary Ed, so there I was with no diploma. I didn't care and moved on with my life.

After my time at EWU, I started working full time for a high end kitchen store and met my husband. We dated and were married almost exactly one year from the day we met. It's been over 8 years now. We've had lots of ups and downs, but we are still happily married after all this time. On, with my "life story", we moved to Oregon almost 7 years ago. My husband had an opportunity to start a business, so we sold our house in Washington and moved south. After a year or two of living in Oregon, I decided to finish my degree. I just wanted to have that piece of paper in my hot little hands. It was one class! That was all I needed to finish. Needless to say, I took it. I really enjoyed the class and it gave me the courage to set some goals.

What's going on with me now, well, Family...I have a 2 and half year old daughter that is amazing. She is always growing and learning and showing me how to have fun. I love her with all my heart and am so glad I have her. I'd tell you about my husband, but he would rather that I didn't. Can't say I blame him. Work....I have worked for the Salem-Keizer School District for 4 and a half years and LOVE IT! I started out as a one-on-one and did that for 2 and half years, but a permanent job opened up at Judson MS in the ERC so I jumped all over that. I love the students and the staff there. School...I feel extremely fortunate to be a part of the ASPIRE program at Willamette. I honestly didn't think I would be able to get in, but am SO happy I did! I feel like I am really starting to set the tone for how I want to teach in my own classroom and what I want my future students to learn. I hope all the MAT students feel the same way I do.

I don't think I left anything out. God has truly blessed me with an amazing family, wonderful opportunities, and the will of a stubborn mule. =)