It is my lunch break and I decided to attempt another blog entry until my kids come to my class. I have had a fabulous week of laughter and enjoyment in the simple things in life. Last week a taught two students how to make guacomole and then write about their opinion of the recipe. One little boy said, "Ms. Y, I am a good tomatoe cutter. I can do that in the kitchen to help mom." He took such joy in learning how to branch out and experience new things in school. At a workshop training for Step Up To Writing, the facilitator, asked what we liked about teaching. I would have to say that I love giving new oppurtunities for students to experience and develop vocabulary naturally. To see them start of nervous and unsure how to cut the tomatoe to confident and saying that this was their new calling as kitchen helper makes my days filled with blessing.
This past Wed/Thursday, I took the tests for CPR certification. I passed and am thankful to have something new that I have learned. I hope that I never end to becoming a sponge that wants to always learn things that are good and beneficial to me and others around me.....
This weekend the plan is to enjoy the hopefully (cross my fingers) warm weather. I love this wind on warm days. It feels romantic.... Now remember that this is only a first year Wyoming resident stating this. Talk to ya later!
Friday, May 14, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
My mom flew in from Maryland to keep me company for the Easter Break! We visited Garden of the Gods, Cliff Dwellings, and walked around in Manitou Springs I am just amazed at the beautiful country that is out here. What made the weekend was having mom to go with me. I am so thankful for having company and the opportunity to explore the country.
Saturday, March 20, 2010
A Glimpse of March Madness :-)
Hello my readers,
It has been an entire month since I last wrote in this blog. So much as happened since then. I have a wonderful new place, a fabulous car, a wonderful family that I recently visited, and a few funny stories.
I believe it was a God directed moment in connection with my prayers for companionship and adventures in March when Stacey Johnson Berger (Miss 2008 USA Rodeo Queen) rang my door bell and asked me to go to Mr. T's 6th Annual Mid-Winter Rodeo. I had just met her the night before (Friday) I had such a wonderful time with her and watching the bull riders and buck-horse riders compete. She took me in the back entrance and I was able to see the cowboys on their knees praying for protection before they competed for a decent score of at least a 75 out of 100 to win the belt buckle and prize money (I think). They had to stay on the animal for 8 seconds in a specific position with only one hand holding on. Most wore a helmet and vest which helped with some safety. The rodeo clown was really funny and impressively road a snowboard (in honor of our 2010 Olympics Winter Sports) that was pulled by the pick horse and his rider. Stacey had said she had never seen one do that before and she had been at many rodeos in her lifetime. At the end of the rodeo, we went back to the horses that her husband had tallied to the wall cooling down from their work-out pulling riders of the bucking horses or coralling the bulls back into their pens. I am growing into liking the cowboy look only into the rodeo ring. I even had a few cowboys tip their hat and call me ma'm when we were introduced. I was quite impressed with their respect and manners for women. :-)
My spring break was wonderful! I spent time shopping with my mom and sister L on Monday which involved going to the grocery store and getting seafood and making my family (Including Liz) shrimp scampi, delicious salad (radishes, peppers, romaine lettuce, carrots, cucumber), angel food cake with strawberries/cool whip. My wonderful friend Liz brought champagne for dinner and we toasted to better days and healthy lives until we met again.
I went with my four siblings and mom to Washington, D.C. to visit Arlington Cemetry and Robert E. Lee's house. I was in awe of the reverence and amount of lives that were spent to keep this country free. I am ashamed at my disregard for the American Patriotism that I have seen in others before and have resolved to learn about the price many paid so that I could freely get an education as a woman and find a job all the way in Wyoming without the requirement that I had to be married. The day was beautiful and warm. My brother has a crazy sense of humor and I loved spending the day with him. The night before we drove to Hannah's condo and watched the most recent LOST episode. On the way back, my little bro had to turn the music because it was disrupting our conversation. This began a huge debate with him and my little sister about his point versus hers. I was cracking up. He reminds me of my dad more and more each day. This is a good thing! :-) I have always said that if I ever marry it will have to be someone like dad. A man with a good sense of humour. Serious when the time called for it, but able to make me laugh.
On Thursday of this past week, I went out to Fort McHenry and Rallo's Diner with my dad for the afternoon. Such a wonderful time of talkng and sharing with each other. I will have that day mentally placed in my mind as a memorable date.
Anyways, I am back in Laramie, Wyoming, and getting my place and lessons in order. It is somewhat nice to be back in a routine. I miss my friends back home in Maryland.
For God and Family!
New Scripture for the day: Hewbrews 4:12
"12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
It has been an entire month since I last wrote in this blog. So much as happened since then. I have a wonderful new place, a fabulous car, a wonderful family that I recently visited, and a few funny stories.
I believe it was a God directed moment in connection with my prayers for companionship and adventures in March when Stacey Johnson Berger (Miss 2008 USA Rodeo Queen) rang my door bell and asked me to go to Mr. T's 6th Annual Mid-Winter Rodeo. I had just met her the night before (Friday) I had such a wonderful time with her and watching the bull riders and buck-horse riders compete. She took me in the back entrance and I was able to see the cowboys on their knees praying for protection before they competed for a decent score of at least a 75 out of 100 to win the belt buckle and prize money (I think). They had to stay on the animal for 8 seconds in a specific position with only one hand holding on. Most wore a helmet and vest which helped with some safety. The rodeo clown was really funny and impressively road a snowboard (in honor of our 2010 Olympics Winter Sports) that was pulled by the pick horse and his rider. Stacey had said she had never seen one do that before and she had been at many rodeos in her lifetime. At the end of the rodeo, we went back to the horses that her husband had tallied to the wall cooling down from their work-out pulling riders of the bucking horses or coralling the bulls back into their pens. I am growing into liking the cowboy look only into the rodeo ring. I even had a few cowboys tip their hat and call me ma'm when we were introduced. I was quite impressed with their respect and manners for women. :-)
My spring break was wonderful! I spent time shopping with my mom and sister L on Monday which involved going to the grocery store and getting seafood and making my family (Including Liz) shrimp scampi, delicious salad (radishes, peppers, romaine lettuce, carrots, cucumber), angel food cake with strawberries/cool whip. My wonderful friend Liz brought champagne for dinner and we toasted to better days and healthy lives until we met again.
I went with my four siblings and mom to Washington, D.C. to visit Arlington Cemetry and Robert E. Lee's house. I was in awe of the reverence and amount of lives that were spent to keep this country free. I am ashamed at my disregard for the American Patriotism that I have seen in others before and have resolved to learn about the price many paid so that I could freely get an education as a woman and find a job all the way in Wyoming without the requirement that I had to be married. The day was beautiful and warm. My brother has a crazy sense of humor and I loved spending the day with him. The night before we drove to Hannah's condo and watched the most recent LOST episode. On the way back, my little bro had to turn the music because it was disrupting our conversation. This began a huge debate with him and my little sister about his point versus hers. I was cracking up. He reminds me of my dad more and more each day. This is a good thing! :-) I have always said that if I ever marry it will have to be someone like dad. A man with a good sense of humour. Serious when the time called for it, but able to make me laugh.
On Thursday of this past week, I went out to Fort McHenry and Rallo's Diner with my dad for the afternoon. Such a wonderful time of talkng and sharing with each other. I will have that day mentally placed in my mind as a memorable date.
Anyways, I am back in Laramie, Wyoming, and getting my place and lessons in order. It is somewhat nice to be back in a routine. I miss my friends back home in Maryland.
For God and Family!
New Scripture for the day: Hewbrews 4:12
"12For the word of God is living and active. Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitudes of the heart."
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Wonderful Weekend!
It was a busy week. Between walking to State Farm and purchasing a vehicle to lesson plans and finding out my caseload will be increasing. Also I have been thinking of the simple things such as shopping for toilet paper and dishes for my new place.
Last night I went out with three fabulous girls and watched the new movie "Dear John". The scenery in North Carolina made me miss college and the times I went for the weekend at the beaches (Atlantic & Carolina) with girlfriends. I love just picking up and going and having those carefree moments on the beach with the wind, sun and sand to sense.
Those warm summer nights seem so enticing. I love feeling the sand underneath my feet and that movie reminded me of the good times when I was with my dad in Jamaica many years ago in Montego Bay snorkeling or the time I was with my girlfriends in Hanauma Bay looking at the scenery around us and exploring the bay with water shoes and snorkel gear. I felt like the world was a big encyclopedia that you could explore to your hearts content. That is a partial reason why I am here in Wyoming. There are so many things to see and people to meet. I can not wait until the snow isn't a problem and I can go explore the mountains. I see the pictures of them and the mountains in the distance which just tease me. Trust me, when I was walking about 3.5-4 miles every day, it was partially those mountains that gave me motivation to keep on going.
Anyways, enough of random thought. Last night was nice. We went into the heart of Laramie and had dinner in a small restaurant. Yes, I had Tommy's Chicken Alfredo and Hot Cider which is now becoming my favorite hot drink. The coffee houses have it and so did the family I stayed with for a few weeks. They had me hooked. :-)
In Laramie, seeing wranglers, hearing about people who are professional rodeo contestants, roping cattle, and meeting people who work on ranches is a common thing. Pick-up trucks are a must in this town and seeing a few with cowboy hats is definitely not snickered at. I will hopefully get to go out on a working ranch that is not for tourists is definitely a goal of mine, and when I do get the chance I will definitely write about it. :-)
The man I purchased my new-used Toyota Corolla from is a highwah patrolman for Wyoming. His wife seemed friendly and his daughter was adorable. Just this week he invited me over to his Super-Bowl party. He said, "Since you now have a car, it might be good to meet with State Troopers, Sheriff Deputies, & Laramie Police officers!" I had to chuckle, but appreciatively declined his hospitality since it was on Sunday and I like to simply read and rest.
God has been gracious and taught me much this week. Relying upon Him for strength is not always that easy and I get frustratred so many times. However, I am loving the moments of pure joy to be in His presence and ou here on a new adventure. Well, I am going to have to finish my lesson plans for next week and see if I can find an ice rink to go skating on.
Last night I went out with three fabulous girls and watched the new movie "Dear John". The scenery in North Carolina made me miss college and the times I went for the weekend at the beaches (Atlantic & Carolina) with girlfriends. I love just picking up and going and having those carefree moments on the beach with the wind, sun and sand to sense.
Those warm summer nights seem so enticing. I love feeling the sand underneath my feet and that movie reminded me of the good times when I was with my dad in Jamaica many years ago in Montego Bay snorkeling or the time I was with my girlfriends in Hanauma Bay looking at the scenery around us and exploring the bay with water shoes and snorkel gear. I felt like the world was a big encyclopedia that you could explore to your hearts content. That is a partial reason why I am here in Wyoming. There are so many things to see and people to meet. I can not wait until the snow isn't a problem and I can go explore the mountains. I see the pictures of them and the mountains in the distance which just tease me. Trust me, when I was walking about 3.5-4 miles every day, it was partially those mountains that gave me motivation to keep on going.
Anyways, enough of random thought. Last night was nice. We went into the heart of Laramie and had dinner in a small restaurant. Yes, I had Tommy's Chicken Alfredo and Hot Cider which is now becoming my favorite hot drink. The coffee houses have it and so did the family I stayed with for a few weeks. They had me hooked. :-)
In Laramie, seeing wranglers, hearing about people who are professional rodeo contestants, roping cattle, and meeting people who work on ranches is a common thing. Pick-up trucks are a must in this town and seeing a few with cowboy hats is definitely not snickered at. I will hopefully get to go out on a working ranch that is not for tourists is definitely a goal of mine, and when I do get the chance I will definitely write about it. :-)
The man I purchased my new-used Toyota Corolla from is a highwah patrolman for Wyoming. His wife seemed friendly and his daughter was adorable. Just this week he invited me over to his Super-Bowl party. He said, "Since you now have a car, it might be good to meet with State Troopers, Sheriff Deputies, & Laramie Police officers!" I had to chuckle, but appreciatively declined his hospitality since it was on Sunday and I like to simply read and rest.
God has been gracious and taught me much this week. Relying upon Him for strength is not always that easy and I get frustratred so many times. However, I am loving the moments of pure joy to be in His presence and ou here on a new adventure. Well, I am going to have to finish my lesson plans for next week and see if I can find an ice rink to go skating on.
Sunday, January 31, 2010
East Coast vs. The West
It is funny these days when I see comments on facebook or phone calls from people that say schools are shutting down for about 3-5" of snow. Here in Wyoming that is a little bit of dusting.
I am definitely getting used to the cold weather....well, for right now. I might change my mind when I see beach pictures and look back on times in North Carolina where I went to college. It was almost all the time - flip flop weather.
Last night I went bowling with newly made friends. The place was nearly filled. Never thought I would like bowling, but after I got over stinking at throwing the bowling ball I began to relax and enjoy the company of those around me. Afterwards, a friend took us to Cold Creek for hot drinks. Hot chocolate is always good on a winter night. As we were pulling out of the parking spot in town, C. noticed the train going by us and said, "Girls, lets get out really quick and run up to the top of the bridge and watch the train go out from under us." So we ran up the stairs and watched as the huge train swished past us underneath. I kept thinking, if this is what people jumped onto back in the ol' western days to "catch a ride" they definitely had more guts than I did. I kept thinking how much it had to hurt to land on the top of the car.
Today, I was at church where they began to organize as an official mission church. The people were so excited about this official ceremony. I was designated as photographer and took multiple photos. I also chopped a colorful salad full of vegetables and learned that cooked eel is really good to eat. Grass noodles with an assortment of veggies and meats was one of my favorite dishes. The newly married couple from China made it and taught me how to eat it "correctly" without them having to laugh at me. Many of the members and those who came to support this mission church simply enjoyed the company and singing of psalms. It was a good worshipful experience. There were times that I would stop and think how much these moments were surreal and I felt like I was privileged to look on. Psalm 150 was definitely appropriate to sing today.
I am definitely getting used to the cold weather....well, for right now. I might change my mind when I see beach pictures and look back on times in North Carolina where I went to college. It was almost all the time - flip flop weather.
Last night I went bowling with newly made friends. The place was nearly filled. Never thought I would like bowling, but after I got over stinking at throwing the bowling ball I began to relax and enjoy the company of those around me. Afterwards, a friend took us to Cold Creek for hot drinks. Hot chocolate is always good on a winter night. As we were pulling out of the parking spot in town, C. noticed the train going by us and said, "Girls, lets get out really quick and run up to the top of the bridge and watch the train go out from under us." So we ran up the stairs and watched as the huge train swished past us underneath. I kept thinking, if this is what people jumped onto back in the ol' western days to "catch a ride" they definitely had more guts than I did. I kept thinking how much it had to hurt to land on the top of the car.
Today, I was at church where they began to organize as an official mission church. The people were so excited about this official ceremony. I was designated as photographer and took multiple photos. I also chopped a colorful salad full of vegetables and learned that cooked eel is really good to eat. Grass noodles with an assortment of veggies and meats was one of my favorite dishes. The newly married couple from China made it and taught me how to eat it "correctly" without them having to laugh at me. Many of the members and those who came to support this mission church simply enjoyed the company and singing of psalms. It was a good worshipful experience. There were times that I would stop and think how much these moments were surreal and I felt like I was privileged to look on. Psalm 150 was definitely appropriate to sing today.
Tuesday, January 26, 2010
Introduction...
Good Evening Readers,
For those who are out here in the "West" as I have been corrected several times into saying instead of Mid-West. I am a new teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing here in Laramie, Wyoming. My family is back "East" with a newly married sister, one sister who attends VMI, one sister who is a volunteer Firefighter, and a brother interested in stuff to do with the "men". My parents are still living and keeping me motivated to stay upbeat and learn as much from this experience as possible.
Currently, I take really long walks to work, read novels, lesson plan a lot, and have interesting conversations with wonderful people out here. The long walks to work average about 1.7-2miles one way. I laugh about how in the end I will become a lean mean machine.
I don't like writing a whole lot, but will definitely post any amusing stories that I experience or hear for those interested.
For those who are out here in the "West" as I have been corrected several times into saying instead of Mid-West. I am a new teacher of the deaf and hard of hearing here in Laramie, Wyoming. My family is back "East" with a newly married sister, one sister who attends VMI, one sister who is a volunteer Firefighter, and a brother interested in stuff to do with the "men". My parents are still living and keeping me motivated to stay upbeat and learn as much from this experience as possible.
Currently, I take really long walks to work, read novels, lesson plan a lot, and have interesting conversations with wonderful people out here. The long walks to work average about 1.7-2miles one way. I laugh about how in the end I will become a lean mean machine.
I don't like writing a whole lot, but will definitely post any amusing stories that I experience or hear for those interested.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
