Self Imposed, End of the Year Challenge

I am going to blog everyday until the new year. About what I have no clue; I suppose I will do what most writers do when they feel the block- write nonsense until the words begin to form into something more logical. I realize this is risky. This method will either endear you to me further or confirm the judgements you so graciously held off on because you wanted to give me the benefit of the doubt. Just give in. Everything you are thinking is true. See you tomorrow.

Shop Til You Drop: Check

I have exactly two presents left to buy. Two. Both for Isabelle Rose, my kid.
Black Friday: Done-ski
Cyber Monday: KaBOW!

That means I bought five children worth of presents, one husband, and even squeezed in some birthday presents for the teeny tiny squirrel who will be turning seven in about two weeks. Someone buy me a drink.
And, I just re-read what I wrote, and I feel I want to clarify that I did not BUY five children. I wouldn't do that. I would allow them to pay me money and then bring them home. NO, I really wouldn't do that. I already HAVE five children, and I wouldn't feel right taking money from children knowing I was going to leave them on the street corner while I go buy myself something nice with their money.

What Did You Do This Week?

I did this.

I finished my schooling at Grand Canyon University. I love learning, and I am so grateful that God saw fit to allow me to accomplish both of my degrees, but my goodness I am thrilled to be finished.
My biggest problem now is putting my priorities back together. This is a challenge for me. Especially after doing 13 hours of homework on Saturday to finish my assignments before Thanksgiving, I feel I may have broken my brain.

• First priority holidays. Normally by now we have done some family activity to express our thanks and help others, I have completed my shopping, and we are planning our month of December full of memorable outings or hours in front of the television watching Hallmark movies. I am behind. My schedule I mean.

We are traveling for Thanksgiving, which means I don't have to host, which means I don't have to clean, which is why I am typing here instead of cleaning. OK that isn't the only reason, and we both know it. BUT that will change upon our return.
My once organized rental house has begun to feel the sting of clutter. It isn't insurmountable, but it's gotta go. Plus, it's a great time to sell things on Craig's List. People need presents; I need less stuff. We go together.

• Next is exercise. I feel the namer of exercise did us all a serious injustice by not having this word begin with an "f". It would make me feel better to call it an "F-word." Anyway, I need to be doing it. And eating healthier. It must be done. The noises my 35 year old body now make when I- well, do ANYthing are rude. 
• Finally, hobbies. I have five that I want to reintroduce in abundance. 
• My camera. I haven't taken nearly enough photos this year, which is sad because it was a landmark year. (Can a year be a landmark? Well, it was.)
• My guitar. My sweet Rosalie. We will be together again. I will set goals to master you.
• Scrapbooking. I love it. I really, really love it. I miss it.
• Books. Some new friends invited me to join their book club. I am thrilled. 
• Showering. Gone are the days of choosing between homework, eating, cleaning, and showering. With homework taking most of that time, I should be freer in my choices.

I am excited for new seasons that have nothing to do with the weather. Seasons that have much more to do with my husband, my children, settling in, and, frankly, myself. Who knows, maybe San Deigo will get to see The Man and I attempt our first half-marathon after all. Or maybe I will make him take me to Hawaii.

Working Class Citizen

I gotta job. I love my job. I am currently the first and third grade instructional aid who gets to work with mostly English language learners (ELLs) and the lower guys (both my favorite groups). I might enjoy the stories I leave with as much as I enjoy the kids who tell them.
Scene- I am working with a group of four students, all ELLs, on the floor of the hallway outside the classroom. I am teaching math.
Me: Who can tell me something you know about this shape?
Student 1: It has four pointers.
Me: Very good, it has four points. Anyone else have something to add?
Student 2: It has four sides.
Me: Great observation. Who else can add to that?
Student 3 (the funny one): My grandma had a butt surgery. She went to the hospital and they cut her butt right here (points to butt) and they sewed it up. (pause) she showed me.
Me: That's nasty.
Student 3: Yeah. And, that's a square.
Me: (I just sit there for a bit, unable to recover).

Scene- I am pulling students out one at a time to set reading goals for the next month.
Me: N. Can you tell me something you are good at?
N: (without hesitation) My Spanish accent.
Me: (impressed) WOW that's awesome. You can speak Spanish? Can you say something to me in Spanish?
N: (with eyes that are attempting to control my brain as she sinks into her chair like a villain, she breaths) Spanish-aye
Me: (I just sit there for a bit, unable to recover).

Thankful Through My Senses

I was thinking of making my list of what makes me thankful this year of 2011. There is much, truly. Here is a quick, condensed version based on my senses.
Hear: I am thankful when I hear my husband's jeep coming around the corner. Not only that he has a car to drive, but a job to come home from, and no doubt a smooch waiting to be planted on every one of us.

See: I am thankful to look around my house and see we are trading in the old hand me downs for meaningful, better fitting furniture. My green piano, my cozy couches, my rustic with a touch of country entertainment center. 

Smell: Fireplaces burning which means it is time for snuggling and baking and crafting and holidays.

Taste: Coffee. The end.

Feel: My children's kisses and hugs and snuggles and attempts at being human blankets. 

I am grateful.

Autumn Passing Into Peace

Sometimes God will give us a word before we realize we need it. It's just another way he loves us. He prepares us without us knowing we need to be prepared. Sometimes we hear a teaching or have a conversation or receive news, and our brains will send  little spark of recollection that God has already equipped us for this. This is that time for me.
Autumn Passing Into Peace

The year's slipping away,
but my coffee is warm.
There is so much to say,
but the words will not form.

Your blessings are vast;
it's the peace I crave most
as the sins of my past
my heart no longer hosts.

Winds of change; leaves of red,
I commit to seeking
as I stumble from bed-
your peace, your will, my King.

From the tip of my head
to the toes of my child,
let LOVE replace the dread
and beauty, what was defiled.

As fall settles the Earth,
proof of change I behold.
Let me be as from birth
far from the enemy's hold.

For I know who I am
and to whom I belong.
I choose now to stand,
resolute, steadfast, and strong.
Amen

I thought I wrote this in response to things God was sharing with me. Instead, I see now that he was preparing my heart to be reminded of his promises. It is written, "Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever." Hebrews 13:8. I believed this yesterday. I believe it today. I will believe it tomorrow. God is good. God is capable. He is the lion- able to conquer, full of power. He is the lamb- full of gentleness, able to comfort me.

For I know who I am
and to whom I belong.
I choose now to stand,
resolute, steadfast, and strong.

PS. suck it satan

17 Days

The Man. A Girl. The Vampire. 17 days.