Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Last Lecture

My time is up. At Lincoln-Way that is. It is really hitting me that I will not be walking the halls of good old LW this fall. Lincoln-Way has been a part of my family forever. Alot of my family are graduates from LW, I student taught there, taught summer school right afterwards, and then got a job as a permanent sub. I also coached track for 2 seasons, volleyball for 1, and was the freshman/sophomore class sponsor. Lincoln-Way has been a huge part of making me who I am.

This summer was an exception, however. I really had the greatest class ever. And I never ever thought I'd say that about Freshman. I always thought I liked the upper-classmen the best, but this group of incoming Freshman took the cake. They were so willing to learn - all 30 of them. I asked them to get into groups, and their little desks would click together in such perfect harmony with no arguing or hesitating - it was such a beautiful sound to a teacher's ears. I'd give them a time-frame for work to be completed in, and they would finish it without getting off-task at all. Really, I could not have lucked out any more than I did this summer.

One day, we somehow got WAY off track (but it was right after a test, so I'm okay with giving them a brain-break from history for a few minutes before we switch gears during our 5-hour summer session days), and we started talking about the Last Lecture by Randy Pausch. One of my students raised his hand and asked me "what would you talk about if it were YOUR last lecture?" I was taken back. As a teacher, sometimes you feel like what you say goes in one ear and out the other - especially in history, so it was crazy to think that a student was interested enough to ask me a personal, deep question. My response was "Well, there a few things I think I would want to try and impart onto my students, but I don't really know what I'd say until I got there." And then another student had an idea that literally made me shake in my wedge-pumps.

"Ms. Caschetta, you're moving. Your last day here is kind of like your last lecture. For us at least."

So we came up with a plan. After their final exam on the last day, instead of watching a movie, I would give my last lecture. Incredibly nervous? Heck yes. What would I say to these 14- and 15-year-olds that could possibly help them out in their future? Do I even have enough experience in life to be qualified to do something like this???

Without further ado, here is my "last lecture" that I gave my amazing class - the rules of life that I try to remember every day. (I wrote this all down on note cards, didn't really have a speech, so I elaborated on my main points with what I actually said to them.)



1. It's not easy to find out who you are meant to be in life, but when you do find out, OWN who you are and be proud of it.

2. Negativity gets you no where in life. Even when things are tough, I promise you that it will get better. The easiest way to get through the rough part is to stay away from the negativity and remain positive.

3. Live with no regrets, but never put yourself in a position to regret what might happen.

4. If you work really hard, and are kind to everyone, amazing things will happen.

5.  Treat others as you want to be treated. If you want respect, give it. If you want to be heard, listen to others. If you want to be loved, love others. If you want knowledge, you must be willing to learn from others. If you want your life to be fulfilling, give back to others.

6. Life is too short. Tomorrow is never a guarantee, so make sure that you always give thanks, and are happy with the choices you've made each and every day.



xoxo

Thursday, July 14, 2011

It wasn't just a chapter, it was a really great book.

I know I have said multiple times over the past few weeks that I'm moving into a new chapter in life in Arizona. But I've realized that "a new chapter" doesn't really do justice to the past 24 years of my life in Illinois.

You know when you read a really fantastic book, and at the end you get an perfect blend of closure and the taste of wanting something more? That's how I feel about leaving Illinois. It's not just the end of a chapter, its the end of a fantasitc novel. [And yes, of course I am open to writing another book that is based in Illinois ;) ]

I got closure on so many things over the past few weeks. A previous relationship that ended in huge heartbreak, with the assumption that we would never find peace or forgiveness - we both apologized, forgave, and closed the wounds. A friendship that saw its fair share of differences - both agreeing to put the past in the past and move forward. A wonderful job that I hated saying goodbye to - but now know that the door is open to come back in the future.

And yet, I want more. I'm excited for the new opportunity to openly date someone and finally not hold that resentment from my past failed relationships. I'm thrilled to speak to an old friend again, and continue with a long-distance friendship (I predict lots of girls trip vacations to each others homes!). I'm happy to know that if I really want to come back, a job is waiting for me.

Illinois, you have been my rock. I've seen family members die and get buried here. I've seen new life take place here. I've seen weddings, baptisms, Christmases and Easters. I've had summers at Prestwick pool, winters on the sledding hill at the old Plattner house, and the fall season spent raking leaves in the front yard. I found my first love here, and lost him here. I've made beautiful friendships, and had to come to terms with friendships ending. I've enjoyed more yummy meals than I can count at Aurelios, Enricos, Francescas, Buenos Nachos, Rising Sun, and Nancy's....just to name a few! I've babysat so many great kids, just to see them all grow up and continued to be shocked at how big they get in just a few years. I graduated from junior high, high school and college here. I got my first adult job here. I've seen NBA championships, World Series wins, and Stanley Cup playoffs here! I've spent summers taking the train into the city for the Taste of Chicago and to lay on the beach - and reversely, I've seen Lake Michigan totally frozen over. I've had pets here - pets that really were man's bestest friend. And I've had to put them down here - ashes scattered in my backyard. I've taken family "vacations" here when we couldn't afford to go far away. I've made mistakes here, and learned from there here. I've cringed at the thought of what I did the night before here, and I've laughed uncontrollably while reminiscing here.

More than anything else, I've found who I am here. My life is lived day to day. Tomorrow is never a guarantee, and I make sure I remember that every day.

Illinois, you were a great book. And as I spend these next 10 days packing up boxes, saying goodbye to loved ones, finishing up my last day of school at LWE and say goodbye to wonderful students, I will be thinking of all you have given me.


Yes, I want more...and I know Arizona will provide that. Illinois, our story isn't done yet. Book II will come soon enough. But until then, Book I of Arizona will satisfy my need for more - friendships, love, memories, fun, career, laughter, tears, and food (not sports teams though. I will never abandon my Chicago teams. Ever).

Illinois, I promise to give you my all these next 10 days. All good, no bad. All smiles, no frowns. All positivity, no negativity. All acceptance, no regrets.


xoxo

Wednesday, July 13, 2011

The Colors of Summer

If you know me, this won't come as much of a surprise: I'm paranoid/obsessed with my nails being painted. I love getting a mani/pedi, but that can get quite pricey to keep up with. So over the years, I've become quite the pro at painting my own nails. I give my Nanna a pedi every once in a while, my mom constantly bugs me for a mani/pedi, and I've even given my godmother her first french manicure for a wedding!

I usually stick with neutral (white/black) colors or reds/pinks. But occasionally I like to throw a little fun color on. Summer is the perfect time to go bold!! My favorite colors for summer are....

O.P.I.'s Isn't that Precious?

essie's Status Symbol

essie's Fishnet Stockings

And one other OPI hot bold pink color that I actually purchased from the salon after getting it painted on my toes - the sticker had been ripped off though, so I don't know the name of it and can't find it anywhere else!

The colors look a tad different in these pictures than they actually look painted on, so I took the liberty of painting one nail each to show you :)


On my pinky finger is the color that I can't seem to find anywhere else! My ring finger is essie's Fishnet Stockings (clearly a more bold red than in the official photo!), my middle finger is essie's Status Symbol, and my pointer finger is OPI's Isn't that Precious?


Now, for my toes! I've noticed that purples and blues are starting to be a big color to get - and I admit, I was hesitant at first. I thought I was too old to pull a funky color like those off. But, recently at a spa day, I became ballsy, and chose this purple:

O.P.I.'s Rumples Wiggin'
And here it is on my toes! :)


Love the summer time, and love all the fun colors I get to paint my nails that match my bright colored bikinis :)


xoxo

Thursday, July 7, 2011

Yay!!

Well, its official. I got a job in Phoenix! So I'm still headed to Arizona, but to a city that I have family in, and that has an airport for me to frequently visit home!! Yuma wouldn't have been the worst place in the world to live, and when I thought about JUST TEACHING there, I was okay with it. But when I thought about the big picture: moving there, living there, working there, spending every day there, shopping there, having free time there, etc...I would get this really sad, sick feeling in my stomach. I prayed so hard for God to give me a sign that I could go elsewhere for my career, and God provided.

I will be teaching 8th grade social studies at a school district in central phoenix. And I must say, I have never been more excited. There's something about knowing you will have your own classroom - for a whole year. Something about knowing you will have your own students - not students you share during student teaching, or just simply sub for. Something about knowing the job will provide more opportunities for you to grow in the education industry. Something that makes me excited :)

As soon as something is set in stone, I am in GO mode. I have already gotten a good chunk of packing done (classroom supplies/decoration, clothes I won't need the next few weeks in IL, shoes, purses, books, dvds, picture frames, kitchen utensils...) and I feel I need to stop now. I won't be able to stop, but I should. I could probably be packed within a few days, but I still have a few weeks here. And although I'm excited, I'm not in ANY rush to leave. I just know when I have a list of things to get done, I feel like I need to get them done pronto.

Phoenix is going to be a new chapter. New beginnings. New people. New adventures. New memories.

I have a lot to say "goodbye" here too - although I don't mean any of the goodbyes to be permanent AT ALL! But they are temporary goodbyes. And goodbyes are hard. But when I told my loved ones that I got the job in Phoenix, and won't be going to Yuma, I could feel the love in the air. I knew they were happy for me - parents, brother, aunts/uncles, cousins, friends, coworkers. That was the sign I needed. I am so thankful for that sign. It puts these mixture of emotions at ease.

I already have a friend planning to come visit me as soon as I get settled, and my mom is coming down a week before Thanksgiving, just a few days before my dad and brother - to have some girls time.

Beyond thrilled for this opportunity in my life. Can't wait to share a ton of stories from The Grand Canyon State!!!





xoxo

Monday, July 4, 2011

Giving Back

I don't know about you, but I claim that I became an adult when I started watching the news and actually caring about what they were saying. This happened shortly towards the end of college, and although I didn't understand what entirely was going on in our world, I knew it wasn't good.

As the years have gone by, I've made sure to do a little extra homework on issues I am unfamiliar with. Doing that extra homework has led me to find some awesome charities and foundations that help those in need.

I love doing hands-on work, and seeing first hand that I am giving back to others. I truly believe that life is not lived unless you have served. But there are some things in life that are just too big to tackle hands on from my little home in the United States. So, I've decided to commit myself to 4 charities. I may not be able to give a lot on a yearly basis, but something is better than nothing. And if not me, then who?

Here are the 4 charities/foundations that I am now giving to. Please click on the links if you feel inclined to do so, and learn about the amazing work each one is doing and how to donate:




1. St. Jude Children's Research Hospital

Interesting facts about St. Jude's Hospital and Research

Why I chose to donate to St. Jude:
St. Jude never turns down a patient, even if the family cannot pay. I have lost both of my grandfathers to cancer, and have seen first-hand the toll it takes on a persons life. However, both of my grandfathers had long, happy lives. It saddens me to see children as young as infants suffering from cancer and other life-threatening diseases.




2. The Gary Sinise Foundation

List of veterans charities that the Gary Sinise Foundation supports

Why I chose to donate to Gary Sinise Foundation:There are so many foundations and charities out there to help U.S. veterans, that it was hard to choose just one. I had given some money to random charities here and there, but couldn't fully commit to one because I would soon find another one to donate to! Then I saw Gary Sinise (Lt. Dan from Forest Gump!) on TV talking about his foundation, and it honestly just made it simple for me to choose. His foundation distributes the charity they recieve to A LOT of other charities out there. Click on the link above for the list. I know my money is going to at least one of them, and I'm proud to say that I helped one, if not more. So incredibly thankful for our troops, past and present, and all they have done for our amazing country :)




3. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA)

Why I chose to donate to ASPCA:I was a little hesitant about deciding on an animal charity to give to, but I feel I made the right choice after doing some research. I thought about donating to PETA, but some of their stances are quite radical (such as ALL domesticated pets should be spayed and neutered) ... just some weird stances. And although I respect what their main goal is, I just felt better about supporting ASPCA. The goal - no matter what - is to prevent animal cruelty. The love for animals is abundant, and I knew that since I can't afford a pet right now, I needed to give back somehow.




4. The A21 Campaign

Why I chose to donate to the A21 Campaign:After reading an article on cnn.com about human sex-trafficking in Greece, I was appalled. Human trafficking is the second largest global organized crime today, generating vicitims in the millions on a yearly basis world-wide. In Greece, prostitution is legal, so it makes it very hard to convict people on sex-trafficking, especially because Greece does not enforce immigration laws. It is extremely easy to smuggle (mostly) girls into Greece, to be a part of a sexual exploitation ring. An estimated 800,000 people a year are smuggled over the Greece border. People are being smuggled in from all over the world, but mostly southern and eastern Europe (ever see Taken??? The movie is sadly a true depiction of what is going on today). This charity really struck a chord with me. I live in a safe area. Safe home. Family to care for me. My own bed. My own choices. Food whenever I want it. Safe travels. Girls are being promised a good career in a new country, or just simply visiting a new place when they are kidnapped and forced into sex-trafficking. Immediately after researching this topic and charity, I knew in my heart that I had to give, and pray.



A quote from probably the most charitable person to ever live in our life-time:
Let us not be satisfied with just giving money. Money is not enough, money can be got, but they need your hearts to love them. So, spread your love everywhere you go.
     -Mother Teresa


My money is not enough. But it is a start. Which is why I needed to blog this as well. Hopefully you find it within yourself to give back to a cause that is worth helping. We all may not be able to give everything we have, but we can give something.

Think about it :)






On a lighter note, I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July! So blessed to be an American, so proud of our fore-fathers that fought endlessly and bravely to stand up for what was right and inherent in each human being: life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.



xoxo

Sunday, July 3, 2011

Scenarios

I could be sad that it's taking me moving out of state to make extra time in my life for family and friends, but instead I'm just going to be so grateful that I AM spending all this time with my loved ones. I no longer am saying "no" to going out because I'm too exhausted from work or have a billion things to grade. I no longer am leaving somewhere early to get to bed because I have to be up at 5am for summer school. Rather, I'm staying for that extra drink, the extra laughs, and the extra time with my bestie!

Wednesday I headed out to Elwood to lay out, bbq and catch up with my wonderful and oldest bestie, Emilee. Sure, it was a school night. But I stayed out past 10 (scandalous), finished up that last margarita, and just sat around to talk and laugh. Such a great night.

Last night...well, last night was different. Emilee and her hubby, Artie, had a friend Dave and myself come over for a delish dinner, and just the right amount of insanity with drinking games. Circle of Death, Asshole, Tourettes, and...Scenarios!!!

Scenarios is where you all write down some crazy, off-the-wall scenarios, and then someone calls it out one at a time. The people have to pose as to how they would react in that scenario, and then you snap a picture! Artie took the pictures, and Dave sat back and laughed at mine and Emilee's ridiculous-ness. Proof:





Don't ask me what the scenarios are, because I can't remember! So. Much. Laughing.

Love my friends :)

xoxo