An unexpected day off because of weather/road conditions, so I'm home instead and getting a head start on cooking for tomorrow (now instead of tonight? Yes please!)
The apartment smells delish...
Made or in process:
- Stained glass jello
- Better green bean casserole
- Cheese appetizer
- Roasted carrots
- Mashed potatoes & sweet potatoes
- crustless quiche (egg, green onion, bacon)
- turkey
The jello is done, the green bean casserole will be ready to just bake tomorrow, the cheese appetizer is done, the carrots will be ready to roast, the potatoes will be ready to heat through the small crock pot, the quiche contents will be ready to pour into the dish and bake, and the turkey breast will cook in the large crockpot overnight :)
Friday, December 24, 2010
A different kind of gift
It's Christmas Eve day. I love the anticipation of this day. Christmas Eve plans are oh so close, but not yet here. Christmas is tomorrow. But first, an entire day!
I was supposed to have worked, but because a winter storm and slick roads and adequate coverage at work, I am instead at home.
I feel like I've been given a gift. I was planning to be at work all week, get off at midafternoon, and then spend time with family tonight and tomorrow and spend Sunday with my church family and head back to work on Monday. Instead, I have an extra day. A day to work on projects, a day to cook ahead a little for this weekend, a day to do some organizing and filing that has been pushed aside for months.
I love this :)
It's not like there's even the option of going anywhere, since maintenance apparently isn't planning to plow our parking lot for a while and the streets are slick and snow-laden still. Once the snow tapers, I might run some errands nearby. Mostly, though, it's a day to be at home, Christmas lights glowing, and cozily getting things accomplished <3
Pics of decor and craftiness later...
Merry Christmas, friends :)
I was supposed to have worked, but because a winter storm and slick roads and adequate coverage at work, I am instead at home.
I feel like I've been given a gift. I was planning to be at work all week, get off at midafternoon, and then spend time with family tonight and tomorrow and spend Sunday with my church family and head back to work on Monday. Instead, I have an extra day. A day to work on projects, a day to cook ahead a little for this weekend, a day to do some organizing and filing that has been pushed aside for months.
I love this :)
It's not like there's even the option of going anywhere, since maintenance apparently isn't planning to plow our parking lot for a while and the streets are slick and snow-laden still. Once the snow tapers, I might run some errands nearby. Mostly, though, it's a day to be at home, Christmas lights glowing, and cozily getting things accomplished <3
Pics of decor and craftiness later...
Merry Christmas, friends :)
Saturday, December 11, 2010
Break has coming and crafting is on the agenda!
I've spent a lot of this First Day of Break guiltlessly browsing some of the craft blogs I came across during finals week ;)
I come bearing much linkage to some of the neat things I've found:
- Advent plans + a stocking calendar - cute and I love the others-focus of it
- Another cute Advent calendar style. The versatility is what I like most, I think :)
- I love these pillows and intend to cover some pillows in our living room so they look like this. (Though, I think I'll do embroidery stitches for the branches instead)
- This minimalist Christmas tree is a fun idea - I'd love to do something like this but incorporate garland and color too. But I really like the basic lines it has!
- These decorative music-wrapped candles look fab and super easy & cheap!
- I cannot wait to make this super cute/cheap/easy Tuna can pin cushion :)
- This Jointed Letter Banner is so versatile & easy too!
- Those large glass apothecary jars are SO versatile for decorating, but can be so expensive. What if you could make some for around $6?
- Or, here are some great candlesticks made from tin cans [Oh, actual instructions here, I guess]
- I love these framed felt snowflakes too :)
- This Mom's Ultimate Purse Survival Kit is pretty sweet, and way compact and convenient
- I AM MAKING THIS ORANGE/PINECONE WREATH :D
- These Blossom Ear Warmers are super cute, as are these variations!
I also found a cute smocked red pillow I want to copy for our living room, plus adorable ornaments made by covering foam balls in either yarn or burlap (hers was red). They're adorable and would be super cheap and easy to make.
It's a good thing I'll be working this week or I can see all of my time disappearing into crafting :)
I come bearing much linkage to some of the neat things I've found:
- Advent plans + a stocking calendar - cute and I love the others-focus of it
- Another cute Advent calendar style. The versatility is what I like most, I think :)
- I love these pillows and intend to cover some pillows in our living room so they look like this. (Though, I think I'll do embroidery stitches for the branches instead)
- This minimalist Christmas tree is a fun idea - I'd love to do something like this but incorporate garland and color too. But I really like the basic lines it has!
- These decorative music-wrapped candles look fab and super easy & cheap!
- I cannot wait to make this super cute/cheap/easy Tuna can pin cushion :)
- This Jointed Letter Banner is so versatile & easy too!
- Those large glass apothecary jars are SO versatile for decorating, but can be so expensive. What if you could make some for around $6?
- Or, here are some great candlesticks made from tin cans [Oh, actual instructions here, I guess]
- I love these framed felt snowflakes too :)
- This Mom's Ultimate Purse Survival Kit is pretty sweet, and way compact and convenient
- I AM MAKING THIS ORANGE/PINECONE WREATH :D
- These Blossom Ear Warmers are super cute, as are these variations!
I also found a cute smocked red pillow I want to copy for our living room, plus adorable ornaments made by covering foam balls in either yarn or burlap (hers was red). They're adorable and would be super cheap and easy to make.
It's a good thing I'll be working this week or I can see all of my time disappearing into crafting :)
Wednesday, December 8, 2010
Almost there...!
It is finals week.
It is the sort of week where a list of projects and commitments and tests on the dry-erase board on the door is key in making sure I know what I should be working on and when.
It is also pretty exciting when I get to erase things and can see more and more background and less text :)
It's December.
Christmas is coming.
Presents are stashed away, awaiting post-finals time when I'll be able to get things wrapped :)
My Amazon order is pending as I try to decide what else I want to add to my free-shipping purchase.
I'm avoiding our spare room, which is a storehouse of crafting supplies, jewelry-making things purchased the day after Thanksgiving, the decorative pillows I'm making for our bed, the Christmas decorations I want to decorate with already!!!
I had a lot of studying to do still yesterday.
I'd seen a picture that inspired an idea I wanted to try.
I wanted so much to run to Michaels to pick up supplies instead of continuing to study.
I made a deal with myself: "If you get _______ finished, then you can go to the store!!"
I am very motivated by deals :)
I finished, we ran to the store, I picked up a fab assortment of Christmas AND winter decorating supplies (all way on sale too, of course). [In my mind, Christmas decorations are a hodge-podge of red, green, silver, gold, burgundy, etc. colors. Winter decorations, however, are of the blue/silver variety. And... the bright pink, purple, silver/blue/green are later-winter decor. I know, right? But that's what they look like in my mind.]
I crafted when I came home. We strung some lights, hung some garland, I arranged and styled to my heart's content.
And then, it was time for homework again.
My Christmas totes are still stashed away in the closet of our spare room.
I have a CLEP test (college math) I'm taking tomorrow.
Until that is taken, I am "not allowed" to get into those bins or decorate any more. But once that test is over... oh yes, there will be decorating in abundance tomorrow night!!!! :D
It is the sort of week where a list of projects and commitments and tests on the dry-erase board on the door is key in making sure I know what I should be working on and when.
It is also pretty exciting when I get to erase things and can see more and more background and less text :)
It's December.
Christmas is coming.
Presents are stashed away, awaiting post-finals time when I'll be able to get things wrapped :)
My Amazon order is pending as I try to decide what else I want to add to my free-shipping purchase.
I'm avoiding our spare room, which is a storehouse of crafting supplies, jewelry-making things purchased the day after Thanksgiving, the decorative pillows I'm making for our bed, the Christmas decorations I want to decorate with already!!!
I had a lot of studying to do still yesterday.
I'd seen a picture that inspired an idea I wanted to try.
I wanted so much to run to Michaels to pick up supplies instead of continuing to study.
I made a deal with myself: "If you get _______ finished, then you can go to the store!!"
I am very motivated by deals :)
I finished, we ran to the store, I picked up a fab assortment of Christmas AND winter decorating supplies (all way on sale too, of course). [In my mind, Christmas decorations are a hodge-podge of red, green, silver, gold, burgundy, etc. colors. Winter decorations, however, are of the blue/silver variety. And... the bright pink, purple, silver/blue/green are later-winter decor. I know, right? But that's what they look like in my mind.]
I crafted when I came home. We strung some lights, hung some garland, I arranged and styled to my heart's content.
And then, it was time for homework again.
My Christmas totes are still stashed away in the closet of our spare room.
I have a CLEP test (college math) I'm taking tomorrow.
Until that is taken, I am "not allowed" to get into those bins or decorate any more. But once that test is over... oh yes, there will be decorating in abundance tomorrow night!!!! :D
Thursday, October 28, 2010
Resources post!
I'm not sure where I stumbled upon these links, but they're pretty fantastic and I had to share.
First, some writing prompts. Some of them aren't very great, but there are some really fun ones. One of my favorites: "Write from the point of view of a freshly scrubbed floor."
Second, here's a link to a PDF of 26 godly character traits (with the name of the trait, a definition, a picture, and a corresponding Bible verse) plus a teacher's sheet with some ideas re: how to use them.
Third, CurrClick has a LOT of free content to download. Tonight I downloaded...
Fourth, there is a wealth of FREE DOWNLOADABLE PRINTABLE early childhood education stuffage at Hubbard's Cupboard.
The end. Now back to homework.
First, some writing prompts. Some of them aren't very great, but there are some really fun ones. One of my favorites: "Write from the point of view of a freshly scrubbed floor."
Second, here's a link to a PDF of 26 godly character traits (with the name of the trait, a definition, a picture, and a corresponding Bible verse) plus a teacher's sheet with some ideas re: how to use them.
Third, CurrClick has a LOT of free content to download. Tonight I downloaded...
Fourth, there is a wealth of FREE DOWNLOADABLE PRINTABLE early childhood education stuffage at Hubbard's Cupboard.
The end. Now back to homework.
Monday, October 4, 2010
Greek Chicken Pasta
Greek Chicken Pasta
5 Servings - Prep/Total Time: 25 min.
Ingredients:
* 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
* 1/4 cup butter, cubed
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 3 cups cubed cooked chicken
* 1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
* 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
* 1/3 cup sliced pitted Greek olives
* 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Directions:
* Cook pasta according to package directions.
* Meanwhile, in a large ovenproof skillet, melt butter. Add onion; saute until tender. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the chicken, artichoke hearts, cheese, tomatoes and olives.
* Drain pasta; stir into the pan. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat for 5-7 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley.
[Modifications:]
I am not a fan of feta, so I subbed Parmesan cheese. Same with the Greek olives, for which I subbed in black olives. The sun-dried tomatoes I used were just julienned, sun-dried tomatoes - no oil-packing :) I added some ground black pepper + a few dashes of cinnamon to kick up the flavor.
This makes a hearty, filling dish. I think of it as "Greek Mac & Cheese" :)
5 Servings - Prep/Total Time: 25 min.
Ingredients:
* 2 cups uncooked penne pasta
* 1/4 cup butter, cubed
* 1 large onion, chopped
* 1/4 cup all-purpose flour
* 1 can (14-1/2 ounces) reduced-sodium chicken broth
* 3 cups cubed cooked chicken
* 1 jar (7-1/2 ounces) marinated quartered artichoke hearts, drained
* 1 cup (4 ounces) crumbled feta cheese
* 1/2 cup chopped oil-packed sun-dried tomatoes
* 1/3 cup sliced pitted Greek olives
* 2 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
Directions:
* Cook pasta according to package directions.
* Meanwhile, in a large ovenproof skillet, melt butter. Add onion; saute until tender. Stir in flour until blended; gradually add broth. Bring to a boil; cook and stir for 2 minutes or until thickened. Stir in the chicken, artichoke hearts, cheese, tomatoes and olives.
* Drain pasta; stir into the pan. Broil 3-4 in. from the heat for 5-7 minutes or until bubbly and golden brown. Sprinkle with parsley.
[Modifications:]
I am not a fan of feta, so I subbed Parmesan cheese. Same with the Greek olives, for which I subbed in black olives. The sun-dried tomatoes I used were just julienned, sun-dried tomatoes - no oil-packing :) I added some ground black pepper + a few dashes of cinnamon to kick up the flavor.
This makes a hearty, filling dish. I think of it as "Greek Mac & Cheese" :)
Homework = fun??!?
Sometimes I feel like I can't really be doing homework when I am working on FUN PROJECTS.
But... I am.
And just because working on a science lab or book report or writing a unit plan or planning reading tutoring sessions is fun, they ARE still homework!
My science lab is about overfishing & the ecological effects, and will include a lab that involves fishing for *something* (material TBD) with 2 sizes of fish nets (courtesy the local pet supply store) & comparing the effects on the "fish" population.
My unit plan is on modern conveniences (the electric light, refrigeration, the sewing machine, a summary of other appliances, and moving pictures- which will totally include Animation, thus a Pixar short and probably a field trip to see a 3D IMAX movie :)
My book report is on The Phantom Tollbooth and I'm thinking I'll approach it as "a book in a box" sort of, except including pics/artifacts from Milo's adventures. Now that I know where I'm going with this book report, I am SO looking forward to it!! :D
*is grateful that she enjoys projects related to her major*
But... I am.
And just because working on a science lab or book report or writing a unit plan or planning reading tutoring sessions is fun, they ARE still homework!
My science lab is about overfishing & the ecological effects, and will include a lab that involves fishing for *something* (material TBD) with 2 sizes of fish nets (courtesy the local pet supply store) & comparing the effects on the "fish" population.
My unit plan is on modern conveniences (the electric light, refrigeration, the sewing machine, a summary of other appliances, and moving pictures- which will totally include Animation, thus a Pixar short and probably a field trip to see a 3D IMAX movie :)
My book report is on The Phantom Tollbooth and I'm thinking I'll approach it as "a book in a box" sort of, except including pics/artifacts from Milo's adventures. Now that I know where I'm going with this book report, I am SO looking forward to it!! :D
*is grateful that she enjoys projects related to her major*
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
Thoughts from Sunday's sermon
"There is no shame in the struggle."
To say there is no struggle is to set yourself up for a fall.
Just because you want to sin doesn't mean you have to.
Calvary is at your disposal every time sin tempts.
When we're tempted to say or do something sinful and pause, struggle, and then by the power of Christ *don't*, that's what it means to live in freedom from sin's dominion.
(Romans 6)
To say there is no struggle is to set yourself up for a fall.
Just because you want to sin doesn't mean you have to.
Calvary is at your disposal every time sin tempts.
When we're tempted to say or do something sinful and pause, struggle, and then by the power of Christ *don't*, that's what it means to live in freedom from sin's dominion.
(Romans 6)
Saturday, September 11, 2010
*waves*
Oh, hello blog & readers :)
Life craziness has made it so really don't even think about posting here.
I'm an Elementary Education major and taking 19 credits this semester. This = BUSY.
All of my classes are really great, but the homework and projects are a constant. I used to think my goal was to get ahead. Instead, I've revised to "stay afloat."
As part of my Teaching Language Arts class, I am reading kids' books - LOTS of them!
Here is what I've read lately:
I LIKE this kind of class assignment!
Life craziness has made it so really don't even think about posting here.
I'm an Elementary Education major and taking 19 credits this semester. This = BUSY.
All of my classes are really great, but the homework and projects are a constant. I used to think my goal was to get ahead. Instead, I've revised to "stay afloat."
As part of my Teaching Language Arts class, I am reading kids' books - LOTS of them!
Here is what I've read lately:
- Ralph S. Mouse (Beverly Cleary) - love!
- The Tiger Rising (Kate DiCamillo) - sad, but hopeful & well-written
- Seen Art? (Jon Scieszka) - ha! fun concept!
- Perre (Maurice Sendak) - LOL! In the style of old-time moralistic stories.. and in rhyme!!
- Pickles to Pittsburg (Judi Barrett) - um... meh?
- Louise: Adventures of a Chicken (Kate DiCamillo) - LOVE! This is the same author who wrote Despereaux :)
- The Rumplestiltskin Problem (Vivian Vande Velde) - Super fun - 6 short stories that approach the story more logically. Love the different styles & approaches to motivation.
- The Best School Year Ever (Barbara Robinson) - If you loved "Best Christmas Pageant Ever," you will most likely love this book too.
- Ella the Elegant Elephant (Carmela & Steven D'amico) - Adorable! Fab pics.
- If You're So Smart How Come You Can't Spell Mississippi? (Barbara Esham) - A great approach to dealing with dyslexia & other students' view of those who struggle with it.
- In Grandma's Attic (Arleta Richardson) - These books are the best evar! Love the nostalgia & fun stories and lessons learned.
- Trading Places (Claudia Mills) - A really good book that deals with parental unemployment, stupid girl relationships (ie: exclusion for no reason) and has good resolution.
- The Sign on Rosie's Door (Maurice Sendak) - HILARIOUS! You just have to read it. I love her imagination.
- Zoom (Istvan Banyai) - Ok so you don't exactly read it - it's a book about visual perception by a Hungarian graphic designer
- Sylvester and the Magic Pebble (William Steig) - Lol I remember reading this when I was little. It's fun and imaginative.
- The Story of Babar (Jean de Brunhoff) - Uh.. I really thought the storyline was stupid?
- The Story About Ping (Marjorie Flack & Kurt Wiese) - I like this book for nostalgic reasons, plus it teaches little kids about the importance of staying with your parents 'cause getting lost is scary and dangerous!
- Lyle, Lyle Crocodile (Bernard Waber) - Such a cute, fun, happy book :) Read it.
- The Kitten Who Thought He Was a Mouse (Miriam Norton) - Sweet, but not remarkable.
- The King Without a Shadow (R. C. Sproul) - Interesting theologically, but it didn't seem super kid-friendly.
- I'll Love You Anyway & Always (Bryan Chapell) - LOVE this book! Really great lesson to it - A little girl disobeys and is afraid that her dad won't love her anymore. He responds by telling her he'll love her "anyway & always" and then goes on to talk about how that's how God loves us + gives a ton of examples of different incidents in the Bible. The next day, her little brother wrongs her and she makes the choice between being rightfully offended OR loving him and forgiving the offense.
- Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel (Virginia Lee Burton) -I love Mike and this book and the nostalgia of it :) Super cute.
- Two Minute Mysteries (Donald J. Sobol) - eh, doesn't seem super kid-appropriate. Instead of kid-friendly mysteries like his Encyclopedia Brown books, this book is full of 2-page mysteries about all sorts of murders, suicides, drownings, etc. There's some theft and ransom stories, but most of them are a lot more graphic than I'd want to hand over to a kid who could handle the reading level.
- Mr. Toad (based on Wind in the Willows) - (adapted by Jane Carruth) - Hated it. I think it's maybe because it's an adaption of just a portion of the book??? Basically he is naughty through the entire bok and only somewhat punished and wholly unrepentant. Ugh!!
- Amelia Bedelia's Family Album (Peggy Parish) - Ha! I sometimes like these and often think they're dumb. This one was more fun.
- The Hundred Dresses (Eleanor Estes)- I think this might be one of my favorite books ever. Clearly shows the potential consequences of unkind actions and underscores how even if you're sorry that doesn't always make everything better. Just... read it. <3
- Flat Stanley (Jeff Brown) - LOL! I'd never read this book before, just seen the little paper guys that got mailed around with class projects. The story-telling is SO '60s and it makes me smile :) A fun book; definitely piques the imagination.
I LIKE this kind of class assignment!
Wednesday, July 28, 2010
Craftalicious!
I am so beyond distracted... I have been browsing the interwebs and imagining the sort of knitty goodness I could create!
I love the lines (and color! and buttons!) of this cardigan.
Little girl sweaters = love
A sweet stripey cardi and then this more demure (but still fun!) looking sweater And then this lovely ribbed-cuffed number - here and here
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand... some super cute bebe clothes (that, after looking at those adorable pics, make me want to talk my hubby into Kids. Now!)
Plus, knitted TOYS?!
A dog in a blanket <3 <3 <3
A wee lamby? (pattern here)
I want to make this amazing-looking hexagons blanket. I love the shape and colors!
I love the lines (and color! and buttons!) of this cardigan.
Little girl sweaters = love
A sweet stripey cardi and then this more demure (but still fun!) looking sweater And then this lovely ribbed-cuffed number - here and here
Aaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaand... some super cute bebe clothes (that, after looking at those adorable pics, make me want to talk my hubby into Kids. Now!)
Plus, knitted TOYS?!
A dog in a blanket <3 <3 <3
A wee lamby? (pattern here)
I want to make this amazing-looking hexagons blanket. I love the shape and colors!
Wednesday, June 30, 2010
Progress toward a relaxing summer
I finished a major paper for one of my summer classes today. The formatting was vexing, but it is FINISHED and turned in and I'm now done with that class! Hooray!!
Next, I need to start studying for CLEP tests, researching test locations & dates/times, and working on homework for a class I'm taking in August.
I want this summer to be a relaxing break. However, since I'm only working part-time, I know I need to be focusing and working on projects too, not just taking it easy. I have a list of things I want to finish before the school year resumes and the everydayness and rigor of classes to attend and a more scheduled.. schedule resumes.
We've been working on the spare room/guest room, getting things more organized, getting it ready to actually host company, and getting a specific decor style established.
I'm loving it! So bright and happy and cheery :D
It doubles as my craft room :) Also, a lady from church was super sweet and gave me a sewing machine she wasn't using. I need to get sewing machine needles before I can use it but I am so VERY glad to have it available! I've missed sewing.
My first project is either some garment repair OR hemming the curtains I'm making to go around a storage shelf in the corner of the storage shelf in the spare room.
Also on the Projects To Accomplish list is my desk. It is generally an area of paper-chaos sprinkled with pens and pencils. There needs to be some sense of order and homes for things and organization overall. I'm still figuring out what that should look like in this new-to-me desk.
It is hard to keep my motivation up. Once I finish a big project, it seems so right to just enjoy a break for homework. I can't let myself do that, though - otherwise I'm going to have nonstop homework looming over me until winter break! I want to get ahead and enjoy a little time to just BE and hang out with people and do fun reading :)
Next, I need to start studying for CLEP tests, researching test locations & dates/times, and working on homework for a class I'm taking in August.
I want this summer to be a relaxing break. However, since I'm only working part-time, I know I need to be focusing and working on projects too, not just taking it easy. I have a list of things I want to finish before the school year resumes and the everydayness and rigor of classes to attend and a more scheduled.. schedule resumes.
We've been working on the spare room/guest room, getting things more organized, getting it ready to actually host company, and getting a specific decor style established.
I'm loving it! So bright and happy and cheery :D
It doubles as my craft room :) Also, a lady from church was super sweet and gave me a sewing machine she wasn't using. I need to get sewing machine needles before I can use it but I am so VERY glad to have it available! I've missed sewing.
My first project is either some garment repair OR hemming the curtains I'm making to go around a storage shelf in the corner of the storage shelf in the spare room.
Also on the Projects To Accomplish list is my desk. It is generally an area of paper-chaos sprinkled with pens and pencils. There needs to be some sense of order and homes for things and organization overall. I'm still figuring out what that should look like in this new-to-me desk.
It is hard to keep my motivation up. Once I finish a big project, it seems so right to just enjoy a break for homework. I can't let myself do that, though - otherwise I'm going to have nonstop homework looming over me until winter break! I want to get ahead and enjoy a little time to just BE and hang out with people and do fun reading :)
Tuesday, June 22, 2010
Refreshed motivation
I am in school, studying to be a teacher "when I grow up."
There are days that it seems like I will never be done working toward that degree. There are days when I feel like I will never quit reading textbooks, completing assignments, working on projects, or writing papers. Between school and homework and a part-time job, sometimes I lose sight of what it is that I am working toward. When I only occasionally work with kids - actually applying anything I'm learning in class!- I forget how much I truly love teaching.
This week, I'm helping out with Vacation Bible School at church. I was going to be helping with crafts, which sounded fun to me. But then, last week, my cousin asked me if I could teach the group she and her husband would be leading since they would be moving into their new house on the first day of VBS! I was quick to assure her I'd be happy to. I looked over the lessons a little, glanced at the visuals, but it didn't really hit until Sunday night that I had an opportunity to put all of my teaching experience- PLUS the new things I learned this past school year about differentiated instruction- into practice!
At that moment? SO PSYCHED! :D
I've been looking for more fun, tactile ways to teach the lessons, thinking up activities to reinforce the lessons, looking for fun ways to learn the memory verses, and attention-grabbing reviews of previous lessons.
So. Much. Fun.
<3
These brainstorms have led to late-night trips to Wal*Mart, much to my hubby's chagrin.Tonight's trip, I was searching for beach balls (for a memory verse activity), something to use as a treasure chest (for a review of the past days' lessons), and a sheep (same review). This afternoon, I was searching for whale sounds & got them loaded onto my iPod. Tonight, I created a spiffy treasure chest out of a Rubbermaid container, aluminum foil, a black crayon, black/brown/gray markers, and a little tape.
All of those "oh my gosh, is it even worth it to be working toward this degree because I can't even remember WHY it seemed like such a good thing" moments are being brushed aside now that I'm actually using my teaching skills. I love my group of 1st and 2nd graders! I love the challenge of keeping their interest, presenting the material in a compelling & understandable way, and encouraging the sort of behavior I want to see.
Plus, I'm working with great people - my cousin Julie, her husband, and MY husband! The 4 of us make a great team :)
There are days that it seems like I will never be done working toward that degree. There are days when I feel like I will never quit reading textbooks, completing assignments, working on projects, or writing papers. Between school and homework and a part-time job, sometimes I lose sight of what it is that I am working toward. When I only occasionally work with kids - actually applying anything I'm learning in class!- I forget how much I truly love teaching.
This week, I'm helping out with Vacation Bible School at church. I was going to be helping with crafts, which sounded fun to me. But then, last week, my cousin asked me if I could teach the group she and her husband would be leading since they would be moving into their new house on the first day of VBS! I was quick to assure her I'd be happy to. I looked over the lessons a little, glanced at the visuals, but it didn't really hit until Sunday night that I had an opportunity to put all of my teaching experience- PLUS the new things I learned this past school year about differentiated instruction- into practice!
At that moment? SO PSYCHED! :D
I've been looking for more fun, tactile ways to teach the lessons, thinking up activities to reinforce the lessons, looking for fun ways to learn the memory verses, and attention-grabbing reviews of previous lessons.
So. Much. Fun.
<3
These brainstorms have led to late-night trips to Wal*Mart, much to my hubby's chagrin.Tonight's trip, I was searching for beach balls (for a memory verse activity), something to use as a treasure chest (for a review of the past days' lessons), and a sheep (same review). This afternoon, I was searching for whale sounds & got them loaded onto my iPod. Tonight, I created a spiffy treasure chest out of a Rubbermaid container, aluminum foil, a black crayon, black/brown/gray markers, and a little tape.
All of those "oh my gosh, is it even worth it to be working toward this degree because I can't even remember WHY it seemed like such a good thing" moments are being brushed aside now that I'm actually using my teaching skills. I love my group of 1st and 2nd graders! I love the challenge of keeping their interest, presenting the material in a compelling & understandable way, and encouraging the sort of behavior I want to see.
Plus, I'm working with great people - my cousin Julie, her husband, and MY husband! The 4 of us make a great team :)
Friday, June 11, 2010
transitions
I like my blog's new look :)
As spring turns to summer, we're figuring out new routines. Work continues, I'm whittling away at homework, and we're gradually getting more settled into our apartment. My garden is flourishing. Here and there, I'm snatching time to read again. I've missed it.. I'm amazed at how easily busyness with school and work snatches my reading time. I'm determined to keep making an effort to read.
Browsing the new books shelf at the library, I picked up a baby names book. I always have enjoyed looking through those sort of books to see what names the editor decided to include. This time, I asked my husband what he thought of different names as I browsed through. It was interesting to hear which names have positive or negative connotations simply because of people we've known! Also fun- seeing which names we both like a lot, which ones I love that he's not thrilled about, and which ones he loves that I'm not a fan of. Taste in names is such a subjective thing!
The spare room in our apartment (or guest room, I guess?) is getting so much more "guest-room"-ish! It had been "random stuff storage room" for a while, just because of how busy we were, but we've tackled the Stuff and have been creating homes for the things that had been piling up. I love how bright and cheery it's looking now, and how much more organized it is as well.
My to-do list is calling - homework and otherness are awaiting me..
As spring turns to summer, we're figuring out new routines. Work continues, I'm whittling away at homework, and we're gradually getting more settled into our apartment. My garden is flourishing. Here and there, I'm snatching time to read again. I've missed it.. I'm amazed at how easily busyness with school and work snatches my reading time. I'm determined to keep making an effort to read.
Browsing the new books shelf at the library, I picked up a baby names book. I always have enjoyed looking through those sort of books to see what names the editor decided to include. This time, I asked my husband what he thought of different names as I browsed through. It was interesting to hear which names have positive or negative connotations simply because of people we've known! Also fun- seeing which names we both like a lot, which ones I love that he's not thrilled about, and which ones he loves that I'm not a fan of. Taste in names is such a subjective thing!
The spare room in our apartment (or guest room, I guess?) is getting so much more "guest-room"-ish! It had been "random stuff storage room" for a while, just because of how busy we were, but we've tackled the Stuff and have been creating homes for the things that had been piling up. I love how bright and cheery it's looking now, and how much more organized it is as well.
My to-do list is calling - homework and otherness are awaiting me..
Friday, May 28, 2010
Flower babies :)
This year, for the first time in a while, I am gardening. Sort of. Since we live in an apartment, it's not like I'm landscaping a yard or planting a garden plot! I'm using planters.It all began with a few Gerber daisies & Lobelia. 
One thing led to another, one planter somehow became two, and that was the first idea. 
Last night after work. I had noticed these super cute clay pots with a colored glaze around the middle. I'd had a vague thought about how nice it would be to have some indoor plants, and somehow.. I came home with.. some.
I love my daisies :)
And my indoor jungle :)
Stay tuned: There may be a fifth idea that = more plants.
Freezer fruit for summer
On a recent day at home, I finally combined the ingredients I'd been accumulating to make "Frozen Fruit Cups."
The concept is simple: assorted fruit & juice frozen into a refreshing healthier-than-popsicles treat (or a fab breakfast.. or dessert.. or snack for unexpected company..)
I found a couple recipes I liked: Recipe 1 and Recipe 2
I wanted them to be more healthy than desserty, so I looked for fruit canned in fruit juice instead of syrup.
My recipe:
1 can pineapple tidbits, undrained
1 lg can mandarin oranges, drained
1 can mixed fruit (the kind with maraschino cherries + the weird grapes), undrained
2 cans apricot halves, drained & cut into quarters
1/2 a can of thawed orange juice concentrate
3/4 C of water (um.. kind of to-taste? I didn't actually measure...)
a "dash" of lemon juice (I added it until it seemed like it would be refreshingly lemony..)
Combine all ingredients; ladle into muffin pans; freeze until.. frozen; pop out of the pans (I used a knife around the edge to get them loose, then popped them out); transfer to a ziplock or other freezer storage container & store in the freezer until ready to serve.
To serve, set out however many you need, allow them to thaw until they can be broken apart with a fork; serve individually, in a semi-frozen/semi-slushy state :)
I made another batch with 4 bananas (sliced) subbed in for the apricots, and with orange/pineapple/banana juice concentrate instead of regular orange juice.
The concept is simple: assorted fruit & juice frozen into a refreshing healthier-than-popsicles treat (or a fab breakfast.. or dessert.. or snack for unexpected company..)
I found a couple recipes I liked: Recipe 1 and Recipe 2
I wanted them to be more healthy than desserty, so I looked for fruit canned in fruit juice instead of syrup.
My recipe:
1 can pineapple tidbits, undrained
1 lg can mandarin oranges, drained
1 can mixed fruit (the kind with maraschino cherries + the weird grapes), undrained
2 cans apricot halves, drained & cut into quarters
1/2 a can of thawed orange juice concentrate
3/4 C of water (um.. kind of to-taste? I didn't actually measure...)
a "dash" of lemon juice (I added it until it seemed like it would be refreshingly lemony..)
Combine all ingredients; ladle into muffin pans; freeze until.. frozen; pop out of the pans (I used a knife around the edge to get them loose, then popped them out); transfer to a ziplock or other freezer storage container & store in the freezer until ready to serve.
I made another batch with 4 bananas (sliced) subbed in for the apricots, and with orange/pineapple/banana juice concentrate instead of regular orange juice.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Loss
My heart is hurting for friends dealing with Loss right now. Lately, it seems like one day after another, there are more stories. Different situations, but the same shared pain. Sometimes I am especially ready to be done with the things that are part of this sin-riddled world :(
When life is going ok, it's easy to get lulled into a sense of security. "My life is going alright for now, all is well in the world." It is when a friend's world touches my placid one that I'm reminded of how, in a world marred by sin, so many awful things become a common occurence.
A baby dies from SIDS; a joyous expectant mother miscarries; a husband is unfaithful; an accident occurs and someone never returns from a trip; pets get sick & must be put down; children battle cancer; a couple learns they will never have any biological children.
It hurts.
The ache lingers.
"I'm so sorry," seems a pitiful offering.
They are held in our prayers, remembered as our tears mingle with theirs.
When life is going ok, it's easy to get lulled into a sense of security. "My life is going alright for now, all is well in the world." It is when a friend's world touches my placid one that I'm reminded of how, in a world marred by sin, so many awful things become a common occurence.
A baby dies from SIDS; a joyous expectant mother miscarries; a husband is unfaithful; an accident occurs and someone never returns from a trip; pets get sick & must be put down; children battle cancer; a couple learns they will never have any biological children.
It hurts.
The ache lingers.
"I'm so sorry," seems a pitiful offering.
They are held in our prayers, remembered as our tears mingle with theirs.
Wednesday, April 28, 2010
Changes - time is only a moment
So much to do, so little time...
I'm supposed to be homeworking, but it feels like that's what I'm doing all the time right now.
It's the last week before finals, so all the big "end of semester projects" stuffage is coming due, plus actually studying for finals needs to happen, and there's so much else!
My husband's grandmother passed away earlier this week, so we've been waiting to hear about service info and work out details related to school and work and finances, find airfare, etc.
Things are beginning to come together, which is a relief.
It's going to be busy, though. Last classes this week; a weekend of studying for finals; finals M-W of next week, out of state for the funeral/time with family from Th-Sunday, and then summer class begins on Monday for me. I suppose I should think about getting books for that class as well!
Keeping up with cooking (and laundry, and anything else domestic!!) has been rough lately- I feel like we're in coping mode! Thank God for such a sweet helpful husband who's been pitching in fabulously to keep up with things!
I'm supposed to be homeworking, but it feels like that's what I'm doing all the time right now.
It's the last week before finals, so all the big "end of semester projects" stuffage is coming due, plus actually studying for finals needs to happen, and there's so much else!
My husband's grandmother passed away earlier this week, so we've been waiting to hear about service info and work out details related to school and work and finances, find airfare, etc.
Things are beginning to come together, which is a relief.
It's going to be busy, though. Last classes this week; a weekend of studying for finals; finals M-W of next week, out of state for the funeral/time with family from Th-Sunday, and then summer class begins on Monday for me. I suppose I should think about getting books for that class as well!
Keeping up with cooking (and laundry, and anything else domestic!!) has been rough lately- I feel like we're in coping mode! Thank God for such a sweet helpful husband who's been pitching in fabulously to keep up with things!
Sunday, April 18, 2010
Accomplishment!
This day has been SUCCESSFUL! :D I'm so pleased!
On Friday, a friend and I ran to the store, armed with my sorted-by-department grocery list. I'd made a list of things I wanted to buy ingredients for, I'd found some coupons I wanted to try to use, and I had checked the ad so I knew what things would be on sale. A way full cart (and way more money than a usual grocery trip later!) we were on our way back.
Today, I had decided, I would plan to do a bunch of cooking, getting things either prepped for future meals, or actual entire meals prepared and frozen to be pulled out and cooked later.
I bought some convenience things (taquitos, anyone? ;) but mostly core ingredients to blend with what I had on hand.
One of the Major purchases I made was 20lbs of ground beef (I know- seriously!?), which I KNEW I would have to deal with today!
So, this afternoon, I have...
- browned (via this method) 15 lbs of ground beef
- put 10 lbs of browned beef into 1 qt bags & into the freezer
- put 3 lbs of raw ground beef into 1 qt bags (1 lb in each) & into the freezer
- made a double batch of meatloaf & put them into freezer bags & into the freezer
- browned 3 lbs of sausage for breakfast burritos
- made an Enchilada Casserole (sort of like this)
- made 2 lasagnas (both uncooked, put directly into the freezer)
- filled 2 boxes worth of manicotti (simply stuffed the pasta & then put them into the freezer; when I want to cook them, I'll add spaghetti sauce and the shells to a baking dish and bake as usual)
- filled 2 boxes worth of jumbo pasta shells (same deal as the manicotti)
I bought some frozen meatballs so we can make meatball subs sometime this week (because I didn't want to make meatballs in addition to everything else) and I have frozen chicken breasts that I'm going to cook up at some point this week, probably.. some I'm going to chop and freeze once they're cooked, just as a sweeto convenience thing, and some are going to become part of some chicken/rice and mexi/chicken/rice dishes I found.
Tomorrow afternoon, I'm going to make these breakfast burritos, using the sausage I cooked up today. This should give us another way simple + cheap + good breakfast option.
I don't want to try to break that all into total meals, but it is a LOT, and the ground beef that's cooked up now will help make other meals faster to prep too! Hooray for helping to trim back our eating-out spending by having good easy meals ready at home! :D
On Friday, a friend and I ran to the store, armed with my sorted-by-department grocery list. I'd made a list of things I wanted to buy ingredients for, I'd found some coupons I wanted to try to use, and I had checked the ad so I knew what things would be on sale. A way full cart (and way more money than a usual grocery trip later!) we were on our way back.
Today, I had decided, I would plan to do a bunch of cooking, getting things either prepped for future meals, or actual entire meals prepared and frozen to be pulled out and cooked later.
I bought some convenience things (taquitos, anyone? ;) but mostly core ingredients to blend with what I had on hand.
One of the Major purchases I made was 20lbs of ground beef (I know- seriously!?), which I KNEW I would have to deal with today!
So, this afternoon, I have...
- browned (via this method) 15 lbs of ground beef
- put 10 lbs of browned beef into 1 qt bags & into the freezer
- put 3 lbs of raw ground beef into 1 qt bags (1 lb in each) & into the freezer
- made a double batch of meatloaf & put them into freezer bags & into the freezer
- browned 3 lbs of sausage for breakfast burritos
- made an Enchilada Casserole (sort of like this)
- made 2 lasagnas (both uncooked, put directly into the freezer)
- filled 2 boxes worth of manicotti (simply stuffed the pasta & then put them into the freezer; when I want to cook them, I'll add spaghetti sauce and the shells to a baking dish and bake as usual)
- filled 2 boxes worth of jumbo pasta shells (same deal as the manicotti)
I bought some frozen meatballs so we can make meatball subs sometime this week (because I didn't want to make meatballs in addition to everything else) and I have frozen chicken breasts that I'm going to cook up at some point this week, probably.. some I'm going to chop and freeze once they're cooked, just as a sweeto convenience thing, and some are going to become part of some chicken/rice and mexi/chicken/rice dishes I found.
Tomorrow afternoon, I'm going to make these breakfast burritos, using the sausage I cooked up today. This should give us another way simple + cheap + good breakfast option.
I don't want to try to break that all into total meals, but it is a LOT, and the ground beef that's cooked up now will help make other meals faster to prep too! Hooray for helping to trim back our eating-out spending by having good easy meals ready at home! :D
Sunday, April 11, 2010
Easing into the final stetch
I spent the past few days snatching practice time, playing through accompaniment, spending a little more time on "rough patches," and then heading off to a high school to practice with vocal soloists. Friday night, I checked to be sure my ballots matched with the list of students I'd be playing for, and finally yesterday, I headed off to another high school and spent the day with a bunch of musically talented kids, music directors, judges, and contest volunteers (who made sure everything ran smoothly at warm-up and performance centers).
For 8 hours, I followed my schedule, meeting students at warm-up rooms, encouraging them to sing well, helping them overcome nerves and go in confidently, handing off judges' copy and ballots to the center volunteer, accompanying students, following not-according-to-the-music deviations, congratulating or encouraging once we got to the hallway, picking up music from the center once the judge was finished, checking my schedule and making sure I had ballot and judges' copy and my music and was at the right center for the next student.
I visited the teacher's lounge when I had more time between solos, chatting with directors, reading my book, always keeping an eye on the time.
It was a splendid day. It was the sort of day that makes me wish I was more involved musically all the time. ♥
Today, I'm focused on finishing up getting everything ready for the lesson I'll be teaching during a class tomorrow. The outline is done. The details aren't quite ready yet. Since my internet at home is uber filtered, I'll have to go somewhere with Real Internet to find the pictures I need (since I can't do image searches >.< I know, right?) and then somewhere to get some things printed. Otherwise, I suppose I could make it to the library super early before my 7AM class tomorrow! Perish the thought...
I have a few tests this week and am going to get a couple other projects wrapped up, but it really is feeling like the Stress and Busy are dwindling. I cannot tell you how glad that makes my heart.
In other news, I have a couple links to share:
This first is from a funny blog I just discovered called "Stuff Christians Like" (derived from the tongue in cheek "Stuff White People Like" blog). This post deals with how we perceive how God sees us. Today was the sort of day when I really needed to read it. I get so caught up in feeling like I need to perform- Like I always must do the right thing and be the best and never mess up, and then (and only then) will God be pleased with me. That just isn't true- about me, or you either.
This post from a friend of mine is similar in thought: Husbands reflecting Christ. I like it when I read things that remind me of myself :)
And finally, we have the 2010 Marriage Challenge. I only just began reading through it, but the posts so far are really good. Plus, I think the posts come across as more couple friendly than naggy-wife-who-wants-the-husband-to-Work-On-The-Relationship.
And now I'm off to discover where in the world I'll be able to make some color copies on a Sunday afternoon and not spend a ton of money on yet another school assignment!
For 8 hours, I followed my schedule, meeting students at warm-up rooms, encouraging them to sing well, helping them overcome nerves and go in confidently, handing off judges' copy and ballots to the center volunteer, accompanying students, following not-according-to-the-music deviations, congratulating or encouraging once we got to the hallway, picking up music from the center once the judge was finished, checking my schedule and making sure I had ballot and judges' copy and my music and was at the right center for the next student.
I visited the teacher's lounge when I had more time between solos, chatting with directors, reading my book, always keeping an eye on the time.
It was a splendid day. It was the sort of day that makes me wish I was more involved musically all the time. ♥
Today, I'm focused on finishing up getting everything ready for the lesson I'll be teaching during a class tomorrow. The outline is done. The details aren't quite ready yet. Since my internet at home is uber filtered, I'll have to go somewhere with Real Internet to find the pictures I need (since I can't do image searches >.< I know, right?) and then somewhere to get some things printed. Otherwise, I suppose I could make it to the library super early before my 7AM class tomorrow! Perish the thought...
I have a few tests this week and am going to get a couple other projects wrapped up, but it really is feeling like the Stress and Busy are dwindling. I cannot tell you how glad that makes my heart.
In other news, I have a couple links to share:
This first is from a funny blog I just discovered called "Stuff Christians Like" (derived from the tongue in cheek "Stuff White People Like" blog). This post deals with how we perceive how God sees us. Today was the sort of day when I really needed to read it. I get so caught up in feeling like I need to perform- Like I always must do the right thing and be the best and never mess up, and then (and only then) will God be pleased with me. That just isn't true- about me, or you either.
This post from a friend of mine is similar in thought: Husbands reflecting Christ. I like it when I read things that remind me of myself :)
And finally, we have the 2010 Marriage Challenge. I only just began reading through it, but the posts so far are really good. Plus, I think the posts come across as more couple friendly than naggy-wife-who-wants-the-husband-to-Work-On-The-Relationship.
And now I'm off to discover where in the world I'll be able to make some color copies on a Sunday afternoon and not spend a ton of money on yet another school assignment!
Thursday, April 8, 2010
It can't be over until it's begun
When I awoke this morning, after a night of little sleep and much tossing and turning, my first thought was "oh please let this day be over soon," quickly followed by the hope that whatever was going on was avoidable or reschedule-able. Thankfully, the latter was true. (The rescheduling, I mean.)
As the weeks march by, the end of the semester is drawing nearer. This is great, except it seems to be bringing along with it an unfortunate collection of Major Projects, which are stacking up, crowding each other, and all clamoring for my attention RIGHT NOW. Plus, I agreed to accompany high school kids for a vocal solo contest, which means somehow brushing up my pianisting skills and practicing accompaniment. You know, in spare minutes.
Tired and Stressed are top two descriptive words lately. So, instead of telling you any more about the horrors I'm trying to prioritize and systematically work my way through, I will share linkage instead.
Looking at our spending, we realized how much of it goes toward eating out, which happens because we are 1) busy, 2) lazy, or 3) unprepared. A lot of it is #3, but I justify it with the busyness of life. Which is lame. I have cooking and planning skills - why not unite them and manage to save a little money?!
I found this amazing site this morning called Eat At Home. The absolute bestest thing is that she puts together weekly menus, shopping lists, and recipes all together in a single .pdf file. I printed a few :) I figure I can look through them, strike the things that don't fit our preferences or whatever, and use the rest. I could write her a fan letter of grateful bliss.
P.S. Here is the link directly to the Good Part: Weekly Menus
A few other cookery-related discoveries:
- Gramma's Cookin: A collection of tried-and-true everyday sort of meals.
- Ballancing Beauty & Bedlam: There's a whole assortment of sorts of things posted here. My favorite? Tasty Tuesday, which involves recipeness and pictures and links to a bunch of different blogs, but in a manageable sort of way.
- The Pioneer Woman is a site I've visited many times. I didn't realize until today that there is a Tasty Kitchen blog AND her Cookbook (copiously illustrated) is in print finally!
- Crockpot 365 is an old standby. I ordered her cookbook a few months ago and love the ease of cooking and the convenience of so many of her recipes. Tweak freely to make her recipes fit your taste or ingredients on hand. Love her "kid-friendliness" rating at the end of each post too.
For today, that's all I've got. I really need to get back to working on this project..
One more thing - here's a post God used to encourage my heart this morning: Supermom. Thanks, Erin <3
Ok, really - the end!!
As the weeks march by, the end of the semester is drawing nearer. This is great, except it seems to be bringing along with it an unfortunate collection of Major Projects, which are stacking up, crowding each other, and all clamoring for my attention RIGHT NOW. Plus, I agreed to accompany high school kids for a vocal solo contest, which means somehow brushing up my pianisting skills and practicing accompaniment. You know, in spare minutes.
Tired and Stressed are top two descriptive words lately. So, instead of telling you any more about the horrors I'm trying to prioritize and systematically work my way through, I will share linkage instead.
Looking at our spending, we realized how much of it goes toward eating out, which happens because we are 1) busy, 2) lazy, or 3) unprepared. A lot of it is #3, but I justify it with the busyness of life. Which is lame. I have cooking and planning skills - why not unite them and manage to save a little money?!
I found this amazing site this morning called Eat At Home. The absolute bestest thing is that she puts together weekly menus, shopping lists, and recipes all together in a single .pdf file. I printed a few :) I figure I can look through them, strike the things that don't fit our preferences or whatever, and use the rest. I could write her a fan letter of grateful bliss.
P.S. Here is the link directly to the Good Part: Weekly Menus
A few other cookery-related discoveries:
- Gramma's Cookin: A collection of tried-and-true everyday sort of meals.
- Ballancing Beauty & Bedlam: There's a whole assortment of sorts of things posted here. My favorite? Tasty Tuesday, which involves recipeness and pictures and links to a bunch of different blogs, but in a manageable sort of way.
- The Pioneer Woman is a site I've visited many times. I didn't realize until today that there is a Tasty Kitchen blog AND her Cookbook (copiously illustrated) is in print finally!
- Crockpot 365 is an old standby. I ordered her cookbook a few months ago and love the ease of cooking and the convenience of so many of her recipes. Tweak freely to make her recipes fit your taste or ingredients on hand. Love her "kid-friendliness" rating at the end of each post too.
For today, that's all I've got. I really need to get back to working on this project..
One more thing - here's a post God used to encourage my heart this morning: Supermom. Thanks, Erin <3
Ok, really - the end!!
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
I think I've become nocturnal
I had just finally gotten my body to be a little more accepting of early morning hours (which is good, because my first class of the day is at 7AM!) However, lots of homework has been keeping me up later and later, and then last night I pulled an all-nighter just so I'd be able to finish assignments due today. I spent more hours than I'd planned to napping this afternoon, and now here it is, after midnight, and I'm alert and wanting to work on projects, when I should be in bed.
We've been getting more settled in since the move - More pictures and decor are up, most things are unpacked, and I would say we're pretty well "moved in." Some areas are still in need of tweaking, and some areas (like my desk!) are in coping mode until school is a little less hectic.
Finding a budgeting method that works for both of us and is simple to track is something we've been working on since we got married in December. Finding a way to communicate easily about where we are within a month (financially) is harder than I thought it would be! It's one thing to be keeping track of money spent & bills paid individually - merging that is a little tricksy. We don't want it to be something that requires daily or weekly spending "confessionals"! Anyway... So, since the move, I haven't really been filing any paperwork, so the piles that were accumulating at our old apartment during the time before midterms & moving were simply... packed into boxes & moved to the new apartment! Last week I unpacked some of those boxes, but only transferred the piles of assorted papers from boxes to my desktop.
Tonight, I'm in full-on filing mode! It's looking great, I've cleared 2009 paperwork out of my files, and my piles of stuff to trash or shred are growing!
Organizing stuff sometimes gives me the weirdest high :)
Maybe by the end of this week I'll get my body back onto a better sleep schedule. For now, I'm using the nocturnal tendencies to my advantage!
We've been getting more settled in since the move - More pictures and decor are up, most things are unpacked, and I would say we're pretty well "moved in." Some areas are still in need of tweaking, and some areas (like my desk!) are in coping mode until school is a little less hectic.
Finding a budgeting method that works for both of us and is simple to track is something we've been working on since we got married in December. Finding a way to communicate easily about where we are within a month (financially) is harder than I thought it would be! It's one thing to be keeping track of money spent & bills paid individually - merging that is a little tricksy. We don't want it to be something that requires daily or weekly spending "confessionals"! Anyway... So, since the move, I haven't really been filing any paperwork, so the piles that were accumulating at our old apartment during the time before midterms & moving were simply... packed into boxes & moved to the new apartment! Last week I unpacked some of those boxes, but only transferred the piles of assorted papers from boxes to my desktop.
Tonight, I'm in full-on filing mode! It's looking great, I've cleared 2009 paperwork out of my files, and my piles of stuff to trash or shred are growing!
Organizing stuff sometimes gives me the weirdest high :)
Maybe by the end of this week I'll get my body back onto a better sleep schedule. For now, I'm using the nocturnal tendencies to my advantage!
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Upheaval!
Over the past few days, we've been moving. From a single-bedroom apartment to a two-bedroom apartment. We have at least twice the space now. We've moved from 450 sq ft to twice that. And.. it is lovely :)
The space is relaxing; even amid the unpacked boxes and things-in-transit, there is so much more white space on walls and vacant floor space, that even the unpacking process hasn't been so bad.
Still, it's been a lot of work and we're still in the process of "getting settled" and finding homes for everything. Rooms are taking shape, stuff is finding homes, and gradually, it's transitioning from feeling like "The New Apartment" to "Home."
Yesterday I unpacked the books and loaded up the bookshelves. Funny how that part of things, to me, is one of the key factors in making a place feel like it's finally mine :)
The space is relaxing; even amid the unpacked boxes and things-in-transit, there is so much more white space on walls and vacant floor space, that even the unpacking process hasn't been so bad.
Still, it's been a lot of work and we're still in the process of "getting settled" and finding homes for everything. Rooms are taking shape, stuff is finding homes, and gradually, it's transitioning from feeling like "The New Apartment" to "Home."
Yesterday I unpacked the books and loaded up the bookshelves. Funny how that part of things, to me, is one of the key factors in making a place feel like it's finally mine :)
Monday, March 1, 2010
The testing of our faith works patience
"I would love to be a patient person."
By this, I mean: "I wish that situations that necessitate patience didn't leave me feel like I'm chafing against uncontrollable restraints that leave me with no choice but to remain in the situation and either continue chafing or deal with my impatience."
In other words: "I wish being patient was easy."
--
We are moving. Hopefully, a week from now, we will be doing the last bits of cleaning at our old place and have begun getting settled into our new home. Until then, homework and packing and everyday housework & errands- plus the hours at work at school- continue to clamor for my time.
I am living by lists. Lists, and 3x5 cards :) Because I need them for school, I have a stack at the ready, plus a pen handily nearby, and have become Queen Of The Jotted Notes. "Check on files for a classmate" "Email pics to a professor" "Remember to study for that one rescheduled quiz in that one class" They cover my desk. Amid them are school schedules, bills coming due, days off to submit for approval at work, and more.
--
How to prioritize? My brain is far more big picture than nuanced by the details. This can be good, as it keeps me (usually) from obsessing over the minutia, but when faced with a moment like this - moving, studying, maintaining - my brain looks at the Everything that needs to be done and goes into full-on spazz out. "Oh no there is no way I will accomplish it all!!!" (This accompanied by late nights and early mornings because, darn it, I also struggle with prioritizing!)
--
Because of the move, I contacted our internet provider to see about transferring service. After a month of calls and follow up calls and follow up follow up calls, I told them I was moving and gave them a last day of service date. Oops!! A week later, I discovered they had already disconnected service. A few phone calls the next day finally restored service. Sunday afternoon, we lost service again. Several phone calls later, they decided there was nothing to do but send out a technician. The soonest they could send someone? Tuesday, within a vague 3 hr range, during a time when neither my husband nor I would be home.
I am torn between venting my irritation and frustration and general crankiness at all of the juggling and hang-ups (not helped by the internet issues, but not solely caused by the internet issues either), or responding in a gracious, godly way.
--
This morning in chapel, the speaker talked about the little servant girl in 2 Kings 5. Go, read it! It makes all of the frustrations and stresses I'm struggling through seem so petty. She was torn away from her land and from her people, but look at the graciousness and care she showed to a foreign master, as well as her unwavering confidence in God.
I want to evidence that kind of confidence. Even in the petty (but big deal in my world!) things.
By this, I mean: "I wish that situations that necessitate patience didn't leave me feel like I'm chafing against uncontrollable restraints that leave me with no choice but to remain in the situation and either continue chafing or deal with my impatience."
In other words: "I wish being patient was easy."
--
We are moving. Hopefully, a week from now, we will be doing the last bits of cleaning at our old place and have begun getting settled into our new home. Until then, homework and packing and everyday housework & errands- plus the hours at work at school- continue to clamor for my time.
I am living by lists. Lists, and 3x5 cards :) Because I need them for school, I have a stack at the ready, plus a pen handily nearby, and have become Queen Of The Jotted Notes. "Check on files for a classmate" "Email pics to a professor" "Remember to study for that one rescheduled quiz in that one class" They cover my desk. Amid them are school schedules, bills coming due, days off to submit for approval at work, and more.
--
How to prioritize? My brain is far more big picture than nuanced by the details. This can be good, as it keeps me (usually) from obsessing over the minutia, but when faced with a moment like this - moving, studying, maintaining - my brain looks at the Everything that needs to be done and goes into full-on spazz out. "Oh no there is no way I will accomplish it all!!!" (This accompanied by late nights and early mornings because, darn it, I also struggle with prioritizing!)
--
Because of the move, I contacted our internet provider to see about transferring service. After a month of calls and follow up calls and follow up follow up calls, I told them I was moving and gave them a last day of service date. Oops!! A week later, I discovered they had already disconnected service. A few phone calls the next day finally restored service. Sunday afternoon, we lost service again. Several phone calls later, they decided there was nothing to do but send out a technician. The soonest they could send someone? Tuesday, within a vague 3 hr range, during a time when neither my husband nor I would be home.
I am torn between venting my irritation and frustration and general crankiness at all of the juggling and hang-ups (not helped by the internet issues, but not solely caused by the internet issues either), or responding in a gracious, godly way.
--
This morning in chapel, the speaker talked about the little servant girl in 2 Kings 5. Go, read it! It makes all of the frustrations and stresses I'm struggling through seem so petty. She was torn away from her land and from her people, but look at the graciousness and care she showed to a foreign master, as well as her unwavering confidence in God.
I want to evidence that kind of confidence. Even in the petty (but big deal in my world!) things.
Oh, how abundant is Your goodness,
which You have stored up for those who fear You
and worked for those who take refuge in You,
in the sight of the children of mankind!
which You have stored up for those who fear You
and worked for those who take refuge in You,
in the sight of the children of mankind!
-Psalm 31:19-
Friday, February 19, 2010
Life and death
Recently, I overheard some women talking about their marriages, about their husbands, about their expectations, about how short their husbands fell in the esteem of these women- their wives. As I listened to them, my heart hurt for both them and their husbands, and for their marriages.
I'm a newlywed. I know that there is a lot of married life I haven't faced yet. There are challenges my husband and I haven't yet worked through. And yet, in the melding of two lives - of two distinct, different people- there are struggles. Maybe not huge struggles, but things like...
Communication.
Since we're both working and both in school, we don't have the same amount of time at home, and when we do, we have different things that are priorities to us while we're home. When looking at what needs to be done, instead of making assumptions, instead of feeling like since I'm the wife I should be doing everything (and somehow able to keep up with it all!) we talk about it. When he has time between classes, could he maybe take out the trash or throw in a load of laundry? When he notices that the dishes need to be done, he'll pitch in and get them washed. When I want a break from homework, I'll clip coupons, think through menus, and pick up groceries when I'm out erranding next. When I have an afternoon at home, I'll work on other things that need to be done.
When he folds the towels weirdly (ie: differently than I would!), I ask why he folds them like that, and whether it's important to him that they're like that. And if it is a preference, not just habit, I can love him by folding towels like he prefers.
When he helps out with doing laundry, even if it's not how I would do it, I appreciate it and let him know I appreciate it.
Conversely, when there are things I do (like squashing the tube of toothpaste in the middle) that bother him (a religious "squeeze the toothpaste from the end" man), he loves me by not making a big deal of it. [Which is gracious of him, because I am pretty sure I frequently forget this preference.]
Listening to these women talking, one of the overriding themes I heard was Control. There were comments about their husbands not doing things right, about not helping out, about how they didn't do things the way their wives would've done them when they did help out. I'm not dismissing those comments as unfounded; there are some inconsiderate husbands out there! However, as I listened, I realized how helpful it is when love and communication characterize a relationship. When I notice the ways my husband has helped out around the house and in other areas of life and I let him know that I like that he helped out, even if it's not perhaps how I would have done it or something I saw as a very high priority, I am letting go of that need to Control- of that need to make sure things are exactly how I would have done them!
In those moments, I am speaking life to our marriage & to our relationship. When I observe the ways his approach is different than mine, and comment on that before appreciating the heart behind what he's done, I'm speaking death. I'm diminishing his motivation, ignoring the love behind his actions, and there, lying beneath my critical words, I am crushing his desire to love me through helping out.
In Proverbs 18:21, it says that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."
I know that. Now, I am challenged to speak Life on a more daily basis than ever before.
I'm a newlywed. I know that there is a lot of married life I haven't faced yet. There are challenges my husband and I haven't yet worked through. And yet, in the melding of two lives - of two distinct, different people- there are struggles. Maybe not huge struggles, but things like...
- Who takes out the trash?
- Who keeps the dishes and laundry done?
- Who cleans the bathroom?
- Who makes the bed?
- Who puts the clothes into the hamper?
- Which way does the toilet paper go on the holder?
- How should the towels be folded/hung up?
- Do you squeeze the toothpaste carefully from the end or just squash it in the middle of the tube until enough toothpaste is dispensed for tooth-brushing?
- How often is it ok to eat out in a week?
- How do we keep bills paid and budget our money?
- How often is it ok to buy new books?
- Should we just rent movies or buy new releases that we liked?
- Who should be taking care of grocery shopping?
- and on...
Communication.
Since we're both working and both in school, we don't have the same amount of time at home, and when we do, we have different things that are priorities to us while we're home. When looking at what needs to be done, instead of making assumptions, instead of feeling like since I'm the wife I should be doing everything (and somehow able to keep up with it all!) we talk about it. When he has time between classes, could he maybe take out the trash or throw in a load of laundry? When he notices that the dishes need to be done, he'll pitch in and get them washed. When I want a break from homework, I'll clip coupons, think through menus, and pick up groceries when I'm out erranding next. When I have an afternoon at home, I'll work on other things that need to be done.
When he folds the towels weirdly (ie: differently than I would!), I ask why he folds them like that, and whether it's important to him that they're like that. And if it is a preference, not just habit, I can love him by folding towels like he prefers.
When he helps out with doing laundry, even if it's not how I would do it, I appreciate it and let him know I appreciate it.
Conversely, when there are things I do (like squashing the tube of toothpaste in the middle) that bother him (a religious "squeeze the toothpaste from the end" man), he loves me by not making a big deal of it. [Which is gracious of him, because I am pretty sure I frequently forget this preference.]
Listening to these women talking, one of the overriding themes I heard was Control. There were comments about their husbands not doing things right, about not helping out, about how they didn't do things the way their wives would've done them when they did help out. I'm not dismissing those comments as unfounded; there are some inconsiderate husbands out there! However, as I listened, I realized how helpful it is when love and communication characterize a relationship. When I notice the ways my husband has helped out around the house and in other areas of life and I let him know that I like that he helped out, even if it's not perhaps how I would have done it or something I saw as a very high priority, I am letting go of that need to Control- of that need to make sure things are exactly how I would have done them!
In those moments, I am speaking life to our marriage & to our relationship. When I observe the ways his approach is different than mine, and comment on that before appreciating the heart behind what he's done, I'm speaking death. I'm diminishing his motivation, ignoring the love behind his actions, and there, lying beneath my critical words, I am crushing his desire to love me through helping out.
In Proverbs 18:21, it says that "Death and life are in the power of the tongue."
I know that. Now, I am challenged to speak Life on a more daily basis than ever before.
Friday, February 12, 2010
The beauty of diversity
I love watching the Olympics.
I love seeing the incredible skills of the athletes competing, and considering how many hours, how much money, how much sacrifice is involved in them becoming as skilled as they are.
I love seeing the glitz and glam of the hosting city as they revel in the fact that, for this moment, the eyes of the world are upon them, and do their best to show the uniqueness and beauty of their country.
I love seeing the national pride, the diversity, the unity that the games celebrate.
In spite of wildly differing ideologies, in spite of wars and conflicts and bitter rivalries, in spite of economic and political issues, for a moment- for a span of days every couple years- those things are set aside and the unity that we share as human beings, created in God's image, gifted in incredible ways, is celebrated.
That- the taste of what the world will be like someday, full of peace and harmony- is what I love about the Games.
I love seeing the incredible skills of the athletes competing, and considering how many hours, how much money, how much sacrifice is involved in them becoming as skilled as they are.
I love seeing the glitz and glam of the hosting city as they revel in the fact that, for this moment, the eyes of the world are upon them, and do their best to show the uniqueness and beauty of their country.
I love seeing the national pride, the diversity, the unity that the games celebrate.
In spite of wildly differing ideologies, in spite of wars and conflicts and bitter rivalries, in spite of economic and political issues, for a moment- for a span of days every couple years- those things are set aside and the unity that we share as human beings, created in God's image, gifted in incredible ways, is celebrated.
That- the taste of what the world will be like someday, full of peace and harmony- is what I love about the Games.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
*browraise*
Some days, it seems like an extra allowance of weird and dumb are tossed into the mix. Talking to co-workers and others, I learned that it wasn't just me who had come to that conclusion about today. At first we thought it must be a full moon, since that often has an odd effect on people. It turns out the next full moon isn't for another 3 weeks. We decided that since the last full moon was the closest (thus, largest) of the year, that perhaps it must have had a ripple effect that was still affecting people today. Or something.
There are days when there are no words to describe the sort of questions and comments and actions observed. Today, there were many times that I was wordless, able to only shake my head in wonder and exchange a look of disbelief with a co-worker.
It was a day of much dependence on God to maintain a smile and graciousness amid some of the most ridiculous encounters I've had in a long time! Ah, life...
There are days when there are no words to describe the sort of questions and comments and actions observed. Today, there were many times that I was wordless, able to only shake my head in wonder and exchange a look of disbelief with a co-worker.
It was a day of much dependence on God to maintain a smile and graciousness amid some of the most ridiculous encounters I've had in a long time! Ah, life...
Thursday, January 28, 2010
Priorities
As I anticipate a new day beginning, in those still-dozey moments before the alarm jerks me to full consciousness, I like to think through what I hope to accomplish.
Some days, my goal is as narrow as "finish all of the homework that will be due the next day, and get a load of laundry washed." Other times I begin with a broader hope, like "do the laundry, clean the bathroom, tidy the bedroom, wash the dishes, organize finances, reply to waiting emails, finish all homework."
When my goals are shorter, it is easier to handle interruptions. Even if things don't go as planned, I still have a chance to accomplish all I'd hoped to. When my to-do list goes on and on, I become more adamant that my plans be unchanged, that I finish the entire list. If interruptions come, I am resentful. If delays slow my progress, I chafe at the time I am losing. When my husband wants to spend a little more time with me before he leaves for work, I fight a battle between my list and my heart.
This last area is a new one. Before, it was primarily me and my lists when I had a day off, and whatever other plans I decided to add to the day. (Look at all of those I's!) Living with another person, I'm being stretched even further to set aside selfishness- looking for ways to bless my husband, to show him my love even when it isn't the most convenient for me, to be willing to re-prioritize when he has other hopes for a morning before a busy day begins.
I love being married. More than the goodness that it has brought, and the way it has enriched my life- our lives!- I love seeing how God is using marriage to continue growing me to be more like Jesus. Those little victories - when I set aside my agenda and consider what my husband is proposing, when I modify my plans to help someone else, when I deal graciously with delays - are an encouragement to keep on. In the inconveniences, character is built. One day, one step at a time.
Some days, my goal is as narrow as "finish all of the homework that will be due the next day, and get a load of laundry washed." Other times I begin with a broader hope, like "do the laundry, clean the bathroom, tidy the bedroom, wash the dishes, organize finances, reply to waiting emails, finish all homework."
When my goals are shorter, it is easier to handle interruptions. Even if things don't go as planned, I still have a chance to accomplish all I'd hoped to. When my to-do list goes on and on, I become more adamant that my plans be unchanged, that I finish the entire list. If interruptions come, I am resentful. If delays slow my progress, I chafe at the time I am losing. When my husband wants to spend a little more time with me before he leaves for work, I fight a battle between my list and my heart.
This last area is a new one. Before, it was primarily me and my lists when I had a day off, and whatever other plans I decided to add to the day. (Look at all of those I's!) Living with another person, I'm being stretched even further to set aside selfishness- looking for ways to bless my husband, to show him my love even when it isn't the most convenient for me, to be willing to re-prioritize when he has other hopes for a morning before a busy day begins.
I love being married. More than the goodness that it has brought, and the way it has enriched my life- our lives!- I love seeing how God is using marriage to continue growing me to be more like Jesus. Those little victories - when I set aside my agenda and consider what my husband is proposing, when I modify my plans to help someone else, when I deal graciously with delays - are an encouragement to keep on. In the inconveniences, character is built. One day, one step at a time.
Monday, January 25, 2010
Moments
Life is moments.
It is so easy to get caught up in the minutia of all that must be accomplished in a single day, and for those life-composing moments to be brushed aside in the hustling and hurry of making it through another 24 hours.
This year, I'm learning to slow down. I'm learning to listen more closely, look more carefully, appreciate more fully.
Life never slows. The moments continue to whirl past, like snowflakes in a blizzard.
Pause.
Hold out your hand.
Catch a snowflake.
Marvel at its beauty.
Revel in the moment.
Keep on, having been momentary entranced by the wonder of this journey we call life.
It is so easy to get caught up in the minutia of all that must be accomplished in a single day, and for those life-composing moments to be brushed aside in the hustling and hurry of making it through another 24 hours.
This year, I'm learning to slow down. I'm learning to listen more closely, look more carefully, appreciate more fully.
Life never slows. The moments continue to whirl past, like snowflakes in a blizzard.
Pause.
Hold out your hand.
Catch a snowflake.
Marvel at its beauty.
Revel in the moment.
Keep on, having been momentary entranced by the wonder of this journey we call life.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)