Snow, Snow, and More Snow
Two hour delay?
I rolled over this morning to the phone ringing extremely early and noticed I was getting a call from the infamous Wayde Byard. Imagine my surprise when I realized a two hour delay meant more time to sleep. Perfect. As usual, I hadn't gotten to bed as early as I had hoped. Rolling over, I smiled in pure bliss with the thought of more shut eye. That didn't last long. My eyes were still closed...but my brain was fully awake and decided it would not let me sleep. I tried, oh boy did I try, to sleep. Alas, I climbed out of bed and decided to start my morning. I guess accomplishing something was just as good as sleeping.
After spending time on BlackBoard and getting caught up with some reading for class, I knew it was time to get ready for work. I was dressed and bundled up to start my car in the Polar Vortex that had decided to totally manipulate my life. I stepped out the door, but then I saw the cutest thing laid out before me in the snow. Overnight, a bunny had pranced across our lawn and left his adorable little tracks. Despite the chill penetrating my bones, I had to stop and marvel at this beautiful piece of nature's artwork. As silly as it may seem, it made me realize that maybe this was a metaphor for my life. Here I was, dreading the day ahead and life made me stop and enjoy a simple beauty. I really need to stop stressing over my to-do lists and allow myself to enjoy life as it happens around me. That's my new challenge to myself...here's hoping I can handle it!
Bunny Tracks in the Snow
Enough Pontificating!
I guess really I should introduce myself instead of going on and on about the musings of my life. So, here goes! This is my tenth year of teaching and fifth year at Potomac Falls High School. I taught at River Bend Middle School, our feeder school, for five years. I absolutely love being a Panther and my school's community. This year, like the last three, I'm teaching Freshman English and Creative Writing. I've really enjoyed both courses in the past few years and have learned so many lessons from my students.
Prior to beginning my teaching career, I attended Longwood University in Farmville, Virginia, where I received a B.A. in English and Secondary Education. The years I spent at Longwood were the only years in which I lived outside of Loudoun County. I'm a rarity in that I was born and raised here in Loudoun County- a true native!
I love to be outside and exercising is a great way to clear my mind. I also thoroughly enjoy being in the kitchen to concoct new recipes and dishes. Even though I'm wholly devoted to the Potomac Falls Panthers, I'm first and foremost an avid Redskins fan!
Enjoying a Skins game with the hubs! (Notice his hat- sigh...he says I can be a Seahawks fan now that we're married!)
Other than devoting my time to my students and the 'Skins, I couldn't be happier to be curled up with a good book, and I encourage the same for my students! Literacy is so integral to who we are as learners and individuals. I truly believe that reading will help develop students as creative and motivated learners.
This past year brought an exciting new change to my life. In May, my boyfriend proposed and we quickly decided we would rather have a quick engagement. On October 13, 2013, I walked up the aisle to marry Steve and become Mrs. Hawley. I am so blessed to have such a supportive and loving husband and cannot wait for all of our new adventures as the Hawleys.
This past year brought an exciting new change to my life. In May, my boyfriend proposed and we quickly decided we would rather have a quick engagement. On October 13, 2013, I walked up the aisle to marry Steve and become Mrs. Hawley. I am so blessed to have such a supportive and loving husband and cannot wait for all of our new adventures as the Hawleys.
