Book Review: Present Over Perfect

Hi y'all,
I have heard about Present Over Perfect by Shauna Niequist t for a few months now (it was released in February). I just got my hands on it, and quite frankly I'm not really sure how I feel about it.

I think the reason I don't know how I feel about it is because I expected more clarity throughout the book. I loved that the book was told in stories (every point had a story to go along with it).

This book is all about changing your life from the rushed lives we all tend to live to a more steady and focused life. The focus is on making sure you're putting the actual important things in front of things you "thought" were important.

I think it is important to look at the fact that we cannot always pick the actual most important thing to start with, and often prioritize things like work over family.

Now, I will say I am completely guilty of this. Since I work two jobs and go to school full time, it is tricky.

This book tries to explain that it is okay to say no to something and that it won't take away from future opportunities. This point, I will have to argue. In fact, I attempted to change my schedule at my previous place of employment after they told me they would encourage me and support me in anything I chose to do. That ended up not to be true and after a few nasty emails from my superior, I ended up quitting. Luckily, it was the best decision I ever made. But, this is a clear example of how it does not always work out perfectly if you say no to an opportunity.

Overall, I like this book's vision and point. This book wants you to stop rushing around (which I do about 90% of the time) and live more in the moment. This is definitely something I've been trying to do, and I like the points brought up by Niequist to make it happen (minus the point above).

I do think this book is definitely worth a read, but I think every piece of advice needs to be taken into consideration with what else is going on in your life, as it might not work out as seamlessly as it did for Niequist. I do believe this book is a good book and anyone can get a lot out of it. It does have a lot of Christian values, but they're worked in such a way that the book is not "preachy" or forcing you to be a Christian in order to get something out of the book.

Have you read Present Over Perfect? What did you think?

with southern grace,

Lindsey

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Blog Break Over but Why it was Important

Hi y'all,
I have some good news for you, my blogging break is over! I know, I keep saying that, but this time it is really true.

I have two months worth of content planned out, but first let me tell you why this break was really important to me.

I'm still a full time college student working toward my teaching licensure. The state of Virginia is one of the toughest states to get licensed in. Why? Super high test scores are required and lots of classes. I'm now on the tail end of my program, with only potentially a few classes left for summer, one more test requirement, and student teaching this fall (as long as everything goes as planned).

I'm super lucky so far and all of my hard work has been paying off. I currently have the highest GPA I've had in years and have only received one B (and the professor gave everyone a B because it was his first time teaching a college level class). Which, if you knew me during my time at CNU, this is pretty shocking that the lowest grade I received was that B. Often times at CNU, I was working way too hard to earn a B- (which before college, a B was practically unheard of on a report card). But while doing this program I've also worked two jobs consistently. Luckily, one of them is in my elementary school with pretty cute kids (and boy do I have stories for days).

Now, as I mentioned above, my blogging break is over. However, I still need to tell you my plans! This summer, I will only be working one job again and only potentially taking classes (which, if I do have to take classes they'll be in math, which is my strongest subject apparently). This means I have more time to do what I love, spending time writing this blog. As of right now, I plan to have posts up Monday through Friday at 8 am. My content will be changing a little bit though. It won't just be fashion related, but will also have tips 'n' tricks, teaching ideas, and so much more. There are so many things that I have experienced, some are great, while others were definitely learning experiences. Even as I write this post, I feel more rejuvenated than I have in months. I feel inspired and ready to share with the world (or at least the internet), my story as I continue to learn and become more like a "real adult" versus the "pretend one" I've been for the past 2 years (and boy it does not seem like I graduated from CNU 2 years ago). I even felt so inspired that I made my best friend's graduation card and my mom's mother's day card (I'm sorry now), and while I'm not going to be a paid artist any time soon, it tells me I'm going in the right direction. This blogging break was so necessary, because now I feel like I can take it seriously and not be as overwhelmed as I felt before. Plus, this means better content that is far more genuine than anything I would have produced before. And being genuine is one of the most important things to me.

Blogging for me has always been a hobby. I want it to continue to be a hobby and my outlet, especially as I am going into one of the more critical parts of my education to be a teacher. Plus, I want to be able to share with y'all how I get through it all, because I don't think it is talked about enough. I can't say I'll be 100% transparent with y'all, I will definitely share with you what I'm able to. Plus, you can always see in my life on personal Instagram and Twitter, as well as my blog Instagram.

I love sharing with y'all different things that I fall in love with, and don't worry that part won't be going away. I'm just adding more to make this little slice of the internet more me.

I started this blog back in November of 2015. Back then, I was only thinking of going back to school for my teaching licensure; however, knew I was pretty unhappy with my life at the time (but more on that at a later time). This blog was created because I felt I had outgrown my old one (Lindsey's Thoughts). I blogged over there for all of college. I talked about how I decided to go to college, my sorority experience, studying abroad in my favorite country, and graduation. This blog is all about my post grad life and I can't wait to share more with you as I finish my Post Bac and really move into the "adult world".

I can't wait to share more with y'all.

 with southern grace,

Lindsey

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Teach with Heart

As many of you know, last year I made the leap back to education as I started taking classes and the necessary tests to become a teacher in Virginia. I'm already so lucky that I get to spend my days, Monday through Friday with the best First and Second graders there are (not that I'm biased). However, the more time I spend in school (elementary school that is), I realize that teaching is not just making a cute lesson plan and assessing students' knowledge.

It's determining if a student needs to see the nurse, or if they're lying to you.
It's determining if a student needs help with their home life.
It's making sure every student feels like they belong, no matter what their struggle is.
It's being a hero for a child who doesn't have one at home.
It's being the person they want to see and hug every day (and believe me hugs are endless).

It's also the duels with unhappy children as you try to help make their day better.
It's the tears on the playground as they are sure they're dying (they're not, I promise).
It's answering the tough questions like "why do I have to do this?" (they aren't fans of "because I said so").
It's having a smile on your face even when you feel terrible and just want to be at home in bed.
It's being able to say, "I'm doing this because its the best for you".
It's watching them pass hurdles they never thought they could overcome.
It's having your heart burst with joy.

And that is one school day.

image via

That's right: it isn't done in a year, but in a day. At all times, a teacher is fulfilling every single roll possible: education, parent, friend, mentor, and voice of reason. All within an 8 hour or so long school day.

If you think I'm joking, you didn't have the week I had.

As I'm currently working on my first unit plan for one of my classes, I realize how excited I am to share these lessons with my future classes. At the same time, I think about how my students last year and this year. Could they do this assignment? What if they had a bad day? Could x student do this, or would they need something else? Then, my brain floats away from the unit plan I'm supposed to be doing to "I wonder if this child is still acting up?" and "I hope this year is better for x, they deserve it". And let's not forget the "I saw so and so the other day and they looked so happy and confident, what a change from last year". To the "I'm so glad so and so finally passed their level of sight words they've been on for so long, I wonder how I can make learning them easier for her?" and "maybe we should try reading x book, maybe then they'll like reading more".

This is what makes me realize why I want to teach. It isn't because I want to be paid the big bucks (obviously). It's not because I want all the presents or the hugs in the world. Its because I want to serve my students and help make their lives better in some way.

That doesn't mean giving everyone a smiley face on every paper, either. This means challenging them. This means sitting with them for hours making sure they know their sight words, their math facts. That they have strategies to help them be successful as they come across tougher aspects of their education. It's holding their hand on a tough day and making sure they get the help they need.

As each day goes on, and I ask (ridiculous) questions as I continue my own education, I realize that teaching isn't for the lighthearted (or the person with the queasy stomach), it's for the person with the big heart. At the end of the day, when you're past all of your frustration points, that's what it takes: heart.

 with southern grace,

Lindsey

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101 in 1001

Start: January 1, 2017

End: September 29, 2019

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Professional: 

1. Finish my teaching program
2. Student Teach
3. Get my teaching licensure
4. Get a teaching job/contract
5. Pass my tests to become a teacher
6. Attend a professional conference
7. Start my master's degree
8. Learn CPR
9. Set up a virtual file for Word Study
10. Copy some math handouts
11. Update my resume
12. Keep a journal during practicums 
13. Keep a journal during student teaching 
14. Become certified with Hootsuite

Personal:

1. Save $5000
2. Get a puppy
3. Read 32 books (1 for each month)
4. Take a trip
5. Attend my sorority's 5th year anniversary celebration
6. Unplug from technology for 24 hours
7. Workout every day for 30 days
8. Go back to London/UK
9. Move into my own apartment
10. Sell some of my old Lilly clothes/clothes I don't wear
11. Buy a new computer
12. Watch a full baseball game
13. Run a mile
14. Run 2 miles
15. Run a 5k (does not have to be a race)
16. Attend a polo match
17. Go apple picking
18. Go ice skating
19. Drink 70 oz. of water every day for a week
20. Buy nothing for 30 days
21. Go on a hike
22. Blog 5 days a week for a month
23. Visit Charleston, SC
24. Go to CNU's Homecoming
25. Celebrate my friend's Medical School graduation
26. Visit Chicago again
27. Take a trip alone
28. Clean out my technology- computer, iPad, phone, and iPod
29. Give to CNU
30. Give to Alpha Delta Pi
31. Frame my college diploma
32. Clean my room
33. Write a handwritten letter, that is not a thank you note
34. Unsubscribe from all unwanted emails
35. Get to inbox zero on all of my emails
36. Make my bed every day for a week
37. Go one month without shopping
38. Make dinner with a friend
39. Get Invisalign/teeth straightened
40. Learn to a shoot a gun
41. Take a trip with a friend
42. Work on my Spanish
43. Pray more
44. Take a day for myself
45. Clean out my closet
46. Go kayaking with a friend
47. Take 5 minutes a day for myself for a month
48. Visit a zoo
49. Visit a new museum
50. Clean my car myself
51. Clean my bathroom once a week for a month
52. Celebrate best friend's graduation from college
53. Go camping
54. Hold a plank for 3 minutes
55. Clean out social media "friends"
56. Take my coins to the bank
57. Buy myself flowers
58. Watch a documentary
59. Go to a concert
60. Spend time in a park
61. Make my bed everyday for a month
62. Do a 30 day exercise challenge
63. Do PT exercises everyday for a month
64. Get a new doctor
65. Go to "Sunset Series"
66. Try paddle boarding
67. Have/go to a bon fire
68. Watch the sunrise with someone
69. Watch the sunset with someone
70. Have a day where I stay in bed all day
71. Walk 30,000 steps in a day
72. Plan outfits out for the next day the night before for a week
73. Cook someone dinner
74. Cook someone breakfast
75. Organize jewelry
76. Binge watch a show I haven't watched before
77. Get my t-shirt quilt made of my sorority and college t-shirts
78. Reach out to a sorority sister
79. Have a rainy movie day with a friend
80. Go to a fair
81. Go to the beach
82. Visit Harry Potter Studio Tour in England
83. Have a picnic
84. Pick up for 5 minutes a day for a month
85. Go on a ghost tour
86. Post to Instagram every day for a month

*1 month= 30 days, 1 week= 7 days

September Goals

Hi Y'all,
I'll be completely honest with you, originally I was never going to do a monthly goals post on here. Yet, I find myself writing this on a whim. I definitely have some goals to work toward this month, so why not share them?

via

1. Be ahead in all my classes. I'm taking 5 classes toward my teaching license and work two jobs. Needless to say, time is scarce.
2. Save some money. I'll be honest, I've been spending a lot, and I need to stop.
3. Have some fun. Looking at my agenda (and Google Sheets of classwork I have to do) basically makes me want to cry right now. I need to remember to have some fun (especially because my birthday is this month!).
4. Walk 10,000+ steps a day. Currently I've been walking way more than that, but it's nice to keep it as a constant reminder.
5. Make sure I'm writing in my teaching journal once a day. I started this as a way to remember the activities and other things I do with my kiddos or what I see other teachers doing, with the plan that it will help me once I become a teacher!

 with southern grace,

Lindsey

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First Day of School!

Hi Y'all,

There is no case of the "Sunday Scaries" over here! Why? My first day back at my elementary school is tomorrow and kiddos come in on Tuesday! This means everything picks back up between the two jobs and going to school full time. That's ok though.

I'm also super excited because tomorrow starts the Lilly Pulitzer Sale! I've always been a huge fan (I still have some of my "minnie" clothes (what Lilly refers to as little girls). Its been hit or miss with a lot of patterns for me recently, I'm really missing "old" Lilly (the more classic designs), but I always fall in love with elephant prints.

Make sure to follow on twitter, instagram, bloglovin, and snapchat (links below) to stay up to day on everything (and see what I get from the Lilly sale, first!)

See y'all soon!

 with southern grace,

Lindsey

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Life Update Mid 2016: Let's Try This Again

Hi Y'all,

I figured it's about time I gave y'all a life update since we're (over) halfway done with 2016.

I took another break from blogging to readjust to school, two new jobs, etc. While yes, it seems like excuses, I felt it was necessary and it really paid of GPA wise.

So, now for the big question: where am I in life?

(c) with southern grace

Well, I've finished my first semester of my Teaching Certificate program, and I officially have two semesters left of actual classes before I student teach next fall (Fall of 2017). I'm trying my hardest not to take any classes next summer so I can earn/save some money during student teaching. I've been working toward this since the end of 2015 so needless to say I'm happy there is an end in sight and it's getting closer.

I had some goals I wanted to accomplish this year and I'm so happy to say that I've accomplished some of them completely! Others are definitely still a work in progress...

          1. Fitness

  --Workout 3 times a week.
  --Drink more water.
       How do I hold myself accountable?
         --Tracking with apps
         --Online programs like Blogilates and ToneItUp
         --Going to the occasional class
2. Happiness
  -- Incorporating more fitness.
  --Write down three things that make me happy at least three times a week.
  --Blog more--2 times a week.
       How do I hold myself accountable?
         --Writing it down.
         --Blog posts are public for the world to see.
         --Planning ahead
3. Career
  --Take classes toward teaching license.
  --Take and pass tests (VCLA and Pracis Math).
  --Apply to post-bac program (by end of April).
  --Volunteer at elementary school.
  --Apply for TA position.
       How do I hold myself accountable?
          --Studying (for classes and tests).
         --Working hard to be able to afford said tests and classes.
         --Finish everything for application far in advance (hopefully by the first week in March).
         --Setting small goals to help reach the bigger ones.

Obviously, I haven't accomplished some of these goals, but I have accomplished all of the ones that are highlighted. Essentially, career wise, my goals are definitely getting hit. However, in the more "self pleasing" categories they aren't. It is definitely my intention to start working more on these as it is only going to hold me back in the long run. 

So besides classes and work, what have I done this summer?

Well, I squeezed in a trip to visit my college roommate who is going to be a 2nd year med student this fall. I've also done a ton of (unnecessary) shopping. Like I have a problem, ok? The first step is always admitting it. I've also managed to survive a minor/somewhat major computer problem even with a not so great solution, it still functions so all is good there. I've managed to pretend puppy shop. Literally, besides a vacation when I finish school, I'm getting a puppy. 

While my original goal was to blog twice a week, I think I'm going to take it to once a week since I've been pretty terrible at posting so far. However, that just means the content will be even better! My goal is to post every Monday. Make sure to go to bloglovin' and like withsoutherngrace so you stay up to date! I'm already starting to make a running list so y'all can tweet me, or email me with any requests!

 with southern grace,

Lindsey

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