call me an intellectual nerd.

I am totally okay with that.

Lately, I have been reading books. And lots of them. It is most likely due to the fact that since Borders is going out of business, I spend lots of time and money there buying these incredible books that I can't wait to read. The last one I just read was Prodigal God by Tim Keller, a must read if you want to know all about the "other" brother. It's a short read, small book with big letters and lots of spaces. That is my kind of book.

Before that book, I read Radical by (I forget) while I was in Mexico. I highly do not recommend that book if you are on vacation at an all inclusive resort. You will leave feeling very spoiled and guilty for the vacation you thought you would greatly enjoy. Read it and you will competely understand.

Currently, I am reading Letters to a Young Teacher, which is just okay, but very encouraging as I begin a brand new year next year. This is the kind of book you can just pick up and read little bits at a time when you feel like it. I really like those kinds of books.

Along with that book, my true nerdiness is beginning to shine. Teach Like a Champ is what I read when I bask in the sun on a warm, bright day. The title says it all. Most girls read these Karen Kingsbury novels, books that make them cry...the list can go on, but I am not that kind of girl right now. I am the kind of nerdy girl who is reading lots of books, constantly writing intriguing quotes in my journal, and beginning to watch the Real Hosewives less and less.

Who knows how long this will last, but for now, I will continue to read these books, make frequent stops to Borders as they lower prices everyday, and watch the crazy moms on Real Housewives every so often when I get a chance. Like I said, I am totally okay with that.

my sweet bargains.

I am all about the bargains these days. I have always wanted to be a true bargain shopper, but never took the time to educate myself, set aside a good part of my day, and actually bargain. But those days are over and I have an empty classroom with not much dinero to fill it with.

And that is okay...because I am now a certified bargain shopper.

Today, I went to a "Junkster" sale...so it was called. It happened to be at my old elementary down the street from my house. My sister and I trotted down to the school in our "workout" clothes only to be asked by my dad on the way out, "You're wearing that? You are representing the Pierce family now, you know." Oh please Pop. I said no more and headed for the door.

This "Junkster" sale gave me three filled grocery bags of BOOKS. I was thrilled. I immediately began grabbing as many books as I could see in sight. I figured the seller would sale them for a dollar or so. Not too bad. When I asked her how much they cost....a quarter. That is IT. Just a quarter. 25 cents for chapter books that will work perfectly in my classroom.

I walked away with 40 books today. Not bad.

Another bargain came last week when GW School Supply held a yard sale. Can't be any more perfect than that. Teachers selling their old things to me, a brand new teacher who has no idea what she is doing. I once again grabbed as much as I could and thought would be useful in my classroom. Although I did find many bargains, some of those teachers were STINGY. And by that I mean, when I tried to bargain, they would not budge. Please, their stuff wasn't THAT great.

That is my hunt this summer. Find yard sales and great deals at local stores. I want to be able to say that everything I found for my classroom was bought at a very inexpensive price.

....let the hunt begin...

Three tacos, a margarita on the rocks, and a bowl of ice cream later....

......I'm full and ready to blog.

These past few weeks have been...whoooo....hoooo.....CRAZY. As I look back at the past years, April and May seem to always be the craziest months out of the year. These past two months of this year have been nothing but crazy. So the trend continues on.

With all that said, what attributes to this crazy time is the fact that God answered my prayers in a way that I can do nothing but thank Him, praise Him, and fear Him more and more each day.

My one prayer request this past year has been answered. I was offered a teaching job.

Beginning in August 2011, I will open my classroom door to 24 fourth and fifth grade students. Man, am I excited!! I have never been more excited actually. When I got the phone call, I screamed, could not stop shaking, and yes, I began to cry. It truly is an answer to prayer and I can do nothing but give the glory to God.

Now the fun begins. I have a blank slate for a classroom, no money to fill that space up.......but I do have lots of energy! Let the fun times, the hard work (the very hard work), and the chance to be a light in little ones lives begin....