Okokokokok....
So where were we? Work's still work. My commission is going up as I do more. The more I do the more comfortable I feel. But I still have a looooong way to go. I miss having a camera; mine died so I'm looking to get a new one eventually. I want an SLR but those are not cheap. I might spring for one after Thanksgiving and do the whole "investment" thing. Because if I stay in this field I have to start investing in the proper equipment. And starting at some point I wanna take classes too. But why must things require money?!?!?!? Cuz I also am going to need a new computer soon and am reeeeeelly wanting to go to India over Easter (to meet up with Jess and Holly and Lisa Walker from Korea). Meh, the Lord'll provide if I'm supposed to get/do these things.
Um, other things...I've got a place to live! I'm moving in this week with a girl from church. Stephanie is the same age as I am and is an engeneer. She works with the teens and I'm actually hoping to start working with them eventually myself.
I've decided to give away my cat. Right now I'm too "unsettled" to have an animal and if something were to happen to him and he'd need some kind of medical help I could not afford to take care of him. Practically, pragmatically, now's just not the time. I'm good with that decision, really. I've found a shelter that I want to take him but it's like an hour away they have hours that don't line up with my hours at the studio. I'm hoping to take him next week on my day off.
It's getting nice and cool and fall-y here! Yay! I love this time of year...if only I had a camera to take pics of it...
Thats all for now.
Showing posts with label People. Show all posts
Showing posts with label People. Show all posts
Tuesday, September 29, 2009
Friday, September 11, 2009
Woa
I thought about posting this as "It's a small world after all" but I think we are past that. I leave it for you to decide.
So a few weeks back a new girl was hired at the photo studio. While she was in the process of being hired (they were having her do a shoot) it was found out that she had spent time in Canada. We did the whole "Cool! Where?" thing and discovered that we had both lived in the same town but did not make much of it because it had been some time back for both of us and she had mentioned that she had not lived there for too long, nor did we really have time to dig deeper.
Until today.
It started when we were talking about college and it was discovered that she knew someone who had gone to BJU and I knew the girl too (more as a passing acquaintance). That's the "it's a small world" part.
BUT
From there we decided to dig unto out Canadian past. The conversation went something like this (I am taking a few liberties in the process);
Me: "How old were you when you were in Canada?"
Jen: "Ummm....5th grade."
Me: "Where did you go to school? [starts naming some of the schools finally naming.....]...Prince Andrew?"
Jen: "Yeh! Prince Andrew!"
Me: "Me too!!"
[insert look of "crazy!"]
Me: "When were you born?"
Jen: "'86"
[Some quick mental math reveals that she and I were at Prince Andrew at the same time, only when she was in grade 5 I was in grade 8].
Me: "Thats so funny!! Where did you live?"
Jen: I dunno, a subdivision with a big park in the middle of it."
Me: "Me too!!"
[insert another look, then I google my old neighborhood]
Me: "I lived here. In Heritage Park."
Jen: "I lived here! [points to the main street of the same subdivision.] And my pastor lived over....here... [points to my street].
[another look]
Me: Where'd you go to church?"
Jen: "I can't remember, but the pastors son had something wrong with him."
Me: "My little brother is in a wheelchair."
[another look]
Me: "Emmanuel Baptist Church?"
Jen: "I can't remember."
There was a little more conversation where both of us were like..."Ummm...woa." Then I had to leave, as I did I called my mum and told her about Jen. I told her what I had learned and mum remembered them, as did Dad when I called him.
So, yeh, I work with a girl who went to church with me in Canada for eight months more than ten years ago.
Some say coincidence; I say God. Either way: "Woa."
So a few weeks back a new girl was hired at the photo studio. While she was in the process of being hired (they were having her do a shoot) it was found out that she had spent time in Canada. We did the whole "Cool! Where?" thing and discovered that we had both lived in the same town but did not make much of it because it had been some time back for both of us and she had mentioned that she had not lived there for too long, nor did we really have time to dig deeper.
Until today.
It started when we were talking about college and it was discovered that she knew someone who had gone to BJU and I knew the girl too (more as a passing acquaintance). That's the "it's a small world" part.
BUT
From there we decided to dig unto out Canadian past. The conversation went something like this (I am taking a few liberties in the process);
Me: "How old were you when you were in Canada?"
Jen: "Ummm....5th grade."
Me: "Where did you go to school? [starts naming some of the schools finally naming.....]...Prince Andrew?"
Jen: "Yeh! Prince Andrew!"
Me: "Me too!!"
[insert look of "crazy!"]
Me: "When were you born?"
Jen: "'86"
[Some quick mental math reveals that she and I were at Prince Andrew at the same time, only when she was in grade 5 I was in grade 8].
Me: "Thats so funny!! Where did you live?"
Jen: I dunno, a subdivision with a big park in the middle of it."
Me: "Me too!!"
[insert another look, then I google my old neighborhood]
Me: "I lived here. In Heritage Park."
Jen: "I lived here! [points to the main street of the same subdivision.] And my pastor lived over....here... [points to my street].
[another look]
Me: Where'd you go to church?"
Jen: "I can't remember, but the pastors son had something wrong with him."
Me: "My little brother is in a wheelchair."
[another look]
Me: "Emmanuel Baptist Church?"
Jen: "I can't remember."
There was a little more conversation where both of us were like..."Ummm...woa." Then I had to leave, as I did I called my mum and told her about Jen. I told her what I had learned and mum remembered them, as did Dad when I called him.
So, yeh, I work with a girl who went to church with me in Canada for eight months more than ten years ago.
Some say coincidence; I say God. Either way: "Woa."
Saturday, August 01, 2009
Provisions
So I'm not even going to apologize for not really posting lately cuz "real" posts are so few and far between I am starting to begin all of 'em with an apology so we'll just get right into it 'k?
Work is still pretty cool. I am still looking for other jobs (second job or a full time one) but so far nothing. My sales are going up and I feel like I'm getting better at the photography part too. I actually had my first repeat customer a while back. I had gotten some girls (two sisters and a friend) to come in so I could practice on them. They did not get anything then but the next day the friend came back with her mom and sister! She made them come from an hour away to get "real" pictures done. Then they spent about $400. Made me happy. I've had a few other good shoots and sales lately but none that come as immediately to mind. I did however do a shoot for a lady who was graduating from some random Bible College with a masters in Urban Ministry. We got to talking and she was so sweet! During the whole conversation she'd interject with "Praise Jesus" and "I call on Jesus power to be with you." (She was black). At the end (after I had told her my story of Korea and getting here etc.) she said "I wanna plant a seed and you have to let me ok?" I wasn't really sure what she was going to do and was half expecting her to give me a mustard seed or something. But she didn't; she gave me $120!! Made me cry. When I told her I could not accept it she insisted that I keep it. "This morning I was at the health club and it was just me and God and I asked Him to let me be a blessing to someone today. I almost did not come to get my pictures done but something told me to come and I think you are the answer to my prayer." Other people have been generous and given me money too (cheques in the mail etc). God's providing.
Another way God's provided is through housing. I had a place to stay through the end of the month of July (Rebecca had gotten married and her lease on her apartment was out at the end of the month she said I could stay there rent free!). I've been attending an a.ma.zing. church (more on them in a second) and a couple in the church knowing that I was looking for a place to live offered me a place to stay with them for the time being. Again, free. So I'll be living with the Kraays until about October. Sadly I can't have Mac with me as David Kraay is allergic to cats but Rebecca and Bill offered to take him, so again, God is providing. According to Rebecca he's made himself right at home. He knew Rebecca because of living with her that week or so before the wedding and knew her cats. Apparently he's starting to warm up to Bill.
Ok. Church. This church is so amazing it almost warrants a seperate post...but I shall just put it with this one and make this a nice long juicy post. (=
I've been going to Rebecca's church in Schaumberg. It's a PCA church and such a wonderful body of believers. I've not been to a church like this in ages. I'm pretty sure Shiloh (the church my family attended in Georgia) was like this but when you're a teen nothing much like this sticks ya know? I attended two churches in Greenville; one for three years and one for two and the preaching was good but that was it. Fourth in Minnesota is an interesting situation; it's huge and I've not even gone a years worth of Sundays. I'd go and stuff when I'm visiting my parents but never felt connected. When I got back from Korea and was trying to figure out what to do next no one was helpful beyond the very unhelpful "Praying for you" pat on the head and send me on my way. A lot of times I felt like people would talk to me out of "duty" if that makes any sense. Um, hello I've just moved back across the globe, and have no job. Prayer is nice but do you know of any job leads?
But this church....wow...again...wow. My first Sunday there I had a few people come up to me to tell me that they recognized me from Rebecca's Facebook and they had wanted to meet me. Then others would just come up to me and welcome me to the church and want to know how I got there and all sorts of things about me. One couple told me that most of the church would go out for lunch after the service and that they hoped that I would join them. Pretty sure in that one service I was made more welcome than I was in 3 weeks of attending my parents church in MN and Fourth knows me. Only like five people in this church had any idea of who I was yet they still made me feel loved and welcomed. The next week I was there again and was talking to the ones that I had met and mentioned that I had gotten the photography job. A man was walking by (whom I had not yet met) and said "Oh! You got that job! Good, I was praying for you!" Several were like "You need another job? I know [of these places that are] hiring." Others said that they were looking into different places for me to live (this was before the Kraays offered me a place). Over and over again this church has shown that they live their Christianity. They are not at all just "Sunday Christians". Their lives are overflowinf with Grace and they can't wait to share it. The preaching is good too tho I've yet to hear the Sr. Pastor (he's on Sabbatical until the begining of August.). The pastor I have heard is excellent, very expository which is what I'm used to from Dad. The sermon last week was so encouraging; out of Daniel 12 and how the tough times we'll go through have a reason and an end and how that as Chrisitans we don't need to worry when we do go through those tough times.
Ok....that's long enough for now. I gotta make dinner.
Work is still pretty cool. I am still looking for other jobs (second job or a full time one) but so far nothing. My sales are going up and I feel like I'm getting better at the photography part too. I actually had my first repeat customer a while back. I had gotten some girls (two sisters and a friend) to come in so I could practice on them. They did not get anything then but the next day the friend came back with her mom and sister! She made them come from an hour away to get "real" pictures done. Then they spent about $400. Made me happy. I've had a few other good shoots and sales lately but none that come as immediately to mind. I did however do a shoot for a lady who was graduating from some random Bible College with a masters in Urban Ministry. We got to talking and she was so sweet! During the whole conversation she'd interject with "Praise Jesus" and "I call on Jesus power to be with you." (She was black). At the end (after I had told her my story of Korea and getting here etc.) she said "I wanna plant a seed and you have to let me ok?" I wasn't really sure what she was going to do and was half expecting her to give me a mustard seed or something. But she didn't; she gave me $120!! Made me cry. When I told her I could not accept it she insisted that I keep it. "This morning I was at the health club and it was just me and God and I asked Him to let me be a blessing to someone today. I almost did not come to get my pictures done but something told me to come and I think you are the answer to my prayer." Other people have been generous and given me money too (cheques in the mail etc). God's providing.
Another way God's provided is through housing. I had a place to stay through the end of the month of July (Rebecca had gotten married and her lease on her apartment was out at the end of the month she said I could stay there rent free!). I've been attending an a.ma.zing. church (more on them in a second) and a couple in the church knowing that I was looking for a place to live offered me a place to stay with them for the time being. Again, free. So I'll be living with the Kraays until about October. Sadly I can't have Mac with me as David Kraay is allergic to cats but Rebecca and Bill offered to take him, so again, God is providing. According to Rebecca he's made himself right at home. He knew Rebecca because of living with her that week or so before the wedding and knew her cats. Apparently he's starting to warm up to Bill.
Ok. Church. This church is so amazing it almost warrants a seperate post...but I shall just put it with this one and make this a nice long juicy post. (=
I've been going to Rebecca's church in Schaumberg. It's a PCA church and such a wonderful body of believers. I've not been to a church like this in ages. I'm pretty sure Shiloh (the church my family attended in Georgia) was like this but when you're a teen nothing much like this sticks ya know? I attended two churches in Greenville; one for three years and one for two and the preaching was good but that was it. Fourth in Minnesota is an interesting situation; it's huge and I've not even gone a years worth of Sundays. I'd go and stuff when I'm visiting my parents but never felt connected. When I got back from Korea and was trying to figure out what to do next no one was helpful beyond the very unhelpful "Praying for you" pat on the head and send me on my way. A lot of times I felt like people would talk to me out of "duty" if that makes any sense. Um, hello I've just moved back across the globe, and have no job. Prayer is nice but do you know of any job leads?
But this church....wow...again...wow. My first Sunday there I had a few people come up to me to tell me that they recognized me from Rebecca's Facebook and they had wanted to meet me. Then others would just come up to me and welcome me to the church and want to know how I got there and all sorts of things about me. One couple told me that most of the church would go out for lunch after the service and that they hoped that I would join them. Pretty sure in that one service I was made more welcome than I was in 3 weeks of attending my parents church in MN and Fourth knows me. Only like five people in this church had any idea of who I was yet they still made me feel loved and welcomed. The next week I was there again and was talking to the ones that I had met and mentioned that I had gotten the photography job. A man was walking by (whom I had not yet met) and said "Oh! You got that job! Good, I was praying for you!" Several were like "You need another job? I know [of these places that are] hiring." Others said that they were looking into different places for me to live (this was before the Kraays offered me a place). Over and over again this church has shown that they live their Christianity. They are not at all just "Sunday Christians". Their lives are overflowinf with Grace and they can't wait to share it. The preaching is good too tho I've yet to hear the Sr. Pastor (he's on Sabbatical until the begining of August.). The pastor I have heard is excellent, very expository which is what I'm used to from Dad. The sermon last week was so encouraging; out of Daniel 12 and how the tough times we'll go through have a reason and an end and how that as Chrisitans we don't need to worry when we do go through those tough times.
Ok....that's long enough for now. I gotta make dinner.
Wednesday, June 17, 2009
Pictures
The links are to the connecting blog posts. I know you can scroll down but still...
Pictures from graduation and last week stuff.
Pics from Boseong
Catching up
This is most likely going to be a long post. Pictures might or might not appear, we'll see how I feel about it.
Ok, graduation first. Which was like, a month ago, if not longer.
This year we has 12 graduates which to date is the largest graduating class of SCS (last year we had one graduate and the year before three). The night of graduation the parents took the teachers out to a nice dinner with the kids. It was fun to just sit and hang out with the kids. But then when is it not?? Then back to school for the actual graduation. The kids were running around getting last second things done, several had to tweak their senior testimonies. Some were rewriting them all together. One kid even asked me "What do I say?" I told him that I was not writing his Sr.Testimony for him and that he had had several weeks to work on it. He did get it done tho.
Graduation itself was good. Steve's testimony was funny, in it he thanked me for my uncontitional love and support then said "...and I am sure that you will find the perfect man." I managed not to cry until the end when people were taking picturesand stuff. I had one of the Korean teachers translate something for me when I went to talk to Max' mum. I started crying then and almost was under control when she hugged me. She was crying when she hugged me and it made it worse. Then Max came over and hugged us both which made me cry more.
The last week of school was exams and the last day was a cleaning/awards day. At the end of the awards chapel the kids all gave me cards and made me cry. It's nice to know that I am loved and will be missed.
Then the last few days were just making sure things were in order. I got school stuff done and did that last minute shopping for things I wanted. actually, for three days Holly Jessica and I went down to the south where they grow the green tea (thats another post). I got most of my stuff done and what I did not finish Merilee was so incredibly sweet to finish for me.
Going to the airport was ok. Again, Merilee was sweet and came with me. I stuck the cat in his carrier and he cried for the entire twoish hour trip to the airport. I was kinda concerend but by the time we got there he had settled down. Max, Angelina and Ronnie came to see me at the airport which was nice. Angelina gave me a sweet note and some pictures. Then it was time to go through security. I cried a little as I went through but quickly composed myself. The flight itself was good, the cat was quiet for the most part, only having a minor crisis for about an hour about two-thirds of the way through the flight. There were no accidents for the duration of the entire trip thankfully. Thanks to those of you who prayed. We made it to MN and shortly after getting home went to bed. The cat is still getting used to the house, just a moment ago actually he came all the way up the stairs and into the dining room. He's ok tho and happy to stay in the basement for the most part. He and the dog have not had too much interaction so there's nothing to tell in that area.
Things have been super busy here; since getting here I've had much to do. During the times I'm not looking online at jobs and cars I've gone and renewed my liscence, gotten a cell phone (it's pretty and purple and stuff!!), and spent too much money on essentials like shampoo, a new hair dryer and the like.
I'm looking in the Chicago and Greenville areas for jobs and have applied online at several places in both locations. I have a great lead on a car that I am hoping to get tonight or tomorrow and after that I am hoping to head to Chicago and get a better feel for the area when it comes to jobs. So we'll see what God has in mind.
Ok, graduation first. Which was like, a month ago, if not longer.
This year we has 12 graduates which to date is the largest graduating class of SCS (last year we had one graduate and the year before three). The night of graduation the parents took the teachers out to a nice dinner with the kids. It was fun to just sit and hang out with the kids. But then when is it not?? Then back to school for the actual graduation. The kids were running around getting last second things done, several had to tweak their senior testimonies. Some were rewriting them all together. One kid even asked me "What do I say?" I told him that I was not writing his Sr.Testimony for him and that he had had several weeks to work on it. He did get it done tho.
Graduation itself was good. Steve's testimony was funny, in it he thanked me for my uncontitional love and support then said "...and I am sure that you will find the perfect man." I managed not to cry until the end when people were taking picturesand stuff. I had one of the Korean teachers translate something for me when I went to talk to Max' mum. I started crying then and almost was under control when she hugged me. She was crying when she hugged me and it made it worse. Then Max came over and hugged us both which made me cry more.
The last week of school was exams and the last day was a cleaning/awards day. At the end of the awards chapel the kids all gave me cards and made me cry. It's nice to know that I am loved and will be missed.
Then the last few days were just making sure things were in order. I got school stuff done and did that last minute shopping for things I wanted. actually, for three days Holly Jessica and I went down to the south where they grow the green tea (thats another post). I got most of my stuff done and what I did not finish Merilee was so incredibly sweet to finish for me.
Going to the airport was ok. Again, Merilee was sweet and came with me. I stuck the cat in his carrier and he cried for the entire twoish hour trip to the airport. I was kinda concerend but by the time we got there he had settled down. Max, Angelina and Ronnie came to see me at the airport which was nice. Angelina gave me a sweet note and some pictures. Then it was time to go through security. I cried a little as I went through but quickly composed myself. The flight itself was good, the cat was quiet for the most part, only having a minor crisis for about an hour about two-thirds of the way through the flight. There were no accidents for the duration of the entire trip thankfully. Thanks to those of you who prayed. We made it to MN and shortly after getting home went to bed. The cat is still getting used to the house, just a moment ago actually he came all the way up the stairs and into the dining room. He's ok tho and happy to stay in the basement for the most part. He and the dog have not had too much interaction so there's nothing to tell in that area.
Things have been super busy here; since getting here I've had much to do. During the times I'm not looking online at jobs and cars I've gone and renewed my liscence, gotten a cell phone (it's pretty and purple and stuff!!), and spent too much money on essentials like shampoo, a new hair dryer and the like.
I'm looking in the Chicago and Greenville areas for jobs and have applied online at several places in both locations. I have a great lead on a car that I am hoping to get tonight or tomorrow and after that I am hoping to head to Chicago and get a better feel for the area when it comes to jobs. So we'll see what God has in mind.
Monday, May 11, 2009
Happy Birthday Simon! Happy Mothers Day Amy!
Sunday, May 10th, 2009 at 5:35 pm my sister-in-law had her baby! His name is Simon Paul (Paul is a family name on our side) and was 21 inches long, 8 pounds 12 oz! I can't wait to meet him!
Simon Paul Straub
I love this picture of my dad and Simon!
The other Straub's
Simon Paul Straub
I love this picture of my dad and Simon!
The other Straub'sSaturday, May 09, 2009
On Movies and Brothers
Ok, last weekend I saw Wolverine (even wore my X-Men shirt). Loved. Tonight, I saw Star Trek. Loved more. There was one downer to both movies: no brothers.
My family did not start going to movies until The Lord of the Rings came out. The first theatre I was in was in FL and in the scene at the end of Fellowship of the Ring when Aragorn cuts off the orc's head a little boy yelled out "WOA!! He just cut off his head!!" That now gets said everytime we watch those movies together.
Now our whole family was very familiar with the stories before the movies came out; Dad had read them aloud a few summers previously when on a family vacation and we had the BBC dramatization on CD's. So leaving the theatre we began discussing. Things we liked, things we hated, things that were "interesting" and so on. This is something that continues to this day. We've been to movies with friends and leave talking about it. Our friends usually think we are nuts. We don't nitpick or criticize usually, just talk about details and lines and stuff. We remember lots.
Wolverine and Star Trek are totally movies we'd go see together and talk about. My guess is that Joshua would like the first and not the latter. I think. But I could be wrong. But I think Benjamin and I would pretty much see eye to eye on both and we'd most likely talk Joshua around (he tends to be a purest). I totally missed that last week and tonight. I walked home from the theatre tonight and had to have the conversation in my head. I realized that the drives leaving the movies are some of my favourite memories with my brothers. Can't wait to make more once I'm back!!
My family did not start going to movies until The Lord of the Rings came out. The first theatre I was in was in FL and in the scene at the end of Fellowship of the Ring when Aragorn cuts off the orc's head a little boy yelled out "WOA!! He just cut off his head!!" That now gets said everytime we watch those movies together.
Now our whole family was very familiar with the stories before the movies came out; Dad had read them aloud a few summers previously when on a family vacation and we had the BBC dramatization on CD's. So leaving the theatre we began discussing. Things we liked, things we hated, things that were "interesting" and so on. This is something that continues to this day. We've been to movies with friends and leave talking about it. Our friends usually think we are nuts. We don't nitpick or criticize usually, just talk about details and lines and stuff. We remember lots.
Wolverine and Star Trek are totally movies we'd go see together and talk about. My guess is that Joshua would like the first and not the latter. I think. But I could be wrong. But I think Benjamin and I would pretty much see eye to eye on both and we'd most likely talk Joshua around (he tends to be a purest). I totally missed that last week and tonight. I walked home from the theatre tonight and had to have the conversation in my head. I realized that the drives leaving the movies are some of my favourite memories with my brothers. Can't wait to make more once I'm back!!
Sunday, May 03, 2009
Last Month
We are now in May and are in the last month of school. I know it's cliche to say that time flies but it's true! This year has gone by soooo fast! It also does not seem like I've been in Korea for three years.
The emotions of leaving Korea are as of now gone; I'm becoming more and more glad to leave the more I get used to the idea. There are just some things..... But I know the last day of school is going to be hard. It's ok tho, I'll make it.
I'm looking around for jobs in the US online and it's kinda depressing actually. Having no marketable skill rots ya know? So I'm looking at going back to school for photography. I love love love taking pictures and think it'd be a fun carer. Right now I'm looking at going back to Greenville but not BJU, rather Greenville Tech or other such schools. I have a place to live and some possible job opportunities. I am also going to look around Minneapolis and Chicago when I'm in those locations for the summer. The biggest thing is obviously going to be the job. Just gotta see what God wants ya know? Doing photography would be an investment but I think a worthwhile one.
My boys are indeed going to BJ in the fall (I'm pretty sure). Max is planning on doing Pre-Med and Steve (I think) is going to do Health Fitness and Recreation. Jesse is still unsure what to major in. Max and Jesse are still trying to figure out things financially. All three of them are taking the TOFEL test on the 9th and are nervous about that. I told them not to worry, they are smaet boys and all have pretty good English. Jesse's cute: he's worried about his proununcation but I told him that living in the US will fix that pretty quickly. It would be neat to be in Greenville with them this fall. But again, gotta see what the Lord has in mind.
Job job job....pray pray pray....
Sigh.
The emotions of leaving Korea are as of now gone; I'm becoming more and more glad to leave the more I get used to the idea. There are just some things..... But I know the last day of school is going to be hard. It's ok tho, I'll make it.
I'm looking around for jobs in the US online and it's kinda depressing actually. Having no marketable skill rots ya know? So I'm looking at going back to school for photography. I love love love taking pictures and think it'd be a fun carer. Right now I'm looking at going back to Greenville but not BJU, rather Greenville Tech or other such schools. I have a place to live and some possible job opportunities. I am also going to look around Minneapolis and Chicago when I'm in those locations for the summer. The biggest thing is obviously going to be the job. Just gotta see what God wants ya know? Doing photography would be an investment but I think a worthwhile one.
My boys are indeed going to BJ in the fall (I'm pretty sure). Max is planning on doing Pre-Med and Steve (I think) is going to do Health Fitness and Recreation. Jesse is still unsure what to major in. Max and Jesse are still trying to figure out things financially. All three of them are taking the TOFEL test on the 9th and are nervous about that. I told them not to worry, they are smaet boys and all have pretty good English. Jesse's cute: he's worried about his proununcation but I told him that living in the US will fix that pretty quickly. It would be neat to be in Greenville with them this fall. But again, gotta see what the Lord has in mind.
Job job job....pray pray pray....
Sigh.
Friday, April 24, 2009
For it is God...
These past weeks have been busy, we are in the home stretch of classes. Monday starts the last half of the last quarter.
Some of you know this already and others don't so please bear with me if you are already "in the know".
Thursday I got a note in my box asking me to meet with the admin for a conference after school. The short of it is that, for reasons that I am unable go into, nor do I care to detail, they are not going to renew my contract next year. Apparently my principal was wanting to keep me, which I am happy about. I had only given them a verbal yes, nothing as of yet had been signed. So as of this moment I shall be returning to the US permanently this June. They are being more than generous with me, paying for extra luggage and for me to get the cat back as well as other things.
To be honest this is rather a relief; I see myself moving in such a direction that I was not sure if I was going to be able to fully support the school next year and was foreseeing a rather uncomfortable at the least year starting in the fall. The only reason I was going to stay was for my boys (more on them in a second). There are no hard feelings on my end and it seems that there are none on theirs as well so thus far all is good.
I have lots ahead of me; obviously I am going to need a job and other such minor things. I would settle for a rich husband if push came to shove....Thankfully I will be debt free when I get back to the US and have a little cash on hand, maybe enough for a down payment on a car. It's just the job thing that has me curious; I don't have a marketable skill (I did not major in teaching) and with the economy the way it is...but hey, God'd not get me outta this job if He did not already have one for me is my thinking. Still, I am apprehensively curious. If you're wondering, I'm looking to settle in the Chicago area but am really open to anything.
Thankfully since finding out about this whole thing I've managed to keep the emotions in check (I dread the last day of school; I hate hate hate crying). I cried a little yesterday and this morning as well. Lots of breathing through the nose and soon things were back to normal. The worst of the crying was when I had to tell my chemistry class. I had told my boys during homeroom and teared up a little then. They were quite upset when I told them, and after making sure I was not teasing them set about trying how to figure out what to do about next year. Earlier in the year when I was still unsure about staying they had said if I did not come back they would not. They were serious, as soon as first hour was over Max and Steve went to the office to see about early graduation (they were thinking of doing their senior year over the summer). Mrs. Johnson came to the room at the end of the day to tell them that both boys had enough credits to graduate this school year!! She is going to check on Jesse's credits and see if she can't get him graduated also. They are too late to get into state schools but she said getting into a Christian school should not be hard. Max was already kind of interested in Bob Jones but the money is the issue (as it is with all of them really). So they are going to be thinking and praying over the weekend and maybe starting college in the fall!! Please especially pray for Max, he really does want to go to BJ but right now can't afford it. If I understand the way visas work he has to have all the money (tuition/room and board) in hand before they will grant him the visa. That's quite a bit of money and with the exchange rate and all it's more. In most cases it's too late for scholarships but he and I are looking to see what we can find. Please please pray that he can get the money! If God wants him there He'll provide but hey, no harm in asking for prayer right??? I'm really clinging to Phil 2:13 right now and have said it to the kids a few times already.
Life is gonna be interesting for the next while!!
Some of you know this already and others don't so please bear with me if you are already "in the know".
Thursday I got a note in my box asking me to meet with the admin for a conference after school. The short of it is that, for reasons that I am unable go into, nor do I care to detail, they are not going to renew my contract next year. Apparently my principal was wanting to keep me, which I am happy about. I had only given them a verbal yes, nothing as of yet had been signed. So as of this moment I shall be returning to the US permanently this June. They are being more than generous with me, paying for extra luggage and for me to get the cat back as well as other things.
To be honest this is rather a relief; I see myself moving in such a direction that I was not sure if I was going to be able to fully support the school next year and was foreseeing a rather uncomfortable at the least year starting in the fall. The only reason I was going to stay was for my boys (more on them in a second). There are no hard feelings on my end and it seems that there are none on theirs as well so thus far all is good.
I have lots ahead of me; obviously I am going to need a job and other such minor things. I would settle for a rich husband if push came to shove....Thankfully I will be debt free when I get back to the US and have a little cash on hand, maybe enough for a down payment on a car. It's just the job thing that has me curious; I don't have a marketable skill (I did not major in teaching) and with the economy the way it is...but hey, God'd not get me outta this job if He did not already have one for me is my thinking. Still, I am apprehensively curious. If you're wondering, I'm looking to settle in the Chicago area but am really open to anything.
Thankfully since finding out about this whole thing I've managed to keep the emotions in check (I dread the last day of school; I hate hate hate crying). I cried a little yesterday and this morning as well. Lots of breathing through the nose and soon things were back to normal. The worst of the crying was when I had to tell my chemistry class. I had told my boys during homeroom and teared up a little then. They were quite upset when I told them, and after making sure I was not teasing them set about trying how to figure out what to do about next year. Earlier in the year when I was still unsure about staying they had said if I did not come back they would not. They were serious, as soon as first hour was over Max and Steve went to the office to see about early graduation (they were thinking of doing their senior year over the summer). Mrs. Johnson came to the room at the end of the day to tell them that both boys had enough credits to graduate this school year!! She is going to check on Jesse's credits and see if she can't get him graduated also. They are too late to get into state schools but she said getting into a Christian school should not be hard. Max was already kind of interested in Bob Jones but the money is the issue (as it is with all of them really). So they are going to be thinking and praying over the weekend and maybe starting college in the fall!! Please especially pray for Max, he really does want to go to BJ but right now can't afford it. If I understand the way visas work he has to have all the money (tuition/room and board) in hand before they will grant him the visa. That's quite a bit of money and with the exchange rate and all it's more. In most cases it's too late for scholarships but he and I are looking to see what we can find. Please please pray that he can get the money! If God wants him there He'll provide but hey, no harm in asking for prayer right??? I'm really clinging to Phil 2:13 right now and have said it to the kids a few times already.
"For it is God who worketh in you both to do and to will His good pleasure."
Life is gonna be interesting for the next while!!
Monday, April 13, 2009
So Happy
So this past week one of my best friends got engaged. There are three friends in my life who are on equal plane; I cannot choose one of them as "best". There are no favourites. Rebecca (and the others) mean more to me than I can put into words: "best friend" sells them all so very short.
I've meet Bill (her fiance) once, before they were dating and was instantly impressed with him.
I'm so very happy for her!! If you are interested you can go here for wedding info (pics and such). Rumor has it that I'm in it...What a great reason to go to my favourite place in the world!!
I've meet Bill (her fiance) once, before they were dating and was instantly impressed with him.
I'm so very happy for her!! If you are interested you can go here for wedding info (pics and such). Rumor has it that I'm in it...What a great reason to go to my favourite place in the world!!
Friday, February 27, 2009
Max
I've mentioned Max on here several times before. He's been in my homeroom class for the last two years and is one of "my" boys.
Max is a very smart young man. He has been greatly blessed by God in the area of intellect. Lately he has started showing a bit of the pride issue that often accompanies such a gift.
For some reason Max listens to me. I really have no idea. I'm not looking for affirmation here. I just really don't know! I've read several of his assignments from other classes and there are things in them that I know came from me. In several cases I know exactly when the conversation took place. Thats ok, it just makes me go "EEK!" and makes me even more mindful of what I talk to him about. I remember being his age and lots of my ideas and opinions were those of my authorities, he's going through the same thing. Which is fine, I just need to make sure what I tell him is truly Biblical. Anyway, I say all that to show that for some reason God has given me Max to maybe help him in some areas. I'm hoping to be able to talk to him and encourage him in the area of his intellect and pride. To show him the difference between taking pride in your work and in being prideful in the abilities God has given you. Because of the way my schedule works I don't see this conversation taking place before next Thursday but I do ask that you pray that I do have the ability to talk to him and that I will say the right kinds of things and that he will listen. We kind of started the conversation this morning but it was during homeroom and the other kids were about to come in for Chemistry so we did not get very far.
I remember my parents having to talk to Benjamin (and currently Joshua) about the way they deal with their God-given abilities. I'm hoping to be able to encourage Max using some of the same things my parents said to my brothers. When it happens I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe God put me in Max's life to have this conversation. Maybe not. I don't want to seem like I think I'm the only one who will have any influence in the kids life but I do have to acknowledge that he does indeed seem to listen to me more which ought to make me very mindful of what I tell him.
Max is a very smart young man. He has been greatly blessed by God in the area of intellect. Lately he has started showing a bit of the pride issue that often accompanies such a gift.
For some reason Max listens to me. I really have no idea. I'm not looking for affirmation here. I just really don't know! I've read several of his assignments from other classes and there are things in them that I know came from me. In several cases I know exactly when the conversation took place. Thats ok, it just makes me go "EEK!" and makes me even more mindful of what I talk to him about. I remember being his age and lots of my ideas and opinions were those of my authorities, he's going through the same thing. Which is fine, I just need to make sure what I tell him is truly Biblical. Anyway, I say all that to show that for some reason God has given me Max to maybe help him in some areas. I'm hoping to be able to talk to him and encourage him in the area of his intellect and pride. To show him the difference between taking pride in your work and in being prideful in the abilities God has given you. Because of the way my schedule works I don't see this conversation taking place before next Thursday but I do ask that you pray that I do have the ability to talk to him and that I will say the right kinds of things and that he will listen. We kind of started the conversation this morning but it was during homeroom and the other kids were about to come in for Chemistry so we did not get very far.
I remember my parents having to talk to Benjamin (and currently Joshua) about the way they deal with their God-given abilities. I'm hoping to be able to encourage Max using some of the same things my parents said to my brothers. When it happens I'll let you know how it goes. Maybe God put me in Max's life to have this conversation. Maybe not. I don't want to seem like I think I'm the only one who will have any influence in the kids life but I do have to acknowledge that he does indeed seem to listen to me more which ought to make me very mindful of what I tell him.
Thursday, February 26, 2009
Scary People
So today my second hour French class came in with a story of a guy who was in the office and apparently rather angry. He was the father of a kid in grade 5 and apparently the kid was claiming he had been bullied and the father was....upset. I'm not too clear on the details but it would seem that the kid situation was typical grade six boy antics, nothing too major. Just one of those "Make sure you're not a little punk." events. Well, anyway, the dad...yeh. According to eyewitnesses he was hitting things and they were afraid he was going to hit the secretary (the Johnsons were not there yet). He did apparently hit his wife across the chest at some point (I'm also not clear on the time line). We heard him trying to run up the stairs during second hour but Lisa had locked the doors so he could not get into the actual floors. Daniel and Jason had to physically restrain him at some point as well. Daniel still had some slight red marks on his arm from where the man had grabbed him. Daniel is not small, he's over 6 foot and I'm guessing in the vicinity of 220 lbs. Only a fool would try to attack him. Which this guy apparently was. Eventually the police took the guy away but the school agreed to let him come back at the end of the day (hoping he'd be calm) to see about getting things fixed. Daniel and Jason determined to be in the office when that happened just in case. When Daniel came up around 4:30 he said the father had not calmed down. Apparently he had been pushing things over and other such violence. Tho it seemed that he did not get as personally violent this time. Not sure how it ended, the police were there again when I left. I'm sure I'll know tomorrow. I'll let you know when I know anything. I'm sure Daniel will post something on his blog about it eventually. There's a link over there on the left. No one got majorly hurt which is a blessing. At least not before I had left...
We have Monday off (nothing related to this; March 1st is a holiday so we get the 2nd off this year since the 1st is a Sunday). I am greatly pleased.
We have Monday off (nothing related to this; March 1st is a holiday so we get the 2nd off this year since the 1st is a Sunday). I am greatly pleased.
Friday, February 13, 2009
I Liiiiiiiiive!!
Sorry I've not been posting lately. Things have not really been that interesting. Or, rather there have been interesting things but nothing I can blog about. Let's just say that some people have....interesting....views on things in scripture. For example: Did you know that Esther was out of the will of God when she married whatshisnose and we know this because God is not mentioned in the book? I'll leave it there.
Things have been slow. We dissected frogs in Life Science but it was not as interesting as it was last year. The kids were not as active with their frogs this year as some of them were last year. Ummm...we had some contests on our floor for the kids to get house points but my blessed homeroom boys won't get involved....it's not out of a bad attitude, it's just not their thing. Linda and I are trying to get them involved somehow we just can't think of anything.
Uhmmmm, thats really it. Sorry it's not as exciting as my posts usualy are. There's just nothing to report. It's spring, everything's slow.
It was a rainy/gloomy day today. I liked it. No electric storm tho....mmmm...any other randomness I can tell you to drag this post out with?
OOH! Got an early birthday boxen!! From Rhonda; CSI:NY season 3 (squeee!!), Shrek 2 and other random fun things. Already gone through all of CSI:NY. Time to start back at the begining.
Something else!! You might be interested in this. It's a blog/writing assignment Jessica has the kids in grade 11 and 12 doing for grammar. They are watching "The Question of God" in class on Mondays (I think) and she's having them...well, you can go look at it and see for yourself.
Ok, I'm really done now.
Things have been slow. We dissected frogs in Life Science but it was not as interesting as it was last year. The kids were not as active with their frogs this year as some of them were last year. Ummm...we had some contests on our floor for the kids to get house points but my blessed homeroom boys won't get involved....it's not out of a bad attitude, it's just not their thing. Linda and I are trying to get them involved somehow we just can't think of anything.
Uhmmmm, thats really it. Sorry it's not as exciting as my posts usualy are. There's just nothing to report. It's spring, everything's slow.
It was a rainy/gloomy day today. I liked it. No electric storm tho....mmmm...any other randomness I can tell you to drag this post out with?
OOH! Got an early birthday boxen!! From Rhonda; CSI:NY season 3 (squeee!!), Shrek 2 and other random fun things. Already gone through all of CSI:NY. Time to start back at the begining.
Something else!! You might be interested in this. It's a blog/writing assignment Jessica has the kids in grade 11 and 12 doing for grammar. They are watching "The Question of God" in class on Mondays (I think) and she's having them...well, you can go look at it and see for yourself.
Ok, I'm really done now.
Saturday, January 24, 2009
Happy New Year! (almost)
Time for the traditional wishing of the Lunar New Year! We are leaving the Year of the Rat and entering the Year of the Ox so if you are turning a multiple of 12 this year you are an Ox. The actual LNY is Sunday I think, but we have Monday and Tuesday off which makes for a happy me. The teachers actually don't really have plans this year. I'm good with that; I need to clean.
Not too much to report; exams are FINALLY over and graded and all that. The week of exams (second week of Jan) was the coldest week of the year; well below freezing all week, tho not as cold as my parents had it; -25*F!!! The first two days of the week the heat was broken in both my apartment and on the High School floor. The students and teachers wore their jackets and stuff in an attempt to thaw. I would go home and sit in front of my space heater with many clothing layers, blankets and tea and watch movies. I also lived on eggs that week; I had picked some up on the weekend meaning to get more groceries later but it was too cold to go out!! So eggs it was. I'm glad I like eggs. Wednesday the HS was working on Thursday my heat was as well so I was fine. Good thing I don't mind the cold. It had gotten warmer this past week but today it's cold again, but not as bad as it had been.
I made a decision/leap of faith to stay one more year. I do want to see my boys through their last year. They were thrilled. Max suggested that I teach them one class and spend the rest of the day making food for them. I told him Mrs. J might have something to say about that. I think teacher-wise next year's gonna be fun; a friend is most likely going to come teach and she and I will live together if she does. Jessica is staying too which I am happy about. Other than staying for the boys I don't know really how I feel about being here one more year. I mean, something about being here one more year is a little depressing. It's difficult to explain.
OH! I'm down another kilogram! I have a denim jacket that zipped but was a tidge snug; not anymore!!! It's not too big yet but maybe next season...
That's really it. Nothing too exciting. More later maybe after the weekend's over.
Not too much to report; exams are FINALLY over and graded and all that. The week of exams (second week of Jan) was the coldest week of the year; well below freezing all week, tho not as cold as my parents had it; -25*F!!! The first two days of the week the heat was broken in both my apartment and on the High School floor. The students and teachers wore their jackets and stuff in an attempt to thaw. I would go home and sit in front of my space heater with many clothing layers, blankets and tea and watch movies. I also lived on eggs that week; I had picked some up on the weekend meaning to get more groceries later but it was too cold to go out!! So eggs it was. I'm glad I like eggs. Wednesday the HS was working on Thursday my heat was as well so I was fine. Good thing I don't mind the cold. It had gotten warmer this past week but today it's cold again, but not as bad as it had been.
I made a decision/leap of faith to stay one more year. I do want to see my boys through their last year. They were thrilled. Max suggested that I teach them one class and spend the rest of the day making food for them. I told him Mrs. J might have something to say about that. I think teacher-wise next year's gonna be fun; a friend is most likely going to come teach and she and I will live together if she does. Jessica is staying too which I am happy about. Other than staying for the boys I don't know really how I feel about being here one more year. I mean, something about being here one more year is a little depressing. It's difficult to explain.
OH! I'm down another kilogram! I have a denim jacket that zipped but was a tidge snug; not anymore!!! It's not too big yet but maybe next season...
That's really it. Nothing too exciting. More later maybe after the weekend's over.
Saturday, January 10, 2009
Stuff 'n' Things
So I'm back home. Or to what amounts as home for now. I left my apartment kind of a mess and have added substantially to it since my return, not quite a week ago. I do not anticipate being able to rectify that until Lunar New Year, at the end of this month.
It's nice to be back to the familiar routine. I really missed my kids. We got two more teachers this semester. Daniel and Charity Moorehead are newlyweds from...I think...Kansas. Charity is Mylinda's sister and the final Pritt sister to come to SCS. There are four Pritt sisters and now all of them have taught here at one time or another. The Pritt girls are quite attractive (the HS boys have all had crushes on Mylinda at some point or another) and poor Charity got all sorts of awed reactions on her first day. I think both Mooreheads will be a good addition to the school. My boys have Daniel for Pre-Calc and they like him so far. The Mooreheads have a blog you might be interested in. I've added it to the "Oriental Blogs" section to the left.
I lost all three of my girls over break. I knew Stacy was leaving (I think our school was a bit too hard for her) and knew Cindy was thinking about it. Stacy never came back from break nor did Rebecca. Cindy's last day was Monday (maybe Tuesday?). I figured that Rebecca would not return if the other two left and I was right. She also is quite involved in music stuff (I know she takes voice lessons and I think violin) and she was wanting to focus more on that than she was able to. So now it's just my three boys and we are getting a new guy sometime after finals. I've not met him but apparently he has been to school in the US his entire life so I'm not too concerned as to how he'll do academically.
I got a cold three days into the week and have been living on Ny/DayQuill and teas. I'm positive that I've ingested more tea in the last three days than I did all 2008; 5 cups yesterday alone. I'm glad I stocked up on it when I was home over break. I still have to write exams and get some grading done, yet all I wanna do is curl up in bed with a book, tea and a cat. Oh well, it is not to be.
Ok, back to writing exams. Hopefully I'll have Chem done by the time I'm supposed to meet Jess to go shopping. I need new gloves and hat as my old ones are getting holes. I am also looking for skirts. Some of my old ones are TOO BIG! (YAY!!) The one I wore yesterday almost fell off a few times. Gotta be careful on those stairs.
Ok, really now; back to Chem. But first, a cup of tea. Rooibos Pomegranate maybe?
It's nice to be back to the familiar routine. I really missed my kids. We got two more teachers this semester. Daniel and Charity Moorehead are newlyweds from...I think...Kansas. Charity is Mylinda's sister and the final Pritt sister to come to SCS. There are four Pritt sisters and now all of them have taught here at one time or another. The Pritt girls are quite attractive (the HS boys have all had crushes on Mylinda at some point or another) and poor Charity got all sorts of awed reactions on her first day. I think both Mooreheads will be a good addition to the school. My boys have Daniel for Pre-Calc and they like him so far. The Mooreheads have a blog you might be interested in. I've added it to the "Oriental Blogs" section to the left.
I lost all three of my girls over break. I knew Stacy was leaving (I think our school was a bit too hard for her) and knew Cindy was thinking about it. Stacy never came back from break nor did Rebecca. Cindy's last day was Monday (maybe Tuesday?). I figured that Rebecca would not return if the other two left and I was right. She also is quite involved in music stuff (I know she takes voice lessons and I think violin) and she was wanting to focus more on that than she was able to. So now it's just my three boys and we are getting a new guy sometime after finals. I've not met him but apparently he has been to school in the US his entire life so I'm not too concerned as to how he'll do academically.
I got a cold three days into the week and have been living on Ny/DayQuill and teas. I'm positive that I've ingested more tea in the last three days than I did all 2008; 5 cups yesterday alone. I'm glad I stocked up on it when I was home over break. I still have to write exams and get some grading done, yet all I wanna do is curl up in bed with a book, tea and a cat. Oh well, it is not to be.
Ok, back to writing exams. Hopefully I'll have Chem done by the time I'm supposed to meet Jess to go shopping. I need new gloves and hat as my old ones are getting holes. I am also looking for skirts. Some of my old ones are TOO BIG! (YAY!!) The one I wore yesterday almost fell off a few times. Gotta be careful on those stairs.
Ok, really now; back to Chem. But first, a cup of tea. Rooibos Pomegranate maybe?
Monday, January 05, 2009
Another post with lots of links (9 to be precise)
As previously mentioned I was in Chicago for New Years. It was much fun. I had missed having conversation that was worth having (more on that later). On Friday Rebecca and I went into downtown Chicago and ended up at the Art Institute of Chicago. We just kinda randomly went in and got more culture than we were expecting. Or at least than I was expecting. I had no idea that I was about to see American Gothic, La Grande Jatte, a Jackson Pollock, or Lilies, or VanGogh or his room or other things. It was cool. I like unexpected things like that. I love that Pollock piece. I hate American Gothic. It's depressing.
I got a new CD in Chicago: Casting Crowns Lifesong. I had heard it before but it had been a while. I forgot how much I loved their songs. Especially "While You Were Sleeping", "Praise You in this Storm" and.....ok, I like them all. I need their other CD now. Not their live one. I'm not sure why artists put live songs on CDs, or why they put out live albums. It's annoying. Not that I have an opinion or anything.
The best part about being in Chicago was the talking. Rebecca picked me up and we went to dinner where her boss joined us. We talked for about an hour or even two over some great pizza. The conversation ranged from tattoos to music to drinking to Bibles to mutual friends. Her boss is on the board of BJU and despite what that might make you think he is a very balanced person. I mean, who do you know that would somehow discover who the top CCM artist was and seek to listen to them? Then when we were talking about them (Skillett, whom I have heard of but never heard) there was no "I can't believe a Christian would listen to that." kind of attitude from him. It was a genuine curiosity as to what is so appealing about them (and others like them) to people. After we left Rebecca and I walked to her place (Itasca, the 'burb where she is, is teeny and charming) and continued the conversation until 1:30am. This time we added such things as Eschatology and if the Kingdom of God is on Earth yet or not. There was lots of talk about the baggage that often comes with being in certain sects (for lack of a better term) of Christianity. I hate that where I currently am I am made to feel that such things as my Church attendance, the music standards I have, books I might read and other superficials determine my spirituality. The Bible says you will know me by my fruit and especially by my love. Not by if I drink, read Harry Potter, wear pants to church, listen to various CCM artists or other stupidity. Total tangent: you ever notice that the World does not judge your Christian-ness based on all that but that many Christians in Fundamental circles do? The World does not care if you claim to be a Christian and drink or don't drink. They wanna see you act like it and Christians sadly don't often act like Christians to one another. I'm tired of being judged. It would be nice if more people were like Chuck (Rebecca's boss), when we were talking there were things it was clear he did not agree with us on but you could tell he was not, in his mind, questioning our spirituality, or worse, our salvation.
Anyway, a guy in Rebecca's church had a New Years Eve thing and she and I went. It was lots of fun (2 Baptists, 7 PCA's/4 lawyers, 2 engineers, 1 teacher, 1....I can't remember what he did, and 1 construction project manager). Again, conversation ranged all over; misconceptions we had as kids, things God did for us in the past, things we were hoping for in the future, things pertaining to the South, music, TV, baggage again...I could keep going. There was lots of laughter. Especially as the night wore on. But again, the conversation is what made it great. It was fun yet saddening; I had more/better Christian fellowship in those seven hours than I have had in the last year. I don't fit the prescribed Christian mold here. I do what I am supposed to do contractually but it's hard not being able to be myself and share opinions and thoughts that I know people will disagree with and we can still go away with respect for the other person. And despite the assurances from some that I am never judged there are times when that is certainly not the case.
I just don't know about next year. There is one thing and one thing only keeping me here: these students are my life right now and I can't imagine leaving them. But another year of the above? I don't know if I can do it. There are times I feel as if I'm going to have a break down. Also, to be dead honest, as much as I blow it off I do indeed want to eventually get married and the fact of the matter is: the likely hood of finding someone here is pretty slim at best. (Don't worry, I'm not going to come back to the States just to find a husband. I do want to get married but it's not a priority yet.) Having students ask me on a weekly basis when I'm getting married does not help matters. Don't get me wrong, being single's cool; I doubt I'd be here if I were married and I know I'd not have have some of the opportunities I've had were I married. It's just...
All of this stuff I've given to God. These are just some things that are in my head about all of it. I'm so glad God is in control!!
Ok, wow, this post took a totally different direction than I was originally going. I've never ever posted anything like this I don't think. Whatever, first time for everything.
I got a new CD in Chicago: Casting Crowns Lifesong. I had heard it before but it had been a while. I forgot how much I loved their songs. Especially "While You Were Sleeping", "Praise You in this Storm" and.....ok, I like them all. I need their other CD now. Not their live one. I'm not sure why artists put live songs on CDs, or why they put out live albums. It's annoying. Not that I have an opinion or anything.
The best part about being in Chicago was the talking. Rebecca picked me up and we went to dinner where her boss joined us. We talked for about an hour or even two over some great pizza. The conversation ranged from tattoos to music to drinking to Bibles to mutual friends. Her boss is on the board of BJU and despite what that might make you think he is a very balanced person. I mean, who do you know that would somehow discover who the top CCM artist was and seek to listen to them? Then when we were talking about them (Skillett, whom I have heard of but never heard) there was no "I can't believe a Christian would listen to that." kind of attitude from him. It was a genuine curiosity as to what is so appealing about them (and others like them) to people. After we left Rebecca and I walked to her place (Itasca, the 'burb where she is, is teeny and charming) and continued the conversation until 1:30am. This time we added such things as Eschatology and if the Kingdom of God is on Earth yet or not. There was lots of talk about the baggage that often comes with being in certain sects (for lack of a better term) of Christianity. I hate that where I currently am I am made to feel that such things as my Church attendance, the music standards I have, books I might read and other superficials determine my spirituality. The Bible says you will know me by my fruit and especially by my love. Not by if I drink, read Harry Potter, wear pants to church, listen to various CCM artists or other stupidity. Total tangent: you ever notice that the World does not judge your Christian-ness based on all that but that many Christians in Fundamental circles do? The World does not care if you claim to be a Christian and drink or don't drink. They wanna see you act like it and Christians sadly don't often act like Christians to one another. I'm tired of being judged. It would be nice if more people were like Chuck (Rebecca's boss), when we were talking there were things it was clear he did not agree with us on but you could tell he was not, in his mind, questioning our spirituality, or worse, our salvation.
Anyway, a guy in Rebecca's church had a New Years Eve thing and she and I went. It was lots of fun (2 Baptists, 7 PCA's/4 lawyers, 2 engineers, 1 teacher, 1....I can't remember what he did, and 1 construction project manager). Again, conversation ranged all over; misconceptions we had as kids, things God did for us in the past, things we were hoping for in the future, things pertaining to the South, music, TV, baggage again...I could keep going. There was lots of laughter. Especially as the night wore on. But again, the conversation is what made it great. It was fun yet saddening; I had more/better Christian fellowship in those seven hours than I have had in the last year. I don't fit the prescribed Christian mold here. I do what I am supposed to do contractually but it's hard not being able to be myself and share opinions and thoughts that I know people will disagree with and we can still go away with respect for the other person. And despite the assurances from some that I am never judged there are times when that is certainly not the case.
I just don't know about next year. There is one thing and one thing only keeping me here: these students are my life right now and I can't imagine leaving them. But another year of the above? I don't know if I can do it. There are times I feel as if I'm going to have a break down. Also, to be dead honest, as much as I blow it off I do indeed want to eventually get married and the fact of the matter is: the likely hood of finding someone here is pretty slim at best. (Don't worry, I'm not going to come back to the States just to find a husband. I do want to get married but it's not a priority yet.) Having students ask me on a weekly basis when I'm getting married does not help matters. Don't get me wrong, being single's cool; I doubt I'd be here if I were married and I know I'd not have have some of the opportunities I've had were I married. It's just...
All of this stuff I've given to God. These are just some things that are in my head about all of it. I'm so glad God is in control!!
Ok, wow, this post took a totally different direction than I was originally going. I've never ever posted anything like this I don't think. Whatever, first time for everything.
Sunday, December 21, 2008
The Soundtrack Makes the Movie!
Jessica has her Lit. Classes make videos at the end of the semester. They choose a story they read for class, and act it out. This is my boys' video. I think I want the soundtrack. If you're a facebook reader go here to see it.
Friday, December 05, 2008
Singapore
Ok. I've been a slacker not posting this and as its the weekend I have no excuse.
So our flight was 7:30 from Seoul and we landed at 1 am. And it was raining. We got through the airport stuff and caught a cab to our hostel. It was pouring rain and our cabbie told us that it was the start of monsoon season (everyone in Singapore speaks English). Both Jessica and I were thinking "Oh great! it's gonna rain the whole time we're here!" It actually did not thankfully! We eventually got to our hostel and slept. We got up around 9 that morning and left about 11 (Jessica takes a while...). Not knowing the area, nor having a map we wandered to a grocery store that for the life of me I can't remember the name. (In short, I called it "Fresh Face" once, cuz I had forgotten the name. That annoyed Jessica, so for the rest of the time I called it "Fresh Face." So now that's all I know it as.) Anyway, we got breakfast and directions to the nearest bus stop and made our way, via double-decker bus, to Orchard Road. Apparently Orchard Road is the place to go in Singapore. I saw nothing too special about it; it was a road with lots of malls on it. Let me say now that there is nothing to see in Singapore. I mean, Korea has palaces and gajuhbillions of years of history and stuff, China has a Wall etc...Singapore has...merlions (more on those later) thats the only thing to see. Apparently the main draw to Singapore is shopping. Now, it does have some cool archeticture....Ok...back to Orchard Rd, which had a bunch of malls on it. I was not too impressed. Jessica and I are cheap shoppers so we got nothing other than a cup of "Devil's Brew Coffee" which was lovely and strong (it stood up and saluted in the cup as Rebecca would put it). Starbucks was $7.00 SD. Um, no thanks. Then we decided on Little India.
Taking a quick subway ride we wandered around Little India mainly looking at the saris and punjabi suits and enjoying the smells. We found a shop and I immediately was spoken to by a beautiful punjabi suit. It was a purply-bluey colour and I bought it almost instantly. It needed to be taken in a little so we left to find lunch. Jessica found herself a punjabi suit while we were out then we found a place to eat. We got chicken masala which was lovely except that I'm pretty sure that there was a chicken head in the food. It was covered in sauce and I was alerted to the possibility of it being a head when I bit down on what I think was the beak, Needless to say I did not examine it closely to see if my suspicions were confirmed and put that aside. Apart from that the meal was excellent. Then some more wandering where I found a sari ($10 SD) and a few "Indian Slips" (light cotton skirts you wear under the sari) to wear as regular skirts. Then back to the shop to get my suit. There was no one in the shop and Linda (the Indian lady working there) wanted to know what we had gotten. She was impressed with my sari and even showed me how to tie it going so far as to sew the pleats.
After Little India we decided to go to Chinatown. Which was just like China. Only the people were less pushy when you were in their stalls. I saw nothing in particular but Jessica eventually got a few of the Chinese-style dresses. They have a temple there "The Temple of the Tooth Relic". It's Buddhist and we did not get to see the relic, that area had already closed. We never did figure out what exactly the tooth relic was. It was interesting because it was the first time I had been in a non "Christian" place of worship. There had to have been hundreds of thousands of Buddha's there. One room alone had 10,000 of them. Was very sad. We ate dinner in Chinatown at a random little place where the guy was very talkative. He wanted to talk about the presidential election but it was clear he knew nothing about it other than the fact that there was a new president in America and that it was something more to it than America getting a new president. He also knew that "no one" liked the current president. (Note about Singaporeans: They are all very nice and everyone wants to know where you are from. I mean Koreans do to but everyone asked us. I'm sure the fact that there was a common language had something to do with it and if the Koreans spoke more English they would be asking more too.) By that time it was late so we took the bus back to our hostel. I had very very dirty "urchin" feet at the end of the day. They were also sore. I had worn flip-flops (like a moron) so my feet hated me. I remember thinking "I should not wear these." as I was putting them on then thinking "Naaa. I'll be ok" HA! Wrong.
Next day was Malaysia. We took a subway to a bus stop and the bus took us right through the border. We were just planning on wandering about and seeing what we saw but a guy came up to us and said he would show us around. He found us a cab and went with us to a mausoleum, mosque, palace and an area where the houses were up on stilts. I could tell Jessica was a bit nervous about it but for whatever reason I was not worried. The ride ended up costing me about $180 SD (I did not make Jessica pay). I'm almost positive I got ripped off but I don't really care. Otherwise I'd not have been able to see the things I did. Jessica was very nice to put up with me. I could tell she was not exactly impressed with the cab ride. I bought a large scarf and a mumu-dress thing that I can wear with a belt and it won't look so baggy. If I decide to wear it in public. Once we were back in Singapore we decided to go back to Little India and Chinatown. Jess got some more saris and I another punjabi suit (this one black and white. more casual than the first). This time Linda showed Jess how to tie her sari. Then in Chinatown I got a Singapore-batik mumu thing similar to what I got in Malaysia. Jessica got a few other things but I can't recall what other than a white embroidered dress. Again back to the hostel where my feet were again hating me. I wore crocks that day but as they had holes my feet still got dirty. And they were still very sore.
For our last day we had made facial appointments at a spa thing. There had been a promotion in the subway and for $20 SD you could choose one of three services. Jessica and I chose the most expensive one (worth $250 SD) and dragging our stuff with we found our way to the spa. We still had some time once we got there so we did more shopping and when it was time we headed back. The facial was lovely. We both fell asleep (it took about an hour). Then we dragged our stuff to the river area and found the merlions. Everywhere you go in Singapore there are merlions...merloins merlions merlions. And once you see the actual merlions: there are two. One ginormous one and one "baby" one (like 6 feet?). I mean, they are cool. Don't get me wrong. But I was expecting something a tad more. Oh well. As we were walking we got some cool pics. Then more walking and picture taking and finally we decided to head to the airport. We had about two hours at the airport and we putzed about and finally left Singapore about 11:30 and landed in Seoul at 7 am on Sunday. It was 9:30 when we got home and I promptly went to bed and slept till 12:30. When I got up I did nothing but sit at the compy until 6 when I went back to bed till 6:30 on Monday morning.
All in all it was a fun trip. The weather was hot and sticky (it was the tropics after all) and the hostel very bare-bones. But when all you need is a bed and shower who cares? It had airconn too!! A perk!
I took over 350 pics. And someday I might get them on here...
So our flight was 7:30 from Seoul and we landed at 1 am. And it was raining. We got through the airport stuff and caught a cab to our hostel. It was pouring rain and our cabbie told us that it was the start of monsoon season (everyone in Singapore speaks English). Both Jessica and I were thinking "Oh great! it's gonna rain the whole time we're here!" It actually did not thankfully! We eventually got to our hostel and slept. We got up around 9 that morning and left about 11 (Jessica takes a while...). Not knowing the area, nor having a map we wandered to a grocery store that for the life of me I can't remember the name. (In short, I called it "Fresh Face" once, cuz I had forgotten the name. That annoyed Jessica, so for the rest of the time I called it "Fresh Face." So now that's all I know it as.) Anyway, we got breakfast and directions to the nearest bus stop and made our way, via double-decker bus, to Orchard Road. Apparently Orchard Road is the place to go in Singapore. I saw nothing too special about it; it was a road with lots of malls on it. Let me say now that there is nothing to see in Singapore. I mean, Korea has palaces and gajuhbillions of years of history and stuff, China has a Wall etc...Singapore has...merlions (more on those later) thats the only thing to see. Apparently the main draw to Singapore is shopping. Now, it does have some cool archeticture....Ok...back to Orchard Rd, which had a bunch of malls on it. I was not too impressed. Jessica and I are cheap shoppers so we got nothing other than a cup of "Devil's Brew Coffee" which was lovely and strong (it stood up and saluted in the cup as Rebecca would put it). Starbucks was $7.00 SD. Um, no thanks. Then we decided on Little India.
Taking a quick subway ride we wandered around Little India mainly looking at the saris and punjabi suits and enjoying the smells. We found a shop and I immediately was spoken to by a beautiful punjabi suit. It was a purply-bluey colour and I bought it almost instantly. It needed to be taken in a little so we left to find lunch. Jessica found herself a punjabi suit while we were out then we found a place to eat. We got chicken masala which was lovely except that I'm pretty sure that there was a chicken head in the food. It was covered in sauce and I was alerted to the possibility of it being a head when I bit down on what I think was the beak, Needless to say I did not examine it closely to see if my suspicions were confirmed and put that aside. Apart from that the meal was excellent. Then some more wandering where I found a sari ($10 SD) and a few "Indian Slips" (light cotton skirts you wear under the sari) to wear as regular skirts. Then back to the shop to get my suit. There was no one in the shop and Linda (the Indian lady working there) wanted to know what we had gotten. She was impressed with my sari and even showed me how to tie it going so far as to sew the pleats.
After Little India we decided to go to Chinatown. Which was just like China. Only the people were less pushy when you were in their stalls. I saw nothing in particular but Jessica eventually got a few of the Chinese-style dresses. They have a temple there "The Temple of the Tooth Relic". It's Buddhist and we did not get to see the relic, that area had already closed. We never did figure out what exactly the tooth relic was. It was interesting because it was the first time I had been in a non "Christian" place of worship. There had to have been hundreds of thousands of Buddha's there. One room alone had 10,000 of them. Was very sad. We ate dinner in Chinatown at a random little place where the guy was very talkative. He wanted to talk about the presidential election but it was clear he knew nothing about it other than the fact that there was a new president in America and that it was something more to it than America getting a new president. He also knew that "no one" liked the current president. (Note about Singaporeans: They are all very nice and everyone wants to know where you are from. I mean Koreans do to but everyone asked us. I'm sure the fact that there was a common language had something to do with it and if the Koreans spoke more English they would be asking more too.) By that time it was late so we took the bus back to our hostel. I had very very dirty "urchin" feet at the end of the day. They were also sore. I had worn flip-flops (like a moron) so my feet hated me. I remember thinking "I should not wear these." as I was putting them on then thinking "Naaa. I'll be ok" HA! Wrong.
Next day was Malaysia. We took a subway to a bus stop and the bus took us right through the border. We were just planning on wandering about and seeing what we saw but a guy came up to us and said he would show us around. He found us a cab and went with us to a mausoleum, mosque, palace and an area where the houses were up on stilts. I could tell Jessica was a bit nervous about it but for whatever reason I was not worried. The ride ended up costing me about $180 SD (I did not make Jessica pay). I'm almost positive I got ripped off but I don't really care. Otherwise I'd not have been able to see the things I did. Jessica was very nice to put up with me. I could tell she was not exactly impressed with the cab ride. I bought a large scarf and a mumu-dress thing that I can wear with a belt and it won't look so baggy. If I decide to wear it in public. Once we were back in Singapore we decided to go back to Little India and Chinatown. Jess got some more saris and I another punjabi suit (this one black and white. more casual than the first). This time Linda showed Jess how to tie her sari. Then in Chinatown I got a Singapore-batik mumu thing similar to what I got in Malaysia. Jessica got a few other things but I can't recall what other than a white embroidered dress. Again back to the hostel where my feet were again hating me. I wore crocks that day but as they had holes my feet still got dirty. And they were still very sore.
For our last day we had made facial appointments at a spa thing. There had been a promotion in the subway and for $20 SD you could choose one of three services. Jessica and I chose the most expensive one (worth $250 SD) and dragging our stuff with we found our way to the spa. We still had some time once we got there so we did more shopping and when it was time we headed back. The facial was lovely. We both fell asleep (it took about an hour). Then we dragged our stuff to the river area and found the merlions. Everywhere you go in Singapore there are merlions...merloins merlions merlions. And once you see the actual merlions: there are two. One ginormous one and one "baby" one (like 6 feet?). I mean, they are cool. Don't get me wrong. But I was expecting something a tad more. Oh well. As we were walking we got some cool pics. Then more walking and picture taking and finally we decided to head to the airport. We had about two hours at the airport and we putzed about and finally left Singapore about 11:30 and landed in Seoul at 7 am on Sunday. It was 9:30 when we got home and I promptly went to bed and slept till 12:30. When I got up I did nothing but sit at the compy until 6 when I went back to bed till 6:30 on Monday morning.
All in all it was a fun trip. The weather was hot and sticky (it was the tropics after all) and the hostel very bare-bones. But when all you need is a bed and shower who cares? It had airconn too!! A perk!
I took over 350 pics. And someday I might get them on here...
Thursday, November 13, 2008
Laughing towards you not at you
Obviously, working in an ESL setting will generate some things to laugh at. When those times happen I am usually able to hold in my laughter. I don't want the kid to feel badly for something they did not say/do intentionally. Usually I will save the story for later so I can laugh then. Yesterday though I could not help it. Jesse is one of my best students. He works carefully and quite hard so it is rare indeed for him to get anything wrong, ever. Well, French had an oral test yesterday where I asked them questions (in French) which they had to answer (in French). I told them if they got confused to just say anything so they would get at least one point. One of the questions I asked Jesse was "Where is the dog?" The correct answer was to indicate that there was no dog. Jesse's response was "Max is in the classroom.", essentially calling his best friend a dog. I could not hold my laughter. In fact I laughed for about a minute before I could ask him his last question. I felt badly because I know he was confused and at least making an attempt. I did give him a bonus point though; my policy is that if on a test or something, if a student makes me really and truly laugh (intentional or not) they get a bonus point.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
"Franch" Projects
In French class (or as the kids spell it "Franch") we just learned how to give directions and about prepositions. In lieu of a test they made videos giving directions. As long as they had the required elements they were free to do just about anything. This two are my favourite. In the first: Max is in the blue shirt, Jerry is beside him and Jesse is across the table.
In the second: Paul is in the white shirt with the tie, Philip is the one who jumps around ("stunt man") and John S is the one who sleeps on the bench (which, I'm pretty sure, is my favourite part).
If you read this via. Facebook you'll have to go to the actual blog to see the videos. Just click on "view original post".
In the second: Paul is in the white shirt with the tie, Philip is the one who jumps around ("stunt man") and John S is the one who sleeps on the bench (which, I'm pretty sure, is my favourite part).
If you read this via. Facebook you'll have to go to the actual blog to see the videos. Just click on "view original post".
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