consider the ordinary

my cuties---pics of my classroom

2011-12-02T22:13:00.010-06:00

My door:)

Here we go! As promised...some pics of my new cuties in 3rd C!

Some of the boys!

Cute girls huh?

We love READING!!

Everyday we take turns being the "custodian" to learn to clean up after ourselves.

some more of the girls:)

back to class!

2011-11-09T22:58:00.003-06:00

So did you hear? I am back in the classroom again:)!! About 2 weeks ago I volunteered to go back to the classroom for 3rd grade because the size of the 2 groups at the time was 27 and soooo many problems ranging from discipline to teacher fatigue/frustrations were just hard to see. I figured if we are really about student learning and the best for students, than I can try to do both jobs: assistant principal and teach 3rd grade.

Thankfully my proposal was greeted with open arms and on Monday October 31st i became the 3rd C--the third group of third grade. So far it has been FABULOUS! I have 18 students who i'm loving already (i did get to kinda pick who i wanted haha...but i tried hard to make the classes balanced as much as i could without overloading myself!) I realized how much i missed being out of the classroom. I love the hugs from some, the fun smiles and class togetherness feeling:) I think they are all happy and parents too.

So far it is a little of a challenge to remember everything for the classroom AND also the duties and tasks i need to do for the office. Following up on discipline i missed when teaching has been going ok, but i worry that its a burden on the people in the office. I hope they wont resent me later for this.

I love my classroom...it's so cute and feels calming.

So now i have almost 3 jobs! crazy right?

#1: Elementary Assistant Principal

#2: Third Grade Teacher

#3: English Teacher for adults

I'm busy, but my days and weeks FLY BY!

I'll be taking pictures of my cuties soon, along with the classroom to share (if i remember!! hahah) so i'll post them soon.

Other than that news, not much else is going on. Operation Get Fit is going great still and i'm only a couple pounds from my december 15th goal so i'm ahead of schedule and that makes me happy and hopeful i will make my ultimate goal later in the year.

I'm super excited for Thanksgiving break---we get a whole week off!! yep! take that USA....us "mexicans" are gonna celebrate for a week--LOL! not really, there is a mexican holiday the monday of thanksgiving and our school celebrates the holiday, but not the rest of mexico.

I hope to go to Mexico City or as we call it here the DF or just Mexico. I've been here over 2 years and havent been to the biggest city?? how weird! I've been there but only in the airport many times, so now i wanna see the city, the museums, Frida's house, the famous artist....i'm forgetting his name right now, but he has awesome paintings?? haha..anyways, i'm not positive yet, but about 80% sure that i'll go for part or all of that break. It will be so nice!

Then after that, we only have a few weeks before Christmas break and home for the holidays!

This year is flying by and MANY people have asked what my plans are for next year....it's so hard!! :P right now, i have no desire to leave here, so we'll see. I hope they give me some time to decide:)

Alrighty...not sure why i'm up so late on a school night! gotta hit the hay!

julia

Year 3--

2011-10-05T21:27:00.003-05:00

Wow...i have no excuse for not updating other than i've just been busy doing other things:) haha. Life has been good and off to the usual start of a school year---HECTIC! but that only describes my first little bit and only at school.

We welcomed 4 new foreign staff this year and so far they are fitting in great. In my section we have 2 newbies, Courtney and Cathy. It's been fun to slowly get to know them and their personalities throughout the last 2 months or so.

My job is much easier this year as i actually have a clue of things to do...and can even try to do more:) It's becoming routine for me to have serious talks with kids and learn to lecture quickly while also helping them to reflect on their behavior. Dont get me wrong, there are some kiddos (boys if you must know) that i can honestly say drive me up a wall/make me wanna shake them/i just plain cant find a good thing about. I hate saying that---as a person, a teacher and an optimist it's hard for me, but i guess its the truth sometimes. Thankfully that is only like 1 in 500 people for me hahahaha...

anyways, i also started teaching English to adults this year 2 nights a week. The language institute started on our ATS campus this fall and they needed some teachers, so i am teaching an intermediate class every T and TH night. I was nervous to start out, but after 5 weeks now, i like it and am enjoying my 18 students immensely. They range in age from about 18 (i'm guessing to 55 or so). It's hard to speak slowly i'm realizing...i have to really concentrate or else i think i lose 1/2 of them when i talk too fast.

A few weeks ago 7 of us foreign staffers went on a little road trip to see some cool stuff....in my next post i'll talk about it and post pics too so stay tuned.

I've been busy busting my but exercising and eating well to loose all the weight i can before i turn 29 and be totally rockin fit by 30. The 2nd part of that i just added right now haha. My 1st mini goal is Christmas, the 2nd mini goal is by my bday Feb., and my ultimate goal for now is beginning of May (total 9 month process) so I'm anxious to see if i will make it! I'm so happy and it's been pretty easy actually. Since I'm a routine person it's just part of life and will stay that way forever. I've even got a few people joining the bandwagon with me lately to change their habits:) I've not had a pop since August 1st so if you know me that is crazy right? haha. I never was addicted to it, the caffeine or anything, but i liked the taste and still do, but i figure if i am going to give my all to being healthy I'm going all out and no artificial sugars helps that i'm sure.

I'm sure i'll randomly post about my progress but part of me just wants to keep it a secret to surprise people more when they see me hehehehe...so no pics or numbers right now, but i will give you a hint of my 2 month progress: pants/shorts/skirts i wore when i first came to mexico 2 years ago are falling off me. I'm running out of clothing very fast! haha

In addition to all of this newness, it's be wonderful to be back in my house (no moving this year!! yaya!), talk to friends i've now know for 2 years so you have that deeper friendship and also just be back here in Mexico. I love it. I love hearing spanish, their easy friendly ways and just the life here. Sometimes it's hard but 99% of the time, i love that this place is my home.

So a quick update for a long absence. I hope to be more actively updating....back to at least the once a month! :)

thanks for all that tune in....all you 4 or 5 ;) haha.

love!!!

julia

estoy en Merida! I am in Merida!

2011-06-30T20:49:00.002-05:00

Well...I'm here! In Merida, Mexico where i will study spanish for 3 weeks at a language school. I arrived last Sunday evening and was picked up at the airport by my new host family---my new mexican grandparents Neyda and Enrique. They are so sweet---and cute! They have been hosting students like me for over 15 years and are highly recommended to the school by students so i feel so lucky to be placed with them for these weeks.

Everyday I take 6 hours of instruction in Spanish grammar, vocab, conversation etc.

I figure to give you a good look at what the last few days have been like, i'd do it day by day because its a little easier to explain.

MONDAY:

My first day Enrique drove me to school. He showed me how i would walk and where to stand to wait for the bus each day. How to get on and off the bus and where to catch it again in the afternoon. Made it really easy for me to remember. I am so thankful he did that because i've not ridden a public bus EVER in my life, let alone in another country where its hard to tell what the bus route is! haha.

Then i met with my first teacher Willie. He is from Mexico but is bilingual. I had class with him from 8-11 AM. Very intense grammar instruction mixed with conversation. That day i felt so overwhelmed with new things, new people, the enormity of what i need to learn and so i was fighting back tears a few times just out of frustration and overwhelming unidentified emotions. But this was NOT because i didnt like everything that was happening...its just a lot of change to happen in one 24 hour period! haha.

After Willie, we had a short break and then i had class with another teacher Bessy. In her class we also do some grammar, but she focuses more on new vocabulary, reading and conversation.

After classes on Monday, Enrique was there to take me home where i am treated to an AMAZING almuerzo (lunch) at 3:00 made by Neyda. Her cooking is great and so far i've been so happy with the food---a great balanced diet and meals sitting on the table waiting for me every day at 7, 3 and 8...how can i complain?? she wont even let me wash the dishes!!

So my first day was good, although overwhelming and lonely.

I feel really lucky because this week there are only 2 other students at the school, and they are at a lower level than me so i have individual one-on-one classes all day with my maestros (teachers). Its so nice to work on what i need to practice and repeat and repeat and repeat.

My brain is exhausted most day from all the new things and trying to remember so much, but today i don't feel like that because i feel like it's stuck in there, but i'm sure tomorrow i'll learn TONS of new things to make me feel differently haha.

Merida is such a nice city. I have visited one time before but only for an evening so i didn't get to see much. Its a beautiful place. Unfortunately we had a great deal of rain this week (especially when i was waiting for the bus hahaha) and so i haven't seen as much of the city as i would like,but i'm hopeful that this weekend will be nice and i can go spend the day at the Centro or something.

My host home is FABULOUS. Aside from the amazing food. They are just so sweet in wanting to help me practice and they are great at giving me my space too. I usually talk to them in the evenings when i eat dinner. Sidenote: I eat all my meals alone hahah...i'm getting used to it, but its a little awkward sometimes. Neyda will talk to me and ask about things in my life or day. Its great practice! They don't know ANY english so its really helpful because i have to figure out how to say everything i want in spanish. I can tell my confidence and knowledge is improving because i can talk so much easier to them today than i could even on Monday!! YAY!

Its been a good week----sooooo fast! I will be here for 2 more weeks and cant imagine how much i will learn. I'm not sure if my classes will continue to be individual all day or not...may new students will come? no idea at this point.

So things are pretty good....I could even probably write most of this blog in spanish so that makes me really happy to know that i could if i wanted to. :)

I'll try to update more often--wish i could add pictures but again, i lost my computer cord. Thankfully my wonderful mom just ordered one online so i'll get it when i go back the states in a couple weeks.

Saludos a todos!

julia

really???

2011-06-18T22:20:00.003-05:00

Can you believe i've lived in Tampico for 2 years now? I am amazed at how fast it all has gone, but yet i feel like i've lived so long here! haha.

So here's my quick update...sorry no pictures due to the small fact that yet AGAIN i cannot find my camera cord! lol.

School: Kids have been gone since the 10th, teachers since the 15th and i have 3DAYS left and then i will be out for the summer!!:) I am soooooo ready.

It's been sad to say goodbye to a few good friends this year. I dont think it's even hit me how much i will miss them, especially Nicki and Carrie. Seriously some of the best people i've known and i am so sad to see them go, but sooo thankful for getting to know them this past year or two.

Now sadly i dont get to just relax and sleep in all summer long, but it is my own fault. Next sunday i leave for Merida, Mexico where i will live with a mexican family and then attend 6 hours a day of intensive spanish lessons M-F for 3 weeks! It's how i am trying to push myself and my confidence to speak. I am seriously shocked with how much i know and understand in Spanish after such a short time and not really needing to know it very much here in my daily life. I never thought it would come so naturally. Now i just get nervous to talk because i hate sounding dumb or making mistakes with verbs, but i know the only way to learn from now on is to practice so i decided to invest in that this summer.

I am excited but also very nervous to live in a strangers house, but i have heard great things about the couple i will be with. I'll be sure to update you all after i've been there for a while.

It should be quite an adventure for sure!!

After that i will go home to Morton for 2 weeks and then i have to be back here for work the first week of August. Again it's exciting to think of the new staff that is coming this fall...we will have 4 new ones just in elementary so it should be great!:) We are all excited to meet everyone and hope to make them feel welcome:)

So for a while my days have been nice...it's hot here so a lot of sweaty walks and jumping in the pool has been going on:) Nothing to exciting, but a good end of the year. I have survived a rough year here in Mexico and at school with so much change and new jobs, and it has been gooood.....i like that challenge. hehe

so that's it...not much else to say other than life is good and i am surely blessed.

love you all. i'll write more soon as i begin my Merida Spanish Adventure!!!!

Marzo y Abril!

2011-05-03T14:09:00.014-05:00

So much has happened but i've again lost my camera cord so that makes it difficult to put fun posts of life here:)

It's beach season again and i've had a lot of fun with friends at the beach this year. It's so nice to be able to spend the day just relaxing, drinking, eating and laughing with friends.

Both sets of my grandparents have come to visit me here the last 2 months...first the Heins and then the Mittelbergs. It was a great time of bonding:)

The Heins on the Beach in Tampico:)

The Mittelbergs in the market in Centro de Tampico

My grandparents and I at the falls of Tamasopo.

Then came Spring Break with the Girls in Miami and then a week of home fun and relaxing!

Sweet Clara and I:) I love her little lip!

Camryn and I....how can you be mad waking up to this face?? you just cant!

Ricardo and I spent a day at the beach and decided to get fun henna tatoos! I got a butterfly and he got some symbol on his hand.

Another night we hit up the Tampico carnival---rides and food and fun:)

This was funny to see on the map of the carnival's events!! hahahaha

Sweaty waiting in line for a ride called CHAOS! and let me tell you...it was quite jolting, but in a fun kind of way:P

Then we went to eat some tacos and have great margaritas--mango and tamarindo!! yummmmmmmmmmmmmm

Only 5 1/2 weeks left with students at school, about 7 1/2 weeks of work for me and then it's summer and more adventures!

bday days and weeks of fun!

2011-02-10T22:09:00.005-06:00

So the best month of the year has started...February!:) jajaja...My birthday this year was a fun time! See pics below for some details:

It started with a fun night out for dinner and movie with friends. Here we are at Dolce Vita.

Check out the awesome desserts they made for me and Emily (her bday is 2 days before mine so we did some celebrating together.

Just the girls out for a quick drink.

Here are the girls celebrating Em's bday---her husband Jon arranged a surprise bday dinner for her...she was surprised and the food and laughter was great!:)

and here is what i did the weekend of my bday---a lifelong dream to have a pool party like my sis could in august. my bday wish came true this year!

Looks like a Corona commercial huh?? well i guess in this case i should call it a Dos XX commercial. What a life huh?:)

house deco stuff

2011-01-31T09:30:00.010-06:00

I LOVE my new little home...it's been fun to make it even "homier" if that is a word jaja.

Here are some pics of the decorating, painting and fun things in my house i've changed since i moved in this year.

Painted and decorated my room

Painted and decorated the guest room

view of my lower level from the stairs

Painted the hallway/stairwell

Made the landing at the top of the stairs into another little room---TV viewing

and YES i installed the fan myself!:)

random favorites

2011-01-25T18:06:00.003-06:00

So i've not been super creative in this post, but i figured something is better than nothing:)

Here are some of my favorite things so far this year back in tampico...in no particular order:

- school kids...the good ones of course;)

- zumba and yoga class with the girls

- cooking more new things

- re-watching LOST

- new electric gate for our driveway

- sunny days at the beach

- getting a sunburn in january

- warm showers

- cute boots

- funny friends

- painting and decorating

thats all right now:) i have some pics of my decorating fun, but they are stuck on my camera until i remember to take them off...jaja. So until next time!

Hopefully since my bday is coming up soon i will have a few photos from that time and others in the next few weeks!

besos a todos!

resolutions? goals? whats that!?!?!

2011-01-11T10:46:00.002-06:00

The new year usually brings people to reflect on the past and seek out new goals for the next year. I've never really been into setting resolutions and actually have realized i'm not much of a goal setter in life at all. In fact, I kinda despise it. I've looked at this deeply and to answer your question, No i'm not afraid of failure. I'm not sure why i hate making goals so much.

I kinda think its my way of not letting worry get the best of me. I used to be a worrier...'when i was younger (childhood through teens) I would worry about everything...little things and big things. Then one year, i think at camp, i decided to take disciplined steps to stop worrying and viola IT WORKED! I really dont worry very much at all about things in life.

What does life look like for me now because of this? For example, I overhear people talking about the economy, politics, jobs etc. Do I care? OF course! But I let myself think of it, but then know I have no control so I let it go. Why dwell on the things that are not at all dependant on me or have honestly little effect on me. I still wish and wonder and hope, but worry?? not really.

Another example that comes up almost every day here in Tampico....I hear about fear. Fear of shootings happening---the what ifs abound! Fear of people leaving. Fear of so many things. Its a weekly topic of conversation with some people. My thoughts are: #1 this drug war isnt about me...i'm not a target. #2 If i'm in the wrong place at the wrong time, then that is where i am.

I can't predict the future, so I refuse to live in fear of the WHAT IF's in life. You never know if you'll be in an accident, or a loved one will get sick, or if you'll witness a horrible crime, or if you'll get bitten by a shark"** hehehe had to throw that in*** The point is....LIVE. Fear snuffs the life out of some people.

So while I'm not a resolution maker or a goal setter I do do something: I add to my LIFE LIST. I guess it's like a bucket list...place to go, things to do, things to eat/see/touch etc. I feel like the pressure of setting a resolution would result in worry so i do this instead.

I love looking at my LIFE LIST. I'm not a dreamer by nature--much too practical for that! haha--so this is my way of dreaming. I have serious things like see the Grand Canyon or ride an elephant in India, but i also have silly things like "stay up all night"and watch a movie trilogy in one day.

So if you're not into the resolutions like me---make a fun LIFE LIST!

fake

2010-12-13T09:51:00.002-06:00

today i am annoyed and frustrated at how people can be so fake. I would think that by the time you are in your upper 20's, 30's and even 40's that you know who you are and how you want to live your life without making excuses. I guess maybe i expect too much of people and think the best until proven otherwise--which i will keep doing, But it is very sad when people prove you wrong.

I expect people to say and act like the real person they are---even if that person is a jerk or negative or anything----but be REAL and authentic. Even if i dont care for you as a person, at least i know who you are, what you like and dont like, and can trust that what you say matches what you do. It's ok not to please everyone, but respect us enough to be yourself and show us the REAL you.

I've realized I can't handle it when people talk one way and then do something contrary. I can't stand it when people back out of committments----on ANY level: a relationship, a contract, a job, a party, etc. It really bothers me that people make excuses instead of just "manning up"and saying Ï'm scared or i'm not cut out for this or i just dont like it or I am not ready for it . Instead they make excuses and try to sound noble, when the reality is different.

I don't vent like this often on here....I try to keep my blog about things that are important to me and things I think people wanna hear or should hear, but this one is for me i guess....to just vent a little of my frustration.

turkeyless thanksgiving

2010-12-08T17:34:00.007-06:00

This last month FLEW by so fast! I'm amazed that in a little over a week I'll be headed back to the states (and the cold) for Christmas! Sorry for the lateness of this....being about thanksgiving, but i forgot! jaja no other good excuse:)

Well here is a glimpse of life in Tampico in November. To answer some questions: Yes, there are still shootings and drug related things happening, but not that often. No, I am not scared living in Mexico. Yes, I like my new job. Yes, the people are great here. Yes, I am learning more and more Spanish day by day. No, I never get sick of the warm weather.

Over Thanksgiving this year we had a whole week off of school, so my mom and dad came down for a road trip visit. We traveled to 5 different cities and enjoyed the scenery, the cities, markets, and of course the food:) On actual thanksgiving I was eating tamales, dad had enchiladas and mom ate chicken. It was a great time!

Here's some pics from the trip--enjoy!

Mom and dad at Las Pozas in Xilitla (Day 1 of trip)

Me up high on a staircase in Xilitla.

Dad being our "burro" (or pack mule) while shopping the market in San Miguel Allende. I got new glasses, shot glasses, dishes, and other fun things:)

Mom at Puente de Dios (Bridge of God) in Tamasopo.

Mom and I on the boat for our adventure to Cascada de Tamul (huge waterfall) courtesy of our random guide Cesar!

halloween happiness and fun

2010-11-03T20:48:00.006-05:00

Here are some fun pics of this year's Halloween fun! School was decorated big again, and kids were dressed to the nines ! Check out some of the fun:

yep you see popcorn, cupcake, a barbie, and a blackberry---they always get creative!

The fridge, annoying orange, italian chef complete with table (in my class last year), queen of hearts from Alice in Wonderland, the Mad Hatter, and ALice behind her...so great!

Then we had a staff party with mostly foreign people and played some games USA vs. Canada vs. Mexico...it was a great time:)

our costume contest winners---Jon and Emily!:)

Team USA Midwest vs. Mexico Team #1----USA all the WAY!

Can we look more opposite? Crazy evil butcher vs. Sunshine

Fun times with Nicki, Meg, Catherine and Katie!

Carolina and cousin Fernando....being tough! jajaja...not!

Our hosts: Steve and Meredith--they switched costumes obviously!:)

Friends

2010-10-25T18:20:00.005-05:00

It's been so fun getting to know new people this year. I've been deepening friendships with some I met last year, and embarking on new ones this year, both foreign and local people. It's amazing how friendships form sometimes with no effort, while other times it feels like you really have to put an effort into them. I've just been thinking of that the last month or so.

I dont have much to say, but i wanted to include some pictures of my friends here in Mexico--both new and old:)

me and meg

Jon as Miguel Hidalgo for independence day

Alyssa, Meredith, and Emily

Autumn, Alyssa, Me, Meg and Emily playing cards......we like games!

Mireya and Nicki celebrating Meg's bday

2 of my 3 neighbors: Jon and Dave

a whole bunch of foreigners with Pily and Carolina for some birthday fun

Me and Ricardo

Catherine, Nicki and Alyssa on Mexican Independence day!

Meg, James, and Steve at game night at my house

happy happy

2010-10-04T20:24:00.004-05:00

do you ever have one of those days where for all logical reasons you should feel crappy or at least in a just okay mood? Well today should have been one of those. I literally slept like 1 hour cut into 5 minute increments last night (aka horribly), i'm trying not to let the frog in my throat become a cold, work is busy and kids go a little crazy sometimes, i had to go to the bank today (always fun huh) and so on....

but today instead of being in a bad mood, i felt an inexplicable happiness all day long. I felt giggly and fun, chatty and just like my face was going to explode from smiling. And the crazy part is honestly there is no specific reason.

Maybe it's everything in my life put together---all that important stuff that is deeper than the day to day happenings. Things aren't perfect and will never be, but i am happy and today was a day that i felt it fully, deep down to my toes:) Its a great feeling and i hope i have many more like it in my life and recognize them when they arrive.

start of Mexico year 2:)

2010-09-21T09:20:00.016-05:00

Wow! I know it has been many months since i've updated, but let me tell you--it's been a crazy time. I almost dont even know where to start, but i think i will do a month by month review for you:

June/July: Time back in the states was great. I finished up my final masters course and have the diploma to prove it! I spent some good time with family in Morton, made a quick trip to Kansas to see great friends, held numerous babies, and then finished the summer by going to North Carolina again.

At the surprise grad school graduation party my parents threw for me:) Drinking tequila from Mexico of course!

Cute little Bianca! one of the 5 babies i got to see over the summer---and many that i can't wait to meet sometime in the next year!

We were in NC for the anniversary of my shark bite---We got to meet up with Molly (the woman that helped soooo much when it happed last year), did a shot of a drink called a shark bite (Thanks to my aunt Fran) and together Molly and I went back in the ocean very close to where it happened. I mean i didnt swim around and have a grand ole time, but i did get in futher than my waist, took a picture, and then came out:) i figure that is better than nothing right?

August: I headed back to Tampico the last week of July, spent the first week getting my new house fixed like i like it and just getting back to life here. Then the following week I began again at ATS, but this year as the Assistant Principal. I was sooo happy when everyone started arriving back from the summer. It was nice to see the foreign staff that were returning and then waiting to see who our new friends would be.

The new staff arrived and i was so happy to see that they were so great! A very positive and fun group, so that will be a great change this year. We immediately spend time at the beach, going to dinners, playing games and just getting to know one another.

Some of us foriengers at dinner---this is only one side of a big group!

Some of the new staff with 2 local staff at a birthday party !

The toughest part of August came when one evening while driving with some friends, we heard gunshots and ended up witnessing what the cartel's are like up close and personal as one drove right up next to us with their guns pointed out the windows! Crazy right? Thankfully the guy driving our car has great instincts and reversed us out of that situation fast. It was scary and i still can't believe it really happened. Some of the new (and old) people were quite shaken by this experience and one even decided to leave.

Because she left, i was then given the responsibility (with some help from the principal) of teaching 5th grade (in the states it's 6th grade) English/Language Arts for 4 periods a day. Yeah, so i had 2 new jobs to learn pretty fast. This whole time was quite overwhelming and exhausting. I think it's the first time i really felt stressed out in my whole life! jaja

Thankfully things have settled down and are in a good routine. People are great and kids are great and i am learning so much!

September: I know we are only partway through the month, but its also been busy. This past weekend was the celebration of the Bicentennial for Mexico--Happy 200 years! So we had a great 4 day weekend. I traveled to see a friend in Cuidad del Carmen (south near the Yucatan) on thursday morning, then friday we decided to go to Merida---but then chose spontaneously to go to Cancun! lol i know--it's crazy huh? So I was in Cancun Friday night-Sat. noon, then when to Merida Sat night- sun Morning and then drove back to Carmen to catch my flight by 2:00! haha...it was a fun adventure for sure and something i will always remember. What a great time to be so spontaneous!

Fun spontaneous choices!!!:)

Crazy celebrating at a bar in Cancun---look at all that confetti! the cool air sprying out felt great!

yummy yummy food in Cancun:) I love Mexico!

Now it's back to life---Soon i will only be teaching one class a day so that will be a lot less work to do in that aspect of my job.

This year has been so different, but soooo good. I'm still loving life here and promise to update more often now that life has settled down a bit.

ends and beginnings

2010-06-09T21:47:00.007-05:00

Well, the last day of school with kids is almost here---it's tomorrow! I am ready, mostly because I am tired--haha. But I know i will miss seeing those sweet faces everyday, laughing with them, and getting such sweet hugs everyday. I'm looking forward to a long (but pretty busy) summer break. Also we are doing a lot of saying goodbye to some foreign staff. There are roughly 20 of us total and many are finished with their contracts and a few are cutting theirs short so there will be a lot of good byes---but that also means fun new hello's coming in the fall with new people:) We'll say goodbye Tampico style with the beach and beer involved i'm sure in the next few days.

This year in Mexico flew by so fast! It's funny to think back to everything new that I have experienced here. I keep telling people that I feel like I am living someone else's life because mine has been traditionally a little "boring" but now it's so different. I am so glad I made the hard choice to do this now in my life instead of staying comfortable in my little life in Kansas for the next years. I think this has caused me to really understand myself better, what i want to do in my life both personally and professionally, and has given me more opportunities for different things. I really feel at home here and am so glad after the summer break i will be coming back to my 2nd home:)

So what are my summer plans?? Well I have 4 more days of work at school (teacher stuff) till next wednesday, then thursday I fly to cuidad del carmen to go visit ricardo for a few days before flying back to IL Monday. I'm then taking a 2 week course online (l;ots of reading and writing) to finally finish my masters!!!:) AFter that i'll make a quick trip to kansas city and then off to NC to the beach for a while----i dont think i will have the guts to go in the ocean there :) bad memories ya know!:) haha Then a few days later i'll be flying back here at the end of july! this will go so fast i am sure!

ok, well here are a few little pictures from the beginning of the year to the last monthish of my life to close out the school year

crazy hair day!!!

80s day!

Ricardo and i in Oaxaca

Happy Earth Day from 2 smiley girls!!:)

Happy Summer everyone!!

winding up the year

2010-05-15T12:15:00.004-05:00

What a great month so far. I can't believe I only have 19 days of teaching left for the year! This year feels like it has gone soooooo fast! As I mentioned I went on a little road trip last week. It was so great and perfect timing to get me through the rest of the school year. Went down through Veracruz for a night, down to Oaxaca city, spent 2 days there seeing ruins at Monte Alban and going to see some amazing natural springs at Hierve el Agua. That was amazing! Then came back through Cuernavaca and back to Tampico. 5 days, 8 states, stayed in 3 cities....really good trip!:) I loved seeing more of Mexico and learning to be a better mexican driver:) too!:)

Me at Monte Alban in Oaxaca, Mexico.

The natural pools at the top of a mountain in Hierve el Agua about 40 minutes from Oaxaca. Soooo beautiful right?

Me kissing my new boyfriend in Oaxaca:) haha

A volcano i saw on the trip....can't pronounce the real name so i call it mount popo!:)

Now I have some news I feel like I can finally announce: Next year I will not be teaching 2nd grade anymore, instead I will be the elementary assistant principal at ATS. I'm excited for the change, a chance to be even more challenged and learn more! I love organizing and helping so I'm excited for a chance to do those things. Of course I will miss having my own class, but I will still get to see kids every day and actually get to know even more of them in this new position.

So 19 days of teaching, 23 days of work left and heading home to Illinois June 21. It's going so fast. It will be filled with a lot of goodbyes as many of the foreign staff are leaving (some are finishing their 2 year contract and some have just come this year and have decided to leave). It will be sad to see them go, but I'm looking forward to meeting all the new people too!:)

I'm sure I will get really reflective on the year as soon as I have time to think about all that has happened, all I have learned and all that....but i'll save that for a later post:)

happy spring/summer!!!

long time no write

2010-04-22T22:26:00.003-05:00

wow...i didn't realize how long it has been since i have written on here! the last month has been full of so many things that I guess I just lost track of it:) I dont really have much to say (at least none that i feel comfortable talking about online where everyone can see..lol) but here's a quick update about my life the last month:

**March flew by with tons of fun with friends, spring break for 2 weeks where i went to see my dear friends Rachel and Brandon in Colorado Springs for a few days and then to my parent's house in Morton. Got to see friends, my lovely sister, parents, and enjoy English TV too:) haha. I shopped and visited and shopped and relaxed and felt refreshed in my time there. But I also missed being in Tampico too...i missed seeing my friends here and I was ready to be back about 1 3/4 the way through my break.

Coming back from break I was bombarded with a lot of things. One thing that has been going on is some violence from the drug cartel groups present in Tampico. Up until April there had only been a few random times where I even heard about them here---most of that action is happening in the DF or the border towns. Sadly it escalated over semana santa and the weeks following, so it's been interesting. I thank the Lord I haven't actually seen anything, but what i have heard about what is happening is scary. Of course I know i've told many of you and you've been praying, so thank you. This is uncertain times for people here too. This is their home, where they grew up, and now they don't feel safe. What a horrible feeling that must be. This week has been calm as far as I know...nothing happening since the weekend, so I'm praying the worst is over.

I've also been busily finishing my masters courses and my graduate comprehensive exam last week. Thankfully that is done and i'm just waiting to hear if i passed:) then only one paper, and one small course this summer and I'll have my masters finally!

Other than that things are back to usual, school is still great, kids are energetic as usual, the weather is getting hot again (sadly i tried my AC about a week ago and it is broken so i'm hoping it gets fixed really soon so i can sleep well again)

I'm amazed at how fast the year has gone...only 7 weeks of school for kids left! I am also looking forward to a trip coming up in may, going down the coast of veracruz and down to Oaxaca. I haven't been anywhere in Mexico since last fall so it will be fun to go on a mini-vacation in about 2 weeks:)

So in summary, things are weird and scary and fun and busy, but i feel completely calm and incredibly happy and very thankful!

Much love from me in tampico!!

little things

2010-03-08T14:23:00.002-06:00

I love how the little things in life can make a big difference. The last week or so has been full of those little things that just make my day so great so i thought I would share:

* random hugs
* someone saying they miss me
* a student saying they love me
* laughing over a meal with others
* driving with the windows down on a beautiful evening
* spending time with people you really have fun with
* seeing a flowering tree on a cloudy day
* a good song that totally goes with how you are feeling
* my favorite drink when i am really thirsty
* my pillows:)
*encouragment in the form of a smile or just listening to me ramble about unimportant things
* someone asking me how my day was
* watching a fun show on TV
* good smelling lotion
* hot showers

I'm sure there are many more that i can't think of right now...just look for those little things today that make you happy!

february fun!

2010-02-21T18:59:00.006-06:00

This month has been so much fun! I've been to a ton of new restaurants, celebrated 2 birthdays and an engagement, and just had a fun month so far. It's been great getting to know people better, going to new places, having a good time---especially since it's also been a rainy month which makes me feel blue and bored! So here are a few pictures of the events! Enjoy!

Here is a picture of the group at emily's birthday dinner--it was so fun to celebrate something mid-week at a great restaurant with great friends (february 2nd)

Then the celebrating continued with my bday celebration the following saturday.

the group pictures

dancing fun:)

ricardo, yolanda and cheryl havin' fun

the girls and ricardo.

more friends-- dana and robyn

it was a late night (i actually was up till 5AM!! crazy huh?!?!) but so much fun dancing and hanging out with friends here.

So things are still going great here in Tampico and I'm still very happy with my decision to come. I am so happy at my job and making local friends here has helped make it feel like home even more.

Oh, and a random and long overdue sharkbite update---the only lasting effects now are numbness on the top of my foot still, i can't move my 4 little toes up and sometimes when the weather changes my foot feels swollen or strange. I tried to see how doing yoga would work, but my foot kept slipping and so it didn't go so well. I'm not sure if i just need to exercise it more or if my little toes, foot and ankle actually are just not strong enough to help me grip the floor for the moves. It's a little sad b/c i really enjoy yoga, but i guess i'll find something else to do.

Thanks for all the prayers, thoughts, and keeping in touch!

another year passes

2010-02-03T19:22:00.002-06:00

instead of the usual reflection at new years, i tend to do most of my reflecting on my birthday. So this year i've decided to just make a list of the big things i remember about my year as a 26 year old:

* getting a job in Tampico

* quitting my job in olathe :(

* being surprised by friends in kansas on my birthday at the mexican place(i can think of the name anymore:()

* saying way too many goodbyes in Kansas

* packing and unpacking

* moving all my stuff to my parents house

* taking bunches of graduate classes and living at panera this summer

* going to the beach house in NC

* being attacked by a shark

* being on crutches in the hottest time of year anywhere---especially in Tampico

* arriving in Mexico

* setting up my classroom while physically hindered by crutches and boot

* meeting ATS staff

* the first day of my first classroom of 2nd graders

* kissing cheeks with many many people

* learning tons of little things about Mexican culture and language

*military guys with guns everywhere:) haha--it's just normal now

* tons of sweating

* finally figuring out how to get hot water

* visiting new places: San Miguel and Xilitla

* Mom and aunt visiting

* Halloween in Mexico

* flying home in flip flops for Christmas

It's been a year of numerous changes and probably the most eventful year of my life so far.....i've always thought i've had a good life---boring but good. Now i can say that this year changed it from boring to crazy!:) haha...but through it all i've learned a great deal and have been so blessed by the Lord this year. I'm excited to see what happens in my 27th!

Of course i didn't put down every memory i have---so if you have one, please add a comment with something i forgot!:)

thanks for being part of my life!:)

the fight is over...

2010-01-11T21:41:00.009-06:00

(Dear friends, family, and people who have come upon my blog somehow. This post is something that is hard for me to write about, but I feel like I need to express my thoughts and feelings, so I've decided to write them down. Thank you for reading and letting me share my heart)

As a teacher my favorite part of it all is the kids. They are great---smiles, laughs, hugs, funny things they say, the way they surprise me with ideas and so much more. Never did i even think of being in the position that I would experience what happened this year; and specifically Monday, January 10th, 2010.

After an 18 month fight with cancer, a sweet girl in my class named Michelle, passed away. Just typing these words wrenches my heart and calls tears to my eyes.

I didn't even want to answer the phone Sunday evening, seeing my principal's number because of my fear of what I would find out. It is quite hard to think of not seeing her again. Today was difficult to keep my composure while still going through the motions at school. We are trying to remember her, honor her, and pray for her family. I thank the Lord that she is no longer sick and suffering like she was the last few days, but that doesn't seem to replace the sadness in my heart quite yet.

Here are some things I feel privileged to know and love about Michelle:

She had a great smile and smiled often.

She loved to talk (sometimes too much for a teacher's liking;))

She had great fashion sense and wore wonderful hats while her hair was growing out.

She was beautiful--inside and out.

She was a great friend; loyal and kind.

She was great at drama.

She gave fantastic hugs.

Michelle experienced so much in her short life and I am so glad to have known her and her family. I hope you will join me in praying for her family: mom, dad, little brother, and older sister. Pray that the Lord will comfort them through this hard time. That they cling to him and know that Michelle truly is feeling no more sorrow and no more pain.

one of her really cool hats--this one even had built in braids!:) How adorable is she?!

I love you Michelle.

Christmas/January Brrrr....

2010-01-10T16:50:00.003-06:00

My fingers are a little cold right now, so I apologize for this being a really short post.

I had a wonderful Christmas at home with family and friends....too short for sure, but so nice. I was happy to come back to warmth, but sadly it's been really chilly here. We started school on the 7th and i had 4 kids gone, but that night it got down to 5 C which is like 40 degrees F or so. Schools and places and homes dont have any heat.

So on Friday only 6 (of my 22) kids showed up for school!!! It was like a snow day kinda---just a cold day. I wore my coat, gloves, and scarf all day inside b/c my classroom was only 58 degrees....brrrrr!! So basically we just drew pictures, played some multiplication games, and hung out:)

Here are some pictures from home in Morton, IL with all the snow and then some of me cold in my room this weekend

Christmas fun

2009-12-29T11:41:00.003-06:00

Christmas started early for me in Tampico...I started getting my class ready to celebrate right after Thanksgiving. We put on an assembly teaching others about Christmas, Hanukkah, and Kwanzaa as well as dancing up a storm!!:) It was so fun and we had a great day of Christmas fun that Thursday. After school was out I had a few warm days before heading home to COLD Illinois. Running out of the airport in Chicago in flipflips when it's 30 degrees F is not recommended!!:) haha. After having out traditional family celebration with my sister and parents Christmas eve we spent Christmas day relaxing and then went to see The Blind Side--great feel good movie! I love those! The next morning we were on the road up to Iowa to see my mom's side of the family and then finished our traveling on Monday visiting my dad's side in Illinois.

I've got a new car that will be on it's way to Mexico (thanks to my grandparents) this week and hopefully I will be able to have it in Mexico sometime in January. And my parent's were great and part of my Christmas present was to install an IPOD hook up in my car:)

It's been a great holiday at home so far and I still have the rest of the week to go! I'm looking forward to the warmer weather awaiting me, but I've been enjoying the familiarity of home:)

Check out the pictures of Christmas fun at school and such below!:)

Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

hot and cold

2009-12-07T21:42:00.002-06:00

Wow...this week has been crazy! It has gone from warm 70's and 80's to cold 50's and 60's! Without heat and a bunch of humidity that 55 degrees feels like 30! I spent most of my time wrapped up in my beach towel (i haven't bought a blanket yet--haha) or in my bed just to stay warm! And finding closed toe shoes to fit has been a challenge too----i guess i'll have to go shoe shopping over Christmas---shucks!;) haha

Thankfully today, Monday, it warmed up back to normal--82!:) yaya...and tomorrow is supposed to be even warmer. It's amazing how accustomed to this i have become--makes me really nervous for the cold and snow that will greet me upon my arrival to the Chicago Airport in less than 2 weeks. Yep...less than 2 weeks...like 12 days and I will be home!

My 2nd grade class is putting on an assembly for the holidays so we have been busy getting our lines memorized, learning to speak clearly into a "microphone" (really a highlighter right now), and a dance of course!:) They are doing great and it is so fun to dance together and see them be excited to perform and share their knowledge about Kwanzaa, Hanukkah, and Christmas. Stay tuned for pictures and such of that fun event!:)

Thankful for Xilitla

2009-11-27T21:17:00.008-06:00

This Thanksgiving I had the great opportunity to go with my friend Dana and her family/friends to an interesting town in the mountains called Xilitla. We left Thursday morning and spend the day driving there----It was interesting to find our way. I drove and it was quite interesting as we went over the ever popular surprise speed-bumps on the highway and ventured through the small towns. Then we started climbing up the mountains....and the fog and rain increased---great combination huh?:) lol. We eventually got there, but had no idea how to find our hotel, so we went down one crowded narrow street after another, asking various cops along the way, and finally found it. Whew!

We found our hotel, which was so cool! It is called El Castillo (the castle). It was a house that the surrealist artist Sir Edward James stayed in with a family along with other famous artists like Dali and others I don't remember:) Check out these amazing pictures of the hotel/house:

It was quite a gloomy Thursday with misting rain, so we took a quick walk around the town and then back to the hotel to watch the informational movie and also a chick flick while cuddled up in blankets in the cute common room trying to stay warm---it was colder than we thought it would be and we were not prepared! After the movies we ventured through a secret door/passageway (seriously) and ended up at a restaurant to feast on amazing homemade hot chocolate and hamburgers/bruschetta and pasta.

Finally we headed to bed ready and hoping that Friday would be warmer and dry. Friday morning came with a delicious breakfast of papaya, bananas, sweet breads and toast. Then we were off to the rainforest to see Las Pozas (the creation of Sir Edward James). I have to say it was one of the most interesting and beautiful places I have experienced---he created a whole dream world with stairs and bridges and curves and houses all connected and combined to make such an interesting and inexplainable atmosphere. These few pictures don't even do it justice at all...

It was a trip full of laughs, crazy driving, beautiful scenery, and many memories. I will definitely be going back sometime and hope i can take any visitors that come see me (hint, hint) to this amazing place.

dancing and singing in the streets of San Miguel...

2009-11-18T21:24:00.016-06:00

So this past weekend a few friends and I went on a trip to San Miguel Allende...it's inland and quite a ways on a bus (overnite bus 10-6 and then another bus for a few more hours) My roommate Robyn, and 2 other girls Dana, Cheryl, and I all went together. We started out on Friday night at 10 and had a great time!

on the bus...

Here is the front of the hostel we stayed at---kinda felt like we were at camp in the bunk beds but for US $10 a night....it was worth the shared bathroom and hard bunks:)

Here is the center square with the beautiful cathedrals, cobblestone streets, and just wonderful atmosphere.

During the day we went shopping in the market and other stores surrounding the center square area---check out the great stuff I got!:) Some I won't show as they are presents for people, but here is what i got just for me!:)

That night there was a band singing with people gathered around singing along....and then some people started dancing---we felt like we were in a movie with how perfect it was! See the pictures and video's below:)

Sing along in the street----and Dana:)

We splurged and bought the expensive bus tickets for the ride home Sunday night and were very glad to have more space and not freeze like the way there. Although I cannot sleep on a bus very well, it wasn't too bad of an experience:)

So we have 2 short weeks and Thanksgiving and then only a few more week's till Christmas break! It's going crazy fast, but I'm looking forward to going back to the States for a little while---but i will probably feel strange hearing everyone speak English all the time everywhere:) haha

In case I don't write again before Thanksgiving----Happy Thanksgiving!!:)

halloween

2009-10-30T17:27:00.008-05:00

WOW! I just got home from school...what a day! There was so many fun things about today. I'm not used to being able to do Halloween at schools, so it was really fun to see it, and at ATS it is extreme. The mom's help decorate the outside of the school, organize the parties, and the kid's costumes are just amazing! After a fun day, we ended with a parade around the school showing off our costumes, and then an assembly to give our awards for the scariest, funniest, most eco-friendly, most original and creative. In addition to this there were performances by 2 different dance groups and some of us teachers broke out of the audience to do Thriller to end the assembly. It was such a fun day!! See below for pictures!:)

The school was decorated inside and out!

I just had to!:) i may look like i'm standing funny...i am trying to show off my fin;) haha

Fun kids!

even the mom's dressed up!:) well some of them did...And they organized a wonderful lunch and party for our class! I am so thankful for their help!!!

Happy Halloween!:)

weeks are flying by...

2009-10-17T19:52:00.003-05:00

Hey everyone! Sorry for the lack of updates lately...it's hard to think of what to write sometimes:)

Here is a brief update of my life the last few weeks:

About 2 weekends ago I developed a strange skin thing and had to go to the hospital to figure out what it was---kinda like little blisters smack dab in the middle of my face on my nose, chin, forehead and then a few on my body--back, ankle, etc. I missed 2 days of school while going to a dermatologist who determined it was a staph infection. Fun huh?:) Then wednesday I missed part of a day of school due to going to immigration, so that week was a little unusual to be sure.

This past week has been quite uneventful, but nice and predictable for a change:) On Monday I went to a meeting at church that tells you about the vision and mission of the church and such. It was nice of my friend Carrie to take me and help me by translating something when I didn't understand. I met a few people and am glad to be making small steps in getting to be a part of it here. I love Sundays and really enjoy the worship time at church--in fact one of the songs we sing has been stuck in my head all week long---i've been waking up singing it!!! haha....

The weather here has been really hot lately and tons of mosquitos!!! but that all changed today---a Norte blew in this morning and it has been raining very hard and the wind has been blowing like crazy. It's only in the low 70's right now and is quite chilly!

Sadly this kind of ruined our plans=-----A bunch of the foreign staff and I went about 30 minutes away to a hotel called El Solito. It was a cute place with a big pool, waterpark, "zoo", golf course etc. We BBQ'd last night, swam, hung out by the pool, got bitten by bugs, and had great plans to golf and hit the waterpark today, but the rain came so we ended up coming home:(

We had planned this fun getaway to the countryside because we are all working tomorrow at school (Sunday) for a special Field Day event. My job is the best because I get to walk around and just take pictures!:) I'm glad it won't be in the 90's and sweaty!

This week is exciting in and out of school---We have a bunch of special events planned at school because it's Character Counts week so we have a jog-a-thon event on Tuesday, a picnic on Wednesday and another closing assembly on Thursday and no school on Friday!:) And to top all this off my mom and aunt are coming to visit this Wednesday night through the weekend! yay!

Well i think that's all that i've missed telling everyone, so hopefully I will have some updated pictures or something soon to add--Until then, i'll leave you with this video of that song that has been stuck in my head:) This isn't of my church, but the same song anyways: enjoy!!

crazy and other things

2009-10-03T18:21:00.003-05:00

Wow! It's October already! This weekend marks the 2 month anniversary of my arrival in Tampico. I'm learning a lot and really enjoying it here.

This week we had crazy hair day at school and let me tell you---they go all out!!! check out the fun below in the pictures!

Although I have been blessed to avoid any kind of stomach flu or other stomach issues, I have been battling a cold. I had one for almost 2 weeks.....go 2 weeks off and now it seems to be back again, so that is a little frustrating---especially since i don't know what kind of meds to buy here. So if you think of me, just pray that whatever bug I have in my system would go away so I can be back to normal soon again.

I'm starting to make my room and apartment feel more homey---got new bedding, added a few candles a vase and flowers. As soon as I can find some things to put on the walls I will really feel like it's complete:)

That's all I can think of right now to write about so I'll just stop:) thanks for checking in!

julia

happy independence day----Viva Mexico!

2009-09-15T16:35:00.007-05:00

Here are some fun pictures from our celebration at school---it was a spirit day, so we dressed up in traditional mexican dress.....and when i say we---i really mean the kids did:)

Here are some of the girls (in black) that are gonna dance!

Here's a typical monday assembly picture:

And here are the pics of us today!

It was fun!!

Oh and here is my new favorite kind of chip---too bad it's not in the states!

Thanks for reading!:)

a day/night at the beach...

2009-09-09T17:22:00.004-05:00

I went to the beach for the first time last Saturday here in Tampico! It was great. I stuck my toes in and waded up to my ankles, but didn't swim yet. The foreign staff from school went for a birthday barbeque for Michael---he's our librarian. There was great food, a campfire, fun people, and sand, water, and sun----all in all it was a beautiful day and a fun time:)

Here i am at the beach!

Here is my friend emily and i enjoying the sunset at the beach.

Here are my feet in the sand!!

Here are some of the teachers and the birthday boy!

Next week it's independence day and there's dancing and fun times ahead---hopefully i'll remember my camera and can update you soon!:)

pics from school

2009-09-03T18:05:00.008-05:00

As promised-----Here are some pictures of me and my students at school working!:) It is picture day in the pics so they are all looking spiffy! I'll try to remember to take some when they have their uniforms---they have to wear them on gym days and Mondays.

Oh and here is the boot i had to lug around for so long...

Here i am with no boot!

The rest are my students working on math facts and other work.

Thanks for checking in! This last one is just me one early morning!:) can you see the sleep in my eyes!?

living free!:)

2009-09-01T19:31:00.004-05:00

Hey there! It's been awhile since i updated, so here I go:)

Things are going really well here in Tampico. I feel like it's home and I'm enjoying almost everything about it. I say almost b/c i could do without the little critters we've had randomly----ewww....just little centipedes and ants---thankfully no cochroaches yet! Our maid comes to clean thursday--so hopefully with it even cleaner the bugs will be less. It's not bad, but even one big one a week is creepy! haha..

Speaking of a maid, it seems weird to have someone come clean an apartment:) but it's common here and honestly i definitely do not want to attempt mopping all the tile here!!

Teaching is going well---I like my class--they are full of fun and laughter, and are pretty smart too. I'm still getting used to things like giving grades and dealing so much with parents but it is going well i think. I feel like the days go so fast!

Today the kids were begging me to show them my foot---I went boot FREE this week!!! I finally could shove my foot into a normal shoe so i could start walking without the boot outside and at work! yay!! I feel so much freedom---that thing was heavy! Anyways, I told the kids i would show the scars to them if we could get through all the things i had planned for the last 30 minutes of the day today and at 1:55 I would let them see---they were so excited!! lol it was really funny in my head to think about.

So i got great ooooooooooo's and ahhhhhhhhh's and ewwwwww's from them all. Then they left and a few asked if some of their friends could see too:) haha...gotta love little kids!

So here are the newest pictures of my foot. It's all closed up and healing well---of course i'll have the sweet scars for a while and my foot is still a little swollen but it feels fine!

Preparations for Mexican Independence Day (Sept 16th) are already in the mix with invitations to dance lessons and a party. I guess we also dress up at school? I need to find out what to wear!!!:) Sounds like fun! I'm ready to dance now that i can wear shoes!

Is there anything i miss from the USA?

I can get most things i like here, but i do miss:

---driving a car

---more than 8 English channels

---church in English (Although i do love church here, it's just exhausting to translate for that many hours when your spanish isn't super awesome yet)

----a fall festival or football game

I think that is it for now---i'm trying to take pictures of me at school, or with friends---hopefully this week and weekend i can get some and post again soon!

much love and hugs to those of you far away---email me anytime---i would love to hear from you!!! juliamitt@gmail.com

my class:)

2009-08-18T16:32:00.004-05:00

Here are a few cute pics of my kids on the 2nd day of school---these pictures don't do their cuteness justice at all!! I'll try to get even better ones later this week and next.

I have 22 kids--13 girls and 9 boys

little update

2009-08-15T22:40:00.005-05:00

Hey:) So just a little quick update on life so far in Mexico:)

FRIENDS:

--I am enjoying getting to know people from school---the foreign teachers and also the native staff.

SCHOOL:

---My 2nd grade team is wonderful and I am so happy I am with them.

---We start with kids on Monday!!:) I'm nervous and excited and scared all at the same time!

---I am still amazed how beautiful it is!

---I have 22 kids in my class. They are all Mexican. 10 boys and 12 girls

MY FOOT/ANKLE:

---It is healing so well!! Praise the LORD!!!

---The other day i accidentally forgot a crutch at school--lol---so i guess that means it was time for using only one!:)

---I can slowly hobble around my apt and classroom without any crutches but not the stairs yet or walking very far at a semi-normal pace.

---here are the update pics as of last weekend after stitches came out:

FOOD:

---Love it!! I've had some great tacos, taquitos, guacamole, tamales and margaritas:)

---I keep forgetting to eat! haha...it's just so hot so i don't feel hungry often, just thirsty. And then the schedule of eating here is so different so it throws me way off...I usually eat a breakfast bar and then at school we have recess/lunch at 10:30 but i have duty so i eat during a special in the day(if i remember to bring something!) then i try to remember to eat a little after school b/c dinner here isn't till 8 or 9 if you go out or something.

---I need to learn how to make it now! haha

TRANSPORTATION:

---Taking a taxi places still feels like a little communication adventure each time:) haha...at least i know my own address and all the main streets so I can help get myself home!

---I am looking forward to being able to walk more easily so I don't always have to find a ride or take a taxi to get little things.

---I really wish I had my own car to drive---it would be so much easier if i did---so i'll think about that more:)

CHURCH:

---I have plans to find the church I heard about next weekend

---I'm nervous about going alone since I don't know Spanish and I am still a little "crippled" but I am also missing being around that community of believers a bunch so even if i don't understand i don't care b/c i know the people's hearts!

So basically I feel at home here so far---I'll update again after I've had the kids! Please pray for wisdom as I start this new teaching venture. I know I need patience, wisdom, and knowledge beyond myself. Pray that I will create good relationships with all my students and teachers. Pray that I will find and feel welcome at Agua Viva church, Pray that I will make good friends here.

Thank you for supporting me and loving me!! Feel free to email me anytime: juliamitt@gmail.com or leave me a comment! I would love to hear from you all!!!

many hugs and love!!

julia

the American School of Tampico---my new home in mexico!

2009-08-07T16:11:00.009-05:00

Here is my beautiful school!!!!:) It sits on over 33 acres of land

This is the front main entrance gate

Here is the main entrance to the school

Here is the entrance to the elementary section.

Here is my classroom from the outside(the one with the circle window)

Here are pictures from the outside and inside of the classroom.

Here are the lovely stairs up to my class (before these there are 2 other flights! haha)

One view out my window:)

Here are more pictures of the school and grounds!

Amazing isn't it:)?!?!?!

Here are some pictures of the buildings and areas.

mi apartemento en Tampico

2009-08-05T22:49:00.010-05:00

So I'm not going to write much but mostly post pictures about the time in Tampico so far. Enjoy!:)

Here are my bags:) before the trip

Me by the pool on Monday kinda...i was in the shade the whole time:) i stayed in after that after the long traveling day.

Here I am trying to absorb more spanish through osmosis in the Hotel

My apartment is wonderful! The school provides it and they were so helpful, already had telephone hooked up, a little food and drinks in the fridge, and everything we needed set up!:) I'm so glad I'm here.

Extra room---ironing??:)

Dryer on porch (above)

Bathroom #3 (below)

My Room!!!

Here is my roomies room- Her name is Robyn. We met her and her mom (Melissa) tonight..so far seems great!

There are 2 bedrooms (with AC) with bathrooms, a living room, dining room, kitchen, a large study room, a laundry room, and another room with bathroom that is in the back of the place---it's all soooo big!!!:)

I hope to be able to post pics of my school soon too--there are a lot of stairs so my parents are gonna go around and take pics:) Hopefully on Friday I can post those---Then I may not have a lot of internet access for a little bit.

On Thursday I get my stitches taken out---seems scary. I hope it is better than I am imagining, but i'm not too hopeful right now. Pray!:)

sharky update:)

2009-07-27T16:14:00.008-05:00

Well it has been 5 days since the attack and it feels like so much has happened!

While in NC my aunts got me some funny things to commemorate my trip this year;) Like i will need another reminder huh? They thought it would be funny---and it was:

My Aunt Fran got me a shark tooth in a bottle that says Holden Beach on it and a postcard with different shark teeth profiled:)

My Aunt Judy got me the t-shirt---make sure to look close at the logo

After returning from NC I stayed with my cousin at my aunts house--which was so nice to have to get used to hobbling around on crutches and my cousins were really sweet in getting me drinks, pills, food, etc. It's very humbling to have to be so dependant all the time. The sweet thing is that I taught Maddie (2 years old) that my foot was owwie and that it was because of a shark and then a chomping noise with the mouth. It was sooo cute because she repeats everything:)!

Here she is snuggling up to me trying to put her feet on the pillow too! lol

So then I headed to Morton to my parent's house. My room here has always been in the basement, but obviously I'm not going to climb up and down stairs if i don't have to:) so i moved into the guest room. Thankfully I was far ahead in my planning for moving to Mexico so most of my stuff had been moved and sorted already--and some already packed.

I didn't have the greatest first night--i have not been reacting to my pain meds very well. I woke up today with the feeling of a really tight chest and upper back and broke out into a cold sweat shortly after. Needless to say I'm glad we went to the doctor today so I can try something different.

Doctor News: We visited the orthopedic surgeon here in Illinois. We had to get more x-rays and he seemed really pleased with the healing I had and the condition of the stitches. I wasn't feeling to great the whole time there and eventually threw up---thankfully in the trash:) I'm becoming a pro at knowing it's coming!! haha...

Here are some pics of my foot now if you are curious: i promise even if they look worse they are really better!!

I have some swelling especially on my ankle and the top of my foot.

The doctor said as soon as I feel comfortable putting pressure on my heel and bottom of my foot to go ahead

They gave me an aircast---which is awesome because I can take a shower without covering it in a plastic bag, wash it, re-wrap and make sure to monitor it for infection. Plus the boot is cool:) haha....I'll try to put a pick of it up soon.

We will take the stitches out in about 10-12 more days---crazy! I'm thankful my parents will be around in Mexico still with me then to do that.

We've been busy calling the airline to change my seat on the planes next weekend so i have more room, hotels so i am near the elevator, and figuring out insurances since my Olathe ends the 31st!! ahh...I may have to do Cobra to "tie me over."

__________________________________________

Mentally/Emotionally--- I am doing pretty well:) I'm still thankful it wasn't worse. I am sad that i won't be able to wander around exploring Tampico like I imagined and be able to do everything I want, but I'll be there long enough I can make up for it later I guess. I think I'm just hoping I wont miss out on fun things because of this stupid shark. Also it makes me a little nervous to meet my students and parents when I am not as mobile as I'd hope to be. I'm praying for miraculous healing so I can be putting a lot of weight on it by the time I teach.

Thanks again for the continued prayers--I still need them for a while so please remember me:)

sharks are mean:(

2009-07-24T10:51:00.009-05:00

Well I'm sure most of you have heard about my accident or should I say incident in the water.

Wednesday at about 3:00PM I was swimming and boogie-boarding with my mom and cousins in the Atlantic ocean in Holden Beach North Carolina. We were up to our waist/chest in water so it wasn't too deep. All of a sudden I felt something grab me and then chomp down on my left foot a 2nd time. It happened so fast!! All I thought was "What? Those were teeth! run away, get everyone away!" I just kicked at it and screamed to my mom and cousin that something bit me.

My mom thought it was a jellyfish or something, because all she saw was the bottom of my foot all bloody. I didn't know it was a shark, but I knew it wasn't a jelly fish. My mom and cousin Kelli were screaming too once they saw the blood as i was trying to run out of the water (which seemed to take forever!!:))

We got up to the beach where the sand was still wet but not in water and I laid down on a boogie board to get my foot up in the air. By that time someone had gotten a beach towel and a few people had come to see what happened and help out. One lady (Molly) was a huge help in getting everyone organized and keeping me safe. They had someone call 911 and others go get ice and clean towels. The were putting pressure on my foot through the towel.

All this time I was just laying there and all i could do was pray over and over, thanking Jesus that I was ok, I had people helping me, and that He was with me. I wasn't too panicky at that point and was "with it" and able to know what was going on. I didn't know the extent of my injuries because all I had seen was a quick glance down at the laceration on my ankle when walking in.

Eventually a volunteer fire fighter came and had gloves and gauze. They were able to stop the bleeding pretty quickly (thanks to my dehydration:) haha)) and so then Molly and others helping could then really assess my wounds and wrap them up after having gloves.

During this time the tide was starting to come in so they needed to move me further up the beach, so a bunch of men and Molly, her friend, and my aunt carried me a long ways up the beach to where the paramedics were going to be bringing a chair and stretcher. I think I said thank you to all of them helping me while I was up on the boogie board---that couldn't have been easy carrying dead weight through sand uphill!!!

Then the paramedics had a rolling chair thingy and they had to have me stand up and get in the chair. As soon as I was in the chair I told them I wasn't feeling good and was gonna pass out. Sure enough not 10 seconds later I fainted in the chair. From what they told me I went totally white and gray from the neck up and it looked pretty freaky. I woke up maybe a minute and a half later and immediately said "I feel so much better." It was like a little nap:)

They were carrying me on the chair up a short set of stairs and then down another set to get to the parking lot that the ambulance was in. I had never been in an ambulance before, nor had an IV or anything like that! It was all very surreal that this was happening.

In the ambulance they hooked me up to the heart monitoring machine, oxygen, and an IV of fluids. Then I arrived at the hospital and they were all so excited to see it.

The nurses had to wash out my cuts but I hadn't had any pain meds yet, so it hurt really bad just washing with water. I was sweating by the time they were initially done with that. Then after that they had me sit there for a while. During that time, at least 10 people came in to see my bites. I didn't care so they came in, I told the story and they looked at the wounds. Everyone was so excited to see a real shark bite. They all seemed really surprised I was so relaxed and calm about it all--That I wasn't upset.

After that they came to take x-rays for my foot and ankle. I was left alone for about 3-4 minutes after that and I just started thanking the Lord again that I could wiggle my toes and ankle some, that there were people to help me and that I was ok.

Finally the main doctor Dr. Bill Sherrod came in to start rinsing out my wounds and getting ready to stitch them up. He had me flex my foot to see how mobile I was. I could see the inside of my ankle and see the tendon itself moving!! crazy huh? It was like my left foot was detached from myself, so it was kind of cool. He thought maybe it was a little torn, but he's not an orthopedic doctor so he wanted another opinion.

Eventually he started numbing me (those shots hurt bad!!!) My mom and cousin Kelli and Aunt Pam were all at the hospital and took turns being in with me. It was nice to have others there along with me. He first stitched up the ankle wounds, then the top of my foot and then lastly the bottom. We think the shark's teeth must have drug along the bottom of my foot as I kicked away so the bite marks on the bottom were mostly punctures and then big gouges across my foot. The bottom hurt the most with the numbing shots---I had to do like labor breathing to handle it!:) haha

finally around a little before 10 it was done --Dr. Sharrod had put in 42 stitches on my foot and ankle--they were ready to put on the fiberglass cast/wrap. And finally I was able to put clothes on and try to brush some sand out of my hair:)

We stopped by McDonalds on the way home, but before we went too far I felt nauseous and had to stop on the side of the road quickly.

We got home around 11 and it felt good to sit down. People were already finding my name on websites like www.sharkattacksurvivors.com and other news stations. I was amazed that it was already that fast spread!

Turns out it was probably a 5-6 foot shark! but I never saw it which will help with not having such bad dreams i think. The shark bit me 2 times, a quick one and then the big chomp. If you look at the picture below of my whole foot/ankle after it was stitched you can see the width of his jaw. The ankle mark and the marks on top of my foot are the to sides of his mouth/teeth. He bit me from the side so his lower teeth hit my heel and bottom of my foot.

Here are some pictures---sorry if they are too gruesome.

On Thursday morning we had to go see the orthopedic surgeon to see what his opinion was about my mobility and the tendon issue. He looked at my stitches and said they looked good. He tested my sensation on the bottom of my foot and moved my toes. He had me move my ankle in all directions and move my toes as much as possible. He said I was very lucky and should have no problem recovering as long as I dont get an infection.

With 42 stitches an infection could happen, so I just have to be careful and keep it clean and dry. He didn't see any reason why I couldn't go to Mexico as planned, so that made me feel better too, because I am still excited although I know this is changing my plans some in terms of mobility. Hopefully I can be in a walking type cast in not too long and be stronger and better on crutches than I am now.

It is exhausting just going to the bathroom!:) I took my first shower Thursday night and i thought I would fall down so many times. I was really tired and my foot hurt by the time I was finished. I am already dreading taking another one!

So please keep me in your prayers--that I will be infection free, heal quickly, and that whatever happens with Mexico I will find contentment in that.

I am so overwhelmed with gratitude to the Lord that no nerves or tendons were severed in that area where so many are present, that no others were hurt, and that He has protected me so greatly.

If you want you can google my name : Julia Mittelberg with July 22, or Holden BEach, NC, or Shark attack and see what comes up---it's kind of a fun game:)

Also my TV interview (where I look tired and awful---but isn't that what shark attack survivors are supposed to look like?) is on www.wwaytv3.com (search for Holden Beach)

I'll try to keep this updated as much as possible with my progress!:)

miracles miracles

2009-07-12T12:09:00.001-05:00

I have been reading through Matthew for the last few weeks. Although the parables and most of it is really familiar to me, there have been some things that either I’ve forgotten or just never “hit me” before. That’s what I love about the Bible---it truly is the LIVING word. It can be read hundreds of times, but be so true for the current moment. I just love it---anyways on to what I started with.

As I’ve been reading I’ve keep seeing a theme of Jesus saying that people have seen miraculous things, but still don’t believe. There seem two extremes---those who have great faith and just believe and those who have seen others be healed from disease, set free from demons, and given sight when blind and still don’t believe.

It makes me think---which am I? What kind of faith do I have? To have faith without seeing is so hard---I know sometimes when I hear stories of God’s miraculous provision of money or His healing power I feel a little jealous that they have had that tangible experience and encouragement, BUT then again I’m almost glad I haven’t had dramatic experiences like that---it’s hard to explain, but I would fear that I would grow into someone who’s faith is conditional on circumstances or something---like I would get wrongly angry when something doesn’t work out how I think or prayed it should.

I love my Jesus and am thankful for the provision and protection, guidance and assurance the Lord has blessed me with. I believe in His power and miracles even though I’ve never seen it with my own two eyes-other than my own salvation. May that miracle—that I have been saved and given LIFE be the miracle that I proclaim to the world.

As I have been reading I just keep praying for those I know that they will be people who hear and believe, or see and believe.

Not everything in life needs to be seen and proven-----have FAITH.

I guess to sum up—I don’t need to see healings and signs and wonders to believe, I just need to look at myself—I am a LIVING MIRACLE.

I encourage you to read the Word today (start with John or Matthew)---look for the miraculous in the miracles of Jesus, and also the miraculous in the faith of those who believe and follow.

details, details

2009-06-24T22:31:00.003-05:00

So I finally have more details about Mexico!:) It's nice to be able to answer the question---"when are you going?" So here's the scoop:

When do I leave? August 2nd

When's my first day of work? August 7th

When is the first day with kids? August 17th

Where am I working? The American School of Tampico in Tampico, Mexico-check it out!

I also have a new school email address, but just use my gmail one (juliamitt@gmail.com) for correspondence with everyone here.

In addition to this I have a great lead about a wonderful church there---This is such a blessing to know ahead of time. Even if I don't know what is being said all the time, I can still worship the Lord along with other believers in English as they worship in Spanish:) I remember it so vividly in Costa Rica...being amazed at how much I loved being in church there.

I'm excited to learn about where I'm gonna be living, who my roommate will be (if i have one), who I will be working with, and what precious kids will be in my class!:) exciting months ahead!!!

Any questions? just ask...i may or may not have an answer yet.

photo fun with piknik...

2009-06-21T12:47:00.005-05:00

If you haven't discovered piknik.com you should! it's so fun to play around with photos...here are some I've done...

fun huh? so take a little while and embrace your creative style....it makes you feel like you have talent:)

HAVE FUN BEING CREATIVE!!!

summer of learning...

2009-06-18T16:19:00.004-05:00

So I'm almost done with classes!

3 down 1 to go!!

Look at all these books that I have read! I'm pretty smart huh?:)

shoes...

2009-05-20T18:16:00.003-05:00

I really, really, really, really, really like shoes! I dont know why I decided to write about it, maybe just because I was thinking of it and didn't have anyone to tell. Here are the 10 reasons I like them so much:

1) They protect your feet from rocks (duh:))

2) they come in all kinds of colors

3) they come in sandals, tennis shoes, flip-flops, wedges, ties, no ties, straps, velcro, canvas, leather, patten leather, cork, rubber, shox, metallics, bows, dots, slip resistant, boots, high heels...

4) they make your feel look pretty

5) they are comfy

6) they become like a scrap box (you have memories of buying them or what you did in them)

7) they become like good "friends" comfortable and always fit;)

8) they express your personality---if you have a little or a lot i think it tells a little about a person when you get a look at their shoe collection

9) they can make you feel taller

10) Lastly, they are just the best accessory ever!! So fun!

any more reasons you can add to my list?? i'd love to hear!

sweet sweet music

2009-05-05T21:13:00.005-05:00

So anyone that knows me well (I think) knows how much I love music. Don't we all? It can comfort, inspire, express, and so much more. I feel like when I can't develop my own overwhelming feelings and thoughts into words----- music comes to my rescue. It does this through taking me further in my worship of Jesus, expressing my thoughts about life, or just harmonizing with me on a sunny day.

All that to say-----I've got a new "favorite" in music recently: Jimmy Needham. A funny name--yes, but good music none the less...and you all know how i feel about names;) haha......

This guy just has a cool vibe to his music while speaking truth and creatively expressing common feelings/thoughts. (BTW- I think his record sounds like the kind that Kris Allen (from American Idol) should make eventually.)

So if you feel like it, check out his site and click on "click for music samples" and then #5...it's my favorite.

http://www.jimmyneedham.com/music.php

the start of the end

2009-04-25T22:34:00.008-05:00

So the beginning of the lasts starts tomorrow---it's my last day of working at Chili's. It's been such a fun place to work-I will miss the people a lot. I've learned a lot about working with difficult people and being a positive person amidst negativity. It's been a great experience...one i am so glad i've had. I've truly loved the memories i've had there.....except maybe one when i spilled fajitas all over a lady's table...hahah...at least no one was stained or hurt!

I've included some pics....the evidence of my current packing process,

my new computer,

and just a silly one of me bored on a Saturday night:) haha...

that's all...i'll try to make things more exciting in the future:)

my fav

2009-04-02T14:14:00.002-05:00

coincidence? i think not

2009-04-02T10:49:00.002-05:00

So about a year ago I wrote a song. At the time I wondered why I was moved to write it, but I came across it this week and I kinda feel like it was foreshadowing a little bit....check it out:)
___________________________
What ifs and Maybe's
by julia mittelberg

Moving out, moving on, starting new again
World's so big and my oyster, where do I begin

My heart's so full of what if's and maybe's and how long's
What if i do this, maybe regret it,
How long till I know, the way to go
_____________________________

There's a little more to the song but this was the part i was originally confused why i was writing it.

So neat how now I understand....I am moving out and on and starting new again in Tampico. I do have a lot of questions---what if i dont make friends, what if i hate it, what if i am not a good teacher, maybe it will be amazing, maybe i'll live there longer than 2 year, maybe i'll meet great people, how long will i be there, how long till i feel like it's home.....etc

It's so cool to me how long the Lord has been planting this in my heart...and i think it's made it so much easier to go....it's no shock to me that i am going b/c somewhere deep down i always knew i would go somewhere.

on the move

2009-02-13T17:53:00.002-06:00

So in case you haven't heard...I'm moving. Where to? Well for at least the next 2 years I will be living in Tampico, Mexico. After a whirlwind weekend at an Overseas Recruiting Fair in Iowa, I accepted a position as 2nd grade teacher at the American School of Tampico. Tampico is a city right on the Gulf coast....yay beaches!!:) I'm excited for the warm weather all year round!!!!! wanna come visit don't ya???

I've only heard good things about the school from people that have experience in international teaching and that helps so much to hear. I'm excited for a new challenge---a challenge for sure since I've not been a whole classroom teacher since student teaching!:) But I am really looking forward to it. I'm interested to see who I will meet, how I will change, if i can really become better at Spanish and so much more!

As I've connected with the principal and a grade-level colleague there at ATS (the shortened name of the school) I am at a loss of what to even ask:)! I mean don't get me wrong...i have a whole page or 2 of questions, but i don't need to know them yet. There is almost too much to think about....

---make changes to all the direct deposits and direct payments from my bank account as of May
---give my apt 60 days notice
---think about what stuff to give away, pack for a while, pack for moving or sell
---figure out if i can continue my masters classes from overseas
---turn in my letter of resignation
---keep the secret from my students...at least for a while
---figure out phone issues

and that's the beginning:)

I'm ready for the change---as ready as I can be until I'm there. Now it's just figuring out what to do in the meantime and finish things here in Kansas well. I want to finish my job well...not give up. I want to spend time with people I may not see for a long time. I want to relish driving around aimlessly just because:) I want to savor time with fellow believers in church

So stay tuned for all my happenings as I transition to Mexico!!:) If I can I will try to keep this updated with all the fun with pics and stuff to as I get there!

the duty of a citizen

2009-01-13T11:15:00.003-06:00

So I just finished my first "real" important duty of a citizen---jury duty. At first I thought, man this is gonna be boring, I'm just gonna sit all morning and do nothing because that is what i've heard it is like. BUT I got "picked" for the 21 seats in the "round one jury." That basically means i get a different chair and then the lawyers pretty much ask you a bunch of questions that all sound the same to see if you or anyone you know is a part of ...... or if you have ever been involved with...... It was a pretty interesting case. Then after the 21 round, each side can strike people from the jury alternating back and forth until there are 12 and an alternate left. Well....I got picked! At first i was kind of excited like i was popular and then i realized that I probably just got picked because all the other people were either too experienced with what the case was about (home buying/coorporations/landlords/contracts etc) or just plain strange:) haha...

So then they take us back to the little jury room where we are finally told to go to lunch. Oh and by the way they told us it would be about a 2 week trial (till next thursday at least)!!! Thats long! So we were told to be back by 2 and we got back and waited in our little room...doing nothing. I talked with another girl who was young and a kindergarten teacher about school stuff for a while so that was nice, but all in all i was just bored. Finally they let us just go home b/c of something they needed to figure out.

So Tuesday morning we show up and wait.....a long time, but this time i was prepared with a book!:) After a few hours of waiting the judge finally tells us there was a "hiccup" in the evidence and instead of proceeding they are going to take that to the appeals before going on with the full trial. He thanked us and sent us home.

So now i am home... And i am glad to get back to school b/c i was not looking forward to how much i would be missing and then actually making some sub plans since i would be gone.

All in all i thought the whole thing was kind of fun. I wish I could have seen the whole process of a trial and deliberation. It feels like i was a part of something important, and that is nice!:)

bird poop

2009-01-11T12:49:00.002-06:00

It's amazing how the little things in life can totally make my day. Like today, just riding in the car with friends laughing about bird poop stories can brighten my day. I pray that I will never forget to cling to the small blessings in life as things are likely to get more complicated and confusing the more years i spend here on earth.

So i guess my advice is --- think about a bird pooping on some bald guy and laugh....it will make you feel so much better (as long as YOU aren't the bald guy;))

find the small blessings and enjoy!

my favorite thing i've seen in Kansas yet....an oldie but a goodie

2009-01-08T20:15:00.000-06:00

Hey all....so here's my story and if you have already had the privilege of hearing it in person, consider yourself blessed to have the intonation and gestures in accompianment:
I call this true story "Drivin' Down the Highway"
So a while back, maybe a month ago, I was having a kinda crappy day, which doesn't happen often, but i wanted to get out of the normalcy that is my weekday life, so i went for a drive. I drove aimlessly really and ended up on an exit ramp that develops into about 5 lanes for a stoplight after you get off. While stopped at this light, i do what most people do: fiddle with my music, check my cell phone for any calls that i know i would have heard had it rung but i check anyways, and of course glance at those in the cars around me.
On this night i look over to my left and see some movement, so i glance again and see this guy who looked kind of like a typical young professor type...glasses, shaggy hair, normal car etc. but as i venture another look i see that he is doing bicep curls with a 10-15lbs weight while he is driving!! I thought for sure i was mistaken so i took another look and sure enough he's even breathing through each one. Breathe in....release. Breathe in....release.
Did i laugh you ask? OF course...out loud and for a while...it totally made my not so great day end on a high note. As i watched him turn the corner i could tell he was still pumping iron as he drove. Makes me wonder what would happen if he got in an accident "I'm sorry officer, i just dont have time to work out." :) haha can you just imagine...he was probably pumping up for his girl before a date or something. wow..what a good laugh i had.

Well thats all....its true ...and don't you wish you had seen it too?:)

grace...it's amazing isn't it?

2009-01-08T20:14:00.004-06:00

STANDING ON GRACE
Yesterday I did somethings, that now I regret
Today I said somethings, I wish I could forget
Tomorrow I'll probably think somethings, that don't honor you
and yet, You still love me

And I know, there's nothing I can do, so I stand upon Your grace
And I know, there's nothing I can do, so I stand upon Your grace
Your grace will suffice
Your grace will suffice
Your grace, Your grace, Your sweet amazing grace
Your grace will suffice