Currently: Mixed Emotions

Hey everyone! It's been awhile since I've been on here, but its been for good reasons.  As you will see below, I began working on this post about a month ago.  I haven't been in the mood to write much and my focus has been on other things.

Currently:

Closing: Out another school year.  The end of this year was a rough one.  We were presented with a new test again this year.  We still have PASS testing for science and social studies, but the last two years have been different test for English, Writing, and Math.  With new test come new challenges.  It literally took the last six weeks of the school year away from counseling.  Counselors have to prepare all the test, and the process is too hard to explain.  We spend hour after hour in what we respectfully refer to as "The Dungeon".  One of our veteran teachers, who tends to work late, saw us one evening leaving out the same time he was.  His words to us were, "The trolls our out of their cave."  We all had a good laugh about it.  I'm just glad it's all over.

Grieving:  The loss of my uncle.  The eve of my last day of work, I received a phone call from my dad that really struck me hard.  His brother had passed that morning.  I had just spoken with Uncle George about two weeks ago and was looking forward to seeing him this summer. We held a memorial service for him on Saturday and everyone had such wonderful things to say about him I know that he is in a better place and is watching over all of us from above.  I just truly miss him.

Getting Inspired:  I just returned from the 2016 Education Business Summit and received a lot of inspiration for the upcoming school year.  I even got to meet Chef Jeff Henderson of Flip My Food.  He was one of our keynote speakers and he was AWESOME!  His story is definitely worth knowing.

Disappointed;  I participated in a box swap recently and was really looking forward to some happy mail on my return from the summit, but was sadly disappointed.  My partner did not follow through.  Well I hope she liked the gift I sent her.

Reviewing: Various things from Influenster.  Most recently was ZzzQuil and it really works.  It helps me fall asleep and stay asleep without waking up groggy.  I received my sample free for testing purposes and I think I will be buying some once school is back in session.  Want to join Influenster and get free goodies? Join here.

For when you need it most. #Zzzquil. Thanks @influenster and @ZzzQuil for the free sample. How did you know that I just returned from a conference and could barely sleep? Time to catch up on my beauty rest! Sometimes we all could use a little help. #influenster #contest #gotitforfree #freesamples #freestuff #SleeoLovers #ad #sunshineandelephants

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Jul 2, 2016 at 11:02am PDT

Thinking:  I have a lot on my mind and so much to ponder.  This is usually a more upbeat time of year for me and I 'm always looking forward to summer.  This year, I'm just not feeling it.  I don't feel like writing.  I don't have the energy to get out and go as usual.  I don't know.  Just kinda in a blah mood.  A lot of things to sort out for myself so you won't be seeing me much in the blogosphere.  But I will pop up every now and then. I have enjoyed reading others post and discovering new bloggers.  So you may not see much from me here, but I'll be around.  Until next time...Peace.

Do you go through periods where you have mixed emotions?  What are you currently up to?

Check out my Linking Up page to see where I'm sharing this post and others.

Currently May

Hey there May! You've arrived so soon, which means summer is right around the corner...Yippee!  :)  Just wanted to catch you up on what I've been up to lately.

Currently...

 Celebrating:  The end of the first week of testing! We made it through!  Long hours at work, but it all paid off.  So looking forward to this weekend.  Both of my boys will be home from college and it'll be Mother's Day weekend!  :) Check out this post my son sent to my Facebook page...priceless!  

This is my all-time favorite Mother's Day commercial from Publix...it always makes me cry.

Also, celebrating the life of the musical genius...Prince.  I think I am still in a state of disbelief.  It just doesn't seem real.  

Love you Prince. You will truly be missed. R.I.P.

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Apr 21, 2016 at 11:04am PDT

Reading:  Blog posts in my leisure and testing requirements at work.  I'm so ready for summer. 

Pondering:  What to do this summer?  I know I'll be spending time in Jacksonville with my friend Mia and her family.  Considering going to Wisconsin to visit family.  Haven't been in a while and it would be great to go during summer because the weather is so nice.  Need to plan some type of getaway now that I'm not going on the cruise...it's for good reason though.  Here's a little collage of me and Mia with two other friends.

Sipping:  On this deliciously, juicy Wonderful Wine Co. Red Wine Blend from my Club W subscription.  Have you used my link to get yourself a free bottle? 

 Going:  To our local Farmers Market.  Yes, I love to have a leisurely, Saturday stroll downtown, taking in the sites, and dining on some local produce.  

So what are you currently up to?

See where I'm linking up.

Currently April

Currently...

Making: Plans for the wine party I'm hosting.  Well at least that's what I was doing when I began this post.  Party was held and we all enjoyed!  Cheers!  :) 

Wishlisting:  on Pinterest. Just a few of the things that I'm loving right now.  I need to get back to pinning.  

Cleaning: Out my junk room or my catch all room or my...well you get the picture.

Posting:  this currently post, duh!!  No seriously, posting a whole lot of pics on Instagram in March.  Wow!  March was a very busy and exciting month for me.  Did you see my pics from Charleston Fashion Week? 

Tasting: Some new wine...Funk Zone Rose'.  This was the perfect wine to welcome in spring.  Its from Santa Barbara County, California and it is a very full-bodied, fruity wine that everyone would enjoy.  I also attended a wine tasting at one of my favorite local hangouts, Accent On Wine.  Such a lovely, quaint spot to unwind.  Over spring break, some friends and I checked out a new spot, SIP, and enjoyed their bottomless mimosas! 

So what are you currently up to?  
Other sites I'm linking up with.

Currently March Vol. 3

Currently...

Enjoying:  Our faculty Easter egg hunt!  The social committee put together a surprise hunt and sent out this email:

Teachers and staff, get hoppin’! Keep your ears peeled for numbered, paper eggs “hidden” around the building. The paper eggs can be found in any office areas, teacher work rooms, and teacher restrooms. Once found, please bring a single paper egg to the media center to be exchanged for the real deal J

Stuffed eggs contain chocolate and/or free jeans day, early out day, 50 cents toward the snack or soda of your choice, and, of course, the GOLDEN EGG which contains a crisp $20 bill.

Happy Spring Break! 

When I got to work the next day, I kept thinking they were going to hide mini, plastic eggs, but they hid handmade ones all around the school in some creative places.  We had a lot of fun and the prizes were great! See if you can find the one's hidden in these pictures.

Field Tripping: to Kiawah Island to expose students with an interest in the Architecture and Construction career cluster to the works of a local architect.  Let's just say we were all amazed at the beauty he created.

Starting:  Spring Break off with a bang!  Had dinner with a friend and she cooked up a delicious cajun, chicken casserole with an encrusted doritos chip topping.  I've got to get the recipe.  So far, I've  also enjoyed bottomless mimosas, and a great brunch at Bonefish Grill for Easter.

Notice the Funk Zone wine from Club W.  Love the bottle and the wine!

Receiving:  My Cozy Collection from Starbucks.  I was so hoping to get this back in February when it was nice and cold outside.  Love it's contents:  a nice, soft plaid throw blanket.  A nice official, ceramic mug.  Some shortbread cookies, marshmallows and some hot cocoa to indulge in.  It was a rainy Easter weekend, which cooled down the temperatures nicely, so I was able to try the hot cocoa and enjoy!

Celebrating:  Resurrection Day.  Our church service was very nice and the singing was spectacular as always.  I didn't think to grab a pic of my son before he took off his suit...bummer.  So, we snapped this one after we got home from brunch.  It'll suffice.

So what are you currently up to?  Check out my Linking Up page to see where I'm sharing this post.

Currently March Vol. 2

Currently...

Welcoming: Spring...Spring is here!  I  am looking forward to the warm weather, the beautiful flowers, and festivals galore.  Not quite sure what's going on at the present, cause our temperatures have taken a slight dip.  Today's high was only in the 60s, it was raining, and chilly.  Tomorrow is expected to be the same, minus the rain.

Happy Sunday and happy first day of Spring! It's raining in these parts today so I'm in for a day of relaxing. How are you spending your day? Btw, did you enter my #giveaway? Go back a few post for more details. #spring #firstdayofspring #springishere #grabbagofgoodies #hellospring #hellospringgiveaway #bloggersgetsocial

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Mar 20, 2016 at 8:16am PDT

Hosting:  A giveaway!  Its spring and what better way to welcome it then by giving away a few gifts to my awesome followers.  Have you entered? Then what are you waiting for!  Click the photo below to get to the post and enter.  ***Update:  Giveaway has ended. ***

Attending:  Charleston Fashion Week!  I could only make it one night, but what a night of fun it was! It was my cousin's second year modeling and she was able to book 10 events!  So proud of her and wishing her much success in the future.  

Check out this video from the Lilly Pulitzer collection during the Belk runway show.  

My cousin in action! Work it Bailyn! @bai.temil Enjoyed having you here this week! #belk #lillypulitzer #chsfw10 #Charleston #charlestonliving #fashion #fashionweek #charlestonfashionweek #bloggersgetsocial #family #runway

A video posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Mar 19, 2016 at 4:14pm PDT

Celebrating:  My boys' birthday. I was only able to spend time with one that day, the other was still away at college. They turned 22 and I couldn't be more happier or proud of the the men they are becoming.  Love you guys!  

Sending a big shout out to my boys on their 22nd #birthday!☺ Happy Birthday fellas and may God Bless you with many many more! Love you, Mom! #birthdaywishes #HappyBirthday #twins #love #mommiesblessings #fraternaltwins #brothers #family

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Mar 8, 2016 at 9:06pm PST

The day may be ending, but the festivities never end. Hope you guys enjoyed your day! #Publix makes the nicest cakes. Bought this one for the eldest @themakingofhim since he was home on #springbreak. It was bittersweet...this is the first year the #twins did not bring their #birthday in together. The youngest @onlysavon will be home soon and we will all #celebrate together as we always do! Don't worry, he received some of his #gifts in the mail. Others still to come. #Familyfirst is our motto. #Love you boys! #pisces #birthdaywishes #22 #22years #HappyBirthday #loveyouguys #birthdaycake #presents #chocolate

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Mar 9, 2016 at 8:58pm PST

Eating:  This delicious Chop Salad at Fish.  It's ingredients include romaine, bacon, cashews, dried fruits, rice croutons, and boursin cheese vinaigrette.   When I say delicious, I mean DELICIOUS!  

What are you currently up to?  

See where I am sharing this post by checking out my Linking Up page.

Currently March

Currently...

Wishing:  I would stop breaking out in hives!!!  I have broken out every single day for 3 weeks now.  I'm so over it.  I'm asking my allergist for a steroid shot.

Craving and Sharing:  What else?  Wine of course!  I love wine!  It is a regular staple in my house, which you should know by now.  If you are craving wine, then you should take advantage of a free bottle compliments of me...I love my monthly subscription to Club W and I know you will, too.  Enjoy one month or more...it's up to you.  Cancel anytime.  Check it out and see how much you love it! Click here to access link. https://plus.google.com/115166300750359886097/posts/26PNyjPgm9h

Happy #Saturday! Hope everyone is enjoying their #weekend. We've got blue skies and mild weather here in #Charleston and #FedEx just delivered a #specialtreat, #ClubW to be exact! Too bad I won't be able to sample my new selections this week, but I definitely will be soon! Have you tried @ClubW? What are you waiting for? Go to my link and enjoy a free bottle. http://www.ClubW.com/w5n1unwsvx #linkinbio #chs #wine #subscriptionbox #liquidhappiness #bloggersgetsocial

A photo posted by sunshineandelephants (@sunshine.and.elephants) on Mar 5, 2016 at 10:39am PST

Did you catch my virtual wine party with my friend, Michelle?  Check it out here.

Wearing:  The lovely scent of Pleasures by Estee Lauder, my signature scent for almost 22 years.

Purchasing:  Gifts for my boys!  Their birthday is March 9th!  I can't wait to surprise them!

Cooking: Quiche…you want some?  J

@SITSGirls Grab your plates the quiche is done! #SITSBlogging pic.twitter.com/uwmPg5n3zY

— L Jamison (@sunphant) February 20, 2016

Collecting:  Water for Flint, Michigan.  I spoke about it in my last Thank You Notes.  

So, what are you currently up to?  Please share with me below. 

 See where I am sharing this post by visiting my Linking Up page.

Currently November Vol. 2

Today was one of those days.  Long, busy, and tiring.  Sorry to seem so hum drum, but I'm just really tired.  I apologize for the lack of pictures.  Like I said, it was one of those days.

Currently...

Feeling:  STRESSED!!!  Yes, I said it...I am stressed!  I can feel the tension in my neck.  My body is tired and don't feel like doing anything.  As an educator, we have to deal with so much and some things just don't make a lot of sense.  One of the hardest parts of my job, at times, are the parents.  Enough said.

Eating:  A baked, sweet potato.  Sounds pretty boring, huh?  Well I'm too tired to cook tonight.

Sitting:  On my couch writing this post and looking at listening to the evening news.  This may seem boring to some, but I enjoy the news.  Plus, its good to keep up with what is going on in the world.

Teaching:  Today, I visited classes to discuss with them the dangers of Cyberbullying and Internet Safety.  It's one of my favorite lessons to teach.  For the most part, my presentations went as planned, but there is always that one class.  I had to constantly redirect them and some of them were not fully focused or they weren't taking the lesson seriously.  I hope that what I was teaching them sunk in.

Anticipating:  A better day tomorrow!  We have our annual Veterans Day program first thing in the morning.  Thank you for all you do.

Well that's about it for me today.  I will say that writing this post has helped me to de-stress.  Slowly getting back to normal.  Things are not always sunny, but we always have tomorrow to look forward to.  Hope your day was a good one!   What are you currently up to?

Currently October

Its hard to believe that October is here.  The weather was beautiful for awhile and then Mother Nature made a strong appearance this past weekend.  The Weather Channel couldn't stop talking about the flooding in Charleston and the surrounding area.  Surprisingly, the entire state of SC has been declared a state of emergency due to storms and flash flooding.  Luckily, my neighborhood was not affected although surrounding streets were closed.  Hopefully, this bad weather is behind us and clearer skies are ahead.
   
Today I'm joining Anne and Jenna for their monthly Currently linkup.  This month's themes are eating, exploring, wearing, admiring, and collecting.

Currently...

Eating: I made it to the grocery store and stocked up on some goodies!  Today, I'm enjoying Cajun seasoned pork chops stuffed with Cajun wild rice.  Oh, and some Ghirardelli chocolate brownies for dessert.  Yum!

Exploring:  All the tweets I favored from The SITS Girls weekly Sharefest Twitter Party... #SITSBlogging .  


Wearing:  The key word for the last few days has been comfort.  Being cooped up in the house due to flooding, I've been lounging around in warm ups and pjs.    Today, I was able to  venture out to the front of my neighborhood to get groceries.  Can't go too far because surrounding roads are still closed.  I'm wearing my Fit Happens t-shirt from Snapfit. I won it during an Instagram giveaway.  Isn't it nice?
                    

Admiring:  All the first responders and emergency service personnel that are risking there lives to ensure the safety of others, especially in SC right now.  God bless you!

Collecting:  Various pumpkin recipes.  I have truly fallen in love with the taste.  First the Pumpkin Spiced Latte at Starbucks.  If you haven't tried it...YOU MUST!!!  I posted about it on Instagram.  Then, my friend Michelle starts writing about pumpkin chocolate chip cookies in this post.  Oh my goodness, they look so yummy! You should check out my newest Pinterest board, Pumpkin Everything.  I'm sure you'll find something to interest you.

So what have you been eating, exploring, wearing, admiring, and collecting lately?  I would love to hear.

Check out my Linking Up page to see where I'm sharing this post.
embergrey.com

Currently September

Currently...

Hi everyone and Hello September!  It's back to work time for me and I've been extremely busy.  Being a school counselor is no joke.  I'm hoping that my blogging will not have to take a back seat.    

At the first of the month, I follow the prompts of Anne and Jenna  and I'm so glad you are joining me to see what I am currently up to.

Reading:  If this were not a prompt, I wouldn't have it here.  I wanted to say...You would be so proud of me, but unfortunately that is not the case.  I have stated many times that I never seem to have time for reading, and things don't seem to be changing.  I am going to make a conscious effort to pick up a book and read it.  However, I have been reading many blog posts on the internet and magazines.

Making: Wine!  Well sort of.  At least that's what I had plan to do. This past weekend some friends and I attempted to attend the annual Grape Stomping Festival at Irvin-House Vineyards.  Due to the overwhelming response, the fire marshall halted traffic and wouldn't allow anyone else in.  They had reached maximum capacity which has never happened.  Needless to say, we weren't very happy.  A couple of friends made it in and sent us pictures as we waited at the entrance.  How fun...NOT!  

Pinning:  I am constantly pinning items that relate to the counseling profession.  Check out my Counseling Anyone board for more details. You won't be disappointed!  

Anticipating: Another great year of blogging.  I am celebrating my 1st Blogiversary and I'm hosting a giveaway.  You should go check it out here.  (Update...giveaway has ended, but you can still check out the post!)

Loving:  My Amazon Fire TV Stick that I purchased on Prime Day (July 15).  I am able to catch up on movies and utilize my subscription to Netflix.

What are you currently up to?  

Check out my "Linking Up" page to see where I'm sharing this post.

http://www.embergrey.com/

Currently August Vol. 3

I'm really starting to get into posting a weekly update of my everyday life.  Don't know how long this will last, but thanks for stopping by to see.

Currently...

Meeting:  Today, I had the pleasure of meeting my online friend and blogger, Michelle, of Grammie Time!  She was visiting family down in my "neck of the woods" and she contacted me to met for lunch.  I first met Michelle through her blog.  Her inspiring words and fun-loving personality instantly caught my attention. Shes very family oriented and is a wine lover like me.  Obviously, she felt the same about me because we instantly connected.  We developed a friendship online and its great to know that we have a genuinely, real friendship.  I'm looking forward to many more meetups!

Listening to:   A little bit of everything.  I love all genres of music from Jazz to Country.  Good music is good music. 

Receiving:  Gifts from my sons.  A grab bag of goodies.  :)

Cooking:  Now that I'm back at work, I'm trying to be more proactive with my time by preparing my meals in advance.  Today, I am cooking stuffed flank steak and mesquite spare ribs.  Yum!

Watching:  Tonight's sunset.  I'm crazy about these things.

How are you currently spending your time?  Share with me below.

To see where I'm sharing this post, check out my "Linking Up" page.

http://www.embergrey.com/  http://www.choosehappybb.blogspot.com/   http://www.threekidsandafish.com/   Twinkly Tuesday    Shine blog hop  September Farm  Best of the Blogosphere   Tuesday Talk   Inspire Me Monday  Wine'd Down Wednesday   While I'm Waiting Friday Favorites  TGIF Blog Hop  Totally Terrific Tuesday

Currently August Vol. 2

Celebrating:  August 10th was my birthday!!  Can you hear the excitement?   Forty-four years that God has blessed me here on Earth.

Loving:  All the love I received through emails, gifts and calls for my birthday!  

Feeling Blessed:  I was nominated for a Liebster Award and have been featured by other bloggers I admire.  You can read about it here and here.  I've only been blogging for a year, so I am truly honored.

Eating:  Back to work this week and lunch was catered by our lovely PTSA ladies and others.  We had a massive spread of Mexican cuisine on Monday.  Guess what I had for dinner?  The same.

Busy:  At work, we have been preparing to take on the 980+ middle-schoolers preparing to walk through our doors Monday morning.  Here we are at our annual district convocation getting pumped up for success!

Feeling:  Exhausted! This week has really taken a toll on my body.  I came home and fell asleep on the couch.  I'm not a drooler, but today I was.  So sorry.