I think I have an answer . . .

I applied for every social studies or history position that I saw listed for grades 4-8 (that's the TExES exam I took-and passed-this year), but never even got a call for an interview. I did have an interview at a job fair, but wasn't called back for the second interview. Anyway, I got an email from the university earlier in the month stating that, if I want to do student teaching in the Spring, I have to submit the application before October 1. (Now, if you're counting, today is Sunday and October 1 is Tuesday.) I started the application and read a statement that said applicants must have been admitted to the Initial Teacher Certification program. There's a problem there. I completed my admissions application in, like, March, but I haven't completed all the other requirements. I still have 10 hours of videos to watch for my observations and write up a paper, answering specific questions, about my observation experience. A few minutes after 2:00 pm, I read that statement and quickly calculated in my head that there is not enough time for that.

I've been wondering about student teaching. The main problem is that it is unpaid. I can't possibly continue to work my current job and do student teaching, which would mean that I would have to quit my job. I've been praying about this for a while. When I didn't get a teaching position, I started praying even harder about what to do this Spring. I think God just gave me the answer. Maybe I'm not supposed to teach until next school year. I'm taking the 4-8 generalist TExES next year, which will broaden my area of teaching, possibly giving me a better chance at getting a position for Fall. It also occurs to me that it may be better to do student teaching, if necessary, toward the end of my education. Although it wasn't the way I really wanted or expected, God, in His infinite wisdom, has answered another prayer. I think He's trying to teach me to listen and wait for His timing. I'm hoping I learn. Soon.

Group Projects and Turkey Hats

Today was not my typical Saturday. Dr. L assigned us to groups of two or three to do presentations when we meet again next Monday. This morning was pretty much the only time the three of us could all meet face to face. Now, if you know me at all, you know I am not a morning person. Most Saturdays, I don't even get out of my pajamas, much less leave my house by 9:30 am. But, there I was this morning, leaving home at 9:30, heading to Starbucks for some caffeine before I went to TAMU-T for our meeting. One of the other girls needed to change the time to 10:45 instead of 10. Fine with me; the drive to the university takes me 30 minutes, so I was gonna be late. Then I realized that I had to buy gas before I headed out there. Fortunately, I was the first one there, so I had time to set up my laptop. Since I was there anyway, I decided yesterday that I would go ahead and work on some other homework. I got my paper for Mr./Dr. G's class written and submitted before I decided to leave so Paul and I could get some lunch.

After lunch, we did a little shopping. I was happy with the few movies we bought at Best Buy and the book (Si-cology by Si Robertson) and silicone bracelets I picked up at Lifeway. My favorite purchase of the day came from Target. A few weeks ago, I bought Paul a turkey hat to wear for Thanksgiving.

I found another one and I had to have it!

I am set for all my Thanksgiving festivities this year!

Another amazing thing has happened this month. I have apparently lost more weight. My size 18 pants are practically falling off of me. Now the size 16 pants I bought last month are looser than they should be. I bought a pair of blue jeans the other day and decided to try another size. I was a little shocked when these actually fit!

I thought maybe it was just because they're a little stretchy. Today I bought a new pair of pants for work: size 14! I even tried on a pair of skinny jeans that were size 14. (I didn't realize they were skinny jeans when I picked them up, but I decided to try 'em on anyway.) They fastened perfectly, but I didn't like the way the legs fit. The annoying thing about it is that I still wear at least a 2X in shirts. (I have an apple body type, so my top is bigger than my bottom.) I have some tops that I really like and some of them are getting too big. I guess that's the downfall of losing weight. 

God is continuing to bless me in ways I don't even realize. And probably don't really appreciate. Tomorrow we're planning to visit a church. I'm planning to pay my tithe there, something I haven't done in far too long. I know from experience that my life and my finances are better when I tithe faithfully. When I don't, I know it is at least partially due to a lack of faith. There's a part of me that says "I won't have enough for everything I need if I pay it." But God has proven me wrong many, many times. Since I'm leaving the big fish, it's time to practice my faith.

I love finding cool pictures on Facebook.

I just saw these two pictures on Facebook and wanted to share them.

I'm not sure why, exactly, but I really love all those "Keep Calm" pictures. And the other picture is what this blog is all about. I know God has a great plan for my life. I just have to follow Him.

I just don't wanna . . .

I am tired. I am sleepy. It's 11:30 pm. I haven't even started reading the chapter for Human Growth and Development tomorrow night. And right now, I just don't wanna read it.

Every semester, since my second ever semester in college, I inevitably have at least one chapter that I just don't have time to read. I think this may be one of those times. I don't even know how long the chapter is; I haven't really had time to look at it until now.

On the positive side, I have a head start on my technology class. I already have an account on del.icio.us account and a flickr account. I just need to add some stuff to them for this week. Those aren't the only assignments, of course, but I figure already having the accounts and knowing a little about using the sites puts me ahead of where I'd be otherwise.

And be on the lookout! I found the perfect digital scrapbook kit to make a photo for my blog header. The kit is called Whale of a Tale by Scraps N Pieces. I'm hoping to "do it up", as my scrap friend Menda says, tomorrow and get it posted.

I am so glad that God is more faithful than I am. It was nice to actually get up and go to church Sunday. I'm planning to go visit a different church this Sunday. A coworker says it's great. It sounds like the type of church I would love to be a part of. I just need to keep my butt in gear and get going. I know everything else in my life is so much more enjoyable when I'm doing everything I know God wants me to do. I'm on the right path. I'm leaving the belly of the big fish, but I'm not quite strolling on the beach yet. But at least I can see the shore now!

You're not gonna believe this!

If you know me well at all, you know I procrastinate. Throughout my career as an undergrad, I have justified it by pointing out that I always did better on the papers I wrote the night before they were due and often did better on tests when I crammed the night before. The problem with doing that is extra stress. Working a full-time job and being a full-time grad student is stressful enough; I don't need the extra stress of procrastination. Granted, I usually finish reading my chapters on Sunday and Monday nights. There is a good reason for that. If I read the chapters at the beginning of the week, I'll forget what I read by the next week when it's time to take the tests. I pace myself. And I try to get the assignments for my web class, Teaching with Emerging Technologies, done early. This week, I actually accomplished that goal. I even took a screen shot to prove it.

Now I have more time for researching and working on the final project. Don't ask me to explain it. Even though I've read the assignment a few times, I don't really remember exactly what the project is. I also need to get all my research done for Human Growth and Development. I don't want to get stuck not having enough resources and not be able to get something soon enough through inter-library loan. 

I'm actually pretty proud of myself. I guess trusting God is helping me grow in more ways than one.

Of Birthdays and Chuck Taylors

This week has been much better than last week started. My meds kicked in and my UTI is improving. (I'm sure it would be even better if I could remember to take my meds like I'm supposed to. Since I had to move the box I keep my meds in to the kitchen instead of the bedroom, I keep forgetting them.) Friday the 13th was my 42nd birthday. Paul and I spent the day Saturday celebrating in Shreveport/Bossier City, Louisiana. (Did I mention that my student loan finally came in?!) I got a coupon in the mail from DSW when they sent me my rewards card, so I was dying to get some new shoes. The stores there, even Target, have different stuff than the ones here in Texarkana and I wanted to go clothes shopping. We bought all our fur babies some goodies at Petco (since we don't have one here) and I got a few new books at Barnes & Noble. I ended up only getting one pair of pants at Target. My plan at DSW was to get a new pair of New Balance shoes; the ones I have are getting pretty old and worn down. Since they didn't have any in my size, I looked at the clearance section, where I found my new favorite pair of shoes:  pink Converse All Stars.

The last time I had an actual pair of Chuck Taylors was for PE in fifth or sixth grade. I was devastated because nobody else had shoes like that and I thought they were dorky. Since the '90s, I've loved them!

My classes have gone pretty well this week. I take my makeup exam for my research class this Friday after I get off work. (Friday is the only day I'm off work early enough to make it to the Testing Center.) Mr./Dr. G commented on the paper I wrote Sunday:  "Extremely good discussion with both sides presented!" It was only worth 10 points, but I'm about as happy as if it were worth all 50 points. I got 22 out of 25 on my Chapter 2 test in Human Growth and Development last week. I'm pretty sure I'm getting a B in that class, but I'll take it.

I had planned to go to the university Sunday to work on my reading and my homework. But I procrastinated. I didn't get up and start moving around until after 12:00. We had a few errands to run and a little shopping to do, so it was about 4:00 when we left Target. The library closes at 6, so there wasn't much point in going to the university. Fortunately, Starbucks was empty enough that we got seats where I could plug in the laptop. We spent a few hours there while I finished reading and wrote my paper. I'm thinking we may go back there this Sunday instead of going to the university.

I'm actually trying to get ahead this week in my web class, which will leave me more time for research for that class and Human Growth and Development. Anyway, we're learning about Excel this week. I answered the questions for the first part pretty easily. My problem came when I had to start actually working on a spreadsheet. I must've done something wrong, because I got stuck. It wasn't giving me the option to perform one of the actions we're supposed to perform. I tried to figure it out on my own, but that wasn't working. I had to message Mr./Dr. G, so I'm done with it for tonight. Since I have group the next two nights, I may not be back on it until Friday. After I take my test, of course. Now to read the five chapters for the test in my research class Monday night!

It's not been my week . . .

Before I can tell you about this week, though, I need to rewind to last week. I knew last weekend that I had developed a urinary tract infection. Since Monday was Labor Day, I couldn't call my doctor's office. One of the first things I did when I got to work Tuesday morning was call the office and leave a message on the nurse's voice mail. Before class, I called to see if they had called in a prescription. I called again Wednesday. Still no meds. I'm almost positive I called and left the nurse another voice mail Thursday. I never got a call. 

This weekend, I knew the UTI was getting worse because my back was starting to hurt. I called again Monday morning and left yet another message for the nurse. By 10:30, I was hurting so bad I could hardly even sit still. A little after noon, I asked my supervisor if it was okay for me to leave to go to the doctor. I had Paul come get me and take me to an urgent care clinic. Then it was off to Target to get my prescriptions. We still had plenty of time to stop for lunch and I made it back to work half an hour early. Let's just say that the side effects of the meds started pretty quickly. I considered contacting Dr. L to see if I could miss class and take my exam later. But, we were learning about the library before the test, so I really wanted to try to make it. That was not my best decision of the day. I made it almost an hour before I had to ask to leave. (Now I just need to figure out when I'll have time to take the test.)

Today didn't start out much better. I got up for work and quickly realized that I wasn't going to make it. I went back to bed. I knew I couldn't miss my class tonight. Dr. R made it pretty clear the first night that missing classes is not acceptable. Fortunately, I started feeling a little better this afternoon. One side effect went away, another started. At least this one isn't as disruptive. I almost had the chapter read by the time we needed to get ready to leave. Then my day started to get worse again.

The porch by our back door only has like three steps. When I was stepping off the bottom step, I fell. I don't know how it happened. I just know I ended up laying in the dirt on my right side with my books and purse laying right there next to me. My faded black jeans looked like I'd been rolling in the dirt; I couldn't brush all the dirt off. On the positive side, I didn't really seem to hurt anything and I didn't get my shirt dirty. And it was the first time I've worn my TobyMac shirt from Winter Jam. This was definitely another instance of God watching out for me. I've hurt myself with what seemed to be a less dangerous fall. I'm sure I'll be sore and bruised tomorrow, but I'm thankful that's it. 

And, best of all, my student loan for this year has finally been awarded. I checked after I got home from class tonight. To my surprise, there it was. I accepted the whole amount and signed my master promissory note, so, hopefully, I'll be getting my refund soon. Maybe I'll be able to find out by the end of the week when it will be disbursed. That's one stressor gone, another prayer answered. 

In the morning I'll go back to work and I have group tomorrow night. I hope my week continues to improve.

Motivation. Or not.

Tomorrow is Monday. More specifically, it's the third Monday of the semester. That means I have class tomorrow night. (It's a web-enhanced class and we only meet every other week.) In that class, we will have a test over the first five chapters in our textbook. How many of those chapters have I read? One. And, right now, I really don't want to read those other four chapters. I would love it if that information could somehow just jump from the book and land in my mind. But, even in Connie World, that doesn't happen. I know I have to read them. My problem is getting motivated to do just that. I have all kinds of other things just bouncing around in my head, begging for attention. The thought of reading the chapters is just sitting there, in a corner, trying to hide. One way or another, I'll manage to get this stuff read, but right now, I'm not sure how.

Grad School Lesson

Here's a lesson for anyone entering graduate school. If you are in an actual physical, face to face class and the professor tells you that you will be having a test, make sure you take a pencil with you. Otherwise, you may be like me and two of my classmates Tuesday night - hurrying to the bookstore before it closes so you can pay $5 for a pencil when you could have bought one for $1 at Dollar Tree. (Granted, this mechanical pencil is nicer than one I would have bought at Dollar Tree, but they would both work about the same. Click it, somewhere, to advance the lead, then fill in the bubbles. Did I really need to spend an extra four bucks? It doesn't even have a university logo or anything; it's just a blue mechanical pencil with a cushioned grip. Okay, maybe the one I could've gotten at Dollar Tree wouldn't have had the cushioned grip, but the test is only 25 questions. I can use a writing utensil without a cushioned grip.) When Dr. L told us during our first class meeting that we'll be having a test the next time we meet, she told us that we would be using Scantrons, so I immediately knew I'll need a pencil when we meet Monday night. (That class is "web-enhanced", so we only meet every other week.) Dr. R apparently forgot to tell us. Or maybe he thought we should know that already, since we are, as he told us last week, "elite". He just said the test would be 25 multiple choice questions. Anyway, always be prepared, with a pencil in hand, for a test in grad school.

Notice that I said I could have bought my pencil at Dollar Tree? There's a reason for that. Dollar Tree is one of my favorite stores. I usually go in there at least once a week. And I never spend just $1. I go in there for one or two things. The next thing I know, I've found two or three $20+ hardcover books, something for Alex (my nephew), some cute little basket or container, pens, earbuds, a wind chime, a flying pig, a waving flower with ladybugs, a pack of dividers, a stapler, a pair of scissors, and who knows what else. You can bet I was happy when they built a new one only about five miles or so from our house. Not only do we no longer have to drive all the way across town, but this one is bigger and better. Yep, I'm happy, happy, happy!

I do not have to be in control . . .

I have this almost pathological need to be in control of my assignments. Individual assignments, paired assignments, group assignments, it doesn't really matter. I thought I had learned my lesson in Summer II. I wasn't able to participate at my usual level on a group book review for one of my classes. Not that I didn't want to, of course, but I simply didn't have time between working full-time and taking two pretty time intensive classes in one five week semester. In my web class this semester, it looks like we have a few group assignments, the first of which is to develop a group wiki. (If, like me, the only wikis you've ever heard of are Wikipedia and Wikileaks, you can check out these links the professor gave us:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki and http://www.techterms.com/definition/wiki )

I have to admit, this is driving me a little nuts. I want to hurry up and get my stuff for this class knocked out as soon as I can so I have the rest of the week for my other classes and my personal life. (Yes, I really do think I can still have a personal life. A little one, at least.) The rest of my group is apparently not where I am right now. I heard from a couple of them after I messaged them, so I know some are still doing the reading and watching the videos. After last semester, I know about trouble fitting everything in.

My instinct is to just take over. Follow the professor's instructions for setting up the wiki and just let everybody else do their part and, hopefully, have it all done a little early. But I know that most likely isn't what I need to do. I am a group member, not the leader of the group. It is OUR group, not MY group. (Did you notice I keep referring to it as my group?)

For now, I am just sitting back and letting it all unfurl the way it's supposed to. At least that's what I'm trying to do. I couldn't even tell you how many times I've gone to the Blackboard page for the class and checked the messages, the discussion board, and the group discussion board, where one of the group members posted a couple times. But for tonight, I've checked it for the last time. I hope!

Let there be books!

My textbooks came in today! It was kind of a funny story. On our way home for my lunch break, Paul and I had to stop at a red light to turn off the highway into our neighborhood. There was a UPS truck sitting across from us, waiting to turn the same direction. Paul says "I think you're about to get your books." I thought it was more likely that he would be going further down the street we turn off of, then coming back. Once we made the first turn off the highway, we made our second turn. I looked in the rearview mirror and saw the UPS truck turn, too. Then we turned onto our street. Again, I looked in the rearview mirror and saw the truck turn, too. We got out of the car and met the driver in the front yard. I was so happy I finally got my books, I had to take a picture. If you look closely, you'll see Bevo, the only one of our kitties that I named, checking out my human growth and development book.

I was somewhat relieved in class last night to hear that I wasn't the only one who didn't have my books yet. Now to read Chapter 2 for my human growth and development class and read the first five chapters for my research class. That has been worrying me a little. I looked; I'll be reading about 87 pages.

I really think this experience was another lesson from God. He was, again, telling me to wait when I prayed about it. It's just another reminder that He has this all worked out. I just have to trust and follow Him.

Priorities, priorities, priorities

Keeping my priorities straight is something I've always struggled with. Apparently, nothing has changed. I intended to get all my homework done as early as I could last week. It didn't quite happen. I was doing well Friday night; I got the articles read and the videos watched for my web class. With a long weekend ahead, I was hoping to get everything knocked out for the web class and human growth and development by Sunday night. Then Saturday happened. I slept. I woke up. I ate. I went back to sleep within an hour. Sleeping was how I spent most of Saturday. Sunday wasn't much better. I finally got around to writing the paper for the web class; it was due at 11:30 pm and I submitted it before 8:30 pm. Then I started reading the chapter that I was supposed to write 5-8 pages on for human growth and development. I don't remember getting very far. Monday was Labor Day, so I really didn't want to do homework. But since I was so lazy all weekend, I knew it was inevitable. I tried reading the chapter for the paper. (I don't think I was even halfway through it when I fell asleep). Then I decided to read it page by page and write what I got from that page. After a few pages, I didn't even have one whole page (doubled spaced). When I realized it was starting to get late and I still didn't have much done, I decided to read the chapter from the textbook so I'd be prepared for the test. By the time I got the chapter read, it was around midnight. Since today was a class day, I had to be at work at 8 am. I decided it wasn't worth the 25 points to stay up late enough to write that paper. At least I think I did well on the test!

This week will be better. I think. The professor of my web class inadvertently posted the wrong assignments. That kinda threw my plan off. He just corrected it, so now I can get started. Apparently each semester will be a lesson in priorities. Which assignments need to be done first? Which ones can wait? Should I read a chapter or do an assignment? When do I work on my research? All these questions (and more) will be answered.

Here's what I do know. God must be my number one priority. Again, I struggle with that. I get distracted. I know He is the most important; without Him, nothing else matters. Now, if I could only keep Him at #1. Just the small, everyday things is where that should start:  Prayer, reading the Bible. Unfortunately, I often fail. I pray, but not always in the ways I should. My Bible reading has fallen behind. And, after living in this house for over two years, we still haven't found a church. I am so thankful that God is always faithful and that His love never fails.

I am a Christian

I just saw this on Facebook and had to share it.

That's pretty much it. I am definitely not perfect, just forgiven. I am no better than any other person that has ever lived or ever will live. What it all boils down to is that I deserve nothing from God, yet He gives me everything. 

So much for a relaxing holiday . . .

Well, my Week 1 assignments for my online class were due by 11:30 pm. After being completely unproductive yesterday, I felt a little pressured today. Apparently, as usual, I was stressing about nothing. I submitted my assignments a little before 8:30. By 9:00, I had a notification on my phone that a grade was posted. To my surprise, I got 50 out of 50 points. Now I have a chapter to read and write a 5-8 page paper about what I got out of the chapter, plus read the chapter for the test Tuesday evening. Friday night I was thinking that I may not have to do homework Monday. I have apparently procrastinated too long. Writing the paper itself probably won't take more than a couple hours. The long part will be the reading. That makes it sound like I don't like to read. I love to read! The thing is, I don't love to read just anything. I love to read things that interest me. The first couple articles I had to read this week were not interesting; fortunately, the other two were. Now, let's hope the human growth and development chapters aren't boring.

I had no real lesson or epiphany today. It doesn't happen every day. But I know that God loves me, no matter how long I procrastinate or stress about writing papers or other homework.

Have a happy Labor Day!