Simply Shelby

This has been the hardest year of my life. I probably have said that before, but I can honestly say 2014 has been a year that has changed me and has impacted the rest of my life forever. Not all of 2014 was good or easy. 2014 brought emotional struggles with family, my career, and friends. 2014 brought pain, struggle, triumph, and laughter. The one word I would use to describe my life in 2014 is tired . I was tired all of 2014 between finishing up college and learning to tackle new challenges with my 2nd grade class. 2014 came and 2014 happened. Name: Shelby Jean Forsyth Age: 21 Favorite Color: Pink Favorite Food: Aunt Kerry's Tacos Favorite Activity: Sleeping Favorite Book: Wemberly Worried by Kevin Henkes Highlights of 2014 Greatest Lesson Learned: Teaching wasn't the dream I thought it would be. It is hard. It takes a lot of effort. I love it (most days). Hardest Thing This Year: Coming to terms with things I have no control over. Heavenly Father is in charge o...

In the words of a very wise 7 year old I was told yesterday that, "Your serious face is awful." Granted, I probably deserved it. Ever since then and all throughout today I dwelled on the fact that 80% of the time my kids are teaching me more than I'm teaching them. Today turned out to majorly suck. Nothing went right and I wish I could say that some miracle happened where now all my kids are golden 100% of the time. I didn't want to get out of bed, my kids didn't understand double-digit subtraction, and my trouble kids were even more troublesome. By the time I got home I was in tears and my mother was consoling me as best as she could from over 2,000 miles away. They never tell you in college the reality of teaching. They don't tell you the emotions, the struggles, and the wishful thinking that all of my students could live happy lives. I did what I naturally do and I ate a lot of carbs. My jeans will regret it tomorrow, but for now, I do not have an ounce of ...

Folks, It's been an interesting year. I'm sad to see 2014 coming to an end, but looking at my life and the photos on my iPhone I am grateful this year happened. In 2014 here are the 14 most significant things that have happened in my life: 1. I decided to "fast-track" my career by taking classes through Spring/Summer terms. 2. I interviewed in front of 20 principals and received an internship. 3. I had my first day as an official 2nd grade teacher. 4. I bought a car! 5. I threw two parties for my roommates (Back to School & Halloween). 6. I ate Zaxby's in UTAH. 7. I moved twice. 8. I sent a package to my parents. 9. I went to three plays at the Hale Center Theater: Les Miserables, Catch Me If You Can, and The Christmas Carol. 10. I had the flu. 11. I turned 21. 12. I made "Teacher Friends." 13. I taught/still teach Old Testament for Sunday School. 14. I scratched my new car. Sadly, those are in no order. My thoughts were pretty scat...