Sunday, February 17, 2013

WOW Walmart 2.0

Who needs amusements parks, beaches, fancy restaurants, and a night life when you have Tahoe Joes, Target, Dewars, and Walmart?

Not me. In my words during our adventures this evening, "I loooove Bakersfiiiiiield!"

Christy and I are quite skilled at making our own adventures. Remember this one from a little over a year ago??? Quite a gem, I must say.

So, we decided to reenact it--or create a Walmart 2.0--if you will. Enjoy. :)

Is it a candle or a dessert??


 Sad? Eat some fruit SMILES!


 Candle? Dessert? Weapon??


 There's a candle to use while praying to win the lottery? SERIOUSLY?!?


 True story.


 True story.


 Don't mess with the moo moo.


 Future home? One can pray...


 Hello there kitty. 


 Good book, Chrissy?



 You better watch out, Bryan!


I've got mad ninja skills.


Doubt it. 


Stay tuned for Walmart 3.0 next year!

Monday, February 11, 2013

My Kids Need Your Help!

And when I say "my kids" I, of course, mean my students. They will forever and always be "my kids".

I teach an intervention class for students who are quite behind--some are even reading at 1st or 2nd grade level right now. I desperately want to help bring these kids up to grade level (or as close to it as possible), so I created a project on donorschoose to help me do just that.

If you have a minute, please click on this link to read all about it! We'd LOVE your help!

AND, guess what the best part is? If you use the code HEART, your donation will be matched!!!

Right now, we still need $184, but if the code is used on your donations, we'll only need to raise $92. Will you consider being a part of changing these lives?

You can also use this address to access my project: http://www.donorschoose.org/aerickson.

Thanks SO much!

Aren't they cute?!? Ok, I know you can't see their faces, 
but there are rules against such things. :) 



Friday, February 8, 2013

Bang...Bang...Bang...

...or so my students have been chanting for about a week and a half. 

They think they're so darn clever! :)

I decided a few weeks ago that I wanted to get my hair cut--for real, not just a trim like I've done...well...basically my entire life. The only time I've ever let anyone near my hair was when Janelle did this to me in Romania (don't worry, it was wash-out dye):


I'm not sure what I was thinking, but I didn't seen to care as much when I was over there. Prior to that, and since then, my hair has been long, blond, and untouched--with the exception of a few trims here and there.

So, when I decided to bite the bullet and go for a new hairdo, I settled on the Carrie Underwood look long layers, and side swiped bangs.

I was quite nervous. I hadn't had bangs since 5th grade when my brother came home from school and told me they weren't cool anymore (no joke). I wasn't sure I could handle them.

But, I put on my big-girl panties and decided to go for it. I really enjoyed the hair-washing part, but I had to hold in my gasps and grimaces as she started chopping away. Ridiculous, I know. I trusted her, but it was still unnerving.

As soon as she cut the long bangs, I knew they were going to drive me crazy! I couldn't imagine trying to constantly keep them out of my face. So, I told her to keep on going...

...the end result? More of a T-Swift look than a Carrie do, but I loved it. Who knew?

Here is a before and after (although the "before" is not the best shot):



And, of course, my kids made a HUGE deal about it (like they do with most things). I'm not sure what was more shocking--me in a cast on the first day of school or me showing up with bangs. They still like to chant "bang, bang, bang" when they see me in the halls. Charming, huh? 

Tuesday, February 5, 2013

Supposed to Be...

Six months ago (last Saturday) I had foot surgery.

Today, six months later, I was supposed to have two good feet. I was supposed to be all better--whatever that means.


I was supposed to be able to:

~run around the block (or farther) if I wanted to.
~work out easily and get in better shape before my brother's wedding.
~run errands on a Saturday without a second thought.
~walk around Target at night without my foot turning the color of the giant balls outside.
~wear whatever shoes I wanted.
~drive down to see my roommates' babies (ripmyheartoutplease) whenever I wanted.


But, that's obviously not the case. My supposed to be is not God's supposed to be...

In God's supposed to be, I am:

~figuring out how to adjust and modify aspects of my life (I'm pretty sure that's a decent life skill).
~learning how to be an advocate in my own health care.
~spending more time with some amazing people (shout out to In-Step Physical Therapy).
~hopefully helping others become more aware of CRPS.
~going to USC next month to see a specialist.
~learning to trust deeper.

~realizing that God's supposed to be IS what's supposed to be

For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, declares the Lord.
 ~Isaiah 55:8