Oh that’s right… I didn’t eat a pound of almonds every week back then.  I’ve probably gained 10 lbs since then!  I now weigh 115, more than ever, and I haven’t grown any taller.  Yikes- I really shouldn’t gain ANY more.  I could lose a good few inches off my waist too.  I know some people laugh because they think I’m so tiny and petite, but really, only my hips are small.  When I went dress shopping, I don’t think they believed me when I said I wear a size 8 or 10 dress. It’s true!

I know I’m not overweight by any means, but I’d like to be fit and healthy!  Agh… not even my upcoming wedding is enough motivation for me.  I HATE working out.  Go figure.

——

I first heard of the organization Sole Hope through Ashley, who hosted two shoe cutting parties that I attended last year.  We all gathered with a bunch of our used jeans, and traced, cut, and pinned all night!  Then, those shoes would be sent to North Carolina, Uganda, and Zambia for sewing the soles on and making a complete shoe.  In the process, Sole Hope is providing jobs to the impoverished and unemployed by teaching them the trade of shoemaking.  Finally – those shoes would reach the feet of children in Africa – who need shoes to protect their feet so that they may live healthier lives.

Isn’t that an awesome process?!

It’s been about a year since I attended Ashley’s shoe cutting parties.  I have since moved to Indy and I couldn’t come back to Missouri for the last one.  However, I haven’t forgotten about Sole Hope.  Ashley is now their first ambassador, which basically means she is a dedicated volunteer who is helping them from Missouri.  She is also in charge of the parties now – which is really neat!

I noticed on Facebook that they were looking for an ambassador in the Indy area.  I thought hmm… specifically Indianapolis?  It felt like the post had my name written all over it.  I had recently been thinking about wanting to volunteer my time or skills after hearing the Steps of Justice speak at Church one night.

So – I emailed Sole Hope and explained that I live in Indy, but I know Ashley very well!  :)  I ended up meeting Dru, the executive director and the founder’s wife, while he was in Indy for a conference the other day. It’s funny because he said they used to live here – and now they live in Asheville, North Carolina- where Ryan and I are going on our honeymoon (and may live someday!)  Small world!

Now one of the first things I am going to do is work with Ashley to make a couple videos for Sole Hope.  One will be a “how-to” on hosting a shoe cutting party and another will be an interview with her son.  Then from there, I’ll be having a shoe party myself and who knows how else it will evolve.  Their ambassador program is new, and they are looking for other ambassadors to represent them across the states.  I’m excited to start volunteering!

Go to Disney World ~ Check!

It’s just one of those things you have to experience in your life – “the Happiest Place on Earth.”  Even though I wasn’t really looking forward to going, once I was there for the first time ever it was like I was 10 years old instead of 23.  All of a sudden, I wanted to wear Minnie ears and skip around singing Zippity-Do-Dah.  In fact, Ryan and I did buy the bride & groom Mickey and Minnie ears.  I couldn’t resist!

I don’t like theme parks because I don’t like the sensation of rides spinning, dropping, speeding, or tossing me around.  However, even I was able to participate in a lot of the rides at Magic Kingdom.  Of course, I left Space Mountain to Ryan.  The Pirates ride was thrilling enough for me!  (I admit that I screamed at the teeny tiny drop.)

One of the best parts wasn’t even the rides, but the fireworks and electrical parade after dark.  As cheesy as it is, it was truly magical.  Oh and right before we left, we got to meet Mickey Mouse.  At that point, Ryan was Disney-ed out, but he had no choice but to go along with it anyway.  Poor guy.

My advice?  Wear comfortable shoes, sunscreen, and stay for the nighttime activities.  Oh and it was hot at the end of April, so I can’t imagine going in the summer.

Here’s a little video we made to document our day. To see more photos, go to our post at Two Are Better.

One of my favorites I tried was at Colton’s Steakhouse, called the Wild West Fling.  It was really tasty (so good you have to be careful not to slurp it down), plus it looked pretty because there were different layers to it.  I looked up the recipe online, but for some reason, I could barely find any information about it.  So I thought I better get the recipe out there for others to try too!  Trust me, you’ll love it.

Wild West Fling Cocktail

Ingredients:

Pineapple juice
Cranberry juice
Peach Schnapps
Midori Melon Liquor

Directions:

Put 1 oz of the Midori liquor in a cocktail glass.  Next, pour in 1 oz of peach schnapps.

If you want to produce separate layers, you need to use a big spoon for the next part.  It’s a little tricky, but it makes a pretty drink!

Now you will want to add equal amounts of the juices to your liking. Put the back of the spoon up against the side of the glass. Slowly pour the pineapple juice down the side of the glass against the spoon.  Because of the differences in density, the pineapple juice will sit on top of the alcohol layer and not mix.

Next, do the same thing with the cranberry juice.  Unfortunately, I can’t seem to get the cranberry juice to sit on top of the pineapple juice (mine mixed in), but maybe you can!  It may depend on the type of juice you get – haven’t figured it out quite yet.

Finally, add a pretty straw and enjoy!!  You may want to mix the layers after all is said and done anyway because it tastes better that way!  Drink responsibly.  :o)

I have quite a few more days of subbing scheduled. I could be called to sub at any of the 12 elementary schools, 3 intermediate (middle) schools, 3 junior high schools, and 2 high schools.  That is just ONE school district!

I subbed for 8th grade social studies my first day.  WOW, I was impressed. The students were respectful, prepared, did their work without any complaining… amazing.  Huge difference from what I’m used to. Must be the culture of this community, socio-economic status, etc.

Today I subbed at one of the elementary schools and it was a good experience as well.  Kind of crazy because I was filling in for a resource teacher so I was all over the place. Although with all the young kids, I felt like I was surrounded by germs – ha.  Tis the season to be sick.  Hurry up spring!

One of the little kids stopped me today and said “Are you a grown-up?” Another one said, “What grade you in?” HAH. At the junior high, I got asked my age and I heard the students whispering that I was short and they thought I was a student.  ;o)  Always good entertainment.

So last week, I applied to substitute teach in the local school district (which consists of almost 20 schools), and after a background check, interview, and getting a substitute permit from the state – I’m officially hired! The process went a lot quicker and smoother than I thought and after just being put on the list today, I already have a few jobs lined up.  Woohoo!  :)

When I had the interview, the retired administrator made an interesting point that subbing is the hardest job out of having your own classroom and student teaching. Students immediately want to take advantage of you when you walk into a classroom of which you aren’t familiar.  However, I’ve had experience subbing in my hometown and of course, student teaching, so I feel as prepared as I can be. 5 foot or not, I feel confident that students and I will have a mutual respect.

He did kind of scare me when he said everyone knows an attorney in this part of Indy. A little different than Small Town, Missouri. As they say, cover your butt (CYB) & document, document, document!

Here’s to a new teaching experience outside of my home state! I’ll let you know how it goes as Ms. Merenghi! And who knows, maybe it will lead to a job as a permanent sub, long-term sub, etc.

Whether or not you think they catch bad dreams and allow only good dreams to slip down across the feathers, they are still a neat handmade decoration.  I know the meaning behind them is probably much more deeper than just that, but I am not too familiar with it.  I love the idea of them though – so whimsical & charming!

Here’s a few favorites I’ve seen around lately, including illustrations of them and DIY.  I’m convinced I need to make one now.  But- we have a window above our bed.  Does it work if we still put it next to our bed? :o)

What special details would you put on your dreamcatcher?  I love the DIY ones made with doilies.  

Dream Catcher Print via Small Talk Studio on Etsy

Dream Catcher DIY via Prydelig

The Dream Catcher – No.2 Poster via ParadaCreations on Etsy

Dream Catcher DIY via A Creative Mint (Instructions)

The good thing?  They’re reasonably priced! The bad thing? They’re so tempting to order!  I’ve warned you.  :)

Here’s a few of my current favorites:

Zig Zag Falls Dress $54.00 — MUST buy.

Fading Sun Dress $52.00

Heartland Lace Dress $52.00

Clover Field Dress in Pink $58.00

And a dress that I found via Pinterest and is no longer in their shop.  Too bad or I’d buy it in a heartbeat!

McIntosh Dress

All images from Spool 72

My dream state…. (Florida)

Our probable compromise in the future…. (North Carolina)

Regardless, aren’t these awesome illustrations from Molly Mattin on Etsy?!  I found them via Pinterest (duh) and just had to share them with you!  Such a neat take on a state map.

Image credits: Etsy