7 ways to be more approachable

I love reading different helpful positive advice from yahoo. I love that yahoo features dating advice that I feel like people can also use in general. Today's article was about 7 Ways to Be More Approachable. 

My favorite part of the article was titled: Keep Smiling. 
 This advice I thought was so simple but genius." When you’re out and want to be chatted up by others, think of something amusing so your face reflects positivity. "  
This quote made me think, if I want to think of something amusing, all I have to do is think of my little guy that I work with dancing. It puts a big smile on my face. I even start laughing because he is so cute. So, the next time I am out I am gonna try this simple trick. 


Do you agree with the article? What simple things do you do to be more approachable?

Chicago Adventure

Today I had the joy of going into Chicago with my coworker Julie. We started are adventure at this delicious place

We were the only people in the restaurant

Our server was the nicest Thai man. He gave us this deliciousness to start our meal off

Everything was delicious and my friend Julie had.

Our main dishes were heavenly.. I ate this

This had pineapple, onions, mushrooms, peppers, chicken, thin rice noodles, and what made it perfect was the sweet and sour sauce! Julie had this great dish

We were definitely stuffed after we were done. After lunch we went to one of my favorite places in the city.

 One of the reason I love this museum is because of this

TEACHERS GET IN FOR FREE!!! All the museums TEACHERS GET IN FOR FREE!!

What museums do you like to go to when you visit Chicago? What restaurants do you like to try?

Tough Day

When I have a tough day like I have had today, there are some things I do that help me overcome whatever is making me have a tough day

1. crying

2. Listening to calming music.

 

3. Would have to be my go to thing!!  BOXING!!!!!!!!  For me it is the best thing to relieve my stress and get out frustrations if the other things have not worked..

What do you do when you have a tough day?

Can flaky People Make Good Partners

I got to love eharmony for sending me email about dating advice. Normally I would just delete them but I want to try dating again and well just " forming friendship and keep friendships with guys."

I hope from just reading the title, all you girls out there  SAY NOOOOOOO!!!!!!!!!!!  If you read this article, Can Flaky People Make Good Partners. You will see your gut is right!!!

Key points from this article I would like to point out that I found no matter what kind of relationship you are in, friends with someone, boyfriend/ girlfriend this is key NOT TO BE.
 " he was flaky, as in unreliable and irresponsible. He often did not follow through on what he promised he’d do"
they later say this.." 
This is also from the article that I felt was key: 
" This is a critical factor for singles to evaluate. After all, numerous studies have shown that long-term romantic partners rate reliability as a key ingredient for relational happiness. At the heart of the matter is a person’s dependability: Can I believe you when you promise to do something? Do I have to wonder if you’ll drop the ball? Do I need to expend my mental and emotional energy worrying that you’ll come through?" 


I have dealt with kind of flakiness in dating and even in friends. It is very discouraging to have these qualities in people you consider  a " friend."  NO ONE DESERVES TO BE let down... ESPECIALLY MORE THAN ONCE!!!!!! Usually if they are guy and I have only gone on a couple of dates and you are showing you are flaky, I toss you away. I delete you from my life and it is no big deal.. Now, if it someone you have formed a friendship with, I feel it is key to bring up your concerns so maybe the other person is aware, and talk it through because honestly I don't think  people would get so upset with flakyness if they didn't care about the person. 


What is your opinion on flaky people? Do you even bother with them? 

ABC's

I work with fourth graders and they are on a unit of poetry. One poem they did, was a poem all about themselves using the letters of the alphabet. I decided that was a cool way to tell people about yourself.
Here goes

A: Aruba is one of my favorite vacation spots
B: "Boys stink throw rocks at them" is a poster I use to have in College
C: Cardigans are one of my signature looks
D: Dogs are what I am allergic too
E: Elephants are an animal I want to ride one day
F: Freddie 'Prince Junior's pictures were all over my room in Junior High
G: Gap is one of my favorite stores
H: Happiness is a state of mind that only YOU can achieve
I: I only eat ice cream when it is warm out because I am normally cold
J: Julie Roberts is one of my favorite actresses
K: Kelly Clarkson is one of my favorite singers
L: Love yourself first before you can love anyone else!
M: Megan, my sister, is my role model
N: Nothing good happens after 1 am my mom would tell me. That is SO true!
O: Over the years I learned that HOPE is more than just a word
P: Purple and Gold are the colors of Peterson Elementary School where I work and Loras College
Q: Quitting is something I HATE doing
R: Rock me In: By Britney Spears has an upbeat tone to rock out to while working out
S: Sandra Bullock is one person I will always think is classy and can truly act
T: The Blindside I have watched more than 20 times.. I want to own one day
U: Unique is what I am!
V: Violence of any kind, rape, emotional abuse, domestic violence is NEVER SOMETHING YOU JOKE ABOUT!!!
W: Wii fit is my new obsession
X X-rays have saved my life!
Y Yelling at someone is something I hardly ever do
Z Zoo's are one of my favorite places to visit

Dark Tunnel of Inspiration!!!

When I was a Junior year in college I was raped a month after my birthday, and from age 21 till I turned 24 I was in a dark tunnel. I was in a tunnel of crap trying to pull myself out so I could reach for the light that was at the end. In this tunnel, I was struggling with my self worth and dealing with a very "toxic " relationship. What helped me keep reaching for the light was music. 

ON every playlist on my ipod I had these collection of songs that had a positive message that made me realize as tough as things were I could get out. I could survive!!

To this day I still listen to this Britney Spears song because it reminds me that I am a strong person!

Lost: By Coldplay! I felt like I was lost and in this song there was message of hope for me. 

I spent one night for 2 hrs listening and watching this song Ondemand because I knew it could relate to me, and that I could " find God" or light in my tunnel. 

These are the songs that got me through some tough times. So, if you are ever  having a tough day and need some inspiration come check these out. 

TERRIFIC TUESDAY

Spring break baby, I am loving it!!! This day has especially be FLIPPING FABULOUS!!!  This morning I got the pleasure of hanging out with my good friend Cait  and eating our yummy lunch

It doesn't look like much but Cait and I spent about ten minutes adding red pepper spice, cheese and pepperoni to this deliciousness!

Then I introduced her to my obsession; my WII FIT and Just Dance. We spent hrs dancing, playing games and laughing!!!! 

laughter from video to come....

Then after Cait I got my kick-ass hair cut from Amber Waves

For dinner time, I invited one of my good friends Jackie over and we watched one of our favorite shows: Biggest Loser.  We had this delicious treat as we watched.

It is skittles, chocolate chips, almonds, whole grain cheerios and raisins!

We had this yummy lemon chicken and salad for dinner! Simple but a delicious healthy meal!

What do you love to eat for snacks as you watch your favorite shows?

RAISE YOUR GLASS

After my hair cut I was blasting my Ipod in my car as I was driving home.
The artist that inspired me for my hair cut today was P!NK  and her hair from her video

RAISE YOUR GLASS

I was originally wanting to go for the mohawk look but I decided that I would save that crazy look for the summer!!! 

IN YOUR FACE HAIR!!!!!

THIS IS THE SHORTEST I HAVE GONE. IT IS EVEN SHORTER THAN MY HAIR CUT IN JAN!

LOVE IT!!!!!!

Ten Things Women Never Want to Hear on a First date!

To all the dating people out there like me!

I had a laugh with these because some of them have happened to me not necessarily on the first date!

eharmony Advice

" I don't like the labels " girlfriend" 

I ACTUALLY HAD SOMEONE TELL ME THIS AFTER I WAS SEEING THEM for about a month!!! Even then that is NEVER GOOD!!! RUN AWAY!!!!

This one I actually experienced on a first date
" I actually want you to meet my good friend Mike" Did he actually tell his friend to come on down during your first date? Believe us, it happens more than you think. He’s clueless, careless or incredibly immature – none of which fall into the “good” category

A guy brought his friend on our first date and " I was suppose to bring someone too" I ended up talking to the friend more than him because my " date" was like an interview. haha

Those are just a few of what the link is talking about.  :) 

Have any of those happened to you? Have you gotten any RED FLAGS  you think us dating people should know? 

Marching ON

A new found treasure of upbeat positivness

I have only listened to this song a total of 4 times but what I got from this song is that for all of the hardships we have gone through we are gonna MARCH ON!!! 

"We put one foot in front of another." 

 

MARCH ON!!! WITH YOUR HEAD HELD HIGH :) 

ENJOY

A Britney Bummer

YOU ALL KNOW I AM SUCH A HUGE BRITNEY SPEARS FAN!!!!! WELL  I couldn't be more excited for her new CD to come out tomorrow!!! As I was reading my news on yahoo they wrote a whole article slamming Britney Spears for her performance in Vegas..

The videos from her show in Vegas are SO DISAPPOINTING :(

THIS  is Till The World Ends Video

Big Fat Bass!!!

All she was doing was sitting on the prop and shaking her chest!!!

Makes me very discouraged to spend my money on a concert of hers.. I HAVE GONE TO EVERY SINGLE CONCERT SHE HAS HAD IN CHICAGO!!!

I think the ONLY WAY I would go is if I could get tickets backstage to meet her so then I wouldn't be so disappointed if her showed sucked it up like these video's show...

PLEASE I HOPE IT DOESNT COME TO ME NOT GOING TO SEE HER IN CONCERT.. I HOPE THIS stinky performance was just a one night deal

Just Dance

One of my favorite all time songs that I have loved since Junior year in college would have to be GIRLFRIEND!!!! I played it non stop on repeat on my itunes at school that my roommates new I was home because I was playing the song. My roommate Marianne and I would rock out to it! Here is part of our dance we would do!

This was from my graduation party Senior year. Before Marianne left my party I busted out my cd and danced to the song while everyone else watched. ( Pam was a sport and danced along).

This is the song I play in the car wherever I go and even dance to while I am driving. I have gotten strange looks from people especially at stop lights..

NOW WHAT IS EVEN BETTER.. GIRLFRIEND IS ON JUST DANCE 2 FOR Wii!!!!!!!!!! I am ecstatic!!!!!! This is the dance on that game I am gonna master!!!


Video of Just Dance version to come :)

Positive Message!!!

BORN THIS WAY!!!

As abstract as the video is, it has a powerful message. It is one song that has always put a smile on my face no matter what. It is great for exercising to as well because of the killer beat!

If you are like me and love to learn the lyrics to the song here is a video of just the lyrics

New HAIR CUT

I am thinking of getting a new hair cut. I would like some opinions.

or this one

I think I still want to put pink in my hair as well! 

What do you think? 

Chicks and Salsa!

On Wednesday of this past week my school where I work had the pleasure of having this Author come and share his stories.

Aaron Reynolds!

He shared his book

He didn't just read the book he got the kindergarten and first grade students in involved. In one part of the book he had all the kids scream OLE! This book was about a chicken trying to find salsa to eat instead of the grub he was use to. After he was done reading the book he talked about how sometimes books INSPIRE YOU TO TRY NEW THINGS you never thought possible! Just like making salsa. He ended up making salsa right in the LMC for everyone to see. The kids didn't get to eat his salsa but the teachers did. It was delicious!

I am now totally hooked on his book and recommend other teachers read his books to their classes.


What is one of your favorite Authors?

What Not To Wear!

This Friday night I am chilling at home, and ended up watching a rerun of one of my old time favorite shows that I use to watch every day after school my Junior year in college. It is the show: WHAT NOT TO WEAR!!

I use to get all my fashion advice from them. I loved looking at all the stores the people went to and how I could fashionably enhance my wardrobe. 

The show is about how outside appearances, such as your clothes can have an impact on how you view yourself on the inside. One show that particularly stands out to me and sorta hit me hard, was about this lovely lady, Aleisha. The reason I liked her because I could relate the old me to that. She had very low self esteem and didn't believe that where she is now in her life, is special and that she deserves to be where she is and deserves to feel " beautiful."  I could relate to that.  I can also relate to the baggage people release when they change up  hair and makeup. 

Look at this pretty transformation 

Then look at the before: 

This simple transformation showed the inter confidence she truly had! After the show was over she finally was having a positive attitude and said that she is and was finding inner confidence! 

So, this is to people struggling with their self worth and believing in themselves!!! ALSO to the old me!!! The me 3 YEARS AGO :)  and that making little changes can make a huge difference on how you VIEW YOURSELF!!

*If you want to watch the show and you have Ondemand Aleisha is ONDEMAND! OTHERWISE check What Not To Wear on TLC

St. Patrick's Day

I went to this place with these lovely ladies :)

Then I went over to my Aunts for my Cousin's  Birthday and had this delicious cake

with the birthday girl: Eryn!  St. Pat's day wouldn't be the same without this of course

and Cornbeef and Cabbage!! :)

What you do for St. Pat's day?

The Biggest Loser

Tonight is the night the Biggest Loser is on! It is probably one of my favorite days of the week thanks to my schedule at school and this show! Now I am far from being on this show, but there are many reasons why I love this show. I love watching the contestants transform mentally and physically. I mostly like the mental aspect. When I was in a very dark place in my life, I felt like I could relate to the contestants where they were so "unhappy" and trying to change that. I remember one contestant was working out with  Bob and he asked " what do you want out of life" she said " I want to be happy." That was the moment I connected with the person because even though I was not 400 something pounds I was struggling with the same thing. So this show back then had a connection for me..

Now I watch the show to learn how to live a healthier life style.  They promote a lot of different products on the show like Brita Water and Fiber One Bars.  Before the normal commercials Biggest Loser helps promote people that want to lose weight and where to go, and how they can help others while losing weight. On the Biggest Loser website they have a great program called the Pound for Pound Challenge where if you lose a pound you give a pound of food to local food banks! What could be better than that. Check it out!!!!

Have a Happy Tuesday watching Biggest Loser!!!

TURBO TAX!!!!

IT IS TAX TIME!!! OR PULL YOUR HAIR OUT TIME IF YOU ARE DOING YOUR TAXES YOURSELF. THIS IS THE FIRST TIME I AM DOING MY TAXES THANKS TO WANTING TO SAVE MYSELF MONEY, and boy was that a mistake.THIS IS A VERY FRUSTRATING PROCESS. My dad told me about Turbo Tax online and I thought great I have seen commercials and it seems easy. OH MY GOSH.. IT IS SUCH  A PROCESS. I STARTED THIS ONLINE PROGRAM AT 4:45 AND I DIDN'T GET ONE OF MY TAXES FILED UNTILL 7:20 ABOUT. THANKS  to the many steps you have to click on and fill out it takes LOADS OF TIME.. AT THE END THEY GET YOU WITH A FEE OF 30.00 TO PAY FOR THE SERVICE WHEN IN the beginning they say is FREEE!!!!!!(  or they take it out of your deductible. )
I literally was pulling my hair out because I got so frustrated because if you register your federal tax form and you state form under the same state they won't let you online file it. They have to mail it to you. So there are some little hurtles to this " easy, step by step process." I would NOT AND I REPEAT WOULD NOT RECOMMEND TURBO TAX!!!!!!!

Good Bye Facebook

I am saying good bye to this communication addiction for Lent. It hasn't even been a week yet and I am tempted to check it. The reason I want to give up checking facebook is because facebook was a time sucker. I literally would check it before I left for school. I would check it on my phone during lunch time. I would come home and check it and then probably ten other times before I went to bed. Right before I went to bed I was on it.  If I wrote an email to someone or posted something on someone's wall I would go on even more to check if they responded. On the weekends was the worst because if I didn't have anything planned I would go on facebook twice as much as during the week to look at different people's pages.  So, I told people to email me call/ text me. That way I have more time communicating with my "live" friends and not being so consumed with the internet world.

I am benefiting from doing this even tho it is VERY HARD! I now only check my gmail twice a day. I now check the news on yahoo and I spend my time doing other things. My obsession now is playing my Wii Fit. That is more productive because I am getting fit instead of just sitting on my butt.

What did you give up for Lent?

The live version of Sister Act

Friday after school I had the fabulous opportunity to go to St. Charles and met up with one of my roommates from college. I haven't seen her since winter break and I haven't gotten to talk to her on the phone until this past week. It's not that this person was to busy to talk on the phone she literally couldn't. She is the one and only..........

Marianne! She is in a convent now in NJ's and lives the simple life and wears that outfit every where she goes. Even when she came home from Christmas she got an opportunity to wear her own clothes, which by the way are the brightest clothes to show her happy personality, she chose to wear her outfit that she wears in the convent everyday. She wears it with honor as this is who she is now!!!

On this special Friday I was tickled pink to be able to see her for a couple hrs in St. Charles at St. Patrick's church at a retreat the nuns were having there. When you walk into the church the lobby area it  is filled with poster of all different Convents and nuns in outfits like Marianne has on and in the full covered gowns and vails. ( think Whoopi  Goldburg in Sister Act).  I was surrounded by Nuns every which way I turned. I got to meet some of Marianne's sisters that she is discerning with to become a nun and, I actually got to meet some of the nuns that she will be staying with on her trip here. Marianne allowed me to come see what a convent looks like. It is a house with their own chapel in it. Literally they made one in the house. I was happy to see one convent because it now gives me an idea of what one looks like. So I asked Marianne what this event was about and she explained it to me as a job fair for nuns. People like Marianne can give you information about their sisterhood of the Salesian Sisters of St. John Bosco to help you make the decision to join or to just let you know who they are so you can pray for them.
The other part of this was a speaker talking about the catholic church. I was looking forward to this since  I hadn't been to church since Christmas. It wasn't just a boring talk. The presenter was a cast of characters. He first came in as a 70 year old women wanting to become Catholic and understanding the simple words of Sacrament( she thought it was a cookie. Comparing it to thin mint cookies). Then he was a college student, a janitor and the best one of all was he came out dressed as a nun. He had the crowd involved by having us stand and sit and singing and shooting and DEFINITELY LAUGHING the whole time.  Marianne who was sitting next to me was cracking up herself. It was a fabulous feeling to be sharing the evening with her.

Joys

Today is the last day of the week and I have been reflecting back on this easy week due to the fact that my little guy that I work with is home sick all week.

The things that make/ made me happy at work:

-Having 22 students from my Kindergarten class wave to me in the hallway and say  " hi Miss. Gerber/ Hi Mrs. Gerber" ( some of them still haven't grasped I am not married and know the difference.).
-Having one of my kindergarten students tell me he was going to karatee class after school and then proceeded to show me a move in the middle of the LMC.
-Having half of my first grade class wanting to work with me on math in a small group.
-Having some of my first graders skipping to Lexia.( Most of my students I work with do not like this computer game program)
-Having a kindergarten student telling me about a field trip that they are going on and then telling me that I will be going with them. I told the student I knew that but I had to keep it a secret. :)
-Last but not least, visiting one of my kindergarten classes in gym and having one of the boys run over to me and say " Hi Miss. Gerber" while giving me a hug!
Those little things put a big smile on my face.

What puts a smile on your face during your day?