Two Smart Cookies!

I have some pretty major news to share with you today.  These two girls are going back to school!

So maybe that is not the most exciting news of most of you.  But for this little professional student and her puppy it is pretty exciting.

[caption id="attachment_1359" align="aligncenter" width="600"] The email telling me I was in![/caption]

I am heading to Chapman University in Orange County to earn a PhD in Education emphasizing in Leadership.  I promise this is the last time I will ever say anything this pretentious on the blog again, except for when I graduate with said degree.  You can bet your sweet booty I will remind you of all the work I put in for four to five years.

Going back to school was probably one of the most agonizing decisions I have ever made. I had a lot of details to try and work out in my mind.  Do I have time? Do I want to write papers for grades again? Can I still work and go to school?  If I take out student loans will Obama finally forgive them?  Will people invite me to sit at the cool kids table?  You know all the normal questions a student goes through.

I decided it was time to take the plunge and just dive in and let everything figure itself out.  I do not know what my job will let me do in terms of full time or part time.  I do not know what my income will be or how much I will need to take out in loans. I do not know how it ail will work out, but I know it will work out.  I have a great peace that this is the right decision for me to get where I want to be in my career goals: you know only teaching classes three days a week, writing books, and traveling the world all in the name of education.

As I write this post Penny is sitting here forcing me to play catch with her.  Forcing is the right verb by the way.  She jumps on the couch, then on my stomach, drops her tennis ball on my laptop, and then bites my hand if I do not throw the ball in the next 3.689 nano seconds.

While we are playing catch Penny wanted me to remind you that she is also going to school.  She has been taking puppy classes at Pet Smart for the last month and she is pretty sure she is the baddest dog in California.

[caption id="attachment_1360" align="aligncenter" width="600"] Penny: leader of the pack![/caption]

 Penny has had a very interesting run at her education.  The first week we were in class she was the star student.  She sat patiently and watched the teacher, she was the example student, and she didn't bark or bite once.  Week 2 we had a private lesson because someone had to work  at Open House for the school she works for.  The third week Penny decided she was comfortable and that she needed to be the class clown.  She was placed on two time outs and was not allowed to play, because she tried to bite Chiquito.

Then week four came and she became the child I am proud of.  She was back to being good and being comfortable.  She sat at one end of an isle and stayed until I called her from the other side.  When I told her to be nice to Simba she was nice to Simba.  When other dog owners had treats Penny didn't distract everyone and then sneak over and eat ALL. THE. TREATS. (that was a week three adventure).

I am pretty sure that Penny's issues with school are going to be my issues with school.  I will show up week 1 and be shy and everyone will think I am so nice and quiet.  Then Week 2 I will sit towards the front maybe talk to a professor about an assignment on my own and make a friend or two.

Week 3 I might get too big for my britches and answer too many questions in class, or worse ask too many annoying questions in class when everyone is ready to go home.  I might try and bite the gentleman sitting next to me with a Latin name, maybe  Jose or Juan Pablo.  I will have to be in time out twice and I will not like it. But by week 4 I will have settled into my new surroundings and will be fun and confident in myself and maybe even make a few friends along the way.

I really hope no one at Chapman knows about my blog and reads this post.  I am pretty sure that comparing my future doctoral degree to my dog's PetSmart diploma is a huge party foul.  A party foul I am bound to commit again and again.

PS - Penny wants to invite you to her graduation party which will take place in three weeks.  If you can not make it to Southern California you can send your congratulations to her in the form of cash money, addressed to me.

We All Have Skills

This has become one of my favorite sayings in the world.  Probably because of my favorite families has totally adopted it as their family motto since I went on vacation with them in Palm Springs this summer, which I wrote about here, in case you care.

Although, I use this saying in a playful way when someone usually fails or epically fails at something I am good at.  For example I am bomb at basketball played in a pool, I could dunk all day.  When my friend sucked at it, to point it out/make her feel better I told her we all have skills.   I think it is a better way of looking at life.  For example, that friend is a much better speller than I am.  Whenever she finds a typo in my blog, facebook, lesson plan, she is quick to point it out.  I remind her we all have skills and I feel better about myself.

Today I had a ton of fun getting my school picture ready to send out to the 18 25 people who asked for it on facebook, instagram, or twitter when I posted the following "Pretty Much Oprah Giveaway":

Today I sat down and went through to see if I actually even had 18 likes across the social media networks.  I had over 20 and I was so surprised.  I am pretty sure no one expected me to actually send out my school picture, but Today after work I sat down and wrote cards and put my cute little face in those letters.

 


I really love doing silly little things that do not take a ton of time but let others have a little laugh (maybe at my expense), and also makes them feel a little special. I would say that those are some of my skills.  I will say that I ma way less skilled at actually sending out Christmas cards.  In fact I don't think I will do it at all this year.  Gretchen Rubin in her book The Happiness Project gave me a great idea to send out Valentine's day cards instead.  I will have time to do it and it is sweeter anyway. 

What are some skills you have that you like to share with the world?  What are you totally not skilled at, but it is cool cause we all have skills and someone else can do it anyway?

_________________________________________________________

Also don't forget about Breanna's Birthday giveaway all week long she has different items up for grabs in honor of her birthday.

 a Rafflecopter giveaway

- Only open to U.S. residents.

- Must reply to e-mail within 48 hours to claim prize or it will be given to someone else.

- If you are not honest with your entries, all of your entries will be deleted. Honesty's the best policy!

- Each giveaway will be open for 3 days, so get your entries in! 

Get My School Picture!

So my school gives us our own school pictures every year. I never know what to do with them so I give them away. I have 10 left for anyone who wants to carry my awkward school picture in their wallet. Just leave a comment and the photo is yours.

I know I am pretty my Oprah handing out her favorite things. My face makes a lovely holiday gift.

Cause High School Is All About Me

First off I want to welcome all of you who found me today from Helene's blog!  I really hope you stay and read a while.  Just a few things you should know about So Much Sunshine if this is the first time you stumbled here: 

1. I live in Southern California and it will be 80 degrees today 

2. I work as a teacher and a college counselor for crazy teenagers. 

3. Pray for me they are applying for college this month and if they ask me one more time if I wrote their recommendation letter I might just write a letter full of quotes from Mean Girls. 

4. I just bought the cutest dog in the world.  I am a little afraid some big guy with tattoos will steal her one day.  

5.  I love a few things a lot.  They include Music, the Ducks hockey, travel, and finding joy in all that I do.

Last week at my school was spirit week which was meant to lead up to the Homecoming football game.  Unfortunately we didn't have a game so we just had spirit.  Every year we have silly dress up days and sports day is always one of them.  If you look at #5 in my list above you will see that I like hockey.  I was very sad this year because they canceled sports day and replaced it with superhero day.  I would much rather wear a jersey than a Batman t-shirt, but maybe that is just me.

When I heard this sad news I immediately thought of how I could rebel against this new regime of tyranny that was surrounding me.  Being the grown up that I am my solution was to wear hockey attire everyday that I could.  Really This week is all about me and my ability to wear a hockey jersey one day a year to work and have it count as professional attire. 

Crazy hat day/ pajama day/ superhero day.

I am pretty sure I rocked it.  Next time you decide to let children do what they want I will find a way to make it all about me and my wants (kidding..... kind of).

I blame my grandfather for my rebellious nature.  That man was a true rebel.  He was mad once that it was snowing while he was driving.  Instead of pulling over and waiting out the storm he kept driving 80 mph while wearing sunglasses.  True story.  My mother never went in the car with him again. 

I also thought it would have been a great idea to use my new puppy Penny as my gold accessory for Blue and Gold day.  But she tends to poop where she isn't supposed to so I left her at home.

--------------

Today over at Helene's blog I am involved in a little giveaway for some cash money!  Follow along with the info from Helene's blog or just do yourself a favor and go there yourself, cause she rocks. 

Today some of the coolest cats I know are giving away $115 Paypal cash. What does this mean?! Well if you happen to be celebrating the holidays: Thanksgiving, Christmas, Kwanza, Hanukkah then we're gonna give you some extra cash in your pocket! 

Nicole- Not Before My Tea// Katie-The Style Dunce// Gwen- Confessions of A Gila Monster

Amanda- Living in Another Language// Erica- So Much Sunshine// Chelsea- Lost in Travels// Sevi- Ware is The Vodka

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Friday Favs!

Welcome to another round of Friday Favs! This week I am actually sitting on my couch enjoying some weekday morning TV.  It was just time for a day off.  So here's to vacation days where you do very little. 

 Over here in California we have been told countless times that "The Big One" is coming.  This is just supposed to mean that a huge earthquake is due to shake the state, maybe even send us into the ocean for good.  In order to help us prepare for this catastrophic event the whole state, maybe other parts of the nation participate in The Great American Shakeout.  We have a whole school earth quake drill.  We hang out on the field, some teachers and students "die" it is all just delightful.  I enjoy the day because I get to wear jeans to work on a Thursday and chill with my favorite friends on towels in the sunshine.

My teacher friends and I providing much needed help at the earthquake drill.

I will say that i hope to Jesus I am not at work if a natural disaster ever befalls the grand state of California.  We are by no means ready for an actual emergency.  Say a little prayer for us and our safety issues if you feel so inclined!

Next up on my list are The Anaheim Ducks!  I am heading over to The Honda Center to see them take on the Phoenix Coyotes (wow that word is not spelled how it sounds).  Being from Arizona you might think I love Coyotes, but I actually thought it was dumb Arizona had a hockey team.  I am pretty sure most folks in that grand state enjoy weather that never dips below 70 degrees.  Granted I am in So Cal now and the same could be said here, but it does get cold sometimes.  I mean i have a pair of Uggs that I will be wearing tonight.

If the Ducks win tonight it will be their 6th straight win in a row.  Such a great start to the season!  I will admit I miss Bobby Ryan, but the guys they got have really stepped it up.  Perhaps next week I will give you my list of hottest Duck players.

Hey look at that I talked about sports on Friday!  Looks like I can finally link it up with Sarah!

Last up I just finished a book by Lauren Graham.  That's right Lorelei Gilmore wrote a book.  I actually only read Someday Someday Maybe because she wrote the book.  I will say that there were some charming moments in the book.  Some moments made me laugh out loud.  I also felt like I got to know more about her start in show business.  Although the book is not about her presay I can tell she used her life as the backdrop for the story and character. It is an easy fun read.  If you are a fan of Lauren Graham or actors, give it a whirl.

I am also announcing now that I will be joining the National Novel Writing Month.   Essentially I will write a 50,000 word book in one month that NO ONE will ever read.  I have always said I wanted to write a book and this might be the way to get me towards that goal.  I will let you know how it goes as we get going, but I am super excited and nervous at the same time.

Hope you have a wonderful weekend and do something you love!

Bouquets of Newly Sharpened Pencils (It's A Giveaway!)

Labor Day is over and it is now time for fall.  Living in Southern California, fall doesn't really happen until December and then lasts until March and then summer starts again.  At least that is how it feels.  
Around these parts we pretend that it is fall though as soon as the temp dips down to about 80.  Cute boots come out, scarfs are worn as we chug Pumpkin Spice Lattes, and drive north an hour to go apple picking.   Seriously people we do what we can! 
One of my favorite things about fall is that school started again.  As a kid I loved going back to school! One of my favorite parts of going back to school was the back to school shopping.  My mom always bought me a back to school outfit and fresh school supplies, I had a special affenity for Lisa Frank folders and trapper keepers.  
One of the best lines about fall and back to school comes from one of my favorite movies You've Got Mail.  Tom Hanks writes to Meg Ryan that he just loves New York in the fall and he would send her bouquets of newly sharpened pencils if he knew who she was. 

Ever since I heard this line I wanted someone to give me a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils.  It is so quirky and sweet.  I also wanted to live in New York where there are noticeable seasons. 
In honor of fall, back to school, and bouquets of newly sharpened pencils I have a little giveaway for you, $25 gift card to Target for your back to school needs.  Go crazy, buy your new school dress, buy that Lisa Frank folder, or buy me a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils.  
Happy fall and good luck!



a Rafflecopter giveaway

No Meat For You!

Happy Wednesday friends!  For those of you who are working like normal people, the end of the week is near!  For those of you who are teachers, it is important to know what day of the week it is as you soak up the sun today.

By the way I really hope you instantly thought of Seinfeld when you read today's post title!  How great was that show?  If you have no idea what I am talking about I am probably getting old or you are one of my Asian students who only watches Korean dramas and I love you anyway. 

Last week I wrote this post about coming back to work and feeling unfamiliar in a familiar place. 

Chillin' in my office.  It is getting there.

 Things have gotten much better this week. I am actually doing things that help make time move a little faster.  I am making decision that influence me and my work instead of others planning my schedule and telling me what to do.  And I moved my furniture around.  Granted, not everything is the way I want it yet, but it is much better.  I asked for a week to get some burly men to come into my office and move things and they never came.  I was fed up by Friday and just did it myself.  It is coming together.

People can actually fit in the office now!

Next step, get the furniture out that belongs to other people and get some art on those white white walls.

As I mentioned last week the land the school I work for was bought by a Buddhist Educational Service.  They have been gracious this year and are allowing us to stay on the campus and share the facilities as they prepare to have students in a year.  This leaves my school grateful and also a little discombobulated (can't believe I spelled that one right on the first try!)  Our school offices are directly under the gym.  It has been fun learning to tune out a heard of students running laps.

One of my favorite adjustments is the school's No Meat Allowed on Campus rule.  The Buddhists that own the land now have strict diets and being vegetarian is part of that.  Because this is their land and we are renting for the year they have asked that the campus be totally vegetarian.  Really, it is not that big of a deal.  To me it is funny.  We can keep worshiping Jesus, teach Bible classes, and have chapel every week but we cannot have meat!  I love it!

The news of this was received with confused ears by disgruntled carnivores. Personally, I didn't care.  I was a vegetarian for two years and not eating meat for one meal during the day is easy for me.  The story of how I quit being a vegetarian is actually pretty great one.  Let's just say a boy asked me to come to his family's home for dinner, they made chicken, they practically forced me to eat it, I caused a huge family fight, people didn't speak to each other ever again, the world ended.  The boy and I didn't last much longer after that experience.

Lunchtime and not a sole is left on campus other than me.

Some of my favorite moments at work have come from this ban on meat.  Most people are eating off campus everyday.  I think a lot of weight will be gained and a lot of dollars spent.  I usually eat my lunch alone in the teacher's lounge, as it appears I am one of the only people who can a meal with out the meat. Lunches are planned around meat.  I really think most people are over compensating because they have been told to abstain.

Today I walked to Subway to buy a Veggie Delight sandwich and ate it at work.  I sat in the teacher's lounge eating my sandwich and was stared down for the better part of my lunch.  I knew that everyone who walked by was thinking This girl is eating meat!  What a hussy!  But no one said anything.  Finally, one lady had that "What a hussy!" look on her face and flat out asked me what type of sandwich I was eating.  I told her it was veggie and she smiled and walked away.

 

I am planning on starting a support group for my colleagues to help them get through this tough time.  I might even offer to teach them how to make tofu yummy.  I am pretty sure they would rather die than eat tofu. I have collected an assortment of quotes from these lovely folks that I will be sharing at some point when the school year is underway.  I need a little more time to eavesdrop and get more quotes for your enjoyment. 

 In other news, you should head over to one of my favorite blogs  The Life of Bon and check her out.  Read a few of her posts add her on instagram, and become a better person.  There may be a little photo there and the best endorsement I have ever received, "basically this girl lies a lot."  If that is not a reason to read my blog I don't know what is!

Happy Wednesday to you and go eat some meat in my honor for lunch!

love! Erica