I'm tagged

I've been tagged by JOLENE! 1. If you could build a house anywhere, where would it be? Even more remote than this house - someplace where I could look north, south, east and west and not see any one else's property. 2. What's your favorite article of clothing? Flannel jammy pants & a sweatshirt or t-shirt (depending on the level of chill in the house) 3. Favorite physical feature of the opposite sex? a happy face 4. What's the last CD that you bought? I think it was Rascal Flatts ~ 'My Gang' ? 5. Where's your favorite place to be? My house 6. Where's your least favorite place to be? Where people are attempting to have a "meeting" but nobody is prepared, nobody is listening to anybody else and nothing constructive is happening - I feel like it's a huge waste of time. 7. What's your favorite place to be massaged? Back/neck/shoulders 8. Strong in mind or strong in body? Mind 9. What time do you wake up in the morning? The alarm goes off at 5:15 during the school year. I generally get up around 5:30. I WAKE up about 9:30 ... (I'm already two hours into my work day by then...ha) 10. What is your favorite kitchen appliance? I'm not sure I have a favorite. I dislike them all equally. 11. What makes you really angry? The deterioration of the educational system. Lies. Someone telling me they know what I think. 12. If you could play any instrument what would it be? I'd love to be able to play the piano without music -- just sit down and play 13. Favorite color? Today? Red. Ask me again tomorrow. :) 14. Sports car or SUV? SUV - I like being up higher - not three inches from the ground. 15. Do you believe in an afterlife? I believe in eternity for all...heaven for those who have accepted Christ as their savior and hell for those who have rejected Him. 16. Favorite children's book? Little kids' book: "Baby Bear and the Long Sleep" - I used to love reading this to my pre-school story hour when I worked at the library. It's so funny. Older kids' book: "The Spy Lady and the Muffin Man". 17. What's your favorite season? FALL! Football. Leaves. Cool weather. That "fall" smell. Campfires. 18. What is your least favorite household chore? This would indicate that I have a favorite household chore ... and I do not. Like kitchen appliances, they are all equally odious to me. 19. If you could have one super-power, what would it be? I would be able to transport myself to wherever I needed to be in an instant.... Never being late again. 20. If you have a tattoo what is it? I have no 'man-made' tattoos - but I do have an interesting vein running up my leg that looks rather like a vine - I might have some leaves tattoed onto it. 21. Can you juggle? Yes. I was raised by carnival folk. (that's a lie. I can't juggle.) 22. The one person from your past that you wish you could go back and talk to? Keith. I'd like to know what he's up to - how he is - what kind of person he turned out to be. 23. What's your favorite day? Very soon my favorite "day" will be Friday nights ... HS Football starts September First! 24. What's in the trunk of your car? Someone's sweater. One red and white pom-pom from last year's Van/Canton football game. My red stadium seat. An empty Walmart sack. 25. Which do you prefer-sushi or hamburger? Hamburger. The thought of sushi makes me gag. I'm tagging Meghan & Molly. :o)

Junior High

It's a whole new world!!! When people find out I work at the Junior High they give me a look and say, "Have you lost your mind?" or something along those lines. I tell them it's quite possible that I have, but has nothing to do with where I work. :) We've been in school for three full days now & I'm starting to get into the routine & identify some of the kids I'll probably be spending alot of time with over the next nine months. Molly has been so sweet - not acting like she doesn't know me or that she's embarrassed she has a mother. She even came up to me today in front of other kids and a teacher and gave me a big hug! And she's THIRTEEN! It made my day! :) Oh - and just to put my own mind at ease - I am making a (somewhat) public apology to the teachers from my own Jr. High years. Bless you!

I created a Slide Show! Check it out!

My mission statement

I started my new job on Monday of this past week. I am an educational aide at the local Jr. Hi and will assist in the classroom with those identified as struggling learners. This week was meetings and workshops, orientations and organization. Monday - the kids come. I've done pretty good getting up on time, but next week I'll have to be there by 7:30 and it will be a challenge for me - the Perpetually Tardy, but I am resolved to be on time. I'm looking forward to working with the kids and making connections with them in their learning. Some see that as idealism from not having worked in public education before - but I see it as a mission field. I'm not 'idealistic' in my expectations of what can happen - but I do intend to do everything within my power to reach the ones who struggle, so that they can be proud of themselves. I know there are those who don't care - my mission will be to help them care. I know there are those who think they can't learn, but would like to - my mission will be to help them see their own learning potential. I know there are those who think all are 'against' them - my mission is to be 'for' them. If these are idealistic goals - then color me Idealist. I'm on a mission.

this isn't 'it'

Yesterday was the last day at my church office job. Next Monday I start work at the junior high with a week of 'staff development' days, then on the 14th school starts and I'll be an educational aide. For what subjects, I don't know yet - but I guess they'll let me know what I need to know next week. I feel like riding my bicycle, but it's so hot I think I'd pass out before I got to the end of the driveway. There are lots of sad things going on with several of my friends right now .... it's odd how situations that other people are dealing with can trickle down and affect other families. I've just been sort of somber the last few days thinking about friends who are: spending the last few days with a parent diagnosed with cancer -- undergoing biopsy procedures -- feeling alone and sad for different reasons -- going through divorce or separation -- dealing with children who are making bad choices -- hurting because of illness or accidents. I believe in eternity and I'm glad I do -- otherwise, this would be a pretty miserable existence we have. In an odd way, it's comforting to know this isn't "it" - even though it's all we know now and it seems sad and scary to think of leaving here in whatever way we end up leaving ... I'm glad to know there's a heaven and I'm going there. Doesn't make it any easier to watch the sadness around here - and sometimes I do wish I had a little insight into 'the big picture', but I think that's me wanting control that isn't mine to have. Just have to give it up and know, as my friend Sandy says, "God is bigger..."