Today's the last day before Christmas break. I can't believe it went so fast-as someone said at our meeting on Monday: "Does anyone know where September, October, and November went?" another teacher replied, "No, but we don't want them back." Since I last posted, so much has happened, but I won't really have a chance to catch up on it probably until I get home, which should happen tomorrow. I will share my most recent favorite quote from one of my students: "You know, teacher, you really are a crazy woman!" Don't remember what I said, but with Carlitos, I'm sure it was deserved, and just so you know it wasn't disrespectful. =)
And in case you're wondering, my car got fixed, worked for 19 days, then broke down again, and has been that way since Thanksgiving.
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Monday, October 22, 2007
The carless club
Not exactly a club I've always wanted to be a member of, but the one I'm in right now. Pray for wisdom in how to deal with the situation if you think about it.
I haven't posted much this school year at all, so I'll try to write a few ramblings. Probably won't be in chronological order, or any kind of order for that matter.
This year I have been teaching a couple of new classes that I have really enjoyed.
6th grade music-I taught this before, but since I had a class of 30 and only 12 books, I basically branched out and did my own thing with a lot of listening/music appreciation and music history. This year I have a small group 3 times a week for a quarter in my office, and at the next quarter I get a new group. I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far. The group I have this quarter will prove to be a lot of fun, I think. On the second day of class we were able to hold 2 part harmony that lasted 2-3 measures. Not much by some standards, but leaps and bounds for the kids I'm working with.
7th grade choir-In the past years, we've had combined middle school choirs, but this year they're split up, and I have 7th grade for 1st and 4th quarters (our schedules are weird due to time change-we don't change, but the States do, and since we use BJ LINC our schedules have to change even though the time doesn't. weird, I know) I had a group of 10 who started with some having a hard time even singing the note I played on the piano, but by the last day of first quarter were able to sing in chapel, and able to identify by hearing most any major/perfect interval from second to octave. I was so proud of them, and I can't wait until 4th quarter to work with them again. Incidentally, the last day of class we had brownies and fudge, because I teach them that to remember treble clef line notes they say the sentence Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge, and they really didn't know what fudge was. Brownie they know, but not fudge, so I made both so they could compare them.
7th grade girls PE-this is my challenge class at the moment. Most of the girls I have are absolutely not interested in sports in the least. Finding something to interest them and keep them actively partcipating is a constant challenge for me. Also, behavior is a challenge, but apparently that has been the case with this class since at least 1st grade if not longer.
7th grade Music Appreciation-I'm enjoying this one so far-I get to talk about one of my favorite subjects, and try to interest my kids in wholesome good music. I think I've succeeded with a few so far. We're talking about orchestra families and instruments right now, so that's been fun.
I'm also finally getting to coach a volleyball team. My favorite sport to play, and the one I know the most about (along with track and field) and this is the first time in 3 years I've had the opportunity to work with it. I have a team of 4-6th graders, and as of right now they're undefeated within the school (it's intramural just as the other teams I've coached have been). They almost lost last week, I think partially because they saw the posted records and came to the court saying "We've won all our games, teacher!" and playing like they didn't have to try. They saw really quickly that they did have to try, and were able to pull it off, but as I told them later, it wasn't one of our prettier wins. The most exciting was that one of my littlest and least experienced kids served the last 2 points for the win, making it 16-14 in the third game of a best of 3 set. I think she was a little scared when she saw her teammates running at her-I don't think she realized they were happy. It was I think the first time she'd served it over the net in a game, and she did it twice, under extreme pressure (though I'm not sure she really understood the last game of the set, we're tied at 14, game goes to 15 you have to win by 2 kind of pressure)
It's taken me this long (6 weeks) to get them to realize that they've won at the end of the game.
Oh well, at least we're having fun.
I haven't posted much this school year at all, so I'll try to write a few ramblings. Probably won't be in chronological order, or any kind of order for that matter.
This year I have been teaching a couple of new classes that I have really enjoyed.
6th grade music-I taught this before, but since I had a class of 30 and only 12 books, I basically branched out and did my own thing with a lot of listening/music appreciation and music history. This year I have a small group 3 times a week for a quarter in my office, and at the next quarter I get a new group. I have thoroughly enjoyed it so far. The group I have this quarter will prove to be a lot of fun, I think. On the second day of class we were able to hold 2 part harmony that lasted 2-3 measures. Not much by some standards, but leaps and bounds for the kids I'm working with.
7th grade choir-In the past years, we've had combined middle school choirs, but this year they're split up, and I have 7th grade for 1st and 4th quarters (our schedules are weird due to time change-we don't change, but the States do, and since we use BJ LINC our schedules have to change even though the time doesn't. weird, I know) I had a group of 10 who started with some having a hard time even singing the note I played on the piano, but by the last day of first quarter were able to sing in chapel, and able to identify by hearing most any major/perfect interval from second to octave. I was so proud of them, and I can't wait until 4th quarter to work with them again. Incidentally, the last day of class we had brownies and fudge, because I teach them that to remember treble clef line notes they say the sentence Every Good Boy Deserves Fudge, and they really didn't know what fudge was. Brownie they know, but not fudge, so I made both so they could compare them.
7th grade girls PE-this is my challenge class at the moment. Most of the girls I have are absolutely not interested in sports in the least. Finding something to interest them and keep them actively partcipating is a constant challenge for me. Also, behavior is a challenge, but apparently that has been the case with this class since at least 1st grade if not longer.
7th grade Music Appreciation-I'm enjoying this one so far-I get to talk about one of my favorite subjects, and try to interest my kids in wholesome good music. I think I've succeeded with a few so far. We're talking about orchestra families and instruments right now, so that's been fun.
I'm also finally getting to coach a volleyball team. My favorite sport to play, and the one I know the most about (along with track and field) and this is the first time in 3 years I've had the opportunity to work with it. I have a team of 4-6th graders, and as of right now they're undefeated within the school (it's intramural just as the other teams I've coached have been). They almost lost last week, I think partially because they saw the posted records and came to the court saying "We've won all our games, teacher!" and playing like they didn't have to try. They saw really quickly that they did have to try, and were able to pull it off, but as I told them later, it wasn't one of our prettier wins. The most exciting was that one of my littlest and least experienced kids served the last 2 points for the win, making it 16-14 in the third game of a best of 3 set. I think she was a little scared when she saw her teammates running at her-I don't think she realized they were happy. It was I think the first time she'd served it over the net in a game, and she did it twice, under extreme pressure (though I'm not sure she really understood the last game of the set, we're tied at 14, game goes to 15 you have to win by 2 kind of pressure)
It's taken me this long (6 weeks) to get them to realize that they've won at the end of the game.
Oh well, at least we're having fun.
Friday, August 31, 2007
Yes, I've been delinquent. I've been unbelievably busy, so I'm going to take the wimpy way out and post what Janice wrote about our visitation adventure 2 weeks ago.
Puertorican Potholes and Providential Provision
If you know anything about Puerto Rico, you probably wonder the same thing I do. Where does all of the toll money go? Because it surely does not go to the roads...I officially met a Puertorican pothole Monday night - in "met" I mean hit it dead on. And this was no ordinary pothole - no, this was the "Grand Canyon of all potholes."Sarah Nething and I were on our way to visit one of my students as all good Calvary teachers do on Monday nights. We travel about a half an hour away from the school, up near the mountains, and the road was worse than usual - even for PR. We arrived at what I thought was the correct street 25 minutes early. Not wanting to alarm the family, I decided that we should drive around and "explore." So we did, but on the way back, it was starting to get dark. And....it had rained that day. So the combination of those two things made it hard to see all of the potholes....thus the inevitable meeting. As soon as we hit it, I heard the air escaping from the front passenger side tire. "Great! I thought! Of all the things - this is NOT what I need." (It's funny...Sarah and were just feeling like "grownups" an hour before because they were "letting" go on visitation by ourselves...)Conveniently, the next safest place to pull off was the road that I thought the student lived on. I call the family letting them know what happened, and we were actually farther up the road than we should have been. So they tell us to stay where we are (what else are going to do?) and they would come find us. So, I proceed to get the spare tire, the crowbar, and the jack out of the trunk, having no earthly idea what to do with them. As we're getting ready to attempt to change the tire ourselves (in skirts!!!). we notice a man sitting up on his balcony in the house right next to us. We notice him because he is giving all kinds of advice as well as telling us what tools to use. My flesh immediately thought, "Why don't you get up and offer us some help?! If this were the South I'd have two or three gentlemen stopping to help by now!" I finally asked Sarah to ask him if he would help. She does so, and he reluctantly agrees. So we wait for TEN minutes for the man to come downstairs...."What is taking him so long???" I think. Finally, he comes around the corner, and I am instantly rebuked because the man has a prosthetic leg and is walking with a cane. I felt horrible! He hobbles over to us and attempts to turn the lug nuts, which were put on last time with a machine. However, because he had no leverage due to his fake leg, we were stepping on one side of the crowbar while he pushed on the other with his weak arms. The bolts wouldn't budge. We tried for a good twenty minutes, with him going all the way back inside to get more tools.Finally, my student's parents arrive on the scene. At the same time the man from the house across the street comes out to offer some help. I selfishly think, "Well, where have you been all this time? Watching us from your window???" Again, I am instantly rebuked when the man tells us that he is a mechanic. Of all the jobs he could have had and of all the roads we could have stopped on, the Lord providentially placed us across the street from a mechanic. At this point, the bolts were starting to loosen a little, but the miniscule jack that we had was not placed correctly under the car, and the car falls off. So our handy mechanic goes into his garage and gets a professional jack and proceeds to get the car back in place.We change the tire, and the mechanic takes my old tire into his garage. Now this is no "leave your work at the office" mechanic. This is a "I have my own air machine in my garage" mechanic. He tries to fix it, but alas, it was ruined.The job being done, we say "Muchas gracias!" to everyone involved and have our visit with the family. Of course, I have to drive extra slow on the way back to school - which, as all of you who know me well, know I don't like to do.I thought that this would be the end of the story, but God's provision was more than I ever expected. Our school's Mr. Fix-it, Mike, says that he will take the car on Tuesday to get a new tire on it for me. He ends up not having time, so I wait until Wednesday. All day I wait for him to come and tell me what I owe the tire place. I never hear from him, so I called him after school. An anonymous person paid for me to have not one, but TWO new tires for the front of my car. I knew that replacing two tires at a time is always better, but I only had money for one, so that was what I was going to get. But the Lord knew my need. He was the only One who knew my checkbook balance, and He provided over and above what I could ever ask or think!All of this has shown me that we serve a God who is in control of every situation and that nothing is too hard for Him!
I'll provide my own commentary on the event at a later date, provided I have a chance to breathe/email.
Puertorican Potholes and Providential Provision
If you know anything about Puerto Rico, you probably wonder the same thing I do. Where does all of the toll money go? Because it surely does not go to the roads...I officially met a Puertorican pothole Monday night - in "met" I mean hit it dead on. And this was no ordinary pothole - no, this was the "Grand Canyon of all potholes."Sarah Nething and I were on our way to visit one of my students as all good Calvary teachers do on Monday nights. We travel about a half an hour away from the school, up near the mountains, and the road was worse than usual - even for PR. We arrived at what I thought was the correct street 25 minutes early. Not wanting to alarm the family, I decided that we should drive around and "explore." So we did, but on the way back, it was starting to get dark. And....it had rained that day. So the combination of those two things made it hard to see all of the potholes....thus the inevitable meeting. As soon as we hit it, I heard the air escaping from the front passenger side tire. "Great! I thought! Of all the things - this is NOT what I need." (It's funny...Sarah and were just feeling like "grownups" an hour before because they were "letting" go on visitation by ourselves...)Conveniently, the next safest place to pull off was the road that I thought the student lived on. I call the family letting them know what happened, and we were actually farther up the road than we should have been. So they tell us to stay where we are (what else are going to do?) and they would come find us. So, I proceed to get the spare tire, the crowbar, and the jack out of the trunk, having no earthly idea what to do with them. As we're getting ready to attempt to change the tire ourselves (in skirts!!!). we notice a man sitting up on his balcony in the house right next to us. We notice him because he is giving all kinds of advice as well as telling us what tools to use. My flesh immediately thought, "Why don't you get up and offer us some help?! If this were the South I'd have two or three gentlemen stopping to help by now!" I finally asked Sarah to ask him if he would help. She does so, and he reluctantly agrees. So we wait for TEN minutes for the man to come downstairs...."What is taking him so long???" I think. Finally, he comes around the corner, and I am instantly rebuked because the man has a prosthetic leg and is walking with a cane. I felt horrible! He hobbles over to us and attempts to turn the lug nuts, which were put on last time with a machine. However, because he had no leverage due to his fake leg, we were stepping on one side of the crowbar while he pushed on the other with his weak arms. The bolts wouldn't budge. We tried for a good twenty minutes, with him going all the way back inside to get more tools.Finally, my student's parents arrive on the scene. At the same time the man from the house across the street comes out to offer some help. I selfishly think, "Well, where have you been all this time? Watching us from your window???" Again, I am instantly rebuked when the man tells us that he is a mechanic. Of all the jobs he could have had and of all the roads we could have stopped on, the Lord providentially placed us across the street from a mechanic. At this point, the bolts were starting to loosen a little, but the miniscule jack that we had was not placed correctly under the car, and the car falls off. So our handy mechanic goes into his garage and gets a professional jack and proceeds to get the car back in place.We change the tire, and the mechanic takes my old tire into his garage. Now this is no "leave your work at the office" mechanic. This is a "I have my own air machine in my garage" mechanic. He tries to fix it, but alas, it was ruined.The job being done, we say "Muchas gracias!" to everyone involved and have our visit with the family. Of course, I have to drive extra slow on the way back to school - which, as all of you who know me well, know I don't like to do.I thought that this would be the end of the story, but God's provision was more than I ever expected. Our school's Mr. Fix-it, Mike, says that he will take the car on Tuesday to get a new tire on it for me. He ends up not having time, so I wait until Wednesday. All day I wait for him to come and tell me what I owe the tire place. I never hear from him, so I called him after school. An anonymous person paid for me to have not one, but TWO new tires for the front of my car. I knew that replacing two tires at a time is always better, but I only had money for one, so that was what I was going to get. But the Lord knew my need. He was the only One who knew my checkbook balance, and He provided over and above what I could ever ask or think!All of this has shown me that we serve a God who is in control of every situation and that nothing is too hard for Him!
I'll provide my own commentary on the event at a later date, provided I have a chance to breathe/email.
Friday, July 27, 2007
Airports
Anybody need a map of concourse A at the Atlanta airport??? Cuz at this point I could probably give you a pretty good one. That's where I've spent my last 2 days and probably at least one more. Hopefully only one more. Maybe later I'll be ready to talk about it.
Friday, June 29, 2007
Summer, so far
Today is Laney's birthday-I can't believe she's already 5! Makes me feel sooo old!!!
I've been home for one month now, and no, it hasn't been restful. Not to say I haven't enjoyed it, but I've ben working since the day after I got home. Except for this week. I've been babysitting 3 girls, ages 7, 3, and 3 months, and this week the older two were with grandparents, and the mom and dad wanted to spend some time with the baby, so I've been able to sleep in some. Earlier this week I took the kids to the pool, another day we went to the library, and yesterday I took my brothers to play soccer and I got to play a little myself. I figured since I've coached the sport for 2 seasons I'd better start learning how to play it myself!
A couple of weeks ago, I dropped my mom off at a cleaning job, and went in search of a Cuban restaurant I'd been told about. I was really looking forward to some Caribbean food, so when I finally found the place ( I only knew the exit it was near, not the address or anything like that) I was pretty excited. I ordered a ham and cheese sandwich (cuban/caribbean style, not the straight from the frig variety americans are used to) and tostones-sliced and fried plantains. While I was sitting there eating my half of the meal (I saved half the sandwich and most of the tostones to share with my family because the portions are huge), a Hispanic man in scrubs came out one of the doors and said, "Haven't I already given you one of these (referring to the valued customer cards-get it punched 7 times, you get something free)?" I'd never seen the man before in my life, but he was convinced he knew me, either from the other restaurant or even from his office, and he also seemed to know about me being in Puerto Rico. Really weird! Anyway, I found out later that he's my mom's dermatologist and either he'd seen pictures of me, or I looked enough like my mom that he recognized me.
My next interesting experience for the day came when I walked into Walmart. I was a little frustrated, because I'd looked in several stores, including another Walmart, for the game "Operation." My dad had mentioned a few days previously that he had always wanted that game and never got it, so we decided to get it for him for Father's day. Only problem was that it was pretty difficult to find a version that wasn't Shrek, or Spiderman, or something else weird, we just wanted the plain old Operation! Thankfully I found it at this Walmart, and began walking towards the checkout. On the way, I saw some people setting something up, and discovered it was Truett Cathy (founder of Chick-Fil-A) doing a book signing. I've always been impressed with the man and his testimony, but I've also always been a chicken, so I didn't want to walk up and talk to him. After all, what could I possibly have to say that would be worth his time, especially since I didn't have the money to buy his book. I had a collection I got from the kids to pay for the game, but that's about it. I called my mom to tell her Mr. Cathy was there, because I thought maybe she'd like to see him later. She told me I should go talk to him, so I said, "Fine, I'll do it!" When I went up to the table there were 2 or 3 other people there, and I said "Mr. Cathy, I'm sorry I can't buy one of your books, but I wanted to tell you that I love Chick-Fil-A. I'm living in Puerto Rico now, and I really miss it. Every time I come home, it's the first meal I eat, usually even before baggage claim in the airport." He said he was real happy to hear that, then he said, "You know what? I'm going to give you one of my books." he picked up a book off the stack, opened it up to sign it with his name and Proverbs 22:1, then he looked at the front of the book and stopped. Apparently they weren't taking money for the books at the table, which I didn't realize at first, because they were Walmart's books. So, he said, "I forgot these were company books, so I'm gonna give you the money to pay for it." He reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, flipped through several bills, and handed me a $20. "Keep the change," he said. To which I replied, "Thank you sir, and God bless you!" I payed for the game and the book in the Walmart checkout, all the while amazed at this man's kindness towards me, a random person walking through Walmart. Just a really neat experience!
the other fun part about it was that we signed the card that came with the game with all our names, and at the bottom, "and Truett Cathy" because the money left over from what he gave me helped pay for the rest of the game. That was a lot of fun explaining to Dad!!
I've been home for one month now, and no, it hasn't been restful. Not to say I haven't enjoyed it, but I've ben working since the day after I got home. Except for this week. I've been babysitting 3 girls, ages 7, 3, and 3 months, and this week the older two were with grandparents, and the mom and dad wanted to spend some time with the baby, so I've been able to sleep in some. Earlier this week I took the kids to the pool, another day we went to the library, and yesterday I took my brothers to play soccer and I got to play a little myself. I figured since I've coached the sport for 2 seasons I'd better start learning how to play it myself!
A couple of weeks ago, I dropped my mom off at a cleaning job, and went in search of a Cuban restaurant I'd been told about. I was really looking forward to some Caribbean food, so when I finally found the place ( I only knew the exit it was near, not the address or anything like that) I was pretty excited. I ordered a ham and cheese sandwich (cuban/caribbean style, not the straight from the frig variety americans are used to) and tostones-sliced and fried plantains. While I was sitting there eating my half of the meal (I saved half the sandwich and most of the tostones to share with my family because the portions are huge), a Hispanic man in scrubs came out one of the doors and said, "Haven't I already given you one of these (referring to the valued customer cards-get it punched 7 times, you get something free)?" I'd never seen the man before in my life, but he was convinced he knew me, either from the other restaurant or even from his office, and he also seemed to know about me being in Puerto Rico. Really weird! Anyway, I found out later that he's my mom's dermatologist and either he'd seen pictures of me, or I looked enough like my mom that he recognized me.
My next interesting experience for the day came when I walked into Walmart. I was a little frustrated, because I'd looked in several stores, including another Walmart, for the game "Operation." My dad had mentioned a few days previously that he had always wanted that game and never got it, so we decided to get it for him for Father's day. Only problem was that it was pretty difficult to find a version that wasn't Shrek, or Spiderman, or something else weird, we just wanted the plain old Operation! Thankfully I found it at this Walmart, and began walking towards the checkout. On the way, I saw some people setting something up, and discovered it was Truett Cathy (founder of Chick-Fil-A) doing a book signing. I've always been impressed with the man and his testimony, but I've also always been a chicken, so I didn't want to walk up and talk to him. After all, what could I possibly have to say that would be worth his time, especially since I didn't have the money to buy his book. I had a collection I got from the kids to pay for the game, but that's about it. I called my mom to tell her Mr. Cathy was there, because I thought maybe she'd like to see him later. She told me I should go talk to him, so I said, "Fine, I'll do it!" When I went up to the table there were 2 or 3 other people there, and I said "Mr. Cathy, I'm sorry I can't buy one of your books, but I wanted to tell you that I love Chick-Fil-A. I'm living in Puerto Rico now, and I really miss it. Every time I come home, it's the first meal I eat, usually even before baggage claim in the airport." He said he was real happy to hear that, then he said, "You know what? I'm going to give you one of my books." he picked up a book off the stack, opened it up to sign it with his name and Proverbs 22:1, then he looked at the front of the book and stopped. Apparently they weren't taking money for the books at the table, which I didn't realize at first, because they were Walmart's books. So, he said, "I forgot these were company books, so I'm gonna give you the money to pay for it." He reached into his pocket, pulled out his wallet, flipped through several bills, and handed me a $20. "Keep the change," he said. To which I replied, "Thank you sir, and God bless you!" I payed for the game and the book in the Walmart checkout, all the while amazed at this man's kindness towards me, a random person walking through Walmart. Just a really neat experience!
the other fun part about it was that we signed the card that came with the game with all our names, and at the bottom, "and Truett Cathy" because the money left over from what he gave me helped pay for the rest of the game. That was a lot of fun explaining to Dad!!
Monday, May 07, 2007
new instruments
I don't normally carry around student quizzes to show people, but two this past week were too good to pass up.
One of the questions required a list of 3 of the following 4 instruments: harp, English horn, bass clarinet, bass trombone
several of my students involuntarily created new instruments in answer to this question, but these were my 2 favorites: tropical bass, and bass hormone. yep, you read that one right.
One of the questions required a list of 3 of the following 4 instruments: harp, English horn, bass clarinet, bass trombone
several of my students involuntarily created new instruments in answer to this question, but these were my 2 favorites: tropical bass, and bass hormone. yep, you read that one right.
Tuesday, May 01, 2007
Student quotes
Teacher, can you turn the sun off? It's hot out here!
-Achsah, 6th grade
Teacher, you're beautiful!
-Natalia, 1st grade
After being asked if they knew where in the Bible you could find "Be ye kind one to another" :
On page 25!
-Nicole, 1st grade
-Achsah, 6th grade
Teacher, you're beautiful!
-Natalia, 1st grade
After being asked if they knew where in the Bible you could find "Be ye kind one to another" :
On page 25!
-Nicole, 1st grade
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
life
Yeah, I know, it's been forever. But life has been crazy. Among other things, I've been sick for a week with a mild form of dengue, field day, spring break, soccer finals, and this weekend the senior banquet. I've decided I'm not going to put pictures up here any more. I'll still write, but my pictures will go up at facebook since it's so much faster to upload them there. So, if you have a facebook account, look at the pictures there. If not, leave a comment to let me know and I can email you the link so you can see them even if you don't have facebook. Anyway, that's all for now.
Tuesday, March 13, 2007
2nd falls at the Wilds during Music Conference.
Zasheyra and Karimel, two more 5th graders.
Ariana and Lizmarie (5th graders) at the "Sit-go" station-so named because with the roof it actually looks like a gas station, and that is where they wait to be picked up in the afternoons. Keeps them out of the sun, and at times, the rain.
Lyanne (10th grade student) and Janice (fellow teacher) at Janice's birthday party.
Four of my oldest players clowning for the camera. Or maybe not for the camera-they're usually clowns anyway. =)
My nutty soccer players, minus one of my 6th graders. Back row (left to right): Frances, Daniella, Gabriella, Ashley, Raquel. Middle row: Shalibel, Stephanie. and laying across the front, Andrea. My missing sixth grader is Ruth Anne. Our record now is 3-3 after winning 2 awesome games last Friday afternoon. Finally we won a game that went to penalty kicks-2 of our losses were penalty kick games, the other we lost 2-1.
I took this picture because it looked interesting to me at the moment. This lady was sitting on the steps outside the Catholic church. She was talking loudly and excitedly, and as you can see there's no one there. I'm not sure if she was on the phone, or what. There was actually a Mass going on in the church as this picture was taken. We had walked in to look at the cathedral, when we heard the service going on.
Pictures again
Oscar, a K4 student, started the year coming in crying every morning, babbling in Spanish. Now he comes in bouncing and laughing, sometimes running, all the while talking non stop in English.
My whole family New Year's Eve.
La Boca, literally "the mouth" is a beautiful out of the way spot we found a couple of weeks ago, definitely worth a return trip!
Church during missions conference. Each flag represents a country where we have at least one missionary, though not all the countries where we have missionaries are represented.
Wednesday, February 14, 2007
Happy Valentines Day!
Last night I went shopping. I know, I'm an idiot-going shopping the night before Valentine's Day. Here in Puerto Rico, the traffic and lines in the stores were as bad or worse than Christmas in the states. If this is Valentine's Day here, I don't think I want to see what Christmas is like. There was actually a good reason I went, and with the good deals I got, I'm glad I went. On Saturday when I was out shopping, I hadn't really thought about what I would do for Valentine's Day for my students, etc, so I didn't want to just randomly buy things. After all, Walmart had tons of valentines on Saturday, surely there would be some left on Monday. When I went on Monday, all they had left was Superman and Barbie. I was kinda disappointed, because I really didn't want to have to go out on Tuesday, but oh well. Last night, I went straight from school to the mall. I was looking for a few cards and some other things. As I passed Champs, I happened to see they were having a shoe sale, so I stopped in since the running shoes I've been wearing for the last 6 years are falling apart. I know, 6 years! Kinda depressing that they lasted that long-in highschool I ran so much I needed a new pair every year. I have been running and exercising more lately, so I've noticed the wear on my shoes much more. Anyway, as usual, there were hardly any shoes in my size, but I did find a few. Only problem was that most of the shoes were pink! I like pink ok for clothes, but for athletic shoes??? Nope! I happened to find a pair of Nike Shox for $20 in an acceptable color-white, silver and a mint green. They fit, so that was even better. I also found 2 hats on sale for $3-Texas Longhorns, and Braves. I was very excited about my first pair of Nikes, and I became even more excited when I looked at the receipt. The normal price for the shoes I got was $150, and I only paid $20! The feel of these shoes is incredible, too. After shopping and standing from about 5:00 to 9:30, I put the new shoes on at home while I hung my laundry, and let me tell you they felt good!! I also got a purse from the clearance rack because my purse was falling apart. So, in spite of the insanity of traffic, I'm glad I went. This morning I came in and found on my desk a couple of cards and some mini Snickers. Students and teachers have given me hazelnut chocolates, brownies, and chocolate dipped strawberries-those count as fruit, right??.
As for much more important news, on Monday night visitation, I was translating for one of the first grade teachers. As usual, when I know I'm going to be translating, I call mom and let her know so she can be praying. We talked to the mother for a while, and then Julie (the other teacher) asked if she could share the gospel. I was nervous and praying that the Lord would give me the right words to accurately convey what Julie was trying to say. God was good, and the mother prayed to trust Christ! It was really exciting to be able to help-you could see on her face that she understood about sin, the penalty and the payment, and that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. Praise the Lord! If you think about it pray for Brenda, she told us when we came in that she was a practicing catholic-Mass every Sunday, etc. Pray that the Lord will continue to work in her heart, that she would be able to grow, and that she would be able to come to church.
As for much more important news, on Monday night visitation, I was translating for one of the first grade teachers. As usual, when I know I'm going to be translating, I call mom and let her know so she can be praying. We talked to the mother for a while, and then Julie (the other teacher) asked if she could share the gospel. I was nervous and praying that the Lord would give me the right words to accurately convey what Julie was trying to say. God was good, and the mother prayed to trust Christ! It was really exciting to be able to help-you could see on her face that she understood about sin, the penalty and the payment, and that Jesus Christ is the only way to heaven. Praise the Lord! If you think about it pray for Brenda, she told us when we came in that she was a practicing catholic-Mass every Sunday, etc. Pray that the Lord will continue to work in her heart, that she would be able to grow, and that she would be able to come to church.
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Two thoughts
First: Anthony, a second grader, asked me today, "Teacher, if my skin's made of dust, why can't I take it apart?"
Second: Tomorrow, I will purposely wear pink on Valentine's Day for the first time I can remember. Why, you may ask? Because I can!
Second: Tomorrow, I will purposely wear pink on Valentine's Day for the first time I can remember. Why, you may ask? Because I can!
Thursday, February 08, 2007
New soccer season
The after school soccer season started last week, and we have our first games this week. I have 3 returning team members from last year, as well as some others I'm looking forward to working with. Since there are only 3 teams this year, we are alternating multiple practices and games. Each week one team will have 2 practices, and a different team will have 2 games. My team has 2 games this week and 2 practices next week.
In other news, Carlos turned 10 on Monday, and while I was talking to his mom, I learned 2 new Spanish phrases-flat tire, and the Puerto Rican expression for old maid.
The reason I learned about flat tires is simple-I had one. Monday morning on the way into work, I started to hear a funny noise, but I wasn't sure what it was. As I've told people here, even if one side of my car was lower than another, with the road conditions here, you never know if it's because of a pothole or a flat tire. By the time I figured out it was a flat tire, I was not in a safe place to stop. I know it's not good for the car to keep driving on a flat tire, but Dad always said you can replace a tire, but not a life, so get somewhere safe. I drove into the parking lot of a Texaco station, where I saw a couple of men, one of whom I was sure I recognized from seeing him begging at the traffic light. He ended up being the one who changed my tire. After about 45 minutes, a changed tire, and an interesting conversation with an older man waiting in the parking lot, I finally made it to school at 7:50, only 50 minutes late. Thankfully on Mondays we don't have chapel, and I don't have a piano lesson until 8:30, so I was there in plenty of time.
A few recent student quotes:
The other day, I was coming out of the restroom, and I heard one of the teachers ask if there were any students left in there. We both heard a voice from one of the stalls say, "No, teacher, nobody's here!"
The other day, Gabriel in first grade told me, "Teacher, I like chapel days!" When I asked him why, he said, "Because I like to be with God!"
I was talking to a few of the 5th grade girls in the park, and Yolimar said, "Teacher, when you get mad, you get real quiet. You don't get loud, you just talk really quiet and when you're mad at the boys you get in their faces and talk to them really quiet."
In other news, Carlos turned 10 on Monday, and while I was talking to his mom, I learned 2 new Spanish phrases-flat tire, and the Puerto Rican expression for old maid.
The reason I learned about flat tires is simple-I had one. Monday morning on the way into work, I started to hear a funny noise, but I wasn't sure what it was. As I've told people here, even if one side of my car was lower than another, with the road conditions here, you never know if it's because of a pothole or a flat tire. By the time I figured out it was a flat tire, I was not in a safe place to stop. I know it's not good for the car to keep driving on a flat tire, but Dad always said you can replace a tire, but not a life, so get somewhere safe. I drove into the parking lot of a Texaco station, where I saw a couple of men, one of whom I was sure I recognized from seeing him begging at the traffic light. He ended up being the one who changed my tire. After about 45 minutes, a changed tire, and an interesting conversation with an older man waiting in the parking lot, I finally made it to school at 7:50, only 50 minutes late. Thankfully on Mondays we don't have chapel, and I don't have a piano lesson until 8:30, so I was there in plenty of time.
A few recent student quotes:
The other day, I was coming out of the restroom, and I heard one of the teachers ask if there were any students left in there. We both heard a voice from one of the stalls say, "No, teacher, nobody's here!"
The other day, Gabriel in first grade told me, "Teacher, I like chapel days!" When I asked him why, he said, "Because I like to be with God!"
I was talking to a few of the 5th grade girls in the park, and Yolimar said, "Teacher, when you get mad, you get real quiet. You don't get loud, you just talk really quiet and when you're mad at the boys you get in their faces and talk to them really quiet."
Friday, February 02, 2007
More pictures
I love taking pictures of the water here, especially the varied colors you can see.
Puerto Rico is so beautiful!
One of my favorite buildings in Old San Juan. I think I end up with at least one picture of it every time I get my camera out.
For our Columbus day activity each team had to solve a series of riddles to find the word "Spain," which they had to spell using their bodies on the lawn of the big fort on the island. You can see the word if you use your imagination!
My team serenading a random stranger with a Christmas carol.
My team with a blue Ford Mustang (happened to be at the Ford dealership)
My lovely car, which celebrates its 20th birthday this year. Any suggestions for a name (female) are welcome. Yes, I parked first, no, they're not touching.
Manmade waterfall in Centennial Park. I like water!!
Downtown Atlanta's Centennial Olympic Park with the Peachtree Westin hotel in the background along with other buildings.
My favorite picture of Will and Anna together. This was taken while we were waiting in line to "spin the wheel" at an Atlanta Thrashers game.The kids also got tickets to an NHL game-Atlanta played New Jersey. I went to my first NBA game on a Friday and my first NHL game the next day in the same place-Philips Arena. While we were at the hockey game, they have one of those things where you can spin a wheel to win prizes. Most of the time there aren't that many good prizes, but this time I won 2 free tickets to another hockey game! So, the day after Christmas, Dad and I went to Atlanta 4-5 hours before the game started to make sure there would be tickets available. We were able to get the $55 seats, but still had to kill time in cold, windy downtown Atlanta before we could get in. That was one time I was definitely missing the Caribbean! I did enjoy the cold most of the time I was home, though.
Our seats for the Thrashers game were higher up than for the Hawks game, but still good.
All of us kids (minus Ruth) in front of the CNN Center Christmas tree after the basketball game.
My brothers and sisters did some sort of reading contest, and got free tickets to an Atlanta Hawks game. The Hawks played the Pacers, and lost. I don't remember the score, but I really enjoyed the game!
Half time practice at the Hawks game.
Delaney cheering on the Hawks, even though they were losing.
Anna and I at the Hawks game enjoying the hats they handed out at the door-this was the Friday before Christmas.
Half time practice at the Hawks game.
Delaney cheering on the Hawks, even though they were losing. 
Anna and I at the Hawks game enjoying the hats they handed out at the door-this was the Friday before Christmas.
Wednesday, January 31, 2007
Missions Conference
Tonight is the last night of missions conference. I'm exhausted, but it has been good.
School has been very busy this semester-hence the reason this is my first and only post of January! Soccer started yesterday, so I'm sure it will only get busier. Hopefully sometime soon (maybe after the weekend) I'll be able to post some pictures from Christmas break-I got a new camera, so I had a lot of fun with it, especially going to an NBA game, 2 NHL games, and then spending a week at the Wilds.
School has been very busy this semester-hence the reason this is my first and only post of January! Soccer started yesterday, so I'm sure it will only get busier. Hopefully sometime soon (maybe after the weekend) I'll be able to post some pictures from Christmas break-I got a new camera, so I had a lot of fun with it, especially going to an NBA game, 2 NHL games, and then spending a week at the Wilds.
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