I know God provides. I trust Him. I trust He provides. Why am I always amazed when He does?
I'm getting a 3/4 crown on one of my teeth next Tuesday. I wasn't sure where the money was coming from to pay for it...but it needed to happen and I scheduled it for Tuesday.
HISD teachers received an extra pay check this past Wednesday.
My check was $3 more than the amount of my 3/4 crown.
Isn't God awesome?
Friday, January 28, 2011
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Wrong Number
Yesterday, my mom called me twice when she intended to call my sister. It didn't bother me at all, but she felt guilty for having to hang up on me quickly. It was actually cute to listen to her apologize! Once she even called right back to chat with me because she felt so badly for calling the wrong daughter.
Awww, Mom. You're funny!
Awww, Mom. You're funny!
Saturday, January 15, 2011
Conviction
I was at church on Wednesday for a meeting and took a couple of minutes to walk through our church bookstore. One book caught my eye, The Hole in Our Gospel by Richard Stearns. I wasn't sure exactly what he was referring to regarding "the hole," but I paused in my spirit. A thousand thoughts flashed through my mind including we, as American Christians, don't always act Christian.
But, in all honesty, it made me uncomfortable. I didn't pick up the book. I didn't read the back. Just the title...and I was uncomfortable, so I moved on.
I read a friend's blog post today. She and her husband are adopting from Ethiopia and are hoping to bring home their little girl in the next two weeks or so. She's reading a book right now that is changing her viewpoint on Christian action. I'll let you read the blogpost. But you guessed it, the book is The Hole in Our Gospel.
Ok, Lord. I hear you. I will go get it soon.
But, in all honesty, it made me uncomfortable. I didn't pick up the book. I didn't read the back. Just the title...and I was uncomfortable, so I moved on.
I read a friend's blog post today. She and her husband are adopting from Ethiopia and are hoping to bring home their little girl in the next two weeks or so. She's reading a book right now that is changing her viewpoint on Christian action. I'll let you read the blogpost. But you guessed it, the book is The Hole in Our Gospel.
Ok, Lord. I hear you. I will go get it soon.
Friday, January 14, 2011
Odd Evening
I was driving home from a meeting last night and had a couple of errands to run. I was trying to decide the best order of things. I needed gas, the grocery store, Babies R Us, Hobby Lobby, and Bed, Bath and Beyond. Though not all those things occurred to me at one time.
Sometimes I laugh at my wayward thinking...and sometimes I groan. I've decided I only need a couple things from the grocery store, so I'll go to my neighborhood Randall's instead of dealing with parking at HEB...since it's so cold outside. Hobby Lobby is on the way. Then I remember I'd wanted to stop at Babies R Us...except I remembered as I was driving by the store...which, when on the highway, means I'd already passed it. It's in the same parking lot as HEB, so obviously that makes sense to just handle it all at once. But I've already passed it, so I decide to go on to Hobby Lobby, and then u-turn and come back. It's 7:36 and Hobby Lobby closes at 8...but I know exactly what I need and where it is located, so I know it will work.
Hobby Lobby is the same exit I use to go home. Yep, the SAME exit I use almost every day. If not every day, at least 5 times a week. I mean, it's MY EXIT.
Do I take that exit? Nope. That would make sense.
I didn't think my mind was wandering, but obviously I wasn't paying attention, because instead of exiting the Beltway Frontage Road...I got ON the beltway. Yeah, because THAT didn't take me way out of my way!
Sigh.
So, I exit as soon as possible, u-turn, go through a bunch of red lights and head back to Hobby Lobby. I get what I need and go to HEB where I get gas and stop off next door at Babies R Us. At this point, I decide not to go to the grocery store and know I don't have to go to BBB tonight, so I head home.
I pull into my alley and la, la, la, la, la...just drivin' along. Wha! I just passed my spot!
What's my deal?!
Sometimes I laugh at my wayward thinking...and sometimes I groan. I've decided I only need a couple things from the grocery store, so I'll go to my neighborhood Randall's instead of dealing with parking at HEB...since it's so cold outside. Hobby Lobby is on the way. Then I remember I'd wanted to stop at Babies R Us...except I remembered as I was driving by the store...which, when on the highway, means I'd already passed it. It's in the same parking lot as HEB, so obviously that makes sense to just handle it all at once. But I've already passed it, so I decide to go on to Hobby Lobby, and then u-turn and come back. It's 7:36 and Hobby Lobby closes at 8...but I know exactly what I need and where it is located, so I know it will work.
Hobby Lobby is the same exit I use to go home. Yep, the SAME exit I use almost every day. If not every day, at least 5 times a week. I mean, it's MY EXIT.
Do I take that exit? Nope. That would make sense.
I didn't think my mind was wandering, but obviously I wasn't paying attention, because instead of exiting the Beltway Frontage Road...I got ON the beltway. Yeah, because THAT didn't take me way out of my way!
Sigh.
So, I exit as soon as possible, u-turn, go through a bunch of red lights and head back to Hobby Lobby. I get what I need and go to HEB where I get gas and stop off next door at Babies R Us. At this point, I decide not to go to the grocery store and know I don't have to go to BBB tonight, so I head home.
I pull into my alley and la, la, la, la, la...just drivin' along. Wha! I just passed my spot!
What's my deal?!
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Password, schmassword
I have so many usernames and passwords floating around in my brain, there is no way to keep them straight. I know I'm not the only one that deals with this. How do you keep up with your passwords?
I try to use the same ones (which I know is a big no-no, so I started mixing it up some...which became part of my problem.) However, our district requires us to change our passwords every 60 days? 90 days? whatever. And we can't use the same password as any of the last 6. Grrr...
Our computer screen goes to 'sleep' after 5 minutes of inactivity. So not only do we have to log in quite often to access email, lesson plans, etc, but we are also encouraged to use many aspects of technology in our lessons. Brainpop, United Streaming, Renzulli Learning, Shelfari, KidsReads, and these are just a few of the resources which we have access. They all require different types of usernames and passwords. Some require capital letters, other require numbers or symbols, still others can only be 6-8, while another one wants 8 or more.
I spent my entire lunch time today attempting to register for a test. When I completed my degree in December, I became eligible to be a Reading Specialist. I have the degree. I do not, yet, have the certification. I went to TEA's website. I only log in there about once every five years, so of course I had to click on "forget username" and "forget password." I have an ID number assigned to me...who knew?
I figured all that out and logged in trying to register for this test. It took ten minutes of surveying the site to realize, they give you the certification (for a small (and random) fee of $77) but they do not oversee the testing.
I went to ETS's website. Yes, I can take the test. I can register, but guess what? I need to log in to the site with a username and password. What's that you say? It's not the same as TEA's username and password? Of course not...because that would be too easy.
I know all this is necessary in our 'identity theft' ridden society, but Holy Time-Waster Batman.
I try to use the same ones (which I know is a big no-no, so I started mixing it up some...which became part of my problem.) However, our district requires us to change our passwords every 60 days? 90 days? whatever. And we can't use the same password as any of the last 6. Grrr...
Our computer screen goes to 'sleep' after 5 minutes of inactivity. So not only do we have to log in quite often to access email, lesson plans, etc, but we are also encouraged to use many aspects of technology in our lessons. Brainpop, United Streaming, Renzulli Learning, Shelfari, KidsReads, and these are just a few of the resources which we have access. They all require different types of usernames and passwords. Some require capital letters, other require numbers or symbols, still others can only be 6-8, while another one wants 8 or more.
I spent my entire lunch time today attempting to register for a test. When I completed my degree in December, I became eligible to be a Reading Specialist. I have the degree. I do not, yet, have the certification. I went to TEA's website. I only log in there about once every five years, so of course I had to click on "forget username" and "forget password." I have an ID number assigned to me...who knew?
I figured all that out and logged in trying to register for this test. It took ten minutes of surveying the site to realize, they give you the certification (for a small (and random) fee of $77) but they do not oversee the testing.
I went to ETS's website. Yes, I can take the test. I can register, but guess what? I need to log in to the site with a username and password. What's that you say? It's not the same as TEA's username and password? Of course not...because that would be too easy.
I know all this is necessary in our 'identity theft' ridden society, but Holy Time-Waster Batman.
Hi, My name is Alyssa...
...and I can really be an idiot sometimes.
Choral response: "Hi Alyssa!"
I stayed up until 2:00am last night.
(Oh, it gets better.)
I was watching DVR.
Yup. You know...those little RECORDING machines. Yeah, the ones that KEEP the television shows until you choose to erase them so the shows are available ALL THE TIME.
(Oh, but it gets even better.)
I'd already seen them.
*sigh*
Choral response: "Hi Alyssa!"
I stayed up until 2:00am last night.
(Oh, it gets better.)
I was watching DVR.
Yup. You know...those little RECORDING machines. Yeah, the ones that KEEP the television shows until you choose to erase them so the shows are available ALL THE TIME.
(Oh, but it gets even better.)
I'd already seen them.
*sigh*
Sunday, January 09, 2011
Spam anyone? Did I order this?
Does anyone else feel like email newsletters have gotten out of control?
At some point over the past years, I've signed up for Delta, American, WebMD, Broadway Across America, Ticketmaster Events, RODEOHouston, HoustonsFirst, Groupon, Southwest, Paradigm, Bed, Bath, and Beyond and I don't even know what all else!
Some of those I'm still interested in, but most I just delete without reading...so why even get it?
Starting Thursday, I began to unsubscribe. Delta, WebMD, Broadway Across America, Bed, Bath and Beyond and Ticketmaster Events are already marked off the list.
Even though I (apparently) ordered it, it's become spam.
At some point over the past years, I've signed up for Delta, American, WebMD, Broadway Across America, Ticketmaster Events, RODEOHouston, HoustonsFirst, Groupon, Southwest, Paradigm, Bed, Bath, and Beyond and I don't even know what all else!
Some of those I'm still interested in, but most I just delete without reading...so why even get it?
Starting Thursday, I began to unsubscribe. Delta, WebMD, Broadway Across America, Bed, Bath and Beyond and Ticketmaster Events are already marked off the list.
Even though I (apparently) ordered it, it's become spam.
Saturday, January 08, 2011
A New Life
I'm still getting used to life after grad school. Having a weekend to do with as I wish is amazingly wonderful!
This week has been slower at work, which means I was home by 4:30 yesterday. I had fun outside. I know it was a LOOOOOONG time ago, but I haven't forgotten about the additions from Joshua or my brownish-green thumb and certainly haven't forgotten about the major changes made over time! This time, I was just doing maintenance. No big changes, so no pics, but I loved it! It makes me smile that I like working outside, because it makes me think of Grandma and how very much she enjoyed 'piddling,' as we called it, in her garden.
I had fun at Mark and Darrick's house last night. We watched the Aggies start off wonderfully well! And then...well, end not as well. However, we had fun chatting, laughing and eating great food!
This morning, a few of us helped Veronica pack and load up the truck for her move to Dallas. I'm sad to see her go. We had fun walking together EARLY one morning each week. However, I know she's excited and following the Lord so I'm excited for her.
From there, I joined Nancy and Roy for breakfast at Pappasitto's. Nancy introduced our small group to Pappasitto's pancakes in early December. They're fabulous! If you haven't been, you definitely need to try it out.
After that, I was going to be productive and run a few errands. I got REALLY sleepy though, so came home for a nap. That I ended up taking 2 hours later because I did get a bit of a productive bug. It was just nice to do things around the house!
While I was writing this post, Katherine called to chat and catch up. I was able to articulate how very much I am valuing my life post grad school. It's just been a new found freedom that I am loving every minute of! Even such a thing as being able to answer the phone to chat when a friend calls!
This week has been slower at work, which means I was home by 4:30 yesterday. I had fun outside. I know it was a LOOOOOONG time ago, but I haven't forgotten about the additions from Joshua or my brownish-green thumb and certainly haven't forgotten about the major changes made over time! This time, I was just doing maintenance. No big changes, so no pics, but I loved it! It makes me smile that I like working outside, because it makes me think of Grandma and how very much she enjoyed 'piddling,' as we called it, in her garden.
I had fun at Mark and Darrick's house last night. We watched the Aggies start off wonderfully well! And then...well, end not as well. However, we had fun chatting, laughing and eating great food!
This morning, a few of us helped Veronica pack and load up the truck for her move to Dallas. I'm sad to see her go. We had fun walking together EARLY one morning each week. However, I know she's excited and following the Lord so I'm excited for her.
From there, I joined Nancy and Roy for breakfast at Pappasitto's. Nancy introduced our small group to Pappasitto's pancakes in early December. They're fabulous! If you haven't been, you definitely need to try it out.
After that, I was going to be productive and run a few errands. I got REALLY sleepy though, so came home for a nap. That I ended up taking 2 hours later because I did get a bit of a productive bug. It was just nice to do things around the house!
While I was writing this post, Katherine called to chat and catch up. I was able to articulate how very much I am valuing my life post grad school. It's just been a new found freedom that I am loving every minute of! Even such a thing as being able to answer the phone to chat when a friend calls!
Friday, January 07, 2011
Kids say the ...
Under “Reminders” on my board today, it says “Book Order due Wed. 1/12”
As I’m passing out the book order, I say, “When is this book order due?” and one student very proudly calls out “Wednesday and a half!”
As I’m passing out the book order, I say, “When is this book order due?” and one student very proudly calls out “Wednesday and a half!”
Thursday, January 06, 2011
Sleepless Nights
I fell asleep on my couch last night at 6:00 and woke up at 8:45. By the time I turned off the lights, blew out the candles, shut down the computer, set my alarm clock and put a cup in the dishwasher, I was "awake" enough to not go back to sleep....until 1:45am!
Each night this week has been "something" in regards to sleep...not enough of it, or nightmares or weird hours or something.
Here's hoping that tonight is early, restful and uninterrupted!
Each night this week has been "something" in regards to sleep...not enough of it, or nightmares or weird hours or something.
Here's hoping that tonight is early, restful and uninterrupted!
An overheard convo
Student: I had a wonderful Christmas Mrs. _________
Adult: What did you get?
Out of all the questions, that was the one asked?
It made me sad.
Adult: What did you get?
Out of all the questions, that was the one asked?
It made me sad.
Sunday, January 02, 2011
2010 Annual Review
I got an idea from Kelly's Korner to do an Annual Review of my life and goals in 2009. I decided it was a great way to reflect and loved doing it here and continued it here. I've decided to do it again this year!
FIVE THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR IN 2010
1. I'm thankful for friends. I love hanging out with my college girlfriends. We try to do it yearly and were able to meet in Houston this year for a weekend of shopping together, laughing together, and praying together. Now that's my kind of weekend!! Each of us had a rough year...or at least a 'weird' year...and it was good to be with women we can count on...let our hair down with...and just cry...and remember...and laugh. Love y'all!
Ever have a friend that you may not get to see all the time, but when you do there's a connection? An honest 'realness' that both of you show?
AJ, you are someone I can be that person with and I love you for it! You make me think. You make me laugh. You push me to be a better me. Love you!
Julie, I love that we think alike and are already thinking the same things about a certain situation before one of us brings it up! :) You make me laugh and smile and laugh some more! I loved watching you lead the women of Paradigm! I love that you're "girly." Your sweet notes and drop by gifts always make my day! Love you!
Melody, your friendship has been constant and I so appreciate that! You're a tenacious friend that doesn't give up. Know that and claim it! Your laughter makes me smile and your name on my phone does the same. I know there are many things that bring up "I'm not sure we can be friends anymore." but I'm oh so glad we can! :) Love you!
Meredith, I'm sitting on the floor of my dining room and thinking of what I want to write about you and just smiling. That's what you do! Your love of music and your love of children and your WONDERFUL teaching all shine through in you. I LOVE that you love kids and want to instill a love for music in them. You are a FABULOUS teacher and whether you continue in your own studio or are on staff at a school, I know you are a blessing. Love you!
2. I'm thankful for my family, both immediate and extended. I love our traditions of gathering at certain places for certain holidays. I love the games we know we're going to play and the new ones we learn. I'm thankful for their advice through life's struggles. I'm thankful we all live within driving distance of each other so we CAN see each other as often as we do.
3. I'm thankful for good health. I never thought about how much that meant, or how much I took it for granted, until I didn't always have it. Right now, I'm doing fine and I praise God for that.
4. I'm thankful for a job environment that is supportive and challenging. I don't always agree with the top dog's decisions, but I love my kids, my team and my bosses.
5. I'm thankful for a church family that has fun laughing and playing together. We are constantly in each other's lives. We grow together. We sharpen each other. We teach each other. We serve together. We stretch each other. We travel together. We work together. We are family.
FIVE WAYS I WANT TO IMPROVE IN 2011
1. I'd like to have more patience. This is a scary thing to pray for...because He will provide opportunities to grow my patience!
2. I'd like to be a better daughter. I want to pray for my parents more often.
3. I want to be a better teacher. I want to search out creative ways to teach a certain concept and not trust the old way all the time. I want see each child as a little person and not just a student. I want to mentor them and help to shape them into the person God has for them to be.
4. I want to pay off debts. This was a little bit of a tough year with some medical bills as well as tuition. I want to be as wise as possible when it comes to spending money and pay off my debts as quickly as I can.
5. I want to make my word mean something...well exactly what I said. I want my yes to mean yes and my no to mean no. My generation has gotten very sloppy with this. I want to model something better for the next generation and glorify the Lord in following His word by doing it.
FIVE WAYS I WANT TO GIVE AND HELP OTHERS IN 2011
1. I have applied to be a Child Advocate. I know adoption is in my future, but it is not in my present. I pray that being a Child Advocate, I can begin helping the neglected and abused NOW even though I can't bring one into my home.
2. I want to pay attention to the little nuances of life through conversations with friends and help when I can. I want to be paying attention enough to think about those little things that can really brighten someone's day.
3. I want to do babysit for friends so they can go out. I want to chat with friends while we clean their house together. I just want to live life together and help someone out at the same time.
4. I want to create a sense of community in my little neighborhood. I'd like to invite my close neighbors over for a meal and start the process of getting to know each other. I've been wanting to do this for a long time, but other obligations impeded the process. Those are wrapped up, so now I can move forward!
5. I want to see a stranger's need and be able to help it practically. I'm not sure what that looks like, but I pray He will show me in His timing.
FIVE THINGS I'M THANKFUL FOR IN 2010
1. I'm thankful for friends. I love hanging out with my college girlfriends. We try to do it yearly and were able to meet in Houston this year for a weekend of shopping together, laughing together, and praying together. Now that's my kind of weekend!! Each of us had a rough year...or at least a 'weird' year...and it was good to be with women we can count on...let our hair down with...and just cry...and remember...and laugh. Love y'all!
Ever have a friend that you may not get to see all the time, but when you do there's a connection? An honest 'realness' that both of you show?
AJ, you are someone I can be that person with and I love you for it! You make me think. You make me laugh. You push me to be a better me. Love you!
Julie, I love that we think alike and are already thinking the same things about a certain situation before one of us brings it up! :) You make me laugh and smile and laugh some more! I loved watching you lead the women of Paradigm! I love that you're "girly." Your sweet notes and drop by gifts always make my day! Love you!
Melody, your friendship has been constant and I so appreciate that! You're a tenacious friend that doesn't give up. Know that and claim it! Your laughter makes me smile and your name on my phone does the same. I know there are many things that bring up "I'm not sure we can be friends anymore." but I'm oh so glad we can! :) Love you!
Meredith, I'm sitting on the floor of my dining room and thinking of what I want to write about you and just smiling. That's what you do! Your love of music and your love of children and your WONDERFUL teaching all shine through in you. I LOVE that you love kids and want to instill a love for music in them. You are a FABULOUS teacher and whether you continue in your own studio or are on staff at a school, I know you are a blessing. Love you!
2. I'm thankful for my family, both immediate and extended. I love our traditions of gathering at certain places for certain holidays. I love the games we know we're going to play and the new ones we learn. I'm thankful for their advice through life's struggles. I'm thankful we all live within driving distance of each other so we CAN see each other as often as we do.
3. I'm thankful for good health. I never thought about how much that meant, or how much I took it for granted, until I didn't always have it. Right now, I'm doing fine and I praise God for that.
4. I'm thankful for a job environment that is supportive and challenging. I don't always agree with the top dog's decisions, but I love my kids, my team and my bosses.
5. I'm thankful for a church family that has fun laughing and playing together. We are constantly in each other's lives. We grow together. We sharpen each other. We teach each other. We serve together. We stretch each other. We travel together. We work together. We are family.
FIVE WAYS I WANT TO IMPROVE IN 2011
1. I'd like to have more patience. This is a scary thing to pray for...because He will provide opportunities to grow my patience!
2. I'd like to be a better daughter. I want to pray for my parents more often.
3. I want to be a better teacher. I want to search out creative ways to teach a certain concept and not trust the old way all the time. I want see each child as a little person and not just a student. I want to mentor them and help to shape them into the person God has for them to be.
4. I want to pay off debts. This was a little bit of a tough year with some medical bills as well as tuition. I want to be as wise as possible when it comes to spending money and pay off my debts as quickly as I can.
5. I want to make my word mean something...well exactly what I said. I want my yes to mean yes and my no to mean no. My generation has gotten very sloppy with this. I want to model something better for the next generation and glorify the Lord in following His word by doing it.
FIVE WAYS I WANT TO GIVE AND HELP OTHERS IN 2011
1. I have applied to be a Child Advocate. I know adoption is in my future, but it is not in my present. I pray that being a Child Advocate, I can begin helping the neglected and abused NOW even though I can't bring one into my home.
2. I want to pay attention to the little nuances of life through conversations with friends and help when I can. I want to be paying attention enough to think about those little things that can really brighten someone's day.
3. I want to do babysit for friends so they can go out. I want to chat with friends while we clean their house together. I just want to live life together and help someone out at the same time.
4. I want to create a sense of community in my little neighborhood. I'd like to invite my close neighbors over for a meal and start the process of getting to know each other. I've been wanting to do this for a long time, but other obligations impeded the process. Those are wrapped up, so now I can move forward!
5. I want to see a stranger's need and be able to help it practically. I'm not sure what that looks like, but I pray He will show me in His timing.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)