the evolution of Leni

First Day of First Grade

I am honestly amazed at what those first grades already know. They can already read short stories, write in sentences, and do simple addition. My mentor teacher seems pretty amazing. I'm excited about my placement and I'm really looking forward to getting to know each of these kids.

Here are some things that I didn't realize I missed:

• how quickly time goes by when you're having fun
• the school schedule (and being done by 3pm!)
• snack time
• learning
• wearing nice clothes / dressing up
• my road bike (it's about 2.7 miles between my house and the school)
• Iced tea from Trader Joes
• lunch in a lunchbox
• the effects of yoga on your body when done regularly

Image from here.

Tired.

I didn't get much sleep last night because I got in late and needed to be up early. While Fresno was fun, it is always tiring to make the long drive back. [4.5 hours roughly] Today is my first day of first grade. I'm excited and nervous. I'm off to double check that I have everything I need.

A Mini-Greek Getaway.

M and I are off to Fresno to see my family and enjoy some Greek music, dancing and food! I'll be back on Monday.

Have a great weekend!

The Official 28 before 28 List!

Compared to previous years, I really struggled with finishing this list. Some of the items were easy to come up with and were on the list since early May. The list, however, remained unfinished for months because I was struggling to find fun, challenging things to add in order to complete the list. Lucky for me, my readers came to my rescue. I used your help from this post and also this one to create my list, so THANK YOU to everyone who contributed ideas!!! Here is the anxiously awaited list.

My 28 before 28:

1. Ride a ferris wheel. Document with photos.
2. Run a half-marathon. [Nov. 14,2010!!!]
3. Paint more. A lot more!
4. Learn to make bread.
5. Learn to make dog biscuits.
6. Pay it forward. At least 3 times! [1, 2, 3]
7. Lose the poundage once and for all.
8. Go 1 month without spending money on extras.
9. Scan important documents.
10. Try to get in contact with Elizabeth Garrett.
11. Work on my handwriting and calligraphy.
12. Travel down PCH/101.
13. Wander aimlessly.
14. Visit Lor in St. Louis.
15. Master the Lion Cut.
16. Practice photography.
17. Get back into Yoga, regularly.
18. Plan a vacation.
19. Take a risk. Do something I normally wouldn't do.
20. Buy new running shoes.
21. Set a date.
22. Find a part-time job to help pay for school expenses.
23. Visit the flea market or thrift stores at least 3 times. [1, 2, 3]
24. Have a picnic.
25. Bring back Project Me.
26. Visit North Carolina.
27. Go on a sisters road trip.
28. Confront a fear.

Since it took so long for me to complete the list, some of the items have already been accomplished. After all, the list was started in May. As usual, I will cross off the items as I complete them so you (and I) can track my progress. The list will hopefully be completed by my 28th birthday on May 9, 2011.

If one of your suggestions actually made my 28 before 28 list, you should have received an email from me requesting your mailing address. I will be mailing out those little surprises to you by the end of the week!

I got First!

First grade, that is. I'm very excited!

More Wedding Photos

This was their amazing cake. And, yes, the pillow on the bottom and top are made out of cake! They have 4 different kinds of cake to choose from. I ate the red velvet cake and it was delicious!

Random photos from the night:

I'm sad that this next one came out blurry.

I can't find any of photos of the bride in her short dress. I will have to see if I can find a photo that someone else took. Her short dress was adorable as well. 

On a completely separate note, I find out where I am placed today. One of the ladies in the office mentioned yesterday that I might be in a middle school classroom. I'm not quite sure how I feel about that, seeing as how I would rather teach k-6 or high school. I'm really hoping she was misinformed.

Moving and some wedding photos.

Today, M and I will be having one last breakfast together before I drive the last few items [my painting supplies] from M's place to Irvine. I have to admit that I am a little sad to be moving out. I really enjoyed the last 6 months of living together.

Tomorrow is the first day of orientation. I am both excited and nervous. I will find out what grade I will placed in to do my student teaching for the year. I just hope I get a good placement that I learn a lot from and enjoy in the process.

On a different note, here are some photos of the wedding ceremony from last week:

The alter:

The beautiful bride:

The Groom holding back tears as his soon-to-be wife walks down the isle:

 

You can see a close-up of the bride's gorgeous dress here:

And they're married!

And one last photo of my favorite groomsman:

More photos of the cake and reception to come tomorrow. I'm off to enjoy one last breakfast with M before I hit the road.

Make it Venti Caramel Frapp Light, please!

Hello Beautiful Friday

It's Friday, and my to-do list has not been completed. I do know that I will be running around LA today trying to get everything done.

I have no idea what my weekend plans are exactly. I do know that at some point I will be moving some of my stuff to Irvine [Spunky included.] After all, orientation starts next week.

Have a great weekend, everyone!

A San Diego Wedding

The wedding we went to on Saturday was gorgeous. This is one of my favorite photos of the happy couple. They got married on a cliff overlooking the beach in Del Mar, California. Her dress was stunning. The entire wedding was lavish and beautiful. The reception was held at the Hard Rock Hotel. Hands down, they had the best food I've ever eaten at a wedding. The best part, there were no choices on the menu. They picked what would be served and it was served with perfection and was delicious. I would have to say that this is probably the best wedding I have ever been to. There are more photos of this wedding to come.

Beautiful Downtown San Diego At Night & Coronado Places to Visit

This view of downtown is from Coronado.

Here is my list of places to visit and eat at in Coronado:

If you are ever in Coronado, you have to take the time to eat at Miguel's. Their white sauce is amazing. Also, Bistro d'Asia is good. Mootime is a great place for dessert. But my all time favorite place there is Tartine. Amazing food and dessert. Love the ambiance. And if you go during the day, there is a great little shop next door that has the best hand-made jewelry. [Sorry, but I don't remember the name. Just that I have to visit every time to check out the jewelry.] Day or night, I love to walk down Orange street. Lastly, a visit to Coronado is not complete without a trip to the beach.