Lora's United States of Whatever

I am a self-proclaimed nerd. I love to read and write, and I'd rather do that than watch TV. Using new vocabulary words exhilarates me (Geez, the sky looks ominous today!), and silently correcting the grammar of others is a daily occurrence. (Your is possessive; if you mean YOU ARE, then write you're!) I have always wanted to be in a real book club, and about two years ago that dream came true! I get so excited for our monthly meetings, so we can discuss the characters, setting, plot, and themes of our latest read. I've even started typing up questions to bring to book club to deepen our conversations. #SoNerdy Being nerdy in one of my favorite Harry Potter t-shirts! A few years ago a couple of my 5th grade students introduced me to the world of Harry Potter. I had refused to read the series for years, thinking that there's no way an adult could enjoy the world of witches and wizards. Then, these boys convinced me that as their reading teacher, I had to read it! O...

Recently, we had to replace a ton of the grass in our backyard. After the new sod was down, our backyard looked like a patchwork quilt. You could distinctly see the difference between the new grass and the old. And it didn't help that the summer heat was beating down on the new, tender bermuda. Since I've been home for summer, my daily job has been to water the grass. First, I tried setting out a sprinkler. This worked for some parts of the yard, but I kept having to move it around so that all of the grass got watered. Next, I decided to try using the water hose. By using the hose, I was able to concentrate on areas that were having a hard time growing. Some areas of the yard get a TON of sun and need more water. I made it my goal to get this grass growing! For about a week, I went out in the afternoon, in addition to my morning watering session, to really give those struggling sections the TLC they needed. As you can tell, I rather enjoyed watering the lawn! (I even starte...

I love to run, but lately, I’ve struggled with motivation. Usually, changing something up, running a different path or listening to different music, helps. So, last week, I hopped on Amazon Music and started browsing. When I found the 2000s Hip Hop Cardio Blast station, I just knew this station would pump me up! As I was running, I time-traveled back to Tahlequah, Oklahoma to Northeastern State University. Granny’s Attic and The Cubby Hole, two late-night hot spots, were vivid in my mind. I could remember dancing “shaking it like a salt shaker” and “moving my body like a cyclone” with my ΔΖ sisters! Isn’t it amazing how music can transport us like this? Ladies of Delta Zeta at Sleepy Hollow - 2004 Music is a big part of who we are as a family. When I get ready in the mornings, I listen Greg & Izzy playing guitar - 2010 to music and so does Greg. I grew up taking piano lessons, and Greg plays the guitar. Izzy has a keyboard and a karaoke machine… and a drum set is on...

Cruisin' in Daddy's  Jeep Spending time with Izzy is one of my favorite things to do. From our morning car rides to school jamming out to The Greatest Showman to our evenings spent sitting on the couch reading, those are some of the best parts of my day. Traveling with Izzy is another one of my favorite things. Greg and I love to show her new places. Most days are really good, (you see lots of those good moments on my highlight reel!) and I cherish those good times. During the school year, I am so thankful to have wonderful teachers who will text, send a quick email, or pop into my room after school to share about Izzy. Often times, though, those conversations are about an obstacle. I’ll never forget when Mrs. Beeman, Izzy’s kindergarten teacher, shared with me that Izzy said, “Sarah* is jackin’ around!” OMG! I was mortified... however, she used that language in perfect context, so I was a little proud, too. Sarah* really was jackin’ around! More often than not, thoug...