Hung up on Homeschool

I am 26. I am unmarried with no children, unless we count the one with 4 legs. I should not know who Heather Sanders is, but I do. I know who she is because I just spent the better part of my morning reading home school blogs and I happened upon hers. To my own defense, I started with a cooking website in attempts of domesticating myself more. From there I ended up in a mess of home school wonder. To me it is just that, wonder. I know very little, but I'm fascinated. 

You could say my current running crowd has influenced me in the way they do school (remember, I told you who you run with will affect how you do life). Or you can look at the bigger picture. I am 26 years old stuck at a 4 year university taking a class for the umpteenth time, which I cannot pass, simply because it is a degree requirement. Every day I want to skip, to ditch, to bail out. I am only allowed 5 absences a semester though. But I promise you, I use them.

The university feels it will make me a well rounded adult. Hello, I am already an adult. I have a job, I pay my own bills (yes, some with student loans-all of which I will pay back) I am responsible for another life (my dog). I pay my taxes. I’ve made mistakes, and I’ve learned life changing things from them. I contribute to society. 

I saw a TED talk on “hackschooling” and my first thought was “Man, I wish I could hack school the rest of my college degree.” It wasn’t until just a few months ago I realized I should never say “might could” in a sentence... but we can blame that one on my geographical location-not my lack of education. Seriously though, have you ever thought of what your children, or in my case-future children, may be learning or lacking every day? 

What do you do when the student is 16 and believes they know it all already? (that was me) You step up, you encourage them, you push them harder, you ground them, you take away the car keys, you give more homework, you love them, and along the way - you may have to deprive yourself of sleep to make sure they “get it”.

                                       You. Dig. Deeper. 

I didn’t know, or care, to push myself by the time I made it to the grade levels that would essentially effect my future. Would I go back and change things? Yes. Can I? No. So what do I do? I beg you to take your kids education into your own hands, in whatever way that may be. I am asking for the sake of the next generation, do not let them grow up unmotivated or uneducated.

 

My point is this, look into all areas of education. Do not limit yourself to the everyday bump and grind of the public system. If you do choose public education, make sure you are checking in on your kids. Push them. Keep up with the teachers who pour hours into your children. Join the PTA. 

If you home school; you choose the curriculum, you set the pace, YOU are responsible - that I've learned. That I am attracted to, but at this point in my discovery it's about all I know. Oh, except there is a great online support system of people all over the country doing this too, and they love to help out new beginners. Just saying. 

I am only asking you to so heavily consider your children's education because they will help determine my future. They are our future law makers, business people, road builders, political leaders, educators, doctors, zoo keepers-they will be doing it all. 

Your children will also decide which nursing home you will go to. Choose wisely.

Reflections

1 year, 4 months, 12 days------Now that is a break in blogging. 

I just spent the last hour reading all of my old blog post, from the very first one to the most recent. If you are in need of a good read, I recommend doing the same (on my blog, of course). Apparently I am a really clever lady, and my play on words is oh so impressive. I do seriously recommend reading at least the first few, it’s where the magic happens. I would add the link here, but I'm not cool enough to know how to do that, so take a look at the side bar and hit "archives", or whatever will take you there. 

As I read through all of my past ramblings, I realized a few things: 

-I spend a lot of time in the library not doing homework. (that hasn’t changed much) 

-God is faithful.
-I am funny! I really do have the gift of gab, and I’m totally prepared to use it.
-One should never underestimate the power of a good pair of cowboy boots.
-My desire to be the First Lady is real. (If chosen for this, I am fully prepared to sing happy birthday Marilyn style for the rest of my life. Totally prepared.) 
-I should get back into a workout routine.
-Once a Greys Anatomy addicted, always an addict.-10 years and going strong.
-The people you surround yourself with really do affect the way you do life.
-I choose laughter. And sometimes wine.

  

                                         So, what’s new then? 

I am obsessed with the Fayettechill clothing line. I just love all they stand for.

Meet Deacon, the prayer dog. He’s not so new to me (feb 20-our 1 year “gotcha day”), but he does deserve a formal introduction to the blog if I’m going to make a real go at this. Currently, he's sad he doesn't have a yard because he likes to run through the snow, and I get cold.

I wrote about having a red fish because redheads are my favorite, but now hes swimming in life's greatest sea. RIP Lewis. 

Then I shared about my mom, the one I don’t know. Its ok though, because this lady adopted me, and she’s kind of a celebrity. Don’t mention it to her though, she just swears it isn’t true.

Notice the red hair? I told you, God IS faithful. 

I was going to graduate in May, now I’m not. Hello December Commencement Ceremony! (perpetual student strikes AGAIN)—seriously, someone should be paying ME to still be here.

I got a new [to me] ride. The back glass is covered in cheesy stickers, one even mentions french kissing. I wouldn't want it any other way.

I went to India (in case you missed it from the awesome clothes in the above picture). I now have this unique ability to squeal any time I see an Indian person here in America. I believe we are all bonded, even though they have no idea.

So these are a few of the things that have changed in a year… 

I’m sure there’s more, just as I’m sure I will promise to tell you all about it then possibly forget for a few months. Finger crossed that won’t happen. How else are you to learn of my whereabouts and read my deepest thoughts? Oh that’s right, Facebook. 

While attempting to listen in lecture yesterday I came to this conclusion; I would love to be paid to tell people truth and tell them what I think-preferably from my house-in my pajamas. Maybe this is a start. If I add in a camera and a political science degree, can I stumble upon a career in photojournalism? 

Thoughts to ponder.

-Kris

Keep dreaming, sunshine.

Obviously with my super packed schedule of class, work, church, TV watching, sleeping, homework, avoiding homework, MOVING, getting a new job at Home Depot, lunch dates, and nights spent in the library, I havent gotten to my weekly promise of blogging. Oh well, life moves on :)

I'm actually sitting in the library now, which is probably why I'm taking the time to write. Homework avoidance at its best! So, last time we chatted I was talking a lot about my weight, and tonight I am only going to say just a little bit about it--It's still there. With moving (just into a smaller place to save some money) and life being super crazy the last few weeks I kind of put counting my calories on hold. Not such a good idea, but what can I do about that now? So here's how I see it, October is a new month and I will begin again with a new attitude, and a new home! I no longer have a gym at my house, so I will be taking full advantage of the one I pay so much for through school! hah!

Ok so, do you ever have one of those dreams that when you wake up you wish you hadn't? Oh yea, me too... and today was one of those days! Because of this dream, I've been walking around with a stupid grin on my face all day (and wishing for my husband--Don't get carried away, this was a PG rated dream!). Well, I had this grin once I finally got out of bed that is. I ended up missing my first class because I tried to force myself back to sleep and into that dream. (I can do that sometimes, go right back to where I woke up--*BLESSING*) But, that did not happen today! Sad times. This dream was about someone my dad was friends with when I was a kid, so what did I do? I called Daddy to get the current scoop on the fella. Single, recently moved back to Arkansas, no kids. Now here is where God says "Kris, you leave well enough alone, I'm bringing your husband in the right time, in the right way." But what did I do? I googled him. Who wouldn't try to look up  guy that drove around in a Land Rover with a trunk full of diamonds professing his undying love for you? Before we all freak out, I didn't find a single thing, not even a facebook page! I mean, who doesn't have facebook? Tracey Walker, that's who.

Wanna hear a really cool story? Me too!! Go find one and leave it in the comment section!

I guess these papers aren't going to write themselves, and if I want to catch the season premier of Grey's Anatomy, I better get to it! Oh, who are we kidding, I'm going to watch that regardless.

Peace out.
Kris

Two for One

Those kind of specials can make or break you. Hopefully, this week my two for one will help make you- make you smile at least. Hah! So week one on the ol blog was a success, obviously I didn’t get around to it on week two, although I did think of it often (hey, it’s the thought that counts, right?). So now you get two weeks in one post! It’s kind of like getting a second scoop of ice cream. Enjoy. 

I got my new nerd glasses, but not before the old ones broke again. 

I also cut off 6 inches of hair! Wow. #NotSoLongHairAndIKindOfCare 
I got my first pair of Toms, ever.
My thank you cards for the Haiti mission trip FINALLY came in! PTL.

I bet you are all just really curious about the weight thing, huh? Well, I can say I am curious about it too! I have been doing this hard core since about August 15^th, and in that time I can honestly say there has only been 3 days that I’ve kind of gone off the wagon. Other than that I have stayed under the calorie count for the day! 17 out of 20 days is not bad considering my past! Haha. But seriously. I'm hoping to get an official weigh in in the next week.

School is going splendidly, homework and all. I mean who complains when your home work is to interview your grandma and to write a paper on the current political race for the American Presidency? Not this girl. But then again, I am also the girl with the Declaration of Independence hanging in my living room. BOOM. 

God has just been shaking things up in the last month for me. I mean I’ve already told you of a few of the changes, but more has been going on too. I have recently gotten involved in the group through my church that focuses on young career minded people, rather than being so involved within the college group. I believe God is moving me in that direction for a few different reasons, and I’m super excited about it. Insert cheesy emoji con here. 

Want to hear a few funny stories?

-My daddy shot a nail through his thumb this weekend. I was disappointed he didn’t send me a picture. No really, disappointed.
- I mentioned that I broke my glasses (again) right? Well I had to hold the lenses up to my face in class for the first week. Talk about making a first impression.
-I am currently sitting in my grandmothers sewing room watching her iron, I asked her to add a funny story to our little list and all she could come up with was the usual everyday activities of her life. Loosing keys, hiding glasses from herself, passing gas in the grocery store, then she said "Well, I was driving down the road and I just got through cleaning my nose out and I look over and I saw a man picking his nose and he had a BIG ol booger on his hand.I just love life." 

Last night I went to the barn to let the horses out and my Buddy horse was lying down asleep. He let me crawl up on his back and lay there for a few minutes. That’s not really a funny story, I guess that one is more for the “awwwwww” factor.I bet it worked too.

So friends, go on just loving life.

Kris 

                                                                           My nerd spectacles.

                                          Awesome Personalized Thank You cards!

                                                            Shorter hair....

                                                Presents from the shoe fairy. 

Both pictures are indeed #Selfies and I have no make-up on. Judge all you wish. Have a great week! 

Starting Fresh

I have not properly maintained this blog, mainly because I feel like I am typing to myself. Perhaps I am. Maybe I will open up more if I feel no one will ever read this, but my words still have to be monitored just in case I end up in the White House one day.  That’s the goal you know, future First lady of the United States of America. (Add one to the ol' bucket list!)

Ok, with a fresh new start into another year of school (yes, the perpetual student strikes again!) I have decided to give a lot of areas of my life a fresh new start. This is step number one. I am going to commit to writing here at least once a week, if only to give myself something to look back on in the future. One thing you may not know, I’ve always had a secret dream of becoming a published author. (Bucket list?) This can be chapter one. 

New start number two: my health. That’s getting a big ol’ jumpstart too. When I was 21 years old I discovered that I was a type two diabetic. I was not satisfied with having a disease that could control me for the rest of my life so I got off the couch and started walking. Literally. I worked my way up to around 4-5 miles a day. With that there was also maintaining a healthier eating style, and it all resulted in a 68 pound weight loss over the course of about 15 months. I did things right. Then I started doing things wrong. In the same amount of time it took me to lose the weight, I put half of it back on. And then I became comfortable. I maintained my weight for about 6 months, then these past few months I gained 13 pounds back. I stopped smoking. It’s funny, I did something so healthy, and my consequence was something so unhealthy. Well all that stops this week. 

I have looked up what a Basic Metabolic Rate (BMR) is, I have discovered mine, I have researched what a healthy diet plan for me can be… and soon I am going to be on my way to not only losing the weight I gained back, but hopefully surpassing the original number by a few more pounds. When that happens I will post some gruesome before and after photos, but not until then. So keep pushing me and encouraging me to make smart decisions (I know everyone is dying to see overweight me in a sports bra!). However, don’t get carried away- I know my limits and if I want a piece of chocolate cake, don’t say anything or I’m liable to really snap at you. (Just warning you Sara Gallina-Love you!)

I’m five days in and I have worked out 3 of the 5. I’m doing cardio and strength training just in case anyone is wondering. Normally once my mind is made up about something, I’m all in - so I don’t see why this would be any different. 

Moving on.

New start number three: school. Changed my major! Big surprise for a college student, right? According to my grandfather I have changed my major every week, so I guess it’s not surprise at all. Actually, I have only officially changed it once, from history to Political Science (here is where the White House starts looking like a real obtainable goal). I’m also going to get more involved around campus. I may even run for Student Government? Humm…

I guess that’s enough newness for one day. For now I will just let all of this soak in, for you and for me!

Until I decide to change something else, 

Kris 

PS- the 9 day road trip? Total success. We all came back alive, although I was informed I was never allowed into a car for a long period of time with my grandfather again. He says I talk to much. That's what happens when the radio is NEVER turned on, who knew? 

Top Ten

So I know everyone has a bucket list, and I'm sure some of you started it way before the movies "A Walk to Remember" or "The Bucket List"... I however didn't. I started mine in October of 2006. I had the original list until last fall, sometime in the recent move to Conway I lost it. Kinda sad about that. It was hand written and everything. Being the optimist I am though, I just see this as Gods way of creating a new list for me. 


Who knew that road tripping it up with the grandparents would make the list? Not me, but it just did, and in 8 days I will leave on a 9 day adventure to the Wild Wild West with a minivan and two senior citizens! (minivan and 3 people? UNLIMITED amounts of luggage allowed!) Holla! 


Now we know things are gonna get crazy, I mean papaw loves his talk radio, and me and grandma kinda hate it, not to mention I'm on my own for food for the 9 days (does an arkansas food stamp card work in South Dakota resturants?-- No, but seriously.) Hows this for a wild adventure? The only thing that would make this better would be ALL the grandkids going along for the ride, but it seems I am the oldest and yet the one with the least amount of responsibilities. Go figure. I contribute that to my gypsy soul and wondering roots. 


Know how this whole thing got started? I was laying by the pool today (yes, I get paid to do that. Be jealous.) and called grandma up. We started talking and I mentioned how I had an entire week of at the end of June and we should go to the beach. I mean, road tripping it all over the west is not the beach, but I'm still totally into the idea, y'all. I am going to see the Grand Canyon!! Holy peas. 


The coolest part about all this--I am spending 9 days trapped in a car with my grandfather who needs to see the life transformation that Jesus Christ has done in me. I have been praying for my entire family since establishing a real relationship with the Lord last summer, and my biggest prayer is that those that know Him will grow closer- and those that don't will discover who He is. What better chance will I have to share the love of the Lord than this? 


I'm loud, crazy, and super "out of the box"... So keep the g-parents in your prayers! 


-Kris 


Wanna know what else made it to my bucket list?
Me too.

The prodigal blogger returns!

So apparently I have an awesome habit of pretending like I'm going to journal (and/or blog) on a regular basis and the flaking out--2 months and 4 days later I realized that all 3 of you that read this thing might be wondering how things are turning out. 

In the last 2 months so much has happened! I was able to quit my job, and I'm super thankful that season is over. I started nannying for a family the day I got back from my mission trip. Oh yea, I raised enough support for the Haiti mission trip. I went to Haiti. Haiti now lives in my heart, forever. I will have to dedicate an entire post to all the details of the trip, but for now I will just fill you in on a few things. 

Thanks to that week I spent in Haiti, I now have a brand new family. We had a group of 27 that went to do Gods work, and I am so very proud to say that God blessed every individual and group relationship. 17 girls 10 guys and not one fight! We all know that's a God given blessing. I mean seriously, 17 women. 

I often battle with loneliness. That's one area the enemy (AKA-- THE DEVIL) really tries to pull me down. I can say that since we have been back in the US, I think I have had one night to myself. God has just been blessing me with different activities and friends to help me grow through Him. I have an even bigger blessing through my summer job because I am able to spend time diving into the word and learning so much more about who God is and who He is to me. My oh my, counting my blessings today. 

Through this time I've spent learning more about God and who He is and what calling He has on my life, I am humbled to say I know part of my calling is to help young women. I am supposed to help them see the light God has placed inside of them, their worth through Him, and help them to discover the plan God has for each of them. There are a few different areas God is going to sharpen in my life so I can be more direct in doing that (bring on the sifting sand!). Iron sharpens iron my friends. 

I cannot wait to share more with you as I continue on this journey, but for now I must bid you adieu!

 -Kris


here's a little eye candy for you until next time...

 The Family :)

MOH 500: Housing project for Haitians

Try to tell me Haiti is not beautiful...