Inspiration for creating Memorable moments and Enjoying Yourself
I have been married to my husband Nathan since 2010. We met in college and have been together ever since. He is my inspiration. His free spirit (this is the man that "didn't believe in time" when we first met) and determination to pursue his dreams encourages me everyday to reach new goals and enjoy the moments life has to offer. Although my "type A" personality has rubbed off on him a bit (he now sets alarms and at least looks at the clock) he definitely maintains a unique personality that is all his own. And I LOVE it!
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"Auntie Lani!" Nothing sounds better to these ears than hearing my nieces and nephews shout my name in excitement. My husband and I have a total of 10 nieces and nephews. I take serious pride in being the "cool" aunt. Since I have no kiddies of my own (yet), being an aunt gives me my "mommy" fix without all the responsibilities and stress of being a parent. It's a pretty sweet deal.
I teach 7th grade English at one of the best junior high schools in the Des Moines area. Most people tell me I must be crazy when I share that I love teaching middle school/junior high students, and I would have to agree with them! You have to have a good sense of humor and be a tad bit on the goofy side in order to truly enjoy all that the age group has to offer. I have a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary (K-6) and Middle School (5-8) Education from the University of Northern Iowa. In addition, I recently obtained my Masters in Education from UNI in Educational Psychology.
I've recently become a total gym/fitness geek. It all started with a New Year's resolution to get into better shape. I started changing what I ate and then took the big step of joining a gym. Since then I haven't looked back. The results have been great! I've lost a significant amount of weight and gained a huge amount of confidence. Its also help me achieved a sense of balance in my life. Most, importantly, I feel better! I feel energized, motivated, organized, and ready to take on the world. I love my time at the gym. Its my "me" time where all the stress and anxieties of the outside world (along with that bowl of ice cream) melt away. I think I've really embraced my time at the gym because I realized that I was someone that did a lot for others (don't get me wrong; I love serving others), but going to the gym is something that I get to do just for me. We all need that little something just for us, and going to the gym is my escape.
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Finally, I am a bit of a fashionista (or at least I like to think of myself as one). I LOVE FASHION! Clothes, shoes, accessories, they are my drug of choice! I love to shop. I am the queen of bargain hunting! I don't buy anything full price though. So, if I am not at school or the gym, I am probably combing through the clearance racks! My husband has joked on several occasions that he didn't realize that we had rented out space to a boutique after walking into our bedroom and finding my newest purchases sprawled across the bed and finding clothes, shoes, and jewelry overflowing from the closet.
Hopefully you have a bit of an insight into who I am. I am not going to lie, it was a struggle to write this page. I'm not really the kind of person that enjoys talking about myself (don't be mislead by the amount of writing I did; that's just an English teacher thing!) Thanks for reading and getting to know me. If you haven't been bored to tears yet, you can read my personal mission statement, values, and beliefs. I had to write them for a class and I really like how they sum up what is important to me. (It's like the CliffNotes version of who I am!)
My Mission Statement
I inspire others through bestowing kindness and positivity unto all by striving to be selfless and giving more back to my family, students, community, and world than I receive.
My Values
I value… Family and the quality time spent with them Love and Generosity Positivity and Optimism Education and Hard Work Health and Fitness |
My Beliefs
I believe… The golden rule, treat others as I would like to be treated The impact of a kind word or deed can change a life The law of Karma The 3 Principles: Mind, Consciousnesses, and Thought I can make a difference in the world |