"Clash of the Titans" Premiere- March 31, 2010

Welcome to one of the best days of my life. March has officially been the best month of the year so far!


For our last day in California, we got to attend the Hollywood premiere of Clash of the Titans. We spent the day getting pampered up so we would look our best at the event. After we all got our hair and makeup done and slipped into our new outfits, we headed off to LA. We arrived at Grauman's Chinese Theatre at the perfect time and took our spots on the red carpet, which was actually black.


This night is pretty indescribable. We definitely got the red carpet treatment with our own security guard and our own "special spots". We were the only people on the red carpet that weren't either media or celebrities. Crazy! We got to meet and take pictures of celebrities too, inlcuding Bridget from the Girls Next Door, Derek Hough from Dancing With the Stars, and Jefferey Dean Morgan and other actors from Grey's Anatomy. We also got to see some of the stars from the movie, including Sam Worthington! After all of the stars were finished with their photos and interviews, we all headed into Grauman's to watch the film.


It was definitely an experience to watch a movie with the director, writers, producers, and actors sitting a couple rows behind us. Even waiting in the line for the women's restroom was interesting being behind Stephanie Pratt, from The Hills. I can't describe how much of an incredible experience this was and how thankful I am to have gotten the opportunity to go. This night has just made me want to move to LA and get a job in the entertainment industry like I had originally planned in high school. I love everything about movies and can easily imagine myself in this atmosphere everyday.


So we'll see where my future takes me. For now, I'm enjoying every experience and opportunity that comes my way. I'm so thankful for everything I've been able to experience and will never forget this night! California, you've sold me.

Cali Day 5- March 30, 2010

Disneyland, California!

Working at Disney World and visiting it multiple times a year as a child has made me a Disney girl my whole life. I could (probably) walk through any of the Orlando parks with my eyes closed and know exactly where I am at all times. I have never, however, been to any other Disney in the world...until today that is!

Welcome to Disneyland! My first Disney experience as a tourist. (Because I was oblivious as a child.) Disneyland felt like a home away from home. It felt like I was walking through the Magic Kingdom after they had done refurbishments and a shrinkage. Although the castle was even smaller than I had imagined, and I had imagined it tiny, it was so beautiful. I now understand the foreign tourists at Disney who feel they need to video and photograph everything, because it really is all so beautiful and indescribable.

Disneyland highlights:

-Alice in Wonderland had an entire section! 2 rides & a store

-The Matterhorn...videotaped the entire ride cracking up laughing

-Biegnets at Cafe Orleans...delicious!!!

-Reinacting the Grim Grinning Ghosts scene at the Haunted Mansion from a Disney Sing-a-Long that my sisters and I used to watch everyday

-Watching the dancers in the parade, and liking our dances at Disney World better :)

-Walking through the castle

-Finding characters inside the "It's a Small World" ride

-Experiencing Disney as a tourist and not a cast member!

Cali Day 4- March 29, 2010

San Diego!!

Today we got to see all of Sue's favorite spots in San Diego and even see where she used to live! Today was also the day that we got the news that we'd be attending a Hollywood movie premiere!

Day 4:

-Coffee at adorable coffee house

-Cliffs in San Diego overlooking La Jolla

-La Jolla Cove

-Looking at seals!!

-Explored different areas of the beautiful San Diego

-Saw Sue's old town, house, and college

-Downtown San Diego

-More shopping! Bought our outfits for the premiere!!

-Another dinner at In-n-Out!!

Cali Day 3- March 28, 2010

Laguna Beach!

For a lovely Sunday morning outing, we headed for the beaches. Being one of the first warm weather weekends so far this year, every car looked as if it were headed towards the beach.

Our first stop was Laguna Beach, which most people now associate with certain reality television characters. I was most excited about dipping my feet in the Pacific Ocean for the first time! We also enjoyed climbing on the rocks (as seen in the picture) and naturally, having a photo shoot.

Day 3:

-Laguna Beach

-Shopping! I got a new Lululemon outfit!!

-Church for Palm Sunday in Laguna

-Sushi dinner = delicious

-Frozen Yogurt at "Swirlz"!

Day 3 gave me my first ounce of sun!

Cali Day 2- March 27, 2010

Hiking to the Hollywood sign!

For our second day in Cali, we put on our sporty attire and set out for a day of hiking and adventure. After eating a delicious lunch, because every meal in California is delicious, we drove back to Los Angeles to hike the Hollywood sign trails and visit the Griffith Observatory.

The weather was 80 degrees and there wasn't a cloud in the sky. We couldn't have asked for a better day to spend outdoors. This is a picture of us at the top of the mountain (although I guess they consider them hills) with the view of the Hollywood sign behind us.

Day 2:

-Lunch in Ladera Ranch

-Hike to Griffith Observatory and Hollwood sign-ish

-Ate at In-n-Out!

-Saw the Playboy mansion

-Went to the Kid's Choice Awards...well, the outside of the after party...(saw Sean Kingston, Dean from Tori & Dean's Home Sweet Hollywood, & Dr. Hunt from Grey's Anatomy)

-Outdoor mall "The Grove" (saw an actress from Modern Family)

-Disney Concert Hall

Day 2: Success!

1st Day in Cali!- March 26, 2010

We have arrived in California!!

After waking up at 4:50am, we drove to the airport and embarked on a wonderful journey to California. We arrived at LAX by 9:30am and had the entire day ahead of us to explore. We fit about a million things into this first day, I don't know how we stayed awake.

This trip obviously consisted of taking hundreds of pictures, most of which I wish I could use. I am staying true to my word, however, and sticking to my one picture a day rule. Today's picture was at our first stop, Santa Monica. The weather was gorgeous, the water was beautiful, and everything was as perfect as I had hoped!

So I don't bore you with lengthy posts about the extreme details of our trip, I'll just list the highlights of every day.

Day 1 events:

-Stephanie's Birthday!! Happy Birthday to you :)

-Flight to Los Angeles

-Santa Monica beach/pier

-Lunch at James' Beach (fish taco restaurant in "I Love You, Man")

-Venice beach

-Drove around Rodeo Drive, Beverly Hills, and Sunset Blvd

-Hollywood Blvd- Grauman's Chinese Theatre!

-Dinner in Manhattan Beach for Steph's Bday (literally ate 10 appetizers)

-Drove to Sue's house

-Slept after being awake for almost 24 hours!

Incredible first day!

Packing for El Lay- March 25, 2010

We are leaving tomorrow morning for Los Angeles, California to stay with our Aunt Sue!

After my last day of internship before Spring Break, I frantically began doing laundry, packing, and getting ready for our trip. Being a procrastinator, I obviously had to wait until the night before to pack...even if we did have to wake up in the 4s! Steph (as seen in my pic) was all ready to go at my apartment before I had even started anything. But that sounds about right for us.

So we spent the evening packing and shoving all of our clothes, cameras, tiny liquids, and everything else imaginable into our suitcases so we could do carry on only. (And of course when we got to the airport the next day they had changed the carry on size so we had to pay $50...all that work for nothing.)

We ended the night with some Califronia Pizza Kitchen in preparation of our trip! And watched I Love You, Man to get ready for tomorrow's meal of fish tacos!

California...here we cooooommmmeeeee!!

Best Students Ever!- March 24, 2010

Ms. B, that's me!

It's hard to believe I'm already past halfway with my internship. Although I'm anxious for spring break, summer, and wherever life leads me next year, I'm having so much fun interning and I love my students! They seriously are the best.

This is a paper crane that one of my students made me. It says "Ms. B" on one side and "best student teacher ever" on the other. Little things like this help me realize how much I love teaching.

Now all I have to do is get this lucky for my real class in the future. If I have students like the ones I've taught so far in the future, I'll be a teacher forever. I love these guys, but I'm still counting down the days until California...2 days!!

New Camera!- March 23, 2010

Aaah! I just got a SLR digital camera! Hello Mr. Canon Rebel.

Photography has always been something I've loved and appreciated my whole life. My mom always did photography when I was growing up, and the love for pictures definitely rubbed off on most of her daughters. In high school, I spent so many days and afternoons in the dark room and working on photo projects. Since college, however, I've let one of my favorite hobbies slip through the cracks. Not any more!

Planning my upcoming travel adventures has definitely inspired me to just make the purchase. I had been delaying buying a nice camera for so long, and I honestly don't really know what was holding me back. Visiting the art festival this weekend helped to push me to finally just buy one. Seeing so many amazing photographers and artists just made me realize that everyone needs to keep their hobbies and passions alive. You definitely have to make time for the things you love to do, so I'm going to start getting back into photography. And my blog readers, if there are any, will hopefully appreciate my better quality photographs to come. Sorry Viva (my iphone) your camera just doesn't cut it anymore!

Is there a hobby or passion that you let slip down the cracks? Bring it back and allow time for it!

Strawberry Shortcake- March 22, 2010

Thanks dad for teaching me such a delicious recipe. :)

Tonight I made homemade Strawberry Shortcake for my roommates and me for dessert. Not to toot my own horn, but I must say that it was delicious.

I cook dinner fairly often, but never really make dessert. Well, aside from baking...but that's normally an afternoon-ish snack. I whipped up some dough, cut up fresh strawberries, and scooped up some Cool Whip. Heaven.

Mondays are usually a day of not too much excitement. The strawberry shortcake, however, definitely made my day better! So we all chatted on the couch with the usual CW Monday shows and some fresh dessert, a great start to what's surely to be an amazing week!

Rainy Sunday- March 21, 2010

The beautiful spring weather has gone away and rain has poured nonstop today. Ha, a rhyme.

But you know me, I love rainy days! Rainy days on Sundays are the best. All you need is a good snuggly blanket, movies and/or books, and a happy piece of mind. Today I got to catch up on some reading. I'm currently reading the Nicholas Sparks book The Last Song. It's always hard to find time to read, aside from when I'm falling asleep at night, so today it was definitely nice to be lazy. Anyways, I have to finish it before the movie this weekend!

I've also been able to work on my Circus McGurkus chair this weekend. I have to say it is a lot of work, but it is coming together nicely. I'll be excited to see my finished masterpiece.

Now let me retire back to my comfy bed and good book. Sweet dreams!

Art Festival- March 20, 2010

Today was such a perfect Saturday.

After a lovely breakfast, my roommates and I went to the art festival in Winter Park. All of the roads and streets were closed off for the hundreds of artists and attendees present at this event. The sidewalks were aligned with all different types of artists, including painters, sculptors, photographers, and designers. There were so many incredible pieces of art to view.

Although the art was all so beautiful, we felt a little more comfortable on our side of the tracks, the children's paintings. My favorite booth of all, though, was one with tons of unique hats. It definitely inspired us to have a Mad Hatter's party as our next apartment event.

The weather was the warmest and most beautiful it has been this whole year. We couldn't have asked for a better day for the event. We have definitely been needing some roommate time together and this was such a perfect day!

Molly the Owl- March 19. 2010

Live webcam footage of an owl.

Today in school, we watched an owl in a box. Molly, who is now known as the world's most famous owl, is waiting for her 5 eggs to hatch. My students and I were entertained all day by her sleeping, flapping, biting, and squeaking. That's why I love ActivBoards.

Although we had this video footage on live all day awaiting the hatching of her babies, nothing ever happened. Well, that is aside from her random loud squeals. We would be reading Treasure Island or working on speeches, and she would randomly start squeeling as loud as a pig. This definitely provided my laughter and entertainment for the day.

You never know what a new school day will bring. Maybe by Monday there will be some hatching eggs!

Gym time- March 18, 2010

Today is March 18th, and I went to the gym for the first time this year.

I guess better late than never, right?

So I arrive to the gym and I'm immediately confused as to what I'm supposed to be doing. My thought processes: Start with the treadmill? Hm, well I can't really run good. Skip that. Elliptical? Sure, let's try it. Am I supposed to be on my toes doing this? This feels awkward but I'll just go with it. 15 minutes later...bored with that. Now weight machines? No, I'm not sure what to do on them. Well, that's all there is, I guess I'm done. Walk back to my apartment. Turn on some music and dance. Successful day of working out.

I think I'll just stick to dancing as my "working out". Gyms are intimidating...

St. Patty's Day- March 17, 2010

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

To celebrate every Leprechaun's favorite holiday, Jayde and I went out in search of some green beer. We ended up going to Beef O'Brady's, an Irish-ish place. (Mainly just because of the O'name.) Although I ended up with a green upper lip, it was well worth it to celebrate spirits and lucky charms. And as everyone was heading out to the bars for the night, we had already called it quits sticking to our one drink. Such responsible college students. :)

My day also consisted of a Fear Factor challenge earlier in the day. All of the teachers and interns ran around after school eating gross foods, searching for pieces of clovers, and competing in random events around the school. Although my grade didn't win, we were still the best team!

Between interning, Fear Factor, picture day at dance, and celebrating with green beer, my St. Patrick's day was definitely an event-filled day. Hopefully I had some Irish luck rub off on me. Cheers to a happy spring!

Picture Day- March 16, 2010

Today was picture day at the dance studio. All my girls looked awesome in their costumes!

I'm looking so forward to the recital now that all of my dances are finished and the students all have their costumes. I'm so lucky to have a job I love and to be teaching such wonderful dancers!

Ides of March- March 15, 2010

"Beware the Ides of March..." by Shakespeare. And an old beggar woman.

Not too much to be afraid of, just a mere cold. Today I had to miss my internship for the first time ever because I was sick. Boo. I always somehow jinx myself by saying how good of an immune system I have. But the next day I'm always sick.

Luckily a dear good man invented Netflix, the movie rental service that is mailed to your house or viewable online. Sick days and sleepy days are always in need of a good movie. Although I was late to jump on the Netflix bandwagon, I definitely enjoy having it now and not having to run to Blockbuster or worry about my RedBox being out for so long. I'm always so happy to check the mail and find a small red envelope with my new story.

What's in the mailbox today?

Schteef- March 14, 2010

Always goofing around...

Although I was sick this weekend, we definitely made the best of it. I honestly can't really even recall what we did this day, but I'm sure it was important. Most days somehow involve a photo shoot or something random, and this day surely did.

Oh yes, I remember now. We watched "Remember Me" during a matinee showing. It was so good! RPatz definitely regained his acting cred since the Twilight movies. I was pleasantly surprised by the movie and would recommend it for sure. We also watched "Whip It" on DVD, a good choice as well! Lots of movies, but that's what you're supposed to do on Lazy Sundays, right?

Today was the day that we had to Spring Forward, the dreaded event of the year. It's definitely nice to get out of work with sunshine, though!

Michael Buble- March 13, 2010

Yes, Michael Buble is looking right at me.

On Saturday night, Stephanie and I went to Tampa for the Michael Buble concert. It was spectacular.

1. He has an amazing voice.

2. We were super, ridiculously close.

3. He danced like Michael Jackson.

4. I got to have Cracker Barrel for dinner.

Although I had been sick this weekend, the concert definitely made me feel better and happier! Although we weren't as die hard as some of the fans we saw (one lady had been to 39 of his concerts...sick), we still loved the concert and had so much fun. I got to hear some of my favorite songs and have an awesome night with my sister! Thanks Steph for an amazing Christmas present! I loved it!!

Shopping for LA- March 12, 2010

Shopping at the Mall at Millenia definitely provides both far ends of the quality spectrum. You can shop in Chanel, Louis Vuitton, and Tiffany's...or Forever 21.

I usually try and follow current fashion trends while sticking to my own style at the same time. I have become a fan of rompers, but really...this is pushing it a little too far. Meet the Silk Purple Beast. It's like Hugh Hefner's version of a romper, and I'm not a fan. I'm not here to bash Forever 21 because sometimes I can find some good diamonds in the rough there, but seriously...who would wear this?

Aside from the shock of such hideous clothing items I found while shopping, I was able to find some clothes for my trip to LA that is approaching very soon!

I'm ready for shorts and spring attire, but silky rompers are a no-go for me!

Flippy Floppys- March 11, 2010

Hello flip flops! Where have you been hiding?

I'm known for loving my boot weather, but months of wearing boots is just a little ridiculous. I have quite a lot of boots in my closet, but enough to be stylish from November through March? I don't think so! I'm ready for some variety.

I was once a part of the Floridian girl persona who wore flip flops all year round. In recent years, however, I've switched to staying with the seasons. I can now officially say it is flip flop weather in Florida and it better not go away any time soon!

Sunshine, I love you!

M&Ms for Every Season- March 10, 2010

I love holidays. I love seasons. I love decorating. I love M&Ms that are perfect for every occasion.

Whenever I go to Target, I have to look and see the current selection of M&Ms to make sure I'm up to date with my holidays. I always decorate the kitchen jars with the latest M&Ms because they are both delicious and festive. We've had M&Ms for Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, and now Easter. Target somehow forgot to include St. Patrick's Day into the holiday selection, so we've been celebrating Easter a little early this year. It's kind of a weird habit, but I'm always disappointed if I walk by an empty jar. So my M&M buying and eating spree will probably not be ending any time soon.

Ever feel like you're missing out on a holiday celebration? The girls of Acehouse are always here to bring holiday cheer and festivities to your life! We are currently celebrating Christmas, Easter, and St. Patrick's Day. Happy Spring-time!

Cheesecake!- March 9, 2010

I wake up dreading my long day of FCAT. I then open the fridge. I see a wonderful surprise. What could it be? Delicious Cheescake! Geez I love my roommate. My day is already starting off right.

Walking into school smiling, I see another food surprise. A giant buffet table of breakfast foods calling out for me to eat some more. Ok, I can't resist. FCAT testing must not be too bad.

My day ended up being awesome. I've learned that if you wake up on the wrong side of the bed with the wrong attitude, always try and think of something positive. Find the little things in your day that can bring a smile to your face and appreciate them.

FCAT Rally- March 8, 2010

While most Florida schools began their Spring Breaks, I had FCAT week at my internship.

During my experience with FCAT growing up, I remember cramming for the test and dreading taking it. For the students at my school, however, FCAT doesn't seem too scary. We have been helping the students get ready for the test for months now, so they are more than ready to take it and score amazingly on it!

To hype up the students for the test and thank them for their hard work all year, the school had a FCAT rally. This wasn't just a cheering rally, but a full show with BMX trick bikers and free shirts for every student. The sun was shining the brightest it had all year, it couldn't have been on a better day.

The students at this school work so hard to do their very best and their hard work definitely pays off. It's nice to see how confident the students are about taking the test. It's time for them to show off what they know! Testing starts tomorrow and I know they'll all do amazing!

FroYo- March 7, 2010

New FroYo place in St. Aug!

Being a connoisseur of ice cream, I am always looking to try new ice cream flavors and places. I've been rather skeptical of the new fro-yo trend, trying to turn something as delicious as ice cream into a healthy treat. If I want something that tastes healthy, I'll eat some yogurt. But don't try and fool me with frozen yogurt: appearing as soft serve ice cream, but tasting like flavorless, tart yogurt.

My new find, however, is both: delicious, sweet soft serve that is organic and healthy-ish. I have actually found a frozen yogurt place that fits my expectations. Stephanie and I went both Saturday and Sunday because we couldn't get enough. (She is obviously very excited about it as well.) Strolling in downtown St. Augustine is always an adventure to find the new best store or restaurant, and I have definitely found my new favorite!

I believe it is called Twisted Palm Frozen Yogurt and you should definitely try it!

My Gals- March 6, 2010

Although I don't have the same Spring Break as anyone this year, I was able to go home for the weekend and see some of my favorite girls on their break!

Jazz, Kels, Steph and I went downtown to chat and hang out. We ended up at the same local joint we always end up at lately, Stogies. Although we always walk away smelling like an ash tray (yuck!), we get the environment of a small British pub in our quaint little town.

And of course, being in our small town, we ran into other friends unexpectedly as well. Such a fun night, but I'm over the cold. It's their Spring Break, and we're all wearing jackets or coats...what?!

Now Playing- March 5, 2010

The very important date has finally arrived!

All of the hype leading up to the release of Tim Burton's Alice In Wonderland was well worth it...not that I had any doubt of liking it, being all of my favorite features combined into one movie. Although critics haven't been too kind when reviewing the new movie, I loved how creative and different the movie was from any expectations or prior Alice movies. Even the previews seemed to lead the audience to a different plot guess than what was seen on the screen.

The movie was definitely different that I had expected, but in a good way. I loved the Cheshire Cat in the movie, and I'm pretty sure he was always my favorite as a child as well. I still always look at the moon every night to see if good old "Chesh" is smiling down on me.

I can't exactly give a description of the movie or tell you why you need to see, but just take my word for it. I might be a biased Alice fan, but it's definitely entertaining for all ages and interests!

Florida Sunset- March 4, 2010

Warmer weather and sunshine. This is what March should be like! Although we keep having teases of warmer weather, it has basically stayed cold ever since the new year. When the sun is out, warm weather comes out with a tease. But when the sun sets, the winter chill comes back.

I'm so ready for warm weather! But the evening sunsets are still beautiful!

Costumes are in!- March 3, 2010

My little ballerinas are so beautiful! Dance recital costumes came in today and they are so well made and perfect. I've never been more pleased with how costumes have turned out. It's my first time to have ballerinas in a recital, and they look adorable! My dances are all finally finished and so now it's just cleaning time! Only a couple more months until the recital.

World Math Day- March 2, 2010

My students are amazing!

Today was World Math Day. My class took a break from FCAT packets and normal school work to spend a full day in the computer lab doing math problems. For 48 hours, students can play up to 500 1-minute games to try and get the most points possible. Students of all ages from all around the world compete in this competition.

Throughout the day, we watched our students climb up the score leader board to the top. When I got home, the students had moved up to 1st! I definitely felt like a proud mom when I saw this. And to clarify. this is not any small competition, this is competing against millions of students from Asia to Australia to Antarctica. By the end of the competition, my students moved down in score a little, but still ended up first in the US and 8th in the world! I am so impressed with my students' dedication and hard work in this competition. They are amazing!

And on a side note, the competition broke a Guinness World Record for the largest online math competition meaning my life goal of breaking a world record has come true for the second time this year!!!!!!!

Mr. Blue Sky- March 1, 2010

March is surely to be a great month!

March has officially begun with clear blue skies and warmer weather! This has been the coldest winter since I can remember and I am definitely ready for Florida spring weather. Today was the first sign that the weather is headed in the direction of Spring. Dang groundhog!

March is not only bringing warmer weather, but so many exciting events! March brings the Michael Buble concert, the California trip, St. Patrick's Day, and Bike Week. I'm ready for the events to get started!