Some days I love being a teacher! I recently had an epiphany that the only way my students are going to consistently enjoy my class, is if I have fun in class! So, today I did just that. During first period I started class with a game of Sardines, during fourth period I pelted everyone who wasn't doing their journal with balls of tape, during 5th period I sang musicals until everyone was focused on me, and during 6th period I wore a tape moustache. I think I'm going to make all my classes wear tape moustaches tomorrow too. I'm starting to get the hang of this...but....
ONLY 11 school days until Christmas!
Thursday, December 3, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
A Pre-Christmas Confession
A Pre-Christmas Confession
Though the weather is warm and humid,
and I’m feeling a trifle stupid,
grading papers and journals,
and projects infernal
I’m hearing the footsteps of Cupid…
It may seem idiotic insane,
I’m likely going soft in the brain,
but Dasher and Dancer,
and wussy ol’ Prancer,
are waltzing with striped candy cane!!
I may need a seer or wise prophet
to exorcise Blitzen and Comet..
but berries, holly,
and laughter so jolly,
are on holiday sale at Target.
The turkey has not even been cooked,
but my tree has found a warm nook,
'cause only 6 weeks
(this stanza, it reeks)
then Matthew and Em fly from Pembroke!
Despite my seasonal delusions,
I now come to my sweet conclusion:
I miss all of you,
even Katie so "ew",
and am sending love (not confusion).
Though the weather is warm and humid,
and I’m feeling a trifle stupid,
grading papers and journals,
and projects infernal
I’m hearing the footsteps of Cupid…
It may seem idiotic insane,
I’m likely going soft in the brain,
but Dasher and Dancer,
and wussy ol’ Prancer,
are waltzing with striped candy cane!!
I may need a seer or wise prophet
to exorcise Blitzen and Comet..
but berries, holly,
and laughter so jolly,
are on holiday sale at Target.
The turkey has not even been cooked,
but my tree has found a warm nook,
'cause only 6 weeks
(this stanza, it reeks)
then Matthew and Em fly from Pembroke!
Despite my seasonal delusions,
I now come to my sweet conclusion:
I miss all of you,
even Katie so "ew",
and am sending love (not confusion).
Monday, October 12, 2009
Update shmupdate
Hello blog and blogees!
Sorry it's been so very long. The life o'Deb has lately been very very busy but is now calming down a bit.
The biggest news is that my fall show is over! We cast and began rehearsing the very first week of school, so it's been a bit of a marathon from day one. However, with lots of help from my co-theatre teachers, it is now finished! We did four short comedy shows: Captive Audience (about a tv that comes to life and sucks it's owners in- think creepy Pleasantville), Baby with the Bathwater (Mary Poppins on drugs), Wanda's Visit (what happens if your insane highschool sweetheart comes to visit), and For Whom the Souther Belle Tolls (a spoof on The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams). The kids did an awesome job, and our audiences were small but very appreciative.
In other news, I'll likely be going to New York and then Boston for Thanksgiving! Two friends of mine are getting married at the Wayside Inn (see Lauren's blog about her visit- it's gorgeous!). I figured I'd take advantage of being in the Northeast and swing by NYC on my way!
Besides that, I'm busy with church activities and considering what to do next year. Teaching is going fairly well, but I'm pretty worn out right now!
Once I find my flash-drive-photo-thing, I'll update with pictures from my weekend camping and past weekend with the Dirty Dozen! :)
Sorry it's been so very long. The life o'Deb has lately been very very busy but is now calming down a bit.
The biggest news is that my fall show is over! We cast and began rehearsing the very first week of school, so it's been a bit of a marathon from day one. However, with lots of help from my co-theatre teachers, it is now finished! We did four short comedy shows: Captive Audience (about a tv that comes to life and sucks it's owners in- think creepy Pleasantville), Baby with the Bathwater (Mary Poppins on drugs), Wanda's Visit (what happens if your insane highschool sweetheart comes to visit), and For Whom the Souther Belle Tolls (a spoof on The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams). The kids did an awesome job, and our audiences were small but very appreciative.
In other news, I'll likely be going to New York and then Boston for Thanksgiving! Two friends of mine are getting married at the Wayside Inn (see Lauren's blog about her visit- it's gorgeous!). I figured I'd take advantage of being in the Northeast and swing by NYC on my way!
Besides that, I'm busy with church activities and considering what to do next year. Teaching is going fairly well, but I'm pretty worn out right now!
Once I find my flash-drive-photo-thing, I'll update with pictures from my weekend camping and past weekend with the Dirty Dozen! :)
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Heck yes!
I'm completely pumped about my church! Now, I love First Irving for its warm-hearted people, deep teaching 'n preaching, and genuine worship. Recently though, I've been missing student life a bit more than usual. Not just a longing for the old college camaraderie, but also a longing for more learning. I actually miss classwork! So what does FBC Irving happen to offer this coming month, but hour long classes in an amazing variety of subjects? You can learn to play the guitar, Hebrew, aerobics, Romans, Fruit of the Spirit, and about 7 other topics. I'm pretty sure I'll take Beginner Guitar the first hour, and the Place class the second hour. Awesome. Additionally, I just started a Revelation study with Jennifer Durham. About 20-30 women of all ages are starting the second section of a 2 year study. The homework is fairly intense (6 ch. this week) but pretty dang interesting.
I heart you FBC Irving.
I heart you FBC Irving.
Sunday, August 30, 2009
Got some mint to go with that chip?
I'm sitting on my little balcony, having just finished off a generous portion of mint chocolate chip ice cream. Caedmon's Call is playing on my laptop, the sun is shining, there is a light breeze, and it's a lovely 80 degrees outside. I had a wonderful morning at church, a nice lunch with new friends, and am looking forward to a church concert tonight.
Despite being in an odd season of my life full of challenges that are sometimes heart-breaking, God remains right and faithful. Yeah, he throws some crazy and difficult things our way every once in a while, but he's also not above enjoying the occasional Blue Bell with us.
For this, I am thankful.
Love and Blue Bell to you all!
Despite being in an odd season of my life full of challenges that are sometimes heart-breaking, God remains right and faithful. Yeah, he throws some crazy and difficult things our way every once in a while, but he's also not above enjoying the occasional Blue Bell with us.
For this, I am thankful.
Love and Blue Bell to you all!
Monday, July 13, 2009
Support the Rabid
My health kick is still going strong, after almost a week! I've been running about 3 miles a day (though I took yesterday off) and doing some light weights. My left arm, which I er...dramatically sprained in Cambridge is not too happy about weight-lifting though, so I'm going a bit easy on that. So far, my calves look pretty killer.
A little Dunder Mifflin motivation:
A little Dunder Mifflin motivation:
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Life called- you need to sign your new lease
Hey guys!
Well, England was absolutely phenomenal. I had a wonderful time hanging out in Cambridge, visiting with the fam, reading, sleeping, and eating. I took lots of pictures, which are posted on my facebook profile. Check it out yo. The best part was spending time with Matthew and Emily either vegging out or going to the pub. Second was having plenty of time to walk around and simply enjoy Cambridge!
In other news, I joined a gym today. I had an interesting realization that I'm 23 1/2 and should be in the prime physical condition of my life. Ha. I also realize that I don't want to be a podgy teacher, as I'm certainly inclined to be, because goodness knows the hours are insane. So, I have begun a fitness regime. I'm eating healthier, cutting down on carbs and sweets, piling on protein and veggies, and generally taking control of my physical well-being. That's the plan. If anyone is interested in joining or challenging me, I think blogspot would be a great place to post weekly stats and such.
I had a grand time visiting Waco last week! I saw lots of friends and had a wonderful 4th of July with Andrew, Phillip, Paige, and Ally. Daniel and Meghan came through on Friday, so we got to meet/catch up. Andrew and I also went to Grandma B's birthday bash with all the Beneshes on Sunday. A good time was had by all!
If you haven't seen "Up", you should really consider doing so. If you're extremely cool, you'll watch it in 3-D.
Well, England was absolutely phenomenal. I had a wonderful time hanging out in Cambridge, visiting with the fam, reading, sleeping, and eating. I took lots of pictures, which are posted on my facebook profile. Check it out yo. The best part was spending time with Matthew and Emily either vegging out or going to the pub. Second was having plenty of time to walk around and simply enjoy Cambridge!
In other news, I joined a gym today. I had an interesting realization that I'm 23 1/2 and should be in the prime physical condition of my life. Ha. I also realize that I don't want to be a podgy teacher, as I'm certainly inclined to be, because goodness knows the hours are insane. So, I have begun a fitness regime. I'm eating healthier, cutting down on carbs and sweets, piling on protein and veggies, and generally taking control of my physical well-being. That's the plan. If anyone is interested in joining or challenging me, I think blogspot would be a great place to post weekly stats and such.
I had a grand time visiting Waco last week! I saw lots of friends and had a wonderful 4th of July with Andrew, Phillip, Paige, and Ally. Daniel and Meghan came through on Friday, so we got to meet/catch up. Andrew and I also went to Grandma B's birthday bash with all the Beneshes on Sunday. A good time was had by all!
If you haven't seen "Up", you should really consider doing so. If you're extremely cool, you'll watch it in 3-D.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
**Input Needed**
Dear friends and family,
I have narrowed down my desk hardware choices to the following 5 pretty knobs. Please vote on your favorite. I have two that I'm leaning toward, but have much faith in your judgment and taste. Yes you. Kindly reply to this message with your choices or even other drawer knobs not posted below. If you have no earthly idea what desk I'm talking about, read the post under this one. Yep, I know it's amazing I've posted twice in one day! :)
Thank you,
your loving Deb
I have narrowed down my desk hardware choices to the following 5 pretty knobs. Please vote on your favorite. I have two that I'm leaning toward, but have much faith in your judgment and taste. Yes you. Kindly reply to this message with your choices or even other drawer knobs not posted below. If you have no earthly idea what desk I'm talking about, read the post under this one. Yep, I know it's amazing I've posted twice in one day! :)
Thank you,
your loving Deb
New Stuff!
I found this adorable antique desk today when I visited a little store in downtown Grand Prairie. I've been looking for a desk for about a month now, and am so glad I held out! It pays to be picky :)
I think it looks like an old fashioned vanity. Also notice the cute coasters Lauren sent me for a housewarming gift!
I also bought this flower painting last weekend when I was in Waco. I'm enjoying my blue, green, and gold color scheme :)
I'm trying to strike a balance between fun/personality and young-woman-elegance. I think it's beginning to work!
Wednesday, May 27, 2009
For British Eyes Only
This past weekend was amazing. Who knew that one extra day off could make such a difference?
Friday, I trekked back to Waco once more to take care of some payroll issues. I ran a few leisurely errands and ended up picking out a painting I've been coveting a while for my bedroom, as well as a real grown-up hamper. Baylor graduation was over, so I had surprisingly few friends left in town! I finally ended up at my old Starbucks with a former co-worker named James who is now working as a flight instructor. We chatted it up, reminisced, and graded papers. I had such awesome co-workers at that store and still keep up with a good handful. It's crazy though guys- our old manager put in her 2 weeks notice last week, so in the year since I work at the 'bucks, the store has had complete turnover! Whoa.
The next morning I took care of my banking stuff and headed back to Dallas. I finally finally finally started cleaning my apartment and putting stuff away. It's beginning to look quite homey, if I do say so myself :) I need to order some photos to put in frames and maybe get some wall art, but it'll come in time.
Sunday I went to FBC Irving again and enjoyed Sunday School and the service. My first impression still holds- an altogether warm, and growing church! :) After doing more grading, I drove to Waxahacie..however you spell it...for the best part of the weekend: The Renaissance Festival! I met up with a group of theatre chums and reveled in the glorious nerdiness of sellers wearing pumpkin pants and pantaloons, hawking their wares in the worst of British accents! We watched a live chess match where chess men had to actually fight to the death, the Doktor Kaboom exploding science show, jousting, some crown and cup shopping, and finally (after the rain) a mud sliding contest between slightly tipsy attendees. I tried on a very nice tooled leather corset that I was very tempted to buy...maybe next year!
Monday was a nice lazy day spent half-heartedly cleaning, whole-heartedly napping, and watching a movie.
5 days of school left (including finals)! Heck yes!
Friday, I trekked back to Waco once more to take care of some payroll issues. I ran a few leisurely errands and ended up picking out a painting I've been coveting a while for my bedroom, as well as a real grown-up hamper. Baylor graduation was over, so I had surprisingly few friends left in town! I finally ended up at my old Starbucks with a former co-worker named James who is now working as a flight instructor. We chatted it up, reminisced, and graded papers. I had such awesome co-workers at that store and still keep up with a good handful. It's crazy though guys- our old manager put in her 2 weeks notice last week, so in the year since I work at the 'bucks, the store has had complete turnover! Whoa.
The next morning I took care of my banking stuff and headed back to Dallas. I finally finally finally started cleaning my apartment and putting stuff away. It's beginning to look quite homey, if I do say so myself :) I need to order some photos to put in frames and maybe get some wall art, but it'll come in time.
Sunday I went to FBC Irving again and enjoyed Sunday School and the service. My first impression still holds- an altogether warm, and growing church! :) After doing more grading, I drove to Waxahacie..however you spell it...for the best part of the weekend: The Renaissance Festival! I met up with a group of theatre chums and reveled in the glorious nerdiness of sellers wearing pumpkin pants and pantaloons, hawking their wares in the worst of British accents! We watched a live chess match where chess men had to actually fight to the death, the Doktor Kaboom exploding science show, jousting, some crown and cup shopping, and finally (after the rain) a mud sliding contest between slightly tipsy attendees. I tried on a very nice tooled leather corset that I was very tempted to buy...maybe next year!
Monday was a nice lazy day spent half-heartedly cleaning, whole-heartedly napping, and watching a movie.
5 days of school left (including finals)! Heck yes!
Wednesday, May 13, 2009
The Beginning of the End
When I was a kid in school, I remember the last few days of school were simply the doorway to summer. Paper-thin, they were weak barriers that made those first days of freedom all the sweeter. Now, on the teacher side of things, they're the final hill of a marathon. Lungs burning, calves tightening, I'm stinkin' gonna make it up this freakin' hill to the finish line!!
:)
Seriously though, the students are going nuts! Every teacher I've talked to is tiredly shaking their head by the end of the day, trying to begin reviews for finals or get in that last new lesson. I decided to take it easy this week and show a movie. However, they'll find out on Friday that I secretly planted a makeup review in their question sheet over the movie. Mwahaha.
Next week, I"m planning on a few days studying theatre history. We'll see how that goes! :P I'm a bit nervous about lecturing... I think I"ll throw in a few class play readings to change it up.
In other news, I went home last week for Mother's Day! It was lovely. I was only in Waco for a day, but I got to hang out with Jordan and Chris and go out to brunch with Mama and Papa.
16 days of school left, 3 1/2 weeks until England!
:)
Seriously though, the students are going nuts! Every teacher I've talked to is tiredly shaking their head by the end of the day, trying to begin reviews for finals or get in that last new lesson. I decided to take it easy this week and show a movie. However, they'll find out on Friday that I secretly planted a makeup review in their question sheet over the movie. Mwahaha.
Next week, I"m planning on a few days studying theatre history. We'll see how that goes! :P I'm a bit nervous about lecturing... I think I"ll throw in a few class play readings to change it up.
In other news, I went home last week for Mother's Day! It was lovely. I was only in Waco for a day, but I got to hang out with Jordan and Chris and go out to brunch with Mama and Papa.
16 days of school left, 3 1/2 weeks until England!
Sunday, May 3, 2009
Weekend Travels
Do you ever get to the point where you're so bone tired and burnt out that you find it near impossible to motivate yourself to do anything? That's where I'm at right now. We have two "probable" cases of swine flu in my school district, so I'm hoping that just maybe we'll close down for a few days. Plus, a lot of the kids are sick with some kind of flu, and are already missing a lot. It would do all of us good to get some rest. However, my hope is that kind I had as a kid when I wanted snow for Christmas. There's that persistent longing, but a realization that I live in Texas, and snow simply isn't even an annual occurrence. Lé sigh. I'm ready to be in England! :)
I had a fantastic weekend in Waco though! My main intention was seeing the final Baylor Theatre production of the year- Blood Wedding. I drove down right after school on Friday and dinner with Mama and Papa and then drove to campus to get some coffee at Common Grounds. I swung by the theatre first to see if the box office was open but ended up running into a bunch of theatre friends and old professors.
Saturday, I went shopping with Mama and bought new jeans and polished off birthday shopping. For dinner, I met up with Amanda, Zack G, Kirstin, Shelly, Lindsay, Zach K, Brittney, and Joey at Johnny Carino's. Yuuuummmm! I'm sure we amused the tables around us with our bantering, singing, and laughing...at least I hope it was amusement :) Zack also managed to eat about 4 loaves of bread entirely by himself! Later that night, I went to the final G-Troupe comedy show of the semester. I have never laughed so hard as when Graham became Napoleon telling us about his summer camp at Elba Island. Wow. Afterward, I went out for a late-night drink and snack with some of the G-troupers and stayed up way too late. Ahh how I miss college days!
Today I went to brunch with my old roommates, Amanda and Kirstin (I did a lot of eating on this trip...). It was wonderful to catch up with them! They were the best roommates- we spent many hours baking cookies and watching Arrested Development! I hurried home and did a few loads of laundry before packing up and heading back to the theatre for Blood Wedding. It was pretty good! Some of the acting was extremely impressive, and I enjoyed the flamenco dancing. Once the show was over, I met up with Jordan for a quick last cup of coffee at Common Grounds and then hit the road!
I'm looking forward to the time when I have these kinds of friendships in Dallas too. It takes time! Now back to the daily grind. 4 weeks to go!
I had a fantastic weekend in Waco though! My main intention was seeing the final Baylor Theatre production of the year- Blood Wedding. I drove down right after school on Friday and dinner with Mama and Papa and then drove to campus to get some coffee at Common Grounds. I swung by the theatre first to see if the box office was open but ended up running into a bunch of theatre friends and old professors.
Saturday, I went shopping with Mama and bought new jeans and polished off birthday shopping. For dinner, I met up with Amanda, Zack G, Kirstin, Shelly, Lindsay, Zach K, Brittney, and Joey at Johnny Carino's. Yuuuummmm! I'm sure we amused the tables around us with our bantering, singing, and laughing...at least I hope it was amusement :) Zack also managed to eat about 4 loaves of bread entirely by himself! Later that night, I went to the final G-Troupe comedy show of the semester. I have never laughed so hard as when Graham became Napoleon telling us about his summer camp at Elba Island. Wow. Afterward, I went out for a late-night drink and snack with some of the G-troupers and stayed up way too late. Ahh how I miss college days!
Today I went to brunch with my old roommates, Amanda and Kirstin (I did a lot of eating on this trip...). It was wonderful to catch up with them! They were the best roommates- we spent many hours baking cookies and watching Arrested Development! I hurried home and did a few loads of laundry before packing up and heading back to the theatre for Blood Wedding. It was pretty good! Some of the acting was extremely impressive, and I enjoyed the flamenco dancing. Once the show was over, I met up with Jordan for a quick last cup of coffee at Common Grounds and then hit the road!
I'm looking forward to the time when I have these kinds of friendships in Dallas too. It takes time! Now back to the daily grind. 4 weeks to go!
Thursday, April 30, 2009
Ooooh
The freshly painted dresser with my new mirror from Urban.
The overall effect (would it be "over-all effect"? "Affect"?). Anyway, here's what the room looks like now. I think the knobs and flowers might be a little bit too red. Besides that, I like it very much! Next buy: a desk and bigger bookshelf!
Sunday, April 26, 2009
Bits and Pieces
I finished painting my dresser and it is now installed and sitting pretty in my bedroom! It's made a world of difference, and actually makes my bedroom feel like a living area instead of a beige cavern. I ordered a mirror to hang over it from Urban last week, so I'm going to wait until it arrives before I post a picture of the final product. :)
Church was wonderful again today! Afterward, the 20-something singles group (The Road) went over to Pastor John's house for lunch. It was quite yummy, and I had a nice time chatting with my churchmates and pitching wiffle balls for John's son Caleb to hit. Turns out, attendance was oddly low last Sunday, and we ended up having 25+ people for the meal!
Speaking of church, about how long does one usually wait before joining? I've visited two Sundays and a Wednesday, and have thoroughly enjoyed the people, church service, teaching, and fellowship. It just feels right. However, I'm going to be gone the next couple of Sundays, and will be in England for most of June. Should I wait until I get back?
My Advanced Theatre class is performing Romeo and Juliet this Friday...I hope it goes okay!
Church was wonderful again today! Afterward, the 20-something singles group (The Road) went over to Pastor John's house for lunch. It was quite yummy, and I had a nice time chatting with my churchmates and pitching wiffle balls for John's son Caleb to hit. Turns out, attendance was oddly low last Sunday, and we ended up having 25+ people for the meal!
Speaking of church, about how long does one usually wait before joining? I've visited two Sundays and a Wednesday, and have thoroughly enjoyed the people, church service, teaching, and fellowship. It just feels right. However, I'm going to be gone the next couple of Sundays, and will be in England for most of June. Should I wait until I get back?
My Advanced Theatre class is performing Romeo and Juliet this Friday...I hope it goes okay!
Thursday, April 23, 2009
A little venting
It's been quite a week.
After penning a fresh hill of referrals and detentions though, I think I've finally started to realize that my biggest problem with teaching is that there are no immediate results and few ways to accurately measure your success. Students come into your class with lots of emotional baggage already. This translates into some extreme behavioral issues- whether its the kid that is a perfectionist and must get everything finished first (less common) or the kid that simply refuses to submit to authority and instead tries to tie their friend inside the shop room...as a hypothetical instance (more common). I met with my principal today, and she emphasized that student behavior has almost nothing to do with the teacher. The teacher can reinforce good or bad behavior, but that's about it. So, I now write referrals. After 6 weeks of being nice and understanding, the honeymoon is over.
I've been encouraged by the fact that next year I'll get to start over with a clean slate! My principal even tells me that I'll start enjoying the job :)
5 weeks to go!
After penning a fresh hill of referrals and detentions though, I think I've finally started to realize that my biggest problem with teaching is that there are no immediate results and few ways to accurately measure your success. Students come into your class with lots of emotional baggage already. This translates into some extreme behavioral issues- whether its the kid that is a perfectionist and must get everything finished first (less common) or the kid that simply refuses to submit to authority and instead tries to tie their friend inside the shop room...as a hypothetical instance (more common). I met with my principal today, and she emphasized that student behavior has almost nothing to do with the teacher. The teacher can reinforce good or bad behavior, but that's about it. So, I now write referrals. After 6 weeks of being nice and understanding, the honeymoon is over.
I've been encouraged by the fact that next year I'll get to start over with a clean slate! My principal even tells me that I'll start enjoying the job :)
5 weeks to go!
Sunday, April 19, 2009
"A Gentlemanly Agreement"
Matthew, Emily, and I made a deal on Skype today that I had to update my blog if they did. They have a very nice post about their first Cambridge touristy day with lots of cute pictures and witty commentary. You should check it out! Totally.
Teaching is going pretty well! It's altogether a much more difficult job than I anticipated and I'm looking forward to starting over next year with a clean slate. I'm also planning on spending a lot of time over the summer thinking of better lesson plans that will be more "engaging" (key educational term) for the kids. As Mrs. Maletic and my coworkers keep telling me, I just need to survive the rest of the year! :) Only 6 weeks left!
My biggest problem now is finding friends here and finding a church. A solution to both may have been found today!
I visited First Baptist Irving, which is literally 2 minutes from the Maletic's house. John Durham (Pastor Ron's son) preaches there, and I remembered him as an excellent teacher from a couple of youth camps. I attended their single's Bible study and was pleasantly surprised to meet a couple of new teachers, a bunch of grad students, and a good handful of seminary students. Two of the girls also live in my apartment complex. Even better, this group actually gets along and has a lot of personality! I got a great impression that they don't meet up every Sunday just to meet up, but actually have developed wonderful relationships! They were extremely welcoming and made sure I sat with them during the service and invited me to lunch afterward. The service was excellent. John's preaching was straight from Jeremiah (not just a typical topical sermon) and the worship was short, sweet, and genuine. The church's atmosphere is wonderful. The sermon was challenging, the people seemed receptive, and welcomed people with open arms. There were at least 5 people who joined today! Needless to say, I'm going back next Sunday. I'm aching to put down some roots here, and so far, this seems to be the perfect place!
In other news, I'm almost finished painting up a dresser that the Maletic's found for me. Hopefully, I'll have time to finish it this week and pictures will soon follow!
**Update**
One of the girls who lives in my complex (from FBC Irving) invited me to a surprise part tonight for the other! I strolled over about half an hour late, since I didn't know when the official surprise was happening. The door opened as I walked up and I was greeted with "SURPRISE!" from a dozen people and a shower of multi-colored balloons. Don't worry- the birthday girl had already arrived, they just thought it'd be funny. :) Anyway, I spent a mirthful hour decorating cupcakes and listening to hilarious stories from their undergraduate days. Most of the group went to DBU together, so it was a lot like hanging out with my own dear group of Baylor folk. Yay for new friends!
Teaching is going pretty well! It's altogether a much more difficult job than I anticipated and I'm looking forward to starting over next year with a clean slate. I'm also planning on spending a lot of time over the summer thinking of better lesson plans that will be more "engaging" (key educational term) for the kids. As Mrs. Maletic and my coworkers keep telling me, I just need to survive the rest of the year! :) Only 6 weeks left!
My biggest problem now is finding friends here and finding a church. A solution to both may have been found today!
I visited First Baptist Irving, which is literally 2 minutes from the Maletic's house. John Durham (Pastor Ron's son) preaches there, and I remembered him as an excellent teacher from a couple of youth camps. I attended their single's Bible study and was pleasantly surprised to meet a couple of new teachers, a bunch of grad students, and a good handful of seminary students. Two of the girls also live in my apartment complex. Even better, this group actually gets along and has a lot of personality! I got a great impression that they don't meet up every Sunday just to meet up, but actually have developed wonderful relationships! They were extremely welcoming and made sure I sat with them during the service and invited me to lunch afterward. The service was excellent. John's preaching was straight from Jeremiah (not just a typical topical sermon) and the worship was short, sweet, and genuine. The church's atmosphere is wonderful. The sermon was challenging, the people seemed receptive, and welcomed people with open arms. There were at least 5 people who joined today! Needless to say, I'm going back next Sunday. I'm aching to put down some roots here, and so far, this seems to be the perfect place!
In other news, I'm almost finished painting up a dresser that the Maletic's found for me. Hopefully, I'll have time to finish it this week and pictures will soon follow!
**Update**
One of the girls who lives in my complex (from FBC Irving) invited me to a surprise part tonight for the other! I strolled over about half an hour late, since I didn't know when the official surprise was happening. The door opened as I walked up and I was greeted with "SURPRISE!" from a dozen people and a shower of multi-colored balloons. Don't worry- the birthday girl had already arrived, they just thought it'd be funny. :) Anyway, I spent a mirthful hour decorating cupcakes and listening to hilarious stories from their undergraduate days. Most of the group went to DBU together, so it was a lot like hanging out with my own dear group of Baylor folk. Yay for new friends!
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Hip! Hip!
Hurray! I found my camera!
I had a wonderful time this weekend seeing Matthew and Emily and eating lots of junk food with family and friends. I'll type a better update later, but for now- here are some pics of this weekend and of the apartment. Enjoy!
Waiting for friends to arrive.
There they are!
Ginnie joined us via Skype.
Action shot.
Setting the table for a first-anniversary lunch with both families.
First bite for their second year of marriage. Yum!
Living room sans guests.
Bedroom.
Bathroom. I unknowingly picked out the same shower curtain that Matthew and Emily had in their old apartment in Waco! Crazy.
I had a wonderful time this weekend seeing Matthew and Emily and eating lots of junk food with family and friends. I'll type a better update later, but for now- here are some pics of this weekend and of the apartment. Enjoy!
Waiting for friends to arrive.
There they are!
Ginnie joined us via Skype.
Action shot.
Setting the table for a first-anniversary lunch with both families.
First bite for their second year of marriage. Yum!
Living room sans guests.
Bedroom.
Bathroom. I unknowingly picked out the same shower curtain that Matthew and Emily had in their old apartment in Waco! Crazy.
Friday, March 20, 2009
Sad day
I have misplaced my digital camera! Argh! Oh well, the apartment isn't quite dazzlingly cute just yet. Hopefully the camera will unearth itself soon... Until then, feel free to skype me and I'll give you a nice tour! My bedspread is just as cute as the picture, I'm digging my platform bed, and I couldn't have asked for an awesome-er (or cheaper) couch and ottoman! I admit that some serious wall decoration is needed, as well as a dresser and desk. However, it's a nice, colorful start!
My only slight concern is this living alone business. A cat may be in order.
Already becoming the crazy cat lady.
Heck yes.
My only slight concern is this living alone business. A cat may be in order.
Already becoming the crazy cat lady.
Heck yes.
Sunday, March 8, 2009
Oh dear.
I've triggered some insane feminine nesting instinct I had no idea I had! Seriously. I'm stalking craigslist for sofas and shopping on all my favorite artsy websites for lamps, rugs, and even wall decals. I'm honestly going to force myself to buy only a couch the rest of this month...otherwise I'm going to go nuts decorating everything from wall hooks to drawer knobs! I did end up buying my pretty duvet cover from my last post:
And today I bought my ikea bed from a nice guy on craigslist:
It's pretty simple- a blank canvas to my beautiful bedspread, if you will :)
I've also made an appointment to see this couch in a week or two. Just not quite sure how I'm going to move it:
The price isn't bad, I like the color, and it's also a sleeper sofa!
Other things I'm drooling over:
Sweet peacock rug
Pretty Ikea lamp
Cute snail lamp (though I'd want a colored shade)
Cool picture wall hanging sleeves
Awesome (and recyclable!) mirror
And today I bought my ikea bed from a nice guy on craigslist:
It's pretty simple- a blank canvas to my beautiful bedspread, if you will :)
I've also made an appointment to see this couch in a week or two. Just not quite sure how I'm going to move it:
The price isn't bad, I like the color, and it's also a sleeper sofa!
Other things I'm drooling over:
Sweet peacock rug
Pretty Ikea lamp
Cute snail lamp (though I'd want a colored shade)
Cool picture wall hanging sleeves
Awesome (and recyclable!) mirror
Monday, March 2, 2009
Hello again everyone!
Well, I'm sitting in my teacher-cardigan glory at the local Starbucks, drinking a chai tea and grading grading grading. Fortunately, I'm grading journal entries, which are almost always amusing. I love asking my students random questions like where they would travel if the could go anywhere right now, what they would wish for if they had one wish (and no wishing for more wishes), etc. One student kindly added at the end that he would wish for "the teacher to chill out a bit." :) Honestly, teaching is a bit tougher than I thought! The hardest thing to get used to is being a disciplinarian. I should probably be even harsher than I have been, but I'm frankly tired of giving detentions and writing people up. Why can't the kids just be quiet and nice?! I'll be grateful when I'm done with getting to know all the different policies, have all the paperwork finished, and just concentrate on lesson plans and actual teaching. That'll be nice.
I'm thoroughly enjoying living with the Maletics. They've been extremely hospitable and made me feel like part of the family. Plus, Mrs. Maletic has been giving me priceless teaching advice and been a willing listener to my daily horror stories.
I'm 90% sure that I'll be moving to that apartment during Spring Break, so I've been enjoying looking through craigslist and shopping for a bed and couch. Oh! and here's the bedding I'm thinking about buying as well:
Well, I'm sitting in my teacher-cardigan glory at the local Starbucks, drinking a chai tea and grading grading grading. Fortunately, I'm grading journal entries, which are almost always amusing. I love asking my students random questions like where they would travel if the could go anywhere right now, what they would wish for if they had one wish (and no wishing for more wishes), etc. One student kindly added at the end that he would wish for "the teacher to chill out a bit." :) Honestly, teaching is a bit tougher than I thought! The hardest thing to get used to is being a disciplinarian. I should probably be even harsher than I have been, but I'm frankly tired of giving detentions and writing people up. Why can't the kids just be quiet and nice?! I'll be grateful when I'm done with getting to know all the different policies, have all the paperwork finished, and just concentrate on lesson plans and actual teaching. That'll be nice.
I'm thoroughly enjoying living with the Maletics. They've been extremely hospitable and made me feel like part of the family. Plus, Mrs. Maletic has been giving me priceless teaching advice and been a willing listener to my daily horror stories.
I'm 90% sure that I'll be moving to that apartment during Spring Break, so I've been enjoying looking through craigslist and shopping for a bed and couch. Oh! and here's the bedding I'm thinking about buying as well:
Friday, February 13, 2009
Home Sweet Home?
Ooh! Nice and gated!
Living room action.
Almost-new appliances.
Breakfast nook- classy.
HUGE bedroom!
Patio.
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
'Cause I'm Saved by the Bell
Well, as most of you know by now- I'm moving to Grand Prairie this weekend to begin my teaching career! Yay! I got a call at 10:30 Monday morning asking me to come up to GP and meet with the other high school theater teachers to discuss how to best divvy up classes. The meeting went extremely well! The other teachers decided I should have as easy a schedule as possible, since I'm a first year teacher and taking over in the middle of the year. I'll be teaching five classes of Theater I (they're studying improv right now) and one class of Advanced Theater (they're working on a 30 min version of Romeo and Juliet). This coming Monday I'll begin by shadowing one of the theater teachers and will actually begin teaching the Monday after, Feb 23. Emily's parents have kindly offered to house me until I find an apartment. I do have a good friend in GP who is moving out of her apartment right now, so I'll be going over to check it out sometime tomorrow. I'll try and post a few pictures for ya'll!
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
Odds and Ends
Sorry it's been almost a month since I last updated!
Things are rolling along just fine though. I had a fantastic Christmas with the family and a very entertaining New Year with all my college pals in San Antonio.
I've had plenty of time to read and watch movies whilst job hunting. I even got hooked on yet another tv show- Pushing Daisies. And yes, last week I did get a job offer from South Grand Prairie High School. Thing are a bit up in the air, because though I'll certainly be working there by next August, I may begin as soon as a few weeks from now due to a possible termination. I'm quite nervous/scared/excited by it all and seriously need to get working on setting everything up to earn my teaching certificate and take my Theatre test. Oh, and the most fortunate part about working for SGPHS is that they are the (Indian) Warriors as opposed to the Fighting Gophers of GPHS. Awesome.
Things are rolling along just fine though. I had a fantastic Christmas with the family and a very entertaining New Year with all my college pals in San Antonio.
I've had plenty of time to read and watch movies whilst job hunting. I even got hooked on yet another tv show- Pushing Daisies. And yes, last week I did get a job offer from South Grand Prairie High School. Thing are a bit up in the air, because though I'll certainly be working there by next August, I may begin as soon as a few weeks from now due to a possible termination. I'm quite nervous/scared/excited by it all and seriously need to get working on setting everything up to earn my teaching certificate and take my Theatre test. Oh, and the most fortunate part about working for SGPHS is that they are the (Indian) Warriors as opposed to the Fighting Gophers of GPHS. Awesome.
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