Take advice from old, foreign, Catholic people.

So I am subbing at this Catholic school right now (oh yes, there's a job update...in case you're all wondering.) It's a really nice school and everyone is so good to me.

I work with some funny people, particularly in the after school program. They are this eclectic group of randoms. I kinda feel like I'm on my mission again...you know, talking to people who are so different from myself, yet appreciating the insight and diversity that they bring to the table of life.

Anyway, in this after school program I work with old, foreign, Catholic people. They are from all over the world and as they get to know me they say things like this:

"Oh you're 25? You are so young. Enjoy life. Take advantage of every opportunity God gives you." -German lady

or

"Oh, you're not married yet? Don't worry, great things come to those who wait. You could marry a mediocre man and end up being miserable or you could wait a little longer and marry the best man. Then it will last forever." -Ethiopian lady

or

"You have so much ahead of you. God is watching over you and you will succeed in all that you do. You just have that kind of spirit." -Philippino man

I know that I've heard these things throughout my life but somehow hearing these same old things from old, foreign, Catholic people have really made a difference. It's nice to get a different body, with a different personality, and with a different religion to tell me these things that I already know.

Thank you old, foreign, Catholic people! Press forward saints!

Why I am a teacher of secondary-not elementary-education

Disclaimer: This post is not intended to offend, criticize, or judge people who choose to teach elementary education. Merely, it is a testimonial of why I personally enjoy the secondary level. Cool?

Reasons why I chose to not partake of the "joys" of elementary education...as taken from experiences of today's subbing adventures.

• I don't have to worry about everyone's roles. If I forget that "so-and-so" is the milk monitor it is not the end of the world.
• A tattle-tale is of the devil. Ok, not really. But seriously, do you always have to tell me that Johnny is putting his finger up his nose or that Sally is making spit bubbles?
• Whoa...if I do not follow routine, I better watch out. Twenty kindergartners may be completely distraught because I did the weather before I marked the day on the calendar. Pardon me.
• I don't have to spend half the day worrying about whether or not the kids are peeing their pants.
• During class discussions, I don't have to listen to five kiddos retelling a story that does not pertain AT ALL to the question I posed.
• Usually kids that I normally teach do not take FOREVER to say something. I know, patience is a virtue.
• Kids raising their hand even if they have absolutely no answer or comment to share.
• Kids poking, biting, punching, andpinching each other.
• Worrying about snack time and the fact that Grace is allergic to peanuts and dairy.
  
• Smelling the child's bodily functions that are usually released in more private settings. yuck.

These are just a few examples and really, it wasn't bad at all. But I am a secondary teacher, that's for sure.

Disclaimer #2: I really don't hate children and I promise that I will be a good mother and that I will love my five year old for all of his/her questions, stories, and bodily functions. Pinky swear.

The Little Things

With several big things not working out for me lately, I have a new-found appreciation for the little things in my life right now. These little things give me greater strength to press forward in my current circumstances and to be grateful for the tender mercies of the Lord.

Here are some little things that have made a big difference...

1. A friend texted me last night to see if I was ok. She said that she thought of me during her scripture study.
2. Hearing that people are praying for me in regards to my present situation.
3. My mom listening to me while I cried on the phone for about 30 minutes.
4. Attending Institute and listening to a lesson that I absolutely needed to hear!
5. My SmarTrip card that allows me to save 50 cents every time I go from bus to metro or metro to bus.
6. My roommate, MJ, who is as obsessed with the Sound of Music as I am. She and I watched the special features together and can't stop talking about them.
7. The cooler days and cooler nights.
8. A new bathmat in my bathroom.
9. A picture text sent by Steve of my niece, Kassie. I still have it in my phone.
10. Amazon and ebay for saving me a lot of money.
11. The opportunity to work at the Cannery yesterday afternoon for service and realize that I am so blessed that I don't have to work there for an actual job.
12. Principals and teachers who see my great potential as a teacher.
13. My home teachers for forming a "home teaching group" on gmail.
14. A friend emailing me a couple of job vacancies.
15. My roommate, Sarah, who is always willing to give me a ride to places.
16. My extra firm pillow that allows me to sleep better at night and to wake up with no soreness.
17. Feeling like I am starting to have a good set of friends out here.
18. Hugs. Lots and lots of hugs.
19. Being invited to a popular Crepe party that occurs every Conference weekend. I feel so special.
20. The knowledge that many people have been in my situation or much worse.

I could go on and on but these are just some things that have made me happy lately. These little things have sure gone a long way in maintaining my sanity!

Stick-to-it

My sister, Julie, is launching a family business called "Stick-to-it" charts. She will be selling products that will help kids "stick" to their responsibilities. She has been using these tools for years with her own kids and they are some of the most responsible kids that I know!

I realize that most of my blogger audience has no children, small children, or children out of the house, but these are great products that instill responsibility and management. If you know of anyone who could benefit from information like this, please pass this on to your friends.

The website is: http://www.sticktoitcharts.com

The cool thing is that all proceeds will go to my niece, Olivia. Olivia wants to come to Washington DC with her school next summer. She will be doing all the shipping/handling. I want Olivia to come to DC so she can visit me too! I'm a bit selfish. :)

Dance like it's 2009

For my post-birthday bash, my roommate, Sarah threw me a dance party. Hooray for Sarah! She got the best decorations and made the night so special. What would I do without this girl?

Here are a few pre-dance party shots...this one reminds me of a senior picture of sorts.

The Queen reigns! Muhahaha.

Here are some friends...

And yes, Kaleb was really that mean and planted my pretty face in my very own birthday cake. What a punk. :(And if any of you know me well, there are not many things that make me happier than dancing. So you will now get to catch a glimpse of the DC singles dance scene.

WARNING: you may think this looks lame, but in reality this party placed in my top 5 favorite dance parties ever. Now that's saying something!

Yes, I do know how to shake it.

The third wheel curse

This curse has been with me ever since 7th grade when I realized that my boy crushes actually liked my friends more than me. Well, they liked me too, but much more in a platonic sort of way. At 7th grade that curse is way more legit. Relationships should be platonic. But the curse began then.

After I left the Dark Ages of Middle School, I emerged into the Renaissance of High School. Sure, I was still a bit awkward but getting my braces off, slimming down a bit, and establishing a stronger sense of confidence boosted my spirits and, I thought, my likelihood to break the third wheel curse. Oh I was wrong. Though I had some nice guy friends, I could never shake off the fact that they always liked my girl friends just a little bit more than me. This often resulted in me, my girl friend, and my guy friend hanging out, with the other two flirting it up while I got a few pats on the back for my good sportsmanship.

College, was going to be different, I determined it would be. It was definitely an improvement, I will give it that. I went on dates with just me and the guy. I even had a few guys liking me! Whoa. However, the curse didn't die. Surrounded by gorgeous roommates my entire college career I ended up being the sidekick or the comic relief. You know, talking it up with the boy while my roommate got ready for the date. Lots of times, they even wanted me to join them on their escapades. After a few frustrating third wheel "dates," I decided that I would rather hole up in the library on a Friday night than commit third wheel social suicide. Yet, somehow I would forget the third wheel mishaps and still try...again...to not feel left out and to be involved in the conversation and such. But oh how wrong I was! Usually those situations resulted in some ice cream, some tears, some Pride and Prejudice, and the damaged hope that someday I would not be the third wheel.

Which brings me to today. This curse hasn't ended. I often find myself, accidentally, getting into third wheel circumstances. It still occurs here in DC with the single's scene. I had hoped that the curse would end as I have matured but no, it lives and it thrives. I try to get out of it, I try to escape it, I try to avoid it at all costs, but somehow it follows me.

Maybe I should kiss a frog so that this curse will be over? Oh wait...wrong curse, wrong solution.

I don't know what the solution is, I feel like I've tried everything. All I know is that I am looking forward to being the second wheel...someday.

It's great to be alive at twenty-five

So my birthday was this past Saturday. Yes, I am admitting that I am now a quarter of a century old. Crazy. To celebrate I went up to NYC to visit the Newmans and to see my mom who also visited at the same time. Yeah for family! I miss seeing family on a regular basis.

And I miss seeing my nieces and nephews! I mean I will have 25 of them in my 25th year!

Sammy
CarolineMatthew on the iphone.
Sammy took a picture of me in the car. I had to give him props for that! He is just 3.

Oh and my cousin, Kim, came down from Albany to see me. We slept on these couches and thought about making a fort to relive past memories, but instead we just stayed up talking for a few hours!
Before doing some birthday shopping.

Kim tried on some ugly shoes. Luckily she did not get this pair!

We searched for some sexy black heels. It's a must over here. I got this Jessica Simpson brand of heels. Don't I look hot?


Later that afternoon Caroline got baptized! I got to sing at it and the whole ceremony was so beautiful. I didn't get a picture with Caro but I did get one with my mom. Thanks for giving birth to me mommy! :)And lets not forget that evening of my birthday...I saw Wicked on Broadway and it was absolutely phenomenal. I had heard people rave about it for years and now I understand why they rave. I wanted to cry. I didn't though.

Times Square pre-Wicked.

But first we wanted to get a quick bite to eat at Cosi. But lets just say that Cosi had horrible customer service so our quick bite turned into a huge bite out of our time. Lame sauce.

Mom and KathHere we are after Wicked! Loved it.

And finally we celebrated my birthday Sunday afternoon with a chocolate pie. So scrumptious.


Family, New York, Wicked, chocolate pie, living on the east coast in general...lets just say it's great to be alive! Bring on 25.