Perfectly Cloudy

Golden apple

2012-01-19T20:49:00.002-05:00

Today in the middle of my math lesson I was surprised by my principal coming in the room with a camera man! She said I had won the Golden Apple Award. One of my fantastic students from last year wrote in to a local news program and nominated me for the award! I was so shocked and overwhelmed! During the whole filming process I was crying! They are playing the piece tomorrow night. Here's a picture of the nomination essay and the basket they gave me. This totally reminds me of why I love teaching: being able to make a difference in kids' lives.

New Years resolutions update

2012-01-17T20:48:00.001-05:00

I thought I'd take a look periodically to see how I'm doing on my goals for 2012! Some of them are just tasks that I want to finish, but if I don't keep looking at this list then I won't get them finished!

Decorate and paint the laundry room. nope
Decorate and paint my bathroom. started painting my bathroom grey today
Begin a new classroom management plan so that I can go less crazy. (I already picked one out. More on this later.) Done! It's going ok.
Blog Doing pretty well at this, haven't blogged everyday.
Clean the garage and paint the inside wall. Did the first part!
Lose lbsssss (and go to the gym). Been going to the gym and eating better, but no weight loss yet
Fix up my lighthouse picture frame so that it better matches my living room colors. Nope
Finish my current Beth Moore Bible study and at least one other one. Nope
Save $$ each month for a new car. Nope
Use more green/homemade cleaning stuff. Made my own clothes detergent, bought spray bottles to make cleaning spray

Not too bad for only being 17 days into the new year! I'll keep working on it!

In Asheville, part 2

2012-01-16T16:17:00.000-05:00

We had such a great time together in Asheville. It was a perfect kind of getaway and a way to celebrate Kristen's birthday without being sad. We saw dragonflies everywhere and we were constantly saying, "what would Kristen think of this?" and "Kristen would love this!" It was fun.

I have to share one story that perfectly illustrates our relationship (me, mom, kelly)! Saturday morning we were headed out to see the Biltmore. I was driving Karlie's XTerra, which she can't use because she's a freshman at college. First, I had to do about a 13 point turn in the snow and ice to back out of our cabin parking spot. So we start driving toward Asheville, following mom's trusty GPS. We get about 3 minutes down the road, and I start getting hay fever, you know when the top of your mouth starts itching? Then, my nose starts itching, and I tell them that it feels like I'm inhaling cat hair! (I'm really allergic to cats.) So, I'm driving and I start hacking and sneezing and my mom is telling Kelly to be ready to do a trach on me. It was getting really bad and we couldn't figure out why I was having such a bad allergic reaction. So I pull over at the next exit and we pull in to a really sketchy looking gas station. Before I could even get my car door open, mom was at the door of the gas station. I don't think I've ever seen her move so fast! Unfortunately, all that store had was bendryl (which would put me right to sleep) and drug paraphernalia. (I'm serious!)

So mom made Kelly drive and we got back on the road. At the intersection, Kelly yells out, "Which way?? North or south?" and for some reason I adamantly yell, "North!" Which of course wasn't the right way. So we had to turn around at the next exit.

Eventually we got some daytime allergy medicine for me, I felt better, and we got to the Biltmore! But not before mom told me her plan if I actually did stop breathing (she was going to stab a pen into my neck to create an airway.) Such adventures!

In Asheville

2012-01-13T20:30:00.000-05:00

So this weekend my sister Kelly and her fiancé rented a cabin north of Asheville! They invited my mom and me to join them and we drove up today. It is Kristen's birthday. She would have been 30 today, so likely Aunt Donna said, she really is forever 29! But this is a fun way to celebrate her birthday!Here are some pictures of the cabin and the area around it! We are REALLY in the boonies! And there is actually an outhouse! Thank goodness we don't have to use it!Well, it seems like I can't upload pictures on my iPad. So I'll have to upload them when I get home. It is beautiful out here!

Currently

2012-01-10T16:36:00.002-05:00

olw - one little word
I got this from Farley's blog!

It's been a year

2012-01-08T17:15:00.000-05:00

I can still see it so clearly...

She walks in, hair wind blown, of course, from having her windows down. (No matter how hot it is - that's the way to drive she says.) Her huge smile graces her face showing bright white teeth. She hugs me, teasing me at the way I don't squeeze very hard. So she squeezes harder, giving me a little back scratch with her short nails. I squeeze back, giggling. I notice how warm she is, from having the windows down and the sun shining on her. She's holding a cup, seems like she always walked in with a cup. Don't know what was in it ;) She talks of her latest love: scuba diving, tattoos, cooking, gardening, making soap from scratch, whatever it may be. She's got her phone with her, ready to text back with her help if the restaurant is having a problem. She raves about whatever we are eating. She uses the word, "awesome." She glows. She radiates. She shines. She's lovely, she really is.

And I miss her. So much it hurts.

(This is something I wrote last year about my sister Kristen.)

By Emily Dickinson

2012-01-07T22:42:00.001-05:00

I SHALL know why, when time is over,
And I have ceased to wonder why;
Christ will explain each separate anguish
In the fair schoolroom of the sky.

Dog pictures and more going green

2012-01-06T21:37:00.000-05:00

Sorry but I just have to share some more pictures of my adorable dog! I got a new lens for my SLR and it makes me feel all artsy when I take pictures. And this picture of Kelly and Toby is so pretty I hope she doesn't mind me sharing it!

Also, earlier this week I talked about how I worked on canceling my subscriptions to several catalogs that I get in the mail. Today, I worked on canceling some junk mail. I get Bank of America junk mail EVERY WEEK. You would think they would get the point by now: I'M NOT INTERESTED IN YOUR CREDIT CARD! :) Here's the website you can click on to get out of these mailings: Stop Bank of America Junk Mail. Another credit card company that has been very persistent is Chase! I get so many offers from them! I'm pretty sure I get one per week. Here's the link for them: Chase Mailing Options. I'm so excited to see how this actually works and hopefully save some trees.

(One suggestion I didn't take but thought was funny is to take the postage-paid envelopes and stuff them with your junk mail and send them back to the company. How good is that?!)

Zumba

2012-01-05T21:14:00.000-05:00

Quick blog tonight because I'm TIRED! Did Zumba for the first time in a long time...it was fun! Here's an example if you've never heard of it.

Oh yeah and I looked NOTHING like those girls while I was doing it! :)

Two days down!

2012-01-04T21:19:00.001-05:00

I'm proud to say that my sister Kelly and I have completed TWO, yes TWO, days of working out! And I have also spent two days eating very healthily. Last night I had a dream (after my amazing workout) that I had already lost a ton of weight and my pants were lose. Then I woke up and remembered that I had only completed one amazing workout and even though miracles have been know to happen they didn't happen for me last night. I'm pretty sore tonight thanks to a machine that Kelly and I call the crazy bike. This thing is really crazy and I'm sure I look pretty manic when I'm using it!

School was GOOD today. I know! It was so great I was wondering who had replaced my kids??! Well, I did have one kid scream out "what the f..!" when I asked him to put his homework in his bookbag, but you can't ask for perfection right?

I also spent some time watching Passion again tonight and it was so good. I watched Francis Chan preach and he is so passionate and real that I just love listening to him. One soundbite from his talk: "I'm going to BEG you to read this book (Bible). Be consumed by it. Read it for yourself." It reminded me of something that is said a lot at my church that is the answer to so many questions: "It's the Word. It's the Word. It's the Word." I forget that but it is true. Every time I open the word I realize how true it is.

I found a new blog today: Equip and Empower. She said that things are hard to do when you say that you HAVE to do them. For example, I have to workout. I have to do my Bible study. I have to go to church. They are much easier when you say that you WANT to do them. I want to be healthy. I want to grow to be more like Jesus. I want to spend time with the Lord. So, I'm going to work on changing my thinking. Instead of HAVING to do things, I'm going to WANT to do them.

Some totally random thoughts

2012-01-03T21:43:00.000-05:00

I started watching Passion tonight. "Is there something in you that to be brought back to life again?" Oh yeah. Thanks for asking. "Jesus has the willingness and power to raise the dead!" That is so what I needed to hear. It's actually taking place in the Georgia Dome right now. They are SOLD OUT at the Georgia Dome. That is amazing to me. Well, it has been such an encouragement. I was texting Melody and telling her that I feel so out of it because it is for college students! But it is so good! One thing they said is that 27 million people are actually in slavery right now. That is more than double the American slave trade in America's history...they are trying to raise a million dollars to work on saving the people who are in slavery. I have a feeling that I will have a lot more to say about Passion after I watch more.
I worked on canceling my subscriptions to a lot of catalogs today. I have never requested them but somehow I get sent about a dozen a week which is such a waste of paper. All you have to do is google "unsubscribe from catalog pottery barn" (or whatever catalog). I canceled 5 tonight. Some of them you have to have your customer number from the back of the catalog so I will have to wait for the next ones to come in to take care of them.
School went okay. I started my new token system and the kids seemed to be motivated to earn their tokens. But they are so hard to keep under control. Really, one off topic call out from one the kids can get the whole class going and then I have to stop everything and get control again. Which doesn't sound bad until you do it over and over again! I'm praying for a better day tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the big day

2012-01-02T21:11:00.000-05:00

Back to school, back to school...I feel like Adam Sandler on the first day of school.

So I'm all ready with my new token system and my Smart board presentation. My lesson plans were finished 2 weeks ago. Copies made 2 weeks ago. Let's see how it goes and if I can remember what the heck I was talking about on those lesson plans! Here are some pictures of the Smart board I made. I'm going to spend a while tomorrow morning going through these procedures and explaining the token system.

By the way, why did I decide to do 30 straight days of blogging? Couldn't I have done 3 times a week or something? ;)

On my mind

2012-01-01T22:02:00.002-05:00

my Ishy...

I'm a fan...

2011-12-31T19:02:00.000-05:00

I don't think there is a way for me to adequately express my excitement about today's activity! My sister and I are big "Army Wives" fans. She found it on Netflix and nagged me until I started watching it. Well, we took a trip to see where they film the show! They weren't filming today but I'm sure we are going to go back once they are!

This may seem kinda dumb but I put our pictures with the pictures from the real show so you could see. First, a picture of the administration building where General Holden works...

Next, we saw Claudia Joy's house with fake vines!

And the pergola outside her house.

It's hard to see, but in this picture there are lots of ropes and pulleys...our guess is that is part of the camera and lights stuff.

Then, THIS WAS THE COOLEST PART, we were driving really slowly through the area, and a man was working in one of the houses marked with the Army Wives yellow tape. He waved at us, we waved back, and then he waved us toward him! We GOT TO GO INSIDE! I was just a little excited and accidentally drove over a sprinkler, so sorry Army Wives outside set designer! Well, this house hasn't been used on the inside yet because it is being restored. He said that on the next season, this will be the general's house. It was gorgeous. Here are some pictures of it. First, the upstairs balcony (that had been staged at one point for AW.) Next, a view of the beautiful front door and a view from the upstairs curved staircase. And last from the end of the walk.

Suffice it to say that if I had my camera there would be a LOT more pictures but these are from Kelly's iPhone!

Mission impossible?

2011-12-30T20:51:00.000-05:00

All I wanted to do today was find two things: a plastic organizing thingy and tokens. If you're a teacher that doesn't sound strange at all! I got this idea to help me not go crazy with my class. There are two main problems I have with them: they don't. stop. talking. and they are always wanting more and more rewards and fun things given to them. I guess I was spoiled for the past 3 years because I looped with my class. They were awesome and we were truly a family. It seemed like they really cared about me and I was CRAZY about them. They were intrinsically motivated, attentive, and all around awesome.

Enter this year's class. I had a fabulous classroom economy set up, alternative seating (beanbags and lapboards), choice assignments, etc. I was forgetting one main thing when I planned all those things...these kids were a NEW group! They were not coming to me ready for all of those totally awesome things that I worked hard to get ready. I had been warned about this rising group but I figured I could get them under control once they got into my class.

So the first month was a total disaster. I modeled and demonstrated and taught my expectations like crazy, but it didn't work. The kids couldn't handle it, even though I think they really wanted to. I took everything away and went to a total old school discipline system. You earned rewards if you didn't get in any trouble, and if you did get in trouble you earned silent lunch, no recess, phone call home, etc.

THAT didn't work either! In the process I was getting so burned out. My kids who were good started thinking their rewards weren't enough. "Is this all we get?" Ungrateful kids are just so not cool. Then, even the kids I thought I could count on started to be disrespectful and talkative. I never thought I'd be this teacher...but I was totally the teacher who hated her job and didn't want to go to work. It's a vicious cycle, because I'm sure the kids can tell and then they don't try their best.

I still don't have the answer. Christmas break came just in time. I feel so rejuvenated and ready...well, not really ready, but less dreading going back.

So back to the original topic: my two shopping items. I am going to set up a token system with my class. Well, if I can find tokens! I went to 4 stores, found the organizing container but no tokens. I may end up using these flat glass marbles that I already have at school. I will just have to write the kids' numbers on them very quickly when I get to school on Tuesday!

Basically, all the kids have 10 tokens with their number on it. When they do something great, you put one of their tokens in a bag. Then, whenever you need a helper or have an occasion where you need to pick someone, you chose from the bag. I think this will emphasize doing great things and not emphasize a physical reward that the kids are expecting all the time. At the end of the week I can pull a number of tokens and give out rewards, but I may not because I can just see the tears if certain kids' numbers don't get pulled.

I'm just brainstorming, but here are some things I want to start implementing/teaching on Tuesday:

the token system
new expectation posters for different times of the day (arrival, teaching time, working time, transition times)
gratefulness (HOW DO I TEACH THIS? :) )
maximizing my time (pull a small group even if I have just 10 minutes before the next thing)

I'll be sure to update with how it actually goes!

New year and other topics

2011-12-29T21:47:00.000-05:00

Did you notice the new blog design? For those of you (2 of you) who read this in a reader you should check out what the actual blog looks like! I was bored last night.

New Year's Eve is really not a big deal to me. Most of the time I'd rather stay home and go to bed at a somewhat normal time. Last year, I went to a party at a friend's but was actually home by midnight. That's the way I roll. I usually don't make resolutions but this year I've been inspired to make some goals. I was reading this blog and loved his ideas. So here are mine.They are more specific and task oriented by design. (By the way, Kelly, I wrote these in my planner!)

Decorate and paint the laundry room.
Decorate and paint my bathroom.
Begin a new classroom management plan so that I can go less crazy. (I already picked one out. More on this later.)
Blog
Clean the garage and paint the inside wall.
Lose lbsssss (and go to the gym).
Fix up my lighthouse picture frame so that it better matches my living room colors.
Finish my current Beth Moore Bible study and at least one other one.
Save $$ each month for a new car.
Use more green/homemade cleaning stuff.

These are specific so that I can actually check them off when they happen! And I do have a # in mind for #6 but I thought I would keep that to myself.

In other news, "The Bachelor" is coming on Monday!! If you have time for a laugh you should check out Knox McCoy's take on the girls. They are all pretty disappointing at this point. What is really interesting is that McCoy rates each girls' hotness and I happen to disagree with him on many of his opinions. But I guess I'm not a guy so what do I know about girls and their hotness?

Next, I really like this little graphic.

from smbc

And finally, I leave you with this cute little picture I took last night. Isn't it cool how the whole lamp is glowing?

In which I illustrate my nerdiness

2011-12-28T18:48:00.000-05:00

The strep throat is on its way out and so I had the ability to actually get up and out of the house today! And it is so sad, because I had so much fun on my outing. First I went to Best Buy and bought a nifty cable to connect my computer to my new TV! So now I can watch Netflix (i.e. Army Wives) on my new TV! Next I went to Wal-Mart and the experience was so nice! (I know, weird huh!) It was quiet, people were smiling, and I found everything I wanted. I bought the things to make homemade detergent and also bought a bunch of Christmas wrapping paper that was 50% off.

So now that I shared that totally unnecessary information, let me share more! Once I got home I hooked up the nifty cable and I even took a picture of it so that I could show it on my blog. (NERD)

So, in case you couldn't imagine it, there's my computer on the bottom, and the same picture is up there on the TV screen!

Next I made the detergent which I am SO excited about! Here are the ingredients. Then I had to grate the bars of soap (it looked like cheese!) and then mix it all together. It smells great. I also bought a very fancy glass canister at Wal-Mart to store it in.

Can you see that small scoop there? That's how much you need to use for each load. In other words, this is going to last FOREVER! I just added it up - it was $15.87. It's supposed to last a year, and if that's true I'll be saving a lot! I usually spend at least $10 every couple of months. So there you go!

I also bought a small bottle of "Seal Gray" paint that I'm going to test in my bathroom. I would really like to find a pretty gray color to paint in there, so we'll see if this is the right one!

My long lost blog

2011-12-27T17:56:00.000-05:00

So for some reason I'm in the mood to start blogging again! It really is a cool way to get out your thoughts and save your memories of a season that may not be so memorable. I'm going to try a challenge: 30 days of blogging with no skips! Let's see how far I get!

So for my first blog of this challenge I'd like to share the transformation that happened in my house today. Of course I didn't think to take a picture of the before, but here is my old TV:

Excuse the dust. Now this was a NICE TV, in my opinion. Big, nice picture, and it was given to me for free! But, for Christmas, I got a new TV! This was a total surprise because I didn't even think of asking for a new TV. I was happy with my old one. However, I was VERY excited when I saw this one!

(Let's hear it for closed captioning!!) Doesn't that look nice! It is so skinny and light and the picture is crazy good. I can't believe it. Now I can go to Best Buy and get a wireless connection to my computer and I can watch Netflix on it! (My old TV was too old to have the right connections to do that.)

Another thing I am doing tonight is filling out my new agenda from Kelly!

Isn't it pretty?

These are the kinds of things you do when you have strep throat on your Christmas break! I hope tomorrow I feel better and can actually get out of the house!

Day in the life of me

2011-07-05T01:52:00.000-04:00

7:00 - Wake up to my iPad alarm - "Aftermath" by Hillsong. Crawl out from under the mosquito net and fold it up, fold up my sheet and blanket. Go downstairs to the restroom and wash my face. The whole restroom thing is getting a whole lot easier and less of an adventure, praise God! Get dressed - every day I have to wear a skirt or dress except on Wednesday, when I can wear pants! I found out that Thai teachers only wear dresses when they are pregnant, which really makes me feel better because people keep asking me if I'm pregnant (I wear dresses a lot!) Put my hair in a ponytail because why try to look cute when I'll be sweating in a matter of minutes? :)

7:40 - Go to school. I get a ride with my house mom - Meow. I ride on the back of her motorcycle. Bai-Thoe, her daughter, sits in front of her! This is exciting because since I wear a dress or skirt, I have to sit sideways! It is an adventure.

8:00 - Walk through lots of students to get to my building. There are 3 buildings on campus. Find my desk in the English department. Take my iPad out and check email and facebook. Love getting emails and carefully read each one! Stand when the Thai Anthem is played throughout the building. I can actually just about sing it to you after all this time!

8am - 3pm - Teach! My days vary from 1 class to 5. Sometimes the days go by very slow and sometimes I am so busy they pass by quickly! Students are constantly walking by my desk, saying hello! I try to chat with the Thai teachers when they aren't too busy.

Classes- each class has 30-40 students. I am teaching 10-12th grade. The period is about 50 minutes long. Some classes are very interested and hang on to every word, and other classes sleep, talk, or do other homework. My lessons so far have been about asking and answering questions, July 4th, and introductions.

Lunch - I walk to the canteen (cafeteria) and decide on my lunch. It will always be rice (OF COURSE!) with either chicken, eggs, or pork. Sometimes a combination! I buy a bottle of water and walk back to the office. The teachers all eat together and sometimes share their food. I have tasted some pretty interesting things! Today I had yellow rice and friend chicken. It was really good!

About 3:00 - head home. There isn't a set time I have to stay until, so I usually finish up my classes, hang out for a bit, and then walk home. It is about a kilometer long walk. It isn't too long but it is always very hot! I'm happy for the exercise though! Sometimes I ask a teacher for a ride on her motorcycle if they are leaving at the same time.

Afternoon - this varies. Here are some of the things I have done in the afternoon: read (I've read 4 novels so far and am now reading Pride and Prejudice), do my Bible study (Beth Moore's Breaking Free - LOVE IT), watch ER on the computer (my dad burned lots of episodes for me), sleep, go get my hair washed (a luxury that I absolutely love), go to 7-11 for drinks, etc. By the way, I will from this point here on have a deep and intense love for 7-11. Not only do they have Pepsi Max (Diet Pepsi), but it is air conditioned! I have spent many a minute perusing the items in there while I really just try to cool off! I can't forget to talk about Bai-Thoe! Many afternoons we share our snack and watch tv or play on my iPad. She is such a fun and cute friend to have around. Yesterday she walked up to my room carrying a bowl of chicken for us to share!

Evening - around 7 we usually eat dinner. Meow usually fixes a couple of different dishes to be served over rice. I have loved every one of her dinners ! We eat on the floor of her living room - Thai style. Sometimes we go out to eat as well. There is also a night market on certain nights that is fun to go to and walk around.

8-10 - I read some more, talk to Meow and the neighbors. Usually I talk to Grandma almost every night! This is such a nice thing for me to not get homesick! I also talk to mom about twice a week and I've talked to Kelly twice now. Before bed, I take a bath. Now, this is not what Americans think of a bath! There is a tank of water in the bathroom. You take a plastic bowl, dip it in the water, and splash it on you. Do this several times, and you're pretty clean!

10:00 - go to sleep!

Thanks for reading about my day! I may come back and add more as I think of things!

Location:Khao Phanom,Thailand

American meal

2011-06-29T21:32:00.003-04:00

When I was asked to make an American meal, I had to think of something that could be made without an oven and something that I could find all the ingredients here in Thailand. I decided on one of my moms specialties, chicken and dumplings! It was a challenge to find everything but I did! And the next challenge was for a type A like me to cook without any measuring utensils. But I did!

Here are pictures of the cooking process. I took a picture of the final result but for some reason it looks green, so I won't put it up here!

My Thai family liked it and of course ate it over rice! It's something I'll definitely cook again in Thailand.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Sport day

2011-06-29T21:32:00.001-04:00

Oh my favorite of all days, Sport day! Picture field day to the extreme with a parade, costumes, traditional dance, modern dance, and race after race for 2 days. The kids are divided into four colors that compete with each other. Here are some pictures of the festivities.

This last picture shows the four teams under their own tent. Each group has their own dancers in front of them. You can also see the track. These kids are troopers because it is HOT!!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

The latest

2011-06-27T23:39:00.001-04:00

**I've been trying to post this since last Tuesday! So, the news is old, but better late than never!

I started school and all is going well! I'm using some of my introduction stuff that I used two years ago so I know what reaction I'm going to get with pretty much everything I do. You have to speak v e r y. s l o w l y. And enunciate like crazy. But it works! I try to imagine some French person was coming to talk to me and how I would feel. Even though I studied it a lot, it's way different with a native speaker. Here are some pictures.

Morning assembly - all students sit and wait, then stand for the Thai anthem, pay respect to Buddha, and meditate. Then they are deluged with lots of school announcements and lectures, from what I can tell.
Lunch - students can eat in the "canteen" but some choose to come back to the English department. The boy on the right always comes to talk to me! I can tell he works up his courage every time!

My second class, 10th grade - they are reading my introduction.

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Khao Phanom,Thailand

My Saturday

2011-06-27T04:32:00.001-04:00

This Saturday I had the day to myself. It was kind of nice to be independent after being taken everywhere. I washed clothes, then went to the park to read. You can see it's a very nice park! The first picture is of the exercise machines. Of course I went to 7-11. I go there at least once a day! I walked around town and had lunch. That evening, i went with Meow to a special market, like a fair. It was pretty fun and interesting. I found some American brand clothing there for CHEAP but I didn't see anything I had to have! It was a good day!

Location:Khao Phanom,Thailand

Bai Thoe

2011-06-23T22:50:00.001-04:00

This post is all about the adorable three year old that lives in the house where I am staying. Her name is kind of pronounced like buy-toy. She has been coming up to my room in the afternoons when she gets home from school. She calls me Adjun Katie, which means Teacher Katie. The way she says it is so cute!

I introduced her to my iPad and of course she loves it. She loves the pond app where it looks like a real pond with fish and lily pads. I also downloaded an app called Talking Tom 2 which repeats what you say in a funny voice. That was a total hit!

Location:Khao Phanom,Thailand

The offending roosters

2011-06-22T21:13:00.001-04:00

Yes, these are the roosters that love to talk. All. Night. Long.

They are on the roof of the house next door.

In other news, check out this much more precious neighbor.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Khao Phanom,Thailand

Sightseeing on saturday!

2011-06-20T03:43:00.001-04:00

On Saturday Richard, Linda, and I had a great time traveling around the province of Krabi. We got lost a couple of times, but it was a good thing because we found new places they had never seen before. Around every corner seemed to be another breathtaking view. Here are some of the pictures I took...

(you can always click on a picture to see it bigger!)

This is a little off topic, but i saw these dresses, Karlie, and thought of you!

Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Thanon Chamaianouson,Muang Krabi,Thailand

My new home

2011-06-19T20:43:00.001-04:00

A Thai Christian family has generously provided a room on the second floor of their house! This house is also the meeting place for church on Sunday afternoons. The family makes pork and rice and sells it in front of their house, as well. Here are some pictures of my new room.

Next, the view from my windows.

As I write this, it is Sunday night and I start my first day of school in the morning! I'm excited - even thought the past few days have been fun I will finally begin my real reason for being here. Check out my schedule. (To my teacher friends you might find this unbelievable!)

One more thing, the woman I am staying with is so very nice and thoughtful! I know she will be a good friend soon. (This is for Grandma!) The little girl - Bai Thoe - is so cute and I love the way she says my name! She calls me Adjun Katie which means teacher. She is 3 and I am really going to enjoy her!
Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Khao Phanom, Krabi, Thailand

First day in Krabi

2011-06-17T11:32:00.001-04:00

I arrived in Krabi yesterday and have had a busy day today! First, we went to visit my new school.

Oh, I forgot to mention breakfast! I thought about you Wyndie!

Then we visited the house where I'll be staying. My room has the headboard for a bed but nothing else! Yes, a bed!

I will be staying with a Thai family. This little girl is Bai Toie. She is adorable but was playing shy. The next picture is in front of my house where the dad cooks noodles and people stop by to buy them.

We also visited two other schools where two guys from Texas will be working. They are about 15 minutes from my school.

We went to lunch at the market and then bought some fruit. I'll have to do a whole post on Thai fruit at some point.

After dinner I got to call mom and grandma (yay!) and then I did some recordings for Richard's radio show! My voice will be heard all over Krabi! Make sure to tune in to 100.7 True Love!

Love you all!
- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

In Bangkok!

2011-06-16T00:09:00.001-04:00

Well here I am! I didn't know I'd have time to post so soon but I'm at the hotel and have a few hours before I head back to the airport to fly to Krabi so I thought why not!

The flight was great, no delays or anything and I slept a lot and ate weird airplane food :)

Here are some interesting pictures to share.

Bible and Buddhist book in hotel drawer.Those Gideons are working hard!

Fancy smancy bathroom with shower and bathtub

Sigh... :)

Good to know there is Cartoon Network here! Lol

View out of the window, the airport is on the left.

And last but not least, the very impressive toilets in Tokyo. :)))))

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

Location:Mu Ban Park View City,Bang Phli,Thailand

My prayers

2011-06-12T23:31:00.000-04:00

I have been praying about this trip for months now. First, praying if it would be God's will, if it would please Him, or if He had something else for me this summer. I contacted the missionaries there in November, but it wasn't until around February that I really felt as though God had answered my prayers and I decided for sure to go. Part of it is the love and compassion I have for Thai people. That is something that is not from me, it's from God. He put it in me, so that it would motivate me to go!

Once I made my decision, I've been praying for a two things specifically...

that God would soften the hearts (and minds) of the teachers and students I meet so that they may want to learn more about Jesus
that God would give me the words to say so that I can be clear about my relationship with Jesus and why I love Him

I humbly ask you to join with me in prayer for those things, and while you're at it, here are some requests a little more on the personal side. :)

that I wouldn't experience (much) culture shock, or that when I do, I will be able to move through it quickly and easily
that I wouldn't experience a lot of homesickness - especially toward the end of my trip. The last couple weeks have proven to be the hardest when it comes to missing family, friends, and the comforts of America

I feel so blessed to go on this trip! I feel totally wrapped in prayer! (Does that make sense?!) My church prayed for me this morning and my small group prayed with me tonight. I know that these prayers are going before me and that He is in control! Love you!

Some thoughts

2011-06-11T18:53:00.000-04:00

On Tuesday I will be getting on a plane to travel to Thailand! This will be my third trip. When I look that this map it just blows my mind! (I made this map to show the kids at church.) Here is how my trip will go: from Charleston to D.C., then to Tokyo, then to Bangkok to spend the night in an incredibly fancy hotel, then fly to Krabi (southwest Thailand) the next day! A total of 25 hours of traveling! I think about missionaries years ago, and the trip they had to take! It would have taken months to get to Asia, and I fret about 25 hours!

I'm thinking about the foreign culture and how interesting everything is to me. I just LOVE Thai culture and everything I see is a feast for my eyes. I only wish I could read Thai! But even seeing the foreign lettering everywhere is interesting for me. It really never gets old for me. Here are some pictures that will hopefully show you what I mean. You can click on the pictures to see them better.

A Buddhist temple

An English poster at school (can't wait to try this recipe!)

Girls at a Bible study - eager to learn! We are sitting in a hut (I don't know what else to call it.) A lot of the homes I visited in the country have these huts outside in front of their house and that's where we usually sit to visit. Also, notice the blue washing machine behind the girls!

Learning a Christian song with hand movements. Notice all of the trees behind them. I *think* those are rubber trees.

Fancy traffic light in the city of Krabi

Floating market

City street - notice this motorcycle's attachment. Also notice how many motorcycles there are! I took this picture from a tuk-tuk (3 wheeled taxi).

Making a bracelet of jasmine for me at my friend's house

Sidewalk market

I just want to express how INTERESTING everything is! That is part of the fun of traveling to another country!

I have been praying for my trip for months and I will share some of those prayers with you on my next post.

In less than a week...

2011-06-08T10:26:00.000-04:00

I will be eating delicious dishes like the one below.

That's fried chicken with rice. Basically, I go for the most American dishes I can get while in Thailand.

Maybe I'll branch out a bit this time!

Or maybe not!

I can see it so clearly...

2011-05-20T21:24:00.000-04:00

She walks in, hair wind blown, of course, from having her windows down. (No matter how hot it is - that's the way to drive she says.) Her huge smile graces her face showing bright white teeth. She hugs me, teasing me at the way I don't squeeze very hard. So she squeezes harder, giving me a little back scratch with her short nails. I squeeze back, giggling. I notice how warm she is, from having the windows down and the sun shining on her. She's holding a cup, seems like she always walked in with a cup. Don't know what was in it ;) She talks of her latest love: scuba diving, tattoos, cooking, gardening, making soap from scratch, whatever it may be. She's got her phone with her, ready to text back with her help if the restaurant is having a problem. She raves about whatever we are eating. She uses the word, "awesome." She glows. She radiates. She shines. She's lovely, she really is.

And I miss her. So much it hurts.

Looong Time!

2011-05-13T22:58:00.001-04:00

This is mostly a post to make sure that I can blog from my iPad, since that's what I'll be doing this summer while I'm in THAILAND!!!!!

(Not that I'm excited or anything.)

I have three weeks left of school with my fourth graders. I have had some of them since second grade, so it will be bittersweet to say goodbye to them. But, at this point, I'm just focusing on getting through these next crazy weeks.

Then, I'll be leaving for Thailand on June 14 for about six weeks. I really hope to do better at blogging this time around. Last time, my access to computers was sketchy and random. Hopefully, having my iPad will make all the difference!

I will finish this little test post with a picture that makes me smile!

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPad

...from the missionary's blog

2009-08-03T04:42:00.001-04:00

by The Thaikid Returns

What can a person do in 6 weeks of teaching in a Thai school?

After her shock of sleeping on a pallet on the floor each night, “squatty potties” (toilets), and cold dip baths, Katie adjusted well. Living at the school in one of the houses provided for teachers has been good for Katie. She has learned to eat a variety of Thai foods daily with the teachers . Many times trying to smile while eating foods she didn’t like. In the evening she exercised with them.

At her desk, Katie had her Bible, Christian tracts, and an Evangi-Cube. During long breaks, she read her Bible and did a Bible Study. When students and teachers asked her about what she was doing, Katie had an opportunity to tell them about God. During her English classes, Katie taught songs like “My God is so big” to her students too. Before leaving to return to America, her students lined the way out of the school to say “Goodbye” to her.

During her time here, Katie has had opportunity to get close to two teachers, A. Nit and A. Biap. As she got closer to these teachers, they opened up and told her about their struggles in life. Her housemate, Nit, wanted a Bible to read and has been asking questions about what she has read. Nit was impressed by the genealogy of Jesus in Matthew chapter one because of her Chinese background. Once back in America, Katie will keep in contact with her new Thai friends and will be emailing some favorite scripture verses for A. Nit to read. Another teacher, who was closed, has begun asking questions, as well. Two students have shown interest in God and asked for a visit and more Christian literature.

Before leaving a teacher told Katie, “Thank you for coming and bringing so much good to our school.”

What can a person do in 6 weeks in a Thai school? They can be a good friend and share the love Jesus with others.

A typical day at Blai Praya Wittyacomb School

2009-07-06T23:12:00.002-04:00

6:30 AM - Wake up to the sound of a Thai news radio station being broadcasted throughout the school grounds. Wish they would turn it off so I can sleep more :) Roll off my pallet and head downstairs for a dip bath and brush my teeth. Read my Bible, pray, eat a granola bar, and get dressed.

7:50 - Walk to morning ceremony on school grounds with my roommate, P'Nid (Her first name is Suphanee, but her nickname is Nid. P stands for big sister.) Observe morning ceremony: a teacher lectures the students while they stand in straight lines (in the sun!), a student leads the other students in the Thai National Song, then the school song, then they say the 5 tenants (??) of Buddhism and wai to Buddha. I keep my hands by my sides.

8:10 - Walk to school, climb 4 floors to the English department. Sit at my desk and receive my schedule for the day. (Turn the fan on HIGH!) There are 8 periods in a day and I usually have 3 or 4 classes. In between classes I do a Bible study called "A Woman's Heart: God's Dwelling Place" by Beth Moore. It is great and I usually am able to finish 2 "days" in one day. I also check papers sometimes or work on my next lesson. There is a computer in the room, and when the power is working I can check the internet!

I am also blessed with many visitors to my desk! Teachers come and offer me food and fruit and sit down to talk and practice their English. Students stop by and look at my pictures or just smile at me. They all marvel over my white skin. I tell them, "In America white skin isn't popular! Dark skin is!" They can't believe that white people would actually lay in the sun to get darker. When they go to the beach they wear a hat, pants, and long sleeve shirt so they won't get darker!

A typical class - I walk into the room and am greeted enthusiastically and happily! "Hello teacher!" "Hello Katie!" Then the class leader says loudly, "Stand up, please." All the students stand up and say, "Good morning teacher Katie." I say, "Good morning! How are you?" They say, "I'm fine and you?" I usually throw them off my saying "Excellent!" or "Great!" (They only know fine!!) And then I tell them to sit down.

Sometimes the teacher will give me a topic to teach and sometimes they will say it's up to me. So I do songs: "Hokey Pokey," "This is the way" and so on. We play games to practice their English. I also do a lot of vocabulary practice by showing my pictures. I can show them pictures of my sisters and they learn the word. Pictures of my dog, my church, so on. They LOVE to see my pictures, especially of my sister Karlie! They say "suay mak mak mak!" Which means, very very very beautiful! (I agree, by the way!)

I also get a chance to share my faith with them. I usually draw a cross on the board and say, I'm Christian. Or in Thai - Chris-te-an. I tell them that I love Projow (God) and Preyesus (Jesus). I tell them about my boat (church). Some students know what I'm talking about but for many I am the first Christian they have ever met.

12:20 - Lunchtime! P'Beab (Niyom) usually cooks lunch for me and it's pretty good! We sit at my desk and eat together. Sometimes, teachers will make "appointment" with me and take me to a restaurant for lunch. Every Thursday I meet with the Blounts (missionaries) for our weekly meeting. It is such a blessing and encouragement.

4:00 - School is out! By this time I'm HOT and yucky, so I go home and take another bath and change clothes. Sometimes I watch a little TV (ER on DVD) or read my book. Take a break!

5:30 - My roommate P'Nid and I go to the market on her motorcycle. They sell raw meat, fruit, and vegetables. And don't forget insects to eat! We buy some meat and vegetables and go back home and prepare dinner. It's been fun learning how to cook Thai!

6:30 - Go walking around the school with P'Beab! Sometimes I watch her play basketball first.

7:30 - Time for another bath and get ready for bed! Do my Bible study "Lies Women Believe" and write in my journal. Talk to Grandma or Mom. Go to sleep around 9:30!

Well, I hope this gives you an idea of my typical day! There are always surprises and different things that happen, but this can give you a good idea! Leave a comment!

Thailand! (part 1)

2009-06-20T10:43:00.005-04:00

So, by now, I'm into my second week of my missions trip to Thailand. And the theme so far? God is good! He has been my Everything this week. So much has happened that I have no clue how to start blogging about it! My internet access has been shaky to say the least. But, I will give it a shot!!

Tuesday, June 16: Began my journey to Thailand! Charleston to Atlanta, first. Spent a few hours walking around the Atlanta airport. Got lost once and ended up having to go through security again. Yes, I am that ditzy sometimes!

Finally got on the flight to Japan. Once I am sitting there, the pilot announces that there has been a volcanic eruption in Russia! The ash is covering the path that we were going to take over the Pacific, so we have to take a longer, alternate route. As a result, we have to stop in San Fran to fuel up. Great news! :)

The flight is uneventful! I sleep, listen to music, and read. Watch a little tv on the screen way in front of me. I try to ignore the couple next to me who show way too much PDA. I think it was about 14 hours. Finally arrive in Tokyo, where they have held my next flight! Yay! I was afraid I would have to wait for another plane. The next flight took 8 hours. More sleeping and eating weird airplane food. At least I have a seat between me and the person by the window! I can move my legs! Yes!

Arrive in Bangkok. Can't keep the smile off my face. No problem getting my baggage and finding my taxi. Went to stay in the nicest hotel I've ever experienced! Slept more, took a nice long shower, and went back to the airport for my last leg of the journey. It took about an hour and we were in Krabi!

Linda and Richard were there to pick me up and they took me to their house not far from the airport. They successfully kept me up for a few more hours before I went to bed.

Friday, June 18: Time to begin work! I went with Linda and Richard to the Thai countryside. We visited people who said they were interested in learning more about God. We had a Bible study. Same on Saturday, except that the group on Saturday is mostly young girls and they are so excited to learn about God! And excited to see me, a foreigner! They call foreigners "farangs," and I hear it whispered whereever I go! Also "cow" which means white! The girls touched my hair and legs and were so interested in me. It was too cute. Two twin girls, Not and Nan, were especially smart and answered all the questions correctly! (I was told-the whole thing was is in Thai.)

Also, on Friday, we went to my school: Blai Prayawittyacom! It is WAAAAY in the country and not like my other Thai school. I finally met Niyom, the teacher who I had been in contact with before my trip. She is so welcoming and invites us to eat lunch at her house. Before lunch, she ushers me into an English classroom and leaves me there to talk to the kids! This was when those pictures were taken that are on my facebook account. I spent about 20 minutes there but it felt like a long time because I wasn't sure what to do!

Then, we go to my new house. This is where culture shock hit me! I thought that I was prepared but I definitely wasn't. It is a 2 story house. On the bottom floor it has a small living area and kitchen and bathroom. Upstairs are 3 bedrooms: mine, Suphanee's, and an empty one. There's no AC, and in my room there is no bed. The bathroom consists of a Thai style toilet (I won't get too graphic here!) and a tank of water. You use the tank of water to both flush the toilet and dip a bowl in to a take a bath. Whew! This shook me up! I wasn't ready for that!

Anyway... (it gets better! I promise!)

Saturday, June 19: Worked again with Linda and Richard. The most memorable moment from this day was the Thai funeral we attended that night. One of Richard's friend's mother died. When you get to the funeral, you go to this area that looks like a restarant or a family reunion set up. You eat dinner and there are hired cooks and waitresses. One of the dinners was chicken inards! Mmm! After you eat, you go up front and sit in the chairs for the audience. Monks are seated up front. The coffin is there, and in front of it is an image of Buddha that people go kneel in front of and light insense. Off to the side there is a platform where the monks will chant. There is a white string that is hanging down to the platform. It goes up to the ceiling and then back down into the coffin. That is so the chants that the monks say go right into the coffin.

On the platform there are these big paper fans that have a picture of Buddha on one side. The monks hold them in front of them while they chant. Linda said that they do this because they don't want to be distracted or think bad thoughts while they are chanting. On the other side, writen in Thai, it says: "You are born. You grow old. You have pain. You die." How sad. What kind of hope is that?

While the monks are chanting (which is the strangest sound), everyone in the audience wais (holds their hands in front of them in a prayer-like gesture) to show respect to Buddha. We don't wai, because we are Christians. No one even pays any attention to us. Linda told me that there is a lot of pressure on the monks because if they make one mistake during the chants, the person who died is doomed.

After the monks chant, people go up and give money to the monks. This is one way to make merit for your next life (I think). And, people have to bring money in a white envelope to give to the family. Richard had to give money for all of us.

Well, this is long enough for part 1! I'll add more later! Sorry I can't post pictures!

If you managed to make it through this whole post, leave a comment!

1:10 AM

2009-06-14T01:10:00.002-04:00

I thought I'd stop in and say hello since I can't sleep! Only 2 days until I leave for Thailand! I'm leaving Tuesday morning and flying to Atlanta, then Tokyo, then Bangkok. I'll spend the night there and then fly to Krabi the next day. (Click on that link to see some pictures of beautiful Krabi!) So, all together, there will be about 23 hours of flying!

And I'm pretty much ready. But my brain won't settle! At about midnight I got up and packed some of my bathroom stuff, then made up my guest bed, washed the dishes in my sink, and here I am still not tired. I guess I'll go try to sleep again!

His love

2009-06-09T11:20:00.003-04:00

It's truly hard to understand His love for us. These passages make it so real...

From a woman who wrote about her husband's response to her double mastectomy:

As we wept and trembled when he took my bandages off the first time, I was so ugly, scarred, and bald. I was in intense grief that I could never be a whole wife to him again. Steve held me tightly and with tears in his eyes said, "Melana, I love you because that is who I am."

I instantly recognized Christ in my husband...No comeliness in us draws Christ's attention; it is only His essence that draws Him to us.

And this one...

Put together all the tenderest love you know of, the deepest you have ever felt, and the strongest that has ever been poured out upon you, and heap upon it all the love of all the loving human hearts in the world, and then multiply it by infinity, and you will begin, perhaps, to have some faint glimpse of what the love of God is.

from Lies Women Believe by Nancy Leigh DeMoss

Oh Lord, give me the power to understand, as all God's people should, how wide, how high, how long, and how deep your love really is. And help me experience your love, though it is so great I may never fully understand it.

Every last detail

2009-06-08T11:07:00.002-04:00

I'm sitting here near tears because of God's goodness. He has taken care of everything regarding this trip. I'm just writing this because I don't want to forget how He cares for the smallest details in my life. He is SO good. My most recent example - I just got off the phone with a friend from church. Yesterday, I mentioned that I wanted to find 8 little gifts for the English teachers at the Thai school. I wanted to take them a little something American or South Carolinian! She went out and bought 8 mini Charleston baskets for me to take. What??? I mean, how sweet is that.

And yesterday, my church went above and beyond when they gave me more money for my trip. And promised their prayers over and over.

I just can't get over His goodness. And the goodness of His people. Oh Lord make me worthy of serving you!

This is one of those posts...

2009-06-02T21:50:00.002-04:00

...where I have to be real! I'd like to be all, "I'm fine! I'm brave! I'm excited! God's in control!" But the truth is, I'm scared! I'm anxious! I'm nervous!

Ok, enough with all the exclamation marks. But you get the point. These 2 pictures below represent my biggest sources of anxiety. The first picture is of the Suvarnabhumi Airport, and it represents the flight to Thailand. It's going to be long. I've done it before, and I was miserable. Unless you've been on one of these excruciatingly long flights, you just don't get it.

Second, the whole airport thing. If you know me, you know that I'm quite prone to getting lost. I have no sense of direction, and these huge airports frighten me.

Last, the hotel picture represents the night I have to stay in Bangkok alone. I'm staying in the airport hotel, so I won't have to take a taxi or anything. But I've never spent the night alone in a hotel! Really, I've never spent the night alone in any situation like this.

But, and that word is key, I KNOW this is God's will for me. I KNOW He wants me to do this. I KNOW He will protect me. And I KNOW that although it may be tough, it's really not that big of a deal. And it will totally be worth it, when I get to meet all those sweet Thai students and teachers. That is the part I can't wait for!

This may be a sign that I am ready for summer

2009-05-27T17:00:00.000-04:00

There is a certain student that I have to "talk" to several times every day. Let's call him Alex. He generally a good kid, he is just ALWAYS out of his seat and ALWAYS talking. So, during my day, I say "Alex" about 100 times.

The other day I was taking a little afternoon nap. Through my sleep, I heard Toby barking obnoxiously in the backyard. It finally woke me up...and I sat up and yelled, "ALEX! BE QUIET!"

Oops! Wrong name!

Toby went to school

2009-05-26T17:38:00.003-04:00

On Friday, Toby came to school! My class is pretty much awesome, and we earned the opportunity for me to bring my dog to school. We were allowed to have him for the entire day, but I didn't think Toby could handle it! So, my grandparents came at lunch and brought him along. Toby actually did very well! He was a bit nervous, and I had to hold him for most of the afternoon, but he let everyone pet him and he was a hit! It was a great surprise for my class!

Girls' Weekend!

2009-05-25T20:26:00.002-04:00

I am one blessed girl! I just spent the last 3 days with my girlfriends from college: Audra-Kelly, Denee, Erin, and Melody! (One friend was missing - Kelly.) We went to Asheville and had a wonderful time...including 12 hours of shopping on Saturday! Erin and I were so tired we actually stayed in the car and had a nap while the others went in the last store.

One of the highlights of the weekend was the feeling in the air. It was one of total acceptance. With these girls, I can say whatever I want, and they accept me. Actually, they LOVE me! What a feeling! It was good for my soul to be there with them, and get some things off my chest. It was good to share some stuff that's going on with me, and not feel judged or looked down upon.

Most of the girls don't know this, but I've conquered something big this weekend. Well, maybe it's too soon to say conquered, but on my way there! (Hey Erin, did you notice my correct use of it's? That's just for you, girl!) Anyway, it's due to my girls and their love and support. So thanks, girls, for being you.

I've got a big week coming up. I've got to finish report cards (actually, starting them would be good too!), start packing up my classroom, create a DVD for each student of class pictures, and get a presentation together to share at church on Sunday. But, I feel energized from this weekend! Plus, it definitely helps to know that in 2 weeks from today I will be done with the 2008-09 school year and one week away from Thailand!

another funny moment

2009-05-04T20:14:00.002-04:00

Every morning at school we watch the morning news. This morning during the part about school lunch, they announced that we will be having peach cobbler for dessert. One little boy piped up. "Peach cob? What's that??" And another boy answered, "Fruit on a cob, or maybe fruit on a bob! You know, like corn!"

funny moment

2009-04-22T16:33:00.001-04:00

I was at the post office today mailing my visa application when the clerk sees that the address is The Royal Thai Embassy.

"Are you Thai?"

hehe!!!

Ah, no. I'm the whitest white girl you can imagine!

Spring Break Project

2009-04-18T17:51:00.003-04:00

This china cabinet is older than me, and it was in every house I lived in as I grew up. I have "fond" memories of dusting it when I was little! So ever since its been mine, I have wanted to paint it. I painted my kitchen cabinets white soon after I moved in, and later bought a white kitchen table. So, this needed to happen! It was a pain to paint but it is so worth it! I love how it turned out. I don't know if you can tell from the pictures but I painted the back wall of the cabinet yellow to match the kitchen walls. And I changed the cabinet pulls to something a little more modern. Yay!

Spring Break!

2009-04-05T19:23:00.003-04:00

Oh my...I am SO thankful for Spring Break! Melody is here and we are having such a great time! We have been able to do stuff with Kelly and just hang out. We've been pretty busy, actually, trying to fit in all the things we want to do. Tonight we are going to get pizza and watch "Saving Sarah Cain." I'm so thankful for good friends. Here's what happens when you don't have a fourth person to take the pictures!

Holding my breath

2009-04-01T18:11:00.002-04:00

I feel like I'm holding my breath lately, just waiting for Spring Break! School has been a bit on the stressful side. This is one of those times I wish I could go into details and let it all out on the blog. But I don't need a lawsuit either! Anyway, I am simply looking forward to a week with little to do and a chance to recoup from a couple of crazy weeks.

You know, I have a tendency to think in metaphors sometimes. Its really a strange characteristic, I think. Does anyone else do this? For example, the whole poem I wrote about my tulips was obviously a metaphor for something else. And I was thinking about my current feelings about school, I thought of a roller coaster. Some people get on a roller coaster and scream, throw their hands in the air, and thrill with each scary turn. Other people grip the bar as hard as they can, take a deep breath, and grit their teeth. Right now, I'm definitely the latter. I am getting through this time and bearing it, but I can't wait for it to be over! Just being honest.

Time for me to get busy with my chores, I have a guest coming for Spring Break!

Procrastinating on my report cards...

2009-03-24T19:22:00.004-04:00

Okay, since I really don't want to start the monumental task of report cards, here are some things that make me happy...

This tree! It has the prettiest white blossoms on it right now. Its my favorite thing about this tree.

I love looking out my door, seeing the blue wreath with the white blossoms in the background. Hoping for green grass soon!
My tulips have started to bloom!

And this little boy is the best!
How could you say no to this face?

He really wanted to get outside...

2009-03-19T16:13:00.000-04:00

Toby was fresh from a bath and he wasn't allowed to go outside...

But I guess he found a way to break the rules!

Waiting...

2009-03-18T16:05:00.006-04:00

A few months ago

I worked in the dirt
digging holes and
planting bulbs
pulling weeds and watering.

Then I waited.
I walked by the flowerbed
everyday
as I got home from work
to see if the bulbs had sprouted.

Week after week
nothing.
Just mulch and maybe some weeds.

Then
One day
A green sprout
I rejoiced!
The next day,
even more.

And now...

My grandma warns me
"They may not bloom this year"
But I can wait
Because I know
they will come at the right time

I promise I DO teach grammar...

2009-03-08T21:04:00.004-04:00

Friday was my grandpa's birthday, and since my grandparents come on Friday to volunteer in my classroom, we made a card.

I had all the kids sign it. See if you can read this note...

"You ant old! you young!"And this one that was added later: "you not young you old"

Well, if they don't have grammar skills at least they have a sense of humor!!

Weather questions

2009-03-04T18:39:00.002-05:00

Today I invited a meteorologist to my classroom to culminate our weather unit. At the end of his presentation, he asked the class if they had any questions. I cringed inwardly because my students aren't always the best at asking questions. When I ask them if they have any questions, once in a while I will get an actual question. But most of the time I get these kinds of responses:

"Um, um, um..." (long pause) "I forgot."

Or (here's my favorite)
"One time, when I was visiting my grandma we saw snow and then we put on our jackets except for Austin who couldn't go outside because he was in trouble and then we made snow angels and played in the snow and we tried to make snow balls but the snow melted and then we went inside and made a fort from my grandma's sheets and we hid from my mom but she found us!"

So you can understand why I cringed. But, my kids did a pretty good job asking actual questions (we practiced before he got there!)

But the best was when one little boy asked, "Why does the weather change?"

And without skipping a beat, another little boy turned around and said, "Jesus, boy!!"

Shoulda been a nurse

2009-03-03T20:31:00.002-05:00

My mom's a nurse, and I think she secretly wishes that at least one of her daughters will follow in her footsteps. Now they are great footsteps, don't get me wrong. I have no doubt that my mom is the best nurse to her patients and I definitely call her with any of my aches or pains. She always has the answer.

However...I am the biggest wimp when it comes to medical stuff. I can't talk about IV's or veins and honestly just typing those two words makes me uncomfortable. And blood. Forget it. Needles. Yuck. I can't even walk into a hospital without feeling nauseous. I was invited to a party in my mom's honor at the hospital. They were EATING FOOD in the hospital. Mere yards away from VEINS and IV'S. Needless to say I couldn't eat a bite. I had trouble swallowing my diet coke.

Well all this rambling does have a point. I should have gotten over my phobia and been a nurse, because I feel like one at school.

I'm a softy, and the kids know it. Last year, the school nurse told me that my class had the most nurse visits! So this year, I decided to toughen up. My kids were going to have to be seriously sick or bleeding profusely in order to have to go. Even so, I have constant complaints all day long. "My stomach hurts." "I have a headache." "My throat hurts." "I have a paper cut." "I think I sprained my ankle." "I bumped my head on my cubby." I'm telling you, its NEVER - ENDING!

Most of the time, I try to muster up a sympathetic smile and say, "I'm sorry. You'll be ok." Sometimes I give some medical advice. "Try going to the bathroom." "Get some water." "Did you eat breakfast?"

But then the kids have the nerve to actually be SICK sometimes! Last Thursday, a boy looked queasy and didn't even ask to go to the nurse. He wanted to stay in class. Finally, I sent him to the nurse and he had a temperature of 104.7!

So, I'm at a loss. Do I act tough and basically tell the kids to get over it, or do I send them to the clinic? If only I had a bit of my mom's medical knowledge.

Treasures

2009-03-01T18:50:00.002-05:00

There are certain memories that you want to store up in your heart and never forget, like precious treasures. Today I had one of those moments.

During my pastor's sermon, he was talking about Paul's journey to Jerusalem and how the people around him tried to discourage him from going. They knew - accurately - that Paul would face suffering in Jerusalem.

Then pastor referred to my trip to Thailand, and how important it is not to discourage me but to encourage me. He said, "We need to be saying, Katie, we are proud of you. We are behind you. We support you, and we will be praying for you." Oh and the best part of the moment was the church saying, "Amen!"

That is a moment I will be sure to remember this summer when I feel a little homesick and missing my friends and family.

Bribery

2009-02-25T19:58:00.003-05:00

My bribery is working so well! Last week I went shopping and spent an insane amount of money on toys for my students in order to "motivate" them to behave. Really its just bribery but I don't care! It's working!

At this point, my two high-flyers are competing for a semi-truck full of Hot Wheels. There are about 20 Hot Wheel cars in it, and I seriously saw these boys go speechless when I showed it to them. Their mouths actually fell open. Its like the equivalent of showing me a box set of ER and Beverly Hills 90210.

These two boys are working to earn points, and the one who has the most will get the truck at the end of the week. Thinking ahead to next week, I went to the store today and bought two Bakugans. These are the strangest boy toys that I have been exposed to but they are the coolest things for 8 year old boys right now. Believe me I know.

I'm such a softy though, I already feel sorry for the one that isn't going to win. But, he is aware of the rules and chooses not to follow them, so I guess I need to toughen up.

Great things

2009-02-21T13:31:00.002-05:00

You know when someone does something great, loving, sweet, and unexpected for you? You can't help grinning from ear to ear, laughing, and telling everyone about it! That's how I'm feeling right now!

When the Lord brought back the captive ones from Zion,
We were like those who dream.

Then our mouths were filled with laughter,
Our tongues with joyful shouting...

The Lord has done great things for us;
We are glad.

Psalm 126:1 - 3

Won't take much to beat me

2009-02-19T22:19:00.003-05:00

I've seen this game on two blogs now so I went ahead and gave it a shot. I'm a little ashamed of my score! There were some states that I had no clue where to put! So I challenge you to beat my score and come back and tell me what you got!

Its never been so obvious...

2009-02-18T17:10:00.004-05:00

...that I am supposed to be a mother of girls. Maybe even teach only girls. I am a girly-girl to the extreme.

Today I had to go shopping to find some toys to (bribe) motivate my boys to behave. I have three boys in particular that make me want to pull my hair out and run screaming through the hallways.

So as I wander through the toy aisles I'm just shaking my head. I mean, who can find these things fun?

Luckily, Wal-Mart had a sale on all kinds of boy's toys, so I racked up. I have a Hot Wheels semi-truck, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles figures, and some other stuff that I have no idea how to pronounce.

I have a feeling the boys are going to be drooling tomorrow!

PS - Don't feel bad for the girls. I got some cute art kits for a dollar each for the girls.

Deep thought for today

2009-02-17T20:12:00.003-05:00

- Beth Moore

So many of my issues stem from pride. I'm too prideful to admit when I'm wrong. I'm too prideful to show weakness. I'm too prideful to share my pain...

So, Beth Moore is right. When you can let go of that pride, it is a blessed relief!

Toby's 2nd star appearance

2009-02-15T18:31:00.000-05:00

Welcome to Toby's 2nd Video Debut. Well I guess its not a debut if its the second but oh well. A few notes before you watch the video:

I apologize for the high-pitched baby talk. My poor future children.
This is my first attempt at trying to edit two videos together so forgive the amateur-ness.
Romeo is my mom's dog that Toby pretends not to like but secretly they are best friends.

Now prepare to see the cutest little doggy ever.

Toby 2009 from Katie B on Vimeo.

Here's Toby's first video.

Details about my Thailand Trip

2009-02-14T15:00:00.000-05:00

Photo by Paknam Web

As my summer in Thailand is getting closer and closer, I've been interested in getting as much information as I can about the place I'll live.

This website shows pictures of Krabi. If you have a second just scroll down and look at the pictures. I can hardly believe I'll be living there!

And here are some pages that describe what teaching in Thailand is like. It is exactly as I remember it from my last trip.

Average Day in a Thai School

Thai School Part Two

Finally, here is my "official" job description. I cannot tell you how excited I am. I was eating my oatmeal yesterday morning when I opened it up and I actually started jumping up and down. Toby was really confused.

We need an adventurous person willing to teach English on a high school campus located in Blaypraya district of Krabi Province. You will work in a school of about 2000 students located about 40 kilometers outside of the city of Krabi. You would be expected to teach English, do class planning, and cooperate with the department head for English. The school will provide the curriculum but your imagination will be the ticket to fun with the Southern Thai. Use music, songs, games, or drama in teaching English. As the Thais are curious about customs in foreign countries, you can present a Christian viewpoint on the holidays celebrated in America. Inside the classroom, evangelistic opportunity maybe limited. But outside the classroom, share your testimony and Christian beliefs during leisure hours with students and fellow teachers. Extend your influence with students by being involved with after school activities such as sports, drama or special interest clubs. As friendships develop, you will be invited to visit the students in their homes during school breaks thus offering you a chance to get to know them on a more personal level. As you get to know the personality of your students & teachers, develop a way to clearly explain your faith and the basic tenants of Christianity in simple terms. As God leads, interest the Thais in wanting to know more about God & possibly start a cell group. The missionaries will follow-up. You will provide a detailed list of names & addresses.

The only part I'm worried about is the "adventurous" part. I'm not exactly adventurous but I guess if I wasn't at least a little bit crazy I wouldn't be going on this trip anyway!

Here's a couple more details about the trip (I'm posting this for myself, too, because I want to be able to look back on this!)

From the missionaries I'll be working with:

...you'll be doing, very similar to your days in Trang. The difference being that you'll be in a much smaller town and with very, very few Christians. But what an opportunity to share and begin leading a few students and teachers on the journey to salvation!

You will live in the town of Blai Praya, a town that we work in 2 days a week. No, the city is not like Trang. It is a small town. We asked the school to provide you with a place to stay and lunch meal. If they give you more it will be a bonus. I think that housing will be teacher's housing. It has internet at the school. The teachers are excited about your coming. There are about 5-7 teachers who teach English. The high school has about 2,000 students. Teachers and students may want to invite to their homes or on tours. This may be to your advantage and promote good relationships for the Gospel. We will go to the school and make sure what all was agreed upon in their committee meeting and let you know more later.

You will want to bring some money for food. Food costs from about 50B to 200B a meal depending on whether you eat Thai or Western food. So that will be about $30-40 a week depending on what you eat and how much you eat. For example a Whooper Meal is about 200B. (The baht is running about 34 baht to a dollar right now.)

On the weekends you will want to come visit us. Our province is a tourist destination. It has a river, with caves where prehistoric artifacts were found, Muslim island, and fish farming in the river. About 18 kilometers from where we live is Ao PraNang which is a beach town. There you can swim, get boats to go snorkeling, and eat western food (Burger King, McDonalds, Subway, Pizza Co., & Swenson's Ice Cream). It will be more quiet while you are here because it is low season, but there will still be European tourists here.

Like I said, jumping up and down!!!

Valentine's Day

2009-02-14T12:24:00.005-05:00

I can say that you've never truly experienced Valentine's Day until you celebrate it with 24 seven year olds. It was the most glorious, romantic, and thrilling day.

Ahem.

But, on the other hand, I was told I love you in so many ways. I got TWO bouquets of tulips (which happen to be my favorite flower) and one was actually purple (which is my favorite color). I got tons of candy which I promptly passed on to my grandpa who doesn't have to worry about his hips. I got a pickle jar filled with candy and crystal light?! I got 24 carnations to represent my 24 students. My grandparents bought me this cool bamboo plant thing. (I love plants!)

And this morning I got an actual Valentine's delivery!

This was from my dear mum. I feel like pretending I'm British because I'm watching Notting Hill.

So cute and yummy too.

And if you think I'm feeling sorry for myself on this Singles Awareness Day you'd be wrong. I've got too many loves in my life.

Here are some awesome posts that challenge me today about Valentines.
A Huge Perk of Singleness
The Bewitching Day

Lunch Conversations

2009-02-13T20:43:00.002-05:00

"Ms. B, my nose is bleeding a little bit!" little girl says.

"Okay, just get a tissue and hold it on your nose. You'll be fine."

"I think its because I've been picking it a lot right here," she says, putting her finger up her nose.

***********

Said in a sing-songy voice with a huge grin: "I'm drinking milk and eating cheese!!!! And I'm lactose intolerant!"

"Doesn't that mean your stomach is going to hurt?" I ask innocently.

"No! It means I'm going to be farting A LOT!!!"

***********

"Ms. B, I had really bad diarrhea last night."

I'm Back!!!

2009-02-11T18:15:00.003-05:00

OK, I finally got my computer back! Best Buy had it for about 3 weeks. Then I got it back and was so excited. 1 day later the motherboard died. So I had to give it back to them for another 2 weeks. So now I'm back and will hopefully get back into the blogging habit! I have missed it.

As you can see, I'm a little out of touch with the bloggy world. I have almost 500 blogs to read to get caught up!

Thanks to my mom for keeping me updated with little Harper. I'm so happy and grateful that she is home and healthy. My mom copied and pasted Kelly's blog and emailed it to my work email so I could know what was going on!

I will be back soon!

They are MINE

2009-01-21T20:25:00.002-05:00

This is my second year as a classroom teacher. (My first 4 years I was a computer teacher.) And last year I absolutely fell in love with my first real class. So when I got back to school this year, I really missed them. It was hard not to constantly compare my current class to last year, and this class was seriously lacking!

But something has slowly occurred. I have fallen in love with this class. It happened so gradually, that I didn't even realize it. I started noticing a common theme in my thoughts about my class: "They are SO smart!" "Look how cute they are!" "These kids are cracking me up!" And stuff like that. And it took a while before I realized that I was proud of them! They are MINE and I love them!

It is such a good feeling to love the children you spend the entire day with. It feels more like a family instead of a job. It makes it easier to smile and laugh instead of get fed up and yell. It makes you want to work harder to design lessons that they will like. It makes you want to teach the same skill over. and. over. until they finally GET IT.

I'm usually a glass-half-full kind of person, so it pains me to think this... I'm going to lose them and start over again next year! At least I know what to expect for next year and I can prepare for my emotions. As for now, I'm going to focus on this connection with my kids and use it to help motivate me to do my best for them.

Inauguration + Snow

2009-01-20T22:03:00.002-05:00

Today was a cool day at school. My kids were so pumped when they got to school. "Miss, do you know that we are going to get a new president today?" "Did you know its going to snow today?" "Obama is going to be our president!" "Can we build a snowman at recess?" This was my morning as I tried to maintain some sense of normalcy.

But around 11:30 we turned on the TV and they watched closely. The best part was when they announced, "President-elect Barack Obama!" The crowd in Washington went wild and so did my class! It was too cute! They clapped and cheered and one little boy pumped his arm in the air and shouted Oooobaaamma! Well, we had to go to lunch shortly after that. And in elementary school, you better not be late for lunch. But when we got to the cafeteria they had a TV in there and we were able to watch the actual swearing in. (Which was the part that I really wanted them to see.)

No matter who you voted for, today was an inspiring day.

As far as the snow day went, we didn't see one little flake during the school day. But the kids just couldn't understand why we couldn't build snowmen or throw snowballs. As kids who have never really seen snow in their life, all they can imagine are scenes from books and movies. I tried to explain that the ground was too warm for it to stick, but they didn't quite get it. Sure enough, about an hour after school was out, the snow started to fall. And it was beautiful! Not even one flake is on the ground, but still very pretty. This southern girl can appreciate it but I'm very thankful that we aren't dealing with it for months.

2009-01-18T21:32:00.002-05:00

Kelly and Harper have been on my heart lately, and it seems like everyone else's in the blog world too.

I just wanted to post my support and prayers, and I want to say how much Kelly's attitude has impacted me. A lot of people would be angry at God, or question why, or even turn away from Him. I know its ok to ask questions of God and I know He would understand. But she hasn't. Her faith has been unmoved. Again it causes me to think on these verses...

"Therefore everyone who hears these words of Mine and acts on them, may be compared to a wise man who built his house on the rock. "And the rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and yet it did not fall, for it had been founded on the rock. "Everyone who hears these words of Mine and does not act on them, will be like a foolish man who built his house on the sand. "The rain fell, and the floods came, and the winds blew and slammed against that house; and it fell--and great was its fall." Matthew 7:24-27

Kelly is definitely experiencing a storm but she has a firm foundation that cannot be shaken.

Where have I been?

2009-01-12T16:58:00.002-05:00

My computer has been broken!

And it has been crazy...You don't really realize how much you use your computer until you don't have it. And you don't really realize how much time you spend on the computer. Then you are presented with at least an extra hour a day, which really isn't a bad thing!

Best Buy has been a huge disappointment by taking 7 days just to decide what was wrong with my computer. (If they would have listened to me they would have had a head start!) When I called on the 6th day they said they hadn't even looked at it yet.

Then they called and sweetly said, "We have to send your computer away to be repaired and it will be 3-4 weeks before we get it back. Is that OK with you?"

"Sure, that sounds GREAT! I look forward to not seeing my computer for the rest of the month!!"

Sorry, I'll behave now.

Anyway, my kind madre has lent me her computer for the week because I have to turn in report cards on Thursday and I don't want to spend hours after school every day. Instead I'll be comfy on my couch and watch TV while I work. Thanks Mom!

OK well, this isn't much but I just wanted to check in! My blogging will be sporadic for a while but hopefully I'll be back to normal soon.

My homemade Christmas gifts

2008-12-27T15:14:00.004-05:00

The original idea was to save money and make Christmas gifts instead of buying them. I don't know if any money was actually saved after all my trips to fabric stores, craft stores, and Wal-Mart. But it was fun and I think a homemade gift is always appreciated.

I made three different things: rice heat therapy bags, eye pillows for headaches, and lavender sachets. Most of my ideas came from this page on Sew Mama Sew, which is a great site if you sew or try to like me! Although some of the stuff was too difficult for me, so I simplified a lot! (They tell you to cut fabric into 2 x 7.75" strips!? So I just cut them into 2 x 8" strips and it seemed fine to me!)

Here's my little set up with my ironing board on the floor and laptop readily available. I was making my first rice heat therapy bag cover.

And here is the bag that goes inside with rice.

I put these on the floor to take a picture and Toby thought they were pretty cool. They close with Velcro. (Yeah, I sewed Velcro!!)
Then I started cutting about 100 fabric squares for the sachets. Okay maybe not 100 but it felt like it.

Here are the finished sachets. I was pronouncing them "sash-ets" until I told my little sister Karlie and she sweetly said, "um, do you mean sash-ays?" Oops. I wanted to put real lavender in them and I went to florists and everywhere I could think of but no luck. So I ended up putting batting inside and then a couple drops of essential lavender oil.

As an afterthought I whipped up these little headache pillows. You are supposed to put them in the freezer. (Don't you like how I say "whipped up" like it was no big deal?!)
I don't have a picture of this but to finish off the gifts I put a little tag tied with ribbon to each of them. It gives directions on how to use them (heat the rice therapy bag in the microwave for 2-3 minutes) and says "Homemade with Love!"

I will definitely be making gifts again. Next time I probably won't wait until 2 days before to get started!

Backdoor makeover

2008-12-26T21:26:00.004-05:00

So much to blog about...but I'll start with this. Here's my backdoor before. Nice, pretty, maybe a little bland...

And now...
Nice, isn't it? I'm so happy with the change. It really looks better in real life than it does in this picture. I love the rich colors! Thanks Grandma and Grandpa!

Sew Katie Sew

2008-12-23T09:20:00.002-05:00

I've been frantically sewing up a storm due to my crazy procrastination skills. Seriously, I sewed for about 4 hours straight last night. I am dying to post pictures of what I'm making but then 4 out of the 5 people who read this will know what they are getting for Christmas!

And if you read that you might think that I actually know how to sew but truthfully I have no idea what I'm doing. But I'm having fun and it is cool to see something come together that I made!

But don't you fret, I will tell you all about it after Christmas! And now I am out to do one last minute shopping run.

Why are you...?

2008-12-21T21:55:00.002-05:00

This is what God is asking me today...

Why are you striving these days
Why are you trying to earn grace
Why are you crying
Let Me lift up your face
Just don't turn away

Why are you looking for love
Why are you still searching as if I'm not enough
To where will you go child
Tell Me where will you run
To where will you run

Cause I'll be by your side
Wherever you fall
In the dead of night
Whenever you call
So please don't fight
These Hands that are holding you
My Hands are holding you

"By Your Side" by Tenth Avenue North

Thank You, Lord, for this reminder today.

Gifts? What Gifts?

2008-12-18T17:03:00.002-05:00

I seem to wait until Christmas break to actually do any real Christmas shopping. Or thinking about shopping. Or planning what to buy.

Problem is, this year we are getting out later than usual! Tomorrow is the last day, and then I'll only have until Tuesday to shop. Right now I have a whopping 3 presents under the tree. Somehow I don't think that's going to cut it!

So I know what I'll be doing this weekend! Also, I bought some crafty supplies to make some homemade gifts, so that's on my to-do list. I wonder, will I ever be one of those people that have all their shopping done at the beginning of December?

One more thing, so many people are telling me, "Don't worry about buying me a gift!" And they actually mean it, because they know I'm saving up money for my Thailand trip. The problem is, I just love giving gifts! I love watching people open them and making them smile. It is so much fun, especially with the people I'm closest to. So, money or not, they'll be getting a gift! So there!

Christmas Tour

2008-12-15T18:56:00.006-05:00

This is the first year that I am participating in the tour of homes. This is where I found so many of my new favorite bloggers last year, like Kelly's Corner and Jessica McCash. So I'm so excited to be taking part this year!

Here is my tree!

Here's Santa peeking through the branches.

I love these two ornaments with dangly legs.

Here is the reason I live!

This little poinsettia wreath makes me so happy! It adds color to the blank wall next to my tree.

I don't have a fireplace, so this little ledge is where I hang my stockings. The little one is for my dog Toby and the big one is for me of course!

I like a simple coffee table without a lot of stuff on it, so I put a ribbon here with these tealight candle holders. (Just be careful when you put paper next to the candles - whoops!)
This makes me happy too! Berries and snowflakes on my kitchen light.

My fun centerpiece

I couldn't end my tour without a picture of the best Christmas decoration in my house:

Girls Weekend 2

2008-12-14T16:28:00.002-05:00

Just call me party central

2008-12-13T13:33:00.002-05:00

For a low-key, laid back person I have a lot going on lately. So does everyone, right?! Something about the Christmas season just makes me want to extend invitations to everyone I know to come over to my house! Last night, I had a little party for my Bible study girls. We had some soup and brownies and ice cream, and then we played phase ten laaate into the night.

And tonight I'm hosting the party for my church group. But its much easier (in some ways) because everyone is bringing something so I'm just providing the place and the fun and games!

And tomorrow my 3 little sisters are coming over for dinner!

And, next Saturday I'm having a family party at my house!

Don't get me wrong, I LOVE EVERY MINUTE OF IT! But if you see me wandering in circles around Wal-Mart (for the 3rd time in one week) with a glazed look and mumbling to myself you'll know why.

Bow-Making 101

2008-12-07T18:04:00.002-05:00

This is what happens when you decide that your bows from last year are way too wrinkled to hang up. And when you learned how to make the bows about 5 years ago and have no clue how to do it now...

But, after much trial and error, I was successful!

Why I love Thailand

2008-12-03T20:59:00.003-05:00

The word Thailand brings a smile to my face! I know there is lots of turmoil there lately, but the people that I encountered where so special. Here are some pictures that show some of the reasons I love Thailand! They are from the summer of 2002.

These two girls were probably the best English speakers at their school, so naturally I became close to both of them! First, to practice English, but then we became friends!
The beaches in Thailand are dreamlike. They are so perfect...the sand so white and the water so blue. This picture doesn't show that, but you can see the neat islands that are all over the coast. Also, what we are wearing is what you swim in: shorts and a t-shirt!

This precious girl, Fon, just wanted to be held each week during Sunday School. She was too young to know any English, and she just giggled when I spoke Thai (tried!) But the language of love is universal!
I loved the culture in Thailand! This is a picture of my partner, Jenni, and I at the Temple in Bangkok. I had to wear a rented skirt because I was wearing capris and too much of my legs were showing. (I had to pay about a dollar to rent this skirt, I just put it over my capris!) I love how modest Thai people are.
There is something in me that just loves learning about new cultures! I love learning all about Thai customs and history, manners and ways of life. I also loved learning the language. (Too bad I've forgotten most of it! Maybe it will come back?)

Need $500?

2008-12-01T16:36:00.001-05:00

Arianne at To Think is to Create is giving away a $500 gift card.

So click here to sign up...

That feeling...

2008-11-30T20:37:00.004-05:00

...when you are chilled to the bone and step into a hot shower

...when you get a hug from your mom

...when you are thirsty and get an ice cold diet coke

...when you feel a cool breeze on a hot summer day

...when you get that letter in the mail that you have been waiting for

...when your dog hops up on your lap for a cuddle

...when your favorite song comes on the radio

...when your deadline gets extended

Those feelings can't compare to the feeling I get when I close my eyes and pray. It is an instantaneous feeling of joy, peace, and love. The best is when I am at school, brain going a million directions, children calling my name, and I enter into His presence. It is an incomparable feeling.

Life is full...

2008-11-25T21:49:00.002-05:00

That is the best way I can describe my life lately. It is so full of excitement (about Thailand) family, friends, work, and getting ready for the holidays. I had the best weekend I've had in a while! If its any indication, I went through a whole tank of gas from Thursday-Monday! I do have a small tank, but still, that's a whole lotta driving.

Friday night I went to a women's get-together with church, called the "Art of Abundance." We really do have an abundance of blessings. We shared a meal and had a devotion, and then shared the things we are thankful for this year. One poignant moment was when our pastor's wife reminded us to be thankful for our thorns as well as our blossoms. There were many women in the room that have had some thorns this year, but they are able to look at them with grateful hearts and see what God has done. We also had a cooking demonstration and then we made centerpieces for later in the weekend.

On Saturday I went to volunteer at a Thanksgiving dinner for the 17th Regent. This group of military men and their families meet monthly. This was their last meeting before they leave for Iraq. It was so good to do something for these families who give up so much for us.

Then I went and had a yummy dinner with my family, and watched a movie and stayed up late with my mom. So fun!

Sunday was church, then stayed with my friend Kelly for the afternoon, then the Thanksgiving meal for church. I had such a difficult task for the meal: bring 4 cans of cranberry sauce. Wow, they have so much faith in my cooking abilities! Just kidding! But I did end up helping Kelly a little with her contributions, so I felt better!

The meal was AWESOME. And the best part was after, when we praised God through song. We have so much to be thankful for. Then we were invited to share what we are thankful for. I'm too shy to speak up, but let me just say I am overwhelmed with thanksgiving. When I look back on this year...I can't even tell you all the prayers that God has answered in my life and in others lives that I have prayed for.

At this exact moment, I am most thankful that I'm done with school for 5 days!

Ahhhhhhh!!!!

2008-11-20T15:53:00.005-05:00

I got the news I have been waiting for today...
I'm going to Thailand this summer!!!
I can hardly contain my smile I'm so excited!

Ok, some background:
I went to Thailand for the summer when I was in college. It was a life-changing experience. I was a summer missionary and my job was to teach English in a Buddhist school. I absolutely feel in love with Thailand while I was there. The people, the culture, the scenery. And I loved the ministry. Every little bit of it. (Well, maybe not some of the weird food!)

Thailand has been on my heart ever since. I've pushed the thoughts and feelings to the back burner as other life events got in the way, but I would still occasionally dream and reminisce about my summer.

Last summer, I started feeling like God was calling me to do something. Yeah, how specific! I started praying and seeking God about His will for my life.

And here I am!

I don't know if this is just a summer thing or if there is more to this. I do know that my dream job is to be a missionary. If God chooses to use me that way, I will gladly go!

More details to come as I learn about it, but until then, here is a map of Thailand so you can see where I'll be! I'll be in the province of Krabi, not sure of the city yet. Krabi is in the south. I actually visited a beach in Krabi the last time I was there! Maybe I can scan some of the pictures in to show you. It is absolutely beautiful.

In response...

2008-11-18T18:53:00.002-05:00

I'm responding to myself from my last post. :)

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

Again, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

One more time? "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want."

God, the Holy One, says, "Can you compare me to anyone? Is anyone equal to me?" (Isaiah 40:25)

Can I get an AMEN!!

Resonate...

2008-11-16T17:25:00.002-05:00

Have you ever read or heard something that resonated with you? I read something that I totally relate to on Rocks in My Dryer last week. She had a guest post from Tammy of Single Solitary Things.

Now I don't very often write about my singleness on here, because I have a wonderful life. I'm not desperate for a relationship. But if I did post something, it would be along the lines of what Tammy wrote:

Yes, my life is full and happy. But I am a mother without a child. I am a wife without a husband. I want my other half.

Anyway, go check out her post. It says a lot about singleness, and says a lot of things that I probably wouldn't come out and say!

Why?

2008-11-11T19:23:00.002-05:00

My list of whys:

Why is Wal-Mart playing Christmas music?
Why do I have 13 boys and 8 girls in my class?
Why does Toby go in my bedroom and bark at the dresser?
Why did my principal ask the faculty to read a 64 page book on math theory?
Why haven't I started reading the book yet?
Why is it so hard to BE QUIET when you are 7?
Why does diet coke taste so good?
Why do I miss my sister Kelly now that she's out of town when I didn't even see her that much while she was here?
Why does my heart break when I have to discipline one of my boys?
Why don't I ever have to discipline my girls?
Why am I in such a rhetorical mood?

Thanks for bearing with me today...

Bad hair day

2008-11-07T16:14:00.002-05:00

This morning I was running late, but I had my curlers out on the bathroom counter, so I thought, I'll go ahead and curl my hair today. For some reason I just feel better when my hair is curled!

So I'm walking into work, feeling pretty good about my hair. (Tell me, why does it matter so much?!) As soon as the kids come in, a student announces, "you are having a bad hair day!"

Thanks.

I feel great now.

I think that may have been worse than when I went to work one time with my hair just a bit damp. I didn't have time to fix it. As soon as the kids come in, a girl asks, "Why does your hair look so bad?"

What's worse, knowing you look a bit rough and having someone point it out, or thinking you look great and then being shot down? :)

Kids. You gotta love their honesty.

Deep breaths

2008-11-05T21:35:00.002-05:00

Today I felt like my head might explode. I'm sure it started having something to do with the election. Just all the talking and speculating and electoral votes and by the time I went to bed last night my head was spinning. And I woke up wondering, turning the TV on as soon as I got up.

And today, the kids were so talky. I think it was because we were out of school yesterday and tomorrow we have a field trip. Double whammy. And in the business of second grade, routine and order is the best way to go. So this week and all its changes were just enough to make the kids off task. Even the best behaved kids didn't follow directions today.

To add to it, we had standardized testing today. Then, I had to start a new unit on mealworms. (Yes, you read that right. We are studying their life cycles and habitats.) So, each student got their own mealworm to observe daily. So exciting to a 7 year old. Next, I adminstered another test that I do monthly to see how many words each student can read in one minute. Almost all the kids I tested today went down. So discouraging considering how hard I'm working with them. Then, I had to go to a class after school for gifted and talented teachers. When I got home I had to complete an assignment for the class. And somewhere in there I had to get everything ready for the field trip tomorrow.

Nothing huge, just a bunch of events that made my nerves wind tighter and tighter until I thought they might break!

Which made my Bible study tonight even more relevant..."Come to me, all of you who are tired and have heavy loads, and I will give you rest." (Matthew 11:28) "Christ himself is our peace." (Ephesians 2:14a)

Thank you, Lord.

Compassion bloggers

2008-11-04T16:31:00.003-05:00

This week, a group of bloggers are in the Dominican Republic. They are going with Compassion International. Last year when a different group went to Uganda what they shared moved me so much that I decided to sponsor a child.

That's a picture of Titus, "my" seven year old from Uganda. My $32 a month provides for his education, health care, food, church-based recreation, and the opportunity to learn about Jesus. Titus and I are pen pals and I've heard from him 4 times since sponsoring him.

You can click here or on the picture on my sidebar if you want to read about their trip. My favorite blogger that is on the trip is Big Mama.

Think about sponsoring a child. Your $32 can go so far in countries like Uganda and the Dominican Republic. And for me, that's about 2 meals out a month. Easy for me to decide!

(If you are skeptical like I am, I did my research before signing up! Here's a link to a site that ranks charities. You can see the percentage of money that goes to the kids versus advertising and administrative expenses.)

Election day

2008-11-04T15:32:00.004-05:00

My Election Day experience got started on the right track last night at Ragamuffin Soul. About 200 people showed up and we had prayer for the election. We prayed for both candidates, their wives, and their children. The most moving part was when Carlos asked those voting for McCain to type in their prayers for Obama, and then vice versa. I was moved to tears. What a picture of the Church (big C!) and how we should act and pray. Not just for our own motives but because we truly care about others and want God to reveal His love to them. It was AWESOME! And God was glorified.

Then this morning I went to my voting place...and waited, and waited, and waited! Three hours later I voted. I didn't get a sticker so I have no proof! But, believe me, I was there!

Then I met my grandma for her birthday lunch and chatted for a while. It was so nice to see her.

Now I'm home, procrastinating on getting to work! I have a stack of papers to record in the grade book and a doozy of a parent teacher conference to prepare for. Yeah, this one requires written reports AND the principal there to "hold my hand." It should be interesting.

Pray for the candidates...

2008-11-02T14:26:00.002-05:00

I am sick of hearing all the speculation about this election, aren't you? When it comes right down to it, God already knows and He is in control!

So tomorrow night, 9:30pm, click on over to Ragamuffin Soul and let's pray for this election. One of the coolest things we can do online.

Recipe to get well soon

2008-11-01T17:02:00.002-04:00

3 cans of chicken noodle soup
grilled cheese sandwiches
diet sprite
fresh fruit
kleenex with lotion
poptarts
milk
ice cream
saltine crackers
HUGS

thanks mommy.

(I can call her mommy when I'm sick, ok?!)

Happy Halloween!

2008-10-31T17:59:00.002-04:00

Let me tell you, you haven't truly experienced Halloween until you are an elementary school teacher. And the kids are allowed to wear costumes on Halloween.

Now, they are supposed to be storybook characters. Did you know that Hannah Montana is a storybook character? And also Ironman, Superman, Robin...

It really wasn't too bad. I had the entire day planned with pumpkin activities...we graphed pumpkins and estimated seeds and measured and found medians and modes and did repeated addition with seeds...the list could go on. I stopped short of any candy activities because I figured the kids will get enough candy later on today!

In other news, this is my 100th post! That is kinda crazy. I didn't know I had so much to say :)

Ok I'm off to enjoy a peaceful evening. Sorry trick-or-treaters, no candy at this house. This teacher is pooped.

Fifth sentence?

2008-10-25T20:04:00.003-04:00

Laura from Catholic Teacher Musings instructs me to find the nearest book.

Okay, its Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by Max Lucado. (My new Bible study with the girls from work! We just started it Thursday and so far I love it.)

Laura then instructs me to find page 56.

Okay. I found it.

Laura next instructs me to find the 5th sentence and type it here:

We all need Jesus, because we've all sinned and fallen short of God's standard of perfection (Romans 3:23).

Wow, I couldn't have found a better sentence to type!

Then, Laura challenged me to find a way to relate the sentence to my life right now. Well, that's easy! I need Jesus EVERYDAY! I can't do it without Him. And the best part is He asks us to rely on Him (Matthew 11:28) and He will provide us with the help we need.

Thanks for tagging me Laura!

I'm a softy

2008-10-25T15:24:00.002-04:00

Oh dear, I'm just not cut out to be tough.

In my classroom I have colors that represent your behavior. And at the end of each day, I mark the color on each student's homework sheet so parents can know how the day went. Kids also get rewards if they have 5 "blue" days (great days).

So, on Thursday, I had to give M a pink. That is one level below the blue. He had "talked back" to me during the day, and kids know that if they talk back to a teacher, they can't get a blue at the end of the day. I talked about M on this post, and how he is my number 1 temptation to lose it! Now, this had been his third pink day in a row.

When he got his folder, I saw big tears begin to form. Then he started to sob.

Oh my heart.

So I pulled him to the side to talk to him. He said, "my momma said if I get another pink today I get the belt" in between sobs.

So I took about 1 minute to think about it and changed his color.

I just couldn't stand the thought of this little child getting "the belt" because of one little incident.

My friends at work teased me unmercifully about this! Oh, Katie, he is manipulating you! He is working you! He knows you are too nice!

So be it! I did what I thought was right for the moment.

** This is not to say that I'm against spanking! Who knows, I may choose to discipline my kids this way when I have kids. And I know plenty of times when it does work...I just felt like this mom didn't understand that a pink isn't necessarily cause for serious punishment.

Works for Me Wednesday

2008-10-22T05:14:00.000-04:00

Yucky smells come from my vacuum. So I googled it and found that if you sprinkle some baking soda on the floor and vacuum it up, it will remove the odor.

So I performed a very scientific experiment and vacuumed my room first, with no baking soda. Smelly. Then I vacuumed my living room with lots of baking soda on the floor. The smell was gone. Very complicated procedure.

(Why do I find myself writing about things I wouldn't even talk about on Works for Me Wednesday?? Like how I shave my legs or navigating phone trees? )

Go to Rocks in My Dryer for more tips.

Baby steps, baby steps

2008-10-21T18:13:00.004-04:00

On Saturday I clicked on this link from Shannon's weekend link list. And boy, did it resonate. Its about yelling at your children, or rather, not yelling at them. The writer explained how, in the past, she yelled at her children to get their attention. She didn't like that about herself, and so she began to work on it. At this point, she says she's not yelling at all.

Well, I don't have kids. But I have 20 students. And everyone on my hall would laugh at me if they knew I was writing this, because I'm not a yeller. I've actually had parents say that they request me because they know I don't yell.

But the fact is, I'm not perfect. I raise my voice at times (yes, I know that's called yelling!) And there are certain kids that just don't seem to hear me the first 4 times I say, "Get your math book out." So, I say it louder. Then I say it louder. And before I know it, I'm yelling.

I feel so ashamed afterward. Twenty pairs of eyes look at me with confusion, as if to say, "what happened to my nice teacher?" And, yelling seems to imply that I'm out of control, which is the last impression I want to create in my classroom.

So...I started working on it as suggested on Dana's blog. The first thing I did was pray. (Ok, its only been 2 days, but still!) I asked God to help me and give me unending patience for these little ones. And then I told my kids about my goal.

Today went so well! There was a couple of times when I had given directions and everyone started, except for one. I went over to him, got down in front of him, and told him, calmly, again. OK-he still didn't do it, but at least I didn't yell!

Bitter sweet

2008-10-20T20:09:00.003-04:00

Saturday was bitter sweet, because the fam got together to say bye to Kelly, my little sister who is going away for a couple of months for her residency. I am SO proud of her. She is truly saving lives every day! We will miss her. I happened to catch this beautiful sunset. And my extremely cute sister and her boyfriend. :)

Don't worry about Yoshi the frog, Kelly! He will be taken care of by me and 20 7 year-olds. Wait, maybe you should worry...

Another before and after

2008-10-16T17:59:00.002-04:00

You may recall that I absolutely love being outdoors. And I love working in my yard.

Ahem.

Just the opposite, I put off yard work until the last feasible moment.

Sometimes I go past that moment, and allow a jungle to grow in my flower bed, as evidenced by this picture.
It was so bad, that my neighbor who lives on the other side of the fence actually trimmed the top of the tree. (I knew this because then they put the branches over the fence and into my yard.)

So I thought about working on it for a few months. It takes a few months to really figure out how to tackle a thing like this. Really it does.

And then I asked my grandpa for help. I was his assistant. We had to dig up those canna lilies, pull out the landscaping timbers, and dig out that tree. Well, I say we but he did most of the work. My grandma and I did pull that tree out of the ground by sheer force while my grandpa went to ask a neighbor for an ax. (Like I always say, we don't need no ax!)

After we hauled it to the road it stayed there for a while because the trash men don't take stuff over four feet. The nerve.
But Frank came to the rescue and cut it up with his saw, and thankfully its gone now.

The next step is to add sod. It will probably take a couple of months of thinking about it first.