Last stop on the Roller Coaster is...

...a Kindergarten classroom! They called me today as promised with good news! I got the job!!! Can you believe it?!

YEA!

End of an Era

I lost a friend this week. A wonderful, reliable, super-cute friend. My lime green Beetle, aka Lime Ladybug, and I have been inseparable since I was twenty. If you know me, you know the Bug- a trademark symbol that displayed my whereabouts and represented me in mind, body, and spirit. Oh, I loved that car.




But alas, my twenties are quite rapidly coming to an end, and I had to say goodbye to my perfect companion.


As the extended warranty ran out last summer and my friend grew older and weaker, I knew our time was running out. I did not want another Beetle, as it seemed time to move on, but what should I get instead? I knew this: It had to be 4-door, cute, and green. As ridiculous as that list may be, those were non-negotiables.



Nearly a year later, the Gecko and I found each other. Meet my new car: the Gecko Green Volvo S40.





This car is totally nice. It has all the newest technology (hello, it turns the headlights on and off by itself...I mean that's pretty cool in my opinion), drives well, and meets my criteria.


But it's not the Bug.


I got the Gecko on Monday. We spent the first day or so co-existing while I mourned. But by yesterday, we were starting to bond. I'm growing to love this new companion. We will enter my 30's, weathering new milestones together. The Gecko will experience things the Bug never did, such as car seats (and all that comes with that dog and pony show). And I will love the Gecko I'm sure.


But the Bug will always hold a special place in my heart.

I have good news, and I have bad news...

The good news is that I'm not totally devastated, since my hubby and I decided about three weeks ago that going to grad school isn't the direction we want to go in the next year after all. The bad news is that Vermont College "regretfully" REJECTED me!

Sad.

I'm actually fine with it, aside from a serious feeling of inadequacy and mediocrity. But I'm really surprised at how not-devastated I am right now. Much more not-devastated than say, when I didn't make the final cut for the Broncos Cheerleaders. That was devastation, people. Not really because I just really wanted to be a cheerleader, but for the sheer rejection of it all. I made it through all the dance cuts, all the way to the final interviews. I got all dressed up, studied the rules of football (which I quite promptly forgot post-rejection), and went down to the interviews. When they read the final list, I wasn't on it. They said I just wasn't cheerleaderish enough, which if you've ever met me, you're probably saying, "Duh!"

Now, eight years later or so, I know it was never meant to be. Sure I have a degree in Dance, but I'm admittedly not cheerleaderish. I probably would have been really unhappy- and annoyed- the whole season. But of course, the opportunity to turn down the offer would have been much easier on the ego. Then again, I wouldn't have turned it down at the time, and my life would have gone down a totally different path. It just wasn't meant to be, and the universe delivered that message.

I know, you're still reeling from the fact that I tried out for the Bronco Cheerleaders. Get over it. I was 21. Let's get back to my most recent rejection.

My only regret in choosing not to go to grad school next year, when I made the decision three weeks ago, was turning down a great opportunity. But now, I don't have to worry about that I guess. It just wasn't meant to be, and the universe delivered that message.

Ah, well. Onward and upward. Thanks to everyone for your awesome support and encouragement. You're *sniff* the best!

Check's in the mail

I did it.

I sent in my application to Vermont College.

And now I wait.

What a January

I think for many Americans January 20th, 2009 will be "one of those days" you remember where you were when...

Check out The Big Picture for an amazing slide show of the day and its reach around the world

In this case it was when our 44th president was sworn in. I was sitting in our Skyview Elementary Library with a handful of staff who could break free for a moment, and a third grade class who spent their music period watching history instead of practicing scales. Every time there was a break in President Obama's speech, or the crowd cheered, the giddy third graders clapped and giggled. They had no idea what they were clapping about, but between the unusual break from their routine, and the energy in the library that day, they could feel there was something special to be applauded.


In fact, most classrooms that day took time out to watch the inauguration. Taking advantage of the TVs that were put in every classroom a few years ago, teachers watched with their kids as Barack Obama became President of the United States. Everyone was excited and buzzing about..."What time is the speech?" "Did I miss anything?" I tried to soak it all in. It was an historic, amazing day for so many reasons.

I still find myself with the same sense of awe and excitement as that day. This picture of Barack in the Oval office on his first official day of work stopped me in my tracks. I ordered a Barack Obama t-shirt, like he's some kind of celebrity I might see in concert when he rolls through Denver. And isn't he just that? The most famous person in the world right now?


John McCain tried to use this celebrity status against Barack during the election, as a reason not to vote for him. Of course, be aware of the policies and ideals of a candidate, not just their article in People magazine, before voting for them. That's only being a responsible citizen. But shouldn't you admire the person who will lead your country. Shouldn't you be inspired and excited by your President? Doesn't it seem like a good thing that we want to show our pride with a little Obama action figure, bumper sticker, mug, or "Barack and Roll" t-shirt? I don't see why that is a bad thing.

This is a picture of the door to a second grade classroom in my school. Hanging around the picture of the President are letters written by the kids. These letters tell of their lives and their hopes, funny questions, and simply "I saw you on TV when you gave your speech." Those kids will remember when...

When they felt the excitement for this new day.

When a shift, both socially and politically, took place.

When hope and change seemed certain.

When their President was worth admiring as a celebrity.

And I say, lucky them, lucky me, lucky us.

A new era

As they say, a picture is worth a thousand words. So I'll shut up and let them speak.

The New York Times has put together an amazing slide show for more images.

It's an exciting time to be alive.

Cox and Johnson

A law firm? Nope. A classic “adult film”? Perhaps. The perfectly-paired, yet totally-coincidental surnames of my mom’s sweet little girls? That’s the one.

Congratulations to my little sister Lauren and her now fiancé Mr. Erik Johnson! My family had the pleasure of not only being present at the proposal, but in on the whole secret plan. The gathering was disguised as Erik’s birthday, and hidden inside the biggest present was the ring box. Lauren was totally blindsided. I have it all on video, but my husband somehow taped the whole thing sideways. Once I figure out how to fix that little technical issue I’ll let you know. In the meantime, you can enjoy a few snapshots of the soon to be Mr. and Mrs. Johnson.

Awww!

My family is thrilled. We love Erik, and my sister deserves all of her happiness. Plus, the bonus is, on July 4th, 2009 (their set wedding date) my sister and I will be Cox and Johnson. Not Baker and Cook, Woods and Forest, Berger and King. Christina Cox and Lauren Johnson. What are the chances???

Mi sobrinita bonita

I’m an auntie! I’m an auntie! I’m and auntie!

My sister Carrie and brother-in-law Steve had their little girl Lilly Anna on August 15th. Awww, I hear you saying. I know, right?!

As a person who rarely feels different than I did as a child, what wise knowledge might I pass along to my new cotton candy tufted niece? There are a few things I learned at a very early age, that still hold true today:

1. Dogs are the best friends you’ll ever have.
2. Dry cat food is salty, but edible.
3. Never doubt yourself.
4. Blond is totally better. Rock it!

5. Music is best played loudly.

6. Cool aunts always carry gum in their purses.

7. You can never have too many shoes.

8. Cherish family.

9. Peanut butter and crackers are a perfectly acceptable dinner.

10. "Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind." ~ Dr. Seuss

Welcome to the world, little one!