Golden Vlog // November

I believe that working and holding a job is very important, not only for money, but also for experience and teaching. That's why I'm so excited that today's Golden Vlog prompt is on jobs and working!

What was your first job? Your current job? What have you liked/disliked about your jobs?

July to September 2015 Goals

This summer was such a busy summer with a lot of technical problems, such as my laptop. So, I never got to do a recap of my July goals nor introduce my August goals.

July's goal was to Explore My City.

Sub Goals:

- Go to the library at least twice.

We went once, but got a lot of books that Rhys really enjoyed. Even Justin got a book!

- Have a picnic twice, in different locations.

We never had any picnics.

- Visit one new place (aquarium, park, museum, local restaurant, historic site, splash pad) per week.

We did go to a few local restaurants and the splash pad, but didn't do a lot--mainly becuase we just didn't have the funds.

- Visit the Community building and try to get involved

This was a definite bust!

- Go to Bear Lake for the Morrell Family Reunion!!

Going to Bear Lake was the best thing this summer! It was so fun and I want to go back!

Although I didn't really hit the goal in the ways I intended, I still feel that I achieved it. Rhys and I went running quite a bit and biking, and always took different routes. We also spent a lot of time in the park in our backyard. I also took a few de-stressing drives around the city in places I had never been before. 

August's goal was to Strengthen My Family:

Sub Goals:

- Plan a small anniversary

Check! We had my parents watch Rhys for two days while we went out to Texas Roadhouse and watched Jurassic World and slept in.

- A date a week (doesn't have to be spending money)

This didn't really happen. But, we did spend time together watching shows or playing games.

- Visit the temple once with Justin

Sadly, this didn't happen. But we need to!

- Have sibling dates

I had lunch with my brother, but didn't do anything with my sisters.

- Have deep and honest conversations with my other relatives

This didn't really happen.

- Do learning games/adventures/activities with Rhys every day

Rhys and I have spent a lot of intentional time together. We read a lot of books, played a lot of one-on-one games. We had dance parties, explored the creek in our park, and learned a few body parts.

I kind of did really crappy with my August goals and to be honest, wasn't the best wife. I was pretty lazy as wife and not equally yoked to my husband. I have to really be intentional and work on that.

September--Work from Home

Since I won't be teaching after the first week of June, I still want to help earn some sort of an income--some play/date money for the family. I want to get into tutoring or small online transcription/free-lance jobs. I also want to start selling something--maybe Scentsy. I think since I will have time, also learn more about and sign up for blogging campaigns and affiliate programs.

Sub Goals:

- Find a sell-from-home job and learn all there is about it

- Find work-at-home freelancing or transcription jobs

- Join blogging campaign sites and participate in campaigns

- Join affiliate sites and learn all there is to it
- Learn more about couponing and money-saving skills

This is actually a pretty important goal as I don't have anymore teacher income. Justin and I are a little nervous about being able to afford the rent of our townhome on just his income. So, wish us luck!

What are your goals for this month?

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The Pros and Cons of Being a SAHM

Last week, I mentioned why I wasn't going to teach next year.

It was  hard decision that required a lot of praying, fasting, visiting the temple, and creating a pros and cons list. It isn't going to be easy for us, but we still believe it is the best decision for now.

So, I decided to share the pros and cons with you.

Cons:
- Finances. We will be losing about 1/3 of our income. we are going to try our best to tighten our budget and lower our expenses so that we can still afford to live where we are now.
- Not getting my Level II license. I had one more year left of teaching, and a few requirements left (like taking the Praxis II exams) to get my Level II. This would've made me a lot more desirable as a teacher, and would've given me a jump in pay.
- I enjoy teaching and I'm a workaholic. I love teaching, I really do. Although I may complain about the busy, intense curriculum at my Charter school and my students' behavior sometimes, it is still my dream job. I know I will miss it. Also, I've had a job and worked ever since I was 16. The only time I didn't was last summer, but who would've hired a 3rd trimester pregnant woman for just a few weeks of work before giving birth? Work helps relieve my stress (most of the time).
- The fear of becoming a couch potato. I don't want to spend all day surfing the web or watching daytime television. I need to make sure I stay busy with Rhys!
- Becoming stir crazy. One thing I like about work is that I get out of the house...well, it'll be a little tougher because we are probably going to get rid of our old car once the school year is over to help with finances. So, unless I can bike there with Rhys (we're going to get one of those bike carts for kids), it'll be a little harder to get out about town.

Pros:
- Time with Rhys. This is probably the most important reason. Nothing can replace a mother's love, a mother's teaching, a mother's quality time. I cannot wait to spend all day with my son!
- Stress break. As much as I love teaching, it is one of the biggest stresses of my life. I think that if I don't have a "deadline" and only 1 child to have to care for, I'll be a little calmer. My mental health needs this break!
- More support for Justin. By being home, I can give Justin more quality time, more service, more evidence of my love and support because I can be there for him 100%.
- Better, cleaner house. The house will stay cleaner and more organized more often! I can't promise a 100% clean house 100% of the time...that'd be impossible and impractical with a toddler! But, I can clean it more often than the current two times a week!
- More homemade meals. One of the biggest weaknesses Justin and I have financially is eating out. After work, we are both so drained and want to spend time with Rhys, that we don't like cooking often. So, we get fast food, or we'll eat out at Zupas, Red Robin, Cafe Rio, or Sizzler. If I'm home all day, I can make more homemade meals that are healthier and cheaper!
- Hobbies. Rhys is my first priority, but, "me time" is still important, too. I'll be able to blog better, read more, maybe even get back into writing!
- Time for friends and family. Since I'll be home and not having to worry about getting a good night's sleep for work the next day, I can have time for play dates and hang out with my parents during the day!

So, although the lists are just about equal, I think the first three pros outweigh all of the cons, easily. So, that is why I am staying home next year, and indefinitely so.

A Month of Confidence--Job and Hobbies

Welcome to the third week of A Month of Confidence!

Last week, we focused on our relationships. It was a tough one for me. Not with Rhys, who is the apple of my eye, but with my husband. The dynamic of our relationship has been different since Rhys was born, and I wanted to make sure it was a good dynamic. It's hard to keep a pre-baby relationship when you are both working and have to take care of a child.

I was up more in the morning when Justin kissed me as he left (however, that is Rhys's doing, as he has been waking up at 6:30 more often than 7 last week). I did pretty good with only doing school work when Rhys was asleep, although I did blog some and do social media while he played independently (but I played a lot with him as well). About half the time we ate at the table, but we always ate together. About half the time, I took care of Rhys in the middle of the night--it's hard to remember that goal when you are still 95% asleep. I wasn't able to leave little notes for Justin. It's a bit hard when he gets up and leaves before I do, comes home before I do, and goes to bed with me.

This week, we're going to focus on confidence in work and hobbies.

<center> <a href=" http://www.themorrelltale.com/2014/11/a-month-of-confidence-job-and-hobbies.html " target="_blank"><img alt="A Month of Confidence" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUBgZJipqRG44iZInK5MPNGiLpgJ1yBJV1AoqtyPeQmTIdE1SD4BUdbhY054GjpVdG9E9pA-GoQ4WmgRb2cc59eCbm-Zjt9gEBw5OZsSGCO0eSGVOA964_gD6gxuMGFhR5Qc0G1K5CnC0/s1600/month+of+confidence+work+and+hobby.jpg"/></a></center>

As a part-time working mom, I have to balance my work load with my son. Sometimes, that means I don't get as much done with work as I'd like to, and I scramble during my prep to get things ready for my students. It also means sometimes my hobbies, like working out, reading, blogging, writing, and video-gaming is put on hold. But, with all things, there is balance that can happen. 

But, there are always small things you can do to make sure you can be the best you at your job and have some down-time dedicated for your hobbies.

Here is my plan for the Week of Job and Hobbies:

- While Rhys is taking his morning nap, I will make sure to get everything ready and packed up for work and his babysitter, that way, from 10:00-10:40, I can be on social media.

- I will make sure I read 30 minutes a day. I can't be on social media until I do so.

- I will learn how to schedule tweets, instagrams, facebook posts this week.

- I will do my school work as soon as I come home and let Justin have some time with Rhys.

- I will not do school work past 9pm.

- I will take one day to play videogames with Justin after Rhys goes to bed.

I suggest that you also keep a confidence journal. I am, and each day I will have 3 lists:

1) Drops of Awesome--little things I did or accomplished
2) Little Moments--I have a quote in my living room that says, "Enjoy the little things in life, for someday they will be the big things."
3) Grateful List--small blessings

Sunday, November 23: Confidence in house and home
Sunday, November 30: Reflection on a Month of Confidence

Check out this lovely lady!

Workaholic Syndrome

I am like my father and his father before him:

Free-time is the death of us.

Case and point, my grandpa is a retired farmer. But he is by no means retired. He now takes old farming equipment, messes with it, and then sells it at auction. During his birthday party two years ago, after he was done eating, he left the group of family, went out to his shed, and got to work on some project.

My dad loves having projects--things to fix or improve. When he was stationed in Barstow, California, he became obsessed with geo-caching and that ate up his weekend. Now that he is "retired" (from the Marine Corps, but not from being a lawyer), and is in Utah, he has a yard. So, every time we go to visit, he is working in the yard.

I have had a job since I was sixteen. I have always participated in extra-curricular activities. I have always been a busy, studious student. I work well with deadlines. 

But, I hate down-time. As a child, summer was over for me after a few weeks: I had read all the books I wanted to check out for the summer, I biked, I played outdoors, I went swimming, I slept in late, I went camping, I had sleepovers. Now it was time to go back to school...which wouldn't start for another two months.

As a teacher, Spring Break was hard me both this year and last. I got all I needed to do over the first half, so I could enjoy the second half, but never really did. Justin can attest--I get fidgety and nervous when I don't have something to do or be working on. 

Last summer, although I still had teacher paychecks coming in and we weren't stretched for money, I decided to get a part-time job at a newly opened Subway. I wanted something to do (the fact that my husband was in school and at work all day during the summer helped this decision). I didn't want to be home all day with nothing to work on.

This summer will be the first time I don't work! My school year is done the first Friday of June and Rhys isn't due until mid-July. I have slightly considered getting a part-time job, but who would hire a 8-month pregnant woman who would quit after she gave birth? No one.

I know after having Rhys, I'll be busy getting accustomed to being a new mom. Everyone says I'll be busy. But, I still have to wonder, will I be busy enough? What will it feel like to not have to be anywhere at all during the day? To not have a solid, sturdy schedule? To not have deadlines? How will I react when school starts back up again? I will be taking about 4 weeks maternity leave at the beginning of the school year. But, how stressed will I be? How much planning will I do at home?

With all the other uncertainties of this summer (moving, when Rhys will come, Justin getting a job, etc) how I will react to not working? I've never really considered myself a workaholic until this year. I don't feel that I put my job over my family, but I do enjoy working. I like the feeling of being on a schedule and having something to do, deadlines to work towards, accountability. So, how am I, as a workaholic, going to treat this summer of many, many changes? 

It'll be interesting to see.

To Work or Not to Work

I have always been a work-aholic. But, I've also always wanted to be a Stay At Home Mom.

For as long as I can remember, I had planned out my life:

- Graduate high school with honors (check)

- Go to BYU (check)

- Get married at BYU (check)

- Graduate BYU with honors (check)

- Become a teacher (check)

- Work until I had kids and then be a SAHM until my youngest was able to go to grade school (.....)

I got hired at a really amazing Charter School here in Utah. I love my school--it's small, it's quaint, it's rigorous, it creates an atmosphere of love for learning, the students are respectful and responsible, etc. I have felt such community,such acceptance, such respect at this school, notonly from the students but also from the staff--a vast difference from my intern year.

Early in the school year (October) we found out I was pregnant. It was one of the happiest days of my life! I was going to be a mom! I would have both a year of history and a year of English under my belt. I would be a SAHM, Justin would graduate in June, and we'd be a happy, adult family.

But, the more I worked at my charter school, the more and more I felt like I couldn't leave teaching, at least not yet. What a change! In all 24 years of my life, never did I consider working as a mom, not in any degree. It through me for a loop. I wanted to stay at home, but I also still wanted to teach. This terrible decision loomed over me and I had no idea what to do.

Then came the stress of Justin finding a job. He walks in two and half weeks and finishes all his courses in June and still doesn't have an offer. I thought we would by now and know where we would be living come the fall. Nope. So, the past couple of months, a new thought has been entering my mind: what if I have to continue to be the bread winner? I don't want to do that. I want the option of wanting to work, not needing to work.

I would talk to my teacher friends, my pregnant friends. I read blogs. I discussed plans with my husband, spilled my mind and heart to family and God. Then, a thought came to mind. I don't know where we will end up come the summer. We still don't know about jobs for Justin (keep us in your prayers) so that gives us a few options. There are a few part-time teachers at my charter school because they are moms as well. My principal has personally asked for me to stay--which means she wants me here at this school.

So, here are our plans:
If Justin gets a job somewhere in Utah, we will move up closer to my charter school. I will work part-time (only 3 out of 7 periods) for the next 4 years. That way, I can be home with Rhys and not miss any of his milestones. But, I don't have to leave teaching either. And in the next 4 years, I can get my Level II teaching license, which will make me more wanted as a teacher, more hireable, and raise my pay.

If Justin gets a job somewhere other than Utah, we will move and I won't bother trying to apply to work anywhere. I will be a SAHM, but will apply to the nearest university and begin slowly working on getting a Masters and a PhD.

This way, one way or another, I am fulfilling my duty (but more importantly, my wish) of being a mother at home and also improving myself. I feel confident about it. I never actually prayed about this decision, but I still feel at peace about it, as if God helped me make the decision. It is definitely different than what I envisioned my adult life would be like. But, I love teaching. I always knew I would, but I never thought I'd have this strong of a pull to continue to do so. I didn't know it'd be this hard to break away once I fulfilled another life-long dream of having children.This way, I can keep both dreams alive. I don't have to give anything up.

I am very grateful to my school for allowing me the opportunity to return part-time next year, if we stay in Utah. And I'm very grateful to have the opportunity to begin  my next chapter in life--being a mom.

If you are already a mom, what was your decision: SAHM, part-time working, or full-time working. How did you come to that decision. If you are pregnant or planning to have kids, what is your plan?

I am linking up with Bonnie from The Life of Bon and Brooke from Silver Linings for this linkup. Please join and tell us your thoughts and feelings. Also, feel free to enter the giveaway for a $15 giftcard to Babies R Us!

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Weekly Focus #5

It's time for Weekly Focus #5 Linkup!

What Weekly Focus Is

I decided to call it Weekly Focus because it could be a wish, a goal, a mentality, a plan, anything really that you want to focus on for the week. It is the driving force of that week and you only need one.

How to Participate

Each week on Monday, write a post about your weekly focus. Include the Weekly Focus button at the bottom of this page. Review how last week's focus went. Join my link-up and visit others, leaving encouraging comments.

I feel that by focusing on only one thing, it doesn't consume your life, but you are still continually working toward improving yourself. I simply love the idea of personal "Happiness Plans," and I want to help those who would love to do their own, but are still very busy in life. This shows that we can still take control of our lives and make it what we want while still being busy bees. So, I hope you join and have fun!

<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.morrellfairytale.com/2014/02/weekly-focus-linkup.html" title="Our Fairy Tale" target="_blank"><img src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigNvzpotdppCVMSeGQxjE7N6WtRsUVPSNmop8vZt0X6OUOQsQ08OOGuxVKQaZILSKekOATrYloETD2-sBRKY4aOhJc8rR6SJjjGU9lrRDxiOTYTxAcsl_hwVvMOjzto-qRHrgb6AqnVWca/s1600/weekly+focus+linkup.jpg" alt="Our Fairy Tale" style="border:none;" /></a></div>

Last Week's Goal: Read for myself 30 minutes every day. 
I am making my way through The Freedom Writers. I also spent a lot of time reading blogs. But, I'd say I really only succeeded in this goal 5 out of 7 times this week.

This Week's Goal: Stop working on school stuff by 8pm every day. This way, I am given an assured hour and a half for myself to enjoy.

What is your Weekly Focus?

College is Important

One thing I want to mention first is that this blogger did make some good points, however, I do not feel those points fit for the majority of jobs or people and there are simple solutions. Again, I agree that there are some BS (bull crap, not bachelor of science) degrees that aren't necessarily marketable, but being a lifetime learner is something I feel is important (and the fact that in college you learn much, much more than just your major's subject).

On a financial point:

Yes, college is expensive. Very expensive. I was an exception to the rule. I went to BYU, an LDS run and owned college, but open to anyone! Because it was subsidized by the LDS church, my semester tuition was only about $2500, and I had half-tuition scholarship based on grades and other academic achievements, and my parents paid the other half. Yes, I was an exception to the rule. But, I've known many people who had to pay their own way through and still graduated without debt.

You do not have to go to a big expensive school to get that college degree that will pay you a lot of money. I'm not trying to bash or dissuade you from trying to get into Princeton or Harvard, I'm just saying, maybe Virginia Tech has as good as a biology program as an Ivy League School. Also, if you are really struggling financially, start off at a community college. Their tuition is dirt cheap (you still get a good education), and you could even possibly live at home to save some money, if you wanted. The nice thing about starting out at community colleges is that most only offer an Associates. So, you have some college experience and you can take a bit more time to decide if you want to continue on to a Bachelors and in what subject. Also, if you decide later that what you got your degree in isn't what you enjoy anymore, you don't have to start over. Take Post-Bach classes. They are a quick, less expensive road to getting certified in that subject you decided you like better.

Don't trade loans for housing. There are some new college apartment complexes that have just been built here in Provo, and a shared room is about $400. Do you really need that large screen TV, new model of dishwasher, new carpeted, pool and gym included apartment? Honestly, I don't think so. I lived in an older complex (that was a 10 minute walk from my classes) with a bit more rundown quality. But, I only paid $250  month! And, I hardly spent time in my apartment: I was either at class or the library studying, working, or out socializing with my friends.

Honestly, as a teacher's perspective, I feel the problem with money trickles down to our kids just not being educated well enough in financial issues. What is becoming a huge trend in high schools now is being required to either take an economics class and/or a financial literacy class. This way, as we send Bill or Jill off to college as an 18 year old, they will know how to budget and save and spend wisely, allowing them to escape a higher debt or loan.

And yes, again, college is very, very expensive. And the economy is crap. But, that is just a cycle. The economy and unemployment rates were crappy in the 1890s, the 1930s, the late 1950s, the 1970s and 80s, and now again. It is just a cycle which many economists have proven. So, yes, the 2010's early adults are struggling, but it may be much better and easier for our children.

On an economical and professional point:

Again, I am going to agree that some don't ever use their degree and again, some degrees just aren't marketable. But, the majority of the time, having a college education is a bonus, not a hindrance in the economy.

I have known many professionals in charge of hiring. Many flat out say they don't even look at a resume if it isn't formatted correctly, if there is a spelling mistake, or if they don't have some sort of college experience. Notice I didn't say college degree--just experience in college. My father-in-law helps with marketing has told Justin several times that if a resume is not well-formatted or clean, he'll never read it. (Now again, there are exceptions to the rules of everything I am saying here. My father-in-law for instance, only has an Associates in agricultural mechanics, but is in a high position in his company) Colleges help train you to write resumes. They actually help train you for many different experiences that are required in the work place: typing/secretarial work, computer skills (unless you love reading HTML or learning how to correctly use Excel in your spare time--I do have friends and a husband who have done that), writing proposals, memos, conducting research and properly recording it, and much, much more. That is experience right there.

Colleges also help provide you with internships that allow you to gain experience. Also, many colleges have on-campus jobs that help you with your subject matter. I am an English and History teacher. I have worked as a professor's assistant and in numerous different on-campus writing labs. One of my roommates wanted to go into broadcasting, so she worked at the switchboard with BYUTV. My husband has even found some career-related work in his part-time job by using his job as part of a class project that his job wants him to expand on. Even vocational or technical school is still higher education and that is definitely on-job experience.

For the most part, jobs do look for higher education. The only siblings of mine who live at home are teenagers in school all day. My mom likes to stay busy and wants to get out of the house. She wants to work. But, she has a hard time finding a good job that she thoroughly enjoys because she doesn't have a full college education because of her decision to be a stay-at-home mom (and I wouldn't have traded it for the world!).  She is smart, and probably one of the fastest learners I know, but jobs don't care about that. Many of my teaching friends are going back for their masters or PhD and their school district is helping to pay for it. When Justin graduates in actuarial sciences, he will have taken 2 professional tests. His job will likely help pay for him to study and take more so that he can be even more experienced. Jobs want you to be better educated and for the most part will be willing to help pay. I also know many friends, relatives, and colleagues who are now being required to go back to school if they want to progress any further in their career.

From an experiential point of view

What I did really like about this blogger's post was that she really, honestly, truly did love her college experience and admits she learned a lot of good life lessons. Colleges do that. Not only do they teach you academics, they teach you life. You are (for the majority) no longer living at home. You have to balance education, work, social life, and health. You have to decide what to buy and what to save. You get to know a different place in the world, expand your horizons, experience great opportunities. 

The problem I feel, as an educator, is that if we say "college isn't a necessity, you won't end up using your degree at all" as a definitive rather than "this can happen" or "this applies to some, but not all, not even most," we are setting our future posterity up for failure. If kids see us not going to college, because it isn't a necessity, why should they apply? And, if they aren't going to college, why even try in high school? It doesn't matter. You won't end up flipping burgers at McDonalds. This is exactly how my 8th graders acted last year. It was the last year their grades didn't count for high school (towards graduation). Guess where 60%+ of the entire (7-9 grade) school's F's came from...8th grade. They didn't care because it didn't count towards anything, it was just a letter on paper. Now, push that to 9-12. They're not going to college. It's just a letter on paper and work places won't care. They won't care about their education at all.

Colleges also don't just teach you your (maybe unmarketable) degree. Colleges have required GE's. They want you to become cultured and well-rounded. Now some colleges have skewed expectations of GEs (which my husband vehemently agrees with). Some more technical schools require more science, mathematical, etc. type GEs, where liberal schools are the opposite. There probably won't be a good balance of GE's ever. But, that point is, you do learn more than just your degree. That also helps you through life to have that knowledge.

From my husband's point of view:
Justin here...  Let's get one thing straight, I hate college.  There exists way too many things about it I wholeheartedly disagree with, however, I feel it is a necessity; not essentially from the academic perspective that my wife has shown, but from a practical perspective.  Its true that a lot of employers won't care about what your degree is in or what classes you took while in college, but they do care you did it.  I did Boy Scouts for several years, and narrowly missed getting my eagle scout.  On a resume, employers love eagle scouts, simply because it means you've accomplished something practical.  They don't necessarily care what you did, what badges you got, or whatever, they just care that you've accomplished something that takes a lot of dedication and patience.  Is it a reflection of your skills?  Probably not.  In my own troop, I was better equipped in survival and practical living then some of my eagle scout peers, but I just simply didn't finish the program.  College is the same way.  A degree (although costing several thousand dollars), will essentially prove to be better in the long-run, simply because it proves you've done something.  Is it worth the money?  Depends on your field of interest.  As an actuary student, my college fees are well worth it.  As a Philosophy major?  I've yet to see credible results. 

In Conclusion:

Sorry this is a very drawn out post, but I feel heavily on this topic. Yes, the economy is crap, yes student loans are horrendous, and yes some, not all, not even the majority, of jobs don't care about college education. But, the fact of the matter is that nothing can replace a good education. It is a wonderful fall back to have. Please. From a citizen, from a teacher, from a future mom, from a friend, from an experienced -worker in both minimum-wage-food-service-job as well as a professional job with benefits, please don't say college isn't a necessity. True, it may not be for everyone. But it is a very important aspect of your experience, knowledge, and job opportunities.

I am a Disney Princess Amalgamation

I confess: I am a Disney fanatic.

For some reason, Disney does an amazing job of explaining life. I don't know if it is due to the big Disney princess eyes, or the super catchy songs, but I seem to be able to relate to every single female character, every single adventure. Justin has recently told me that I remind him of 3 different Disney characters: Belle from Beauty and the Beast First of all, I a redhead/brunette. Second of all, I absolutely love to read! A couple years ago, I posted that I want to go here. Also, if you look at my Pinterest Future Home board, a lot of the pins have bookshelves and reading nooks and secret bookshelf passageways. Secondly, like this quote says, I want adventure. I've been able to go to Wales for about a month and a half on study abroad. I've been on 2 short cruises to tourist cities in Mexico. I've camping in numerous National Parks. I love it. I love traveling. I love seeing new places. Something in me is always wanting to fly off to a new country, a new language, a new culture, a new world. Tiana from Princess and the Frog I have dreams, and I am working so very hard to reach them. I've always wanted to teach, and now I am finishing up the last 3 months of my teaching internship. As a college student, I took 16 credits and worked about 25 hours a week while maintaining a 3.78 GPA. I really had to take into consideration which social activities to go to and which parties to skip so I could study. Even as a married woman, I am still working very hard creating lesson plans, compiling a teaching portfolio, up-keeping the house, etc. I love this song because I feel the exact same way:

Jane from Tarzan

Justin says that I am like Jane because I'm very inquisitive. That is true. If I was a cat, curiosity  would have killed me a long time ago. I can't stand surprises. 

Secondly, obsession over work. Jane wanted so badly to see the gorillas. Then she met Tarzan and worked so hard to teach him English and all about mankind. I'm a little like that too. Once I get in the groove, I can work for hours on end. I'm also a little (ok, a lot) obsessed with history and Wales.

Thirdly, he says because of my kind heart. I love my husband.

So, confession of sorts: I'm a Disney princess and I don't care who knows it! =)

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