Inspired.

I got to see a really, really good friend last night that I hadn't seen in far too long. We laughed, we chatted, we hugged, we screamed, we talked about our lives, but most importantly we just got to enjoy each others company. Something we hadn't done in a long time- and it was wonderful.

And it got me to thinking. Really great people inspire you to be really great. Being in their presence inspires you to live life a little more happy. To accept your circumstances, and your blessings and your curses and to laugh about them, take them head on, and tell yourself this is my life, my one and only, beautiful and crazy and messed up and wonderful life. This. Is. It.

And what an inspiration it is to be in the presence of someone who makes you feel like you really can take life head on, no matter what circumstances life throws at you. It's really great to have a friend, or multiple friends, who give you that sense- that perspective on life.

And while we're talking about being inspired. How about the Fargo Marathon this weekend. That event is just so wonderful. People of literally all shapes, sizes, ages and backgrounds come out, and they set their minds to doing something, and they do it. And sitting at the finish line watching those peoples' dreams become reality is truly inspiring. How wonderful it is to be a part of something like that. I went to the kids mile run on Thursday night, and there are children, small, young children who are literally giving it everything they have to make it to the finish line- bound and determined to just finish the race. And then Saturday, watching the thousands upon thousands of people who are doing the exact same thing, bound and determined to just finish the race. I love it.

On that note, thank you to everyone who came out to cheer for the runners. Let me tell you, it is YOU who make the differences. It is YOU who tip the scales between finishing the race, and finishing well. It means more than you could really ever understand (until you're on the course running, being inspired by those who are on the sidelines).

Between the race, and some really wonderful people who have given me some really wonderful conversations in the past few days... I have been inspired to "run with perseverance the race marked out for me" literally and metaphorically speaking.

Saying Goodbye.

Some people despise cats, some are indifferent about cats, some tolerate cats, some love cats and some are crazy cat people. I'd say that, prior to owning the coolest cat in the world, I would have fallen somewhere between tolerating them and loving them. That was before Hootie came along.

Hootie was continually doing that to people- moving them up that scale. People who despised cats fell in love with his friendliness, his cuddliness and his way of purring his way into your lap- and heart. Many times, as a family we have talked about how Hootie might think he is a dog himself- begging, coming when you call, waiting at the door with his tail wagging. I've never met another cat quite like him.

Although I wouldn't say I am a crazy cat lady, I'm crazy about this cat. He is a lover. It doesn't matter how many times you pick him up and put him off your lap, he's right back in it purring and looking at you for more petting. Hootie's a constant. He's predictable. You know he'll be waiting outside your shut bedroom door in the morning for some love. You know he'll be at your feet if you're gathered in the kitchen, and on your lap if you're gathered in the living room. He loves to be a part of the family, and a part of the family is exactly what he was.

So it was with extreme sadness in my heart that I left my house this morning and said my final, last goodbye to Hootie. I pet his soft fur, and heard him purr one last time. I held him in my hands and I told him "You're the best they ever come, buddy." and I meant it. I've never met a more personable cat. After 12 years of healthy life, he suddenly stopped eating on Saturday, threw up a couple times on Sunday, and at the vet on Monday they said his kidneys were failing and that he'd have to put down, today he will make his final journey in the car, and he'll live on in our hearts.

Pets become a part of our families. We fall in love with them, and they love us back- unconditionally, whole-heatedly and without fail. They don't let us down. They don't easily anger (at least Hootie didn't, he tolerated absolutely anything), and they excitedly anticipate our arrival, our cuddles and our attention.

I'm trying to keep it all in perspective- I know, afterall, that my family is healthy, my friends are healthy, and there are many, many people in worse off situations then my own. By I can't help brokenheartedly write about the memories of an unconditional best friend.

I love you Hootie. Thanks for being the best animal-friend a person could ever ask for.

Kids.

Remember the last post when I said that kids continually keep you laughing. Well, I couldn't have set myself up better, because today was one of those days. I laughed. I laughed hard. Multiple times. 

"Did you know we're starting to get poor again?"

"You are?"

"Yeah, we don't have hot dogs or whipped cream."

"We're going to get a dog someday when Riley learns how to not cry when it dies."

Oh what a joy it is.

All things teacher.

Lately I've been obsessing over all things teacher. From classroom signs, to organizational binders, to lesson ideas- pinterest, blogs and the internet in general has gotten the best of me. It's been so much fun to begin looking for a particular grade, and to visualize my classroom when I know what the actual space will look like. Of course, I've got visions of a place so wonderful it would only happen on a movie set, but I'll do what I can. It's still hard to believe that I get my very own classroom and set of kiddos- and looking at the standards gives me an overwhelming sense of excitement about the knowledge I get to instill in these youngsters. Through my teacher-obsession I've learned three things 1.) There is an abundance of information that 3rd graders need to learn-eeeek! 2.) There are tons of teachers out there who are incredibly creative, but teaching takes an incredible amount of organization (this is coming from the anally-organized person I am) 3.) You could spend SO MUCH money on teaching. I am convinced that it would be so easy to spend more than you make on teaching. Yikes. I better be careful.

I'm trying not to stress too much already about the upcoming school year, I don't need to be an uber-stressed out human being for 3 months before school starts...

I'm going to attempt to make a teaching blog once the year begins. I know I'll be so busy that it may be impossible to keep it up, but watch for it this fall. I'm excited to share my adventures with all of you. I also made a classroom website for my parents and teacher- it'll be fun to see how that evolves throughout my career as well.

I've been having a lot of fun at my job lately. The girls have really warmed up to me, and I've started to love being a part of their lives. It's crazy how children just have a way of inching their way into your heart- and these three have certainly done that. I spend a lot of my day running around, picking up, but most importantly laughing. It's a lot of fun. Children are truly a joy- it's hard to be around them and not laugh.

I've had such a sociable week this week- and it's been really good therapy for the heart. Seeing friends, having good chats and catching up on other people's lives give me a great feeling that I am not alone in this life. How wonderful is that?

Miss. Henne

Well, here I am, back in Bozeman Montana. It's beautiful here. I forget just how amazing it really is, until I point my car west and take in all the sites, the beauty of the snow-topped mountains, the green rolling foothills that continue on forever, the quaint downtown life, the bustling people walking, biking, running and enjoying the sun and the views. This town is wonderful. But it's not home. And, I am always torn when coming here about where I really want to be. Could I take all the character of this town, combine it with all the family, friends and jobs of Moorhead, and live in that place?

Tomorrow I will walk across the stage. I will officially become a college graduate. Earlier this week I received my degree in the mail "Amber Anne Henne, Bachelor of Science". It's all becoming official, life is becoming officially official. In one week I accepted a teaching job, received my diploma, and will walk across the stage to commence my life as a college student. It's all so exciting, it happened so fast, and I feel incredibly blessed that everything worked the way it did.

And I'm SO excited to be a third grade teacher. Miss Henne, I love the sound of it. I have been staying up late just thinking and preparing and dreaming about my classroom, students and lessons for next year. It feels so good to actually have a plan for my career future, and I feel so much less anxiety when I think about teaching. Here comes way too much anal organization, color-coding, classroom decor, planning, crafting and creating a wonderful learning environment!

He does have a plan for our lives. I'm seeing prayers answered, plans fall into place, and life taking shape- maybe not all on my time, but on His time, the best time.