10 Things to be Remembered For

List 10 things you would hope to be remembered for.

1. My sense of humor. I am a quirky girl at times and my sense of humor is borderline immature. However if you truly know me, you know I love to laugh and joke around. I love telling funny stories about the things that happen to me on a daily basis and I love to be snarky - if the timing is appropriate. Regardless, I think some people do not realize that I have a great sense of humor - and I'd hope that they'd have an opportunity to appreciate it and remember me for it.
2. My love of education. By education - I mean my love of teaching and growing as a learner. I feel so blessed to do the job that I do - teaching students with disabilities. I have wanted to do this job for so long [since I was in elementary school] and it's such a privilege and an honor to have the opportunity to touch the lives of these children everyday. My passion for teaching - and growing as a learner - is evident in how I speak about my kids and my work ethic. This is not a job that I take lightly, and I hope children look back one day and remember their teacher - Miss H - and the love I gave them, the lessons I taught them and the impact I made on them.
3. My smile. It sounds silly - but I have been told that I have a smile that lights up the room. I'd like to think of this as being approachable and friendly - and that's something worth remembering if you ask me :)
4. My positive attitude. I am a positive person 98% of the time. Okay ... so maybe I have exaggerated the truth. I'd say I am positive 90% of the time. I have my ups and downs ... and my OFF days, but for the most part, I look at the glass have full. Life is too short to focus on all of the negatives in life, and I use this energy to attack my battles in life full force.
5. My love of family. I come from a HUGE family. My dad is one of twelve kids and my mother is one of five. My dad's family lives down south in North Carolina - so we do not get to see everyone very often. However when we do travel down there, it's literally a reunion. I am always so overjoyed to spend time with fellow H's! There is always lots of food, conversation, dancing and contests. It makes me so proud to be a member of this family and to reconnect with my cousins and aunts/uncles. My mother's family lives locally - maybe ten or fifteen minutes apart. Growing up, we all went to the same church and would attend my grandparent's house after service for a big Sunday lunch. We celebrate every holiday together - whether it be the 4th of July, Christmas, Thanksgiving or someones birthday. When I am not with the entire family on either side, I am frequently visiting my parent's house to have heart to heart conversations with my parents or to catch up with my younger sister and brother. Family is everything to me and I hope to have a big family of my own one day - and to instill these same values into my children.
6. My love of photos. Back in the day, my digital camera was ALWAYS glued to my hand. I'd develop the photos and put them in frames and/or scrapbooks. Today, my iPhone is my best friend. I LOVE the camera on the phone and that I can immediately edit photos with instagram and then upload photos to twitter, facebook and shutterfly! I may be obnoxious when it comes time to photographs - but a picture is worth a thousands words :o)
7. My love of being outdoors. I LOVE the outdoors - especially on a beautiful day. Sit me by the ocean waves on a beach or by the campfire in the forest ... and I am content. It is then that I feel complete. I love hiking and and having a picnic outdoors in the fresh air.
8. My commitment and loyalty to my friends. I am shy by nature and so it takes me a while to truly let people into my heart/life. However, once you are in - YOU'RE IN! There will be nothing that I will not do for you in the time of need. Your company and friendship will be treasured to the tenth degree. Although this is a strength, it is also a weakness. I have the HARDEST time letting people go - it hurts me to no end when relationships end (whether romantic or friend). But I'd like to think this shows how much I love others and how loyal I am to someone I consider a friend.
9. My love of Zumba [and dancing.] If I could be ANYTHING (or anyone) for a day - I'd hope to be either a Zumba dance instructor OR a Dallas Cowboys Cheerleader. I love to dance and shake my booty. I love being energetic and pumping to the beat. For sure - this is something that I WILL no doubt be remembered for.
10. Myself. There is no other Chriss Marie - like me - out there. I have many wonderful qualities about me, and some not so good ones. But I am who I am ... and I try to be the best me that I can be everyday. I'd like to think my friends, family, coworkers, etc love me for exactly who I am. And that's something worth remembering me for.