day 196: Glutton

I admit it: I'm a glutton for punishment. I put myself in situations where I think I want to know the answers, and once I get them, I hate the feeling of knowing. Knowing what other people may not know and knowing that I can't talk about it without hurting someone. And, I'm the kind of person who dwells {probably more than I should} on what I know. Now, I'm hurting. I've put myself in this position of knowing and hurting because I thought I could handle it, and it's beginning to affect my personal life. I feel insecure and not good enough. I'm completely despondent, and I can't make it go away.

 source :: cambiodefractal via flickriver

day 189: My Loves (right now)

In my recent month off, I've come to love some websites and I spend a lot of time on them. Like...more than I probably should and more than is strictly necessary.

I love that I can keep all my ideas in one place, and I seriously heart all the education & classroom ideas and inspirations I have found on the site. I think my two largest boards are "In My Classroom" and "Yummy." Food & kids - I guess those are my weaknesses. 

Please be sure to check our my boards!

{follow me on pinterest}

I know I've all ready talked about my love of Netflix, but I just wanted to reiterate it! Because of their awesomeness, I have been able to start at the very beginning of Numb3rs and watch all the seasons. It's been really cool to watch it from the beginning and see the progression. I spend most of my days doing this when I could probably be doing something to better myself, like visiting a local park.

By definition, I would consider myself to be a Nosey Rosey. I like to know what's going on with others, but, unlike some {none that I know}, I don't stalk. That's not my thing. I just like to be involved. If everyone is outside while I am inside, you bet your bottom dollar that I'm going to go outside...just so I can hear what people are saying. It's how I get my info! My husband always assigns me investigative tasks on the Internet. He says if there's something to be found, I could probably find it. Back to the point though...I heart my twitter girls! They are supremely awesome!! Just take a look at my sidebar. They created and organized Operation Layla for a girl they had never met but loved and understood.

{follow me on twitter}

day 182: Things a Teacher Might Do in the Summer

I am a teacher. Over the summer, I like to be as lazy as possible. Here's what I like to do...

#1: Lie on the couch
This gets me off my feet, which, when teaching, I am always on. My feet need a break!

source :: LIFE images

#2: Watch re-runs and movies on Netflix
This gets me caught up on all the TV shows and recently released movies that I haven't had a chance to view yet.

 source :: moviesonline.ca

#3: Play on the Computer
I get to talk to all my lovely ladies on Twitter, pin to my hearts desire, and I get to blog a lot more.

 source :: menopause the blog

#4: Stay up late & Sleep

I think this is pretty self-explanatory. I get up between 4:30am and 5am every week day during the school year. It feels nice to go to bed late and wake up later in the day.

source :: viveromassangeana.com

#5: Read books

During the school year, I don't have very much free time to read books that I enjoy. I love to catch up during the summer on all the books I collected during the year.

 source :: sheknows.com

#6: Make crafts

This gives me a chance to express my creativity at my own pace and make whatever I want to make.

source :: zimbio

day 175: I Hate Storms

Ever since I can remember, I have hated storms. 

source :: reuters via google images
 

When I was younger, I hated being stuck inside playing with my sister. We would sing: Rain Rain, Go Away; Some Again Another Day and stare out the window longingly. I also hated having to get out of the pool because of lightning. It was such a drag and inconvenient. But, to be honest, I wasn't really the girly girl who didn't like getting wet. I actually liked that part (unlike my hair, which would explode and become uncooperative). 

When my brother was little, I always found it cute when he'd ask Jesus to turn down the music! But now, as I've gotten older, the loud noise that the thunder makes isn't my favorite anymore. I'm also not a fan of the prelude to thunder - lightning. The bigger and brighter the flash = the louder the thunder. I guess I just don't like the unexpectedness, the inability to know when it's coming.

Up until April of last year (2010), I could manage the storms and not freak out too terribly. Now, it's a wonder that I'm able to drive in the rain. I'm seriously gun shy of severe weather. Can I put on a brave face around the children I work with? Absolutely! If I was alone, would I be silently panicking? You bet I would!!!!!

And here's why...

I hydroplaned during a strong rainstorm on the interstate (thanks to a semi) and crossed all four lanes of traffic. The only thing I hit was the retaining wall twice. I hit it once and then spun around and hit it again. Meaning, I was facing the wrong way. No one stopped to help...at all! Thankfully, my brother and I were okay. The airbags didn't deploy, and I was the only one injured with just a few bumps, scrapes, and bruises.

Here is the other reason why I hate rain and thunderstorms...

source :: tainted canvas via google images

 

Beautiful places, like Nashville, get flooded. We've recovered well, but I'm sure you didn't hear about when it was happening last May. This flooding happened two weeks after my car accident. My school was hit hard, most especially my classroom too! Now, the school has been trying to figure out why water keeps coming into my room and how to stop it. I'm very anal about where I put things so that I can be sure they do not get ruined.

On a positive note, the cicadas are gone! Which means, I can start working on my yard!! It will thank me later when it looks much better and doesn't look like death.

day 166: Survival

I survived my short stay in Insanityville!

Everything went smoothly and surprisingly well.

And, I'll be honest...I cried.

I cried because my first class that was all my own has "graduated" to first grade.

I didn't think I'd be that overwhelmed with emotion over something so small, but I know that they are going to be great at everything! I can't wait to see what they accomplish. {excuse me while I go grab some tissues!}

I can't believe the year is over. I worked my a** off, and finally got some credit from Mr. GrapeJuice about it. He told me I was one of the most passionate teachers he knows. Not that he knows very many, but it's still a compliment that I appreciate.

Now that I've survived the school year, I can get back to finally finishing up my wedding recaps!

I can't believe that I never did that. I was waiting to finish because we were missing some photographs, and we finally got those from our photographer back in March right before the honeymoon. But, life has gone at such a fast pace since then that I haven't had a chance to really recoup. So, look for my wedding recaps in the coming weeks.

I'll also be blogging all of my summer adventures!

We're going to wedding this weekend.

We're getting a new garage door installed.

We're going to New York for a family reunion.

I'm taking a class for more teaching certification.

I'm visiting my girls in North Carolina.

My neice is turning one.

My parents are getting a pool {finally after years of begging}!!!

My classroom is getting painted.

We're going to start eating healthier.

Mr. GrapeJuice and I are going to start working on a weekly blogging project.

I'm going to completely overhaul our house through cleaning, painting, landscaping, etc.!!!

It'll be busy to say the least...

day 144: My New Residence

I have two weeks left in my school year.

Two weeks! 

That's it!

And, technically speaking, I only have one week left to teach my little ones all they need to know!

Talk about tremendous pressure.

ohmigosh!!!

Part of me is ready to get this year to be done and over with, but the other part of me doesn't want to let these little guys go! 

I love them so. 

They always bring a smile to my face.

But, right now, I'm a resident of a town called "Insanityville."

There's so much to be done and so little time, as is the case per usual!

So, in a nutshell, this is how I feel...

Thankfully, it'll be getting better soon, and I'll have a whole month to be completely and utterly lazy.

I just need to make it through these next two weeks.

And, then, hopefully, I'll be able to blog some more too!

Wouldn't that be nice?

source :: heavens to betsy blog

day 115: Blog Remodel

As you can see, I've changed the blog background.

I always go through identity crises with websites that require backgrounds and code manipulation.

I don't know what it is, but I always find myself changing the background and being unsatisfied with what I have created.

I did that with my Xanga {did you have one of those?} and with my MySpace {before I had facebook} and with my bridal blog {Sassy Bride on a Mission}.

Now, I'm doing it with my married blog.{yay to being married!}

When I originally created this blog {6 months before my wedding}, I wanted to keep with the "sassy" theme because my name is Cassandra - nickname Cassie. Basically, sassy and Cassie rhyme! Plus, when you are a young child, say my niece, and you are not able to pronounce the letter C it comes out as a S. Therefore, Cassie becomes Sassy! I like to think of myself as fairly sassy, too!

Hopefully, I'll come up with a new blog name soon. That's what I'm working towards.

I just think that my blog name right now is really long and that my life isn't that dazzling either!

Any blog name suggestions or inspiration are much appreciated!

day 109: Time

All I want to know is where the time went...April is almost over, and it's almost time for Easter. I can't believe it!My birthday came and went...successively!I loved my birthday.Then, two weekends later, Mr. GrapeJuice and I spent the whole weekend in the car. We traveled to Texas for a wedding, which was beautiful, but we were quite cranky after the trip.And, this past weekend, my great-grandmother passed. She was 94 years old, and it was expected. But, that doesn't make it any easier to deal with. As much as she was out of it, I know I'll miss her spunky attitude and sweet smile.Uhm...did I mention that I'm ready for summer?Because I am s.o. ready for a nice, long break!! photo source :: pixalo 



day 89: It's My Birthday!

YAY BIRTHDAYS!!!

Since it's my birthday, I have decided that you shall know more about me! Yes, I am that generous. :) Happy Un-Birthday to you!!

Here are the ABC's of me...

Age: 24 (today!!!!)
Bed size: queen (the husband would much rather have a king. he does not like to cuddle me. sad.)
Chores you hate: all of them - mainly cleaning the bathroom and kitchen; they always seem to be the dirtiest
Dogs: don't have one yet
Essential start to your day: cuddling with the hubbs
Favorite color: how do i pick just one?! my favorites of the moment are pink, green, yellow, blue, and peach.
Gold or silver: white gold
Height: 5'6.5"
Instrument(s) you play: flute in 5th grade, piano for like 3 months, my voice since I was born
Job title: Educator
Kids: will be running around the house in a few years
Live: a small town outside of Nashville, TN
Mom's name: Jacqueline
Nicknames: cass, kiss cass, sassy cassie, cassieandra, cassie, cass cass, nicole
Overnight hospital stays: never but I've had 5 surgeries (all but one on my eyes) (and, let it be known that according my husband, i've had an overnight stay in the hospital...when i was first born. insert huge, aggravated sigh here.)
Pet peeves: chewing finger nails, spitting, loud voices, not rinsing dishes, but there are many, many more!!!
Quote from a movie: "You tell me I'm an arrogant son of bitch and I tell you when you are a pain in the ass. Which you are, 99% of the time. I'm not afraid of hurting your feelings. You have like a two second rebound rate, then you're back doing the next pain in the ass thing."
Right or left-handed: right
Siblings: 21 yo sister & 10 yo brother
Time you wake up: 4:30 am every weekday
Underwear: yes, I wear them.
Vegetables you dislike: mostly the cooked ones. I prefer the raw ones.
What makes you late: yeah...so...I'm punctilious. I don't really do late...even when I try. It's like physically impossible.
X-rays you've had: when I was like 3 or 4, I broke my collarbone. I had to have a whole body xray and wear a weirdly awesome "cast."
Yummy food you make: dessert - all kinds! after all, that's how I won my husband's heart.
Zoo animal: I love otters!!! (do they count?)

p.s. isn't the photo at the top not super cute?! I decided it belonged on my blog because that's one of my nicknames. note: I'm not turning 3 this year. :)

source :: Sew Cute Creations



day 67: Hello, March!

If I haven't said this all ready...

I love, love, love the month of MARCH!!!!

Like, LOVE it.

Here are my reasons why:

1. Mardi Gras (this year)

2. St. Patrick's Day

 3. MY BIRTHDAY

And, thus concludes today's short excerpt from my mind.

sources :: allglittergraphics.com, countrymusicislove.com, birthdaycake.onsugar.com

day 63: Old Music

So, here's a random Friday musing for you...

I want to know...
when does the music I listen to become an “oldie but goodie?”
Have you ever thought about that?
I do...a lot!
Maybe it’s because I’m constantly surrounded by young children or maybe it’s because I have a 10 year old brother.

Who knows?!
But, I do want to know, when does the music I listened to in grade school, high school, college become passe?
There are songs that come on the Top 40 hits radio stations that I listened to in grade school and my brother’s jamming out to them. It just seems odd/strange to me because I’m thinking “This song is soooo old” in my head, and it’s nearly new to him.
I think my favorite moment was when a Blink 182 song came on the radio. {do you remember them?} I cranked up and told him that he’d love it! Then, he asked who it was. That’s when it hit me. 

When does “my” music become “old?”

day 51: The Decision

Mr. GrapeJuice and I have decided that we are going to stop living like college kids.

 

Granted, our home does not look this terrible. It is a disaster! We still have not put away our Christmas decorations. Yes, I know. It's shameful! They are no longer decorating our home, but they are not "put away." If that makes any sense...

Today though, we visited Lowe's. We were gifted a new garage door by my in-laws so we went to Lowe's to find out what they offer. So, step one is buy and have new garage door installed by this summer. Now, we will finally be able to successfully use our garage!! {score!}

 

While we were at Lowe's, I also picked up some paint samples by Valspar. This summer I have big plans for updating our home and making it reflect our personalities. I'm going to paint two rooms (to start with). In other words, these are the only two rooms my husband will let me paint at this time. So, I will be painting our guest room a soft shade of grey. The husband and I are in agreement that the grey will look nicely with our navy sheets and red quilt. And, can I just say that I'm killer excited that I get to use the color grey in my home?!?!?!?!?!?!?!?! Because I totally am!! I will also be painting our upstairs bathroom as well. Our rooms upstairs are blue and green so we're going with a pale blue/green color to make it look cohesive. I'm very excited that I get to do this over the summer all by myself. It should be very therapeutic and relaxing in the midst of a rather busy summer.

I'm so serious about redoing our house that I asked for Home Depot and Lowe's gift cards for my birthday. I'm ready to spruce this place up!

 Mr. GrapeJuice and I had hoped to deep clean/spring clean our house next weekend, but we will be super busy. We are going to go see Spring Awakening at TPAC courtesy of my parents.

We'll be making a weekend of it downtown. We won a one night stay at the Hermitage Hotel at a silent auction last summer. We had hoped that we could use it for our wedding, but we couldn't because our wedding was on a holiday. We were a little disappointed, but we will enjoy our mini stay-cation.

Our house's scheduled cleaning day is the first Saturday in March, which is two weeks away. We'll be doing inside work and outside work. I've enlisted the help of my father to remove a crape myrtle. He gets to use his chain saw so he's pretty pleased to say the least! And, depending on the weather and how much work we get down inside, I might attempt to pull up and remove all the monkey grass in front of our house too. I'd much rather have flowers than uncontrollable, unruly grass.

So, here's to being an adult and no longer living like a college kid!

sources :: collegebredlofts.com, Lowe's, apartmenttherapy.com, discount-giftcards.com, photobucket user mel5476_2008,  The Hermitage Hotel, inetgiant.co.uk

day 46: Why Marriage is Hard

After a hard couple of weeks, I'm going to give my two cents on why marriage is hard.

Take it for what it's worth to you, and if you think I'm completely off base, then ignore this musing.

I'll be honest. The past couple of weeks have not been little rays of sunshine. It's been tense and uncomfortable. We just couldn't seem to please each other no matter how much we tried. Nothing was good enough. It was very frustrating!!

One of the teachers I work with asked me how married life was going. I looked at her and said it was fine. It wasn't much different than what I was expecting. We frustrate each other, and that's that. She then said that marriage is hard. We talked awhile longer, but all I could really think about was how marriage is hard. And, you know, I just kept coming back to the same thing. Marriage is hard because you can't leave easily. When you are in a committed relationship {not married}, you can leave if it's not giving you what you want anymore. When you're married, you have to file paperwork and get a lawyer and get divorced or an annulment. I think it takes more work to end your marriage than to work at it and save it. Then again, I'm just voicing why I think marriage is hard. I, personally, would like to work at my marriage and have it forever. It's something that I can be proud of because my husband and I cultivated it and made it ours. Sometimes I might find myself wishing I could be single and just reap the benefits of single-dom, but I know that Mr. GrapeJuice will always be there for me, and I am grateful for that and forever will be!

Pretty much, marriage is hard work but completely worth it in the end!

photo source :: .marriage-and-relationship-counseling.com, psychologytoday.com

day 17: Post Wedding Hair Chop

I feel that almost every bride does this.

We try to grow our hair out beautifully for our big day so that our pictures look wonderful.

And, I'm very appreciative of my self-control to grow out my hair for a couple years so that I could have flowing locks for my wedding day because I love the result!

But, the post-wedding obligatory hair chop was a long time coming. I began getting frustrated with it and wanted nothing more than to take a pair of scissors to it almost every week!!

Finally, this weekend, I couldn't stand it any longer and went to my favorite lady, Caitlin @ Heads Up in Lebanon, to get my wife hair cut. I told her I wanted the Katie Holmes 'do, and I'm lovin' the result!!

day 1: I am a SASSY WIFE

Yesterday, I became Mrs. GrapeJuice.

I am no longer a sassy bride.

I am now a sassy wife!

Join me as I experience my wifely duties - making dinner, cleaning house, doing laundry, etc. - and all while maintaining a day job as a teacher!

This is sure to be dazzling....!