Neglected blog for one day more

So, it would seem logical that with three snow days in the last two weeks, I would have ample time to create witty posts; however, I seem to be more bogged down than ever these past two weeks. Here's what I've been up to for those who care.

I have to create 5 semester exams before Christmas break and I've been stressing over it for the last two weeks. (Note: My semester is not done until two weeks after Christmas break...for inquiring minds.)

Along with exams I'm trying to finish units in 4 of my 5 classes before students leave for Christmas break and forget everything they've learned within a two-week span of time. So, I've also been creating tests for 4 of my five classes to give this week.

Sunday, I sprained my ankle (Coming Soon: a post about how I sprained my ankle). I've been gimping around my school for the last three days. You should see it...it looks like my ankle is growing another ankle.

I've gotten probably 4 hours of sleep every night for the last 4 nights (due to anxiety and long nights at the computer).

My brain is fried as is evident by this abnormally dry post.

But, oh the things I'll write within the next two weeks. Just wait (mom).

Snow Day?

So, word on the proverbial street last night was that school would probably be canceled again today due to ice. I tried not to let myself get excited about an unscheduled, but much needed, 4 day weekend....BEFORE CHRISTMAS! So, last night I ironed my clothes, got everything ready to head out the door, watched the somewhat disappointing season "finale" of The Hills, and went to bed fully expecting to have school the next day.

5:00 a.m.: got up, turned on the news, Darrin Rockcole reported freezing rain later, but no school cancellations

5:30 a.m.: Out of the shower, getting ready, checked the news again, no school cancellations

5:50 a.m.: making my lunch, eating some breakfast, brushing my teeth, no call for cancellation

6:15 a.m.: Out the door

6:40 a.m.: Spot Jonesville buses and thought school was definitely NOT cancelled if Jonesville was open. They close at the sight of a snowflake

6:50 a.m.: Arrive at an eerily dark school.

7:00 a.m.: No one has arrived at school yet, which is weird since the music teacher gets there at 5:00 a.m. every day.

7:05 a.m.: Still no one...wondered if it was actually Saturday...decided to check my messages at home.

7:08 a.m.: One message: "Jeanette, we don't have school again, so sleep in."

7:09 a.m.: Me: wah-wah

7:10 a.m.: Math teacher comes in and asks where everybody is. Tempted to tell him it was Saturday, but told him school was cancelled.

7:20 a.m.: Finished making my copies (If I was there, might as well get stuff done.)

7:30 a.m.: Left school (somewhat perplexed as to why it was cancelled...but I'm not complaining.)

8:10 a.m.: Arrive at home, put on sweatpants

9:00 a.m.: Took a nap

Wonder of Wonder, Miracle of Miracles

SNOW DAY!!

*sigh*

This week has been one of the most challenging weeks of my teaching career (as short as it may be). I was told by a teacher during my student teaching that when a teacher leaves school at the end of each day, she needs to leave all the drama and heartache there and not take it home. I must have missed the day in class where they taught you how to do this because I suck at it.

I hesitate to even vent about this because I know there are thousands of unemployed teachers who would kill to be in my position. And I'm not saying I am not grateful to be teaching right now. I love my job. I love my students. I wouldn't trade it for the world (unless Disney knocked on my door). It's just been really hard these last two weeks.

I feel blue. *sigh*

Loo loo loooo loo looooo...Christmas time is here

Things I love about Christmas time:

1. The holiday's namesake

2. Charlie Brown Christmas music

3. Christmas music in general

4. The movie Elf (I love you, I love you, I looove you)

5. The movie Christmas Vacation (Grace died 30 years ago)

6. An increased spirit of giving (I am so impressed with students at WCA)

7. Dean Martin and Bing Crosby

8. Hot Chocolate

9. Vacation

10. Christmas decorations

11. Christmas lights

12. Candy canes

13. Peppermint Mocha

14. Shopping with my mom

15. Wrapping presents whilst watching Christmas movies

16. Egg nog

17.Mariah Carey's, "All I Want for Christmas is You" (shout out to Heather Snider)

18. The Christmas section in Target

19. Snow (only at Christmas time, though)

20. Santa Claus

One step closer to adulthood

Whenever my family would take a vacation, my dad would invariably tune our radio dial to talk radio. I would generally utter my feelings of disdain along with my wishes of owning a c.d. walkman contraption. These remarks were made in vain as a.) my dad pretended not to hear my grumblings and b.) I never received a c.d. walkman from my parents (no doubt an issue that will be discussed in future counseling sessions--the poor deprived WASP child was never allowed to own a personal c.d. walkman, oh the humanity!). I was forced to listen to Rush Limbaugh and other grey-haired, right-winged political commentators. Okay, I'll come back to this (tuck it away for now, avid readers--that means you, mom).

Now, I'm going to admit something (on the Internet!!!) that many of you may be shocked to read. I mean, I am an educated individual currently trying to educate other young people. Here it is: I don't watch the news. I don't. I mean who has time to watch the news when Heidi and Spencer may or may not be breaking up. The fact that I don't watch the news is a point of concern for my husband. He feels that it is my duty to remain an informed American citizen. I usually brush off his concerns with, "the news is too depressing." A comment which never placates him but usually ends the discussion.

Over the last several weeks, I have felt somewhat convicted about my ignorance of all things newsworthy. Enter my new fascination with talk radio. Remember that paragraph with which I started off this enthralling post...well, here is the relevance. On my way to work I have decided to join the ranks of informed citizens and listen to current events from around the world. Okay, I'm going to write something that may make my extremely conservative, Hannity and Colmes adoring father's heart stop beating, but I listen to NPR on my way to work now. (Someone get the crash cart). Okay, I know NPR is somewhat liberal (somewhere my father has stopped breathing), but the more conservative AM station (760) does not come in very well on my radio. Anyway, despite one horrid, bile-inducing report on illegal immigration, I have enjoyed my new listening choice. I feel informed without the bitter aftertaste that the 11:00 news leaves in my mouth. I now know that Mitt Romney is a presidential hopeful and not a breed of labrador. I know that Laura Linney is a serious actress who never brings her own personal baggage into any movie she's in. Oh, the things I've learned. I feel as if I have arrived as an adult.

Now if I could just work on not giggling when I hear the word "fart".

Somewhat organized reflections

I love this time of year. Even though holiday shopping sometimes brings out the worst in people, myself included (I mean parking lot stalking should be taken as seriously are regular stalking), it serves as testimony to the giving nature of people. I often wonder how the Lord can love so many people, how He can see good in His creation. I wonder if people are drawn closer to Him at this time of year.

Over the last couple days of "giving thanks", I've found myself reflecting on the Lord's grace and mercy. As I reflect on His glory, I find myself humbled by the miracles he has performed in my life and the lives around me. I am in awe of the little ways He shows himself, and how I often times miss it. My busy life gets in the way, my worries and concerns blind me to His love.

This being said, I just wanted to write about some of the ways the Lord has revealed Himself to me this past year.

-the birth of a beautiful baby boy whose parents were told having children would be nearly impossible

-the transformation of a sister who is seeking to know Him better

-not knowing if there would be money at the end of a month and having it provided in the most unlikely circumstances

-the blessing of a job in a state where it would seem a job would be impossible

-new friends

-the graciousness of a family who helped make a retreat possible

-the love of two families

-teachers who have helped the teacher

-an amazingly gorgeous fall season

-the opportunity to go to a job everyday that I love

-the wisdom and knowledge of a younger brother

-the laughter shared with a mother

-the encouragement provided by a father

-kisses from my beautiful niece

-a friend who provides hope and love to students who would otherwise go without

-a friend who sticks with an impossible job because she knows she is where the Lord wants her

-the marriage of two wonderful people

-a husband who prayed with me, who loved me, and who provided comfort during hard times (and still continues do these things)

-a husband who doesn't run the other direction when his wife cries over a cheeseburger that was supposed to be a hamburger


"Find rest, O my soul, in God alone, my hope comes from him. He alone is my rock and my salvation; he is my fortress, I will not be shaken."