Day 9....Picture from my day...

I promise I didn't give up on this story of my life in 31 easy installments! Today's challenge is a picture from my day. In my usual style throughout my life, I decided to take a twist on the theme. Rather than boring you with a picture of my coffee or a pile of papers I've been putting off going through, I decided to use a picture I came across the other day while surfing around on Facebook...

The moment I saw this, I thought to myself about how much sense it really makes. I am so guilty of wanting to hurry through life and get to where it is I think that I am going. I have a tendency to stew over the past and worry senselessly about the future. But the truth is, that is like wasting a time. Worrying is as useful as trying to ride a bike with no wheels: it's a lot of work, takes up your time, and gets you no where in the end. I have learned the hard way that life is half chance and half choice. We have to make the best out of the chances we get and try as hard as we can to make good choices. Things may not have fallen into place the way I thought they would or even as I had planned. I may not be at the exact point I thought I would be at this point in my life, but I'm ok. I will get there when I get there. And when I do, I plan to arrive in style. 

Day 8....my advice to you

Today's challenge is to dole out a piece of advice that I have for others. There is so much irony that surrounds advice. It often comes to us unsolicited, we don't take it when we really need to, and we are often too full of pride to to ask for it when we really need it. There are also the oxymorons of advice such as "Don't sweat the small stuff" and "What doesn't kill you will make you stronger". Well, we all know that sometimes that is a load of crap. There are things in our lives that while aren't huge obstacles to others, but they for the person going through it its worth sweating over. Then there are times we while we do come out alive, we come out feeling much weaker than stronger.

I found this particular challenge a bit challenging in itself. It was hard for me to think of just one piece of advice that I would give out. Then my brain took me back to 1999. I was a senior in high school and there was a popular new song on the radio, Everybody's Free to Wear Sunscreen. It was your typical song that came out during graduation season, geared towards bright eyed and bushy tailed kids in their late teens that were about to embark on the real world. However, I have never forgotten the teachers that played this song for us and how I like the song just as much today as I did at the turn of the century.

So, with all that being said, I think that if I were to give you all only one piece of advice, it would be to listen to this song and make of it what you will.

Day 7....The things that scare me most

My seventh challenge on this blogging journey to tell the story of me, is to let you in on what scares me the most. I've always thought of fears to be strange little things. We all have them at some level or another. But to me, the irony of that, is that what makes one person tremble inside with fear is just another detail of life for others. I am just as guilty of this as the next person, but we sometimes poke fun at other's fears and consider them irrational. However, to them, their fears are very rational and very real.

There are many things in this world that frighten me. One being rodents of any kind and frogs. I have no problem taking off my flip flop and smacking a roach, I don't scream when I see a big spider creeping my way, but a mouse or a frog...no way. I will run and jump on the highest place of safety to avoid any sort of contact.

Another, more serious fear that I have is to not accomplish everything in my life that I want to. I'm not talking about things like driving a luxury car or having a large bank account, but those real goals that I have set for myself such as the level of success that I hope to one day reach both personally and professionally.

Day 6....Job Description

The challenge for today is to pretend that I'm telling someone what I do for a living, without giving them the exact job title. If I were doing this in real life, I'd probably go off on a tangent that would last hours, and would most likely involve drawing diagrams and maybe raising my voice (just a time or two).

I am a mommy, nurse, referee, cheerleader, confidant, and conflict resolver. I train brains to look at the big picture and not to simply just memorize information. I also assist in the process of growing brains to think about the who, what, when, where, how, and why. I enforce the acquisition of using prior knowledge and applying it to new things, books, experiences, and life. I encourage responsibility, self-reflection, acceptance, and goal setting.  I am a real job creator.

Day 5: Friends Forever....

The fifth challenge on this jaunt down memory lane for me, is to thank my best friends. Although, when it comes to friendship, I think quality definitely outweighs quantity. The older I get and the more trips around the sun that I make, I realize the importance of having good friends to lean on and turn to when I need it the most. I am very fortunate to have made such good friends along my journey in life. Friends that answer the phone even when it's too late for a phone and will indeed tell me when my pants, in fact, do make me look fat. These girls are my inner circle and mean the absolute world to me.

There is my friend Jennifer who was one of the first friends that I made when my road through life lead me to Lafayette. From somewhere around 1999, we have shared secrets, laughter, heartbreaks, joy,tears, and random road trips to places both near and far. Thanks Jen for always being the best listener!

There is my friend Candice, who has made some potentially boring moments in life super exciting. We never fail to make each other laugh. If I was ever going to have to share a $15 biscuit with anyone, I'm glad that it was you.  I promise you this Candice, one day we're going to take this show on the road!

There is my friend Magen who is always up for trying something new, even though we decide that we're going to try something and then realize why we weren't doing it in the first place. Magen, you are always a phone call or text away when I need it the most!

There is my friend Doris. We have shared so many fun times together and have the same wicked (and sometimes off color) sense of humor. We share everything from secrets to random people watching episodes. Thanks for always sensing when I need a pick-me-up and sending my that funny e-card that somehow reflects an experience that we've had. 

There is also family that is like friends.  My older sister and I are just about as opposite as you can get (except for being died hard members of the Big Blue Nation, DMB wannabe groupies, and boy band fanatics). Although the road through our teenage years was a bit of a bumpy ride, we made it, and now we can't get enough of each other. You're an awesome big sister, but having you as a friend is just an added bonus!

My mom is no exception to this rule. Our paths and experiences through life are so parallel at times, that is sometimes can seem unreal. We talk almost everyday, share jokes and secrets, and catch up on the latest reality TV. It's a shame we don't have matching bracelets or something, you know like a BFFs type of thing. Regardless...you're the best and I'm glad that you're mine!

Just as there is family that are like friends, there are friends that are like family. About four and a half years ago I was a supervising teacher for an early intervention intern. I was told that we were placed together because they though we'd be a good match. This person turned out to be my friend Dana who has become one of the closest people to me. Our working relationship quickly developed into a bond that built it's foundation on advice, venting, people watching, and coffee. We're "Peas and Carrots 2.0" 

There is one more I'd like to add. My friend Erin (who I can't find any pics with. We need to change that). You are my intellectual soul sister and I am so glad I have you to have "discussions" with. And since we have no pics, I found an ecard that I find fitting.

Day 4: Quotable quotes...

Today's challenge was fun one for me. It was to talk about my favorite quotes, but it was hard to pick just one, because I love quotes. I think quotes are pretty powerful things. They start of as simple words from sometimes ordinary, to sometimes extraordinary people. Each and everyday, people ramble on about this and that, the world, themselves, their children, etc. But every once in a while, someone says something that is so powerful and so unforgettable, that those words and their message become embossed in the world for all of eternity. 

The quote that I ultimately chose after a bit of deep thought and meditation, was the above one by Anne Frank, because it has a lot of meaning for me. First of all, it takes me back to my 8th grade year at Turkey Foot Middle School in Edgewood, KY to my English-Language Arts class. My teacher, Mr. Hart, was one of those exemplary teachers that left a lasting impact on both my head and my heart. His room was painted bright blue, he shook your hand at the door everyday, he taught me that art of show not tell in writing, and if your writing wasn't up to par...he let you know and helped you fix it. He even play Whitney Houston's I Believe the Children are the Future on our last day of 8th grade because he truly believe it. I still have my journal from his class, and go back and read it from time to time to take a stroll down memory lane. During that year, like many 8th grade students, we read the Diary of Anne Frank. I learned more about Nazi Germany in his middle school English class than I ever did in a history book. We didn't just read the book, we learned it and lived it. Every thing from interview Holocaust survivors to learning about concentration camps to going to the play to see how Anne Frank's story came to life. 

I remember reading The Diary of Anne Frank and turning each page with anticipation to see just how her story unfolded. It amazed me then and still amazes me today, that although she literally went to hell and back for no reason other than someone else's bigotry and hatred, she kept her face in the sun. I've always had a feeling that with every stroke of her pen, that Anne Frank probably knew that she would never make it out alive. But what she didn't know, was that her words would leave her footprints on the history of the world. 

It takes a strong heart to go through what she went through and to at the end of the day still think that everyone has something good inside of them. Sometimes, on my hardest days, when I feel like the world is against me, I think of this quote and remind myself that if Anne Frank can still see the good in people, so can I. 

Day 3: Highway to the comfort zone...

My third challenge along this blogging journey to tell you the story of me in 31 days is to let you in on the things that make me uncomfortable. We all have a comfort zone...and when we leave it, it's nothing pretty. I consider myself to be pretty outgoing, so things like public speaking and getting up in front of a crowd of strangers just doesn't bother me. To be honest, I sort of like being the center of attention. However, there are things that do take me out of my comfort zone and make me feel less than stellar. Let me put it to you this way....I am not Jeremy Piven in Entourage....I do not like to "Hug it out". Sure, I don't mind exchanging an embrace with my family or a close friend. But if you really want to know what gives me the heebie jeebies...it's when someone who is an acquaintance, I don't know that well, or haven't seen in a while....comes up and hugs me. Lame. I know. But it just makes me feel weird. But, at the end of the day, I guess that's what helps to make the world go round....that we all have just a little bit of weirdness inside.

Day 2: My area of expertise....

Today's challenge is to educate my readers about something that I know a lot about or I am good at....an expert if you will. This is very challenging within itself for a variety of reasons. For one...it's very hard to hop up on your soapbox and toot your own horn. Well for me...we all know those people who have their feet permanently hoisted up on their soap box. Also, because when you say that you are good at something you picture people thinking one of two things in their heads: "Is she crazy?" or "Brag...Brag...Brag".

It is human nature to automatically zoom in on the things that you are not good at. For me, they include cooking, singing,  organizational skills, hitting a baseball, and doing cartwheels. However, with all that out there, I do think that there are a few things in this world that I have found to be my niche.

The first I think is writing (nothing wrong with a bit of self promotion). Not that I am the next Nicholas Sparks or Hemingway by any means, I do think that it is something that I know a bit about and think I am pretty good at. As far back as I can remember, I have always enjoyed writing and the joy that not only gives me, but others as well. There is something special is about being able to put your thoughts, emotions, hope, dreams, and fears out into the world. Something that I really didn't begin to feel confident about until my adult life.

The next is my career. For the past 10 years I have woken up with the sun to go to work as an early childhood special education teacher. Although teachers are often the butt of jokes and criticism, I feel lucky that I was able to find a career that I not only love, but I am passionate about. I consider teaching my craft and I am no where near perfecting this craft.

The last niche in my life is random trivia. I have a strangely photographic memory that tends to hold onto random facts. Things like that when your second toe is longer than your big toe it's called Morton's Toe and that people are genetically programmed to be able to twist and move their tongues in strange directions. This skill has come in handy on many random conversations and bar trivia nights.

I firmly believe that everyone is good at something and more than one thing, although sometimes we don't always let our own light shine. What is your niche?

DAY 1: A New Blogging Challenge and The Story of My Life....

I know...I know...I've been absent from the blogging world. But sometimes it's just hard to find something to write about. Although I do write down random thoughts in notebooks and journals all over my house, there are sometimes things that I just consider private and too personal to share. That was until I stumbled upon a 31 day blogging challenge. You all are so lucky, that you will get to read, live, and maybe even stand in awe of the story of my life told through 31 witty, candid, gritty, raw (ok...I'm just being melodramatic). The first challenge is to tell the story of my life in 250 words....so here it goes....

I was born in Paducah, KY on Thanksgiving Day 1980….make the Woodling family a complete family of 4.  I spent the first decade of my life making memories that included birthday parties at the skating rink, family nights on the rivers, and fun at MaMaw’s and Papaw’s. From there my family set off to Northern Kentucky where I would spend the next 3 years coming of age and being a student at TurkeyFoot Middle school. Northern Kentucky is still the keeper of memories for me like sunsets on the river, ice cream with my friend Elizabeth, and baseball games with the family. As high school started so did my new life in the suburbs of the Big Easy-the hardest transition of my life. But during those 4 years I found out who I really was and made a few friends along the way. Then it was time to gain independence and set off to college at the University of Louisiana-Lafayette. Those 4 years came and went with memories, friends, and nights that turned into mornings that I will cherish in my heart of hearts forever. In the years that have come and gone since my graduation in May 2003, I have earned a Master’s Degree in Education and have 10 years as a special education teacher under my belt. I have grown and changed in so many ways since that Thanksgiving Day 1980….and I can’t wait to find out where the next stop on my journey will be.

After 25 Years....You Still Make Me Squeal....

There are certain things that just get better with time. Things like wine, good friends, laughter, and our decision making skills. Also, for myself and many other young professional women....New Kids on the Block are also on that list. In 2008, a girlhood dream of mine came true and the 5 (sexy) boys from Boston got back together. Since they have reunited...I have seen them 4 times. There are some things that simply are just money well spent.

This past weekend, my dear friend Magen and I went to see "The Package Tour" (which I say should have been the '12 Packages' Tour). Boyz II Men, 98 Degress...NKOTB. Never in my life have I seen so much sexy wrapped on one stage packed into 3 and a half hours. Although our seats weren't as close as they were at the last concert (you know...the one where Mr. Donnie Wahlberg himself noticed, pointed out, and gave a pelvic thrust to my sign) it was just as much fun.

Boyz II Men took the stage first. For just a moment, I felt like I had gone back in time to my days at Turkey Foot Middle School (yes....that was the name of my middle school). They sang all the greats...Bended Knee...I'll Make Love to You...Motown Philly....just to name a few. It's funny how after all these years you never let go of the lyrics or how they made you feel at one point in time.

Next up was 98 Degrees. Now, I really don't know much about them. They pretty much came to the popularity of the American Girls' eyes when I was stuck somewhere between looking at Bop Magazine and figuring out my lot in life. But I did know a few of their tunes and Nick Lachey is easy on even the weakest of eyes. 

 Then after a brief intermission, they Heavens opened and the boys from Boston transcended. As usual, they were fantastic. They played all of the classics...Please Don't Go Girl...The Right Stuff...Step By Step...I'll Be Lovin' You Forever....Hangin' Tough. It was all that I could have ever asked for and more. After 25 years, they still make me feel the same. -

Although my big sister, Kellie, did not make this show, I know that she was there in spirit. I even felt a little sense of guilt when Joey Joe himself jumped into our section during Tonight. We may have pulled out each other's hair over some Tiger Beat posters, but these boys have helped to bring us closer together during our coming of age years.

Sorry Sister

But as usual, I wouldn't have traded my night for the world. For those of you who don't know, NKOTB has a song called Tonight...that starts something like "Remember when we said girl please don't go and how we'd be loving you forever....". Yes, I remember. And I also remember how it made me feel....young, energetic, free, and without a care in the world. Thank you Donnie, Joe, Jordan, Danny, and Jon for helping keep the girlhood spirit in me alive and well!

16 Year Old Me....

For whatever reason the other day, I came to the realization that I am now twice as old as I was at 16. That as of this moment, 16 was the mark of half of my life. I began to think back at how I was at 16 and what my hopes, fears, and dreams are. The unexpectedness that the next 16 years would have for me and how irrational fears would be subsided and the realities of life would set in.

With that being said, I thought to myself, if it were possible to somehow transcend the hands of time and send a Back II the Future style letter to the 16 year old me, what would I say?  And this is what I would want me to know.

Dear Katie,
     High school, learning to drive, and staying fashionable are not the tragedies that you think they are.  Over the next 16 years you will come to find out that the real worries in this life are things that will blindside you on an idle afternoon.  Things like saying good-bye to someone you love rather it be through death or twists of faith, getting a midnight phone call to let you know someone tried to hurt your loved one, but they are now OK, coming to the realization that nothing lasts forever, that friends come and go,  and being an eyewitness to just how debilitating sickness and disease can be. These things will all challenge your faith in humanity, but will bring you closer to the ones who truly love you and to those who you truly love. 
     People will piss you off. Friends will talk about you behind your back, boys won't call you when they say they will, and others will take your kindness for weakness. But all that is small stuff. Don't sweat that. In the long run, you will learn that taking the high road benefits those who piss you off just as much as it benefits you.
     There will be good times too. You will fall in and out of love and have the time of your life along the way. You will graduate from college and find your passion as a special education teacher and continue to chase your dreams as an advocate for children with special needs. You will earn a graduate degree and decide that you want your path to be in making a change in the world in education. Your sister will give you the most epic birthday present ever and take you to Vegas to see Dave. You will even come full circle when you watch the Cats cut down the nets for Number 8 in the Big Easy. 
     Some days you will laugh. Some days you will cry. Some days you will laugh through the tears and others you will cry from all the laughter. There will be good days, bad days, and days that are even worse. But remember this. Take it all one day at a time. It won't change the path.
Love, 
Me, you, us

Riding on the City of New Orleans

Recently, I had to take a trip I didn't want to make, but one that I always new was inevitable to come one day. I made the 600 mile drive to my hometown of Paducah, KY to say good-bye to my PaPaw who left this world after making footprints all over it for the past 89 years. He made footprints running up and down Old  Mayfield Road....he made history when he left his footprints on the shores of the Pacific fighting in the Battle of Tarawa....he also made footprints as a daddy, husband, friend, and "World's Greatest Papaw". 

Papaw in the Gilbert Islands in 1943

Serving in the United States Navy Acorn Unit #17 during the island hopping campaign

What is amazing, is that we always think we have heard all the stories (and Papaw was full of them). The stories of growing up, living through the depression, WWII, what life used to be like, and when those who are now the grown ups were once cool themselves. However, while I was with my family to celebrate his life, I found out a story about Paw that I never knew.....which has now become a story that I will never forget. 

Best Friends

It was no secret to anyone that Papaw didn't like music. When he got in the car he turned the ignition on and the radio off. However, there was one song that was always special in his heart....one that is now special in mine. In 1947 when he and Mamaw were young, crazy, and in love, they hopped a train to Mississippi to tie the knot. A trip that would solidify the future for their 3 kids, 7 grandkids, and a future generation that has yet to come. Fast forward to the 70s when my uncle was heavy into folk music and was playing the now classic rock hit, City of New Orleans. On this occasion, rather than telling him to turn the music off, he asked to hear it again. Because it reminded him of the train he and Mamaw took from Carbondale, IL all the way to Mississippi.....the train called The City of New Orleans. 

I've listened to that song a lot lately. I can't help but wonder what The City of New Orleans may have been like that day in 1947. What MaMaw and Papaw talked about and as they looked out the windows on their ride through the heartland. And as far as I'm concerned, they just punched their tickets for an eternal ride on The City of New Orleans. 

Just Married in 1947

I miss him so much already, because we loved each other so much and made so many memories together. Memories like ice cream on the river, walks in the park, and drinking black coffee with a pipe (his blew smoke....mine bubbles). In his own words "I'll see ya on the boat".