On Soulmates.

Earlier today my dad and I were having a discussion about soulmates (we're so deep).  I'm not convinced that there is only one person for each of us in this world.  I think there could be multiple people who would be great with us; maybe some more so than others.  These are some of the conclusions I have come to:

A soulmate is someone who...

• You love, and who loves you back just as much
• Accepts and loves you for who you are
• Doesn't try to change you, but their awesomeness inspires you to change on your own to be the best version of yourself
• You trust and respect
• Can hold interesting, fun, and challenging conversations with
• You can have comfortable silence with
• Will do fun activities with you (even if it's not their favourite thing.  Like watching chick flicks, doing karaoke, or going dancing once in a while); and vice versa
• Makes you smile and laugh on the regular
• You emotionally and physically connect with
• You can't picture living without
• Challenges you when you're being silly/ dramatic/ ridiculous/ frivolous 
• Supports you in your highs and lows

My ideal soulmate is also someone who...

• laughs at my terrible jokes
• likes to dance (but doesn't necessarily have to be good at it)
• likes to make crazy faces in pictures; and doesn't mind that I take a gazillion pictures (and will probably make them pose awkwardly for many)
• likes to go out and have fun, but also doesn't mind staying in and being a homebody (the latter more often)
• Can take care of himself (eats well, exercises- but not to the point of being vain, can cook, do their own laundry, etc)
• Likes to travel
• Is organized and timely; but also pushes me to be more spontaneous and in the moment
• Is passionate about life and what they do
• And this: 

 That being said...I'm in the market for a soulmate!  If anyone has a good one for me, send them my way.  Thus ends my awkward blog dating profile...

ALSO- my dad says he would like one too.  If you have any suggestions, he's accepting resumes.

Weddings, engagements, and babies- OH MY.

'Tis the season!  'Tis more like the years.  We've gotten to the age where everyone around us seems to be getting engaged, married, or is having kids.  And this happiness is plastered all over Facebook.  While it can be overwhelming (and once in a while, nauseating), I must admit that when my time comes, I will likely join this group of happy couples in publicizing my awesome life.  Sorry in advance, but I will do my best to keep it reeled in.

There is something beautiful about weddings.  Not only are they a testament to love, but they are such wonderful celebrations of happiness, trust, commitment, and respect.  PLUS I have a reason to dress up!  Weddings are also big reunions of friends looking really good.  It has been so nice seeing everyone these past 2 weekends!

I've been asked by many people about when I'm going to get married and have kids.  The best answer I have is- when I'm ready (and when I find a worthy guy).  And I don't know when that will be.  But I'm not worried, and right now I don't feel pressured by everyone else getting hitched around me (a resolution that was hard to come to).

I am so happy for my friends who are starting new chapters in their lives!  Here's to:

- Katie + Brian: Can't wait to meet the new baby boi at Christmas!
- Stacy + Aaron: I hope you are enjoying your honeymoon!
- Tammy + Andy: You are perfect for each other!  And Star Wars theme song as you walked out of the ceremony?  Epic.
- Janine + Chris: You've already been on so many adventures so far.  Here's to many more! Your wedding was beautiful and your speeches were adorable.
- Erin + Tim: It's been a long time coming.  What a beautiful couple.

 Some of my closest friends get hitched! Top left, clockwise: Katie and Brian, Janine and Chris, Stacy and Aaron, Tammy and Andy

Sending my love to everyone who is in love, falling in love, and looking for love.  To those who are falling out of love, craving love, and cursing love.  Love for all.

Here's to love.

Live, Laugh, Love

After a 2 year hiatus, I am back!  My old blog was meant to document my life in Colombia (and what a great job I did!  I've been there for 3 years and I wrote a total of 13 posts! Fail.)  This revived version will also do that, but will also be home to other random thoughts I have.  Hopefully.  The goal is one post a week as a part of my umbrella goal to write more (papers for my masters don't count!)

Here goes...

A quick update on life:

Work- I'm excited to be starting my fourth year teaching grade 3 down in Cali, Colombia!  Can you believe it? FOUR YEARS. That's the amount of time you spend in high school, or in your undergrad.  It's a long time. 

Family- My dad and brother are doing wonderful things.  Dad's a fitness ninja and Matt's successfully making way more money than me.  Mom is somewhere awesome in the universe watching me and thinking to herself, "Self- you raised an awesome daughter."

School- I will be finished my masters program in Organizational Leadership from Gonzaga University in December!  Here's to actually being able to save money come January.

Other- Loving life!  Grateful for awesome friends and family.  Feeling fit.  In love with L.A.  Single (but I just caught a bouquet at a wedding last week- bring on the boys!).  In transition.  Dreaming big.

Some goals for this school year...

• Write at least every other day.  Blog once a week.
• Run a successful teambuilding session with school staff in August
• Implement a more structured leadership education curriculum in my classroom
• Don't sweat the small stuff
• Judge less. Love more.
• Make art once a week
• Be fit. Teach Zumba.
• Learn to tap dance.  Dance more in general.
• Complete a sprint triathlon April 2014
• Cook more
• Make my classroom more data driven
• LIVE in the moment.  LAUGH with loved ones and at myself.  LOVE people.

There. I've written it. Feel free to hold me to any of these and push me to complete them!

Hasta pronto,
Sam