"Sleep with one eye open, gripping your pillow tight!!"

For the past two nights, I have had extremely strange, creepy dreams. Dreams I can recall with sharp clarity, which is something I am rarely able to do. You would think my brain would just shut down, knowing it has a full week off from work. Apparently not...

Dream 1: I feel this one is pretty self-explanatory, but still creepy...

This is why I do not watch movies with scary, unidentifiable life forms in them. We watched the movie PROMETHEUS last night, and I spent entire night having horrible dreams that everyone I knew who got pregnant ended up having a creepy, slimy squid-octopus baby who wanted to eat everyone and throw blood around with his 8 tentacles....

Kicker of it all! NO ONE would kill the things because they actually wanted to study them. PULEAHSE!!

Dream 2: This is the strange one...

I heard an awful noise around 4 am this morning. Sounded like someone was either trying to break in the apartment or steal cars from outside.... lots of strange clanging and banging noises. Woke Dylan up... he deduced it was the trash guys gathering the recycle stuff.

Went back to sleep only to dream people were actually trying to get in our apartment using items from the recycle bin. Dylan was not with me; so Goobz and I took off running from said "badguys." Badguys chased us with Fanta Orange soda glass bottles that had been broken into shards... (I read a book how these were/are used as torture methods in Afghanistan.) The plastic containers that hold bottles of water and coke were also chasing us. Yes, they had legs!

Weirdest of all! Mr. Castillo, our Vice Principal at work, tried to save us BUT he talked so slow and had such a hard time getting his words out ( this is true on a regular basis) that the plastic containers got us just as my alarm went off. Saved by the bell!!!

Thanks for everything...

"We never know which lives we influence, or when or why."

-Stephen King-

I will forever remember the men and women in my life who taught me the joys of learning, who taught me how to earn my accomplishments, who taught me the satisfaction of a job well done, who taught me the tough moments are there for a reason so embrace them; they forge your future. I remember those individuals who showed me the world, even if it was from inside a classroom. I remember those teachers who taught me to always learn something new; the mind is a wonderful thing and must be continually challenged. I remember those moments in class, which at the time I did not know, but those moments planted the seed for teaching inside of me. I remember those teachers who taught me there is no greater joy than to explain something to someone and have their eyes light up with understanding and interest; to know you have changed some small portion of someone for the better. Most importantly, you have chosen to teach not for your own personal gain but because you know each individual out there deserves to enjoy the world... the whole wide world, just as much as you do. 

We should be thankful every month, but November is truly a month to reflect on those people you are most thankful for. I am thankful for Mrs. Wicker (1st grade), Mrs. Bauman (5th grade), Mr. Arbuckle (6th grade), Coach Williams (7th-8th grade), Mrs Rice (AP), Mrs. Hartman (AP), Mrs. Mosteller (AP), Dr. Bailey (college), Newspaper/Journalism editor Mrs. McGill, Coach Suz and Coach Randy (tennis), Miss Diane (piano) and Mr. Poos (self-defense, among many many other things). There are many more, but these individuals stand out in my mind. I strive to remember your lessons, advice and encouragement on a daily basis. I strive to be the person each one of you saw in little Megan, way back when. 

Today, I was gifted with a letter from a young student who found herself a stronger person after having had my AP class. Here is what she said:

"Mrs. Carey, 

      Your AP World History class has been my favorite of all four years of high school. Thank you. In all honesty, you gave a lot of work, and quizzes, and tests, and timed writing essays, and lectures and chapter readings, but I am a better person for them. The first day I was so surprised that such a large volume of voice could come from such a small person! But you quickly became my all-time favorite teacher... I still remember the Aztec culture, and how they sacrificed blood to their gods. I remember the Roman Empire and their technological advances. I remember the Chinese dynasties and how they never were pronounced the way they looked. I loved the way you taught; you were so into it and intense when you wanted us to remember something really important. Thank you for helping me pass the AP exam. Thank you for everything.

                            -Your Student"

I had a nice, sweet cry over this letter, such a precious gift. I pray these students have people in their lives who see deep down into the amazing person each one of them can be, just as I did. What a responsibility we all have... Thank you November for giving me the opportunity to look back with fond memories on my own teachers, and to become one of those in the present day.

Just open your eyes and see: Life. Is. Beautiful.

We are truly having a Fall down in South Texas this year, with highs in the 70s and 80s and lows in the 50s with zero humidity. The trees have actually changed colors! Dylan and I decided to hit the road this past weekend for another "Weekend Warrior Carey Adventure" to the McKinney State Park of Austin, Texas.

We saw this rock in the Onion Creek that runs throughout the entire park. Take a look at the face! I swear it looks like one of those ghosts from GHOSTBUSTERS!!! Dylan and I had a good laugh about this for the rest of the hike.

Of course the Goobz went too! We took him with us, fully prepared for him to only want to walk/hike around 3 miles or so and then we would carry him in the backpack the rest of the way; however, we were in for a surprise! We hiked around 7 1/2 miles that morning, and Goobz did THE WHOLE THING by himself! We did not carry him once! Now, we stopped for breaks quite a bit and were prepared with lots of water and treats for him , which I think made all the difference. Dylan and I just continue to be impressed with this little guy. He is such a happy puppy dog! He is extremely curious about the world around him. He likes to be challenged and loves to be outside! God truly did bless us when he put Goober into our lives.

He was wiped though, after we finally got back in the car! Curled up in the back with all the pillows and camping stuff and took a long nap! We then took off for North Austin to visit my Cousin Kate and her awesome husband Chris because they just had a new baby boy! He is the first of the second-generation grandchildren in the Day Family. Gabriel is his name, and he is such a handsome young man!

Dylan and I were impressed! He is a happy baby! Likes to sleep... alot, which I am beginning to understand is what babies do best. He was awake for a little while, which was fun! He is around 9 weeks old, with lots of facial expressions and noises. He is trying to talk to you and makes strange noises the whole time. He smiles with a cute little dimple in his right cheek. He has big blue eyes, which follow you around with such purpose. All in all, a wonderful addition to our family! Plus, Kate and Chris make a wonderful parent team. It was such a beautiful, sweet thing to watch Chris lovingly rock his baby boy and to hear the love and inflection from Kate when she held her son. :)

My own family continues to melt my heart on a regular basis! As Dylan and I continue to seek God and his new purpose for our lives, we feel ourselves opening up to the more simpler things in this life.

"You can't quit until you try. You can't live until you die... You gotta laugh when you're the joke.... ALIVE. just open your eyes, open your eyes and see that Life. Is. Beautiful."

-SIXX A.M.-

It's a Bird! It's a Plane! It's.... James Bond?

Another stellar conversation from my AP students today:

AP Student 1: So what is this movie SKYFALL about? Why are people so excited for it?

AP Student 2: It is another Superman movie. Skyfall.... because he can fly. DUH! 

Me: No, it is a James Bond movie with Daniel Craig.

AP Student 1: How come he is British? I mean, if you are going to have a hot, badass person shouldn't he be American?

AP Student 2: Bond is a British secret agent. DUH!

AP Student 1: Yah, well, that is stupid because British people are lame. Mrs. Carey, where is Britain anyway? Is it like, an important place?

Me: Shakes head in disgust and walks away... Future of America right here I think to myself.

"Off to Never-Never Land"

Team Carey, the "Weekend Warriors," took off to good ole New Orleans last weekend to see Metallica play at the Voodoo Rock Fest in City Park, New Orleans. Now, 8 hours is a long way to drive for a band, but Metallica is one of Dylan's all time favorite bands. Plus, they are getting ready to tour out of country for a year, so it just seemed ridiculous to pass up this chance.

The 3 of us headed out Friday, arriving in New Orleans Saturday morning. Goobz travels very well in the car, hotel, etc. He likes to either sit curled up in my lap or on top of the console. He watches the road just like Dylan.. too cute!

Spent Saturday morning playing in City Park with Goobz

Voodoo Fest 2012: Saw the bands Revivalists (good), AWOLNATION (good), Seven Suns Pick Up (lame) and Metallica (brought down the house!!)

Lead singer James Hetfield

This was my first hard rock/metal concert. It was an experience!!! I loved the intensity of the band. I was blown away by the serious musical talent these men have on their instruments and vocals. I was impressed by the fact these men can still rock for 2 hours at the age of 50 or older. The music which Dylan plays all the time and I have listened to for the past 7 years now meant so much more to hear it live. I have never heard music that loud though, and did feel as if I would not hear again for a few days. The bass was ridiculous.. I could feel it all the way into my bones.

My one negative comment about this whole experience is the "habits" and "indulgences" people choose to imbibe and inhale in while at a concert. These things make you drunk, high and STUPID. Seriously never seen so many stupid people in one place at one time in my entire life. That, I can sooo live without experiencing for a very long time.

 Bada** drummer Lars Ulrich

Lead guitarist Kirk Hammett

Roads

Tonight I find myself in a me-lan-cho-ly mood (thanks MegaMind). Life has not been going as planned of late, causing me to truly evaluate the decisions I have previously made and those I still must make. 

It is a strange feeling to finally find myself getting to make a decision purely based on how I feel, what I want (also including Dylan and Goobz). I am 26 years old and have basically made decisions based upon what was necessary in life at the time or more recently, the "grown-up" thing to do, minus a few key moments. And to be quite honest, as exciting as this may seem, from a person who is a typical Type-A personality, bent on pleasing everyone else around me all the time, this feeling is extremely scary and terrifying, not going to lie. 

This song by Chris Mann, my pick for winner of the TV show The Voice last year, spoke to my heart this weekend. I know I go with the promises of God and His faithfulness, but until the decision has been revealed or made, let us walk along the roads....

There are roads in this life that we all travel.

There are scars and there are battles where we roam. 

When we are lost or wherever we may go, 

They will always lead you home

There are roads that have lead me to another

To a friend or to a lover I have known.

For every turn is a year that I have grown,

As I walk along these roads

Some are long and some are weathered.

Some will lead you through a storm.

When you’ve gone astray you will find your way,

As you walk along these roads

There were times when I stumbled and I wondered.

But every choice and every step I don’t regret,

Cause I have lived and I have loved like no other.

I won’t fear what lies ahead.

Some are long and some are weathered.

Some will lead you through a storm.

When you’ve gone astray you will find your way,

As you walk along these roads

There are roads in this life that I have traveled.

There are scars and there are battles, these I know,

Cause I’d be lost but no matter where I go,

They will one day lead me home.

They will one day lead me home.

"It's all right to be a Lil Bitty...."

"A good ole boy and a pretty little girl... (and a) little bitty dog..."

-Alan Jackson-

Fall has officially come to San Antonio this year, in 2012, and my little family is so excited!! Highs have been in the mid-80s with lows in the 60s and today, Oct. 7th, the high was 53!!! It smells so unbelievably good in San Anton; the air is crisp and clean. Crazy, I know?! Cool enough to turn your nose pink and make you want a jacket and scarf, but not enough to freeze you out just yet. Pretty sure my little family is beginning to think we belong somewhere with cooler weather because all 3 of us, Goobz included, have been in great moods these past weeks and especially this weekend. 

Goobz has been a hoot lately, which I realize is no different than any other day, but I just have to share his latest exploits because they make Dylan and I laugh so dad gum hard!!! 

We have started playing outside right after I get home from work. Goobz just wants to run around outside, roll around in the grass and chase his toy bone. 

Still likes to drop his toys down the stairs and have you throw them back to him. Repeat process over and over and over and over and one more time... over again.

Sometimes we think there is a little too much love going on in this house. Goobz has started mimicking Dylan and I, and frankly, it is a little scary. He talks to you when you ask him questions. The more you laugh, the more excited he becomes when you play with him. He watches the TV screen when we watch movies and likes to sit in my lap while I read and look at the pages too. He likes to hug you... puts his paws on your chest and moves in close to put his head on your shoulder. Most importantly though, he wants to give you smoochies "kisses" all the time. He is an equal opportunity kisser- both Dylan and I get an equal share of the love. He can do this for up to 10 minutes; we have timed him before. You just make it worse if you try to pull away, so it is just best to close your eyes, shut your mouth and endure.

The weather has cooled off, so Goober is back sleeping in bed with us. He prefers the rug on the floor when it is hot and we are grateful for this. But now he is back in bed, wanting to be right in the middle of Dylan and I. He does not bother me at all, but apparently he likes to kick Dylan. hehe! He is awfully cute though when he wants to snuggle.

Goobz has been finding "treasures" on our walks of late. His latest find is a golf ball, which has turned out to become a great toy because it is indestructible! Only one other toy has managed to stand up to Goobz' ferocious teeth; therefore, I am excited to have another toy that causes Goobz to work hard and get angry because he cannot conquer it.

We have a massive acorn tree in our front yard and the acorns just drive Goober nuts! He cannot put them all in his mouth at a time, so he gets angry when they fall out. He cannot crack them, so he just carries them around in his mouth and deposits them in small piles all around the yard and sometimes they find their way into our house as well. If you let a big handful of them go at one time, it is hilarious to watch because he cannot decide which one to go after so he just runs around like a chicken with his head cut off!! :)

  "Wise, wise canine"

Best of all though, an REI opened in San Anton, right down the street from us! We are both super excited, but Dylan is even more excited than I am. They had their Grand Opening this past weekend and gave away free gear and gift cards ranging to $100 bucks to the first 100 or so customers each morning. We got up on Sunday around 4:45 am to be one of the first people in line in 45 degree weather. That's dedication folks!!