Jill- I am so sorry to hear about your Grandma. She will be missed. I am thinking about you and your family and keeping you in my prayers!
Sarah- thanks for the school update. Glad to know the future of music education rests in your hands.
Sarah and Jenna- Thanks for following my blog! You rock!
Rachel and Sara- hi
Wednesday, September 15, 2010
Sunday, September 12, 2010
Nice Day!
It is so gorgeous out! It's almost crazy how nice it is outside today. I feel the pressure to figure out how to truly take advantage of it. So far all I've done is sit on my porch to enjoy it (Bo is lying in the sun taking in deep breaths every so often...as he should.). I figured it was about time for another update on here, since the definition of the Pass Around is to take your bite when it's been passed. ;)
Regardless, school is definitely underway. In fact, we're already almost halfway through first quarter. It's kind of crazy to think that this is our fifth year out of school and therefore my fifth year of teaching, but I'm embracing it because, dare I say it, it might have been the smoothest beginning of a school year yet. It has helped that I've had a lot of my AP students (in fact all but one) before as sophomores. They seem to already know what I expect and are less inclined to complain/think I'll give them a break, which makes all the difference in that class. I also have freshmen this quarter, who I haven't had for two years, so it's been interesting to re-experience that. I forget how much they really are like middle schoolers at the beginning of the year! They're overall a pretty good group, with a few "Chatty Kathy's" - boys, of course, as often is the case at that age - but I enjoy their energy. There is some drama amongst the girls and with one in particular who is certainly trying my patience with perhaps the most negative attitude I've ever encountered. I really wasn't sure if I was going to make it through Friday's class with her after a 5-minute "calm tirade" on my part regarding why the negative attitude needs to go (namely that I'll freak out if it doesn't...hehe). Anyway, I'm sure I'll make it, but she keeps me on my toes, for sure...Otherwise, like I said, the year has been good. I have my own room, seem to have most things kind of figured out, and am even mentoring a 2nd year teacher in our building (choir teacher..random but true). What I could use is a reprieve from papers, however. I have a larger AP group this year, and I'm feeling it! I can barely seem to get my head above water (ok, paper) before another load comes in. I know that it's my own fault for assigning it, but that is the nature of the first quarter of AP. I must get through Pride and Prejudice and then I'll get a break with poetry...
Bo has been on a mission to add to the stress of life with his separation anxiety since school has started. He officially ripped his way out of his wire kennel, with only a scratch thankfully, to tell me how much he hates my job. After much deliberation, I decided to put him on some separation anxiety meds. Between that and spending his time in my garage instead of a kennel, he seems to be doing better. He's still not a fan when I leave, but at least he's not destroying anything or hurting himself. He's still super cute. Who can blame such a cutie for just wanting to be with others? Sara's parents dropped off a heated dog house yesterday in case I want to continue with the garage plan when the weather cools. I have yet to see him get in it, but we'll see as time goes by...
Otherwise, that's about it, I guess. The Tim adventure is over, which is a good thing in the end, but wasn't exactly my favorite occurrence. The beginning of school is always crazy and while it's been an easy start there, I have been feeling the stress of a busy schedule in addition to the trials of daily life and look forward to not feeling like a bit of an emotional basket case at times with all that seems to be happening at the same time. The beauty of the day today is welcome, and I'm going to do all I can to not feel trapped by the horrific freshmen essays in my bag. I charge you all to do the same with whatever might be your version of horrific freshmen essays. :)
Love you all and am always thankful for such wonderful people in my life.
Regardless, school is definitely underway. In fact, we're already almost halfway through first quarter. It's kind of crazy to think that this is our fifth year out of school and therefore my fifth year of teaching, but I'm embracing it because, dare I say it, it might have been the smoothest beginning of a school year yet. It has helped that I've had a lot of my AP students (in fact all but one) before as sophomores. They seem to already know what I expect and are less inclined to complain/think I'll give them a break, which makes all the difference in that class. I also have freshmen this quarter, who I haven't had for two years, so it's been interesting to re-experience that. I forget how much they really are like middle schoolers at the beginning of the year! They're overall a pretty good group, with a few "Chatty Kathy's" - boys, of course, as often is the case at that age - but I enjoy their energy. There is some drama amongst the girls and with one in particular who is certainly trying my patience with perhaps the most negative attitude I've ever encountered. I really wasn't sure if I was going to make it through Friday's class with her after a 5-minute "calm tirade" on my part regarding why the negative attitude needs to go (namely that I'll freak out if it doesn't...hehe). Anyway, I'm sure I'll make it, but she keeps me on my toes, for sure...Otherwise, like I said, the year has been good. I have my own room, seem to have most things kind of figured out, and am even mentoring a 2nd year teacher in our building (choir teacher..random but true). What I could use is a reprieve from papers, however. I have a larger AP group this year, and I'm feeling it! I can barely seem to get my head above water (ok, paper) before another load comes in. I know that it's my own fault for assigning it, but that is the nature of the first quarter of AP. I must get through Pride and Prejudice and then I'll get a break with poetry...
Bo has been on a mission to add to the stress of life with his separation anxiety since school has started. He officially ripped his way out of his wire kennel, with only a scratch thankfully, to tell me how much he hates my job. After much deliberation, I decided to put him on some separation anxiety meds. Between that and spending his time in my garage instead of a kennel, he seems to be doing better. He's still not a fan when I leave, but at least he's not destroying anything or hurting himself. He's still super cute. Who can blame such a cutie for just wanting to be with others? Sara's parents dropped off a heated dog house yesterday in case I want to continue with the garage plan when the weather cools. I have yet to see him get in it, but we'll see as time goes by...
Otherwise, that's about it, I guess. The Tim adventure is over, which is a good thing in the end, but wasn't exactly my favorite occurrence. The beginning of school is always crazy and while it's been an easy start there, I have been feeling the stress of a busy schedule in addition to the trials of daily life and look forward to not feeling like a bit of an emotional basket case at times with all that seems to be happening at the same time. The beauty of the day today is welcome, and I'm going to do all I can to not feel trapped by the horrific freshmen essays in my bag. I charge you all to do the same with whatever might be your version of horrific freshmen essays. :)
Love you all and am always thankful for such wonderful people in my life.
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Well, it's been a tough week for me. Last Sunday night while we were in Iowa City for Labor Day weekend with Bryan's family my mom called and told me that my grandma had passed away. It was my Grandma Reha, who I think most if not all of you have probably met at one time or another since she went with us everywhere. Interestingly enough, tomorrow is the 27th anniversary of my grandpa's death. It's hard to believe my grandma lived that long all by herself. Rachel, thank you for allowing me to come over on Monday morning...a little girl time is exactly what I needed!
So, I took both Thursday and Friday off of work, and since I didn't work Monday, it was a really short week. I drove out to my parents Wednesday after work, as other family was starting to come into town then. Thursday we had visitation, and Bryan joined me then. The funeral was Friday morning. Although I'm still very sad, she lived all but the last two months of her life completely independently, and she was 94 years old. We knew it would probably happen in the next couple of months, we just didn't know it would be this soon. Although I think it was for the best, because I don't think any of us would have wanted to watch her continue to decline.
Considering the circumstances, the week has been very good for family time though. Every family member (3 kids and spouses, 9 grandkids and significant others, and 9 great-grandchildren) all made it back. We've had a great time reminiscing, going through pictures, and just spending time together the last few days. My grandma got to see everyone also within the last month even though several members live in other parts of the country. Today we worked on cleaning out her house, sorting through stuff and then got together to watch the Iowa game. Bryan and I just came back tonight and are beat!! I'm heading to bed very shortly!
Hate to be a bummer, but I thought I would just share that news.
Hope the rest of you are all having great weekends!
So, I took both Thursday and Friday off of work, and since I didn't work Monday, it was a really short week. I drove out to my parents Wednesday after work, as other family was starting to come into town then. Thursday we had visitation, and Bryan joined me then. The funeral was Friday morning. Although I'm still very sad, she lived all but the last two months of her life completely independently, and she was 94 years old. We knew it would probably happen in the next couple of months, we just didn't know it would be this soon. Although I think it was for the best, because I don't think any of us would have wanted to watch her continue to decline.
Considering the circumstances, the week has been very good for family time though. Every family member (3 kids and spouses, 9 grandkids and significant others, and 9 great-grandchildren) all made it back. We've had a great time reminiscing, going through pictures, and just spending time together the last few days. My grandma got to see everyone also within the last month even though several members live in other parts of the country. Today we worked on cleaning out her house, sorting through stuff and then got together to watch the Iowa game. Bryan and I just came back tonight and are beat!! I'm heading to bed very shortly!
Hate to be a bummer, but I thought I would just share that news.
Hope the rest of you are all having great weekends!
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Hey Everyone!
I am in St. Paul right now. Its been a whirlwind of a couple weeks, but its exciting. Be sure to become a follower on my blog. (I don't have that many yet, so it will look better!) I've also put a couple of pics up.
Sarah good luck with your school year and Jenna too! Its always exciting to have the students back!
Thinking of you all! Love, Jami
I am in St. Paul right now. Its been a whirlwind of a couple weeks, but its exciting. Be sure to become a follower on my blog. (I don't have that many yet, so it will look better!) I've also put a couple of pics up.
Sarah good luck with your school year and Jenna too! Its always exciting to have the students back!
Thinking of you all! Love, Jami
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
Good afternoon, girlies!
I have a few minutes of down time so I thought I'd try to write you a quick note! I am definitely around for homecoming weekend this year (I made sure I don't work on that Saturday!) so I hope you all can make it! It doesn't matter to me if your significant others want to come.....I'll let you girls discuss that :o)
Today is the first day of classes! The new school year is officially in full swing! I can't believe it! My fall travel season will begin towards the end of this month--I am not sure I'm ready for that!
Jami, I've been thinking about you this week as you begin your new journey! How is orientation week going??
I hope everyone is healthy and happy! I miss you all and can't wait to see you soon!
Love,
Jenna
I have a few minutes of down time so I thought I'd try to write you a quick note! I am definitely around for homecoming weekend this year (I made sure I don't work on that Saturday!) so I hope you all can make it! It doesn't matter to me if your significant others want to come.....I'll let you girls discuss that :o)
Today is the first day of classes! The new school year is officially in full swing! I can't believe it! My fall travel season will begin towards the end of this month--I am not sure I'm ready for that!
Jami, I've been thinking about you this week as you begin your new journey! How is orientation week going??
I hope everyone is healthy and happy! I miss you all and can't wait to see you soon!
Love,
Jenna
Sunday, August 29, 2010
Hey hey hey ladies!
Jill, I'm glad to read that that you had a fantastic birthday! That Italian restaurant sounds delicious (YUM)! I'd love to try it when we come and visit you sometime. We'll have to pick a date to make a trip to your neck of the woods.
Speaking of trips - who's in for homecoming?! I'm planning on it and I might work on the Bobster to come too, if we're thinking of including the men. It could be fun to invite them along if they want to come. Maybe... ;) Thoughts on that? Anyone going to try to get Xmas at Luther Tix? I got my postcard in the mail! Woo hoo!
Jami - how exciting! I hope orientation at Luther goes well!! That definitely makes me think of our orientation. Wow - that seems like forever ago. And yet, it seems like yesterday. Funny how time works... Regardless, Jami I hope you have a great week! Keep us posted on how things go. Sushi as a send off dinner sounds awesome (I've been craving it for weeks now!).
Bob and I took a whirlwind trip to Chicago this weekend. GreatAmerica works with Bank of America on a regular basis, and B of A invited several of the GreatAmerica folks to a suite at US Cellular Field for a White Sox v. Yankees game. It was sooooo fun! We drove over with a Mitch, another GreatAmerican, and yesterday morning, checked into our hotel (a Hyatt we got on priceline - love it!), changed and headed to the game. The suite was very nice - lots of yummy food and drink, and a dessert cart came around with DELICIOUS cookies, bars, pie, cake, ice cream. Mmmm! The game was close, 12-9, and the White Sox had a chance to tie it up in the bottom of the ninth, but unfortunately, the Yankees won. We had drinks at the hotel bar afterward and then went to a piano lounge downtown... until 3:30 am! I haven't been up that late in a LONG time! Needless to say, I should be heading to bed soon. I dropped Bob and Mitch off at a golf course in the Quad Cities on the way back this afternoon, met my parents and Brett and Heather in IC for dinner and now I'm lounging with kooks, blogging on the coolest blog on the planet! :)
Whew! That's all I know. Ooo - and I also need to think of a good birthday present for Bob. I've got a couple ideas - noise cancelling headphones he wants, or... maybe... a puppy! We'll see about that one... If anyone has any brilliant suggestions, please let me know.
Have a great week ladies! Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend - keep me posted on any fun plans around CR. We'll be here there and everywhere Saturday and Sunday, but around on Monday. Talk to you soon!! Love and miss you!
Jill, I'm glad to read that that you had a fantastic birthday! That Italian restaurant sounds delicious (YUM)! I'd love to try it when we come and visit you sometime. We'll have to pick a date to make a trip to your neck of the woods.
Speaking of trips - who's in for homecoming?! I'm planning on it and I might work on the Bobster to come too, if we're thinking of including the men. It could be fun to invite them along if they want to come. Maybe... ;) Thoughts on that? Anyone going to try to get Xmas at Luther Tix? I got my postcard in the mail! Woo hoo!
Jami - how exciting! I hope orientation at Luther goes well!! That definitely makes me think of our orientation. Wow - that seems like forever ago. And yet, it seems like yesterday. Funny how time works... Regardless, Jami I hope you have a great week! Keep us posted on how things go. Sushi as a send off dinner sounds awesome (I've been craving it for weeks now!).
Bob and I took a whirlwind trip to Chicago this weekend. GreatAmerica works with Bank of America on a regular basis, and B of A invited several of the GreatAmerica folks to a suite at US Cellular Field for a White Sox v. Yankees game. It was sooooo fun! We drove over with a Mitch, another GreatAmerican, and yesterday morning, checked into our hotel (a Hyatt we got on priceline - love it!), changed and headed to the game. The suite was very nice - lots of yummy food and drink, and a dessert cart came around with DELICIOUS cookies, bars, pie, cake, ice cream. Mmmm! The game was close, 12-9, and the White Sox had a chance to tie it up in the bottom of the ninth, but unfortunately, the Yankees won. We had drinks at the hotel bar afterward and then went to a piano lounge downtown... until 3:30 am! I haven't been up that late in a LONG time! Needless to say, I should be heading to bed soon. I dropped Bob and Mitch off at a golf course in the Quad Cities on the way back this afternoon, met my parents and Brett and Heather in IC for dinner and now I'm lounging with kooks, blogging on the coolest blog on the planet! :)
Whew! That's all I know. Ooo - and I also need to think of a good birthday present for Bob. I've got a couple ideas - noise cancelling headphones he wants, or... maybe... a puppy! We'll see about that one... If anyone has any brilliant suggestions, please let me know.
Have a great week ladies! Have a fun and safe Labor Day weekend - keep me posted on any fun plans around CR. We'll be here there and everywhere Saturday and Sunday, but around on Monday. Talk to you soon!! Love and miss you!
Saturday, August 28, 2010
Jill, it sounds like you had an awesome birthday. You're making me jealous with all the talk of wine and pasta. :)
Yes, moving in to Brandt was a fun adventure... I will be moving in to a small dorm on monday, I can't believe it! Another Luther campus. Thankfully I can reuse all my Luther gear.
Chad and I are going to celebrate tonight before I leave him for a week for orientation. I will let you know how it goes. I hope wine and pasta will be in the picture. Or maybe sushi.
Love you all.
Yes, moving in to Brandt was a fun adventure... I will be moving in to a small dorm on monday, I can't believe it! Another Luther campus. Thankfully I can reuse all my Luther gear.
Chad and I are going to celebrate tonight before I leave him for a week for orientation. I will let you know how it goes. I hope wine and pasta will be in the picture. Or maybe sushi.
Love you all.
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