Just happened upon this quote.....
"God determines who walks into your life; it's up to you to decide who you let walk away, who you let stay, and who you refuse to let go."
A little food for thought.....
Saturday, September 30, 2006
A funny thing happened .....
.....at Salvation Army
I stopped by "Sals" today to look for items to bring to Haiti- specifically skirts for really tall women and duffle bags to bring down. My arms were getting full with a variety of duffles, tote bags and backpacks! An employee asked me what I needed all the bags for. I told her I was involved in humanitarian work in Haiti and needed to bring compact bags down so that I could divy up supplies/items for various people.
She continued to tell me about Haitians she has met at the casino and then went into a tirade about all the poor is the US and how we should be helping them instead of people in other countries.
I listened patiently- though I really wanted to pop her one for being so ignorant. I explained that yes, indeed there were many poor in the US. However, the US government has a variety of programs in place to help the less fortunate as well as there being upteen community, non-profit and religious resources available for people. In Haiti, the government is not able to provide such assistance. The country actually survives only because private organizations and citizens provide financial support.
She was not convinced...
I head down to Haiti on Thursday- I keep having to remind myself that I'm going. Hopefully, I'll get around to some packing tomorrow. My "take to Haiti" pile is growing- clothing/food for friends, gifts for my sponsored kids, food supplies for the community event we are hosting in Pestel as well as my clothes.
It has been a busy week and I have a lot to get done this evening. My morning was spent at the church working in the Teen Building. We worked on making a large poster with our purpose statement on it. Our year is underway and it is already busy!
I stopped by "Sals" today to look for items to bring to Haiti- specifically skirts for really tall women and duffle bags to bring down. My arms were getting full with a variety of duffles, tote bags and backpacks! An employee asked me what I needed all the bags for. I told her I was involved in humanitarian work in Haiti and needed to bring compact bags down so that I could divy up supplies/items for various people.
"You like them Haitians?", was her reply
I was stunned.
"Actually, I love them.", I replied.
"Aren't they pretty sneaky?" she asked
"Ummm, not the ones I know." I answered
I listened patiently- though I really wanted to pop her one for being so ignorant. I explained that yes, indeed there were many poor in the US. However, the US government has a variety of programs in place to help the less fortunate as well as there being upteen community, non-profit and religious resources available for people. In Haiti, the government is not able to provide such assistance. The country actually survives only because private organizations and citizens provide financial support.
She was not convinced...
I head down to Haiti on Thursday- I keep having to remind myself that I'm going. Hopefully, I'll get around to some packing tomorrow. My "take to Haiti" pile is growing- clothing/food for friends, gifts for my sponsored kids, food supplies for the community event we are hosting in Pestel as well as my clothes.
It has been a busy week and I have a lot to get done this evening. My morning was spent at the church working in the Teen Building. We worked on making a large poster with our purpose statement on it. Our year is underway and it is already busy!
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Never a dull moment
A few adventures I've had over the last week....
- wiping the pile of dandruff off my keyboard that was left by one of my students
- having a student storm out cursing from the room, escaping from the principal's office only to run around the building outside to our classroom and yell curses and threats (directed at teachers/students) through the window and later to be apprehended by the police and suspended
- telling upteen boys to pull up their pants and that I didn't wake up this morning to see their underwear
- "encouraging" my freshmen couples to use the lovely seats provided by the school instead of cuddling up on each other's laps
- telling the couples (straight and otherwise) to cool it with the PDA
- listening to one freshman boy make car sounds all through my class
- having to feed by freshmen kiddos who missed out on lunch- one little guy was bawling in class because he was so upset- it was quite precious
And last but not least- enjoying many good laughs with my Amazing department!!!
I really love my job. It is hard some days- full of many new things and often causing me to stretch outside of my comfort zone (I really hate having to call home...)- but God is good! I have great support- really good students and teachers who, for the most part, are willing to provide the accomodations/modifications necessary for my kiddos.
On to other matters....
I went to WOL Inn this last weekend for a Teen Leadership Conference. It was so good. I enjoyed the day off from school and especially enjoyed the time with the other leaders. We had the chance to hear Steve Viars from Indiana and he was amazing! The seminars were very helpful and we got lots of ideas for the coming year. It was good to see that many things they were encouraging us to do, our leadership team had already done (purpose statement, evaluation of space, ministry etc...) . We're on the right track.
Our first meeting last week went well. We had 17 kids and 5 parents with 9 leaders/helpers. A bunch of kids are in sports right now or drivers ed, so hopefully they'll be joining us soon.
The next few months- between now and Superbowl are going to be crazy busy. We have some big activities and service opportunities planned. Pray for us as we plan and organize!
In other exciting news...I'm off to Haiti next week. For a quick 5 day trip (10/5-9) Pray as we plan that we will use our time well and accomplish what God wants us to- we have some pretty important decisions that need to be made while we are there. Also, pray that I will be able to readjust to school when I get back.
I'll keep you posted on things here....hope everyone is well.
~Love to you all~
- wiping the pile of dandruff off my keyboard that was left by one of my students
- having a student storm out cursing from the room, escaping from the principal's office only to run around the building outside to our classroom and yell curses and threats (directed at teachers/students) through the window and later to be apprehended by the police and suspended
- telling upteen boys to pull up their pants and that I didn't wake up this morning to see their underwear
- "encouraging" my freshmen couples to use the lovely seats provided by the school instead of cuddling up on each other's laps
- telling the couples (straight and otherwise) to cool it with the PDA
- listening to one freshman boy make car sounds all through my class
- having to feed by freshmen kiddos who missed out on lunch- one little guy was bawling in class because he was so upset- it was quite precious
And last but not least- enjoying many good laughs with my Amazing department!!!
I really love my job. It is hard some days- full of many new things and often causing me to stretch outside of my comfort zone (I really hate having to call home...)- but God is good! I have great support- really good students and teachers who, for the most part, are willing to provide the accomodations/modifications necessary for my kiddos.
On to other matters....
I went to WOL Inn this last weekend for a Teen Leadership Conference. It was so good. I enjoyed the day off from school and especially enjoyed the time with the other leaders. We had the chance to hear Steve Viars from Indiana and he was amazing! The seminars were very helpful and we got lots of ideas for the coming year. It was good to see that many things they were encouraging us to do, our leadership team had already done (purpose statement, evaluation of space, ministry etc...) . We're on the right track.
Our first meeting last week went well. We had 17 kids and 5 parents with 9 leaders/helpers. A bunch of kids are in sports right now or drivers ed, so hopefully they'll be joining us soon.
The next few months- between now and Superbowl are going to be crazy busy. We have some big activities and service opportunities planned. Pray for us as we plan and organize!
In other exciting news...I'm off to Haiti next week. For a quick 5 day trip (10/5-9) Pray as we plan that we will use our time well and accomplish what God wants us to- we have some pretty important decisions that need to be made while we are there. Also, pray that I will be able to readjust to school when I get back.
I'll keep you posted on things here....hope everyone is well.
~Love to you all~
Monday, September 18, 2006
Nothing catchy
Every day I cycle through my favorite blogs and silently curse that no one has updated. Then, I realize I haven't updated yet either. I guess we all are just a little busy.
Hmmm....to fill everyone in.
School is good. Actually, I love school. I love my kiddos- some are just so darn cute. Some can be challenging but so far so good. Others, just break your heart. I'm happy I made the switch to Special Ed. Even though I feel overwhelmed most days- and like I have no idea what I'm doing, Slowly I'm learning and I know in the long run, things will settle down once I get into a routine. Most days, I've been staying at school at least until 5pm (which doesn't sound so bad until you consider that I leave my house at 6:30- arrive to school for 7am and that I am able to leave at 2:30). It seems like there is a meeting everyday after school for something or other...or that I never get to my "to-do" list during my prep period because I'm busy tracking down teachers/students or running to my supervisor with lists of questions. I know I have to plug in right away and I'm actually pretty proud of myself for the job I'm doing so far. I'm sleeping more and staying disciplined- which are my two biggest weaknesses when it comes to school.
Teen Club starts Wed. I spent all day Sat. getting material ready for our first evening. I have a bit more to do as well as finish planning the intro "lesson"- but everything will be great if it goes according to plan. We have our activities planned out through January and I'm pretty excited about a few of them (STORM- which is a like a old jalopy raid and a New Year's Eve Retreat!). I have great leaders who are going above and beyond. This Fri-Sat, I'll be going up to WOL for a leadership conference. I'm looking forward to the day off from school, time with the gal leaders, the Adirondacks and being back at WOL- I haven't been there since 2002.
I celebrated my 28th birthday on Sat. I can't believe I'm 28. So close to thirty. Yikes. I'm not going to think about it anymore.
Hmm....not much else to share.
Here are two photos from a recent trip to the movies w/Sarah, Diana and Rebecca
Sarah is such a card....I love her! NO ONE makes me laugh like Sarah! You know when you laugh so hard no sound comes out- yup, those kind of laughs!
~Love to you all~
Hmmm....to fill everyone in.
School is good. Actually, I love school. I love my kiddos- some are just so darn cute. Some can be challenging but so far so good. Others, just break your heart. I'm happy I made the switch to Special Ed. Even though I feel overwhelmed most days- and like I have no idea what I'm doing, Slowly I'm learning and I know in the long run, things will settle down once I get into a routine. Most days, I've been staying at school at least until 5pm (which doesn't sound so bad until you consider that I leave my house at 6:30- arrive to school for 7am and that I am able to leave at 2:30). It seems like there is a meeting everyday after school for something or other...or that I never get to my "to-do" list during my prep period because I'm busy tracking down teachers/students or running to my supervisor with lists of questions. I know I have to plug in right away and I'm actually pretty proud of myself for the job I'm doing so far. I'm sleeping more and staying disciplined- which are my two biggest weaknesses when it comes to school.
Teen Club starts Wed. I spent all day Sat. getting material ready for our first evening. I have a bit more to do as well as finish planning the intro "lesson"- but everything will be great if it goes according to plan. We have our activities planned out through January and I'm pretty excited about a few of them (STORM- which is a like a old jalopy raid and a New Year's Eve Retreat!). I have great leaders who are going above and beyond. This Fri-Sat, I'll be going up to WOL for a leadership conference. I'm looking forward to the day off from school, time with the gal leaders, the Adirondacks and being back at WOL- I haven't been there since 2002.
I celebrated my 28th birthday on Sat. I can't believe I'm 28. So close to thirty. Yikes. I'm not going to think about it anymore.
Hmm....not much else to share.
Here are two photos from a recent trip to the movies w/Sarah, Diana and Rebecca
Sarah is such a card....I love her! NO ONE makes me laugh like Sarah! You know when you laugh so hard no sound comes out- yup, those kind of laughs!
~Love to you all~
Friday, September 08, 2006
Two down- 38 more to go!
Week two is over.
The honeymoon is over too!
The first few days of teaching are always cake. The kids are feeling you out and behaving pretty well. By the second week, their true colors are showing. Granted, most of my kids are great. And I really mean that. I enjoy everyone of the students on my caseload. My classes (full of kids not necessarily on my caseload) are pretty good too. Of course there are a few "special cases" but manageable.
It was either the full moon or the fact that it was Friday because my last two classes were so hyper. I nipped it immediately by giving assigned seats and quiet work. They loved me. Considering I had to stay afterschool for a PPT- I deserved a few moments of quiet before the meeting.
Most of my day was spent in meetings. Special ed is always getting pulled into meetings with parents- and because it involves a special ed student, there are distinctive legal protocols. And since I am certified in regular education as well, I've been pulled into a lot of the meetings.
So the weekend is here. I'll spend it getting caught up on everything that fell by the wayside this week. Tomorrow will be a night out with the girls! Sunday is a wedding shower after church- and then another week begins!
The honeymoon is over too!
The first few days of teaching are always cake. The kids are feeling you out and behaving pretty well. By the second week, their true colors are showing. Granted, most of my kids are great. And I really mean that. I enjoy everyone of the students on my caseload. My classes (full of kids not necessarily on my caseload) are pretty good too. Of course there are a few "special cases" but manageable.
It was either the full moon or the fact that it was Friday because my last two classes were so hyper. I nipped it immediately by giving assigned seats and quiet work. They loved me. Considering I had to stay afterschool for a PPT- I deserved a few moments of quiet before the meeting.
Most of my day was spent in meetings. Special ed is always getting pulled into meetings with parents- and because it involves a special ed student, there are distinctive legal protocols. And since I am certified in regular education as well, I've been pulled into a lot of the meetings.
So the weekend is here. I'll spend it getting caught up on everything that fell by the wayside this week. Tomorrow will be a night out with the girls! Sunday is a wedding shower after church- and then another week begins!
Monday, September 04, 2006
Reconnecting and Refreshment
What a great weekend.
It has been full of reconnecting with friends. Funny how you can live so close to people, yet never see them or find common opportunities to connect.
Saturday morning was breakfast with Alissa (have I said how much I love going out for breakfast....not the getting up part but I love having a hearty meal first thing in the morning that I didn't have to prepare!) First off- Alissa looks awesome!!! We had a good time visiting and catching up. I love time with Alissa because she is so real and accepts me as is- and encouraging! We then did a little discount shopping- another fav.
Sunday- after church I visited with Bethany- another friend who is real and also loves the Lord. She is leaving in 1 week to go to Tanzania for 3 mths. Awesome adventure. So excited for her journey.
Sunday night the "gang" took Nat out to celebrate his impending departure to Turkey on next Monday. We had a delicious Indian meal- so scrumptious. We sat outside enjoying the cool crisp air and lots of conversation and laughter. Nat is a fantastic friend who I respect and admire. He and his brother (and family) are just a few of my true favorite people. After we had dessert at Friendly's where our poor waitress was not having a good night- she totally forgot to bring Bill his ice cream. Poor guy. Again, more laughter and conversation. Alicia, Matt and Rebecca joined us and always add to the atmosphere. I love how I can always just pick up with these friends.
This morning- we enjoyed our annual Labor Day breakfast. About 40 people from church gather for breakfast before heading to their Labor Day festivities- namely the Woodstock Fair. Meredith was able to join us and as always brings her unique perspective. I do love all my friends- we are all so different. We've said so many times that we probably wouldn't have chosen to be friends but because we were thrown together at church our relationships developed. But, I think in the end, we've learned to appreciate the differences and tolerate the unique flavors we all bring to the pie. I can be myself with them and I value our time together.
As we grow older- the time and space between visits grows farther and farther apart. This is the part I hate. Turkey, New Hampshire, Virginia, Tanzania, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania- I don't mind my friends being there....I just wish all these locations were where Rhode Island is.
Friday, September 01, 2006
Harry Wong is my hero!
Harry Wong! Have you heard of this man? He is my guru- my sensei
When I first started teaching I got this book called ,"The first days of school" I might have looked at it- but I don't remember. Now, my classes weren't out of control- but this Wong guy knows what he is talking about. I implemented his strategies/procedures day one- and it has been a breeze. My kids enter my classroom quietly and immediately do what I instructed them to do day one. They do it even when I'm not in the classroom. Amazing! My goal is to finish reading the book over the LOOOOOOOOOOOOOONNNNNNGGGGGGG weekend. Another reason I love teaching.
I've always loved teaching. I enjoy the atmosphere, my colleagues, the students, the energy. I just hate the grading. It's not a paperwork thing- I like paperwork, administrative paperwork that is. But not the read a zillion essays over and over again. And then having to come up with a fair grade. It is not as easy as it seems.
So- this was my first week back at school. I have enjoyed myself immensely. The days have flown by- partly due to a great schedule, partly due to great classes and partly due to the fact that I love what I'm doing. The day is very busy between tracking down staff and kids- getting assignments and helping students complete them. But when the day is done, the day is done. I have had a few late nights this week at work and at home- typing up IEP info on each student that I case manage. But once it's done, it's done. Now, come spring and I have to do Trinnials and Annual evaluations- it may be a different story.
My kids are great- some are troubled but most just want to be loved and have someone care. This week we have focused on organization- drilling into their tiny heads about the necessity of an assignment notebook. They are all doing pretty well with it.
I love my department- we've been supportive of one another, giving smiles and encouragement this week! My department head is great- strong but great.
So, this weekend will be an easy one for me. No grading- just a wee bit of prep for next week. I do have a few major PPT's on Friday which should be full of the exciting and perhaps a bit of the dangerous. We'll see. It's the Fair weekend- with forecasts of rain so that may put a damper on activities. But, I have a breakfast date in the morning with my pal Alissa- Alicia and Matt are coming in Sat. night so we will have a good time. Monday morning is our annual Labor Day breakfast which I always enjoy. I may just head to the fair- I haven't decided yet.
Hope you all are enjoying your days as much as I am.
~ Love to you all ~
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