A Little Attitude Adjustment

I've been having kind of a tough time since returning from my fabulous vacation to the Florida Keys (see previous post). Upon our return, I found my car battery to be dead, my car stalling at low speeds (yes, on major roadways!), and my electrical system acting crazy with my radio going in and out and the lights flickering randomly. I took it in the next day to get looked at and they told me they had to special order the parts, so to bring it back the following week. So I did, and then they told me they STILL didn't have the parts and it was backordered and they would just call me when it was in stock. Then I ordered a new US Men's National Soccer Team t-shirt that according to my email was shipped over a week ago and as of yesterday still hadn't arrived. I've also begun stressing about the upcoming school year and all my additional responsibilities as co-team leader of the kindergarten team. Not such a fun week!

So yesterday, after picking up my car for the second time with no repairs having been made, I was determined to turn my mood around! First I engaged in a little retail therapy at Fair Oaks Mall :) Then I decided to head to Home Depot and check out some plants. One of my goals for the summer was to plant some beautiful flowers on our mini-balcony at the condo. So I went in, found some great deals on plants and plant stands, and left with a mission in mind! I spent the next hour or so potting the plants and arranging them on our balcony. When I was finished, I felt great! I felt like I had accomplished one of my summer goals and made our home look a little more homey :) Andy even gave me compliments on my "gardening" skills! As I finished my gardening project, I checked outside and the shirt I ordered had finally arrived! And after venting my concerns and worries about the upcoming school year, his support and kind words made me relax. Things are looking up! Check out our newly decorated balcony :) Now, I'll just have to keep the poor plants alive... hmmm......

Before

After

Brad Paisley

Well, I got to put my cowboy boots on for the second time this summer for another fabulous evening at Nissan Pavilion. For my 25th birthday this past May, Andy got me two tickets to the Brad Paisley concert. Being the nice girlfriend I am, I of course gave him the second ticket to use and go with me :) Two of Andy's co-workers, Kevin and Carissa, also got tickets to the concert so we decided to go together! The more the merrier!

Kevin and Carissa live in a townhouse in Manassas, about 5 miles from Nissan Pavilion, where the concert was being held. So Andy and I headed out that way to pick them up and head to the concert. We had a great time tailgating and playing games before the concert. We made friends with the group in the car next to us and they joined in the fun too! Unfortunately, it started to rain pretty hard for about an hour which interrupted our tailgating fun, so we packed up and decided to play card games in the car! We had a blast and the rain ended in perfect timing for us to head in to see Brad! Yeeee haw! My boots will make one more appearance this summer at the end of August at Kenny Chesney. Until then...

Miami ~ South Beach & The Florida Keys

So, I'll be honest. I am still in mourning today. I returned home from one of the best vacations I've ever had this past Tuesday and I am STILL not over it. I am trying to readjust to the "real-world" but am struggling to get back into a familiar routine. Let me tell you why it's been such a difficult transition home...

On Tuesday June 14th, my Mom, Dad, Andy and I headed out to Dulles Airport bright and early to catch a flight to Fort Lauderdale. We arrived around 10:30am in Florida, got our rental car, and headed straight for the beach! We had a nice beach-side lunch and then headed south to Miami. We stayed at the Ritz Carlton in South Beach. AMAZING! I was so impressed with all of the accommodations and the staff. In the past, when I've visited "upscale" resorts or dined at "5-star" restaurants, I have sometimes been disappointed and wondered what the hoopla was all about. This was not the case at all with our stay at the Ritz Carlton. We stayed for 2 nights and were waited on hand in foot. Free drinks and juices by the pool, dinner's comp'd for minor inconveniences, free bottles of champagne, and a friendly smile everywhere you turn! We spent our days in Miami by the pool and beach and then Andy and I headed out to see the town. The first night, we walked up and down Lincoln Road to see the shops, restaurants, and nightlife. The second night, we were lucky enough to find a small dive bar that happened to be Ladies Night... so I drank for free! We had a great visit in South Beach! Short but sweet...

On the Beach at Fort Lauderdale

The Ritz Carlton ~ South Beach

Lunch Poolside with the Family

South Beach, Miami with Andrew

On Thursday, we drove south on Route 1 to head to Key West for the final 5 days of our vacation. In Key West, we stayed on a private island just off the coast of the main island. Sunset Key Island, our home away from home for the week, was only accessible via boat. There are no cars on the island itself, only golf carts. It was the most peaceful place on earth! There are only about 30 cottages for rent on the island and we were fortunate enough to have an ocean front cottage with the best view on the island!

Our Mint Green Cottage on the Beach

Sunset Key Island from the Boat

We enjoyed soaking up the Floridian sun on the private beach and by our beautiful oasis of a pool during the hot, humid days...

watched the sunset off our cottage balcony in the evenings...

and then took the boat across the water to Key West to catch dinner and drinks in the evening. Andy and I checked out Duval Street a few nights and had a great time with our frozen drinks & making new friends. What a fun place Key West is! Here's a few more glimpes of our fabulous vacation and some reasons why it's so hard to say goodbye too...

Lunch at Jimmy Buffet's Original Margaritaville

Mom & I getting our Key Lime Pie, a Key West must!

Dad & I after our Conch Trolley Tour of Key West

Andy and I out latenight on Duval Street

Swimming to Cuba!

The Family out to Dinner

This amazing vacation would never have been possible without my absolutely INCREDIBLE parents! My Dad does the best job planning out memorable and fun vacations for all of us! Thanks for letting Andy and I tag along :) I love you both!

Fourth of July

I absolutely LOVE the Fourth of July! I am so fortunate to be able to live in Northern Virginia, 15 minutes outside of Washington D.C. On holidays like the 4th, there is no better place to be! I started my 4th celebrations a day early by playing tourist in D.C. with Andy and my Dad. We woke up bright and early to beat the crowds and headed into the district. What a beautiful day!

We first headed to the Holocaust Museum to wait in line and get tickets. As we were waiting, a helicopter seemed to be continuously circling above us. Being in Washington D.C. on the weekend of the 4th could have meant anything, but one of the museum employees said she thought it might mean the President was driving somewhere in town. We didn't think much of it until all of a sudden, about 15 feet behind us, 6 police motorcycles came by, followed by a large black van, more police cars, an ambulance and finally... the Presidents car! Right behind us, the Presidential motorcade passed down the street as we waited in line. It was so exciting! What a great start to our day!


After we got our tickets for the day, we headed to the Washington Monument & then to the WWII Memorial. The Washington Monument is such a beautiful landmark in D.C. and even though I've seen it hundreds of times, it always takes my breath away.

Dad and I

My Dad really wanted to head to the WWII Memorial as we had never visited it since it was finished a few years ago. His dad, my Pap Pap, worked in communications in WWII. When the memorial was finished being built several years ago, my Pap Pap and grandma came to visit and got to drive by the memorial. Unfortunately, Pap Pap never got the chance to really visit the memorial dedicated to him and his fellow servicemen before he passed away. We walked down to the memorial and I was taken aback at what an incredible sight it was. The memorial is beautiful! My Dad shared a few stories of what he knew about his father's experiences in the war and we thought of him as we walked around the grounds.

Andy and I Representing SC & VA

View of the Lincoln Memorial across the Mall from the WWII Memorial

After visiting the memorial, we walked to the Spy Museum. We spend about 2 hours learning all about the secret life of spies, the CIA and the legend of the KGB. Andy was really interested in going to the Spy Museum and we agreed to head there, but I was curious as to how much I would actually enjoy myself. Spying and secret agent work isn't exactly an interest of mine. But I was pleasantly surprised to learn about spying techniques and tools. The most interesting was definitely learning about specific individuals who were charged with espionage. Their stories were so dramatic!

After the Spy Museum, the three of us headed to the Museum of Natural History to grab some lunch. Then, we headed back up to the Holocaust Museum. For whatever reason, I have always found WWII, the Holocaust in particular, to be fascinating. I think it stems from my inability to fathom that such a horrific and tragic event could actually occur. We enjoyed touring the museum and learning more about that period in history. Then we headed home to rest up for the REAL 4th of July!

On Saturday, I woke up at my parents home to enjoy Breakfast at Wimbledon. Every year, my mom makes pancakes with strawberries & blueberries with lots of whipped cream and sausage to enjoy while watching the Wimbledon finals. In honor of the holiday and of Venus and Serena Williams playing in the championship, we ate our breakfast and enjoyed the all-American final. Then I got some sun outside in the year before heading to a friends BBQ.

One of my favorite things about the 4th is spending time with friends. I am fortunate enough to still be very close to all of my high school friends. This year, one of them hosted a BBQ at their house. We enjoyed a few beers, some great food, and perfect company. We had fireworks and even a belly flop contest in the pool to celebrate! It was a perfect way to celebrate the 4th. I am so proud to live in America and to have my freedoms that so many take for granted.

Andy and I wearing our red, white & blue

Fireworks on the Fourth

Fabulous friends to celebrate with

Happy Birthday America!

Rascal Flatts

This past Saturday I put on my cowboy boots, grabbed my cowboy hat and headed out with good friends to Nissan Pavilion to see Darius Rucker and Rascal Flatts perform. One of my best friends from high school, Justin, organized a bus trip for a group of people to head to the concert together. I went with my best friend Lindsay and the only other person we knew going on the trip was Justin. I was a little anxious about how much fun it would really be with a group of people who didn't know each other well. But it turned out to be a beautiful day, we got to listen to great music, and we made some awesome new friends in the process!


Justin, Lindsay and I on the Bus Ride to Nissan


Lindsay and I tailgating before the concert


Old Friends & New Friends enjoying the show

Country concerts are one of my favorite things to do during the summer. It is a great way to spend time with friends, drink a few cold beers, and enjoy some fabulous music. I already have plans to go to two more concerts this summer to see Brad Paisley and Kenny Chesney. Can't wait to get the boots and hat back out again later this summer!

Last Day of School!

You wish you were a teacher!

Today at 10:30am, my summer officially began. My darling kindergartners said their goodbyes, packed up their final report cards, and left the school building. Woo hoo! Let the fun begin!

After all the kids left, our entire staff headed to a local steakhouse, Malibu Steakhouse, for an end of the year luncheon. It was a delicious meal and we all enjoyed filling each other in on our summer plans and non-school related lives! We also got a chance to thank and acknowledge the hard work of our co-workers and say one final farewell to the teachers moving to other schools and retiring at the end of this year. The luncheon is an annual thing and it really is a great way to bring the year to a close.

Although this last day has been fantastic, we really started celebrating the end of the year in kindergarten for the past two weeks. We had movie days, kindergarten parties, puppet shows, picnics... all kinds of really fun ways to celebrate the end of the school year!

On Tuesday, our school had a school-wide picnic where the entire school went outside on our big field and lunched together. We had Beach Boys music blaring in the background and blankets and umbrellas spread out to lounge.


On Wednesday, the kindergarten team put together a fabulous end of the year party for all of the K classes (125 students! Wow!). We were so fortunate to be able to rent not one, but two moon bounces! Although the weather did not cooperate for our outdoor events, being the flexible teachers that we are- we adapted our plans for indoor activities. We put the moon bounces in the gym and the kids HAD A BLAST! All I recall hearing as they jumped and jumped was "Ms. McDonald, this is the BEST DAY EVER!" We then ordered in Papa Johns Pizza and watched a movie in our classrooms. To round off the day, we rotated through each classroom and did a different activity. There was a parachute, musical chairs, carnival games, and steal the bacon. The kids had a really fun time and us teachers enjoyed it too!





This having been my second year teaching, I still feel very fortunate to be working in the profession that I am. Not many people can say they look forward to going to work everyday, but I certainly do. I get hugs everyday. I watch kids learn new things everyday. I get to help wipe away the tears and the bruises when they get hurt. It really is a tough job and can be thankless and under appreciated sometimes, but I truly love what I am doing and I am so lucky to be doing it. There is no greater reward for a teacher than the end of the year when you can truly see how much these kids have grown in 9 months. I am so proud of them and so proud of MYSELF because I know I have made an impact on each of these children in some way. After summer break, I will gear up again and get ready for a new group of children to come into my classroom. But until then...
SCHOOOOOL'S OUT FOR SUMMER!!!!!!

Bus to Baltimore

This past weekend, Andy and I joined 57 of his friends on a bus to Baltimore. One of Andy's best friends from high school, Rob, organized a 12-hour bus trip for a big group to go see a Baltimore Orioles home game at Camden Yards, hang out for an evening in downtown Baltimore, and spend time with good friends :) We met at a local park in Northern Virginia at 3pm and headed up the Beltway to Baltimore, MD. We arrived around 4:15pm despite a little rain and some traffic. Game time was set for 7pm so we had a few hours to kill before heading into the stadium. Rob recommended we go to a local bar called Pickles Pub for a few pregame beverages.


We had several $1 beers and enjoyed the beautiful weather! The rain on the bus ride up had cooled the temperature down just enough to make it a BEAUTIFUL spring evening! While visiting with Andy's friends and a few of my own that made the trip, someone taps me on the shoulder from behind. So I turn around and standing there is one of my best friends from high school and former high school boyfriend Justin! He currently lives in Baltimore and just happened to be hanging out at the same pub that we were when he saw me and came to say hey! It was so great running into him. I don't get to see him as much as I used to since he moved to B'more... but hopefully he'll be moving back to Northern Virginia sometime in the near future!


Around 7pm, we headed into the stadium to watch the Orioles take on the Atlanta Braves. Rob had gotten an entire section of tickets together so we could all sit as a group in the stadium. We had a great time and cheered the O's on to a BIG win over the Braves!




After the game, we all headed to downtown Baltimore to hang out for the night. A small group of us walked several blocks to the Inner Harbor. I haven't been to the harbor in quite some time, so I had forgotten how BEAUTIFUL it is there! The weather was perfect, the water was beautiful, and the night life was a blast! We then walked to Federal Hill and went to a bar called Mad River for the rest of the night. Andy and I both had a great time catching up with high school friends and enjoying the night. We boarded the bus at 1:30am and were back safely in Virginia by 3am. Great trip, Rob! Looking forward to the next bus excursion!