Blessed Every Day.

2013 was a phenomenal year--from a trip to Indianapolis for the Alpha Gam Leadership Conference to the beautiful wedding of two really great friends in New Orleans and presenting at the Tennessee Association for School Psychologists and winning top presentation. I am incredibly blessed every day by the people God has placed in my life. I am super excited and optimistic that the new year will be just as great if not better. I am looking forward to traveling more and finally graduating with my teaching license. There are a lot of things left to figure out, but I know God will lead me every step of the way. This year I will be goal oriented and strive for success not only academically but in all areas of my life. I will live up to my sorority's purpose and make it my personal goal to exemplify each line.
I am blessed every day.

Ms. Anderson

over this.

Cherish Every Moment.

Cherish every moment. Always tell the ones you love how much you love them. But don't let it stop there. Use not only your words but also your actions. Show them the love you have for them. Never let a second go by without you realizing your blessings. I know this past year I have failed to cherish every moment and have also failed to let those around me know how much they mean to me. A part of my New Year resolution is to cherish every moment. Even the bad ones-- for it is one more moment that I have been given to enjoy all of His blessings. Never leave room for regret. Say what needs to be said and do what needs to be done before your time runs out.

I attended the funeral of a really close family friend yesterday. And I realized I should have reciprocated the love more often. Never leave that for regret. Don't let the chance pass you by. Let them know how much you value them and cherish every moment you have with them.

Ms. Anderson

New Year Resolution.

I need to start on my resolution for the New Year. Be on the lookout for more to come. 

Ms. Anderson

Stand Sure.

Always stand behind what you believe. Never let someone sway your beliefs on certain things. However, always strive to have an open mind. Be accepting of other's opinions. Agree to disagree. I have found that this helps to control or avoid conflict in a lot of situations. But always stand sure.

Ms. Anderson

Be sure you put your feet in the right place, then stand firm. -Abraham Lincoln

Happiness.

Happiness is yours if you want it. 

Happiness is in your hands. 

Do not let others be in charge of your happiness 

for you will never be truly happy. 

Ms. Anderson

Believe in Yourself.

Today was a day spent relaxing and enjoying the company of family. All holiday traditions were completed and all presents were unwrapped. Today was a success. Every year my mother bakes a cake, a birthday cake to be exact. This warms my heart to know that my family believes in the true meaning of the season. On another note, I viewed a commercial this afternoon that sent tears rolling from my eyes. The commercial depicted an older, heavier man finishing a race well after everyone else had finished and the clean up crew was taking down the sign. With bloody knees and sweat pouring from his brow, the man crosses the finish line and is so delighted to have completed the task at hand. His facial expression is what made me cry. The sense of accomplishment visible on his face was priceless. I hope that all my future students with believe in themselves and will accomplish great things so that I can see that sense of contentment on their bright little faces. I need to listen to those words as well… believe in yourself. 

Ms. Anderson

Don't let fear or insecurity stop you from trying new things. Believe in yourself. Do what you love. 

-Stacy London

Christmas Eve.

Every year on Christmas Eve, we all have dinner at a relative's house. Each year is a different house now that our family is so large. Today, there were 49 people present-- who all squeezed into this house. Needless to say but worth mentioning, it was at least eighty degrees in this house. AND of course we were all dressed for Winter in cardigans and our matching Christmas sweaters. Anyways, we always have Memaw's (great grandmother) chili even though she passed three years ago. It's a tradition and tradition never dies…

This year I did not eat chili---- I had potato soup instead. Oops! and now it feels a little less like the night before Christmas. After not eating chili, we all played Dirty Santa… my what a bad idea. I have never seen so many Scrooges in one setting. Tension was so thick it could have been sliced with the electric knife Pops opened. In the end, everyone leaves happy and we are all on speaking terms again. Haha… I'm kidding. It isn't that bad. It's what makes my Christmas Eve, well, Christmas Eve.

After leaving the family, we head home to watch a movie of the youngest sister's choice, drink a cup of hot cocoa and open one gift. Usually, the gift is our Christmas pajamas that Mother insists that we wear for our Christmas morning pictures with the loot that Santa has left us.

As I get older, I realize how important the small holiday traditions are to me. Christmas came quick this year, but I am glad we were able to slow time for awhile to enjoy the company of each other and our small Christmas Eve traditions.

'Twas the night before Christmas when all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. Good night and Merry Christmas!

Ms. Anderson

Waste of Time.

Today, I was informed that this blog idea was a waste of time and that writing in a journal was better.

Blogging is pointless and writing in a journal actually serves a purpose and has meaning. How ridiculous…. Do you not understand that they are almost the exact same thing?! Needless to say, I am little upset, yet I still write-- as pointless as it may be. I'm sorry that it may seem like a waste of time to you, but I greatly enjoy it. I enjoy writing even if some things may be silly or short. It is something that brings me happiness so I will continue. Everyone should take the time to do what they enjoy. In doing so, happiness can be found.

Ms. Anderson

“Many people lose the small joys in the hope for the big happiness.” 
- Pearl S. Buck

Oh, Happy Day!

Today was a wonderful day. Church, lunch with the best friend and lots of Christmas shopping!
It was a great day to relax and enjoy the day instead of running a million plus one errands or slaving away on some research paper. It was a day for joy and laughter. I miss having luncheons with my best friend. Today, I realized that it is the small, priceless moments that make life so wonderful. In this coming year, I will challenge myself to savor each moment spent with family and friends for you never know which will be your last. I am greatly looking forward to tomorrow when my family is all gathered together under one roof to celebrate this holiday season. It is much easier to laugh and love than it is to pout and judge. Today, I am very happy to have such great friends and family. OH, Happy Day!!

Ms. Anderson

Happiness depends upon ourselves. -Aristotle 

In Need of Motivation

Today,  I realized that this whole blogging everyday thing is going to be a very difficult task. Each day I search for something to write about; I wish ideas would just flow. I'm in need of some serious motivation... I will reach my goal and continue to blog even if it is to say that I have nothing to say like today.

Ms. Anderson

It is always better to have no ideas than false ones; 
to believe nothing than to believe what is wrong.    
-Thomas Jefferson

Heartbreaking Hunger.

Today, I witnessed hunger. Two small children who ate so quickly and were begging for more as they swiftly swallowed the remnants of the previous serving. As a another child came close to touching one of the children's plate, the child pulled the plate close to them and guarded it like the Buckingham Palace. I saddens me to witness such things. I realized that I use the phrase, "I'm starving," way too often. I am not starving. These poor children and millions more like them across the world are truly starving. As a teacher, I will have children in my class who only eat what they are provided at school. I wish there was something that I could do. I will stop using the phrase above so freely; it may seem silly to you, but it will mean so much to me. I witnessed hunger in my own community and it shook my world. I witnessed hunger, true hunger, and it has greatly impacted my life.

I would love to see children hungry for knowledge; not hungry for nourishment.

Ms. Anderson

"If a free society cannot help the many who are poor, it cannot save the few who are rich." 
~ John F. Kennedy 

Guidance.

I am afraid of what the future holds. I do not like uncertainty or the unknown. I have plans of mine own, but I know the Lord laughs at them for He has greater plans for me. I just wish I knew what they were. I like to be prepared, but here lately I feel as if He is telling me to take it one day at a time and to enjoy the moment. I'm challenging myself to slow down and savor every moment spent with friends and family this holiday season. There is no sense in worrying about tomorrow; we need to be in the moment for He knows what he has in store for us. This is me giving it all to him, again. He will guide me in the right direction and will not let me face anything that I cannot conquer without him. 

Ms. Anderson

"For I know the plans I have for you," declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future." -Jeremiah 29:11

Be Merry.

Today, I am at a loss of words. It has been a very hectic day. I spent nine hours working in an emergency (last minute) Christmas Toy Store. Every year I volunteer with the same organization, and it is such a blessing to me. However, the attitudes of some of the family members that I had to deal with were a bit unbelievable. 'Tis the season to be Merry.... I tried to spread my Christmas cheer but they just weren't having any of it. I believe this has prepared me greatly as a future teacher. If you are a teacher whether first year or tenured, I think you will agree with this next statement. Sometimes the parents are more difficult to handle than the students. Today reminded me that I will have to deal with poor attitudes and challenging situations and conversations often as an educator. Staying positive and open minded in all situations will help me to conquer these difficult situations. Hopefully by being cheerful and understanding, others will join suit and begin to be more pleasant to others. Wishful thinking.

Ms. Tiffany Anderson

"When dealing with people, remember you are not dealing with creatures of logic, but with creatures of emotion, creatures bristling with prejudice, and motivated by pride and vanity."
 -Dale Carnegie

Stay True to Yourself

Always stay true to yourself 

Despite what life may throw at you.

Always stay true to yourself 

When faced with a challenging situation.

Always stay true to yourself 

In all that you do.

Always stay true to yourself.

You may one day change the nation. 

Ms. Tiffany Anderson

“Your perceptions are derived from your feelings and your ability to be yourself, to own and trust yourself, and to say what you feel, even when it may be diametrically opposed to everyone eles's opinion. You may be called the Devil Incarnate. You may feel like cow pies are being thrown at you. Sometimes that is part of being true to yourself.” 
― Barbara Marciniak,

Fortune Cookies.

Confession: I am slightly obsessed with fortune cookies. If you were to empty the contents of my sock drawer, fortunes would fall like snow to the ground. I have been collecting fortunes since Freshman year of high school. I keep them all-- even repeats (which are the worst to get!). I like to ponder them and see how they apply to my current situation or to events of that day. Sometimes, it is a little creepy how on point they are. Today, I received this fortune: "See life through the eyes of a child, then you become truly wise." The ways in which children view life are inspirational. They are eager and willing to learn; they want to know more about the world around them. To them life is positive and free of worry or stress. We were children once, maybe many moons ago, but we once had that mindset and outlook on life--eager to learn new things, worry and stress free. How wonderful would it be to keep that outlook on life? We should strive to hold fast to that perspective and view life through the eyes of children to gain that true wisdom. We can learn so much from children if we only open our eyes to their viewpoints. As teachers, it is important to remember that what we can learn from our students far out weighs what we teach them. In this coming year, I pledge to view life through the eyes of a child and let go of stressing/ worrying that hinders me from living life to the fullest.

Ms. Tiffany Anderson

“Children have a lesson adults should learn, to not be ashamed of failing, but to get up and try again. Most of us adults are so afraid, so cautious, so 'safe,' and therefore so shrinking and rigid and afraid that it is why so many humans fail. Most middle-aged adults have resigned themselves to failure.”

― Malcolm X, The Autobiography of Malcolm X

Impact the World.

Doing your part. Today, I was asked if I was doing my part. My response-- well, yes. I always do what I have to do. I always complete whatever tasks I am assigned. However, on my drive back home, the question kept running through my head--- no sugar plums dancing... just thoughts racing. Am I really doing my part-- as a sister, a daughter, a friend, a student? As I began to truly reflect on the question, I began to realize that there is so much more that I could be doing. I could reach out more to others. I could contribute more to the world around me. Not for the recognition, but to do my part to give back to those who have given so much to me. I began to think about my favorite line of my sorority's purpose... "to welcome the opportunity of contributing to the world's work in the community I am place because of the joy of service thereby bestowed and the talent of leadership multiplied." That's when I realized doing your part doesn't just mean getting the job done or completing your task within a group. It goes far beyond that. We should be doing our part in the community, in our schools and in homes. We should continuously strive to do our part within our immediate surroundings. If we can each focus on impacting our tiny piece of the world, then the world will be greatly impacted. We need not be bystanders. We need to take action and do our part to better our lives and to impact those around us. Doing your part is doing all that can you do. This doesn't mean solve all the world's problems; it just simply means do what you can do to change the world around you. Be the impact; do your part.

Ms. Tiffany Anderson

Go into the world and do well. But more importantly go into the world and do good.
-Minor Myers Jr. 

Inspire the Woman.

Today, I ran across the blog of a very dear friend as if by chance. Exploring her blog inspired me to create my own. Yesterday, I attended a graduation ceremony where I had the golden opportunity to witness several good friends that I have met over the years in college walk across the stage, signifying their great accomplishments. As I sat there in the crowded gym, I realized that in 365 days, I would be the one sauntering across the stage-walking towards my future as an educator. Though my journey in college as an undergrad will end that day, I will not cease to learn. We are, by nature, life long learners who gain knowledge and understanding not only from texts and lectures but from experiences and those who are in our daily lives. My goal for this blog is to continue to learn from my experiences and to share the knowledge and wisdom I gain along the way with you. My goal is to blog at least once each day for 364 days- until it is my turn to walk across the stage and through the doorway into a bright new future. This blog will document my journey through the final year of my collegiate career and will hopefully assist me in becoming an excellent teacher who will "continually discover who I am and what I stand for, through my dialogue with peers, through ongoing and consistent study and through deep reflection about my craft."

Ms. Anderson

People grow through experience if they meet life honestly and courageously. This is how character is built. -Eleanor Roosevelt