In an effort to continue pursuing goals/dreams....
I've started a photoblog
www.elisabethanne.shutterchance.com
Each day, a different picture will be featured.
Stop by-take a look- and leave a comment
Merry Christmas!
Monday, December 25, 2006
Friday, December 22, 2006
Let the vacation begin!
Ahhh... Christmas Vacation.
(imagine Charlie Brown singing "Christmastime" in the background)
It was a reasonably good week- this week before Christmas. The last two periods of the day today were a bit nuts....but we made it through.
So- updates. Observations all went well- good feedback and compliments from my boss (and supervisor)- always a good thing.
Work is still good- I still love it. But- I won't lie. Vacation is a very good thing.
When I go back, it will be full steam ahead with testing, annuals, triannuals and PPTs for next year. Hard to believe we will be thinking about next year already.
Our teen Christmas caroling went really well. I think many people were touched by our visit. We sang to a number of people who are sick with cancer and that was very sobering. The teens did a great job! We have a retreat scheduled for Dec 31-1/1. I'll be sure to have news from then. We are in the process of building a game for the teens called "gutterball/carpetball". Have you heard of it? I hadn't but our teens played it at Snow Camp and LOVE IT!!! So this is a big surprise gift for them. I hope it shows them how much we love them.
On the family front. Bill got a job at Brooks Pharmacy's distribution center. He works very early now.....which is an issue with morning showers. But, at least he has a job. Mom and Dad are good.
Here are some Christmas pictures....
(imagine Charlie Brown singing "Christmastime" in the background)
It was a reasonably good week- this week before Christmas. The last two periods of the day today were a bit nuts....but we made it through.
So- updates. Observations all went well- good feedback and compliments from my boss (and supervisor)- always a good thing.
Work is still good- I still love it. But- I won't lie. Vacation is a very good thing.
When I go back, it will be full steam ahead with testing, annuals, triannuals and PPTs for next year. Hard to believe we will be thinking about next year already.
Our teen Christmas caroling went really well. I think many people were touched by our visit. We sang to a number of people who are sick with cancer and that was very sobering. The teens did a great job! We have a retreat scheduled for Dec 31-1/1. I'll be sure to have news from then. We are in the process of building a game for the teens called "gutterball/carpetball". Have you heard of it? I hadn't but our teens played it at Snow Camp and LOVE IT!!! So this is a big surprise gift for them. I hope it shows them how much we love them.
On the family front. Bill got a job at Brooks Pharmacy's distribution center. He works very early now.....which is an issue with morning showers. But, at least he has a job. Mom and Dad are good.
Here are some Christmas pictures....
Furrball quickly takes her place beneath the tree-
I think she believes this holiday is all about her!
The inevitable schoolmade ornament that mom pulls out year after year!
What it is all about....
Saturday, December 09, 2006
Maybe another reason I'm not married?
7:15am meeting with my boss and I was running late. I had the best of intentions. Got up on time, skipped breakfast, bag ready the night before AND I skipped my makeup application. As I got in the car, I threw my makeup bag in the backseat and said "I should get to work by 7am, I'll run to the bathroom and put it on then!".
Could there have been more busses, trucks and traffic jams between home and work. I ran into school, and scooted directly to my meeting laden down with all my bags. One thing led to another and I never got to the restroom.
Grabbing my teaching materials, I booked it to class and of course, it was the morning I was lead teacher. As I rushed into class, the smart aleck student shouted, "Man, Ms Hamburg, are you sick? You don't look very good!"
2nd period, at the end of class, my co-teacher came over and said, "Elisabeth, around your eyes are so pale, are you sick today?"
"Ummm, no. I just didn't have time to put on makeup. I didn't realize I looked so bad without it!"
Enough said.
(The co-teacher emailed me later in the day to apologize for saying I looked sick....I told him not to worry, I found it pretty funny- and hey, it gave me something to blog about right? But, I'll refrain from posting a picture this time...)
Could there have been more busses, trucks and traffic jams between home and work. I ran into school, and scooted directly to my meeting laden down with all my bags. One thing led to another and I never got to the restroom.
Grabbing my teaching materials, I booked it to class and of course, it was the morning I was lead teacher. As I rushed into class, the smart aleck student shouted, "Man, Ms Hamburg, are you sick? You don't look very good!"
2nd period, at the end of class, my co-teacher came over and said, "Elisabeth, around your eyes are so pale, are you sick today?"
"Ummm, no. I just didn't have time to put on makeup. I didn't realize I looked so bad without it!"
Enough said.
(The co-teacher emailed me later in the day to apologize for saying I looked sick....I told him not to worry, I found it pretty funny- and hey, it gave me something to blog about right? But, I'll refrain from posting a picture this time...)
Tuesday, December 05, 2006
Why I'm single....according to my DAD
I really should be finishing (I mean STARTING) my lesson plans for my observations- considering I have a pre-meeting with my evaluator on Thursday.
But... My dad and I had a funny conversation this evening that I want to get down before I forget.
Dad and I were eating our beef pot pies- mom was sick today, so it was my job to make dinner (I picked the quickest and easiest item in the freezer).
We were chatting as I was thumbing through our weekly shoppers guide, looking at homes for sale.
"I'll never be able to buy a house." I lamented to my father.
"Well, the key is to have money saved," he answered and continued to explain the fundamentals of purchasing a home, the pros and cons of a 2 family home and finding good tenants.
Then he said....
"Really, you need to be looking for a handy husband- not a good looking one. He could fix a house up for you."
To which I replied, "Well Dad, I'm just looking right now for one that is alive."
Chuckling, he said, "You know, you went to TWO Bible Colleges- and you couldn't find at least ONE guy there to marry you?"
In reply I began to explain all the reasons why I never found my match (which might have been based on no one finding me attractive- but we are going to hope it was due to the high female to male ratio).
In his "profound" wisdom, my father said, "You just weren't praying the right prayers."
"No Dad, you weren't." I answered.
I don't know why I haven't met my match yet... it there is to be a match. I have a quote by my desk right now that says,
But... My dad and I had a funny conversation this evening that I want to get down before I forget.
Dad and I were eating our beef pot pies- mom was sick today, so it was my job to make dinner (I picked the quickest and easiest item in the freezer).
We were chatting as I was thumbing through our weekly shoppers guide, looking at homes for sale.
"I'll never be able to buy a house." I lamented to my father.
"Well, the key is to have money saved," he answered and continued to explain the fundamentals of purchasing a home, the pros and cons of a 2 family home and finding good tenants.
Then he said....
"Really, you need to be looking for a handy husband- not a good looking one. He could fix a house up for you."
To which I replied, "Well Dad, I'm just looking right now for one that is alive."
Chuckling, he said, "You know, you went to TWO Bible Colleges- and you couldn't find at least ONE guy there to marry you?"
In reply I began to explain all the reasons why I never found my match (which might have been based on no one finding me attractive- but we are going to hope it was due to the high female to male ratio).
In his "profound" wisdom, my father said, "You just weren't praying the right prayers."
"No Dad, you weren't." I answered.
I don't know why I haven't met my match yet... it there is to be a match. I have a quote by my desk right now that says,
"Faith is recognizing that God is the LORD of Time
when my idea of timing doesn't agree with His."
Or my father's for that matter!
Saturday, December 02, 2006
Back to Reality
Going back to school after a nice break is hard. Monday- my students were like zombies and I wasn't too far behind.
I have to say- I love what I am doing. When I taught before, each night I would dread the next day. Once I got to school it would be fine- but the anticipation was awful. Every Sunday night was "Ugh, I have to go to school tomorrow!". So far, I haven't felt that this year (minus this last Sunday- but we'll blame that on a great holiday break!). Overall, my classes are great- I enjoy each one. My students are pretty good- hilarious and they work hard- what more could I ask for.
What does stress me out is the pressure I feel- real or self-inflicted. There is so much for me to learn and everyday is a little game in catch up. I get frustrated when I find out information too late to plan or don't know what is expected of me ahead of time.
Monday- I just about wanted to cry by the end of the day (for me....very unusual- I never cry!). I took a much needed "sick day" on Wednesday- for doctor's appointments but it was as much for mental health. When I returned Thursday, it was one thing after another. My brand new closet was broken, pencils were stuck in my ceiling, and my student who is "practically perfect in every way" was suspended for 9 days! My goodness- you miss one day and everything falls apart!
Friday was a decent day- I enjoy Friday afternoons because I stay late and prep for the following week and try to put out whatever fires I can. My mentor met with me and we talked quite a bit- she is great for ideas, suggestions and encouragement.
Next week- the key word is observations! I have a Post-ob meeting, a pre-ob meeting and then a HUGE observation on Friday! Grades are closing in a week- so that always raises blood pressure. The following week, I will start my first round of testing. Testing and reports will now become the theme of my blogs for sure. Pray for me as a I test. I don't have a ton of experience and I want to be sure I have accurate and honest results.
In other news......
Christmas shopping is practically done! I love the internet! No Black Friday lines for me! Now I can sit back and enjoy the season- which I am. Christmas music has been playing since Halloween (my way of combating the holiday). Our praise team is working away on Christmas music and the Bethlehem Village went really well last Sunday.
The family is well- Bill is laid off from work at the moment. He has an interview scheduled for UPS- pray something opens up for him. More importantly , pray for direction. Mom and Dad are well- my parents are showing their age so much more now.
Teen activities are going well- we have a social on Wednesday- taking the teens to the Mall. That will be an adventure. The majority of our kids would be able to handle it, but we have about 5 who can't. Hopefully, I'll have no stories to share. The teens are hosting a church wide caroling outing on the 17th. That should be fun- pray for a good turnout.
Mhmmm- can't think of anything else. Hope all is well with you all.
Love to you all~
Elisabeth
I have to say- I love what I am doing. When I taught before, each night I would dread the next day. Once I got to school it would be fine- but the anticipation was awful. Every Sunday night was "Ugh, I have to go to school tomorrow!". So far, I haven't felt that this year (minus this last Sunday- but we'll blame that on a great holiday break!). Overall, my classes are great- I enjoy each one. My students are pretty good- hilarious and they work hard- what more could I ask for.
What does stress me out is the pressure I feel- real or self-inflicted. There is so much for me to learn and everyday is a little game in catch up. I get frustrated when I find out information too late to plan or don't know what is expected of me ahead of time.
Monday- I just about wanted to cry by the end of the day (for me....very unusual- I never cry!). I took a much needed "sick day" on Wednesday- for doctor's appointments but it was as much for mental health. When I returned Thursday, it was one thing after another. My brand new closet was broken, pencils were stuck in my ceiling, and my student who is "practically perfect in every way" was suspended for 9 days! My goodness- you miss one day and everything falls apart!
Friday was a decent day- I enjoy Friday afternoons because I stay late and prep for the following week and try to put out whatever fires I can. My mentor met with me and we talked quite a bit- she is great for ideas, suggestions and encouragement.
Next week- the key word is observations! I have a Post-ob meeting, a pre-ob meeting and then a HUGE observation on Friday! Grades are closing in a week- so that always raises blood pressure. The following week, I will start my first round of testing. Testing and reports will now become the theme of my blogs for sure. Pray for me as a I test. I don't have a ton of experience and I want to be sure I have accurate and honest results.
In other news......
Christmas shopping is practically done! I love the internet! No Black Friday lines for me! Now I can sit back and enjoy the season- which I am. Christmas music has been playing since Halloween (my way of combating the holiday). Our praise team is working away on Christmas music and the Bethlehem Village went really well last Sunday.
The family is well- Bill is laid off from work at the moment. He has an interview scheduled for UPS- pray something opens up for him. More importantly , pray for direction. Mom and Dad are well- my parents are showing their age so much more now.
Teen activities are going well- we have a social on Wednesday- taking the teens to the Mall. That will be an adventure. The majority of our kids would be able to handle it, but we have about 5 who can't. Hopefully, I'll have no stories to share. The teens are hosting a church wide caroling outing on the 17th. That should be fun- pray for a good turnout.
Mhmmm- can't think of anything else. Hope all is well with you all.
Love to you all~
Elisabeth
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