This isn't the end...just the end of the beginning!

I finished my last day of full-time practicum yesterday with my 2nd grade babies! It was bittersweet. I will miss my munchkins but it also meant the start of SPRING BREAK! Woo-Hoo! I get to go visit them on Mondays and Wednesdays until mid-April so it isn't the end yet! I can't wait to see them grow more. I am wondering how I am going to make it as a real teacher if I can get this attached to the kids after a few months. I couldn't imagine having them from August to May and seeing how much they grow and then letting them go for the summer only to get 22 more in August!


I am super excited to go back to see them...until then I am focused on *hopefully* going to the beach for a few days to relax..provided work cooperates!

Look who crawled out from under her rock.

Well after some coaxing from my sisters I decided to start my blog back up. So many things have happened since I last wrote, some good, some bad, and some that started bad and turned into blessings.

I started my first block, or my first professional semester, in the education program at VSU in August. The program has been intense! We are the first class in the "new program". All I can figure this means is LONG (15-18 pages) lesson plans to teach 20-30 minute lessons and stress, stress, and MORE STRESS! I have never felt so defeated in my life. I ended up pulling through with 3 A's and 2 B's. Not too shabby being as I was unsure if I would make it through without having a panic attack and getting put on medication! I have had more emotional breakdowns and felt so close to giving up on one of my biggest dreams ever after those few months. If it weren't for my Mama, sisters, a few great teachers, and the 24 AMAZING girls in my class to help me through, I definitely wouldn't have made it!

During my break in my blog writing I also got a job. As if school wasn't enough for my brain to handle. I started working at Sears as a Cashier in October. My job is fun in the fact that I get to work with people and meet new people. But with my job and school taking up my life, I have little to no social life. That sucks.

At the end of October, I made a decision that changed my life. I broke things off with Zack after nearly four years together. It was one of the hardest things to do, but it was something I had to do. I couldn't keep my life together while trying to make sure he had his on track at the same time. I am by no means innocent. It all fell apart in all directions. I was continuously busy with school and work and when I wasn't I was EXHAUSTED. We didn't talk much in the last few weeks because we were too busy. There were so many factors in making this decision, I can't even list them here. But know, the decision was in no way easy and I still love him(and always will) with all my heart. He was my first love.

I think the hardest part in the split was losing not only him, but his family. His parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins have become my family in the past few years. I loved them just as much as my own and my family was the same with him. It hurt so much to lose all of them when our relationship ended. I am sure we will continue to be friends, but it hurts not being able to see them and spend time with them like we used to. I saw his Ganny(his grandma) in Piggly Wiggly the other day and realized how much I truly miss seeing them.

It's still hard to this day to think that it's really over between us, but what's done is done and we need to move forward and make better for ourselves.

This quote has gotten me through a lot and given me hope to move on:

"Every moment is an opportunity to start over, to move on with your life, and go after what you deserve. Never settle for anything but the best because you deserve no less..here's to a new beginning."

We found out in early October that I am going to be an AUNT! PRAISE THE LORD!! I am tickled BLUE(haha)! My older sister, Sarah and Bubb will be welcoming baby WYATT SCOTTIE COOK into the world on May 10, 2011! That gives me just enough time to finish finals and head on up to Ashburn to prepare for his arrival! I am perhaps the most excited I have ever been! I have been asking and praying for a nephew/niece for YEARS((Yes, literally!)) and will be FINALLY getting him! I am excited about his room they have been preparing for him. Check it out here. I feel super bad because with my crazy work schedule I'm working through BOTH of her baby showers! But don't worry this little boy will be SPOILED ROTTEN by his FAVORITE Aunt Suzi before we know it!

On to other news because I can talk about Wyatt all day! :)

Here is one of the MANY I love my Aunt, etc. shirts I have bought him!


At the end of January I started talking to a great guy named Spencer. We have always kind of known each other and each others families because 1)we live in a small town and 2) his brothers are close to my older sister's age. So we knew each other but never really talked. We've been dating for almost a month and it's been great. He's an amazing guy with a good head on his shoulders and I couldn't ask for a harder worker! I am excited about getting to know Spencer more and watching our relationship grow in the months and years to come!
This is my sweet boyfriend, Spencer, and I on our first date. :)


For Valentine's Day, Spencer drove TWO HOURS ROUND TRIP to Valdosta during my THIRTY minute break between work and school to surprise me with roses, a flower, and a bear. This meant so much to me! He truly is a keeper!


I started my second block of the education program in January. After fussing and fighting with the education department about my schedule, I found one to work with my work schedule. It's intense again this semester but we're making it so far. Each semester we are assigned a school and a classroom in which we are to observe two days a week from 8-11:30AM. I am placed in a GREAT school(can't list names!) with an AMAZING teacher! I have second grade and they are the sweetest, most well behaved group of second graders I have ever met! No exaggeration! They're GREAT.

Each semester we are assigned two full weeks in which all of our classes are canceled at VSU(except Math for whatever reason?) and we are required to be at our school Monday through Friday from 8-4PM. That makes for a TIRED Suzi! We are right in the middle of the two week practicum right now. I finished day 1 of week 2 today and next week is SPRING BREAK!(PRAISE THE LORD!). Being with these students for these two weeks has made every bit of headache from writing my lesson plans worth it! I am in love with each and every one of them. I do believe older children is my calling! Don't get me wrong, I loved my kindergarten babies, but second grade is where it's at! :) Next semester I'll be in either 4th or 5th grade so we will see!

Oh, I almost forgot! I got my first tattoo a few weeks ago and I love it! Here it is below!

Day 24: Where I Live

Welcome to TitleTown USA, Valdosta, Georgia! :)

Located a mere 13 miles from the Florida line on I-75

Valdosta has all the charm of a small southern town.

With many eateries and shops Valdosta is sure to entertain

every member of your family.

Valdosta is home to several great ball teams and schools including

the Lowndes County High School Vikings

the Valdosta High School Wildcats

and my personal favorite, Valdosta State University’s Blazers

 

Wild Adventures Theme Parks also calls Valdosta home.

Day 23: A YouTube Video

Disclaimer: I in NO WAY am downplaying that this woman was a victim of an

attempted rape. I am simply posting these videos because of the reaction

of her brother Antoine Dodson.

 

He is a hoot. Watch both videos they are both different!

Day 22: A Website

Love Gives Me Hope

Day 21: A Recipe

Honey Mustard Chicken

nstructions

Things You'll Need:

• Cookie sheet or sheet cake pan
• Small bowl
• Shallow flat bowl
• Cooking spray
• 4 boneless skinless chicken breasts (about 4 oz. each)
• 2/3 cup honey mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup crushed cornflakes

 

1. Preheat oven to 425 degrees.

2. Combine honey mustard, salt and pepper. Mix well and keep 1/3 cup of mixture in reserve to drizzle over chicken later.

3. Crush cornflakes and place in a shallow bowl.

4. Dip chicken breasts in honey mustard mixture until well coated.

5. Dredge chicken in cornflake crumbs and coat thoroughly.

6. Coat baking pan with cooking spray and arrange chicken breasts on pan, making sure sides are not touching..

7. Bake uncovered about 15 minutes until crust is golden brown and chicken juice runs clear.

8. Drizzle reserved honey mustard mixture over chicken just before serving.

(Source: eHow To)

WHEW, what a weekend!

This weekend was very exciting yet very BUSY!

Thursday night my roomie and I went to the dollar theater and watched The Last Song. I LOVED IT! I had been waiting for it to come out since it came out in regular theaters! It was soo cute. To top it all off our date night cost less than $5 each after we got snacks and all! We are fortunate to have a dollar theater as well as a regular theater. Unless it’s something I really, really, REALLY want to see I’ll wait from now on. The dollar theater shows all older movies and the admittance is only $1.98/ticket!

Friday I came home and got sweet little Eli from the bus. His school had a half day in honor of the holiday on Monday. So I gathered him and got us lunch and headed home to relieve the woman that was keeping Evan. We had a great afternoon and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to spend time with those sweet babies! After I got off work, Zack and I headed to Tifton for a little shopping and dinner.

Saturday morning I went with Mama and Sami to get our toes done for Sarah’s best friend, Lori’s wedding. That afternoon I headed out to take pictures of Sarah and help her get ready for the wedding. She was the most beautiful bridesmaid, in my opinion, but I am a little biased! :) We had a blast and the wedding was beautiful!

Sunday was my 21st birthday! I went to church with Zack’s family and spent the rest of the day with my sister and Bubb. Sarah baked me TWO cakes, one for last night on my actual birthday, and the other for today. We played rummy until nearly midnight and just had a great time.

Today we had a labor day/ birthday cookout. It was nice having all of my family and friends together having a good time!

Now the weekend is coming to a close only to leave a short school week ahead! Let’s hope it feels as short as it is!

 

Tomorrow I have to go get my new license since I am now TWENTY-ONE :))) Hope you all had a safe, happy holiday weekend!