MER is on her way....

***********Attention everyone*************

MER has left the building and is on its way to being sized!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

** I am not at liberty to discuss how I know this information but just know that I do!!!! Stay tuned!

Moving on up...or am I?

I received a phone call today from the principal informing me that I was being moved from my office to another one up front. I was in my old office for 3 years and I absolutely loved it. Don't get me wrong, there were some things about it that drove me wild at times BUT overall I loved my office. I believe the reason why I loved it so much was because it was so accessible to the students and others in the building. Unlike the offices up front where you have to go through a secretary to see someone.

I have a reputation throughout the school of being very approachable when it comes to issues or the simple need to talk. I used to get so many comments from students saying that they didn't feel comfortable talking to their guidance counselors because they felt as though it was a hassle just to see them. It will suck in that regard not being someone in the school the students can simply walk up to my office and "talk" if they need to.

On the flip side, my office moving up front will be good in the sense I can probably get a ton of work done and not be constantly interrupted. As I have mentioned before, I tend to have a touch of ADD so any distraction is a distraction! I will miss my old space and the memories. I'm telling you...if those walls could talk! I know a lot of teachers in the building will miss my office space as well. I also served as a sounding board for them as well. I know that I will be missed but as they say...all GREAT things have to come to an end!

My big sister...

It's really funny how time has changed the nature of my relationship with my sister. Growing up we never really got along. I think the main reason was we were so different. My sister was the girlie girl type who was popular with her friends and boys. I, on the other hand was the tomboyish awkward type who was more interested in playing basketball or football with the boys. As a result of our extreme differences, it wasn't until recent years that we have forged a close bond.

I can tell that within the past year our relationship has grown closer and even more so since we have started working on my wedding plans. My sister will serve as my maid of honor and I am really impressed with her zeal and level of excitement she has displayed thus far. I am convinced that we will become even closer as we tackle the issues and challenges that will arise as August 8, 2009 draws closer. The coolest part of all of this is that not only do I get to share this experience with my sister, my niece (who I share a birthday with...we are 20 years apart) is also enjoying every moment of the planning process.

Today we enjoyed lunch and a "dress up" session at a local bridal shop. My niece, Meya, has been really excited about the wedding since she heard about it. She even went as far to let me know that she "had first dibs on being the flower girl". I found that quite amusing considering she will be 9 when the actual wedding takes place. I showed her a picture of me in a wedding dress from the other day and she exclaimed, "that's exactly how I imagined you would look!".

I am very happy and fortunate to be able to share this experience with my big sister and my niece.

The perfect date day....

It's been quite the adjustment for me entering into my summer break. Although I was quite excited about having the entire summer off, deep down I knew it would possibly put a strain on my relationship with Kevin. He works these really long shifts and quality time is sometimes really hard to achieve. I am quite impressed with how we have both handled the situation thus far. We are making the most of our time that we have together.

Well, today marked the first time that Kevin was off during my official summer break. We were both excited that we would have the entire day to spend together. The morning started off with me going for my morning walk. After my walk I rushed home to shower before I headed to my 7:00 am hair appointment. I was really happy that I was getting my hair done considering it had been quite some time since my last relaxer. What a difference some chemicals can make!!!

Kevin and I decided that today we would make the most of our day and do so by looking at wedding dresses. Now...I have to place a pause here to reiterate once again that I am not the typical bride! I have never walked into a bridal shop nor have I had the desire to do so. I was pleasantly surprised with the shop and the assistants. Everyone was really friendly, helpful, and patient with me as I once again ventured over into the "foreign land". I believe the funniest part of the day came when the young attendant set up my dressing room with two dresses. She was about to leave me to get dressed when I looked at her and simply asked, "what am I supposed to do?". She looked back at me and asked if I needed help...of course I said yes! It was at that moment that I stripped down and allowed this complete stranger to dress me. Did I mention that she was probably 5'1 and I'm about 5'9! That alone was hilarious trying to squat low enough for her to guide the dress over my head. I only tried on two dresses. I like them both but I didn't have the "aha!" moment.

Kevin and I had a nice lunch afterwards at a neat little restaurant. That was cool. We found this pet store and instantly fell in love with it. I was able to find a dress for Bentley...it is so cute! It will be perfect for the bridal photos. We walked around a little more before we headed to Sonic for a slush.

Our spectacular date day ended with us going to the movies and watching "Sex and the City". The movie was awesome!!! It is a must see for all fans of the show. After the movie we took a drive down to the waterfront where we sat on our favorite bench and talked. I really enjoyed myself. Kevin is a wonderful guy. I can't help but thank God for him. It's so easy being me with him.

I am looking forward to his next day off on Sunday!

Another year has ended....

So today officially marked the last day of the school year for me. I am beginning my summer vacation tomorrow. There is a saying that "time flies when you are having fun". Well, I beg to differ! This school year has not really been that fun. It started off as any other school year however there was new captain of the ship. He was determined to turn things around and shake things up a bit. Well, he did! In the end I learned a lot about myself and accomplished quite a bit so all was not lost.

On this Saturday, June 14, 2008, NBHS will graduate 419 seniors! I believe this is the largest class the school has had. Out of those 419 students, six of them were in DIVAS this year. I am excited and happy for all of them. The entire world is at their feet and I hope I have inspired them to go forth and explore.

Congrats to all Classes of 2008!

I found MER....

I have found my ring!!!! I am so excited. I have had the hardest time deciding on the ring that I want. I am so happy to report that I have found the ring that produced the reaction that I never thought I would have! Let me back up and tell you how it happened....

I decided last week that I would continue my quest to find the "perfect ring" on today. I figured that I would choose a different jewelry store each day this week to visit after work. By switching up stores I figured I wouldn't wear out my welcome at any one place with my constant questions and indecisive nature. I figured today I would head to the indoor shopping center here in New Bern aka the Twin Rivers Mall. When I walked in I had all intentions of going to Zales because I figured they would have a great selection of rings. At the last moment I decided to head into Kay Jewelers mainly because of their advertised motto of "Every kiss begins with Kay". I'm thinking surely they won't let me down!

Well, I walk in only to discover the workers playing a nice game of cards seeing as though the indoor shopping center was empty (as always). David, an older gentleman, introduced himself to me and I told him that I wanted to look at engagement rings. I told him I was interested in the three stone rings and he showed me the case that contained them. The first ring he showed me was ok. I liked it but it just wasn't doing it for me. He showed me another one that round stones versus the princess cut that I have come to love. I thought that ring was really nice because there was spacing between the three stones and I hadn't seen that yet. The center stone was also raised and it really stood out. I liked it too but again...it was no princess cut!

He showed me another three stone ring that had a very plain band. I wasn't feeling it at all. He got up and walked to another case and brought MER (My Engagement Ring) back. It was almost like the heavens opened and the great God Almighty spoke to me and "My child that's the one". Seriously though...I started grinning and I knew it! It was the one...i've finally found MER!

The Wedding Planner...

Ok...so things are beginning to sink in for me. Kevin and I met with the wedding planner the other day and things are looking better for me. I no longer feel so overwhelmed about this whole idea of a "wedding". See unlike most women, I was never the type to daydream about the wedding of my dreams. I was too busy trying to hang with guys or just simply had my nose in a book! Anyway, I have not a clue as to the steps one must take to plan a wedding nor do I have slightest desire to do so! I know it sounds so bad to hear me say this but honest to God this is how I feel.

Well, our wedding planner Windee seems as if she is sent from heaven! By the time we left her office, not only had we paid the retainer fee...we took it step further and had planned the ceremony and reception decor! I actually found myself smiling and even doing my happy dance...lol! Well, now that money has been paid towards the wedding so things are slowly moving along.

We have several referrals for the cake, photographer, and DJ. In true Pami fashion we will have Karaoke during the reception! I mean really what kind of party would it be without me having an opportunity to live out my American Idol dreams!