Thursday, November 29, 2012

Pin me something good!


I can ALWAYS find something good on Pinterest!


Source: ebay.com via Jana on Pinterest


So - - - I'm not the only one then??? 
Source: someecards.com via Jana on Pinterest



Makes me so happy *smiles*



To go with my fancy shoes

One of my little first grade darlings got a Hello Kitty hat for her birthday recently. When asked to take it off- she said, "Why can't I wear my hat inside?" My response, "Oh honey, if we could wear hats to school, I would have a cute hat on every day of the week to go with my outfits but we can't. So... take that super cute Hello Kitty hat off. Sorry, Charlie". And these hats would be some of the hats I'd wear. 


Very good advice: 



 Get your fashion on...
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Wednesday, November 28, 2012

My personal story- anxiety

Bloggers, like everyone else, tell you what they want you to know about their life. You get to see the parts we choose to tell you about. Most of the time, my blog is a happy place. And I'm not going to be sad today- I'm going to be honest. I hope with this honesty, I help someone else...




You see, I've always been very hard on myself. Even in elementary school, I remember being super disappointed with my first B. I remember the knot that developed in my chest by the time school was over. "What would my parents think?" I always stayed in at recess in middle school to double check my math tests, for fear I'd done horribly. I cried at piano lessons because it was "too hard". I remember doubting my relationship with Christ as soon as I'd committed to live for Him. I cried in dance class (even as an adult!). I prayed and prayed all the time as a teenager but could never release the tightness I felt in my chest. I had a hard time breathing deep enough to feel like I got enough oxygen. I thought this feeling was normal and that EVERYONE felt that way. 

The earliest I remember feeling that tightness in my chest was about 10 or 11 years old. It continued into adulthood and worsened as I got older. It followed me into my dating relationships. That ever-present "tightness in my chest"- I began to associate with conviction of the Holy Spirit. 

One day, I had gotten so tired of the tightness in my chest, I called a sweet friend and shared with her. She  told me she didn't feel that tightness in her chest and that was probably not a "normal" reaction to life. I'd lived with that ever-present, unable to breathe feeling for so long - I'd accepted it as a reality. I then called another friend who is in the medical profession an shared with her. Again, a second friend told me, that feeling wasn't normal and perhaps I should visit with a doctor. 

I was scared. I was fearful. I had mentally beaten myself up and begun to believe everything I thought. Every thought that told me: I wasn't good enough. I wasn't pleasing enough. I'd begun to fear the future. I was scared to "grow up". I was afraid I "liked the wrong boy". I believed the lies my anxiety had told me. 
 



Naturally, living in the world we live in, I googled the heck out of everything to do with anxiety. You know how it is when you google stuff.... even when you don't google stuff - I was this lady---


 I  bravely nervously anxiously scheduled an appointment. The days until the appointment I continued to overanalyze. "What if there's nothing wrong with me?"  "What if it this is normal?" "What if I never get fixed." " I can't tell people. They'll think I'm crazy." "I can't talk about this because no one will understand. " "What if my doctor tells me this is all in my head..." I finally visited with my general practitioner and she patiently listened. When she looked at me and said, "Well, it sounds like you're dealing with a little bit of anxiety." It was such a relief. I felt such relief! I felt like I could breathe and I felt less crazy. She prescribed me a low dose anti-depressant and within 2 weeks, I felt like myself again. 

Old patterns are hard to break. My brain was trained to think negatively and jump to the worst conclusions. With continued prayer, patience, and support from my then boyfriend (thanks to his persistence and patience, now husband) I was able to feel like me. I was able to become less scared and fearful. I began to pray more and am now able to breathe.

I've been off my medication the last few months and thankfully, I'm fine. When those nasty thoughts start to creep back in, I remember that I struggle with anxiety. I remember that's okay. And thankfully, my Heavenly Father loves me anyway. 

For now, I'm mentally healthy without medication. If there comes a point in time where I need to get back on medication, I'm not opposed. I am thankful for friends who encouraged me to visit with my doctor. I am even more thankful, Christ is a healer. It's okay to need help sometimes. There are people who struggle with anxiety and as someone who's been there- I know it can be difficult to deal. You're not alone. You're not crazy. And it's going to be alright... 

Source: chic-type.com via Jana on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Jana on Pinterest

Source: flickr.com via Jana on Pinterest


Get your fashion on... Love you all

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Monday, November 26, 2012

Why I like First Graders...

Hi. My name is Jana and I'm theatrical. It's also a reason kids appeal to me.


 Here is a dramatized scene I'll re-enact for you from my classroom today:


Mind you, I could not contain the giggles. Not even a little. And then, I had to tell the small friend, "Sir, I am not at all surprised you don't like to walk. Running fits your personality better anyway."

If you've never enjoyed Kid Snippets, you've been missing out on what life has to offer. I feel like this girl 4 out of 5 days a week. Enjoy!


Also- one of my budding fashionistas told her mom she had to have black boots like her teacher's. Guess what? She now has black boots similar to mine. Changing the word - one fashionista and one runner at a time. Love my firsties!


Get your fashion on ...

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Friday, November 23, 2012

Giveaway WINNER

So, I was supposed to post this on Wednesday but - looks like it turns out to be on Friday. I am so thankful for all the people who follow this blog and read along. You guys are awesome!I never expected to have so many people who would be interested to follow this little blog. Thank you for taking the time to enter!

*drum roll please* 

The winner of the earrings is Tiffany from Ramblings of a Southern Bell. She is so sweet and is such an encouraging, positive person. A big CONGRATS! to Tiffany.


Get your fashion on...

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Thursday, November 15, 2012

80's Tap Dance Kid

Perhaps the title of this post is slightly misleading - and I was in fact an 80's tap dance kid - but Blogger allows me to check my traffic sources.

The following are ways people have located my blog:
  • my new license outfit dmv
  • batman pumpkin
  • teacher nutcracker
  • 80's tap dance kid
  • Alice and Wonderland Original Movie
  • Okay Ya
  • our teacher in yoga pants
  • scary dreams ecards
  • day after hump day
  • diy bullet necklace

    And my personal FAVORITE:
  • Red Neck Having Fun

Well this Red Neck, (if you met my family...well...it'd make sense) loves her new necklace. I bought it from a friend and I am crazy about it! I want to wear it daily. Always. Love it! So beautiful and sooooo vintage! I saw it and mentally sang, **"I can tell that we are gonna be friends"** ((Ya know, like Jack and Meg White))
VintagePeacockLocket

Get your fashion on!
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Wednesday, November 14, 2012

ANNOUNCING my First Ever GIVEAWAY!

Hayyyy ladeeeez! I can hardly stand the anticipation!
  I've decided, I might be serious about blogging. And if I'm not, who am I to deny you precious people a chance to win goodies?! 

While out and about on my usual shopping gallavantery (probably not a word but it sho' is now!) I found a cutesy dress, sheer-thingy. And I thought to myself, "I need some earrings to go with this. (As if I don't have 5 bajillion pair to go with it.) Hmmm, you know what? I bet there are some cute earrings here." You blog-followers are always on my mind and so.... here's your chance! You could win these adorable earrings! 
 100_1434

 Hang on tight, folks there's a giveaway comin' at ya!



Giveaway starts today and lasts until NEXT Wednesday, the 21st. So get ta' clickin'!

If you're the lucky Winner Winner of the Not a Chicken Dinner - aka: earrings - well, you can keep 'em or give 'em as a gift. Totally up to you! Good luck guys and gals!

Psssst! Have you had a chance to visit GentriLee or Emily at Tea Tree Vintage so you could see my little advertisements on their sidebars? 

Get your fashion on!
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Tuesday, November 13, 2012

It's All in the Heart

I feel bad for Thanksgiving. Dear Thanksgiving, I'm not skipping you. Just a brief, temporary bypass.
(source)

Many people are all jazzied up about Christmas. Already. The day right after Halloween night of Halloween, Wal-Mart had a shelf stocked with Christmas presents. 

I'm going to sound like a broken record, but everyone (including me *shame shame*) has a terrible case of the "gimmes". For the love, I even have a Pinterest Board titled: "Lil' things I want". It's quite the bummer because instead of getting excited about Christmas, it sorta stresses people out. It's become all about what we have to buy to keep the people we love happy. That. Is. Sad.

Hubbin' and I were talking about how we had a "simple" Christmas last year and we were both REALLY joyful about spending time with one another. We created our own simple traditions and were pleased with the time we spent with one another, making memories. He then told me a story about someone he works with and how she is so stressed out because of the money she's going to have to spend to purchase a gift for one person on her list of many. If I knew I would stress my friends/family out by requesting a gift - well- that would make me feel terrible. Know what I like? Making memories. 

As a child, my family Christmas caroled people door-to-door. We would make a list of people to visit, and my parents, siblings, and I would all go knocking on people's doors and sing. Happy memories. We even did it up until last year.
  FamilyCarolers, Christmas Caroling
Yes, my dad is wearing a top hat and my mom is in her Mrs. Claus gear. This is where I come from and I wouldn't trade it for the world! 

001-15

I love my Wolf Pack and I loved ice skating with those girls (in spite of the fact I was CERTAIN I was near death the entire time I was atop those stupid skates).
011-11

010-12

We made memories and time for each other. Quality time during the Christmas season is more valuable to me than gifts. This, coming from me, a girl whose former primary love language was gifts.



I guess what I'm trying to say is: Maybe this year should be less about giving things and more about giving of ourselves to each other and to Christ. Because, really, didn't He graciously give all on the cross for us? Didn't Jesus sacrificially come to Earth because of his love?

10 But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. 11 Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord. 12 This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger." Luke 2:10-12



You won't hear any of this Politically Correct, "Happy Holidays" stuff from me. Merry, Merry Christmas!I hope everyone takes the time to step back from the presents, Santa Claus, jingle jingle, stress of the season and make time for each other, but most importantly,... make time and room for Jesus.

Get your fashion on

Monday, November 12, 2012

What Have You Pinned for Me Lately?

I, like the rest of the world, am addicted to Pinterest. If you're not following me yet, I'm not sure what the hold up is... check out some of the beautiful things I've pinned lately!



Truth.

Source: statigr.am via Jana on Pinterest


My husband is beautiful people. This. Just this. And Jesus.


This dress is so stinkin' cute and such an updated, retro look. LOVE IT! Put some Vintage Victory Rolls in and call it good!



Keeeteeeez!!!

Source: google.fi via Jana on Pinterest


I kinda think I need some moccasins this year...
Source: freepeople.com via Jana on Pinterest


Do you believe me NOW?! I pin great stuff! So, follow along my friendles!

And get your fashion on!
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Sunday, November 11, 2012

Thoughts from a thoughtful place

Quite obviously I've neglected my blog lately. I do apologize. Seriously. How the heck do some of these teachers out there in the blogosphere do it?! I have no idea! Quite frankly, when school is over for the day - the papers are graded and I'm comfortably watching Friends on the couch, I feel like this lady:
 (source)

Once upon a time ago, I set a goal for this blog to reach 100 followers by the end of 2012. Well, friends, my happy little butt has been busy. Doing what you might ask? Beats the heck out of me! Okay, that's not true. Something in my world happens in the beginning of October. I've mentioned that I work the spookhouse at school. Somehow that takes over my life from the beginning of October until part way through November. It's a true story. I become engulfed, nay, overwhelmed with spookhouse duties. 

In other news: I'm old.
Dear readers, I (and probably you too - sorry folks) have lived long enough to see fashion cycle around full circle. It's convenient for me. At the same time, it kinda irritates me. I went to my beloved haven, Forever 21, and realized, "I've seen this all before." All this stuff in here is what was cool in the 90s. Say, what?! Then, I thought of Ecclesiastes 1:9 - "What has been will be again, what has been done will be done again; there is nothing new under the sun." Dang. Get me to a thrift store please. This reasonably priced $12.50 shirt would cost $4.99 max at Goodwill. 

Hey, remember how I said I'm old two seconds ago? Well the good news there is I'm gonna have a birthday party for myself next summer. Perfect theme: Alice in Wonderland. I've always thought she should be an honorary Disney princess anyway. I'm thinking a modest version - like this:

But I really prefer the original Alice -

And maybe, maybe..... maaaaaayyyyybe I could talk the husband into being the Mad Hatter, eh??? Yeah. That'd be awesome. Everybody would love it. Including, and most importantly, the old birthday lady.

But for now, be satiated with the cuteness that was my Halloween costume - my take on Tinkerbell
Close, right?! Pretty dang close considering I thought of it the night before Halloween and didn't make any purchases other than tights to go towards my costume.

Get your fashion on
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Thursday, November 1, 2012

Stuff that's okay...

Linking up with Neelykins for It's Okay Thursday.

These things are all more than okay with me: 
  • That I've felt completely blog-ily uninspired lately.
  • I came home and ate a Kit-Kat and I want another fiftyhundred to go down my gullet.
  • I've already had two Dr. Peppers today.
  • I didn't think of my Halloween costume until the night before Halloween. 
 Tinkerbell =/= Angel 
 Translation: Tinkerbell does NOT equal an Angel

  • It's okay that I wore this to school on Halloween
  •  It's okay to be uncertain about how "writing" is a spiritual gift, but hope I can find a way to use it anyway.
  • It's okay to have second thoughts/ jitters about Blissdom. 
  • It's okay to be exhausted after a day of teaching 20 beautiful children.
  • It's okay to be annoyed that someone wants you to decorate with spider webs AFTER Halloween is over. Give me a BREAK!
  •   That I wore this completely thrifted outfit to school today:
 Hoopah!

Chambray Shirt - $3.99
Plaid Skirt - $3.99
Thrifted Vintage Shoes - $3.98
Belt- $.99
Garage Saled Bracelet - $1.00 

Posing like I have to go to the bathroom: Priceless

Realizing there is a trashy plastic bag in your photo shoot - even priceless-er-er 



  •  It's okay to be crazy-in-love with my husband even when some people are bitter. 
  • It's okay to think my iPhone 4 is the greatest thing ever!
  • It's okay to laugh at Hurricane Sandy's tweets. (She was hilarious...you really missed out if you didn't read her stuff.) And on a serious note: my sympathies go out to all my blog friends and people affected by the storm.
  • And lastly, it's okay that I used to be pretty crazy about politics but this years' election makes me want to crawl under a ROCK til it's over.  Eep. So not like me.

 
Its Ok Thursdays

Get your fashion on...
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