Time to Change: Body, Mind, Soul

It's time for a change in my life.

For the past 5+ years I have been (almost completely) focused on my career. My first year of teaching was consumed with hard work, pain and a hope for survival. The next few years I slowly began to gain confidence and find my footing as a teacher. In the fall of 2011, I began graduate school for my Master's in Education and hopefully in May of 2014 I will graduate!! Now, in my sixth year of teaching, I finally feel like I have got this teaching thing down! Of course, there are challenges and I am learning new things every day. However, I don't feel lost and unsure of myself any more. I feel excited and hopeful for the future.

However....

I still don't feel happy. I don't know if happy is the right word, but it's the only one that I can think of at the moment. I am beyond blessed with family and friends who love and support me. I have a job I love and that challenges me. But I feel like at age 27, my life is not balanced. I feel stuck.

You see, since my focus has been on teaching these past few years, I feel like I have drifted away from improving other parts of my life. Specifically my health, my spiritual life and my writing life. 

With only a few months left of 2013, I'm determined to make a change and start making healthier choices for my life. I'm hoping to blog my progress each week focusing on my goals with eating healthier, working out more, seeking God and making more time to write.

I'll let you know how it goes....Thanks for reading! 

Justin/NSYNC at the VMA's!

Thank you Justin Timberlake for one of the best moments of my life this past Sunday. For those of you who don't know (Do you live under a rock?), Justin performed at the VMA's this year before receiving an award. During his medley of hits and amazing dance moves, out pops his four former bandmates from NSYNC. I literally screamed like a preteen girl when NSYNC took the stage. It only last 2 minutes, but it was the best 2 minutes of my life! Here is his full performance in all it's glory (not the best version...MTV has a better one, but I can't figure out how to put it on here):

I also stayed up super late reliving some of Justin's former moments of amazing-ness at the VMA's last night, including a wonderful performance in 2000 from NSYNC:

2000

2002

2006

NSYNC....could you PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE do a reunion tour?? :) 

My Favorite Finn Hudson Performances

When I found out this weekend that Cory Monteith, who played Finn Hudson on Glee, passed away I was completely shocked. He is one of my favorite actors and my absolute favorite character on Glee. I loved the first two seasons of Glee, but stopped watching it regularly over the past two. I've only kept up with it for the Finn/Rachel storyline. I don't think I can watch Glee anymore. I am just heartbroken that this young man (He was only 31!) with so much talent has been taken. Just absolutely heartbreaking. 

Anyways, been reliving some of Cory's performances and wanted to share my favorites. 

10. "Don't Go Breaking My Heart" (Rachel/Finn)

9. "Dammit, Janet" (Rachel/Finn, New Directions)

8. "We've Got Tonight" (Rachel/Finn)

7. "Man in the Mirror" (New Directions)

6. "She's Not There" (Finn, football team)

5. "Jessie's Girl" (Finn)

4. "Marry You" (New Directions)

3. "Faithfully" (Rachel/Finn, New Directions)

2. "I Just Can't Stop Loving You" (Rachel/Finn)

1. "Don't Stop Believing" (Rachel/Finn, New Directions)

Lord of the Flies

Don't read this book if you are in for a lighthearted tale about boys playing in a forest. This book is DARK. I read this in school and remembered not being a huge fan of it. After reading it again, I'm still not. Don't get me wrong, it's beautifully written and it has a very engaging story. It's just not my cup of tea (as the British might say!)
SPOILERS: If you have not read the book and/or have not seen the movie, do NOT keep reading. You have been warned!

(source)

Title: Lord of the Flies

Author: William Golding

My Synopsis: A group of British boys (ages 6-12ish) are marooned on an island after their plane is shot down. Two boys (Ralph and Piggy) discover a conch shell and they use it to call an assembly of all the other boys. They decide to elect Ralph as chief over Jack, but Ralph appoints Jack as head of the hunters. Jack, Ralph and another boy Simon explore the island and return to the group saying they need to build a signal fire (using Piggy's glasses to start it). As the story goes on, most of the boys are more concerned with playing and eating than helping build shelters are keep watch over the signal fire. Ralph is furious when he sees a ship pass but finds out the signal fire is out. Jack returns with his first kill (a pig) and begins a wild, savage dance with his hunters. One night, there are military planes overhead in battle and a dead parachutist comes down on the island. The twins, Sam and Eric are watching the fire but have both fallen asleep. When they awake they see the shadow of the parachute and think it is a beast. They run back to the boys and raise the alarm. Both Jack and Ralph go back up the mountain to see the beast but still only see the shadow and believe it a beast. Jack tries to get Ralph voted out of power but eventually leaves the group to start his own tribe. The hunters leave with him and while Ralph tries to start a new signal fire on the beach, many other boys follow Jack.

After killing a pig, Jack and his tribe cut off the head and place it on a stick as an offering. Simon later finds it in the forest (he often goes places by himself to be alone) and has a terrible vision of it speaking to him (he calls it the Lord of the Flies) and he faints. He later climbs the mountain and finds the dead parachutist. Simon realizes that the beast is in each of the boys and is not a real creature. He goes down to tell the boys what he has found, but they are in the middle of a savage dance/feast so they do not recognize him and believe him to be the beast. The boys kill him with their bare hands. Ralph and Piggy witnessed his death and are devastated and unsure of what to do. The boys from Jack's tribe sneak to their camp and steal Piggy's glasses. When Ralph, Piggy (blind but holding the conch), Sam and Eric return to Jack's camp to try and reason with them, one boy, Roger, rolls a boulder down the mountain that hits Piggy and kills him. Ralph runs away but Sam and Eric are forced to join Jack's tribe. Later when they are keeping watch they warn Ralph that Jack and his tribe are going to try and kill him. While Ralph is hiding, Jack's tribe tries to smoke him out by setting the forest on fire. He eventually is forced out onto the beach and collapses in exhaustion. He then sees that a naval officer is standing over him. The officer says his ship noticed their fire and came to investigate. After seeing the boys covered in paint, he first believes the boys to just be playing a war game, but he is horrified to find out some of the boys had been killed. Ralph begins to weep and soon the other boys join him.

Favorite Character(s): Simon was one of the few boys I actually liked from this book. He was sort of seen as an odd ball because he liked to be alone and he wasn't pulled in to the savage ways of most of the other boys. He was very sweet and took care of some of the little boys who couldn't get food. I felt he was also the bravest one though as he was the one who discovered what the beast really was. He was wise beyond his years as he realized that the beast wasn't an actual monster but was the evil inside of each of the boys. I was devastated when he died. I remembered that Piggy dies in this book, but had forgotten about Simon's horrible death. It was just unthinkable and terrifying. 

Least Favorite Character(s): Jack is one of the most disturbing literacy characters I have ever read about. It's terrifying how one person can stir up so much hatred and fear in a group of young boys. Throughout the book he and Ralph are at odds for power. And Jack is obsessed with killing and blood. He gets the boys to chant "Kill the beast! Cut his throat! Spill his blood!" throughout the story. Just chilling. And although most of the boys are mean to Piggy, Jack is especially cruel.

Favorite Quote(s):

"We've got to have rules and obey them. After all, we're not savages. We're English, and the English are best at everything."

"Then, amid the roar of bees in the afternoon sunlight, Simon found for the fruit they could not reach... passed them back down to the endless, outstretched hands."

“The thing is - fear can't hurt you any more than a dream.” 

“Maybe," he said hesitantly, "maybe there is a beast...[w]hat I mean is, maybe it's only us.” 

"Ralph wept for the end of innocence, the darkness of man's heart, and the fall through the air of the true, wise friend called Piggy."

Should you read this?: If you aren't a fan of dark and depressing books then I would stay away from this one. I really had to force myself to finish. Like I said, it is a beautifully written book and a very captivating story, but the message is so depressing and pessimistic that it's hard to think about anything else.

I found that there are several versions of the movie and I watched a few clips.  Here are a few pictures I found from the 1963 version:

(source)

(source)

(source)

(source)

Coming Up Next: 1984 by George Orwell

To Kill a Mockingbird

I actually finished this book awhile ago but with summer school starting I haven't had a chance to write about it. I absolutely loved reading this book again. It's one of my favorite books of all time. Just an incredible story with an important message. Reading it makes me want to watch the movie again! Luckily my mom has it so I know what I'll be doing next time I visit the parents! :) 

SPOILERS: If you have not read the book and/or have not seen the movie, do NOT keep reading. You have been warned!

(source)

Title: To Kill a Mockingbird

Author: Harper Lee

My Synopsis: I am going to leave a lot out because this story is long, complex and wonderful and I don't want to bore you with a super long summary. Basically the story is told through the eyes of a young girl named Scout over several years of her childhood. Her dad, Atticus, is a lawyer in the town of Maycomb, Alabama. Scout, her brother, Jem and their friend Dill (who visits during the summers) become interested in their neighbor Boo Radley who never leaves his home. A lot of the book involves their attempts to get a look at Boo and his interactions with them (leaving gifts in a tree hole, putting a blanket on Scout when she is cold outside) although they never see him.

Atticus decides to take on a case defending a black man, Tom, who is accused of raping a white woman, Mayella Ewell (the daughter of Bob Ewell). Scout and Jem soon feel the effects of the town's dislike for this decision. During the case, Atticus provides a lot of evidence  that makes it clear Tom is innocent yet he is still found guilty by the jury. Before Atticus can get an appeal, Tom tries to escape jail and is shot to death. At the end of the book, Jem and Scout are walking home in the dark after a town festival and they are attacked by someone. Jem is knocked unconscious and carried home by a mysterious person that saved them. Scout follows them home to find that it was Boo Radley. Scout learns that Bob Ewell was the one who attacked them as he was still upset with Atticus for defending Tom. The sheriff finds Bob dead from a knife wound and the sheriff declares that Bob fell on his own knife, even though Boo most likely stabbed him. Scout and Boo sit on the porch for a bit and then she walks Boo home.

Favorite Character(s): Hands down, it's Atticus. What an amazing father, an amazing human being, really. If these characters were real, I have no doubt that both Scout and Jem would grow up to be amazing people because of their father. He is such a wonderful role model in that he is patient, caring and loving. He doesn't let prejudice or anger rule his life. And I just love his relationship with Scout. He is a loving and lets her be who she wants to be. And everything he says is just pure wisdom; almost all my favorite quotes are from him! If you haven't seen the movie, check it out! Gregory Peck plays him and he is incredible! 

Least Favorite Character(s): Bob Ewell is just a horrible man. I was not at all upset that he died. It was evident that he abused his children and failed to provide them with a safe home. And the idea that a man would attack children to get back at someone is just despicable. I just can't even fathom the cowardice in that. Thank goodness for Boo! Oh, and my other least favorite character, although she had a minor role, was Miss Caroline, Scout's first teacher. She basically gets on to Scout for being able to read and write. Really?? I jump for joy when that happens! She won't listen to her students and is absolutely clueless on how to teach. I know it's just a book, but man, she bugged me!

Favorite Quote(s):

“You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view...Until you climb inside of his skin and walk around in it.”

“I wanted you to see what real courage is, instead of getting the idea that courage is a man with a gun in his hand. It's when you know you're licked before you begin, but you begin anyway and see it through no matter what."

“They're certainly entitled to think that, and they're entitled to full respect for their opinions... but before I can live with other folks I've got to live with myself. The one thing that doesn't abide by majority rule is a person's conscience.” 

"Mockingbirds don’t do one thing except make music for us to enjoy. They don’t eat up people’s gardens, don’t nest in corn cribs, they don’t do one thing but sing their hearts out for us. That’s why it’s a sin to kill a mockingbird.”

“People generally see what they look for, and hear what they listen for.”

“I think there's just one kind of folks. Folks.” 

“We’re so rarely called on to be Christians, but when we are, we’ve got men like Atticus to go for us.” 

Should you read this?: Umm...YES! Stop what you are doing right now and go get this book!

Here are some pictures from the movie! 

(source)

(source)

(source)

(source)

Coming up Next: Lord of the Flies by William Golding

The Great Gatsby

Before going to see the new Baz Luhrmann movie, I wanted to re-read The Great Gatsby. I was amazed with how much I had forgotten since high school. Honestly the only thing I remembered was Gatsby was obsessed with some green light. I found my old high school copy at my parent's house and dove right in. I loved it! I finished it in less than 24 hours. Sure, there were still parts that were hard to understand, but overall I thought it was an amazing book. Why had I forgotten this wonderful story? High school wasn't that long ago! 

I recently read Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick (also an amazing movie!) and in this story, the main character Pat is reading through all the books his ex-wife (who is an English teacher) has her students read. I decided I wanted to do the same thing. I want to go back and re-read (and read for the first time) some classic books taught in high school English. (Why yes, I am a huge nerd. Thanks for asking!)

Now, since I am also trying to write/blog more, I have decided to combine the two! After I finish a book, I'll answer a few questions about the book and share it with you. Hope you enjoy! Oh, and feel free to leave any suggestions for more books I should read. 

SPOILERS: If you have not read the book and/or have not seen the movie, do NOT keep reading. You have been warned!

(source)

Title: The Great Gatsby

Author: F. Scott Fitzgerald

My Synopsis: Nick Carraway moves to New York and winds up living next door to a mysterious millionaire named Gatsby. Nick also lives near his cousin Daisy Buchanan. She is married to Tom who attended Yale with Nick. Nick meets Jordan Baker, a legendary golfer, through Daisy. Nick soon learns that Tom is having an affair with a married woman named Mrytle. Nick eventually receives an invite to one of Gatsby's parties and becomes friends with him. Gatsby asks Nick (through Jordan) to arrange a meeting between Daisy and Gatsby. Apparently Gatsby and Daisy knew each other years before and were deeply in love, but since he was penniless at the time, they did not marry. Gatsby changed his name and earned his fortune in an effort to impress and win Daisy back. After an awkward first meeting, Gatsby and Daisy are reunited and begin an affair. Later, Daisy, Nick and Tom attend one of Gatsby's parties and Tom becomes suspcious of Gatsby. Even though Tom is having his own affair, he is furious when he begins to suspect Daisy is being unfaithful to him. One day when Gatsby is visiting Daisy at her house for a luncheon with Tom, Jordan and Nick, Tom suggests they all go to the Plaza to have a drink. At the Plaza, Tom and Gatsby fight about who Daisy truly loves and things get tense. Tom declares that Gatsby is a criminal and Gatsby tries to get Daisy to admit she never loved Tom (which she can't). Tom sends Gatsby and Daisy back to their house in Gatsby's car. As Tom, Jordan and Nick are driving home, they find out that a woman was struck by a car and killed. The woman turns out to be Myrtle, Tom's mistress. Nick finds Gatsby later and finds out that it was Gatsby's car that hit Myrtle and that Daisy was driving, but Gatsby is going to take the blame. Tom tells George, Myrtle's husband, that Gatsby was driving the car and he was most likely the man Myrtle was having an affair with. George finds Gatsby at his house swimming and shoots Gatsby dead and then shoots himself. Nick helps arrange a small funeral for Gatsby and hardly anyone attends. Nick moves away from the East Coast feeling disgusted by the people surrounding Gatsby and his tragic end. 

Favorite Character(s): Nick Carraway - I'm usually drawn to the narrator of a story. They are the person who allows you to peek into their lives completely and it is through their eyes that you see the rest of the characters. Nick seems like a genuinely good guy in that he doesn't try to take advantage of Gatsby as everyone else appears to. He has a strong moral compass when it seems like everyone else lacks any morals at all. Nick is also a true friend to Gatsby - he plans his funeral and is one of the few people who actually shows up. I feel so sad for him at the end of the book. 

Least Favorite Character(s): Tom and Daisy Buchanan - Even though Myrtle's husband is the one who pulled the trigger of the gun that killed Gatsby, I completely blame these two for his death. They are horrible, self-absorbed people. Daisy seems vapid and superficial to me. I honestly don't understand what Gatsby sees in her. 

Favorite Quote(s):

“He smiled understandingly-much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it, that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced--or seemed to face--the whole eternal world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor. It understood you just as far as you wanted to be understood, believed in you as you would like to believe in yourself, and assured you that it had precisely the impression of you that, at your best, you hoped to convey.” 

“And I like large parties. They’re so intimate. At small parties there isn’t any privacy.” 

“Let us learn to show our friendship for a man when he is alive and not after he is dead.” 

“Can’t repeat the past?…Why of course you can!” 

“In my younger and more vulnerable years my father gave me some advice that I've been turning over in my mind ever since. "Whenever you feel like criticizing any one," he told me, "just remember that all the people in this world haven't had the advantages that you've had.” 

Should you read this?: YES! I know my synopsis sounds depressing, but it is an amazing book! The language and plot development is just incredible. I am so glad I read this again! 

**Now a side note on the movie. I have heard a lot of mixed reviews, but I personally really enjoyed the movie. And ladies, if you only go see the Great Gatsby to see the lovely Leo, it will be worth it. I mean, c'mon, look at him!

(source)

(source)

(source)

Coming Up Next: To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

To Be a Writer

Well, everyone, I'm back! It's been awhile, but I have decided to bring back my personal blog and start writing again! HOORAY! I know you're excited. Try to contain your joy. ;-)

For those of you who know me, you know one of my life goals is to become a writer. Several people have asked me "Well, Kim, what is it you want to write?" And my answer is complicated - EVERYTHING! I would love to write children's books, fiction, nonfiction, research....I just want to write.

Right now I am getting my Master's in Education with a focus on Language and Literacy. I have taken several courses on teaching writing, but in all of them, there was a great emphasis on the teacher's writing life. In order to teach writing well, we must be writers too. That's not to say every teacher needs to be a published writer! It's just important for teachers to go through the writing process with their students: writing in a writer's notebook, coming up with ideas, collecting entries, drafting, revising, editing, sharing. In two of my courses I had to write several of my own pieces and I absolutely loved it! In one class I wrote about several of my family members, sort of like mini-biographies. When I was done, I bound it together and gave it to my parents as a present. In my most recent course, I wrote a memoir about my time as a swimmer and a short fiction story about a brother-sister relationship.

I'm addicted to writing! And I love it!

I really want to continue working on my own writing and I thought a wonderful way to do that was to get back into the habit of blogging. I hope you all will come along for the ride!