We finished assessments on Tuesday finally! On Wednesday, we were finally able to get back into our normal routine. It was so nice to get back into a normal schedule so the class was calmer and knew what to do. It also made my life easier because I could plan like normal instead of preparing them for everything on their assessments. As much as I enjoyed doing whole group lessons with them, it was time to separate them again so they could learn according to their grade level. We got out of school early on Friday so I spent the afternoon reading, relaxing, and getting a head start on grading.
That night I went to go see Hunger Games with my friend Kathryn who's read the books. I didn't know much about the story line but after seeing it, I am definitely ready to read them. So yes, I am jumping on the bandwagon but that's okay. I am glad that I saw the movie first, though, so I was not disappointed because books are always better than the movies.
I laid by the pool for a few hours on Saturday and was rewarded with a sweet sunglasses mark because I didn't want to take them off. Needless to say, I have raccoon eyes right now and my students will certainly give me a hard time tomorrow. Good thing I will only be there for half a day. More on that in a bit. Due to my ridiculous burn, I chose to stay inside as much as possible so I graded and planned for the week since I will be gone.
This morning I went to Confession which felt really great. I hadn't been in a long time so it was very relieving to go and feel so free afterwards. I was listening to the Gospel during Mass and Father's homily talked about how Jesus had to let go of the good life He had for something more challenging--dying for us. It made me reflect on how sometimes we have to let go of what's always come easy--good friends, family, a nice job, etc.--for something more difficult but more fulfilling. I just think that holds so true and goes back to my feeling about mediocrity--how we shouldn't settle for the easy, comfortable road. I also had the opportunity to be a Eucharistic Minister for the first time. It was a really great experience; I felt much more connected to the Eucharist and to the Mass.
I stayed inside the rest of the day until Amanda and I had to go grocery shopping for our retreat this week. We have a retreat this whole week down here in Miami and were asked to make dinner for everyone tomorrow night. While on our excursion to get our ingredients for enchiladas, a man from Jerusalem insisted on telling me how much he has always wanted to go to Kansas. He only knew I was from Kansas because I had to show my license when I was using my card to buy the groceries. He also told me I looked like a basketball player. He also asked if people from Kansas were racist because that's what he had heard. I was a bit offended at this and assured him that was wrong. Clearly, he was just trying to find a way to talk to me but Amanda found the whole situation hilarious. I found it a bit uncomfortable but am laughing now. I had a hat on and Amanda thinks that's what "won him over".
I am back in the comfort of the apartment again and prepping for dinner tomorrow night since I will be at school in the morning and packing once I get back. As I mentioned, we have a week-long retreat down here and will be welcoming 5 new volunteers who will serve from March of this year to March of 2013. We were informed that this will be a limited technology retreat, one day of which will be a silent retreat where we can't talk all day. This means that I will not able to be on my phone as much while won't change a whole lot since it is off during the day anyway but I'm not sure if I can blog or not. This is my warning though that if I don't call you back right away, I am just not allowed to. If I am allowed on the computer after the day of silence is over, you can bet I will have something posted. Imagine me not being able to talk for a day. I'm sure you are laughing because I certainly am. I know it will be good for me to sit and quiet myself for once.
Well I have to go finish the enchiladas but I hope you all have a great week! I will be back in Kansas in a week and a half! Once again, where has the time gone?
Sunday, March 25, 2012
Monday, March 19, 2012
Start of Spring
The past week has been pretty steady with assessments. My third graders are done but my second graders have one more day to go. I'm so glad they are almost over because they really wear me out! I've been proctoring the 2nd grade ITBS and reading everything to them. They must be tired of hearing my voice by now. Today's and tomorrow's tests are definitely challenging so I've been saying extra prayers that my students don't lose patience with it. Sometimes they get easily discouraged and frustrated. It's almost over though! I'm definitely ready to have a normal day schedule again.
This past weekend, I did some relaxing and grading on Saturday and then the girls and I went to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in downtown Hollywood. We got to hear a really good live band and see all sorts of people out. Sunday morning I headed up to Jupiter to watch the Cardinals play the Marlins with dad's best friend Rusty and Doug. They are down here to watch the games around the area so they've been driving a lot but thankfully Jupiter is only an hour away from us. I was able to watch a little bit of pitching practice and then the players went inside before the game started. We hung out in the parking lot and talked for the next few hours before the game. I really enjoyed just being able to sit and hang out with them. Doug is a principal so I could talk school with him and Rusty has known me all my life so I could talk to him about anything. Once again though, it was just so nice to have familiar faces from home down here. There is such comfort in seeing people you love and spending time doing something you all enjoy. We were able to catch a great game even though it rained during the middle of it. Freese hit a 3-run homer in the 8th inning to give the Cards their win against the Marlins.
I got a little too much sun and my students definitely noticed today. I did notice my tan was starting to become a little more pronounced though! I got told I'm too white to have been living in Florida which is true. ha ha.
Well I think it's time for me to put some aloe on and finish up some work for the night but hope you have had a great start to your week!
This past weekend, I did some relaxing and grading on Saturday and then the girls and I went to celebrate St. Patrick's Day in downtown Hollywood. We got to hear a really good live band and see all sorts of people out. Sunday morning I headed up to Jupiter to watch the Cardinals play the Marlins with dad's best friend Rusty and Doug. They are down here to watch the games around the area so they've been driving a lot but thankfully Jupiter is only an hour away from us. I was able to watch a little bit of pitching practice and then the players went inside before the game started. We hung out in the parking lot and talked for the next few hours before the game. I really enjoyed just being able to sit and hang out with them. Doug is a principal so I could talk school with him and Rusty has known me all my life so I could talk to him about anything. Once again though, it was just so nice to have familiar faces from home down here. There is such comfort in seeing people you love and spending time doing something you all enjoy. We were able to catch a great game even though it rained during the middle of it. Freese hit a 3-run homer in the 8th inning to give the Cards their win against the Marlins.
I got a little too much sun and my students definitely noticed today. I did notice my tan was starting to become a little more pronounced though! I got told I'm too white to have been living in Florida which is true. ha ha.
Well I think it's time for me to put some aloe on and finish up some work for the night but hope you have had a great start to your week!
Sunday, March 11, 2012
Mediocrity
Before I start, this week my students have their ITBS assessments so if you could send some prayers and positive thoughts their way, we would really appreciate it!
The longer I have been down here, the more I have noticed a change in myself. I am aware that is supposed to happen but I guess I am just more aware of it personally instead of others having to point it out to me. These past few days I have spent a lot of time at the beach and with different friends. I was lucky enough to be able to spend some time with a friend from ESU on Friday and Saturday who has been nannying all week down here. She transferred to a different college in Kansas and we were able to have a good conversation about the relationships that lasted despite the distance. As we had this conversation, we both noticed how often people were content with settling for mediocrity. She knew that she was not going to grow in the way she wanted to at ESU so she transferred and that has definitely been the best decision for her. She was asking me questions about being down here for the year and I told her it all went back to a conference that I went to in Orlando where the theme was, "Made for More." Ever since that conversation, I have been stuck on that theme that led me down here.
At that point in my life, I was very unsettled even though life was good. I thought that God was calling me to do something greater, that it was time for me to stop settling for easy. As I've been on the beach this weekend, I would go back and forth about how easy life would be if I could just lay on the beach all day. Life would be so simple if all I had to do was listen to the waves and get a tan but where would the fun and challenge be in that? I think I've always known that I enjoy a challenge, even though it's hard. That's part of the reason I wanted to leave is because I knew that I needed a challenge; it was time to stretch myself and not settle like I do often times. As I finished walking on the beach today, I started thinking about how much more enriching life would be if no one settled and everyone truly challenged themselves. I would rather know that I had tried and failed at something than never try at all. God did not create us for mediocrity. He made us to do great things. John 10:10, the verse that my conference in Orlando revolved around, tells us, "I have come that you might have life and have it to the fullest." We were made for greatness!
As I start to think about the future, I have started to make new goals and dreams for myself. I don't want this year to be the extent of my effort to do something great. There is too much left to do in this world to stop trying now. There's this quote from The Lorax on Pinterest that says, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
The longer I have been down here, the more I have noticed a change in myself. I am aware that is supposed to happen but I guess I am just more aware of it personally instead of others having to point it out to me. These past few days I have spent a lot of time at the beach and with different friends. I was lucky enough to be able to spend some time with a friend from ESU on Friday and Saturday who has been nannying all week down here. She transferred to a different college in Kansas and we were able to have a good conversation about the relationships that lasted despite the distance. As we had this conversation, we both noticed how often people were content with settling for mediocrity. She knew that she was not going to grow in the way she wanted to at ESU so she transferred and that has definitely been the best decision for her. She was asking me questions about being down here for the year and I told her it all went back to a conference that I went to in Orlando where the theme was, "Made for More." Ever since that conversation, I have been stuck on that theme that led me down here.
At that point in my life, I was very unsettled even though life was good. I thought that God was calling me to do something greater, that it was time for me to stop settling for easy. As I've been on the beach this weekend, I would go back and forth about how easy life would be if I could just lay on the beach all day. Life would be so simple if all I had to do was listen to the waves and get a tan but where would the fun and challenge be in that? I think I've always known that I enjoy a challenge, even though it's hard. That's part of the reason I wanted to leave is because I knew that I needed a challenge; it was time to stretch myself and not settle like I do often times. As I finished walking on the beach today, I started thinking about how much more enriching life would be if no one settled and everyone truly challenged themselves. I would rather know that I had tried and failed at something than never try at all. God did not create us for mediocrity. He made us to do great things. John 10:10, the verse that my conference in Orlando revolved around, tells us, "I have come that you might have life and have it to the fullest." We were made for greatness!
As I start to think about the future, I have started to make new goals and dreams for myself. I don't want this year to be the extent of my effort to do something great. There is too much left to do in this world to stop trying now. There's this quote from The Lorax on Pinterest that says, "Unless someone like you cares a whole awful lot, nothing is going to get better. It's not."
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Baptism
No school tomorrow! Well, the students do not have school--the teachers have a workday. But since we do not have school tomorrow, we had Mass today and got the privilege of watching 3 students get baptized into the Catholic faith during it. It was a really beautiful sight to see and my class was very much engaged during the sacrament. While watching it, I had a flashback to my Godson's baptism more than four years ago now. My friend in Washington and I were talking about what an honor it is to be a Godmother and how much we miss our Godchildren being in different states. I miss my little man very much and cannot believe how time has flown since he was born and then baptized. I can't wait to see him when I am home for Spring Break!
Tuesday, March 6, 2012
Skype/Technology
I am obviously a fan of most forms of communication being away from my friends and family this year but I have definitely grown to appreciate it more as I am able to continue talking with everyone as well as reconnect with old friends. I have two friends, one from ESU and the other from Carroll, that live on the west coast. Both married over the summer and followed their husbands for their jobs. Leaving home, I was more than concerned about how I would be able to keep up contact with anyone and whether or not my friends would stop talking to me, etc. While some of my friendships have weakened, I have noticed that the relationships I have that were already strong, only got better, and have evolved--especially with these two girls.
My friend from college and I have both been going through similar struggles this year since we have moved across the country and having to go through that adjustment. Even though she is in California, we still text, call, or Skype a few times a week despite the 3-hour time difference. It feels like nothing has changed even though we are halfway across the country.
My other friend from high school and I were able to Skype for the first time yesterday after being email buddies for the past few weeks. She and her husband were in California when summer started and then moved to Washington state about a month ago. We were pretty good friends in high school and still talked in college but not quite as consistently. I went to her wedding but did not get a chance to actually talk to her because I had to leave so I haven't seen her in person for over a year now. Seeing her on Skype yesterday was so great though! We talked and caught up and it felt as if nothing had changed between us. We got on the topic of Facebook since I gave it up for Lent and she was off of it for several months. The two of us found it funny that people find it so simple to type out a post on Facebook but they cannot send a simple text message or better yet, call you. I'm not saying I haven't been guilty of this but being off Facebook, I definitely am more aware of it. We are on opposite ends of the country but we have managed to rekindle a good friendship and understand that everything happens for a reason.
I just think it's great that God has given us these tools and resources to stay connected and in each other's lives even though we are so far apart from one another now. I guess it goes to show that distance, while hard, does not have to affect a friendship or relationship.
My friend from college and I have both been going through similar struggles this year since we have moved across the country and having to go through that adjustment. Even though she is in California, we still text, call, or Skype a few times a week despite the 3-hour time difference. It feels like nothing has changed even though we are halfway across the country.
My other friend from high school and I were able to Skype for the first time yesterday after being email buddies for the past few weeks. She and her husband were in California when summer started and then moved to Washington state about a month ago. We were pretty good friends in high school and still talked in college but not quite as consistently. I went to her wedding but did not get a chance to actually talk to her because I had to leave so I haven't seen her in person for over a year now. Seeing her on Skype yesterday was so great though! We talked and caught up and it felt as if nothing had changed between us. We got on the topic of Facebook since I gave it up for Lent and she was off of it for several months. The two of us found it funny that people find it so simple to type out a post on Facebook but they cannot send a simple text message or better yet, call you. I'm not saying I haven't been guilty of this but being off Facebook, I definitely am more aware of it. We are on opposite ends of the country but we have managed to rekindle a good friendship and understand that everything happens for a reason.
I just think it's great that God has given us these tools and resources to stay connected and in each other's lives even though we are so far apart from one another now. I guess it goes to show that distance, while hard, does not have to affect a friendship or relationship.
Sunday, March 4, 2012
Time is Love
Time is so precious and I often times forget that. Last Wednesday, I was able to spend time with Jesus in adoration and it was wonderful to just sit in the quiet and journal. I felt so calm and relaxed when I left the chapel. I look forward to spending time with Him every Wednesday during Lent.
Thursday evening, I picked Jenae up from the airport! We went out to eat after that and then by the time we got back to the airport, it was about time for me to go to bed so I could wake up on time for school in the morning. We had an early release Friday but I didn't get back to the apartment til around 2:45 so as soon as I showered, Jenae and I went to the mall and walked around to build up our appetite. We ate at a restaurant close the apartment and just relaxed and talked. That evening we rented a movie and just spent time together. Saturday we slept in a little and after a lazy morning, tried to hit the beach. We got there and it was super windy so after about an hour, we decided we'd go grab a quick lunch and then possibly lay out by the pool behind my apartment. We were both drained from the hot sun so we ended up being lazy once again that afternoon and then finally both straightened our hair to go pick up another movie and dinner. She did some packing last night and then we both went to bed since we had to be up early to drop her off at the airport. She left around 6:15 this morning. These past 3 days seem to have gone by so fast!
While I realize it may seem like she and I did not do much while she was down in Miami, that's not what either of us really wanted. I could have taken her sight-seeing and driver her around to a ton of places but really, I just wanted to be with her and enjoy some much needed sister time. We shared funny stories, reminisced about old times at home, and talked about future plans. Any time that you spend with someone is an act of love. She could have easily not paid a large sum of money to come down here to visit but she did. That's not to say that you should buy someone's love but the time you take to call someone, send them an email, or send a text, and if you should be so lucky, go be with them in person, is time well spent. I know that I can't really spend time in person with my friends and family from home but I do try to send emails, texts, make phone calls, or Skype with them when I can to remind that I still care.
I will be home one month from today for Spring Break and I'm so excited but I have so much going in this next month. I hope I can keep up with it all. Have a lovely start to your first full week of March!
Thursday evening, I picked Jenae up from the airport! We went out to eat after that and then by the time we got back to the airport, it was about time for me to go to bed so I could wake up on time for school in the morning. We had an early release Friday but I didn't get back to the apartment til around 2:45 so as soon as I showered, Jenae and I went to the mall and walked around to build up our appetite. We ate at a restaurant close the apartment and just relaxed and talked. That evening we rented a movie and just spent time together. Saturday we slept in a little and after a lazy morning, tried to hit the beach. We got there and it was super windy so after about an hour, we decided we'd go grab a quick lunch and then possibly lay out by the pool behind my apartment. We were both drained from the hot sun so we ended up being lazy once again that afternoon and then finally both straightened our hair to go pick up another movie and dinner. She did some packing last night and then we both went to bed since we had to be up early to drop her off at the airport. She left around 6:15 this morning. These past 3 days seem to have gone by so fast!
While I realize it may seem like she and I did not do much while she was down in Miami, that's not what either of us really wanted. I could have taken her sight-seeing and driver her around to a ton of places but really, I just wanted to be with her and enjoy some much needed sister time. We shared funny stories, reminisced about old times at home, and talked about future plans. Any time that you spend with someone is an act of love. She could have easily not paid a large sum of money to come down here to visit but she did. That's not to say that you should buy someone's love but the time you take to call someone, send them an email, or send a text, and if you should be so lucky, go be with them in person, is time well spent. I know that I can't really spend time in person with my friends and family from home but I do try to send emails, texts, make phone calls, or Skype with them when I can to remind that I still care.
I will be home one month from today for Spring Break and I'm so excited but I have so much going in this next month. I hope I can keep up with it all. Have a lovely start to your first full week of March!
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