Going on a church hunt...

Now that I no longer work for the church, Michael and I are free to explore around town to find a church that fits both of us.  We're finally able to go to church as a family, which is something that's super important to both of us.  We both have very high expectations of what church should be, but we're really trying to keep an open mind.  As the son of a preacher man, Michael has really only been exposed to one type of worship.  I can really go either way, but there is something very beautiful and comforting about traditional worship.  And after being at First for a while, I feel like I've been spoiled with so many ways to get connected and involved.  It's going to be quite a challenge for us both to be satisfied with a new church.

We've visited a church twice now.  We like it.  But for me, it's proven really difficult to be completely open to the new worship experience.  I make a conscious effort each week to keep my criticisms at a minimum, but they come anyway... the music is not quite right, the people are not overly warm and fuzzy, and we haven't really heard of ways to get more involved past church and Sunday School.  I know that no church is perfect and that, as the people of the church, we make the church what it is, but at the same time, I want to make sure the church we choose to join meets our needs.  Please just pray that we'll keep an open mind and find a church that is the right fit for both of us.

On to new adventures!

One day of student teaching down!  2 more weeks to go.  I left the house this morning telling Michael I was afraid they were gonna eat me!  I've been assigned a 4th grade LEAP remediation class at Dufrocq.  So scary for so many reasons!

I went in this morning with no idea where I was going, who I would be working with, or what in the world I was going to do (but shhh! don't tell).  And apparently, no one else knew the answers to any of these questions either!  Surprise!  After several anxious minutes, I was assigned to a teacher... who happened to be the only one who really spoke to or reached out to me as I waited.  Thank God!

All teachers were on duty for breakfast.  As the students filed in one after the other with their hands behind their backs and walking on the 3rd square (don't ask), they all looked a little rough.  I repeated to myself over and over, "don't smile... don't smile... don't smile... if you do, they will eat you up!"  And believe it or not, I didn't!  So proud!  Now of course my smile peeked out later in the morning and all throughout the day... but still.  Kept my game face on.

Ya know, I'm thinking I made the right choice about this whole teaching thing (God knows I've been thinking about it forever)!  I absolutely loved it today!  Even with scary 4th graders... who, by the way, aren't actually scary.  And you know, for a bunch of students who are known for being problems in the classroom (both behavioral and academic), mine did really well!

Now I know that this is not necessarily representative of what teaching will actually be like.  Most classes are larger than 10 students... You usually have to plan you own lesson plans... There's not usually another teacher in the room.  But, I'm still thinking I'm gonna love it!  (Provided I get a job, of course...)

But of course, tomorrow is another day!

It's the little things

Last week was my last week at the church... Next week I start classes... This week I have all day every day to do what I want to do!  "And what's that?" you might ask.  Well, it's the little things.  Cleaning clutter from under the bed.  Finally freshening the paint on our kitchen cabinets.  Buying a shoe organizer (best. purchase. ever.).  De-shedding the dog.  Joining a Zumba class.  I'm telling you, I could really get used to this staying home business.  And no, that doesn't mean I'm ready for babies!  

But seriously, I have so enjoyed having some time to myself.  I got the chance to be the type of wife and housekeeper I would really like to be.  And I know that sounds terribly old-fashioned, but there's something to be said for keeping a "perfect" home.  And maybe, just maybe, I can make this a habit that I'll keep even when I go back to work.

Really? A blog?

I've never really bought into the whole idea of a blog, yet here I am.  Several of my friends have blogs, and I love reading about their thoughts, their stories, their adventures!  As a newly-ish married, recently unemployed, and often conflicted woman, I have my own stories to tell.  Several months ago, my husband (Michael) and I came to the conclusion that I could take a hiatus from working long enough to enroll in a full-time summer program to get my teaching certificate.  I start classes next week and student teaching the week after.  It's an exciting and a little bit of a scary new adventure! But that's what makes the best stories...

So why not a blog?  Even if no one reads it, I'll enjoy writing it - and who knows - maybe even reading it again one day.