Basically I'm Winning An Oscar.

Yes, you read that title right. 

I am winning an Oscar. 

That or I was nominated for a Leibster Award

by Vanessa at Pure Joy and Adoration. 

Um, what?? 

Let me just tell you, 

I got pathetically excited about this. 

It sounds like the best award any one could get. 

Leibster in German means 

"Sweetest, kindest, nicest, dearest, beloved..." 

all kinds of wonderful things! 

Who wouldn't be honored to be thought of as all that?? 

It goes to bloggers who have less than 200 followers, and deserve more! 

So heres the 411 on the award. 

~Each person must post 11 things about themselves

~Answer the questions the tagger set for you

~Create 11 questions for the people you've tagged to answer

~Choose 11 people to tag in your post

~Go to their page and let them know! 

11 Things about me

1. I just started the teaching credential program Tuesday, and my class is in 1st grade. 

2. I get weirded out each time I hear kids call me "Teacher" or "Miss. Phillips" 

3. I spent $55 on Tea today. (Ummm yeah... thats what having Teavana move into town will do to you) 

4. Growing up I had a cat called "Scaredy Cat" who was scared of her own shadow. 

5. Growing up I also had a hamster named Oreo who got a weird disease that made her go bald. <3 

6. While I write this I'm watching Freaky Friday "You're ruining my life-aaa!!!" 

7. I'm also watching my room mate/best friend, Jenah hunt a fly around her room

8. I'm currently obsessed with the show Smash

9. I had a dream Jonathan proposed to me with a terrible ring (not that I care that much but it was bright pink and green metal, and the diamonds were a terrible blue and green uh... yeah.) and wasn't even there for the proposal. He sent me a youtube video that he found and that was it. 

10. I called him the second I woke up and told him that he better be there when he proposes to me. 

11. Pinterest has kinda become my life 

Answers to Vanessa's Questions: 

1. What movie could you watch over and over, and why? 

That's a tough one. I'm one of those girls who LOVES to find a good movie, and watch the crap out of it (White Christmas happens at least twice every December) I'm gonna have to say The Holiday, because I will watch that movie no matter what time of year it is. I just love it! It makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside. Plus I mean come on, Jude Law, how can I say no? 

2. What's your ideal date night? 

This is gonna sound cheesy and pathetic, but honestly any date night is ideal for me. I really don't have a dream date because my guy is so far away. Any night with him is a dream come true. <3 

3. When do you feel the most beautiful? 

Right after I've gone to the gym. I don't care that I am covered in sweat, or that my face is bright red. I know that I've just worked towards getting healthier and nothing is sexier or more beautiful then that! 

4. What is your most favorite piece of clothing you own? 

I don't think I could pin it down to one piece. I do love slouchy sweaters and layering. I'm a Fall fashion kinda girl. 

5. What is your favorite Scripture? 

That's hard. I'm bad at staying connected to God sense I started school. (TERRIBLE excuse, I know) but I would have to say my favorite thing the Bible taught me growing up is "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you" My mom and dad explained that to me when I was very young and it just did something to me. Ever sense them, no matter how a person treats me, I always do my best to treat them with respect. 

6. Do you dress up for Halloween? If so what are you thinking of for this year? 

I haven't dressed up in the past few years. I did for work last year but that was it. This year is different. I am renting a house which means there are kids near by, hello trick or treaters!!! PLUS I'll be working in my 1st grade class on Halloween, so I have to dress up for that along with work. I'm beyond excited! I'm thinking of being a fairy or a ghost cuz they would both be easy to make.

7. Who would you consider an awesome female role model in your life? 

Honestly? My mom. She is the most loving and giving person I will ever meet and I'll be over the moon if I'm even half the woman she is. 

8. What's your favorite food? 

OOOH That's a tough one! I am a food fan, a huge food fan. I honestly don't think I could pick one. I love pizza, I love pasta, I love artichokes, I love all fruit, I love peppers, I love sammiches the list goes on and on. 

9. What is one thing you love about yourself? 

Hmmm Well I love/hate how emotional I am. I love it because it means I love with all that I am, I care about people to the point that sometimes it hurts. I hate it because this tends to mean that I often care about people more than they care about me, which isn't to say that they don't care, they just aren't crazy lovers like I am. That can really suck at time

10. Early Bird or Night Owl? 

Unfortunately night owl. I say unfortunately because I need to become an early bird for the credential program. 

11. What is one goal you have set for your future? 

The biggest goal I have lately is to be a good person and to be happy. I don't care what I do or who I spend my time with, as long as I am happy. 

My 11 Questions 

1. What is the most money you spent on something silly? (like tea) 

2. What is the weirdest dream you've ever had? 

3. What movie are you most excited to see this fall? 

4. Do you have any holiday traditions that you do every year? 

5. What is your favorite time of year? 

6. What is your drink of choice? 

7. What are you most scared of? 

8. What is one thing you can't live with out? 

9. What do you miss the most about being a kid? 

10. What is your dream vacation? 

11. What is your favorite kind of food? 

My Nominees: 

Jessica @ My Baby Birds

Krista @ Life Is The Messy Bits

Hannah @ Miss Pinches

Nora @ Ramblings of the Ribble Family

Kirsten @ K & R

Lindsay @ Life of Chase

Janee @ The Longer The Wait, The Sweeter The Kiss

Mrs. D @ Life As A Dixon

Allison @ Keep Calm and Soldier On

Paige @ Eloping Stethoscope

Kiersten @ To Love And Dogs

Have fun wonderful ladies! 

Post a link to your Leibster blog with all you answers below! 

I'm so excited to hear what your answers are. <3

A Is For Awesome

Today was "A-Day!" 

If you're wondering what on earth I'm talking about, 

read this blog and it will explain everything. 

The day was a strange mixture of a success yet, a touch of fail. 

The fail came by the fact that I randomly got sic, 

and by sic I mean barfed four times. 

Uh yeah, not fun. 

But on to the success of the day! 

I woke up and started the day by going to the gym

I partook in Aerobics, worked my Abs and my A$$. 

Then I made my way home so I could shower and get ready for 

the Apple Fair. 

yes that's right, we have an annual apple fair. 

Perfect timing right? 

I went to the fair and after getting sic, and feeling much better

I had some Alcohol in the form of Ace, Apple Cider

I walked around the Art exhibit. 

I bought some Apples, and then made my way home.

Once home I made some home made Apple Sauce 

while watching Atonement. 

I always forget how amazing that movie is. 

After that I went to dinner and ate some Appetizers

Now I am going to join my room mate, Aaron for a hangout sesh before bed.

That brings my total points to 13. 

Not bad for my first letter themed day. 

Notes To Freshman Emily

~Don't worry about your weight, 

you'll loose it in about a year and a half, 

and even if you don't love your curves the way they should be loved! 

 (Before)

(after)

~Find healthy foods you like, not just junk

~ Don't be scared to try new things, that's what college is all about. 

~Audition for the musical, 

who cares if you "can't" sing? 

You love it, and that's all that matters. 

~Don't be afraid to meet new people, they won't bite. 

~Don't let people take advantage of you, be smart, 

if it feels like they are taking advantage, then they are.

~Go to class no matter the allure of skipping

~PLEASE join clubs on the first day, 

I know you're overwhelmed, 

I know you're scared, 

but trust me, it will make meeting people easier

~Don't hang out with the same people you knew before college all the time. 

I know that seems tempting because they are your best friends, 

but again, if you branch out you'll meet new people. 

~Talk during class, make friends with the people around you

~Sign up for the adventures offered through SSU, 

even though some of them sound lame, 

take advantage while you have the chance.

~Go to class, even on the super sunny days when no one else does

~Dress for your body, find clothes that make you feel like a million bucks

~Don't make new friends and spend the entire time 

scared they will wake up one day 

and realize you are pathetic and ditch you. 

Know you're worth it.

~Don't spend time with people who make you feel worse about yourself.

~Don't waist time on people who don't treat you the way you deserve to be treated

~Go to class no matter what fun thing is calling you.

~Utilize the library. 

I know it seems like it's no different than studying alone in your room, 

but something magical happens at the library, 

and you will get s*** done. 

~Don't get sic of the caff food, 

believe it or not there will be a day you'll miss it 

and will pay $9 to go in and get it again.

~Go to class every day, 

because how good will it feel when you can say

"I didn't miss a single class" 

(Something unheard of at SSU)

The most important thing I would tell my 18 year old,
freshman year self is,
to go to class, 
and gain self confidence. 
If I had done those things,
my entire year would have been different,
heck, my entire college experience would be. 

It's Ok Thursday

I had so much fun doing last weeks "It's Ok Thursday" that I decided to do it again! 

~It's ok that I am as proud as I am of this picture I got at our Safari camp. 

It is a cool picture after all. 

~It's ok that I get defensive every time I see the words 

I, Love, and Boy Meets World 

on any blog/status/profile. 

After all, I have watched the entire series at least 11 times

and I laugh before each joke because I know it's coming, 

so it is essentially my show

MINE I TELL YOU MINE! 

(uh...yeah, I've got a problem) 

(my set of BMS DVDs, 

always kept right there next to the player so they are ready to go.)

~It's ok that I am this excited about work this week, 

after all it is ceramic camp,

 and I get to drive one of the massive cars full of kids to our location.

~It's ok that I'm kinda scared to drive one of those massive cars... right? 

It just means I'm being safe and I'm aware that there are mini lives in my hands.

~It's ok that this picture makes me laugh as hard as it does.
(and that this is my millionth time looking at it)

~It's ok that I kinda want to murder my room mate right now.
He did just run into my room, slap my foot, and fart on my bed.
Not to mention I've known him sense we were born,
(our moms even went to preschool together!) 

which means he is like my brother,
my brother who I want to poison via arsenic in his pop tart.

~It's ok that I got as excited to talk to Jonathan last night as I did.
We hadn't talked in a little while and I was starting to miss that boy.

 

~It's ok that the same room mate mentioned above,
 and I watch Charmed all-the-time
because we mostly like to make fun of it.
Stupid Pheoby and her lack of bra
(also, we like to call Prue, Poo
and say they finally flushed her when she died,
we're supes mature)

So, do you have a show that you feel as possessive about as I do?
What kind of things are you reminding yourself "it's ok" this week?

Cat, Run, Time

These things crack me up. 

I always get the most awkward words. 

My friend who posted this got "Love, happiness and freedom" 

Pretty spiritual/inspirational/thoughtful right? 

This girl got "Cat, Run, Time" 

I decided that means I want a cat who can run a mile in a decent time. 

WINNING! 

What words did you get?

#5 Done!

I finished # 5 on my 23 Before 23

I spent this week and weekend with my momma! 

It was so nice to hang out with her. 

I don't see her as much as I like, and knowing that I'm leaving in a year, 

makes our time to gather even more special. 

Realized at the last second that I didn't take any pictures while she was here, 

time for an impromptu photo before bed!

We started the week out visiting my Aunt in Berkley. 

We went out to lunch at a great burger place,

and my auntie bought me some cute sweaters as a late b-day gift.

I also got to meet her adorable kittens. 

I would have taken pictures but that would require putting them down. 

(woopse!) 

(Pic of my aunt and I at Ashland last year)

On Thursday my mom and I headed into Petaluma, 

and had another great lunch there, and got a mini pie for desert! 

It was sooooo good. 

Friday we went into Healdsburg. 

I am in love with that town. 

We got another great lunch at an upscale spanish place. 

And to top it off got gelato from the candy shop. 

One draw back, I found a bug in mine. 

Um, gross right? 

Saturday was my mom's spa day. 

Mayacama has an amazing spa,

and I've known that I had to take my mom for a long time. 

Well the time finally came! 

She got a body wrap/massage, and a facial. 

Then my boss treated us to lunch at Mayacama. 

WHAT?? 

We were feeling quite fancy. 

Saturday night we went to Johnny Garlic's 

Guy Fieri's restaurant. 

As always it was amazing! 

The portions were huge though, 

which is good for me cuz I love left overs! 

(Momma, "brother"/roomie, me, dinner at JG)

My dad came to pick her up Sunday, 

and we went out to my favorite pizza place. 

This pizza will change you life. No joke. 

It was such a fun few days, 

and while I was sad to see it end, 

I'm also happy to get back into my routine. 

Time To Learn Your A,B,Cs....

When I was in junior high my best friend, her mom, and I would all have what we called "P" days.
We would watch Pride and Prejudice
(yes, Jill and I were cool enough to be fans of that story at just 11 years old, 

we were book nerds even then) 

We would wear our Pajamas

We would get the Post

We would have Pizza

We would say Please

Just about anything we could think of 

that started with a P, we did it. 

I'm bringing that back! 

Every time I have a "lazy day" 

(little secret, long distancers hate lazy days, 

it gives them time to think, 

thinking when you're 2,000 miles away from the one you love, 

is never a good thing) 

Any way, every time I have a lazy day, 

I'm going to adopt a letter and do as many things with that letter as I can. 

Each item will count as a point,
and I will try to beat my last score each time I do a new letter. 

Bonus points if one of the things is something I've never done before. 

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

Amacama Adventures: Promotion Success!!

My boss came back Monday. 

The other morning she texted me and asked if I could call
or text her to talk about my schedule. 

I did her one better and swung by with my mom on our way to a near by town. 

(we had so much fun today! I'll update you about that when I tell about the entire trip!)

Any way, I walked in and hadn't realized how much I had missed her. 

It was so wonderful to see her bright beautiful smile again. 

(hahah best pic I could find to depict "beautiful smile")

She dove right in telling me how many compliments she has gotten about me. 

She has gotten good feedback from the Administrative Team, 

from parents, 

and possibly most importantly, 

my peers. 

See, I worked side by side with these amazing people for over a year. 

They are all my age. 

Up until this point we have always been equals. 

While I don't consider myself their superior in any way, 

It was my job while Denise was away to take the lead, and give direction when needed. 

(did NOT want this to be me!)

I was terrified about this transition. 

I didn't want to be too soft, and have us fall behind, 

but I didn't want to be too rough and over step my boundaries. 

I tried my best to find that balance, and to ask for feed back. 

I checked in with every one at different points, 

"Am I communicating well with you?

Is there anything I need to do better or different?" 

Turns out I did it all well! 

To top it all off my boss is staying on! 

See I got promoted to her assistant and trained in the Admin department

because she wasn't sure if she was going to quit or not. 

She missed it so much wile she was away she decided she will stay. 

The big guys at Mayacama told her that she could hire on a more permanent assistant, 

and without hesitation, she asked me to be that person! 

Needless to say I couldn't stop beaming for about two hours. 

I am so honored and proud for his permeant promotion. 

I don't know what I did to deserve this, 

but I am so thankful that I got the chance. 

(Yup, that's where I work, insane huh?)

(oh, and not to worry, 

my boss said she knows school comes first, 

and will work around my class and exam schedule

 and make sure I don't fall over dead at any point)

P.S.:
HAPPY U.S. COAST GUARD DAY!! 
So proud of all the Coasties out there.
This is one branch in the military that I personally feel is severely undervalued.
Most people don't even know they exist let alone the they are a part of the military.
While they may not go over seas, or (for the most part) be as at risk of being killed,
these men and women sacrifice a lot for our safety, just like our other soldiers.
and I am so proud to say that I am in love with one of them.

It's Ok!!

This Thursday I've decided that I need to remind myself that "It's Ok"

• It's ok that I am THIS excited to welcome my new subscribers! (Seriously, so glad I've met so many new people in the last few weeks! I went from 6 to 24, which to me feels like quite the following, so thank you all! Can't wait to continue to get to know you!!)  

• It's ok that I'm pretty sure I'm falling in love with a few of you guys, because it's so nice to have a group of people to talk to who really get it. 

• It's ok that I am writing this right now while my mom is in town, because she is napping next to me. I think that still counts as bonding time, right?

• It's ok that I get a little jealous of people who never do long distance, or who do long distance shorter than I have and will continue to do. 

• It's ok that I get jealous of people who are engaged because they are actually together all the time, when they have still been dating for less time than Jonathan and I have. All this is despite the fact that Jonathan and I have talked, and want to wait a bit longer to get engaged to help avoid being another statistic, not at all to imply that all young/military relationships won't work out <3 (seriously... feels like this happens every day)

• It's ok that I'm not signed up for any classes right now, because as of Monday I will be signed up for all of them. 

• It's ok that I have not lost my stress weight from the last year yet, because once school starts again, so does my free gym membership. (gotta love the Rec. Center on campus!) 

• It's ok that this is my second blog today, it's not like this is the first time that's happened. 

• It's ok that I sent Jonathan this picture, and said "For when we see each other in five months and pee our pants form excitement." it's just one of my many charms that he (hopefully) loves about me. 

#5 In Progress!

I'll probably be MAI for the next few days.
That's because # 5 from my 23 Before 23 list is happening now!

I'm spending the week and weekend with my Mom! 

She came up with me for a weekend of fun,

we've got exploring Petaluma, a spa day, cooking, and lots of girl time all in the plan. 

I'll update you on all our adventures as soon as I can!