Validation

Starting off with a BANG! For September 11, 2013, the best compliment that I have ever received is actually one that I only had bestowed upon me about a month ago. To be fair, I have a terrible memory so it is natural that the most recent stands out in my mind :) This compliment was given by a teacher that I did my middle school teaching practicum with. Willow has become a dear friend and a wonderful reference for me during my continued search for employment as an educator in Portland. This compliment was stated in an email that she sent to the district advocating they hire me. I was blown away by the email in it's entirety, but the last statement was the most important to me.

"I can think of no one else I would rather entrust my classroom to, and as a new parent, Rachael is the type of teacher that gives parents reassurance that their children are in the right place."

This compliment meant the world to me because I have had such a terribly long, ongoing journey in finding a teaching job in Portland, Oregon where I want to live. So often I get in my own head and beat myself up, tell myself that if I was a good teacher I would have a job by now. This one simple sentence helps me to validate not only WHY I continue to search and apply for jobs, but also that I am GOOD at what I do. Thank you Willow for believing and trusting in me as a teacher.

Let's not call it a come back ;)

Not sure how many times I have said those two magic words every loyal reader and diligent writer longs and loves to hear, but here they are....I'm baaaaaaaack! I've decided to revamp my blog! I gave it a much needed face lift~ after all, it is no longer Christmas 2012 ;) I have been inspired by my big sis and friend Veronica to give this daily blog challenge a go-go! Who knows how I will do? Surely not me, but hey, I'm willing to jump back on the pour-my-heart-to-you train! Aaaaaaallllllll aboard! (multiple shout outs there including my baby brother who will forever love choo-choos :)
I look forward to sharing and continuing my writing in any way I can. Random fact, if I could do anything besides teaching I would choose book editing! Who knows, maybe I will write books some day! It feels good to be back in the writing habit even if it is only day #1. All the best things start at day #1 :p

End of the world

*I'm not sure why this never got posted, but a few months shy of one year ago, I wrote this reflection piece. Today, on September 11, 2013 another day of sad reflection, I choose to share it with you.


I wanted to take a moment and reflect on the awful shootings of the past week. This last week has been very difficult for not only those directly affected and involved, but also those of us who have had to watch as these terrible, unspeakable acts of terror occur and are broadcasted on every possible media device available.
When I found out about the shootings at the Clackamas Town Center, a mall that I have grown up shopping at and calling "our mall," the two things that crossed my mind were how lucky it was that I, as well as my family and friends, decided to pass on my shopping errands at the mall that afternoon as well as so many questions of how someone could possibly get to this point of no return and the taking of innocent lives in what has always been know as a safe environment.
Then to be at work Friday morning only to check my Facebook feed to find out that some maniac had somehow gotten into an elementary school across the country and started killing babies was beyond comprehension. I barely made it through the day as I couldn't help watching the tragic, devastating events unfold on the tv. How easy that could have been in a school that myself, friends or family teach at. My heart literally was breaking for everyone in that school and the parents and family on the outside waiting for answers and hugs from little ones that would never come.

Ahoy mateys!

As promised...pictures from my 30th birthday! Pirate style:)

 two of my favorites:)

 Even Janelle made the trip up! I felt so special!

 Captain, my captain!

 Aaaaarrrrrggggg!!!

 Mo and Blair looking FABULOUS!

 Awesome.

 Pre-birthday pizza dinner with family

 Natalie riding my new OSU beaver!

 Piratey animals!

 My BESTIE!!!

 Love him SO BIG!

 Sean and Tyree:)

 Tradition!

 I have cool friends :P

 Almost full group shot

Yup.

 

 

One of my BEST birthdays yet!

Holey Moley!

Ok, wow. I have been a horrible blogger as of late. It's been about three months since my last post. Chalk some of it up to not having access to a computer, but mostly I have just been occupied living my wonderful life :)

Needless to say, the last few months have been craaaaaazy busy! Adam and I have been house and pet sitting literally every two weeks, for his parents, the family I nanny for, etc. I've barely slept in my own bed, but two or three weeks out of the past 12!

Around all of the "living-in-other-people's-spaces" thing, the Portland Timbers finished out a mediocre season by bringing the Cascadia Cup home to Portland (YEEEEEAAAAAHHH!!), Adam and I attended numerous Oregon State Beaver football games-they are having a good season so far, got dressed up and went out to celebrate Halloween, I got offered and (turned down) two teaching jobs in Las Vegas-a post should be completely dedicated to explaining why, a new job offer for Adam, another kickball season(this one was a winning season for In Da Face! and my 30th birthday!!!

I just got a new computer, a birthday gift from the Sapinas:) Due to this fact, pictures will be posted at another time. Welcome back Rachael! Thank you Rachael;)

Kickball!

This summer Adam and I were invited to join a friend's kickball team- In Da Face :) Naturally, we said sure! Friends Keli and Jeff are also on the team so we have been having a pretty fun season. Unfortunately, Keli hurt herself running through first base in the third game, but lucky for us she asked Alicia to fill in during her absence and now Alicia is pretty much playing with us too! We have only won a few games lol, but every game has been fun! Only two games and a tourney left in this season so wish In Da Face good luck!

Welcome Natalie Nelson!

 The Nelson Family

After much waiting and wondering what little baby girl Nelson would look like and when she would arrive...Natalie Dorine Nelson joined the world on Monday July 9th :) Jessie and Matt did great! Adam and I went to visit them that night and we even got to hold the teeny little Natalie.

She is a keeper:) Lots of dark hair and looks a lot like Matt! I see Jessie in her little face too though. Congrats to my best friend on her new little addition. Can't wait to spend more time ♥