Silly Students

I decided to write this blog about the silly, cute, or ridiculous things my students have said or done throughout my student teaching experience. I wasn't able to record all of them, but here is a list to keep you giggling. If only you could be on a fly on the wall to see what was going on during the time. I hope you enjoy! :)

(Please keep in mind these kiddos have squeaky little voices, so everything sounds much cuter)

1. Me : "What is Constitution Day?" Student: "Wednesdays when it rains."
2. Student: "You're not allowed to have boyfriends in first grade, right, Miss Short? Me: Right! We can't have boyfriends until we are 52."
3. Student: *Hands me a picture of drawing with a dog and person* " Miss Short this for you. I know how much you like dogs, because you are always talking about them."
4. Me:  "What make you happy." Student: "Vacuums".
5. A student would call me any size references, except Miss Short. For example, Miss Small, Miss Little, etc. He finally got it right within the 4th week in….haha! 
6. Student: " Miss Short, I can read now!"
7. Student: What are you going to do this weekend Miss Short? 
   Me: What do you think teachers do on the weekends? 
   Student: Well I don't know. You don't have kids or a husband.... So you'll probably just sit on the couch and watch tv and do nothing?
   Me: Mmmmmm... Haha sure!!!
8. Student: *Student attacks me with a huge hug* " I love you Miss Short! You help me learn so much!"
9. Me: " Have you ever had a horrible day"  Student : "Never! Not even if I put stepped in a bowl of cereal!"
10. Me: "Did you learn a lot about bees?" Student: "Yes, but there is so much more to learn! I don't want to be done learning about bees!"
11. Student: "Sorry,I just couldn't hold that burp in!"
12. Student: "Miss Short, do you think you will get any presents from Santa." Me: "I'm not sure. Do you think I've been good enough?" Student : "I don't know. You give us a lot of work."
13. Student: " I want to be a teacher." Me: "Why?"  Student: " So I can eat pretzels whenever I want to." 
14. Student: "Miss Short, can I read these words to you?" Me: "Of course!" Student: "Do you think I am a good reader?" Me:" I think you are a super reader!" Student: "YES!"
15. *Random surprise hug while I'm sitting in my chair*
16. Student: " I hate kissing." Me: "Ya, it's disgusting."
17. Student: "You're leaving us?" Me: "Yes, I am going to be a teacher at another school." "Oh no! I'm going to miss you! You're going to make a great teacher."
18. Student: "All I want for Christmas is a Michael Jackson glove."
19. Teacher: " What would you do to make the Grinch grin?" Student: "Sing him Christmas carols."
20. *Student raises their hand with a worried look* Student: "He farted on me." 
21. Student: "Miss Short, can we play that fun vocabulary game you made?"
22. Student: " Don't you worry Miss Short. I will protect you! Me: " Oh ya? From what?" Student: "From all the bad guys after you." Me: "Oh, thank you for being my body guard!"
23. Student: "You must be from Texas." Me: "Why?" Student: " The way you talk, and it just seems right."
24. Student: "Why is your name Miss Short?" Other Student: "Because she's small. Duh!"
25. Me: "What are you thankful for?" Student: "Pigs!"
26. Teacher: "This is Miss Short's last week here." Student: " And where do you think you're going Miss Short?!" *Student put his hands on his hips and taps his foot*
27. Student: " You can't say no to a teacher…especially Miss Short."
28. Student: " I just want some chicken wings for Thanksgiving."
29. Student: " What is Black Friday?" Student: "The day where parents fight to get you what you want for Christmas."
30. Me: " This is how you do it" * Show student how to solve the problem* Student: "Well this awkward.

Working with over 100 kids within the 16 weeks has been a blast. I loved each of their little personalities. I am excited to begin my new journey as a 1st grade teacher!!! Students will always keep you on your toes, and you'll never know what will come out of their mouths! Teaching is by far the best career! 

Week 4: The Teacher that Could

God has been really working on me these last four weeks of student teaching. (In more ways than I can even describe).



I am always trying to be one step ahead of the game, but God has shown me that sometimes I just have to go with the current he directs me in. I have no idea what is in store for me come January. Who knows if I will get a permanent job...and if so, who knows what that job will entail (what grade, sub position, specialty, and etc.). 


As I am trying to find peace within the wait, I have been listening to my heart...something I am not very good at. I have discovered that my heart is totally in general education. I have realized being dual certified helps me become a resource to parents and students, who may need to the support...and I LOVE that. I have also realized I have no idea where I want to begin the job search. It's a bit of a scary thing for a girl who loves to have everything planned out.


I have also been shown that good things take time. As I was sharing in my previous update blogs, I have had a rough few weeks. I would come home questioning if I was making a difference, or if I was even a good teacher. This whole process has been harder than I thought it was going to be. I have discovered a TON of things I need to fix as a teacher, and as a person. It wasn't until last week I was reassured I am making a difference and that I am getting the hang of teaching.


I had a mom come into the classroom and tell me that her daughter has changed her attitude towards her homework. All the sudden she would come home and be eager to do her math homework. Come to find out it was when I started to take over math. Even though it is a small difference, it is something. I am excited I can make students excited about learning. 


I have also noticed a change in one of my students. I have one student in my classroom that I was told his family history during my first week of student teaching. It was a devastating story to hear that my first grader had to go through. I observed his behavior the first week and noticed he was angry child who most the time was spacey. 


Most the time teachers are quick to judge a child who is a behavior issue. I think if I didn't know his history, I would of fell in the same trap. Even though this student got a lot of stamps taking off his character card for his behavior, I always made sure to tell him I believe in him after he left school each day. I then got to work with him one-on-one with a writing assignment. Boy oh boy was he angry that I pulled him from something to work on writing. He kept wanting to give up, and thought the whole thing was stupid.  As he thought it was a chore to be in the back with me, I began to give some light to him by joking around to make the kid smile. Right then and there I realized I had not seen him genuinely laugh. Do you know how sad it is when a child can't laugh, or doesn't?! I found myself smiling so big just to see him LAUGH!!! It is such a priceless feeling to be a part of a child's joy. He began to loosen up and enjoy working on his assignment. Now instead of always being a grumpy, he is getting in trouble for being the class clown. Yes, it is still another behavior issue...but I rather have a child who is happy, than a child who is mad. We are still working on it, but boy oh boy did it feel good to see this kid LAUGH!


God has really challenged me so far, but I am so appreciative about it all. I have been broken down to be built stronger. The little victories making me so pumped that I can possibly be just a little bit of a positive influence. I am excited to see how God guides me and strengthens me through this time of transitioning. 

Week 3: The Awkward Stage of Teaching

Get Up. Teach.

Stand Up. Teach.

Sit Down. Teach.

Pass Out. Teach.

Those who know me, already know I am super awkward human being on any given day...The best way I can describe myself this last week in the classroom, was like a baby horse trying to stand up for the first time...it's awkward, they just can't do it, and when they do, they fall over. ( This was the first thing to come to my mind...don't ask)...on the plus side we all know once horse gets up and start standing, they do not like to fall down again. Ha. 

This week I started to take over the classroom for half a day. I felt pretty pumped in the beginning, knowing that I could add my own pizazz to things if I chose to. 

Monday struck... also known as the reenactment of Noah's Ark coming to Arizona. Rainy days in school in Arizona are rare, and difficult. Arizonians are known as the people who magically forget how to drive when it rains, and stare as the rain falls. I walked into the classroom drenched, and I looked up at the ceiling, and sure enough we had a leak. Districts were canceling school left and right, teachers were late getting to school, or couldn't make it all together...overall it was already chaotic. The principal originally asked my cooperating teacher to go instruct another class for a teacher who couldn't drive in the rain, while I taught my first graders...for the first time...EVER! I was fortunate enough to have my cooperating teacher with me while I experienced teaching my first graders for the first time. My students were ancy because they lost their special and recess... which only meant I had to be pretty entertaining to get their attention. 

As the week continued, I learned a lot about myself.

I discovered, I am a baby. I cried after the first couple of days of teaching. I felt like the crappiest teacher in the world. I would say things during my lesson, and after I said them, I would be like why the heck did I just say that, or that doesn't even make sense? I was so embarrassed to be teaching in front of my mentor. I felt like I was failing my students, but most importantly failing my cooperating teacher. I finally got the courage to ask my mentor how she thought I was doing, and how I could improve. I realized it takes a lot of courage to ask for help. I never thought I was going to be perfect at teaching, but I sure didn't think I would fail so hard, or be this hard on myself for making mistakes. I always heard horror stories of people crying during student teaching, but I never thought it would be me. I am not an emotional person. However, when you find something your passionate about, and experience failure...it really tugs at your heart. 

I have become a master of just going with it. My lessons got interrupted by hearing tests, early release, rescheduled specials, technical difficulties, and etc... That's when that famous phrase, "Keep calm and pretend it is on the lesson plan". By Friday, I became so immune to just going with it. A lot of times I made lessons up on the spot. 

I have learned it is okay not to be perfect. I know we always tell our students that, but for some reason, being such a perfectionist, I have the hardest time dealing with my imperfect qualities. 

What I Encourage

After admitting to needing help to my mentor, we have made it a daily routine to discuss our high and low of the day. This has really helped me. I am THE hardest critic on myself, and sometimes I focus so much on the bad, because I want things to be perfect. This makes me focus on something I thought went well during the day. To be honest, sometimes it is hard to pick just one low, but I always pick one that I know I can improve with some advice. My mentor gives me her feedback on how she thought I did, and it seems to help a ton. 

As I am still a baby horse trying to stand and become a mustang running off to the distant...I am soaking in these growing pains to help become the best teacher I can be. I know all good things take time. 

Week 2: Behind the Scenes of Student Teaching

I am trying my best to keep up with my weekly updates on student teaching...but please keep in mind, I am do 20 billion things at once...because that just the life of Natalie. 

This past week has been much better... I am still alive :) It has taking it one day at a time, so I don't get too overwhelmed. 

Let me just give you some insight on my life at the moment. 

I have been truly blessed to be able to keep my job as an event planner at GCU, and they have allowed me to work from home. Not only do I work for GCU, I also work for a dance studio....and I student teach. Call me crazy! I find myself laughing at myself thinking how I would make this work. 

These past two weeks have been quite an adjustment. I wake up at five in the morning, leave for school, and stay there until four or five each night. Depending on the day I go straight to the studio and teach my dance kiddos, or I come home and work for GCU. In the midst of that I also have to lesson plan and grade, along with a student teaching course. 

 I didn't realize the amount of hours I spent working until I was asked the other day... I work an average of  73 hours a week.

I am a big ball of stress, and I can only blame myself.... but I am trying to make it all work out.

My mind is never completely all there at the moment, because I am thinking of 22 billion different things. I apologize for all those who have encountered me through this time, I am not myself.... ha! I also apologize for all of those who I have not seen, I literally have no time.

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Things I have learned this week: To be stern...and to yell. 

I have learned that I am not a yeller, nor is it something I want to be very good at... However, when you are managing 24 first graders, you learn to raise your voice. For some reason I thought I had this mastered with being a dance teacher. I feel like I am always yelling over music and girls chatting, however, it is so different when your in an academic setting.

During week two, I was in charge of procedures, routines, and transitions. 

Let me just tell you, lining up 24 first graders up is a lot harder than you think. Once you get one kid in line, you have another one wiggling on the floor, or getting in a fight with the kid in front of them because they cut them in line.

I have been told in my college courses for years now, that classroom management is by far the hardest thing about teaching...and boy oh boy did I realize it last week.


Another thing I learned this week, is that no matter how much vitamin C, or the amount times you wash your hands, you will never beat all the germs of 24 first graders. My second week in I already felt the sickness. With the amount of working I am doing, I am trying to make sure I am getting enough sleep, so I have some type of rest to stay strong. 

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Each day it is getting better. I am no where near where I want to be as a teacher. I also know I am by far the hardest critic on myself, and expect perfection... but I also know that is not always realistic when you're a teacher. I have a lot of growing to do as a teacher. 

Diary of a Student Teacher

Today embarked the first day of school for many. The first day of anything is normally terrifying, exciting, and hectic. I stopped by my first grade classroom I will be working in for 8 weeks during my student teaching, to experience a first day as a teacher.

As I was a part of the classroom today, I realized there is so many things I learned in one school day as a student teacher, than I did in my college courses!!! So lucky you, you get a fancy dancy list of my knowledge...and a few funny things my first graders said today.

1. Invest in Depends...there is literally NO time to go to the bathroom. I have successfully controlled my bladder for 8 hours... #teacherproblems #proud

2. Go to Costco...get Advil. I love kiddos, but with their jitters, my jitters...the amount of talking, not losing a child for entire day, and being "with-it" all day is just asking for a headache!

3. I was always advised not to go to the teacher lounge by my college professors for a reason. Today I entered the lounge with my mentor to have our lunch, and I learned my lesson. I really advise all soon to be teachers not to do it if you want to stay positive and energized. {Feel it out at a first, but run away from negativity right away.... I refuse to be a burnt out teacher}

4. If you are Arizonan teacher, keep giving your students water. My poor kiddos came in from recess with rosy red cheeks, and sweaty hair stuck to their faces. I have never heard a child ask to come in from recess! It's too darn hot!

5. Schedule- "smchedule".... The first days of school you need to be flexible, and just go with it. Know when you need to be somewhere like recess or a special, but do not expect to hit everything on your list, and do not get discouraged when you don't get to it all in one day...especially when your working with little kiddos!

6. I like hand sanitizer. A LOT!!... It answers the questions, "Did your really wash your hands?" "Were you picking your nose?" You can never trust the little chickens with being sanitary. 

7. As crazy as the day is/was... Hearing the words "I love reading!", or "First grade is AWESOME!" is so worth it!

8. Perfect the the teacher look! It puts an end to so many disruptions without saying a word.

9. You can never have too many supplies! Hit the sales, stock up! It's better to have too much than not enough.

10. For some reason everything you learned during college you forget all the fancy titles and meanings, and you either just do it...or it doesn't stick. You'll find discover a lot of things your mentor does, and have the aw-ha moments!

11. Pray for your students. I know religion is not a part of public schools, but that doesn't mean you can't  continue to practice yours. I know many adults have the impression, "well they are kids, their lives aren't hard." However, it is super tough to be a kid. Like us adults, they have problems...sometimes more problems than us. Pray for yourself as a teacher! You are the light to these students' lives. You need to be on it, supportive, and energized!

12. Invest stock in Vitamin C.

13. Say the student's name every opportunity get. By the end of the day I have mastered all 24 student's name with their faces. {It also helps if you put your students in abc order by last name so you can practice with the roll sheet}

14. Stay strong. It's hard balancing being strict with your kids, but also letting them know you want their learning to be fun and that you care about them. Balance yourself right away to have a successful year!

15. Always remind yourself why you entered the profession. We live in a world where it is easy to get caught up in the negativity. Don't follow the trend! We need more passionate, energized, and positive teachers who want to be there!

Silly Kids

"Hi, I'm Miss Short and I'll be a teacher in your classroom"
Student drops down and does a push up.... "I'm strong!"

"My dad says you need to wash your hands or you'll all get pink eye" -That's one way to get your kid to wash their hands...ha

"Miss Short, you're a dancer."

* I panic thinking how does she know this*

"You teach at the studio I go to, and I saw you on stage during recital."

"Ya!!"

"But if you're a dancer, how can you be a teacher?"

Student takes top layer of his shirt off...."Miss Short, my shirt says I am a chick magnet."

Student-"You shouldn't crawl in the trashcan"

Teacher-"Have you?"

Student-"No....maybe?"

During story time a squirmy student asks, 

Student-"I need to go to my desk."

Me- *Teacher look*

Student- "Just kidding, I'll sit hear and finish listening to the story"

"Oh my goodness, I love first grade!"

"Hey you, what's your name?"

"Miss Short."

"I'm so excited to tell my mom about you!"

*Student runs to meet his mom*

"Mom, this is Miss Little and she is awesome." *He points to me*

Dear Best Friend {Blog Challenge Continued}

For starters, I am a tad embarrassed to share this letter. It just seems goofy for me to write a letter to my future husband...maybe this is bad karma...ha! Any-who it was a part of my blog challenge, and I have promised to follow up with it. (If you happen to be my future husband, I am sorry for the insecurity of writing this and the silliness of this all.... I hope in a strange way, you might find this entertaining, or slightly cute...)

Dear Hubster.... {Scratch that}.... Dear Apple to My Eye {Nah that just sounds fruity...}.... Dear Stud Muffin {Hmmm…Scratch that too... he might be gluten free...by the way I might be hungry with all these references to food...}

www.pinterest.com

Dear Forever Best Friend,

I hope this letter finds you well. I want to let you know that I have been praying for you for a really long time. God and I have had long talks about you, ugly cries for you, and abundance amount of time of growth and work on myself while waiting for you to walk into my life.....or skip...or maybe even dance into my life...No matter the way you came into my life, I know God has a plan for us and will open the doors that need to be open and close the doors behind us.

I am excited to live life with you! {Excited doesn't even begin to describe how I feel}

I promise to be your rock when you feel like crumbling into a bunch of pebbles. I promise to make you have laugh lines by your eyes from my silly little jokes ( I even promise to share my wrinkle cream if you hate wrinkles). I promise to be your number one fan no matter what dream you are chasing. But most importantly, I promise to be your best friend.

Ever since I was younger, I have always dreamt of a relationship that would be so natural it would feel like a friendship with my man. I want us to be goofy, but serious when we need to be. I want to feel safe with you, but I  also want us to adventure the world together. I want to know no matter how amazing, or darn right crappy our day was, we can go to each other for support and encouragement to make it a better day. I want our faith to grow together, and us to keep each other focused but challenged. 

You might be wondering what comes with this important role in Natalie's life?

For starters, congrats for being THE one! {Imagine fireworks going off, applause so loud you have to cover your ears, and confetti everywhere}...as I write this letter I have no idea who you are, but I know if you are THE one, you sure must be pretty amazing!

I apologize in advance for being super sarcastic and sassy...if it ever gets to be too much please let me know....but hopefully you know what you signed up for :) Also a little disclaimer, I will always be a bit more funnier than you. ;)

As we walk through life together you will figure out my little quirks...for example, when I wake up in the morning my hair looks like a Mufasa...(It's not a pretty sight), and the way I love to dance like a hooligan. Or the fact that my happy place is going to Target. 

On a more serious note…

I am a dreamer, but also a realist. I am a planner, but also am spontaneous. I am a lover, but a protector of my heart.

I am confusing...but I am REAL! 

www.pinterest.com

I plan on loving you more than anything and anyone I have ever loved before. (Besides Jesus of course).

As you may know you are NEEDED in my life. You are the missing puzzle piece to my heart, and together we will create a masterpiece. 

Lets make our own adventure book, and live happily ever after.

Love lots,

Your Best Friend

xoxo

PS- Our whole wedding has been planned on Pinterst for a very long time. 

A Cup of Natalie

The Single Woman’s 30-Day Blogging Challenge

"A Cup of Natalie" is a 30-Day Single Woman Blog Challenge, another blogger created. I have served up a cup of coffee, with many shots of singleness {I bet your barista can't serve you that through the drive-thru}. 

Each day I was challenged to sit and reflect on questions that were presented to me, which some dealt with singleness, and some were completely random. Please feel free to brew yourself a cup of coffee, while you get a little taste of what goes on in my mind and heart. 

1) Your response to everyone’s favorite question: “And why are YOU still single?”

This question I receive a lot when I announce I'm single... part of me dreads this question. I can't help to be my sassy self, and respond with, "Well if I knew, I wouldn't be single anymore, would I?".... I feel like my world kind of stops when this question is asked, and I really start questioning "Why am I still single?". I just respond with "I don't know", and hope to move on to the next conversation. I spend a lot of my days wondering why I am still single, and what is the magical formula is to find a prince charming... and unfortunately I still haven't discovered the magical potion, and once I do I will let you all in a little secret. 

2) Describe a moment or a day when being single really sucked.

To be completely honest...being single is really HARD!!! I'm not sure if it's just my case of singleness  ( I know, I'm making it sound like a sickness), but everyday I find it being harder and harder. The times that really suck are holidays... each year on New Year's Eve I find myself being hopeful that this is going to be the year I find the man...and each year I am disappointed and left kiss-less at midnight (Yes please insert you playing your mini violin right here). It's hard watching your friends post pictures of them and their significant other in front of the Christmas tree, or watching fireworks together eating a hamburger, and etc. ... You have no idea how many times I wish I was them. It's even suckier going out and being the third wheel, or being the girl that can't attract a guy to save her life...I am constantly finding those moments that should be joyful, sucking because I am aware I am missing something in my life. Occasionally I feel like my life is bullying me into feeling so cruddy at these moments. It's hard craving something you can't control, and it's even harder to live in a world where singleness is looked as like a disease. 

3) Describe a moment or a day when being single was really awesome.

Knowing that I am completely free is awesome. I realize there is always a positive and negative side of something...and even with being single, there is a positive side to it. Even though I am not content with being alone, I am happy that I kept striving for goals that I could accomplish. I went to school, got good grades, got a degree, got closer to God, got accepted in dance companies, made wonderful friendships, was active in school, and etc. Who knows what it would of been like if a guy was in the picture? 

4) Your biggest fear as a single person.

Lets face it...being alone my ENTIRE life is my biggest fear. I think that's why I feel so worried about my future. I do not want to live my entire life not being loved, and not loving someone else. One of my biggest dreams is to fall in love with the most perfect man for me. I also fear how being single forever is going to affect me in the long run...it's already a challenge now, let alone tacking on more years onto it. 

5) The biggest misconception you think people have about single life

I was invited to a college night event at a church one time. There was a speaker who spoke about singleness and the way it looked at by others, and I found myself saying in the back of my mind saying, "AMEN!” to everything the man was saying.  I found it odd that it was my first visit there, and it was something I was struggling with. The speaker went on to talk about how so many people in the church act as if singleness is a disease. I know in society we have it in our minds we have to meet the certain life timeline such as, you date at this age, get purposed to at this age, get married, and have babies.... and if you don't meet the guidelines then there might be something wrong with you... In my heart I know there is nothing wrong with not following the criteria exactly...but in my mind, I have been so brainwashed by society that I NEED to meet all those steps in order to be "happy". People tend to push the single ones into rushing to find the one, but do not realize there is some beauty into being single. 

6) Sound off on the quote “Every woman has the exact love life she wants”

I might have to argue that... but please remember I know nothing about relationships, so I am not a credible source to quote…ha. Any-who... I think this statement is false. Not because I don't think people deserve what they want, but I think when it comes to love, and loving someone, we get what we NEED! What the heck do you mean by this, Natalie...?! Well, my friends, I think when you begin a relationship with someone, you find qualities in that person, that you NEED to be happy, or you discover the reason why you NEED this person in your life. Of course we want a guy who is super handsome, and love puppies...but do we NEED that? (Okay maybe I need the loving puppies thing...but really).

Sometimes you will find qualities in that person, that you never knew you needed, until you discover you found the missing puzzle piece that you NEEDED to create your masterpiece. I know it sounds like a silly explanation...however, over the years I discovered sometimes people are selfish in their relationships. I have had friends who only continue their relationships because of things they want. They find themselves very unhappy in their relationship, and wondering why it is not working. Well my friend, do you need them? Or do you want them because they smell nice and have a lot of money? 

And for those single girls out there, like myself... this isn't exactly what I wanted or had planned.  However, maybe this is what we needed. Maybe we need these extra days, months, or years to find out who we are, or to follow God's plan for us. Trust me I know how unbearable, and lonely it gets, but there is so MUCH more to life than a relationship status. Find joy in your daily living, instead of your daily wanting. 

7) Where you are in your life vs. where you thought you would be at this point?

I thought by this point in my life, I would be in long relationship, or engaged, and perhaps even married. And yes, of course I'd love that... I would feel as if I was a part of the bandwagon so many of my friends are on...but there's always someone different, and I think that's me. I know it is not a bad thing to be different, but I think a lot of people who are on the wagon, don't understand that it's okay for me to walk along the sidewalk instead of cramming myself into a wagon that God didn't intend for me to be in yet.

I have realized that I have never had an enough time for a man, nor was I stable for one in the past years. I am a go-getter...meaning I do what I want to do, and I don't slow down for people... (Of course there's more reasons of why I have been alone, but this a huge factor). I know this sounds completely selfish, and I truly do not want to be perceived that way, but I was creating my life and still growing as an individual. However, I am still very young, and the years I spent without a man, I was setting a foundation for my future, and doing things I loved doing! Of course I would of loved of sharing my successes and failures with someone by my side, but that was not an option...so I kept going.

I think now that I have completed school, and am starting to slow down (even though there's no such thing as slowing down in Natalie's world), it more apparent to me that I really want that special man by my side. But that's life...it doesn't go according to the plan, nor do you always get what you want. Am I supposed to stop living my life because I don't have that man? No!! 

8) Five things that are most important to you in a future mate

- Loves Jesus

- A good sense of humor (I like jokes)

- My best friend (So I cheated with this one because really there are a lot of features in a best friend...but I want to feel comfortable with my future mate as we are best friends and can just hang out, tell jokes, have great talks..etc.).

- Honest

-Hard working 

9) Your favorite “weird/funny single behavior” – Anything you do that is uniquely YOU and that living alone allows you to do

I am a weirdo no matter what! {All that know me know this is true}. I love dancing ugly. I have been trained in dance for years, but my favorite type of dance, is "ugly dancing" {The style of dancing that that takes no technique, and it looks like you are having a seizure}. I think if you really knew me, you would know what this looked like haha. What other weird/funny behavior do I participate in? Well, I love making up outrageous songs and singing them on top of my lungs...most of all I like roaming my house like train wreck doing all of these things... I'm a big goofball...I would only hope whoever my soul mate is, allows me to do continue my ways, and perhaps participate in the wildness. :)

10) Google the meaning of your name and talk about how it fits or doesn’t fit you

Natalie means birthday, or is referred to birth of Christ... What are my first thoughts of this discovery? Well I sound like a party then...but to be the meaning of the birth of Christ! WOWZERS!! That's big!

Urban dictionary describes me as:

"A very pretty girl who is shy at first but then she will open up. She is very trustworthy and has a great sense of humor. She falls for people fast and doesn't trust easily. She is beautiful inside and out people just don't realize it... yet. She’s kickass and a great friend to have."

I think this pretty accurate. I am an observer when I first meet people, so it tends to come off as shy... I'm scared to spill everything about my life to everyone, because I hate being vulnerable. I love being silly, and anything that involves humor. You can never take life to seriously, therefore be sarcastic and silly! I think the last part where it mentions "she is beautiful inside and out people just don't realize it...yet.” is hard for me to swallow. I never want to sound like I'm conceded so I have a hard time calling myself beautiful...However, I do think a lot of people tend to oversee me... I kind of get lost in the midst of a bunch of people. 

11) Your worst/funniest/most embarrassing date

Let me just tell you blind dates are awful and completely awkward. (I've only experienced one, and I think that one time did it for me). How about a guy who meets you at the wrong restaurant so you're waiting for him to get to the right place, and then once he gets there, he decides not to eat when he was the one that who decided to go to the restaurant...don't mind the whale eating next to you! HA! AWFUL!

12) Your proudest accomplishment

Finishing school!!! Never in a million years did I think I would get a degree!!! 

13) Describe how you met the last person you texted and talk about your friendship/relationship

I met the last person I texted by going to her mom's studio at the age of 8. She is now my boss, my mentor, and such a great friend! She has done a lot for me and I completely respect her. She's a gem. 

14) Describe the last moment you felt really, truly blissful

Being able to teach kids, and be a part of their lives brings so much joy into my life. Kids are so genuine, and I believe I learn the most from them. I love their honest nature, and how they speak truth...even if sometimes it's too far. I have loved being able to work many kiddos whether it be in the classroom or at the studio. <3

15) Narrate a conversation between you and someone in your life who you never had closure with (a friend, an ex, a family member, etc.) What would you say? What would they say? What outcome would you hope for?

I think the only closure I would want, is to say I love you one more time to those I have lost. I have really learned the value of I love yous, extra hugs, and just spending time with those you mean a lot to you... you never know when will be yours or their last day. 

16) If you planted a time capsule right now of your life to be opened in 20 years, what would be in it?

Hmmm.. I would put in a picture of my family, probably something dance related, a goal I have at the moment, and a CD of my favorite song at the time. 

17) What are your spiritual beliefs and how do they impact your relationships/relationship status?

I love Jesus. End of story! 

So I am a young Christian woman...and I'm single. With my faith, I believe that God knows the desire of my heart, and will fulfill those desires (someday). However, I do find my spiritual beliefs impacting me by having the pressure of being in a relationship. Like I mentioned before, a lot of people, and even people from the church think they need to cure you because you are single. I mean, I'm not a genius, but by putting the importance, and the pressure of finding someone doesn't cure my singleness...nor is it necessary. 

I went to good ol' GCU, a Christian college, where most girls signed up to get their "Mrs." degree. When I first began my college experience at a community college I was able to keep myself busy, and not notice my "singleness". However, it wasn't until I transferred to GCU, and lived on campus I really began to recognize my loneliness, and the felt the pressure of finding the man so I can begin my future career with a new last name...obviously this didn't happen for me. Seeing couples walk past you, hang out in the same areas you were at was constantly rubbed in my face. The constant pressure of finding "the one" is overwhelming. I know we should focus our hearts on other things, I mean after all we are Christian, and we should focus our hearts on God...not an individual...where did that get lost in the church? I love my faith, don't get me wrong, but I think in general we need to stop thinking we can "cure" people of singleness. Being single isn't a sickness, it just happens to be my lifestyle in this long chapter of my life. 

18) If you could have a conversation with yourself in high school, what would you say?

Live YOUR life. As many teenagers, I was trying so hard to fit in. With the battle of fitting in, I lost who I was, and I was never seen for being Natalie. I was always seen as a group of friends, not as an individual. It wasn't until my college years when I separated from my high school friends, that I felt like I grew up and discovered who I was. 

19) What is something about you that people would be surprised to learn?

I am actually more tomboyish than you think... of course I love me some fashion, but I love outdoors, adventuring, and getting dirty... But going along the route of the blog challenge of being a single woman... I hurt a lot more than I give off. A lot of times I make jokes about being lonely, but in reality I feel kind of lost and forgotten in this midst of confusion of why my life isn't where other people's lives are at. I'm not saying I am not a happy person, I love laughing, making jokes, and making others happy...I can find joy in pretty much anything. But there’s a lot of brokenness a lot of people don't know about me. {I hate sounding like a whiner factory, but I am being VULNERABLE by doing this challenge}. I guess what I'm trying to say is that I come across that I have my life together, and I everything is peachy. But like most people, I do not have my life together, and sometimes life gets messy. 

20) Describe your most difficult breakup and what you learned from it?

This is a JOKE...

21) How would you pitch a reality show about yourself? To what network?

I am entertaining!! I am honestly surprised I don't have a show yet! I am beyond awkward, and my awkwardness gets me into some weird situations...but overall I am REAL. I'm just saying this should happen. {Besides I have a lot of jokes to share to the world...and cute dogs}

22) What fictional character in a movie, TV show, or book do you identify with and why?

Belle from Beauty and the Beast. She is the princess I have been obsessed with ever since I was little. I love the fact she's smart, nice, and kind hearted. She's an inspiration of how I want to be. I want to be a woman who is selfless, loyal, and driven. I know it sounds completely silly to want a Disney Princess's life. But I have always loved Belle and her character. 

23) Talk about a moment when you got annoyed with a married friend, a person in a relationship, or a person with kids (Be honest! No judgment!)

Now I don't want this to sound bratty at all, so please do not be offended...

{A little disclaimer: I am happy for you and your lover, but please just hear me out}

I don't think I get "annoyed" with them...I get more frustrated because I am back at the point where I realize I don't have anyone like them. It is never fun asking your friends to hangout, and they say they can't because they are celebrating their 4 month anniversary...or so forth...and then I have all the availability in the world. (I know this is just a silly scenario). I get it things come up, and you should have those dates with your lover. But those moments when I am home alone because all my friends are out on dates, and then scrolling through Facebook/ Instagram seeing more people in love is really HARD! Love surrounds me, but I am never in it, and it's overall just a vicious tornado for me. 

It does become hard to be happy for your friends in relationships, when there is a piece of bitterness and frustration for them not understanding where you are coming from. The topic of being in relationships always comes up when I am with my friends, and they always say, "You should be happy you're not in a relationship.".... Really?!I am pretty sure you are in a steady relationship and loving life because of that.... how could I not desire that... I think a lot of my friends who are in relationship don't find me "as interesting" because I am single. I know I am probably making this all up in my head, and over thinking people's actions. But there is a sense of awkwardness when people do not know how to continue conversations after I ask them how them and their significant other are..."So Natalie, how are you, and ugh...yourself?" Haha! Like I mentioned before, a lot of conversations involve, "Natalie, I just want you to be happy....mmm...maybe you should look into online dating." I understand they want me to be happy...but these are just the silly things that come up that kind of hurt my heart a little. {Surprise, surprise I have a heart people}.

I guess the part where I become annoyed is when they do not quite understand it is a bit of struggle of being a single as a twenty something year old. I know being in relationship won't be all rainbows and butterflies. But it a challenge living a single life in a world that focuses on being in a relationship as soon as you hit your twenties. 

24) If you could relive ONE day of your life, what would it be? And would you change anything?

I just want to relive my college years. I wish I would of started at GCU right way!! I absolutely loved my experience at GCU, but I felt like it was cut short with only spending two years there. I just loved the people I was surrounded by, and the vibe of the school. I felt so much growth in those two years, than in my entire life. 

25)Describe a moment when you “paid it forward.” What happened and how did it feel?

This is very strange, because it actually just happened to me today. I was rushing to get to work, but of course left myself plenty of time to go to Starbucks to start my morning off with coffee. {It just makes sense}. I was already overwhelmed making my to do list in my head, and worrying about everything else... and just not having the best morning. As I finally got to the window to pay, the cashier said, "You don't have to pay for your drink, the person in front of you already paid for you."... I'm pretty sure I gave the guy a funny look because I was shocked. I accepted my drink, and I said, "Wait, can I pay for the person behind me." The cashier looked at me kind of stunned there was a chain reaction happening, and told me the price of the person behind me. 

It made my day having a stranger do such a nice deed for me. She/he had no idea of what I was going through, and just a small free coffee made my entire day brighter! I hope the person behind me felt the same way, and kept the chain going...and if not, that is okay too, it made my heart happy! This moment in my life encouraged me to do more random acts of kindness. 

26) Name a song that makes you cry every time you hear it and why?

To be honest I am not much a crier...so I don't really have a song. But if for some reason I'm feeling down, the song "The House that Built Me" by Miranda Lambert, or the song "Drink a Beer" by Luke Bryan gets to me... those two songs in particular remind me of some personal events in my life. 

27) Talk about two things that you really, really, really love about yourself.

I normally don't boast about myself, so I find this awkward, but here we go... 

I love my work ethic. No matter how big the mountain is, I always overcome it! {Sometimes I even surprise myself}. I work my booty off to get things done, and to get it done right the first time. There's a little peace of mind knowing that everything I have received I have worked hard for...and that is something to be proud of.  

I love receiving the compliment, "you are so easy to talk to", or "you make people feel at home". I love the fact that people feel comfortable with me. This past year on leadership, I was given the opportunity to connect with a lot of people I probably would have never of met, if it wasn't for my position at school. I loved the fact that I had people coming up to me telling me their highs and lows, and just wanting to be in my presence, and seek me for encouragement, or just someone to lean on. I am happy to be someone’s outlet. I love building relationships because you can always learn something from someone else. 

28) Describe a moment when you made a big, bold move. In any area of life: Career, Love, etc.

Most the time I live life on the safe side, therefore I don't have an extreme bold move. A pretty bold move for me was choosing my colleges. I first chose a community college that most of my friends from high school didn't go to. I chose based off a great program for what I was studying, and the dance program there. Not being surrounded by my high school friends really challenged myself to find out who I was as opposed to being in a group of people. After I was done there, I decided to move Phoenix to attend Grand Canyon University. By far, the best decision I have EVER made. Living away from my family, being able to have the opportunity to become active in my school really made me discover who I was, and what I stood for. It was a good thing for me to be uncomfortable with all the change, because it challenged me. Not to mention the growth of my relationship with Christ grew because I was surrounded by believers and supporters. This was a bold move for me because I have always been close to my family, never had any huge changes in my life... and with this journey of my life, I had to adjust and be uncomfortable for a few months while I adapted. Choosing to go to a Christian college was another bold move... I am not surrounded by a bunch of Christ followers in my family and group of friends, so they kind of mocked with this move. But in my heart I knew I needed this, and went for it, and I am sooooooo glad I did. 

29) Who is your closest or most special friend that you’ve ever met and what do they mean to you? How did you cross paths? Talk about how you “met” them: Facebook, Twitter, an online support group, etc.

Oh goodness! I can't just pick one! I think everyone in my life has influenced it for the better. People make up the pieces of my life, and I think everyone needs a group of solid people to be their cheerleaders. Everyone is good at something...some are better listeners, great advice givers, wonderful entertainment, extreme cheerleaders, and etc. .. Having a mix of people, guarantees I can always find the support I need, and that means the WORLD to me! 

30) Write a letter to your future mate saying whatever you want to say

{Coming later to the Simply Lovely Blog... it may take me a while}

And there you have it...a small tidbit of Natalie's mind and heart. If you ever want to grab coffee, and talk about items on this, or just life in general, please feel free!!! I love me some coffee time :) 

xoxo

Natalie

Invite anyone who you think might be interested to participate. Post links to your blog posts in the comments below so I can check them out!