Photo 23 May 1 note One year ago we graduated from the #1 public university. Today we are done with our first year teaching in Memphis 😊 (at Pembroke & Gayoso Rooftop)

One year ago we graduated from the #1 public university. Today we are done with our first year teaching in Memphis 😊 (at Pembroke & Gayoso Rooftop)

Quote 22 May 109 notes
To hold our tongues when everyone is gossiping, to smile without hostility at people and institutions, to compensate for the shortage of love in the world with more love in small, private matters; to be more faithful in our work, to show greater patience, to forgo the cheap revenge obtainable from mockery and criticism: all these are things we can do.
— Hermann Hesse (via yogachocolatelove)
Photo 22 May 339 notes explore-blog:

Essential reading/viewing: Arianna Huffington on redefining success.
via Explore.
Text 19 May 3 notes “Take your fears and bitch slap them”

image

This fall, my very good friend from home will be attending University of Michigan’s School of Social Work for their master’s program. When I Skype’d with her just now she told me how difficult it was for her to choose Michigan over UCLA. She has lived in Southern California all her life, and at first there was no doubt in her mind that she would choose UCLA. She realized, though, that if she didn’t break out of her comfort zone now she may never get the chance. So she went ahead and took a leap of faith.

Talking to her took me back to how I felt before making the move out here to Memphis, and it brought back that uneasy mix of emotions knowing you made the harder, but hopefully more rewarding, choice. 

Even though this year has continuously pushed me to the limit, and even though I often wish things were easier, how much I wouldn’t take this year back tells me I made the right decision. Hearing from my good friend that she was getting ready to take her own leap of faith has re-sparked my appreciation for everything that has happened from the moment I packed all the clothes/shoes/accessories I could into my Honda Civic coupe and drove 1800 miles east of Orange County to now, 5 days before I’m done with my first year teaching. These 20 children have taught me more about life than many adults I’ve known ever have, and I know I will always think about them no matter where I am or what I am doing in the future. As I write notes to each of my kids on the backs of their framed class pictures, I am hoping in the future they will somehow be able to remember how amazing and fearless they were in their first year of school; how obvious it was to them in Pre-K that they are ‘so smart’ and ‘going to college.’ They proudly say these things and brag about themselves every day in class, and I know as long as they keep some of the same fearlessness, love, and joy as they have today for the rest of their lives they will truly be able to do anything.

Thank you to my kids and all the inspiring people in my life who remind me to take my fears and bitch slap them. Amazing experiences and people await.

Quote 18 May 31 notes
On a long journey of human life, faith is the best of companions; it is the best refreshment on the journey; and it is the greatest property.
— Buddha (via yogachocolatelove)
Photo 15 May 1,392 notes
Photo 12 May 2,208 notes
Video 8 May 5 notes

Fantastic.

I bet most people don’t know dancing can get to this level.

Photo 4 May 1 note Appreciated Memphis even more today frolicking with Aislinn and her fresh eyes



Amazing Stax Museum of American Soul Music
Affiliate of Stax Music Academy, a crazy-talented ensemble of ~100 high school & middle school students, and of Soulsville Charter School, a school that sent 100% of its seniors last year to college with scholarships.

Appreciated Memphis even more today frolicking with Aislinn and her fresh eyes


Amazing Stax Museum of American Soul Music

Affiliate of Stax Music Academy, a crazy-talented ensemble of ~100 high school & middle school students, and of Soulsville Charter School, a school that sent 100% of its seniors last year to college with scholarships.

Quote 2 May 2,304 notes
I like intelligent women. When you go out, it shouldn’t be a staring contest.
— Frank Sinatra (via thatkindofwoman)

(Source: coffeeinthemountains)


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