I'm feeling a little overwhelmed with what Monday brings. I start both my tutoring and my class with Thomas Edison. Both sound a little daunting. The class is Managerial Communications. And it looks like a lot of work. Besides, I'm trying to study for my Advertising TECEP test (one where I just study and take the final). So, I'd better give myself a pep talk! I can do it--I think!
The tutoring I actually really look forward to. I've been watching all the monthly tutor meetings that were recorded from October to May, trying to catch up on all the things that have changed since I had to quit. Boy, it's a lot of info to take in.
So, I found out that two of my students are actually girls! I just wasn't sure because I wasn't familiar with their names. That should be fun--I haven't taught any girls yet.
Rob, Joseph, and a friend, Richard Scott, are out shooting guns this afternoon. I think Richard just went and bought a handgun so they all had to go try it out!
Well, please pray for me this week! I really want to get off to a good start in the tutoring job and in my class. Somehow, it all just seems...well, like I said before, overwhelming. But if I can take each day in stride and not focus on the unknowns, I think I'll make it!
Saturday, May 30, 2009
Thursday, May 28, 2009
Whoopee!
So, I found out today that I am going to be a tutor for HomeschoolFriend this month! I am so psyched! I have two classes Monday through Wednesday, levels 5 and 7. So, these students should be fairly fluent speakers because the levels go from 1 to 10. One class is a 2 on 1 and the other is a 1 on 1. I think all of the students might be boys. Which I usually work quite well with boys!
Anyway, I have a lot of catchup work to do to find out what has changed since I tutored last fall. Thankfully, I have a few days to do that!
On another note, the Carlsons are having their party again tonight! I think I will feel up to playing vball this evening so that will be nice!
Anyway, I have a lot of catchup work to do to find out what has changed since I tutored last fall. Thankfully, I have a few days to do that!
On another note, the Carlsons are having their party again tonight! I think I will feel up to playing vball this evening so that will be nice!
Friday, May 22, 2009
Carlson's Party
Last night, the Carlsons hosted a nice little get together! It was wonderful to get out and socialize a bit. For the first hour or so everyone played volleyball. I still had the remnants of a migraine so I wasn't up to playing, but I tried to take a few pictures. Without a high quality camera, it's very hard to take pictures of sports! But here are a few that turned out okay:
After volleyball they switched to baseball, complete with wiffle bat and squishy ball. Naomi at bat:
Isaac at bat:
After the outdoor games, everyone went inside for some snacks and visiting. It was a very nice evening. I hope to do it again soon!
Rob serving:
This is Tucker--the 12th Carlson (haha)--he just wandered around the yard:
After volleyball they switched to baseball, complete with wiffle bat and squishy ball. Naomi at bat:
Isaac at bat:
After the outdoor games, everyone went inside for some snacks and visiting. It was a very nice evening. I hope to do it again soon!
Tuesday, May 19, 2009
Ode to the Cucumber
My poor little lemon cucumber looks pitifully up at me, pleading for fertilizer. For days I have maliciously ignored its request, walking by mocking at its frailty. Okay, not quite. I've been wanting to get down to the store to buy some fertilizer but haven't been able to. I've actually been mourning for my little cucumber as I watch it shrivel more each day. Finally, last night I got some Miracle-Gro! In just a few minutes, I'm going to go see if I can save my precious little plant! But I think it's too far gone. *sniff* A garden without cucumbers is like a kitchen without a microwave! ;) Great analogy, I know.
Friday, May 15, 2009
Nightmares
I had awful dreams last night and I just thought everyone should know. :)
Dream #1: Well, first let me explain something. I have this reoccurring theme in a lot of my bad dreams--teeth. Yes, teeth! Most often my teeth are falling out and I can't stop them. It's really annoying and I start getting really stressed in my dream. SO, this dream was similar only my teeth weren't actually falling out. There was one tooth that was trying to come in and the gum was getting infected. The other person in the dream, I won't mention any names, decided that she needed to help the tooth out by cutting the gum. So, she grabbed a needle full of painkiller and poked it into my gum. Another side note, I am absolutely terrified of needles! Anyway, the needle wouldn't go in and it really hurt. And then she poked it behind both ears...yeah, somehow that was supposed to help. All I knew was that I was in terrible pain and the painkiller wasn't working and we still were going to cut into my gum to get the tooth through. I woke up cringing and couldn't stop for a while. But eventually I rolled over and went back to sleep just to start in on....
Dream #2: In this dream, I was in my parents' house. I know there were things leading up to what I remember...but I don't remember what they were! :) Anyway, somehow I had a pink knitting needle in my hand and I accidently dropped it in the hall. When I went to pick it up, a hand shot out of the kitchen and grabbed it before I could. I looked up to see Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies holding it high in both hands ready to run it through me. I woke up in a cold sweat once again! Good grief!
Well, those sound more morbid than I realized! I don't always have such weird dreams. But I thought they might provide a little entertainment. So long!
Dream #1: Well, first let me explain something. I have this reoccurring theme in a lot of my bad dreams--teeth. Yes, teeth! Most often my teeth are falling out and I can't stop them. It's really annoying and I start getting really stressed in my dream. SO, this dream was similar only my teeth weren't actually falling out. There was one tooth that was trying to come in and the gum was getting infected. The other person in the dream, I won't mention any names, decided that she needed to help the tooth out by cutting the gum. So, she grabbed a needle full of painkiller and poked it into my gum. Another side note, I am absolutely terrified of needles! Anyway, the needle wouldn't go in and it really hurt. And then she poked it behind both ears...yeah, somehow that was supposed to help. All I knew was that I was in terrible pain and the painkiller wasn't working and we still were going to cut into my gum to get the tooth through. I woke up cringing and couldn't stop for a while. But eventually I rolled over and went back to sleep just to start in on....
Dream #2: In this dream, I was in my parents' house. I know there were things leading up to what I remember...but I don't remember what they were! :) Anyway, somehow I had a pink knitting needle in my hand and I accidently dropped it in the hall. When I went to pick it up, a hand shot out of the kitchen and grabbed it before I could. I looked up to see Granny from the Beverly Hillbillies holding it high in both hands ready to run it through me. I woke up in a cold sweat once again! Good grief!
Well, those sound more morbid than I realized! I don't always have such weird dreams. But I thought they might provide a little entertainment. So long!
Thursday, May 14, 2009
Ethan's graduation
Here are the pictures I promised from Ethan's graduation!
Rob and I watched the ceremony from another building where they were showing it live. We actually got the better deal because we had air conditioning (it was really muggy) and comfortable seats, unlike the rest of the family in the main auditorium. Here are Ethan, Rob, me, and Seth just after the ceremony.
And this is Ethan with his faithful buddy, Jason! They have roomed together all but one year--and then, they were only one room apart. Jason remained a Mechanical Engineer. Ethan switched to Electrical I believe just last year. Anyway, they have been good friends through their college journey!
Rob and I watched the ceremony from another building where they were showing it live. We actually got the better deal because we had air conditioning (it was really muggy) and comfortable seats, unlike the rest of the family in the main auditorium. Here are Ethan, Rob, me, and Seth just after the ceremony.
I missed this part of the weekend. Ethan and the other engineers presented their Senior design project. Maybe Ethan will comment so you all can know exactly what it is. But I know that at least in this picture, their special printer is printing under water!
This was also taken right after the graduation ceremony. In his left hand is his diploma. In his right...the Bruin Bear!! It's a George Fox thing. From what I hear, every year there are several "Bruin Brawls" where every class unites and fights the other classes to secure this bear. It's an out and out war, so I'm told. Anyway, the goal is to get the bear off campus and which ever class succeeds gets to keep the bear until the next brawl. When the Senior class gets it, the bear is retired. So, in the last brawl, Ethan was the one to run it off campus so he gets to keep it!
This is Ethan and his sweet princess, Rachel! It was her birthday that day so we got to go hang out with her and her family for the evening!
And this is Ethan with his faithful buddy, Jason! They have roomed together all but one year--and then, they were only one room apart. Jason remained a Mechanical Engineer. Ethan switched to Electrical I believe just last year. Anyway, they have been good friends through their college journey!
Pets
I have to admit that I'm not much of a pet person. My family had our dogs, cats, chickens, steers, sheep, fish, toads, spiders, crickets, roly-polies, and ants. But I wasn't into them too much. Maybe it was because I liked my family so much. I didn't need animals!
BUT, there are a couple pets that I've considered owning--mostly for their uniqueness. And it gets a bit lonely around here with Rob gone all day. So, the pets I've considered are:
HEDGEHOGS!!!
These little critters are so cute! Little balls of needles!! Pointy little wet noses. Teeny, weeny little feet. They like to stick their heads in toilet paper cardboard rolls and walk around--weird, I know! But they can have a fiesty attitude depending on the species and how well you care for them.
The other pets that I've considered are:
SUGAR GLIDERS!!!
The baby sugar gliders are ridiculously cute! I watched a video once of a sugar glider eating a grape. It took the glider about 5 minutes! One grape! These little cuties like to snuggle...and jump! Watch out! The drawbacks are that they are nocturnal, sometimes rather loud, can't be litter trained, and need a very specific diet. Other than that, they're perfect! :)
So, the vote is up! Which pets should I get? Hedgehogs or sugar gliders? Or should I just have kids (someday)?
Sunday, May 10, 2009
GFU Alumni Baseball Game
Here are the pictures that I promised! Two weekends ago, my dad got to play in the George Fox Alumni baseball game following graduation. Here are a few pictures of him. We were all so proud!
Going up to bat:
Swinging hard and fast:
Towards the end of the game, dad got to pitch! It was so fun to watch him! Here he is watching the catcher's signals:
Here is a sequence of pictures from one pitch. I thought they were fascinating and decided to put them up.
Going up to bat:
Swinging hard and fast:
Towards the end of the game, dad got to pitch! It was so fun to watch him! Here he is watching the catcher's signals:
Here is a sequence of pictures from one pitch. I thought they were fascinating and decided to put them up.
Couldn't be prouder of my dad! I hope to see him play again sometime!
Saturday, May 9, 2009
Weekly news
Well, I've neglected my blog for the last week! Let's see if I can summarize the few events:
1. A week ago today, Ethan and Rachel graduated! I am waiting to get some pictures from my mom so that I can document the day. My camera batteries quit on me before I could take any pictures. Anyway, they are all done and heading to South Africa today on a mission/site-seeing trip. The trip is through a school program called May Serve. How exciting!
2. This is the even that I REALLY want to get pictures from. Last Sunday my dad played an Alumni baseball game with other George Foxers!! It was awesome to see him play! He played short stop and one inning he got to pitch! It was a blast to watch. His class was '76 and the next oldest player was class of '88. :) I was super proud of him.
3. Rob got sick again on Monday--kind of a flu thing this time. So, he was in bed a lot of Monday and all of Tuesday. It's been a rough stretch for both of us. But I think we're over the hump, so to speak.
4. I took a test on Thursday. It was Money & Banking. I've been studying on it off and on the last 6 weeks or so. With getting sick and all, I had to take quite a few breaks. The passage rate for that class is only 13% of the students that take it, so I was a little worried. But I passed it! Now only 5 classes to go!
5. Today we are going to a funeral. Rob's uncle Bill Hartley passed away last week after a long bout of sickness. I pray his family is comforted by the Holy Spirit through this very hard time.
6. Tomorrow is Mother's Day!!! We are actually going to celebrate with Colleen tonight and then with my mom tomorrow! Lots of fun!
Well, I think that pretty much catches you up with my life right now. Just little things here and there.
1. A week ago today, Ethan and Rachel graduated! I am waiting to get some pictures from my mom so that I can document the day. My camera batteries quit on me before I could take any pictures. Anyway, they are all done and heading to South Africa today on a mission/site-seeing trip. The trip is through a school program called May Serve. How exciting!
2. This is the even that I REALLY want to get pictures from. Last Sunday my dad played an Alumni baseball game with other George Foxers!! It was awesome to see him play! He played short stop and one inning he got to pitch! It was a blast to watch. His class was '76 and the next oldest player was class of '88. :) I was super proud of him.
3. Rob got sick again on Monday--kind of a flu thing this time. So, he was in bed a lot of Monday and all of Tuesday. It's been a rough stretch for both of us. But I think we're over the hump, so to speak.
4. I took a test on Thursday. It was Money & Banking. I've been studying on it off and on the last 6 weeks or so. With getting sick and all, I had to take quite a few breaks. The passage rate for that class is only 13% of the students that take it, so I was a little worried. But I passed it! Now only 5 classes to go!
5. Today we are going to a funeral. Rob's uncle Bill Hartley passed away last week after a long bout of sickness. I pray his family is comforted by the Holy Spirit through this very hard time.
6. Tomorrow is Mother's Day!!! We are actually going to celebrate with Colleen tonight and then with my mom tomorrow! Lots of fun!
Well, I think that pretty much catches you up with my life right now. Just little things here and there.
Friday, May 1, 2009
Broken
Here is another note I wrote a couple of months ago. Rereading them is encouraging on one of these days that I feel despairing:
There have been many days I’ve felt worthless because of the physical ailments I have. Some days I just feel that I can’t get passed them. What can I accomplish when there are days I don’t even want to get out of bed? How can I be effective and influential when it’s all I can do to get through the day? These questions cling and nag and ultimately break me down.
Two mornings ago, I was lying in bed thinking. It was probably around 5:00 AM. I was frustrated because I couldn’t sleep and I could tell I wasn’t going to feel well that day. Self-pity consumed my thoughts and mentally I cried out to God, “What can I accomplish with a broken body?” Before the thought was even completed, He told me, “That’s how Jesus saved the world.” Talk about a spirit check. I lay there in awe of His soft rebuke. Not that I expect to save the world, but such comforting and chiding words gave me a glimpse of God’s perspective. This time is not an opportunity to “poor me” myself to death but a time to ask what it is I can learn and what it is He wants of me.
Thank you, Father, for your infinite wisdom. Forgive me for my doubt.
There have been many days I’ve felt worthless because of the physical ailments I have. Some days I just feel that I can’t get passed them. What can I accomplish when there are days I don’t even want to get out of bed? How can I be effective and influential when it’s all I can do to get through the day? These questions cling and nag and ultimately break me down.
Two mornings ago, I was lying in bed thinking. It was probably around 5:00 AM. I was frustrated because I couldn’t sleep and I could tell I wasn’t going to feel well that day. Self-pity consumed my thoughts and mentally I cried out to God, “What can I accomplish with a broken body?” Before the thought was even completed, He told me, “That’s how Jesus saved the world.” Talk about a spirit check. I lay there in awe of His soft rebuke. Not that I expect to save the world, but such comforting and chiding words gave me a glimpse of God’s perspective. This time is not an opportunity to “poor me” myself to death but a time to ask what it is I can learn and what it is He wants of me.
Thank you, Father, for your infinite wisdom. Forgive me for my doubt.
Pain
I wrote this a few months ago and thought it appropriate to voice my feelings today:
How can I push beyond the disappointment and hurt? How can I heal my heart? What can I do when I find out the dreamy castle has a nightmare dungeon? Will anger pull me through? Will drowning myself in things to do clean the slate of my mind? No.
I can’t push beyond any pain. I can’t heal the brokenness. I can’t erase the nightmare. It’s not about me.
God, show me the reality beyond my own emotions. Show me the way everything turns out for good. Show me your kingdom. Rebuild my castle on a foundation of grace.
God, I give my disappointment and pain to you. Please heal my heart. Bring light where I thought there could only be darkness. Bring light to the places that were already light so that they are illuminated with your glory. Renew my mind.
How can I push beyond the disappointment and hurt? How can I heal my heart? What can I do when I find out the dreamy castle has a nightmare dungeon? Will anger pull me through? Will drowning myself in things to do clean the slate of my mind? No.
I can’t push beyond any pain. I can’t heal the brokenness. I can’t erase the nightmare. It’s not about me.
God, show me the reality beyond my own emotions. Show me the way everything turns out for good. Show me your kingdom. Rebuild my castle on a foundation of grace.
God, I give my disappointment and pain to you. Please heal my heart. Bring light where I thought there could only be darkness. Bring light to the places that were already light so that they are illuminated with your glory. Renew my mind.
Graduation
Well, well, well. Big news about tomorrow! Ethan is graduating from George Fox University!! He's earned not only an Electrical Engineering degree but also a long-hoped-for break! The sad news is that it doesn't sound like he gets to come home. He's heading out on a trip to South Africa in about a week so there's not time to come home then head back. :(
Anyway, Rob and I will be heading over to Fox tomorrow to take in graduation. And tomorrow is also Ethan's girlfriend's birthday! So, it sounds like we might get in on a little celebrating for that, too!
Anyway, Rob and I will be heading over to Fox tomorrow to take in graduation. And tomorrow is also Ethan's girlfriend's birthday! So, it sounds like we might get in on a little celebrating for that, too!
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