28 years in the making

Following your dreams can be daunting, but I am doing it and the whole experience feels surreal. It has always been my dream to be a teacher, but due to financial and fear I opted to withdraw from the program and get a B.A. instead. After graduation I made a pretty nice salary and never thought twice about the choice I had made to change degrees. However, after a few lays offs, getting fired, quitting and then winding up at a place that I enjoyed everything about I somehow found the courage to apply to a teacher certification program.

The idea of applying was pretty easy to decide, it did not cost very much and there was always the chance that I would not be accepted. Finding what program I was going to apply to served me a challenge. I finally decided to get over it and just do it. I applied and a few days later I was accepted. Then I had to sign up for that hefty 4500.00 program fee that had actually talked me out of doing this in the past and then the classes begun.

I barely got one class completed when I realized I had a state exam to study for and pass as soon as possible. This test would have five domains (English, Math, Social Studies, Science, and Theater/Arts/Health) and 47 competencies divided up in each of the domains. The actual test would be 140 questions, five hours long and each group would be weighted on a different scale. I was terrified, but there was no turning back. 

I studied every free moment I could find. I had Ruby come over and chitchat politics with me, so I could learn about Social Studies since this is her passion in life. I had Jason spend a weekend teaching me the child like Math equations that I had forgotten or never really learned in the first place. I listened and watched more you tube videos than I ever have to learn about phonetics and phonology.  I poured my heart and soul in it for three solid weeks.

It was test day, I got lost (go figure) and thought I was going to miss my arrival time and they would not let me in. I managed to make it in time and was ready to go. I really enjoyed taking the test because I had worked so hard to know everything it was fun being able to understand all the questions. Then I looked up at the clock and I was on questions 62 and only had two hours to go. Needless to say I freaked out and walked out of that exam just knowing I had bombed it. I did not even look for my test scores to come I was that certain I did not pass. I was discouraged. I had no idea how I was going to find something to motivate/inspire and lift me back up. I have never worked so hard for something and felt like such a looser for not doing well. I would have 60 days and another 120.00 to take it again, but if I did not have the drive to study for it then that option was not going to do much for me.

I checked my email and noted I had one from TExES and thought that was strange. Then when I clicked on it I realized it was my score from my test and that I had passed. I was so shocked I had to have someone else look at it to make sure I was reading it correctly before I would think about sharing the news. I would be so embarrassed if I did not really pass. What a sigh of relief and moment of joy.

I log on to my online certification program to work on my second class now that I have that test done  and I see that DISD is still hiring for teachers, so after deep discussion with my Aunt I decide to apply. I get a reply and they want to interview me immediately. I am not able to make it that day, but they settle for a phone interview the following morning. That goes very well, so they want me to come in and teach a class discussion. I am freaked out. I have never been in the front of a real classroom. I do not know the first adult thing about preparing a lesson plan. They seemed pretty easy to come up with when I was a child.  There were no rules and the cabbage patch dolls did not talk back.

The principle emails me some guidelines on what I needed to teach on. The subject is Science and the section is over Energy. I am going to discuss the lesson over insulator and conductors. Jason and I go over to my Aunts on Sunday to get some help from her and my cousin Laura. Everyone works on getting an idea/plan together.. Jason and I head head back to Dallas to hopefully make it work. We were up until 3 a.m. preparing for this.  

I went in to what will now be my classroom of students that I will now be teaching at 8:30 a.m. that 21^st day of October that also just happen to be my 33^rd birthday and I nailed it. There were teachers and staff watching me from the hall way. The principle was observing me in the back of the classroom and recording me with her ipad. However, I managed to not get nervous. It was just me and those 4^th graders. My desire to try and keep them focused blurred everything else out. 

I left that morning with no idea if I got the position or not, but I knew I did a superb job on my lesson. As soon as I got home and parked the car I just starting crying like a little baby. They were hard, happy, heavy and very heartfelt tears. I could not believe I had actually taught in front of a classroom to a group of real children. They even sang me Happy Birthday and were sad to see me leave. It was a dream and now a reality.

The principle called me later that day to let me know I got the job! She wanted to make sure to deliver the news to me on My Birthday! 

Hello, my name is Ms. Burkley and I will be teaching 4^th grade Science and Writing starting Monday, November 4^th. ;-) More to come.....

Weddings - East Coast First

Whirlwind of love from East coast to West in consecutive weekends. They were two beautiful events that I felt special to be a part of. I met a lot of people and got to know some others better than I did, so time well spent.

July 12-14-2013 Lisa and Will's wedding @ Sea Island Georgia - The Cloister
http://www.seaisland.com/accommodations/luxury-hotels/

J and I spent our weekend @ St. Simmons Island http://www.stsimonsguide.com/ it was equally as fun to venture out on, but a lot less exclusive. There are places and things I would have never experienced if we would have been all tucked away on the island @ The Cloister.

Typical Kristina desire I wanted to get to the beach as quickly as we could, so we got all checked in to the hotel, had some amazing sashimi/sushi and then off to the beach. It is just what I vision it being like in The Hamptons or on Cape Cod. I have not been to these places, so I must place my reason for comparison of this to those is strictly from the movies. We walked along the shore line, seeing so much wildlife in the water and on the beach. I couldn't get enough of it, but Jason eventually made me put my shoes back on and make plans for dinner. We went to our trusty Trip Advisor app to check out some reviews on a local joint. It treated us well enough and we enjoyed our dinner at Crab Daddy's.

 The one and only full day means rise, shine and get to the BEACH! We got our stuff together and headed to the wharf to hit some shops, get some food and then to the almost overly crowded beach. We met a nice fella sitting next to our blanket that assured me that we would find a sand dollar. After several hours of the hunt and lost time, I was sad to say good-bye with no sand dollar in hand. Next time perhaps, I smile and thank him for taking time to explain the sand dollar searching rules and helping to try and execute them as well. We had a wedding to get to.

This place was so fancy. We had to check in with the attendant before we could even cross over on the island. There was a rather large number of attendees for a destination wedding. There were over 220 to be more precise. The room the ceremony took place in was one of the original parts of The Cloister, so it was a non air-conditioned room that we were all lovingly fit in to. The ceremony was very sweet and well put. The little cricket tucked away was adding some humor and noise to the prenuptials as well.

There was a bag pipe that lead us from the ceremony to the reception. The walk was in good company with the people sitting next to us, that we had just met. It was right at sunset and the trail could not have been more perfect. It was so beautiful. We made our way over to cocktails and snacks while waiting on the Bride and Groom to make the grand debut. Then it was dances, speeches, dinner, dancing, cocktails, cake, dancing, cocktails, send off and well there were a lot of cocktails/dancing that was done. This band was amazing and the crowd participation was amazing. We had so much fun we did not want the night to end, but our sleepiness had other plans for us. No after parties for these old fogies, off to bed we went.

I am relentless and convinced we have plenty of time to go to the beach one more time, make our place in the sand, search for sand dollars a little more, go back to the wharf area to eat a lunch outside/beach view and make the trek over to this Jeckeyll Island we have been hearing about all weekend. Oh and did I mention our flight does leave on this day as well?

Do you think it all happened? Absolutely and really wasn't that rushed. BAM, what an awesome weekend.

I kept reading a little statement throughout the islands that said, once you get some island sand in your shoes you are sure to be back and I certainly believe it. I fail in love with all these little island and places in Georgia. I will definitely be back one day!

Thank you for allowing us to be a part of your special day and we wish Will and Lisa a lifetime of happiness!

#stsimmons #weddingweekend #jekyllisland #lisaandwillmurphy #sanddollar

Charming Charlie - Employee of the Month

Retail again!?!

Never say never, is so very true. It was late November when I was doing some "holiday" shopping when I decided to walk in to Charming Charlie. I noticed the hiring for seasonal help sign, looked at the parking and decided why not. I say looked at the parking because that was the main reason I said never again to retail. Parking and the holidays = you can not pay me enough money to work there.

I was up and running before the month ended. I kind of surprised myself how much I was enjoying the part-time gig. I got employee of the month and even won a contest. Since I am not a very competitive person I certainly was surprised when I won. As the season came to an end they asked If I would stay for inventory, I said yes. Then after inventory I went in to discuss my last day and they did not want there to be a last day. I have actually tried to give my last day two more times since then and it has yet to work.

I think there is something nice about being wanted, naturally. I keep working here since I really enjoy the people I work with. There was a time when my day job was so terrible that seeing these people at Charming Charlie after hours was the highlight of my day. With that being said, I keep on clocking in.


The facts listed below are all compliments of my clever assistant store manager Sean. He is so clever.

Ski Please

Spring Break 2013 - Best Ski Trip Ever

I was terrified and could not even begin to express the truth of my fear to Jason. Instead I sabotaged myself and tried to over exaggerate on how terrible I am at skiing. This will be my third time to hit the slopes, but first to really try and ski. Thank GOD someone told me about ski blades and kept me in love with this sport, because it truly is so much fun. My first test of faith I was 25, much more fearless. I attempted for one day and was done. I did not know where to begin or how to get up after falling, with no help I decided to at least not hurt myself and hang my poles up for now.

I have been in love with the white powder since my first trip and truly believe you should give everything a second chance, so I went again when I was 26 and the ski's were still not my friend but the rental people suggested I try snow blades. Most people that ski have no idea what these are, but they were a dream come true for me. I loved them and was so happy to make my way down the hill top, back up and down again. I would forever long for the next trip that did not take place until I was 32.

We land, get our car rental, check in the condo, go grocery shopping, get our lift tickets and ski rentals. My ski's were the real deal this time. No snow blades and with the confidence my partner instills in me I was scared, but not terrified. We really do enjoy doing the tourist thing, so we made sure to go scope out Park Cities, walk all the streets and shops of  the historic Main Street. It is just as the movies, pictures and reviews make it out to be. A great dinner and delicious ice cream cone to end the night.

Ski day number one, was good, I even made a few runs without falling. No idea how this happened, but Jason possible thinks I have filled his head with smoke and I think he is overly complimenting me on my "ski skills" either way I will take it. I am eagerly ready to go to the next slope level. I managed to bruise my arm and make some scary falls, but overall it was an awesomely successful day. Thank you!

We rush home to get ready to go in to Park City to meet up with Jason's family that was staying in Deer Valley for some dinner. The food was okay, but the company was spectacular. It was really cool to meet up with them. We enjoyed being able to do this. Making memories is the reason for life.

Day two could have been tragedy. I have a bit of a panic attack and the hard felt tears start rolling down my face. For just a few short seconds I think I am done, never again and have no idea how I am going to get out, up or down. Then before I even realize something comes out in me and says you have to do this and that is all there is to it. Deep breaths and go. I make it. Jason tells me later he thought for sure I was done. We know the value of my dollar and what I actually spent to ski meant way too much to me to chicken out. This was actually the most beautiful ski day ever. We took a 3.5 mile route that was so much fun. That was a ski wrap for this trip. The thought of doing more was exciting, but also knew I had pushed my luck and was very happy with what had taken place.

It is never too late for the hot tub after a day of anything on the snow or so I believe. We managed to make it to the hot tub every day. The scenery you get to take while in the warm bubbly truly is a mental picture you have to keep. We tried to take some photos, but they don't seem to capture the moment.

Day three we went snowmobiling. I was very excited about this since it was Jason's first time, but the trip was not all I had hoped to be. It was nice and we enjoyed it, but not spectacular. We finished up there and decided to make a spur of the moment trip over to Sundance. It was a beautiful and a breathtaking drive. I was officially high on life and so happy we decided to make this right turn. I would never really want to stay there, but it was quaint and nice for a short visit. The food was yummy.

We made our way back to the Canyons in time to see one bad ass concert and get my picture taken with Katherine Hiegl or as her husband refers to her; Katie! This was just one more cherry for the sundae. We figure this was one way to end an awesome trip. We take the gondola down for one last ride. We make a vow to certainly make it back to Utah one day.

Skiing is without a doubt a sport of luxury. It is expensive and even though we did it frugal, I was still forever thankful that I got the opportunity to make this trip. Not only will I get to see the mountains this year I already have a ticket to see the beach and that is a blessing. I am so thankful and lucky.

We had some awesome sushi for our last meal, headed over to return our car rental and get back to the airport to head home.

“Always travel with someone that loves you or is truly concerned with your safety”

“Putting off good vibes in the universe only brings you excellent ones back”

Why is a flea market, called a flea market?