Today was, hands down, one of the best days I've had with my students! It's funny, because I really expected this week to be challenging. And, really, it has been until today. (As in, I had to write referral #2 yesterday morning.) In part it's due to the fact that my BTSA Support Provider came in to observe me. I told my students she was observing them. Worked like a charm, because they were awesome. They participated, worked hard, were quiet and didn't disrupt me. Oh, it was like a dream. I rewarded my kids by playing 52 rounds of Preposition Bingo with them. Or maybe it just felt like 52 or 522 to me. I don't honestly know how Bingo can be so fun, but we rarely do "fun" things, so I guess it doesn't take much. They are also pretty competitive, so I can really use that to my advantage, too. In fact, they were begging me to do math review today because we made it a competition last week. Seriously. Maybe they didn't realize what they were asking...
I really do love my students. As much as they wear me out, they crack me up even more. It's really, really hard not to laugh sometimes...
Wednesday, December 21, 2011
as promised.
I have not forgotten. I promised picture of my classroom and I finally took some this week. Here you go:
You're welcome. Sorry it's not more exciting! I still have a lot of wall space to cover...
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| The door with a little Christmas cheer. The kids were so excited to make those snowflakes. I have another huge stack to put up around the room. I made them do them in all colors so they can stay up all winter. |
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| These pictures give a pretty good look at how long my classroom is. I'm pretty sure I do 100 laps around there each day. |
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| Another picture. You can see snowflake remnants on the ground, the random screen that appeared in the back of my classroom last Thursday morning...and that some of my students have yet to master the art of pushing in their chair *sigh |
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| Everyone's favorite part of the classroom |
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| A view from the other side |
Tuesday, December 20, 2011
weekend recap.
"Life just feels like I'm on the edge of everything changing." I didn't know when I wrote those words how true they would become this past weekend.
Friday evening was one of much fun and celebration! I ran a few errands after work and then headed to my Bible Study's Christmas Party. It was an Ugly Sweater Party, which I failed to find, even after braving Wal-Mart. I did bring the pizza, though, so at least we had something to eat! As we ate the said pizza, we watched The Muppet Christmas Carol. That movie was definitely a favorite growing up and I hadn't seen it in such a long time. We paused the movie and got ourselves set up to create gingerbread houses. I actually don't remember the last time I had done this, so it was pretty fun. We used graham crackers for simplicity's sake. (The last time we made houses we baked gingerbread, which only led to frustration because it was weak and misshapen.) Anyhow, we had quite the array of candies...and the fun began! It became apparent very quickly who had skills at making gingerbread houses, and who did not...ok, some of us had moderate skills. Or maybe that was the perfectionist coming out of me. We spent quite awhile on them, long enough to finish the movie once and watch it again another whole time.
That was Friday. Saturday consisted of staying in pajamas all day. I haven't done that since summer, I think, so it was really quite grand. I did quite a bit of work or stuff around the house, but I still didn't have to get dressed to go somewhere, and that's what counts.
Sunday, oh, Sunday. That was the day that things began to change, at least for me. It started pretty normal. Woke up earlier than I wanted to in order to get to First Service Sunday School at church. Those 4 and 5 year old really make me smile. I see such joy in them that it makes me smile. I particularly loved this week as we continued to tell the Christmas Story of Jesus' birth to them. The man telling the story is very animated and engages them in it. It was one of those strange moments where I looked around and saw pure, childlike faith. So sweet and so refreshing to see and hear the miracle of the Christmas story through them.
After Sunday School I headed to the main service. From the moment I walked inside, it was obvious something had happened. Someone told me it's a good service, but "there's a lot going on." Hmm. My mom walked in to sit with me shortly after, then a friend came over to tell us what was happening. I'm not going to go into details, partially because I don't have them, but mostly because it doesn't really matter. In a nutshell, our lead pastor gave his letter of resignation on Friday. He's been at the church for 18 months after more than a year of a pastoral search. To say that Satan is attacking the Church would be an understatement. That probably means we are doing something right, but at the same time it's hard. The high school pastor stepped in to preach and did an excellent job handling the difficult circumstances. Our God is Sovereign and will not fail us. That's the promise we are clinging to as the Body and as a church family.
Sunday night we gathered again at church for a time of prayer and praise. It was a hard time in some ways, but so good to be able to turn the pain into praise. Only God knows what is next for us. After that, I went Christmas Caroling with some friends. It was slightly spur of the moment, so I was totally unprepared for the cold weather. Thankfully I had gloves in my purse with me. I had fun, though...I think we all did...and the houses we stopped at were loving it too.
Overall, it was a strange but great weekend. I think I did more social activities this weekend than all of the past few months combined. Ok, so maybe not, but it does feel that way a bit. I guess I need to get out more...
Friday evening was one of much fun and celebration! I ran a few errands after work and then headed to my Bible Study's Christmas Party. It was an Ugly Sweater Party, which I failed to find, even after braving Wal-Mart. I did bring the pizza, though, so at least we had something to eat! As we ate the said pizza, we watched The Muppet Christmas Carol. That movie was definitely a favorite growing up and I hadn't seen it in such a long time. We paused the movie and got ourselves set up to create gingerbread houses. I actually don't remember the last time I had done this, so it was pretty fun. We used graham crackers for simplicity's sake. (The last time we made houses we baked gingerbread, which only led to frustration because it was weak and misshapen.) Anyhow, we had quite the array of candies...and the fun began! It became apparent very quickly who had skills at making gingerbread houses, and who did not...ok, some of us had moderate skills. Or maybe that was the perfectionist coming out of me. We spent quite awhile on them, long enough to finish the movie once and watch it again another whole time.
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| Our Gingerbread Village |
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| Noah's Waterfront Home, complete with raft |
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| A Mobile Home |
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| An outhouse with solar panels. We're very green...ha. |
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| Maggie was creative in the fact that she used lots of different candy...and she finished quickly so she could eat candy. |
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| Courtney's was a masterpiece. That's all I really have to say. |
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| Tad and Alisa joined forces to create this pirate ship. It not only won the "tallest" award, it has a stockpile on that back roof full of candy..."just in case" |
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| This is mine. I decided after the fact that it looks like a barn. |
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| Kevin's structural masterpiece. The chimney was practically in working condition. I think that was the fun part for him, because he wanted nothing to do with decorating with candy. |
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| Here's my Bible Study group for the last year and few months...such wonderful friends! (Minus a few of our newest members that either didn't make it or had already left.) |
That was Friday. Saturday consisted of staying in pajamas all day. I haven't done that since summer, I think, so it was really quite grand. I did quite a bit of work or stuff around the house, but I still didn't have to get dressed to go somewhere, and that's what counts.
Sunday, oh, Sunday. That was the day that things began to change, at least for me. It started pretty normal. Woke up earlier than I wanted to in order to get to First Service Sunday School at church. Those 4 and 5 year old really make me smile. I see such joy in them that it makes me smile. I particularly loved this week as we continued to tell the Christmas Story of Jesus' birth to them. The man telling the story is very animated and engages them in it. It was one of those strange moments where I looked around and saw pure, childlike faith. So sweet and so refreshing to see and hear the miracle of the Christmas story through them.
After Sunday School I headed to the main service. From the moment I walked inside, it was obvious something had happened. Someone told me it's a good service, but "there's a lot going on." Hmm. My mom walked in to sit with me shortly after, then a friend came over to tell us what was happening. I'm not going to go into details, partially because I don't have them, but mostly because it doesn't really matter. In a nutshell, our lead pastor gave his letter of resignation on Friday. He's been at the church for 18 months after more than a year of a pastoral search. To say that Satan is attacking the Church would be an understatement. That probably means we are doing something right, but at the same time it's hard. The high school pastor stepped in to preach and did an excellent job handling the difficult circumstances. Our God is Sovereign and will not fail us. That's the promise we are clinging to as the Body and as a church family.
Sunday night we gathered again at church for a time of prayer and praise. It was a hard time in some ways, but so good to be able to turn the pain into praise. Only God knows what is next for us. After that, I went Christmas Caroling with some friends. It was slightly spur of the moment, so I was totally unprepared for the cold weather. Thankfully I had gloves in my purse with me. I had fun, though...I think we all did...and the houses we stopped at were loving it too.
Overall, it was a strange but great weekend. I think I did more social activities this weekend than all of the past few months combined. Ok, so maybe not, but it does feel that way a bit. I guess I need to get out more...
Saturday, December 17, 2011
december 17.
One year ago today.
That was the day that Papa was rushed to the hospital having a heart attack. That day changed our lives, really. I'm thankful for this blog, to be able to go back and reread the events that happened. Not so much to remember the pain, but to be able look back and see God's goodness in the midst of it all. How merciful God was to each of us!
This year I'm thankful for each person that surrounds my life. My family and friends. I feel like I say it quite a bit, actually, but it's true. The people around you are the one's shaping you, influencing you, and loving you. I'm thankful for each one, for the role that they play individually and collectively. So, thank you.
Thank you for your love and support, each day of the year. Thank you for your prayers as we approach this Christmas, for my family as we get together and remember the events of one year ago. Pray especially for Gramma, as she continues to settle into her new reality of living on her own. Thank you, Lord, for being sufficient through it all...
That was the day that Papa was rushed to the hospital having a heart attack. That day changed our lives, really. I'm thankful for this blog, to be able to go back and reread the events that happened. Not so much to remember the pain, but to be able look back and see God's goodness in the midst of it all. How merciful God was to each of us!
This year I'm thankful for each person that surrounds my life. My family and friends. I feel like I say it quite a bit, actually, but it's true. The people around you are the one's shaping you, influencing you, and loving you. I'm thankful for each one, for the role that they play individually and collectively. So, thank you.
Thank you for your love and support, each day of the year. Thank you for your prayers as we approach this Christmas, for my family as we get together and remember the events of one year ago. Pray especially for Gramma, as she continues to settle into her new reality of living on her own. Thank you, Lord, for being sufficient through it all...
Thursday, December 15, 2011
something unknown.
Do you ever get the feeling of excitement for something unknown?
I know it sounds crazy, really, but I have this anxious/excited feeling that comes over me occasionally, but I don't really know what it's about. Maybe I just excited for Christmas, because I do love the holiday. Maybe I'm excited for Break and a day where I can stay in my PJs all day if I want to. Maybe I'm excited for Wicked, which is 3 weeks from tomorrow.
Maybe it's a combination of all of those things, or really none of them all. Life just feels like I'm on the edge of everything changing. (Like changing for everyone else, not really me...) This probably wasn't post-worthy because I can't properly express my feelings. However, this blog is for me primarily, so you're just going to have to live with it.
One thing I know for sure, I'm still in process...
I know it sounds crazy, really, but I have this anxious/excited feeling that comes over me occasionally, but I don't really know what it's about. Maybe I just excited for Christmas, because I do love the holiday. Maybe I'm excited for Break and a day where I can stay in my PJs all day if I want to. Maybe I'm excited for Wicked, which is 3 weeks from tomorrow.
Maybe it's a combination of all of those things, or really none of them all. Life just feels like I'm on the edge of everything changing. (Like changing for everyone else, not really me...) This probably wasn't post-worthy because I can't properly express my feelings. However, this blog is for me primarily, so you're just going to have to live with it.
One thing I know for sure, I'm still in process...
Tuesday, December 6, 2011
december cheer.
Two posts in less than a week? I'm surprising even myself. Although, I don't really know who all reads this, since nobody ever comments....ahem...
I love December and the spirit of giving that it brings out in people. Forget all the controversy about consumerism and materialism, which has its validity. I just love that this is a time of year when people think about people other than themselves. It's something I strive to do each day. To be a generous and cheerful giver. To give genuinely from the heart. But it doesn't come naturally to most people. So I love to see it. It's not even about the gifts, but about the spirit behind it. In that sense, it really is the "most wonderful time of the year." I pray that, not out of obligation, but a true spirit of generosity,you will cheerfully give this Christmas. Whether it be to your family, friends, church, strangers, missions project, those in need, or anyone in between, realize how greatly you have been blessed! It doesn't have to be a lot, because it's not really about the gift, but about the willing heart that gives it.
On that note, please send all Christmas gifts to...
I love December and the spirit of giving that it brings out in people. Forget all the controversy about consumerism and materialism, which has its validity. I just love that this is a time of year when people think about people other than themselves. It's something I strive to do each day. To be a generous and cheerful giver. To give genuinely from the heart. But it doesn't come naturally to most people. So I love to see it. It's not even about the gifts, but about the spirit behind it. In that sense, it really is the "most wonderful time of the year." I pray that, not out of obligation, but a true spirit of generosity,you will cheerfully give this Christmas. Whether it be to your family, friends, church, strangers, missions project, those in need, or anyone in between, realize how greatly you have been blessed! It doesn't have to be a lot, because it's not really about the gift, but about the willing heart that gives it.
On that note, please send all Christmas gifts to...
Thursday, December 1, 2011
little pieces of life.
Here are some little pieces of my life lately...A collection of random bits, quick stories, and miscellaneous information.
Tonight I broke the Cardinal Rule of Commuting: I didn't use the restroom before leaving school. By the time I drove 35 minutes, made a quick stop, and 10 more minutes home, I really wished I had. Of course, I did try to go, but the bathroom was already locked, which, of course, didn't help me a bit.
In just about a month from now, I get to see Wicked again. So excited!
My students say and do some really funny things sometimes. It's hard to not laugh sometimes. Like today, when one of the kids pretty much just ate it. I would have felt bad if hadn't been messing around, but he somehow managed to tip his chair back and then fell into another chair. I just had to laugh. They're just goofy, nerdy 5th graders. And as crazy as they drive me sometimes, I can't help but love them.
I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it before, but I'm teaching Pre-K Sunday School every week at church. I love being around those kids. They have such enthusiasm for life and the littlest things. It also cracks me up to watch them during music, when half of them are just standing there watching the adults jumping around singing and thinking, I can only assume by the looks on their faces, that we are all insane. They say the most hilarious things, have meltdowns over a torn sticker, and are the picture of childlike faith.
It's December! Which is so crazy, but also happens to be one of my favorite months. I love the whole Christmas season, everything about it. I love shopping for Christmas presents, looking for something that I hope the person will love. I love when the weather changes (like it has this week!) and I can wear my growing collection of scarves.
I'm a bit torn about the idea that school goes until December 23 this year. On one hand, it completely ruins our family tradition of celebrating with one side of the family, which we do on the 23rd every year. However, the weeks of school will fly by, which means Christmas will be here before we know it. And, also on the plus side, I get a whole week off in January, which will be pure vacation. I guess it's not really so bad...
Ok, that's all I have time for tonight. It's almost my bed time.
Tonight I broke the Cardinal Rule of Commuting: I didn't use the restroom before leaving school. By the time I drove 35 minutes, made a quick stop, and 10 more minutes home, I really wished I had. Of course, I did try to go, but the bathroom was already locked, which, of course, didn't help me a bit.
In just about a month from now, I get to see Wicked again. So excited!
My students say and do some really funny things sometimes. It's hard to not laugh sometimes. Like today, when one of the kids pretty much just ate it. I would have felt bad if hadn't been messing around, but he somehow managed to tip his chair back and then fell into another chair. I just had to laugh. They're just goofy, nerdy 5th graders. And as crazy as they drive me sometimes, I can't help but love them.
I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it before, but I'm teaching Pre-K Sunday School every week at church. I love being around those kids. They have such enthusiasm for life and the littlest things. It also cracks me up to watch them during music, when half of them are just standing there watching the adults jumping around singing and thinking, I can only assume by the looks on their faces, that we are all insane. They say the most hilarious things, have meltdowns over a torn sticker, and are the picture of childlike faith.
It's December! Which is so crazy, but also happens to be one of my favorite months. I love the whole Christmas season, everything about it. I love shopping for Christmas presents, looking for something that I hope the person will love. I love when the weather changes (like it has this week!) and I can wear my growing collection of scarves.
I'm a bit torn about the idea that school goes until December 23 this year. On one hand, it completely ruins our family tradition of celebrating with one side of the family, which we do on the 23rd every year. However, the weeks of school will fly by, which means Christmas will be here before we know it. And, also on the plus side, I get a whole week off in January, which will be pure vacation. I guess it's not really so bad...
Ok, that's all I have time for tonight. It's almost my bed time.
Wednesday, November 30, 2011
awards day.
[Disclaimer: This story is not for the weak-stomached.]
About three weeks ago (yes, that's how behind I feel) was the First Quarter Awards Assembly at school. It started at 9:30 for Intermediate grades and lasted more than an hour (also known as a really long time to keep a class of kids quiet). They started with some general awards, then moved on to 4th, 5th, then 6th grade.
So we'd been sitting on uncomfortable benches in the cafeteria for awhile before it was finally our turn. In the midst of the transition from the last class to mine walking up, one of the girls in my class says to me, "Miss Friesen, Alex just threw up on my face." I can't even explain the thoughts that ran through my head. My response to her: "What?" She says again, "Alex threw up on my face." (Please keep in mind that we are literally walking up to the front as this conversation is happening.) All I can think to say is "Are you ok?" She says yes and move into our places on the stage.
And then suddenly it hit me. Where was Alex? I look over and see him, back to the audience, not-so-dry heaving, on the verge of losing it. All I said to him was, "Go," and he was out practically running out the door. I calmly carried on, calling names and giving out the awards. It wasn't until we were sitting back down that the hilarity of the situation really hit me. Every time I replay the scene in my mind, I just start cracking up. Even three weeks later, it doesn't get old. Seriously, the only way I could think that Alex vomited on her face was by throwing up in his mouth and some of it came out because there was nothing on the floor or anywhere else. By the way, the girl had wiped it off on her sweatshirt, so I didn't see anything. Thank the Lord because Miss Friesen would have thrown up too.
Of course, after we had sat down, Alex's mom came up to me asking where he was (I had had to say he wasn't there). I told her I sent him to the office because he had been throwing up. Her response was "Oh no! Him too?" Apparently her younger son had also been throwing up during his assembly. Lovely.
About three weeks ago (yes, that's how behind I feel) was the First Quarter Awards Assembly at school. It started at 9:30 for Intermediate grades and lasted more than an hour (also known as a really long time to keep a class of kids quiet). They started with some general awards, then moved on to 4th, 5th, then 6th grade.
So we'd been sitting on uncomfortable benches in the cafeteria for awhile before it was finally our turn. In the midst of the transition from the last class to mine walking up, one of the girls in my class says to me, "Miss Friesen, Alex just threw up on my face." I can't even explain the thoughts that ran through my head. My response to her: "What?" She says again, "Alex threw up on my face." (Please keep in mind that we are literally walking up to the front as this conversation is happening.) All I can think to say is "Are you ok?" She says yes and move into our places on the stage.
And then suddenly it hit me. Where was Alex? I look over and see him, back to the audience, not-so-dry heaving, on the verge of losing it. All I said to him was, "Go," and he was out practically running out the door. I calmly carried on, calling names and giving out the awards. It wasn't until we were sitting back down that the hilarity of the situation really hit me. Every time I replay the scene in my mind, I just start cracking up. Even three weeks later, it doesn't get old. Seriously, the only way I could think that Alex vomited on her face was by throwing up in his mouth and some of it came out because there was nothing on the floor or anywhere else. By the way, the girl had wiped it off on her sweatshirt, so I didn't see anything. Thank the Lord because Miss Friesen would have thrown up too.
Of course, after we had sat down, Alex's mom came up to me asking where he was (I had had to say he wasn't there). I told her I sent him to the office because he had been throwing up. Her response was "Oh no! Him too?" Apparently her younger son had also been throwing up during his assembly. Lovely.
Tuesday, November 8, 2011
tuesday evening.
November is off to a quick start. I had great ambitions of updating my blog each day this month. Ha! Well, this is what, post 2 on the 8th day. Oh well! I have two goals with this: To reflect on my days and to share with you all about what is going on in my life.
Things I am thankful for today:
1. Friends. I have Bible Study tonight, which I have been attending for just over a year. While the group has changed over this time, I am thankful for each one of them in my life for a different purpose. I'm thankful that we can hang out for hours and lose track of time. I'm thankful that we can dig deep into God's Word together and then have a crazy, off the wall tangent about a movie. I'm thankful that we can share in life's big moments together, pray for each other in the difficult ones, and just enjoy one another in general. Words cannot express my thankfulness for each of them. I'm also thankful for my other friends. Even when we don't see each other, or even get to talk very often, I know that they are there for me.
2. Cough drops. With teaching comes the inevitability of getting sick. What is it about kids and spreading germs? Last night I felt a little off, but it wasn't until I woke up with a seriously sore throat this morning that I really knew I was getting some sort of bug. I still don't feel too bad, but my throat is scratchy and I'm really, really, beyond normal tired.
Praying your Tuesday is going well...
Things I am thankful for today:
1. Friends. I have Bible Study tonight, which I have been attending for just over a year. While the group has changed over this time, I am thankful for each one of them in my life for a different purpose. I'm thankful that we can hang out for hours and lose track of time. I'm thankful that we can dig deep into God's Word together and then have a crazy, off the wall tangent about a movie. I'm thankful that we can share in life's big moments together, pray for each other in the difficult ones, and just enjoy one another in general. Words cannot express my thankfulness for each of them. I'm also thankful for my other friends. Even when we don't see each other, or even get to talk very often, I know that they are there for me.
2. Cough drops. With teaching comes the inevitability of getting sick. What is it about kids and spreading germs? Last night I felt a little off, but it wasn't until I woke up with a seriously sore throat this morning that I really knew I was getting some sort of bug. I still don't feel too bad, but my throat is scratchy and I'm really, really, beyond normal tired.
Praying your Tuesday is going well...
Friday, November 4, 2011
radio silence.
Please excuse my silence of the last 37 days. As you might imagine, I've been very busy! I now have 5 weeks of teaching under my belt. It's been a bit of a whirlwind experience and a complete overhaul of my life. I now wake up before the sun every day (looking forward to the time change tomorrow night!), leave the house around 6:55am, get to work just before 7:30, and my day gets off to a start. I'm also tired by 9pm, which still is crazy to me. Lights out by 10:30 every night, which isn't usually hard because I'm exhausted, but I do feel like a grandma sometimes :)
At last report my class had 23 students in it. By the time I started my first week, they had changed that number to 17. A couple of weeks later, I had two new students show up (in one day). Last week, one boy was switched into another 5th grade class at the school because of social issues (aka fighting). Then on Wednesday this week, I found out that a girl in my class was moving and it was going to be her last day. So, I'm back to 17 now!
I don't even know where to begin. I'm loving my job, even though it can keep my every moment busy. I have to have a "cut off" time so I don't work all night. I'm happy to do most of it, though, and I love my students. Out of the 17 I have, 13 are boys. Three of them in particular keep me on my toes. Actually, they have "attitude issues" and have a difficult time not talking out and being disruptive in class. Today was probably one of the best days that one of the boys had. After I really got on them this week, I'm praying that we are turning a new leaf and that it wasn't just a fluke.
The school I am working at is pretty high academically, which is wonderful. It also means I have added pressure to keep these kids at high levels in Language Arts and Math. For the most part I feel good about it, but sometimes the responsibility overwhelms me for a moment. The other 5th grade teachers are wonderful and so supportive, anticipating my needs in some cases, and ready and willing to answer questions when I have them.
I promise to be better about updating. I also promise to take pictures of my room soon to share with you all...
At last report my class had 23 students in it. By the time I started my first week, they had changed that number to 17. A couple of weeks later, I had two new students show up (in one day). Last week, one boy was switched into another 5th grade class at the school because of social issues (aka fighting). Then on Wednesday this week, I found out that a girl in my class was moving and it was going to be her last day. So, I'm back to 17 now!
I don't even know where to begin. I'm loving my job, even though it can keep my every moment busy. I have to have a "cut off" time so I don't work all night. I'm happy to do most of it, though, and I love my students. Out of the 17 I have, 13 are boys. Three of them in particular keep me on my toes. Actually, they have "attitude issues" and have a difficult time not talking out and being disruptive in class. Today was probably one of the best days that one of the boys had. After I really got on them this week, I'm praying that we are turning a new leaf and that it wasn't just a fluke.
The school I am working at is pretty high academically, which is wonderful. It also means I have added pressure to keep these kids at high levels in Language Arts and Math. For the most part I feel good about it, but sometimes the responsibility overwhelms me for a moment. The other 5th grade teachers are wonderful and so supportive, anticipating my needs in some cases, and ready and willing to answer questions when I have them.
I promise to be better about updating. I also promise to take pictures of my room soon to share with you all...
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
as of now.
To anyone who is keeping up with these things, I have a few more details about my job. As in the fact I started yesterday morning. My first day as a real teacher! It was totally surreal...and since I was just observing the other 5th grade teachers, I felt like I was back in school doing observations for a class. But then reality set in a bit more today when I attended a grade level meeting, was given a class list, was told my room would be ready by Friday, and I would begin teaching Monday. This is a bit accelerated from the original timeline I was given, but it will probably be nicer to begin on Monday versus midweek. I'm busy trying to pull all the loose ends together, figure out how I'm going to run things, and my discipline/reward system. Oh, and planning a few lessons, too!
Things I still have no idea about:
-When I'll actually get in my room (as in morning or end of the day on Friday). Either way, I envision my spending my weekend in that classroom trying to get things organized and ready to go.
-What kind of supplies/materials I'll have in the classroom. I know the kids will have desks and books. I inventoried my teacher books, too. That's pretty much all I know I have for sure :)
-What my schedule will look like. They are having to fit in times for my class to do things like library, computer lab, science lab, and PE. Makes things a little more interesting!
What I do know:
-I have 23 kids in my class.
-I start teaching Monday.
-I have a job.
Oh, what an adventure!
Things I still have no idea about:
-When I'll actually get in my room (as in morning or end of the day on Friday). Either way, I envision my spending my weekend in that classroom trying to get things organized and ready to go.
-What kind of supplies/materials I'll have in the classroom. I know the kids will have desks and books. I inventoried my teacher books, too. That's pretty much all I know I have for sure :)
-What my schedule will look like. They are having to fit in times for my class to do things like library, computer lab, science lab, and PE. Makes things a little more interesting!
What I do know:
-I have 23 kids in my class.
-I start teaching Monday.
-I have a job.
Oh, what an adventure!
Monday, September 26, 2011
a crazy thing happened.
If you've read this blog at all,
Or, If you've asked what I'm doing sometime in the last year,
Or, If you know me at all,
Then you probably know I've been looking for a teaching job. The process has been much harder than I could ever imagine. I've faced multiple interviews, multiple rejections, and run the whole gamut of emotions. I had to believe that through this whole period of waiting, struggling, and testing of faith, trust, and patience, that God had something good in store for me. What's hard to know along the journey is that my definition of "good" might not look to me the same as the good God has planned for my life. Of course, that's where trust comes in and plenty of prayers for direction.
I can't even begin to count the number of prayers over the last year and a half (even more so over the last six months) that have been primarily focused on what God was doing in my life. As much as I hated the process, I am certain that God has taught me much about relying on Him to provide, and trusting that He would do so! It's been a time of learning and growth, and I guess I wouldn't change that part of it.
With each interview I could feel my perspective changing. Some of it was probably done out of self-preservation, not wanting to get hurt again. The first interview I had, everything seemed so perfect and to fall right into place. I beat the odds and got an interview, so I really felt like "this might be it." It obviously wasn't, because the "no" soon followed. That was the beginning of May. It wasn't until mid-July that I had another interview. Again, the circumstances that led me to the job all seemed so perfect, I again couldn't help but wonder if that was the place God was leading me. After an excruciatingly long wait (about 3.5 weeks) I finally received word that it was another "no." I didn't have much time to be disappointed about it though, because just days after I had another interview scheduled. the application was done on somewhat of a whim, feeling like I really didn't have a chance. But, after receiving a call that I had again beat the odds and had an interview, I again couldn't help but think that God was working behind he scenes for this job. And, while He was definitely working, it wasn't in the way of getting another job.
Before I knew it, school was started and subbing began. I had resigned myself to subbing, figuring that that was where God had led. It wasn't what I had wanted to do, but was willing if that's where He wanted me. I made plans, volunteered for things, and basically arranged my life and commitments based on that schedule. Fast forward to the end of the week two weeks ago, when a friend called me to say I needed to get my application in to a certain district since they were hiring about 20 or more new teachers. I updated my resume and submitted it again (I'd already applied in May), and Monday I got the call for an interview.
Like I said, though, I already had my life for the time being scheduled out, so part of me resented the timing of it all. The rest of me vacillated between being "cautiously optimistic"in order to protect myself, and slightly afraid of the school I could potentially be hired at. (This was a different situation than my other interviews because they had so many positions and a ton of schools, I didn't really know what I could be given.) I wasn't really nervous this time around, for whatever reason. It wasn't so much that I doubted God. I trusted fully that He could give me a job. What I didn't fully believe, though, was that He actually would. At least not this time. And I think there's a distinct difference there.
Sometime in between scheduling thy interview and Wednesday, when the interview took place, God really worked on my heart. It was a moment of surrendering the situation to Him, knowing that He would place me where I could best be used by Him. If that meant being placed in tough school set in a rough neighborhood, I was willing to do it.
About 2:00 that afternoon, just over 5 hours after the interview, I got a call back. A crazy thing happened and they actually offered me a job. Not just any job, though, but a job at a school that everyone says is wonderful. It was a surreal moment in my life, when I called her back to say yes (I asked for a few minutes to think, call my mom, and digest the news). This was the very moment when countless prayers were answered.
Since that moment, lots of things have fallen into place. Had my livescan fingerprints done on Thursday (for the 3rd time, I might add). I did lots of paperwork (about 2 hours worth) on Friday night. And today I went to the district office for orientation where I got my ID badge, signed my contract, and made everything official. Tomorrow's the day I report to the school site. Bright and early at 7:30am. I still don't have much information, other than the fact that it's 5th grade and I don't actually start teaching until next week sometime. I'm beyond words excited to get there and get the 900 questions in my head (and from everybody else) answered.
What a journey this has been. I feel like it's the end of a chapter in my life and the start of a much more exciting one.
Oh, and please pray for me when you think about it! I know I'm going to need it...
Or, If you've asked what I'm doing sometime in the last year,
Or, If you know me at all,
Then you probably know I've been looking for a teaching job. The process has been much harder than I could ever imagine. I've faced multiple interviews, multiple rejections, and run the whole gamut of emotions. I had to believe that through this whole period of waiting, struggling, and testing of faith, trust, and patience, that God had something good in store for me. What's hard to know along the journey is that my definition of "good" might not look to me the same as the good God has planned for my life. Of course, that's where trust comes in and plenty of prayers for direction.
I can't even begin to count the number of prayers over the last year and a half (even more so over the last six months) that have been primarily focused on what God was doing in my life. As much as I hated the process, I am certain that God has taught me much about relying on Him to provide, and trusting that He would do so! It's been a time of learning and growth, and I guess I wouldn't change that part of it.
With each interview I could feel my perspective changing. Some of it was probably done out of self-preservation, not wanting to get hurt again. The first interview I had, everything seemed so perfect and to fall right into place. I beat the odds and got an interview, so I really felt like "this might be it." It obviously wasn't, because the "no" soon followed. That was the beginning of May. It wasn't until mid-July that I had another interview. Again, the circumstances that led me to the job all seemed so perfect, I again couldn't help but wonder if that was the place God was leading me. After an excruciatingly long wait (about 3.5 weeks) I finally received word that it was another "no." I didn't have much time to be disappointed about it though, because just days after I had another interview scheduled. the application was done on somewhat of a whim, feeling like I really didn't have a chance. But, after receiving a call that I had again beat the odds and had an interview, I again couldn't help but think that God was working behind he scenes for this job. And, while He was definitely working, it wasn't in the way of getting another job.
Before I knew it, school was started and subbing began. I had resigned myself to subbing, figuring that that was where God had led. It wasn't what I had wanted to do, but was willing if that's where He wanted me. I made plans, volunteered for things, and basically arranged my life and commitments based on that schedule. Fast forward to the end of the week two weeks ago, when a friend called me to say I needed to get my application in to a certain district since they were hiring about 20 or more new teachers. I updated my resume and submitted it again (I'd already applied in May), and Monday I got the call for an interview.
Like I said, though, I already had my life for the time being scheduled out, so part of me resented the timing of it all. The rest of me vacillated between being "cautiously optimistic"in order to protect myself, and slightly afraid of the school I could potentially be hired at. (This was a different situation than my other interviews because they had so many positions and a ton of schools, I didn't really know what I could be given.) I wasn't really nervous this time around, for whatever reason. It wasn't so much that I doubted God. I trusted fully that He could give me a job. What I didn't fully believe, though, was that He actually would. At least not this time. And I think there's a distinct difference there.
Sometime in between scheduling thy interview and Wednesday, when the interview took place, God really worked on my heart. It was a moment of surrendering the situation to Him, knowing that He would place me where I could best be used by Him. If that meant being placed in tough school set in a rough neighborhood, I was willing to do it.
About 2:00 that afternoon, just over 5 hours after the interview, I got a call back. A crazy thing happened and they actually offered me a job. Not just any job, though, but a job at a school that everyone says is wonderful. It was a surreal moment in my life, when I called her back to say yes (I asked for a few minutes to think, call my mom, and digest the news). This was the very moment when countless prayers were answered.
Since that moment, lots of things have fallen into place. Had my livescan fingerprints done on Thursday (for the 3rd time, I might add). I did lots of paperwork (about 2 hours worth) on Friday night. And today I went to the district office for orientation where I got my ID badge, signed my contract, and made everything official. Tomorrow's the day I report to the school site. Bright and early at 7:30am. I still don't have much information, other than the fact that it's 5th grade and I don't actually start teaching until next week sometime. I'm beyond words excited to get there and get the 900 questions in my head (and from everybody else) answered.
What a journey this has been. I feel like it's the end of a chapter in my life and the start of a much more exciting one.
Oh, and please pray for me when you think about it! I know I'm going to need it...
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
making changes.
There are some things in life you have to accept. Like not getting hired for a job.
But, there are also some things in life that when you aren't happy with them, you change them. That's the place I'm in. Making changes in my life to make it a little bit better and a little more productive. I've finally been working on cleaning my room and closet. It's been in various stages of disarray since I moved home, oh, you know, almost two years ago. Yeah, you might remember me mentioning it way back here. And over, and over. Friday I hit my breaking point, put everything else I had to do aside, and just started cleaning. I started with my desk since that's where I spend most of my time. I'm proud to say you can see over half of the top surface of the desk. It's a wonderful sight! I also went through the mountain of papers I needed to sort through, actually filed stuff away, and threw away the rest.
But, the room was put somewhat on hold while other cleaning has happened. Saturday it was the attic. Mom and I attacked it in just a few hours that morning. We hauled a lot of stuff out to get rid of, organized some stuff that was staying, and put a few things away that hadn't made their way back to the attic. The living room is the collection point in the house. Let's just say it looks like a garage sale vomited in there. I'll spare you the picture.
Sunday it was on the the hall closet. Since we've lived here, that closet has been the catch-all "room" for things we didn't really want to get rid of, but didn't really want to deal with either. Now we are dealing with all of those years of "laters." We cleaned out bin after bin of various holiday decorations, sorted through tons of pictures, and have organized what we are keeping. After a couple or three trips to Target, we might have all the storage and organization tools we need to whip the closet into shape. We are making it more of "craft closet", which will allow me to move the stuff that has been in my own closet. This is the critical step to finally getting my room and closet into shape!
We are aiming for a garage sale in just over a month. It's a pain in the process, but we know that the end result will be so nice!
Other changes I've been making:
-Eating better
-Working out more frequently
-Losing some weight
-Thinking about selling the cards I make
-Accepting that I'm subbing again this year and slowly being ok with it
It's like it's January or something...
But, there are also some things in life that when you aren't happy with them, you change them. That's the place I'm in. Making changes in my life to make it a little bit better and a little more productive. I've finally been working on cleaning my room and closet. It's been in various stages of disarray since I moved home, oh, you know, almost two years ago. Yeah, you might remember me mentioning it way back here. And over, and over. Friday I hit my breaking point, put everything else I had to do aside, and just started cleaning. I started with my desk since that's where I spend most of my time. I'm proud to say you can see over half of the top surface of the desk. It's a wonderful sight! I also went through the mountain of papers I needed to sort through, actually filed stuff away, and threw away the rest.
But, the room was put somewhat on hold while other cleaning has happened. Saturday it was the attic. Mom and I attacked it in just a few hours that morning. We hauled a lot of stuff out to get rid of, organized some stuff that was staying, and put a few things away that hadn't made their way back to the attic. The living room is the collection point in the house. Let's just say it looks like a garage sale vomited in there. I'll spare you the picture.
Sunday it was on the the hall closet. Since we've lived here, that closet has been the catch-all "room" for things we didn't really want to get rid of, but didn't really want to deal with either. Now we are dealing with all of those years of "laters." We cleaned out bin after bin of various holiday decorations, sorted through tons of pictures, and have organized what we are keeping. After a couple or three trips to Target, we might have all the storage and organization tools we need to whip the closet into shape. We are making it more of "craft closet", which will allow me to move the stuff that has been in my own closet. This is the critical step to finally getting my room and closet into shape!
We are aiming for a garage sale in just over a month. It's a pain in the process, but we know that the end result will be so nice!
Other changes I've been making:
-Eating better
-Working out more frequently
-Losing some weight
-Thinking about selling the cards I make
-Accepting that I'm subbing again this year and slowly being ok with it
It's like it's January or something...
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
gentle reminders.
I don't know about everyone else, but I often have a song stuck in my head. Usually it's one I've heard recently, but not always. Case in point: Last week, I had White Christmas running through my head. Subconciously wishing for cooler weather? Probably.
Monday morning, when I was feeling pretty down about not getting the job, a few lines from the song "Safe" (Phil Wickham) ran on repeat through my mind from the instant (literally) I woke up. It felt like God's gentle reminder that I'll be ok. Because, even though I know that, a reminder every now and then doesn't hurt.
You will be safe in His arms
You will be safe in His arms
Cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart
This is the promise He made
He will be with you always
When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms
Listen to it here
Monday morning, when I was feeling pretty down about not getting the job, a few lines from the song "Safe" (Phil Wickham) ran on repeat through my mind from the instant (literally) I woke up. It felt like God's gentle reminder that I'll be ok. Because, even though I know that, a reminder every now and then doesn't hurt.
You will be safe in His arms
You will be safe in His arms
Cause the hands that hold the world are holding your heart
This is the promise He made
He will be with you always
When everything is falling apart
You will be safe in His arms
Listen to it here
Monday, August 15, 2011
holding on.
I'll spare you all the details, but mid-July I had an interview for a teaching position. Said they would let me know by the end of July either way. I was in Washington at the end of July and when no call came, I suspected I didn't get it. But, I was still holding slight hope since they said they would let me know if I didn't get it, too. I arrived home from vacation, and after a very long 3.5 week wait, I got my answer in the form of a rejection letter. It's hard to read even though you are expecting it.
Fast forward to last week. I had basically resigned myself to continuing subbing next year, really against my wishes, but having no other options. Tuesday I'm sitting in safety training for one of the districts I work in (which went 40 minutes longer than they said it would!) and feel my phone vibrating against my foot in my purse. I check it when they finally release us and it is a couple of missed calls, no voicemail, from a number I don't recognize. Gathering my courage to make that call, I call the number feeling a little dumb when I have to say I don't know who called me, what they wanted, and still not really knowing where I was calling. All I heard when she answered the phone was "Mmmfiuenbstuia School District." The secretary transferred the call to the woman who had called me and I found out they wanted to interview me for a 3rd grade I had applied for (only then did I figure which district it was). That was Friday afternoon. They told they would contact whoever got the job "shortly." I'm not exactly sure what shortly meant, but I know it meant before today because that would have been when I started. No call. I mean, no surprise there.
But the problem is, every time I get that call for an interview, I get so excited. I start imagining the possibilities. What it's going to be like to have my class, how I'm going to do things, etc. And the disappointment of not getting the job seems to crush me a little bit more each time. I'm trying not to be discouraged, but I can't really stop. In some ways, I think I would have rather not had all those interviews. At least then I wouldn't have had my hopes trampled on. And again, and again.
So, I find myself in the exact same place I did last year, only now I'm even more disappointed because I don't have the excuse of school to fall back on. I know that those jobs went to great teachers. There's a lot of people out there and they are all just as qualified for the job. I get that. But it still is disappointing. And it's much harder than I ever imagined it could be.
Fast forward to last week. I had basically resigned myself to continuing subbing next year, really against my wishes, but having no other options. Tuesday I'm sitting in safety training for one of the districts I work in (which went 40 minutes longer than they said it would!) and feel my phone vibrating against my foot in my purse. I check it when they finally release us and it is a couple of missed calls, no voicemail, from a number I don't recognize. Gathering my courage to make that call, I call the number feeling a little dumb when I have to say I don't know who called me, what they wanted, and still not really knowing where I was calling. All I heard when she answered the phone was "Mmmfiuenbstuia School District." The secretary transferred the call to the woman who had called me and I found out they wanted to interview me for a 3rd grade I had applied for (only then did I figure which district it was). That was Friday afternoon. They told they would contact whoever got the job "shortly." I'm not exactly sure what shortly meant, but I know it meant before today because that would have been when I started. No call. I mean, no surprise there.
But the problem is, every time I get that call for an interview, I get so excited. I start imagining the possibilities. What it's going to be like to have my class, how I'm going to do things, etc. And the disappointment of not getting the job seems to crush me a little bit more each time. I'm trying not to be discouraged, but I can't really stop. In some ways, I think I would have rather not had all those interviews. At least then I wouldn't have had my hopes trampled on. And again, and again.
So, I find myself in the exact same place I did last year, only now I'm even more disappointed because I don't have the excuse of school to fall back on. I know that those jobs went to great teachers. There's a lot of people out there and they are all just as qualified for the job. I get that. But it still is disappointing. And it's much harder than I ever imagined it could be.
Saturday, August 6, 2011
home again.
I'm home! You might have noticed my absence, but July was pretty sparse as far as blogging goes, so maybe you didn't. Where did I go, you might be wondering. Well, I went up to Washington to be a part of the wedding of my dear friend, Caitlin. I went up on Sunday, July 24 and the wedding was on Friday of that week. We had a couple of days to hang out, do a few wedding preparations, pick up her dress, and just have fun before everyone else arrived into town on Wednesday. The rest of her bridesmaids are such sweet girls, but I don't really know any of them that well, so it was really special to have a couple of days to spend with Caitlin, her family, and of course, Nick, her now husband. Having only met him once before about a year ago, I also really enjoyed getting to know him a bit more. I definitely approve and am looking forward to getting to know him more in the coming years. One fun highlight was that his mom is a dance instructor and taught everyone a few dances. Being there a few days early, I was given an advance lesson. Nick also taught me the hustle, which we ended up doing practically as a solo on the wedding dance floor (only his parents were on the dance floor with us). It was such a blast, though! After the real reason for the trip was over on Friday night, my parents and I went on a little vacation up to Vancouver, British Columbia for a few days, and then down to Seattle for a couple days. I arrived into Burbank around 6pm Thursday, Mom and Dad got in around 10:45pm, and we got home about 12:30am on Friday. Back to real life now...
(I'll get the photos off my camera and my mom's camera, see what I've got, then share with you all soon!)
(I'll get the photos off my camera and my mom's camera, see what I've got, then share with you all soon!)
Sunday, July 17, 2011
what a week (the final chapter).
Now that three weeks have passed, I thought I'd finish my update. And perhaps get on to something more current. I would end the saga, except I have a good story to tell you.
Saturday morning my parents and I drove down to Burbank to see Lindsay with two of the chairs we got at the garage sale, still not sure if they were going to match. We got there, did a couple of quick things at her apartment, then drove to a little restaurant called Eat in North Hollywood. At least I think it's in NoHo, but all of those towns run together, so... Anyway, we had a yummy lunch, dropped some boxes off that were at Lindsay's apartment at her boyfriend's apartment for when he moves. We then set off on the mission that was the real reason we went down: buy furniture. As you might recall, but probably don't, we spent Saturday afternoon the previous weekend furniture shopping. Lindsay decided she wanted to get the sofa we found at Ashley furniture, but since there is one about four blocks from her apartment, we decided it made more sense to buy it down there where they would deliver it rather than have to haul it all ourselves. So into Ashley we went, on a mission, knowing exactly what we wanted. Only problems: they didn't actually have that sofa at that store and we had the worst saleswoman on the planet helping us. Sounds the the making of a fun two (TWO!) hours we spent in the store. And we went in knowing what we were going to buy!
It all began with us scouring the store. When we didn't see the couch, my dad found a saleswoman to help us, which proved to be a mistake he would later regret. We can blame him for finding her. Probably the only bonus point she got was that she did know the couch Lindsay was referring to, having seen it in another store. She puts the sofa in the computer, as well as the chair, since they were having a buy one get one item half off sale. We had measured Lindsay's apartment and decided there was room for both. We just wanted to double check the dimensions. Sue, our oh-so-helpful saleswoman, looked in the computer system but said they weren't listed. We told her we weren't buying the furniture without them, so could she call a store or something. We meandered around, looking at TV units with storage underneath, which we were also in the market for. About 10 minutes later, Sue came to find us, telling us she called the store in West LA, but they were busy and she couldn't get an answer. We again told her we weren't going to buy without them, so she wandered off to call again. We decided to take matters into our own hands and call the Bakersfield store. When she came back 10 minutes later, we told her we had already gotten them. We knew they would fit, so we were going to go ahead with the sale. In that waiting period, Lindsay had found a TV stand she liked, but didn't really want to buy a third item without a fourth (because of the sale). We talked about an end table and asked if they had a matching one. Sue told us they had them, but you had to buy it as a set of two endtables and a coffeetable. Ok, nevermind. Then we ask if we bought the third item if we could get any sort of deal on it. (It never hurts to ask.) As if she hadn't already been exhausting, this is where she turned condescending. She proceeded to "explain" to us how buy one, get one half off worked. "So if you buy the sofa, you'll get the chair half off. If you buy the TV stand, you get another item half off." Um, ok. I'm pretty sure we grasp that concept, Sue. Totally not what we were asking. We gave in on that, but as she was working on the paperwork, suddenly the delivery charge went up from what she originally quoted us. Oh, and somewhere in this process, we found the end table that matched on the floor and you could buy it separately. "Oh," she said, "I was thinking of something else." Yeah, like I wonder if I'm going to make this sale because I'm a moron? Anyway, she collected Lindsay's pertinent information, then started to fill out the paperwork on the computer. Lindsay and I conversed some more and decided it might be better to wait on TV stand because the end table was just too big and she wasn't totally in love with it. After all that, back to square one. Ha! There was just one thing standing between us and making it a done deal: the price they had in this store for the sofa was $100 more than it was in Bakersfield. She told us the manager would match it since they didn't actually have it on their floor. Ok, perfect. But, when it came to approving it, the manager said no. And we walked out. We had had it. We all piled in the car, exhausted from the experience and more than a little annoyed. We decided to drive to the West LA store, even if they wouldn't match the price, we would figure it out and be done. Before we got far, we saw another eclectic-type furniture store that we decided to stop and look in. As we were crossing the street, Lindsay's phone rang. Guess who? Sue. She told us that we didn't give her a chance to explain. We told her she was crazy (Ok, no we didn't, but I, at least, wanted to). After my mom talked to her a few minutes, she said the manager wanted to have us buy the chair full price and give us the sofa half price. Funny, that wasn't the deal she gave us when we were in the store. We're guessing a little negotiation happened after we walked out those doors. We reluctantly went back, knowing we couldn't do better at another store. But Lindsay and I couldn't handle another minute of dear Sue, so we waited in the car. Good thing. My parents had to wait as she had to reenter the order three or four times because of "technical difficulties." (Operator error?) It was exhausting.
We ran some more errands after this, which included Target, Lowe's, BevMo, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Krispy Kreme. It was dinner time after this and we decided to try an Italian restaurant Lindsay had been to before. Let's just say, for the sake of brevity since you already read one long story, when they tell you they have a nice booth "in the back," that means they are putting you in the back booth where they forget about you. Dinner took about two hours, most of which was spent waiting for something...our order to taken, drinks, bread, food, the check, for them to take the check. It was good food, but I don't think we would go back. By now it was about 9:00, and we still had to drive Lindsay back to her apartment and head home. We didn't get home that night until 11:30 or 11:45.
In short: It was a long day. Quite the ending to a busy, busy week.
Saturday morning my parents and I drove down to Burbank to see Lindsay with two of the chairs we got at the garage sale, still not sure if they were going to match. We got there, did a couple of quick things at her apartment, then drove to a little restaurant called Eat in North Hollywood. At least I think it's in NoHo, but all of those towns run together, so... Anyway, we had a yummy lunch, dropped some boxes off that were at Lindsay's apartment at her boyfriend's apartment for when he moves. We then set off on the mission that was the real reason we went down: buy furniture. As you might recall, but probably don't, we spent Saturday afternoon the previous weekend furniture shopping. Lindsay decided she wanted to get the sofa we found at Ashley furniture, but since there is one about four blocks from her apartment, we decided it made more sense to buy it down there where they would deliver it rather than have to haul it all ourselves. So into Ashley we went, on a mission, knowing exactly what we wanted. Only problems: they didn't actually have that sofa at that store and we had the worst saleswoman on the planet helping us. Sounds the the making of a fun two (TWO!) hours we spent in the store. And we went in knowing what we were going to buy!
It all began with us scouring the store. When we didn't see the couch, my dad found a saleswoman to help us, which proved to be a mistake he would later regret. We can blame him for finding her. Probably the only bonus point she got was that she did know the couch Lindsay was referring to, having seen it in another store. She puts the sofa in the computer, as well as the chair, since they were having a buy one get one item half off sale. We had measured Lindsay's apartment and decided there was room for both. We just wanted to double check the dimensions. Sue, our oh-so-helpful saleswoman, looked in the computer system but said they weren't listed. We told her we weren't buying the furniture without them, so could she call a store or something. We meandered around, looking at TV units with storage underneath, which we were also in the market for. About 10 minutes later, Sue came to find us, telling us she called the store in West LA, but they were busy and she couldn't get an answer. We again told her we weren't going to buy without them, so she wandered off to call again. We decided to take matters into our own hands and call the Bakersfield store. When she came back 10 minutes later, we told her we had already gotten them. We knew they would fit, so we were going to go ahead with the sale. In that waiting period, Lindsay had found a TV stand she liked, but didn't really want to buy a third item without a fourth (because of the sale). We talked about an end table and asked if they had a matching one. Sue told us they had them, but you had to buy it as a set of two endtables and a coffeetable. Ok, nevermind. Then we ask if we bought the third item if we could get any sort of deal on it. (It never hurts to ask.) As if she hadn't already been exhausting, this is where she turned condescending. She proceeded to "explain" to us how buy one, get one half off worked. "So if you buy the sofa, you'll get the chair half off. If you buy the TV stand, you get another item half off." Um, ok. I'm pretty sure we grasp that concept, Sue. Totally not what we were asking. We gave in on that, but as she was working on the paperwork, suddenly the delivery charge went up from what she originally quoted us. Oh, and somewhere in this process, we found the end table that matched on the floor and you could buy it separately. "Oh," she said, "I was thinking of something else." Yeah, like I wonder if I'm going to make this sale because I'm a moron? Anyway, she collected Lindsay's pertinent information, then started to fill out the paperwork on the computer. Lindsay and I conversed some more and decided it might be better to wait on TV stand because the end table was just too big and she wasn't totally in love with it. After all that, back to square one. Ha! There was just one thing standing between us and making it a done deal: the price they had in this store for the sofa was $100 more than it was in Bakersfield. She told us the manager would match it since they didn't actually have it on their floor. Ok, perfect. But, when it came to approving it, the manager said no. And we walked out. We had had it. We all piled in the car, exhausted from the experience and more than a little annoyed. We decided to drive to the West LA store, even if they wouldn't match the price, we would figure it out and be done. Before we got far, we saw another eclectic-type furniture store that we decided to stop and look in. As we were crossing the street, Lindsay's phone rang. Guess who? Sue. She told us that we didn't give her a chance to explain. We told her she was crazy (Ok, no we didn't, but I, at least, wanted to). After my mom talked to her a few minutes, she said the manager wanted to have us buy the chair full price and give us the sofa half price. Funny, that wasn't the deal she gave us when we were in the store. We're guessing a little negotiation happened after we walked out those doors. We reluctantly went back, knowing we couldn't do better at another store. But Lindsay and I couldn't handle another minute of dear Sue, so we waited in the car. Good thing. My parents had to wait as she had to reenter the order three or four times because of "technical difficulties." (Operator error?) It was exhausting.
We ran some more errands after this, which included Target, Lowe's, BevMo, TJ Maxx, Marshalls, and Krispy Kreme. It was dinner time after this and we decided to try an Italian restaurant Lindsay had been to before. Let's just say, for the sake of brevity since you already read one long story, when they tell you they have a nice booth "in the back," that means they are putting you in the back booth where they forget about you. Dinner took about two hours, most of which was spent waiting for something...our order to taken, drinks, bread, food, the check, for them to take the check. It was good food, but I don't think we would go back. By now it was about 9:00, and we still had to drive Lindsay back to her apartment and head home. We didn't get home that night until 11:30 or 11:45.
In short: It was a long day. Quite the ending to a busy, busy week.
Thursday, July 7, 2011
what a week (part two).
Sorry for the slow updates. Between work and life in general, I've been staying pretty busy. I was in the middle of telling you about my crazy week a couple of weeks ago...
Tuesday morning was the second day of VBS, which meant another early morning, some quick morning preparations, and an ever growing list of students in my class. It was hot, too! If I remember correctly, this was the day we hit 107 degrees. After a busy morning, I met my mom for lunch. Ran a couple of errands. Got home and got the house ready for company. Planned what I would teach Wednesday and did those preparations. Had company over for about 3 hours that evening. Did the last VBS prep. Fell into bed.
Wednesday morning was basically a repeat of all the other mornings spent at VBS. Enough craziness that allowed the morning to fly by. Couple of errands. Lunch. Home to plan for Thursday. Had company again for dinner and fun afterward. This time it was my cousins from Oregon. They have two little boys, with another on the way, so they definitely had to utilize our pool in the heat. They had fun swimming, we had fun watching them swim. After dessert, they headed back to Gramma's house. Fell into bed.
Thursday morning, repeat. I had a few errands to run again. I was making little goodie bags for the kids in my class, so I had to get the finishing pieces to get them done. I then spent the afternoon assembling the bags, as well as prepping for Friday. My cousins came over again after dinner to swim for a little while. They only stayed for about an hour or so, but it was fun to get to see them again. Fell into bed.
Friday morning was, again, a repeat of the rest of the days in VBS, with the addition of the general excitement that the last day always brings. After the morning, I had to stick around and clean up all of the decorations in my classroom. We didn't put up a ton, really, but it still took me awhile to tear down all by my lonesome. I noticed how quickly my helpers ditched out of there on that day. Since I was by myself, it was up to me to climb up on a table to use as a ladder so I could reach the decorations hanging from the ceiling. After pushing the table around, climbing on a chair, climbing on a table, reaching up, climbing down on the chair, climbing down on the floor about fifteen times, I was tired. I had just pulled down the last bit of decorations and was stepping onto the chair for the last time, when the chair tipped. I seemed to suspend mid-air for much longer than I should have and managed to get my feet under me. All seemed well enough, with the exception of my back getting a bit jarred. I really felt it a few hours later! I went home and just did nothing for about an hour. Then I got a call from my mom letting my know that we were going out to a friend's house who was having a garage sale the following day. They had called us, letting us know that they had some Polish pottery for sale, which we collect. We were headed out of town the next day (more on that later), so we wanted to know if we could come by Friday afternoon. It is quite a trek to their house from ours (more than 30 minutes to the other side of town), but we ended up finding some great treasures. The pottery was great, which we got some of, but the bigger find was the table and chairs that they had for sale. My sister has my mom's parents' old dining table, but no chairs. The table and chairs they were selling were made by the same manufacturer and ended up being a perfect match to Lindsay's table. Score! We headed back to town, picked up my dad for dinner, dropped him back off to his car, dropped my mom off to her car, then I headed back to church for the VBS finale night. After practicing our songs all week, the kids get a chance to share them with the parents. It was a stifling heat, so I ditched out of there as soon as I got rid of all my kids, not stopping to take part in the cookies and punch treats. I don't remember what I did that night, but I do know it wasn't much :)
Congrats if you made it this far. I'll finish the update later...
Tuesday morning was the second day of VBS, which meant another early morning, some quick morning preparations, and an ever growing list of students in my class. It was hot, too! If I remember correctly, this was the day we hit 107 degrees. After a busy morning, I met my mom for lunch. Ran a couple of errands. Got home and got the house ready for company. Planned what I would teach Wednesday and did those preparations. Had company over for about 3 hours that evening. Did the last VBS prep. Fell into bed.
Wednesday morning was basically a repeat of all the other mornings spent at VBS. Enough craziness that allowed the morning to fly by. Couple of errands. Lunch. Home to plan for Thursday. Had company again for dinner and fun afterward. This time it was my cousins from Oregon. They have two little boys, with another on the way, so they definitely had to utilize our pool in the heat. They had fun swimming, we had fun watching them swim. After dessert, they headed back to Gramma's house. Fell into bed.
Thursday morning, repeat. I had a few errands to run again. I was making little goodie bags for the kids in my class, so I had to get the finishing pieces to get them done. I then spent the afternoon assembling the bags, as well as prepping for Friday. My cousins came over again after dinner to swim for a little while. They only stayed for about an hour or so, but it was fun to get to see them again. Fell into bed.
Friday morning was, again, a repeat of the rest of the days in VBS, with the addition of the general excitement that the last day always brings. After the morning, I had to stick around and clean up all of the decorations in my classroom. We didn't put up a ton, really, but it still took me awhile to tear down all by my lonesome. I noticed how quickly my helpers ditched out of there on that day. Since I was by myself, it was up to me to climb up on a table to use as a ladder so I could reach the decorations hanging from the ceiling. After pushing the table around, climbing on a chair, climbing on a table, reaching up, climbing down on the chair, climbing down on the floor about fifteen times, I was tired. I had just pulled down the last bit of decorations and was stepping onto the chair for the last time, when the chair tipped. I seemed to suspend mid-air for much longer than I should have and managed to get my feet under me. All seemed well enough, with the exception of my back getting a bit jarred. I really felt it a few hours later! I went home and just did nothing for about an hour. Then I got a call from my mom letting my know that we were going out to a friend's house who was having a garage sale the following day. They had called us, letting us know that they had some Polish pottery for sale, which we collect. We were headed out of town the next day (more on that later), so we wanted to know if we could come by Friday afternoon. It is quite a trek to their house from ours (more than 30 minutes to the other side of town), but we ended up finding some great treasures. The pottery was great, which we got some of, but the bigger find was the table and chairs that they had for sale. My sister has my mom's parents' old dining table, but no chairs. The table and chairs they were selling were made by the same manufacturer and ended up being a perfect match to Lindsay's table. Score! We headed back to town, picked up my dad for dinner, dropped him back off to his car, dropped my mom off to her car, then I headed back to church for the VBS finale night. After practicing our songs all week, the kids get a chance to share them with the parents. It was a stifling heat, so I ditched out of there as soon as I got rid of all my kids, not stopping to take part in the cookies and punch treats. I don't remember what I did that night, but I do know it wasn't much :)
Congrats if you made it this far. I'll finish the update later...
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
a fourth of july alternative.
Fourth of July. Day of barbecues, parades, picnics, fireworks, and everything red, white, and blue. An exciting day to celebrate our country and the freedoms we have.
The celebrations were a little more low-key than all of that at our house this year. I worked during a good portion of the late morning and afternoon. (Always exciting, I know.) We had an early dinner planned, Aunt Jerre and Uncle Cliff were here, and Gramma was on her way over. Mom had decided that we would do somewhat of an experiment and cook ribs for dinner. My dad especially enjoys ribs, but it's something that we've never really made at home. Dad was looking online for cooking tips, the first one saying to marinate the meat overnight. Since we missed that deadline, Mom was going to scrap the project for that day. But Dad kept searching and it was decided that we would bake the ribs for and hour and fifteen minutes, then barbecue them for about ten minutes after that. It would delay dinner, but we were all fine. So, in the oven they went. Other food prep was done, but it was pretty much a waiting game. Dad went out to preheat the grill as we waited the last fifteen minutes or so. As we were pulling them out of the oven I heard a fairly loud popping noise. It sounded to me like it came from outside. It wasn't exactly the noise from fireworks, and sounded a lot closer than any of our neighbors. Well, after about 30 seconds of inspection, we realized that fireworks of a different sort had happened - the barbecue released some heat, causing the window to crack.
The black area on the wall isn't just shadow...it was part of the "explosion."
The celebrations were a little more low-key than all of that at our house this year. I worked during a good portion of the late morning and afternoon. (Always exciting, I know.) We had an early dinner planned, Aunt Jerre and Uncle Cliff were here, and Gramma was on her way over. Mom had decided that we would do somewhat of an experiment and cook ribs for dinner. My dad especially enjoys ribs, but it's something that we've never really made at home. Dad was looking online for cooking tips, the first one saying to marinate the meat overnight. Since we missed that deadline, Mom was going to scrap the project for that day. But Dad kept searching and it was decided that we would bake the ribs for and hour and fifteen minutes, then barbecue them for about ten minutes after that. It would delay dinner, but we were all fine. So, in the oven they went. Other food prep was done, but it was pretty much a waiting game. Dad went out to preheat the grill as we waited the last fifteen minutes or so. As we were pulling them out of the oven I heard a fairly loud popping noise. It sounded to me like it came from outside. It wasn't exactly the noise from fireworks, and sounded a lot closer than any of our neighbors. Well, after about 30 seconds of inspection, we realized that fireworks of a different sort had happened - the barbecue released some heat, causing the window to crack.
The black area on the wall isn't just shadow...it was part of the "explosion."
The crack is hard to see in the first one, so here's a close up. It extends across the window.
(By the way, the ribs turned out great for a first attempt. After dinner, we enjoyed some homemade peach cobbler and homemade vanilla ice cream. After dessert, most of my evening was spent sitting in the laundry room with the dogs with the box fan on. When I wasn't in there, we listened to one or more dogs whimpering, knowing we were out there. I didn't even watch the fireworks on TV...)
Hope your 4th of July went out with a bang!
Wednesday, June 29, 2011
what a week (part one).
When I last left you, all I had to say was the same old thing. Well, let me tell you, when it rains, it pours. Last week was insanely busy. So busy I didn't even work. (There are definite pros and cons to having a flexible work schedule.) Anyway, here's just a taste...
Saturday began with the family trekking across town with three of our vehicles to get the tires rotated and brakes checked. Mine was done first, so I left for a VBS meeting at church. After I got all of my many supplies and announcements, it was time to decorate the classroom. This was also the time I first met both of my classroom helpers. (Well, I had met one of them at the previous meeting.) They were both very sweet ladies, but one of them had knee replacement surgery and has very little energy. Needless to say, when it came to climbing on chairs and tables to decorate, she wasn't much help. But my family arrived just in time to help. Without them, I would have been there all day doing it alone. After a little Chick-fil-A lunch break, we were finished by 1:30. After that, we went furniture shopping for Lindsay. She just moved to a new apartment and is in the market for a new sofa, dresser, table and chairs, and entertainment unit with plenty of room for DVD storage. We basically spent the rest of the afternoon looking at different furniture stores. She found some stuff she liked, but nothing was purchased that day. We then went and picked up my grandma and took her to dinner at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants, Sinaloa. Yum!
Sunday was Father's Day, which meant Nascar races for some people. (Not me.) Speaking of Nascar, for Father's Day we gave my dad the Nascar Driving Experience, which means he gets to take a class and then actually drive a car. We actually really surprised him and I think he is excited about it. It's not until October, though. After that, my mom and I went to church and then put up a few more decorations in my VBS classroom (we needed to wait until Sunday school was done). We went back home, had lunch, and just hung out the rest of the day. I don't remember doing much else, other than spending some time remembering the fathers (my grandfathers) that are no longer here to celebrate with us. I'll be honest, it was a little weird to have just my dad there.
Monday came bright and early - first day of VBS! I don't remember if I actually said it before, but I was the lead teacher for a 3rd grade class. Which actually means they just finished 3rd grade and should really be considered 4th graders now. My list of kids started with 12 on Saturday and had grown to 20 by the end of the week. Most of them were great. There's always one or two that exasperate you/wear you out. I think I had four. They weren't bad kids, of course, a couple of them were just socially awkward and really hard to interact with. A couple of them obviously had some other issues. Also, one of my helpers wasn't able to be there on Monday. The one that was there was, again, very nice, but not able to do much as far as helping goes. I learned after that day to not ask her to do things. She either assisted the other helper or sat back. I really didn't care, but I felt obligated to give her things to do that first day. Anyhow, it was a good morning. I was really tired, too! All I wanted was to go home and rest for awhile. Well, I got to rest that afternoon, but it wasn't very relaxing. My parents and I left around 2:00 for Ventura. My dad had a cyst that has been on his back for years. In recent days, though, it had grown into a huge lump on his back (think Quasimodo...haha, just kidding). It was noticeable through his shirt though. What was more troublesome than that, though, was the fact that it was oozing and seemed to be infected. So, like I said, we took him down to see a surgeon. We went there because my uncle, who is a doctor, recommended him, and that was faster than trying to get in to see someone locally. His appointment was at 4:00, and by 4:20 the doctor came out and told my mom and I that he was going to go ahead and remove it, probably about 20 minutes or so. Forty minutes later, he came out and got my mom so he could show her the crater on my dad's back. You see, she had been nominated as nurse and official gauze back packer, and he needed to show her what to do. Meanwhile, I was left in the waiting room, eavesdropping unintentionally on the receptionist who obviously didn't have enough work to do. She made numerous phone calls to family members and then the city planning office about some work that was being done on her house. Good stuff right there. I even memorized her cell phone number for a short time after she gave it out to someone she was talking to. I should have saved it and called her to get updates on her house. While the surgery was happening, by the way, my sister had been contacted and she decided to leave work and drive up to check on dad. It was slightly concerning given the placement of the cyst and the fact that this same doctor a year ago wanted to do the surgery in a surgery center in case of complications and the fact they were dealing with the spine and all that. I think the only thing that sped up the process was the fact it was infected. Lindsay ended up just meeting us in Camarillo for a quick dinner. We then made a couple of returns/exchanges at the outlet mall and then headed home. We got home around 9, I think, but I still had some preparations to do for VBS on Tuesday.
Saturday began with the family trekking across town with three of our vehicles to get the tires rotated and brakes checked. Mine was done first, so I left for a VBS meeting at church. After I got all of my many supplies and announcements, it was time to decorate the classroom. This was also the time I first met both of my classroom helpers. (Well, I had met one of them at the previous meeting.) They were both very sweet ladies, but one of them had knee replacement surgery and has very little energy. Needless to say, when it came to climbing on chairs and tables to decorate, she wasn't much help. But my family arrived just in time to help. Without them, I would have been there all day doing it alone. After a little Chick-fil-A lunch break, we were finished by 1:30. After that, we went furniture shopping for Lindsay. She just moved to a new apartment and is in the market for a new sofa, dresser, table and chairs, and entertainment unit with plenty of room for DVD storage. We basically spent the rest of the afternoon looking at different furniture stores. She found some stuff she liked, but nothing was purchased that day. We then went and picked up my grandma and took her to dinner at one of our favorite Mexican restaurants, Sinaloa. Yum!
Sunday was Father's Day, which meant Nascar races for some people. (Not me.) Speaking of Nascar, for Father's Day we gave my dad the Nascar Driving Experience, which means he gets to take a class and then actually drive a car. We actually really surprised him and I think he is excited about it. It's not until October, though. After that, my mom and I went to church and then put up a few more decorations in my VBS classroom (we needed to wait until Sunday school was done). We went back home, had lunch, and just hung out the rest of the day. I don't remember doing much else, other than spending some time remembering the fathers (my grandfathers) that are no longer here to celebrate with us. I'll be honest, it was a little weird to have just my dad there.
Monday came bright and early - first day of VBS! I don't remember if I actually said it before, but I was the lead teacher for a 3rd grade class. Which actually means they just finished 3rd grade and should really be considered 4th graders now. My list of kids started with 12 on Saturday and had grown to 20 by the end of the week. Most of them were great. There's always one or two that exasperate you/wear you out. I think I had four. They weren't bad kids, of course, a couple of them were just socially awkward and really hard to interact with. A couple of them obviously had some other issues. Also, one of my helpers wasn't able to be there on Monday. The one that was there was, again, very nice, but not able to do much as far as helping goes. I learned after that day to not ask her to do things. She either assisted the other helper or sat back. I really didn't care, but I felt obligated to give her things to do that first day. Anyhow, it was a good morning. I was really tired, too! All I wanted was to go home and rest for awhile. Well, I got to rest that afternoon, but it wasn't very relaxing. My parents and I left around 2:00 for Ventura. My dad had a cyst that has been on his back for years. In recent days, though, it had grown into a huge lump on his back (think Quasimodo...haha, just kidding). It was noticeable through his shirt though. What was more troublesome than that, though, was the fact that it was oozing and seemed to be infected. So, like I said, we took him down to see a surgeon. We went there because my uncle, who is a doctor, recommended him, and that was faster than trying to get in to see someone locally. His appointment was at 4:00, and by 4:20 the doctor came out and told my mom and I that he was going to go ahead and remove it, probably about 20 minutes or so. Forty minutes later, he came out and got my mom so he could show her the crater on my dad's back. You see, she had been nominated as nurse and official gauze back packer, and he needed to show her what to do. Meanwhile, I was left in the waiting room, eavesdropping unintentionally on the receptionist who obviously didn't have enough work to do. She made numerous phone calls to family members and then the city planning office about some work that was being done on her house. Good stuff right there. I even memorized her cell phone number for a short time after she gave it out to someone she was talking to. I should have saved it and called her to get updates on her house. While the surgery was happening, by the way, my sister had been contacted and she decided to leave work and drive up to check on dad. It was slightly concerning given the placement of the cyst and the fact that this same doctor a year ago wanted to do the surgery in a surgery center in case of complications and the fact they were dealing with the spine and all that. I think the only thing that sped up the process was the fact it was infected. Lindsay ended up just meeting us in Camarillo for a quick dinner. We then made a couple of returns/exchanges at the outlet mall and then headed home. We got home around 9, I think, but I still had some preparations to do for VBS on Tuesday.
Thursday, June 16, 2011
standouts.
The first week of So You Think You Can Dance did not disappoint. These were the standout routines of the week for myself. But, really, they were all pretty good.
The first is a Contemportary number:
The second is a Quickstep. I think it is safe to say the curse of the Quickstep was broken. Or maybe that's just when you have a world champion ballroom dancer as your partner...Either way, this was fantastic.
The first is a Contemportary number:
The second is a Quickstep. I think it is safe to say the curse of the Quickstep was broken. Or maybe that's just when you have a world champion ballroom dancer as your partner...Either way, this was fantastic.
Wednesday, June 15, 2011
random tidbits.
Not a whole lot of new happening around here. Doing the same old thing as far as work, still in the process of cleaning my room...pretty boring stuff, really. So, here's a few random bits of information from the last little while:
1. Got my last check from substitute teaching today, which is both good and bad (good to get the money, bad/sad it's the last one for about four months).
2. Confession: I rarely wash fruit when it's just me eating it. I've come to realize this more as my fruit consumption has increased, especially with strawberries. Unless there is visible dirt, I'm not terribly worried about it. That probably stems from eating grapes fresh from the field...or laziness. Don't worry, though...if somebody else is eating it, I wash it...I'm not that lazy.
3. Oh, big news: We're pretty sure the chihuahua pack next door has been reduced from 8 members down to (only) 4. They still manage to escape, though, only now it's out the front.
4. For graduation my parents got me a Wii. This weekend I bought Wii Fit Plus with some graduation money. Using it for two days has confirmed my knowledge that I have no balance. Hopefully that will change with continued use.
5. I am currently trying to get a tan on my shoulders/neck because they are white...and I have to wear a sleeveless dress in a little over a month for a wedding. I sat outside for 30 minutes on Monday and succeeded in getting a bit of a burn. Today the burn has progressed into the itching stage, which is terribly annoying.
6. I hate the summer heat. It's currently 97 degrees outside. How quickly the cool weather is forgotten...
7. Bakersfield is getting a Yogurtland. I don't know when it's opening, but it's pretty close to home, so that is exciting!
8. This weekend is Fathers' Day, next week is VBS, so maybe I'll have some interesting material to share with you. Until then...
1. Got my last check from substitute teaching today, which is both good and bad (good to get the money, bad/sad it's the last one for about four months).
2. Confession: I rarely wash fruit when it's just me eating it. I've come to realize this more as my fruit consumption has increased, especially with strawberries. Unless there is visible dirt, I'm not terribly worried about it. That probably stems from eating grapes fresh from the field...or laziness. Don't worry, though...if somebody else is eating it, I wash it...I'm not that lazy.
3. Oh, big news: We're pretty sure the chihuahua pack next door has been reduced from 8 members down to (only) 4. They still manage to escape, though, only now it's out the front.
4. For graduation my parents got me a Wii. This weekend I bought Wii Fit Plus with some graduation money. Using it for two days has confirmed my knowledge that I have no balance. Hopefully that will change with continued use.
5. I am currently trying to get a tan on my shoulders/neck because they are white...and I have to wear a sleeveless dress in a little over a month for a wedding. I sat outside for 30 minutes on Monday and succeeded in getting a bit of a burn. Today the burn has progressed into the itching stage, which is terribly annoying.
6. I hate the summer heat. It's currently 97 degrees outside. How quickly the cool weather is forgotten...
7. Bakersfield is getting a Yogurtland. I don't know when it's opening, but it's pretty close to home, so that is exciting!
8. This weekend is Fathers' Day, next week is VBS, so maybe I'll have some interesting material to share with you. Until then...
Friday, June 10, 2011
thursday's field trip.
If you don't already know, my mom and I work for a grape farmer (my mom full time, me part time and during the summer). Recently the company has purchased some new land to plant on south of town. Yesterday we were given the grand tour of the new ranch, seeing the beginning stages of planting. The rows are laid out and the planting was just getting started. It was really fun to see the "behind the scenes" look at this side of the operation. Here we are each planting one vine:
I'm pretty sure the workers who were on their lunch break thought we were crazy, but it was fun! Only two years until we can taste the fruits of our labor!
Thursday, June 9, 2011
on repeat.
You may have heard this song before, but I just can't get it off my mind. It's been circling around in there for days.
It may not always be easy to hear, but it's true.
It may not always be easy to hear, but it's true.
Wednesday, June 8, 2011
this week.
I'm still in the in between stage of substitute teaching and working four different part time jobs to equal full time work this summer. I'm working from home, well, when everything is cooperating. Half the time when I'm working on the server, the printers will disappear. It happens for no apparent reason. So sometimes I get stalled until it decides to work again. It's fantastic. I'm also supposed to be working on cleaning my room and closet. Yes, it's been a long time coming. Yes, it's really going to happen this time. The plan is to literally drag everything out of my closet and pile it in the hallway and Lindsay's room. Then I'll do some serious cleaning out and put it all back neatly. It sounds so fun, I can hardly wait to get started. That's pretty much my week, beside running errands, going out to eat (twice today), and seeing friends. Boy, it sounds pretty rough when you put it that way...
Also, project get a kitten has commenced. Mom's on board, just have to convince Dad. I'm not sure it possible, but it's all about the timing. We shall see...
Also, project get a kitten has commenced. Mom's on board, just have to convince Dad. I'm not sure it possible, but it's all about the timing. We shall see...
Tuesday, June 7, 2011
there's something about those eyes.
Those eyes have seen more pain, more hurt, and more darkness than I can even imagine. They may have gone to bed hungry last night, had to drink water I would never touch, or helped their family make a meager amount of money to just get by on. But there's also something about that smile, that joy on their face, an childlike innocence still intact despite all they have known.
Take a moment. Look into their eyes and imagine what their life is like. Imagine living that life. And then, imagine if there was something you could do to change that life.
This is 9 year old Beatrice, who lives in Tanzania.
And this is Nobel, an almost 6 year old boy in Ghana.
Here is 7 year old Noreen and 5 year old Christian from the Philippines.
And the list goes on and on with Batete, Samara, Sergio, and Innocent, and the thousands more like them.
It would seem that choosing just one makes no difference at all. But imagine if you were them, how different life would really be. To know that you are important and special. To know that someone on the other side of the world knows your name, loves you, prays for you, writes to you, supports you, and encourages you.
One great joy in my life is the sponsorship of "my kids" all around the world. I love getting their letters, seeing pictures, and writing back to them. It's a simple joy for me, really, but something that has changed their lives drastically. How awesome that God can use something so small from me to bless these lives a world away.
The need is so great. How I wish that I could sponsor more.
(I'm not trying to persuade you really, but rather to show you my heart. But, if I did persuade you and you'd like to know more, email me.)
Take a moment. Look into their eyes and imagine what their life is like. Imagine living that life. And then, imagine if there was something you could do to change that life.
This is 9 year old Beatrice, who lives in Tanzania.
And this is Nobel, an almost 6 year old boy in Ghana.
Here is 7 year old Noreen and 5 year old Christian from the Philippines.
And the list goes on and on with Batete, Samara, Sergio, and Innocent, and the thousands more like them.
It would seem that choosing just one makes no difference at all. But imagine if you were them, how different life would really be. To know that you are important and special. To know that someone on the other side of the world knows your name, loves you, prays for you, writes to you, supports you, and encourages you.
One great joy in my life is the sponsorship of "my kids" all around the world. I love getting their letters, seeing pictures, and writing back to them. It's a simple joy for me, really, but something that has changed their lives drastically. How awesome that God can use something so small from me to bless these lives a world away.
The need is so great. How I wish that I could sponsor more.
(I'm not trying to persuade you really, but rather to show you my heart. But, if I did persuade you and you'd like to know more, email me.)
Monday, June 6, 2011
graduation pictures.
As promised, here are a few pictures from graduation:
Thanks to all who came and those that supported me from afar...it feels so good to be done!
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| The fam having lunch at Wood Ranch |
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| That hood is heavier than it looks... |
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| You may call me Master now ;) |
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| Getting ready to hear my name called |
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| The family afterward |
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| Me and Gramma |
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| Aunt Denise and Jessica |
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| My sister Lindsay |
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| Mandy and Allie |
Thanks to all who came and those that supported me from afar...it feels so good to be done!
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
only the beginning.
The long-awaited day has come and gone. Graduation day, that is. It was a long day of traveling, eating, rehearsing, waiting, and actually going through the ceremony. I'm so thankful to have the support of so many family members. But, even though I'd been waiting for that day to arrive, part of me is a little sad it's over. I'm excited for my freedom to do the things I want to do instead of being chained by class schedules, but I also feel a sense of loss as another chapter comes to an end. It's the feeling of accomplishment mixed with anticipation. Part of me feels like it went by too quickly. Part of me is rejoicing. Part of me doesn't know what to do with all my free time now. A bundled mix of emotions, really.
That all being said though, I'm excited for what the future may hold. I'm excited about all of the opportunities I might take advantage of now that I'm not constrained by school. I'm excited to see where life goes next. It's really only just the beginning.
(I promise to post some pictures soon. My sister has them all on her camera, which is now in Los Angeles with her. Even though we were together all weekend, I only remembered we were going to do it after she headed back last night. We're awesome.)
That all being said though, I'm excited for what the future may hold. I'm excited about all of the opportunities I might take advantage of now that I'm not constrained by school. I'm excited to see where life goes next. It's really only just the beginning.
(I promise to post some pictures soon. My sister has them all on her camera, which is now in Los Angeles with her. Even though we were together all weekend, I only remembered we were going to do it after she headed back last night. We're awesome.)
Saturday, May 21, 2011
the end has come.
I'm done. It's over. I'm finished with school.
Part of me never thought I'd be saying those words.
But I am. I did it. And I'm so, so happy to be done.
I spent a few hours yesterday and about nine hours today working on my last paper. It was painful. Like a slow death march to the end. But I prevailed, and now it's over. And I'm so, so happy to be done.
In the last four weeks, I have written five papers totaling 95 pages. Yes, you read that right. 95 pages!
And you wonder why I'm happy to be done?
Oh, the relief. I'm not exactly sure what to do with my newfound freedom quite yet. IMaybe, just maybe, I'll rediscover what it means to have fun and not spend all my time working...
Part of me never thought I'd be saying those words.
But I am. I did it. And I'm so, so happy to be done.
I spent a few hours yesterday and about nine hours today working on my last paper. It was painful. Like a slow death march to the end. But I prevailed, and now it's over. And I'm so, so happy to be done.
In the last four weeks, I have written five papers totaling 95 pages. Yes, you read that right. 95 pages!
And you wonder why I'm happy to be done?
Oh, the relief. I'm not exactly sure what to do with my newfound freedom quite yet. IMaybe, just maybe, I'll rediscover what it means to have fun and not spend all my time working...
Thursday, May 19, 2011
where thieves break in and steal.
Have you ever wondered what your car door would look like without a handle?
No? Me neither. But now I know.
After a night's sleep that consisted of a few good hours, then a few hours of tossing and turning and wondering if my phone would ring, I fell back asleep around 7:00. No job so far, so I thought I could sleep a little longer. The house phone rings a little before 8:00, so I got up and looked at who called, saw it was our neighbor (of dog fame, if you saw that saga on Facebook), then crawled back in bed. I was just settling back in when my mom came bursting into my room to wake me up and told me that someone had tried to break into my car last night and that I needed to come and take pictures. I got up, put in my contacts, and wandered out with my camera to take some pictures and survey the damage. Of course, I was wearing my pajamas and saw more neighbors than average. But, that's not the point. Anyway, it appears that the thief (also known as jerk, idiot, and moron) tried just about every way imaginable to get into my car from the driver's side. They managed to rip the entire handle off, I assume to try and pry the door open. They tried to stick something down the door from up near the window (like a locksmith would) and tore that rubber up and scratched the window. They bent up the lock mechanism. The gouged the keyless entry on the door. They gouged the piece of plastic/rubber that runs along the bottom of the sides of the car. They beat the door and window with a rock leaving scratches and dents. They scratched the passenger door, window, and handle. In other words, they were very thorough in their damage, managing to hit a variety of . Here are some pictures:
We called the insurance and police. The police came around 11:00 and took my report. They said this falls into a gray area between vandalism and attempted burglary. I'm pretty sure he filed it as the latter. He also dusted for fingerprints (which was the only fun part of the experience) and managed to get two and a partial handprint. A detective will be assigned to the case tomorrow. Time will tell if they catch the guy.
After the police were done, I was free to take it to get a repair estimate. Oh, only $2600. No big deal.
Thankfully our insurance deductible is $200, so we shouldn't have to pay more than that, which is excellent news. The repair should take 7 or more days, so I'll be driving a rental car for that time. Just have to wait on the insurance adjustor to come take a look before anything more can happen.
I'm thankful they didn't actually break in and they didn't steal anything, That would have been a whole lot bigger of a mess to deal with. This was plenty.
For a positive note to end on, I finished paper number three. Just one more and I'm free!
No? Me neither. But now I know.
After a night's sleep that consisted of a few good hours, then a few hours of tossing and turning and wondering if my phone would ring, I fell back asleep around 7:00. No job so far, so I thought I could sleep a little longer. The house phone rings a little before 8:00, so I got up and looked at who called, saw it was our neighbor (of dog fame, if you saw that saga on Facebook), then crawled back in bed. I was just settling back in when my mom came bursting into my room to wake me up and told me that someone had tried to break into my car last night and that I needed to come and take pictures. I got up, put in my contacts, and wandered out with my camera to take some pictures and survey the damage. Of course, I was wearing my pajamas and saw more neighbors than average. But, that's not the point. Anyway, it appears that the thief (also known as jerk, idiot, and moron) tried just about every way imaginable to get into my car from the driver's side. They managed to rip the entire handle off, I assume to try and pry the door open. They tried to stick something down the door from up near the window (like a locksmith would) and tore that rubber up and scratched the window. They bent up the lock mechanism. The gouged the keyless entry on the door. They gouged the piece of plastic/rubber that runs along the bottom of the sides of the car. They beat the door and window with a rock leaving scratches and dents. They scratched the passenger door, window, and handle. In other words, they were very thorough in their damage, managing to hit a variety of . Here are some pictures:
We called the insurance and police. The police came around 11:00 and took my report. They said this falls into a gray area between vandalism and attempted burglary. I'm pretty sure he filed it as the latter. He also dusted for fingerprints (which was the only fun part of the experience) and managed to get two and a partial handprint. A detective will be assigned to the case tomorrow. Time will tell if they catch the guy.
After the police were done, I was free to take it to get a repair estimate. Oh, only $2600. No big deal.
Thankfully our insurance deductible is $200, so we shouldn't have to pay more than that, which is excellent news. The repair should take 7 or more days, so I'll be driving a rental car for that time. Just have to wait on the insurance adjustor to come take a look before anything more can happen.
I'm thankful they didn't actually break in and they didn't steal anything, That would have been a whole lot bigger of a mess to deal with. This was plenty.
For a positive note to end on, I finished paper number three. Just one more and I'm free!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
four days in four points.
Since my last update I have:
1) Gotten a fabulous sunburn on Sunday on my neck and arms. I'm just doing my part to ensure that my T-shirt tan lines never fade. My church held service at the ampitheater/park where we had a barbecue afterward. It was a fun time, with only a couple of hiccups. (One was when it started to rain pretty hard for about 5 minutes. It was wonderful because we were all standing in line to get lunch and couldn't go anywhere. And, two, was when they were terribly slow at producing the meat for our hamburgers and hotdogs and the lines moved so slowly. I don't know who prayed for patience that day, but it wasn't me!)
2) Attended my very last class of the semester. Monday was the last day! We ended about 15 minutes early and instead of just letting us go, the professor kept telling us these meaningless, unrelated stories. We were all packed up sitting there, and he just kept talking. Please. Just let us go.
3) Written two of the four papers I had left, both of which I got 100% on. I'm working on number 3 right now, and hopefully four will be finished by Friday. The due date is Monday night, so I will for sure be done by then, but I'm aiming for a pre-weekend finish.
4) Subbed two days in the same fourth grade class (yesterday and today). There were moments when they were wonderful and charming and fantastic, and then they had moments where I wanted to strangle them or send them to the office. There were a ton of subs at the school, too, since the 4-6th grade teachers had a meeting to attend, and there was even a substitute principal. He came into the classroom yesterday morning and did not threaten, but promised, the kids that if they were sent to the office, they would be suspended. I got close to not putting up with a couple of kids, but decided their talkativeness didn't really warrant suspension. A couple more hours like the last hour I spent with them might have put me over the edge, though. They weren't all bad kids, though. They mostly just talked. A lot. This morning, though, the aide said they were better for me than they were for their regular teacher. So it really wasn't all bad. It's amazing how the bad can sour the good, though...
I think that pretty much sums up the last 4 days...
1) Gotten a fabulous sunburn on Sunday on my neck and arms. I'm just doing my part to ensure that my T-shirt tan lines never fade. My church held service at the ampitheater/park where we had a barbecue afterward. It was a fun time, with only a couple of hiccups. (One was when it started to rain pretty hard for about 5 minutes. It was wonderful because we were all standing in line to get lunch and couldn't go anywhere. And, two, was when they were terribly slow at producing the meat for our hamburgers and hotdogs and the lines moved so slowly. I don't know who prayed for patience that day, but it wasn't me!)
2) Attended my very last class of the semester. Monday was the last day! We ended about 15 minutes early and instead of just letting us go, the professor kept telling us these meaningless, unrelated stories. We were all packed up sitting there, and he just kept talking. Please. Just let us go.
3) Written two of the four papers I had left, both of which I got 100% on. I'm working on number 3 right now, and hopefully four will be finished by Friday. The due date is Monday night, so I will for sure be done by then, but I'm aiming for a pre-weekend finish.
4) Subbed two days in the same fourth grade class (yesterday and today). There were moments when they were wonderful and charming and fantastic, and then they had moments where I wanted to strangle them or send them to the office. There were a ton of subs at the school, too, since the 4-6th grade teachers had a meeting to attend, and there was even a substitute principal. He came into the classroom yesterday morning and did not threaten, but promised, the kids that if they were sent to the office, they would be suspended. I got close to not putting up with a couple of kids, but decided their talkativeness didn't really warrant suspension. A couple more hours like the last hour I spent with them might have put me over the edge, though. They weren't all bad kids, though. They mostly just talked. A lot. This morning, though, the aide said they were better for me than they were for their regular teacher. So it really wasn't all bad. It's amazing how the bad can sour the good, though...
I think that pretty much sums up the last 4 days...
Saturday, May 14, 2011
hope now.
If everything comes down to love
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm Yours
I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
You've become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
"Hope Now," Addison Road
Then just what am I afraid of
When I call out Your name
Something inside awakes in my soul
How quickly I forget I'm Yours
I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
When my life is like a storm
Rising waters all I want is the shore
You say I'll be ok and
Make it through the rain
You are my shelter from the storm
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
I'm not my own
I've been carried by You
All my life
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
Everything rides on hope now
Everything rides on faith somehow
When the world has broken me down
Your love sets me free
You've become my hearts desire
I will sing Your praises higher
Cause Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
Your love sets me free
"Hope Now," Addison Road
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