MLK

Today I am thankful for MLK. Not only for my own selfish reasons, (a day off of school, slow mornings with 2 cups of coffee, time to bake cookies(!), etc.) but also because of the change he inspired.

Living in an area where this part of history truly affected people brings a new perspective. I work with a woman who went to school here when the schools were segregated. The history is more real to me now. Reading "Martin's Big Words" to my students felt special this year. It felt important to teach them about his life, the changes that have been made, and to talk about how more change needs to happen. I am thankful for the opportunity to have these discussions with children. I hope that I can be a positive influence for them everyday.

"We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character –- that is the goal of true education." -Martin Luther King, Jr.

Highs and Lows

High for the week: Matt and I enjoyed a dinner out at Restaurant Tyler, an "Eat Local" place here in town. We went all out and ordered wine, appetizers, our meal, and dessert. It was the perfect way to relax after my first week back to school after Christmas break.

Low for the week: Falling asleep at 7:15 Thursday night! I love my job, but it is SO hard to get back into routine after 2 1/2 weeks off.

On another note, I have been keeping up with some of my goals. I've cooked quite a few meals here at home. Some favorites:

- Mushroom Sliders
- Tangy Tomato Brisket
- BBQ Chicken & Pineapple Quesadillas

Although our tummies are happy, our waistlines are not. All the recipes I've been making have come out of the Pioneer Woman cookbooks I received for Christmas. Butter is an essential ingredient to all her recipes...

I've also been keeping up with my devotional time. Here is a favorite quote:

"A home filled with love provides the ideal atmosphere for people to bloom."

I love the imagery/comparison of flowers in a greenhouse and a loving home. We can flourish when we live in a home with love.
I also love all the connections I've been making to the scripture, the devotional book, and things I hear people say. It has been a blessing to make time to reflect and grow spiritually.

- Katie

Happy New Year!

In an effort to accomplish some goals this year, I thought there isn't really any better way to lay a good foundation than writing them down. Accountability and support is important in finding success.

Last night Matt and I stayed in for New Years Eve. It seemed like a normal night at home, but as we were watching Game of Thrones, I reflected on the year and thought about what I had already achieved. I realized that I need to flip a few priorities. I wrote out a list of things on my Kindle and then asked Matt to share some things with me to write down too. I felt reassured as he mentioned some of the same goals as I had already documented. It is easier to do things together than alone.

I know that when creating goals it is recommended to only create a few achievable goals to focus on. Despite this knowledge, my list is quite lengthy. Like I mentioned above, it is more of a reflection of where I'd like to focus my attention. While in 2013 Facebook, Netflix, and the couch too often were what I turned to. I'd like to turn to the following list BEFORE going to Facebook, Netflix, or the couch. (It's just SO comfortable!) I know I won't be able to do ALL of these things everyday, but they are positive options for me to focus on.

1. Make dinner 3 nights a week.
2. Get active 4 nights a week.
3. Read 12 books this year.
4. Read the Bible and keep a prayer journal.
5. Read 2 news articles a day.
6. Take the GRE.
7. Sign up for a graduate class.
8. Blog 1 time a week.
9. Travel somewhere new.
10. Date night once a week.

Cheers!