Being a woman, I am always concerned about my hair and how it looks. I pay quite a chunk of change for a nice do. However, what I have learned from dating Nathan is all you need is a vacuum to cut your hair. You may need someone to spot check the back, but otherwise this crazy vacuum-like cutter works wonders on a head of curly hair. Now, I would never dare cut my hair with this thing, but Nathan has work wonders on his hair with the flowbee ;) Here is some of the videos that we took about a month or so ago.
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Sunday, March 20, 2011
Special Spring Break Day
It has been forever and a day since I have updated my blog. I have thought about it so many times, but never took the time to just do it. I thought about updating everyone on how teaching has been going, but I'll keep it sweet and sum it up in one word...challenging. But moving on to other news:
As many of you may know, I got engaged to the love of my life last weekend and I unfortunately haven't been able to share the story with everyone, so here it is :)
When Nathan and I started dating, we kept talking about things we wanted to do in Kansas City. A couple months into our relationship we decided to take our thoughts to a coffee house and put it down on paper. We called it "Nathan and Maggie's list of awesomeness" Real creative, right ;) The two of us listed of anything and everything we wanted to do togehter in KC. The list was two pages long and we were pretty proud that we took the time to write it all out.
Over the months we did a few things on the list here and there: Going to a Royals Game, Arthur Bryant's, Loose Park, Dave and Buster's, Chez Elle, and a couple more.
Our list was pretty extensive and with my crazy work schedule we weren't getting much done. Nathan took it upon himself to say the first day of my spring break we were going to knock some of the stuff off of our list. I was totally up for it and just excited for a stress free day with Mr. Vallette.
My first day of spring break, March 12, was absolutely gorgeous! We started the day by going to the Nelson Art Gallery and just exploring inside for a couple hours. Then of course we had to go look at the sculpture park while we were outside the museum.
After the museum, we grabbed a couple smoothies at the Filing Station, which we both were not a fan of. Nasty vegetables and fruit mixed together. Needless to say we are not health freaks ;) Nathan had a Groupon to play cosmic golf at the Great Mall. On the drive down, Nathan kept saying, we are going to have fun today because it is YOUR special spring break day. He said it probably three or four times. I wasn't catching on in the slightest and was honestly getting kind of annoyed he kept calling it my day, but I really didn't think much of it.
We played a round of golf and wandered the mall, which was fun just being us. Putting like Happy Gilmore, taking pictures in a photo booth, and getting hot flashes inside Burlington Coat factory.
We ran a couple random errands after that. It was just nice to spend time together and know that there wasn't any work waiting for me at home. Nathan even decided to randomly pull over and get me roses from a flower shop. I found it hilarious because we both are really not fans of flowers, but I thought it was pretty entertaining that he went into get some. Nathan's excuse for getting that flowers was
"It was your first day of SPRING break and flowers=spring so why not." Definitely very Nathan, but still I was not catching on.
Our last stop was at Nigro's Western Store. Don't ask why that was on our list...it just was. We went, crossed it off and that was that. I was pretty tired after so I suggested we just go back to his place and chill.
I was so ready to just crash and take a nap, but Nathan was pretty adamant that we look over our list and see what we did that day and see if there was anything we wanted to add. He handed me a highlighter and we went through it together. I turned the page and immediately saw something I hadn't seen before: Longterm goals: Get engaged and get married and live happily ever after. I look at Nate and asked him what all that was about. Being the sweet and absolutely adorable guy Nathan is, he said why don't we take care of one of those now. He got down on one knee and he said things and I said things neither of us really remember. Of course I said yes and cried like a baby!
It has taken me awhile to come out of the daze that I've been in. Wait, I'm getting married?!?! Heck yeah...I'm getting married!! I am getting married to the love of my life and my best friend. How lucky am I!!! :)
As many of you may know, I got engaged to the love of my life last weekend and I unfortunately haven't been able to share the story with everyone, so here it is :)
When Nathan and I started dating, we kept talking about things we wanted to do in Kansas City. A couple months into our relationship we decided to take our thoughts to a coffee house and put it down on paper. We called it "Nathan and Maggie's list of awesomeness" Real creative, right ;) The two of us listed of anything and everything we wanted to do togehter in KC. The list was two pages long and we were pretty proud that we took the time to write it all out.
Over the months we did a few things on the list here and there: Going to a Royals Game, Arthur Bryant's, Loose Park, Dave and Buster's, Chez Elle, and a couple more.
Our list was pretty extensive and with my crazy work schedule we weren't getting much done. Nathan took it upon himself to say the first day of my spring break we were going to knock some of the stuff off of our list. I was totally up for it and just excited for a stress free day with Mr. Vallette.
My first day of spring break, March 12, was absolutely gorgeous! We started the day by going to the Nelson Art Gallery and just exploring inside for a couple hours. Then of course we had to go look at the sculpture park while we were outside the museum.
After the museum, we grabbed a couple smoothies at the Filing Station, which we both were not a fan of. Nasty vegetables and fruit mixed together. Needless to say we are not health freaks ;) Nathan had a Groupon to play cosmic golf at the Great Mall. On the drive down, Nathan kept saying, we are going to have fun today because it is YOUR special spring break day. He said it probably three or four times. I wasn't catching on in the slightest and was honestly getting kind of annoyed he kept calling it my day, but I really didn't think much of it.
We played a round of golf and wandered the mall, which was fun just being us. Putting like Happy Gilmore, taking pictures in a photo booth, and getting hot flashes inside Burlington Coat factory.
We ran a couple random errands after that. It was just nice to spend time together and know that there wasn't any work waiting for me at home. Nathan even decided to randomly pull over and get me roses from a flower shop. I found it hilarious because we both are really not fans of flowers, but I thought it was pretty entertaining that he went into get some. Nathan's excuse for getting that flowers was
"It was your first day of SPRING break and flowers=spring so why not." Definitely very Nathan, but still I was not catching on.
Our last stop was at Nigro's Western Store. Don't ask why that was on our list...it just was. We went, crossed it off and that was that. I was pretty tired after so I suggested we just go back to his place and chill.
I was so ready to just crash and take a nap, but Nathan was pretty adamant that we look over our list and see what we did that day and see if there was anything we wanted to add. He handed me a highlighter and we went through it together. I turned the page and immediately saw something I hadn't seen before: Longterm goals: Get engaged and get married and live happily ever after. I look at Nate and asked him what all that was about. Being the sweet and absolutely adorable guy Nathan is, he said why don't we take care of one of those now. He got down on one knee and he said things and I said things neither of us really remember. Of course I said yes and cried like a baby!
It has taken me awhile to come out of the daze that I've been in. Wait, I'm getting married?!?! Heck yeah...I'm getting married!! I am getting married to the love of my life and my best friend. How lucky am I!!! :)
Monday, June 21, 2010
Start of Chicago Summer
Today I finished my first official day of Institute. I'm happy to report we all made it out alive. Our brains are a little fried and our clothes are pit-stained, but we made it.
I am so happy to be in Chicago. Just riding on the El last night to Target and watching the sunset over the city was amazing. I am going to be teaching in the city I love and I can't be more excited.
I woke up at 5:25am this morning and shoved breakfast down before heading onto the school bus to take us to our school. The bus was hot and muggy and I was struggling to keep my eyes open, but I was ready for where ever the bus took us.
After driving right in front of Sox stadium (ew) we arrived at the school. We unloaded like a herd of elephants and shuffled into the school. When I walked into the building I about lost it. It's the kind of school that I had always saw myself going. The wall was adorned with faded paintings promoting messages of success. The tile floor was tattered and uneven. We walked into a large auditorium filled with wooden seats. Messages of love and hate were carved into every seat. You could tell there has been so much history in that room and I had to fight back the urge to cry.
It has been really hard for me to fully grasp where I am and what I am about to do. Kind of an out of body experience. Is this really me? Is this really happening? Am I really about to do this? For the past week I have had a constant lump in my throat. I am so excited for what is about to happen not only here in Chicago, but back home in KC. I feel like I finally have a purpose and I am finally going to be put to some good use. The stories of change I have heard over the past week are so inspirational and give me hope for the changes we can make. I haven't broken down yet, but I know it'll happen soon enough. All the stories and the changes we're about to make are all just going to hit me like a ton of bricks.
We were at a session tonight where the founder of TFA spoke to us. I was falling in and out of daydreaming when the speaker talked about the students that we were going to impact. Then I started to think about my 5th graders that I have yet to meet. They are out there right now doing who knows what, and I get the very distinct pleasure of meeting them oh so soon. I cannot wait to meet them and prepare them for there most intense math class yet...
These are all just ramblings of my thought process the past few days, but I just thought I'd share for anyone interested :) Basically I am very excited for this journey ahead. It'll be a challenge, but I am sure the rewards will far out way anything else :)
Off to bed...
I am so happy to be in Chicago. Just riding on the El last night to Target and watching the sunset over the city was amazing. I am going to be teaching in the city I love and I can't be more excited.
I woke up at 5:25am this morning and shoved breakfast down before heading onto the school bus to take us to our school. The bus was hot and muggy and I was struggling to keep my eyes open, but I was ready for where ever the bus took us.
After driving right in front of Sox stadium (ew) we arrived at the school. We unloaded like a herd of elephants and shuffled into the school. When I walked into the building I about lost it. It's the kind of school that I had always saw myself going. The wall was adorned with faded paintings promoting messages of success. The tile floor was tattered and uneven. We walked into a large auditorium filled with wooden seats. Messages of love and hate were carved into every seat. You could tell there has been so much history in that room and I had to fight back the urge to cry.
It has been really hard for me to fully grasp where I am and what I am about to do. Kind of an out of body experience. Is this really me? Is this really happening? Am I really about to do this? For the past week I have had a constant lump in my throat. I am so excited for what is about to happen not only here in Chicago, but back home in KC. I feel like I finally have a purpose and I am finally going to be put to some good use. The stories of change I have heard over the past week are so inspirational and give me hope for the changes we can make. I haven't broken down yet, but I know it'll happen soon enough. All the stories and the changes we're about to make are all just going to hit me like a ton of bricks.
We were at a session tonight where the founder of TFA spoke to us. I was falling in and out of daydreaming when the speaker talked about the students that we were going to impact. Then I started to think about my 5th graders that I have yet to meet. They are out there right now doing who knows what, and I get the very distinct pleasure of meeting them oh so soon. I cannot wait to meet them and prepare them for there most intense math class yet...
These are all just ramblings of my thought process the past few days, but I just thought I'd share for anyone interested :) Basically I am very excited for this journey ahead. It'll be a challenge, but I am sure the rewards will far out way anything else :)
Off to bed...
Sunday, June 13, 2010
Here we go...
The date is quickly approaching and the big adventure that I have been waiting for, well since November, is about to start. In one week, I will be in Chicago starting a world-win adventure with Teach for America (TFA).
It is so hard to imagine that this is all about to start. I learned about TFA a few years ago and started researching the organization and definitely felt like it was something I wanted to be involved in. I am so fortunate to get the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest in the country to do our small part to help eradicate the inequalities which plaque out educational system.
The whole experience is so thrilling and completely nerve-wracking at the same time. My stomach is all in knots just preparing myself for the unknown that is about to flood my life, but you know things are coming together. I have only heard good things about the school that I will be teaching at and I know that the support system will be great with lots of TFA alumni in the school. I will have my own big kid apartment complete with shopping five minutes out my doorstep. I am with a guy who means the world to me and every time I am with him I am reminded of how absolutely lucky I am to be in the company of such an amazing person. My best friend is moving back to KC and I cannot wait for more random nights together. My family is wonderful as always and the random humor that we have together always brightens my day.
Honestly, I think the whole TFA experience coming up has helped put things in perspective. I have so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. Everything is starting to fall into place and I am just in awe of how truly lucky I am to be a part of it all... :)
It is so hard to imagine that this is all about to start. I learned about TFA a few years ago and started researching the organization and definitely felt like it was something I wanted to be involved in. I am so fortunate to get the opportunity to work with some of the best and brightest in the country to do our small part to help eradicate the inequalities which plaque out educational system.
The whole experience is so thrilling and completely nerve-wracking at the same time. My stomach is all in knots just preparing myself for the unknown that is about to flood my life, but you know things are coming together. I have only heard good things about the school that I will be teaching at and I know that the support system will be great with lots of TFA alumni in the school. I will have my own big kid apartment complete with shopping five minutes out my doorstep. I am with a guy who means the world to me and every time I am with him I am reminded of how absolutely lucky I am to be in the company of such an amazing person. My best friend is moving back to KC and I cannot wait for more random nights together. My family is wonderful as always and the random humor that we have together always brightens my day.
Honestly, I think the whole TFA experience coming up has helped put things in perspective. I have so much to be grateful for and so much to look forward to in the days, weeks, months, and years ahead. Everything is starting to fall into place and I am just in awe of how truly lucky I am to be a part of it all... :)
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Guatemala
Recently, I have been thinking a lot about my time in Guatemala and how much I truly miss it. I was excited/surprised/a little jealous to see that there was another ESL group from K-State going to Guatemala this summer. We had a group of 10, while the group this year is close to 30! That makes my heart so happy to know that so many people are working with the beautiful children of that country.
I have been perusing facebook looking at pictures that people have posted from the current trip. My heart absolutely melted when I saw some of the kids that I worked with last year. I never thought I would see those kids ever again, but seeing pictures of them, now a year older, gives me a sense of comfort. It is so hard to fathom that a year has past. I am not going to lie, when I was looking through the pictures I was looking for one little boy in particular, Carlito (little Carlos) He was my absolute favorite, even though teachers really aren't suppose to have favorites...oops ;) Every day, I would get a hug and kiss on the cheek from Carlito. Recess time he would always come up to me and try to read from my English/Spanish dictionary. Carlito was a little guy, but I was floored at how much older he looked in the recent picture I found online.
I guess it is just comforting to know that those kids are still doing well and to see their gorgeous smiles even if it is just through pictures. I would love to go back to Guatemala sometime. The people are amazing and so welcoming and the country is absolutely breath-taking. My host family was so hospitable and they made our stay wonderful. Honestly, after being in the country and spending time with those kiddos, I would absolutely love to adopt from the country, but that's a big ambitious (and expensive) dream and that's a ways down the road from happening, but you never know what life may bring... :)
Carlito :)
I have been perusing facebook looking at pictures that people have posted from the current trip. My heart absolutely melted when I saw some of the kids that I worked with last year. I never thought I would see those kids ever again, but seeing pictures of them, now a year older, gives me a sense of comfort. It is so hard to fathom that a year has past. I am not going to lie, when I was looking through the pictures I was looking for one little boy in particular, Carlito (little Carlos) He was my absolute favorite, even though teachers really aren't suppose to have favorites...oops ;) Every day, I would get a hug and kiss on the cheek from Carlito. Recess time he would always come up to me and try to read from my English/Spanish dictionary. Carlito was a little guy, but I was floored at how much older he looked in the recent picture I found online.
I guess it is just comforting to know that those kids are still doing well and to see their gorgeous smiles even if it is just through pictures. I would love to go back to Guatemala sometime. The people are amazing and so welcoming and the country is absolutely breath-taking. My host family was so hospitable and they made our stay wonderful. Honestly, after being in the country and spending time with those kiddos, I would absolutely love to adopt from the country, but that's a big ambitious (and expensive) dream and that's a ways down the road from happening, but you never know what life may bring... :)
Carlito :)
Saturday, March 13, 2010
Monday, March 1, 2010
'Secrets of American Teachers'
A TFA employee posted this on her facebook and of course I was intrigued. Such a great piece to watch. I would love to be in those teacher's classroom any day :) The gentlemen featured in the piece actually wrote one of the books that I am required to read before my summer institute in Chicago. Let's be honest, I was not so thrilled receiving a packet full of information to complete, but seeing stuff like this just gets me fired up and excited to get back into the classroom and make it my own.
One of the points that they make in the video is the understanding that students need high goals/expectations. It is so important to hold every single student accountable to a high level of achievement especially in low-income areas. No excuses, every child can succeed if the bar is set high and their diligence is persistent. Just this past week I learned the heart-wrenching story of a little fourth grade boy and the devastating struggles he's been through. It is so frustrating to me to hear that this boy is in danger of repeating the grade because his teacher has 'given up on him.' No matter what the child's background, home life, etc that child is your student and it is your responsibility to make sure that he/she is successful in your classroom, no excuses. Totally random rant, but it's something that really gets me fired up!
One of the points that they make in the video is the understanding that students need high goals/expectations. It is so important to hold every single student accountable to a high level of achievement especially in low-income areas. No excuses, every child can succeed if the bar is set high and their diligence is persistent. Just this past week I learned the heart-wrenching story of a little fourth grade boy and the devastating struggles he's been through. It is so frustrating to me to hear that this boy is in danger of repeating the grade because his teacher has 'given up on him.' No matter what the child's background, home life, etc that child is your student and it is your responsibility to make sure that he/she is successful in your classroom, no excuses. Totally random rant, but it's something that really gets me fired up!
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