Week 9 - Teaching Internship

The last week of my internship, at least for the Canadian portion, was also the last week of school. Monday was used as a "regular" school day in which my host teacher, Mrs. G., did most of the teaching. I still did the morning message and the last of the poetry lessons (limericks). The rest of the week was filled with activities for the kids.

On Tuesday, the grades one to three went to a local park for about three hours. The teachers went (of course), and some of the parents showed up part way through to help keep an eye on the kids. The kids were great, and while there were no great emergencies, three kids in our class all banged their heads on playground equipment. One boy ended up with a large bump on his head as a result; the rest were fine. Another little boy jumped over a little ditch that had some water in it. There was also mud around it. I didn't see it, but apparently his foot lost hold and he sprawled out in the mud and his pants were soaked and muddy (not sure about his t-shirt though). Mrs. G. called his mom and she and the boy's step-father came with a change of clothes for him. This little fellow, even though his step-father had told him he'd bring the clothes, worried the entire time he had to wait.

"What if his work calls him in and he doesn't bring my clothes?" he asked.

"I'm sure your step-father will tell his boss that he has to drop your clothes off and he'll be in after." I assured him.

"Well, what if his boss tells him he has to come in right now or else he's fired?" The little fellow frowned.

"I'm sure his boss will let him bring you your clothes first. I don't think they'll fire him for that."


The poor little guy worried and worried until his family showed up about fifteen or twenty minutes later. He was so glad. He even got his mom to buy him a bottle of Coke from a pop machine that was by the park, and he wanted me to take a picture of him holding the bottle up. I did, and he was thrilled when I told him that would probably end up on the slide show the teacher was going to have for the kids.

Wednesday morning there was a field day for the kindergarten to grade four classes. They really enjoyed this. We were unsure if it was even going to take place until that morning, because there were no messages or emails about it until then. The first portion took place in the gym because it had been rainy out. By recess, the sun had come out and it had gotten incredibly warm - hot by the end of the afternoon.

That afternoon, we set our butterflies free. We invited the grades one and threes to come and watch as we did this. I had the class recite a few things they had learned for the others, and then we opened the top of the tank. One flew out immediately, and the rest we had to get on a stick and bring out of the tank and find a way to get them to fly off (most went on their own). We didn't touch the butterflies in any way so as not to hurt or damage their wings. It was a great afternoon and we all enjoyed setting the butterflies free! We were lucky that they were all out of their cocoons, because we weren't sure if they would be out by the end of the week when school was over. The last one emerged that morning!

Thursday Mrs. G. had showed the slide show she had her husband prepare. This was pictures from throughout the year of the grades one to three classes, and it was set to music. The kids really enjoyed it - as did the teachers and parents who had been allowed to come and watch as well. That afternoon, we let the kids play outside since there wasn't any work for them to do.


Friday was only half a day, and the kids were all gone by noon. I was really touched when Mrs. G. presented me with a gift on behalf of the class. She had a class picture taken when we were out at the park on Wednesday, and had me and the TA in one of them (she took that picture). She had purchased one of those frames you can write on, and had the kids all sign it. I was almost in tears when she gave it to me, but I held them back. I also got a gift from a couple of the students, a potted Gerber Daisy plant from another, and one little boy had planted seeds in a can, wound yarn around the can and the seeds grew into little yellow flowers. My mom calls them "Johnny Jump Ups" but I don't know if that is the correct name for them or not. I also got a couple of thank you cards, one from Mrs. G. as well. I wasn't expecting any gifts since I was only the intern.

The staff went to lunch together, and then when we got back, Mrs. G. gave me my evaluation and went over it with me. She said I did an awesome job, and that any class that has me as a teacher will be very lucky. She said that she can tell that I have a passion for teaching and will make a wonderful teacher.

I enjoyed the first part of my internship a great deal. I was lucky to have a wonderful class with wonderful students, and an awesome host teacher. I certainly "lucked out"! I will miss them all a great deal, and hopefully when I get on the supply teacher list I will get to teach/see them again! I'll definitely be popping in to see Mrs. G. in the fall because she said she'd write me a reference letter for my portfolio.

Now, there are only 15 more days until I head off to Australia for the second half of my internship. I'm getting more and more excited and hope to get to see many sights while I am there! We had a BBQ last night at our prof's home; it was for the interns bound for Australia. While there he talked a little more about the trip and gave us our tickets, visas (I had mine already since I went in to do that part myself), and insurance. It now seems that much more real that I am heading off to Australia for two months! How exciting!

Week 8 - Teaching Internship

This past week went well. It's the last week where I am in charge of the class and teach everything. I taught a little multiplication and division, as well as a little on estimation. All of these things aren't required outcomes for grade two, but they have to just be introduced to them so that they'll be a little familiar with them next year.

We also did poetry this week, and the kids seemed to love it. Most of them (some of the boys included) really enjoyed doing acrostic poems and writing couplets. This is also something they aren't required to learn/know for grade two; it's another "get them acquainted with it" lesson. We did up acrostic poems for the principal and vice principal, the mother who taught gym class for two or three months, and the mother who came in every Friday afternoon this year to help the teacher do administrative type jobs around the classroom. We are also going to be doing one for the boy in grade six (I think that's the grade he's in) who comes down once a week to read to the kids and help them a little. We came up with the descriptive words as a group and voted on which ones to use (most votes won). I typed them up and printed them on nice paper and we glued them to some construction paper and the kids all signed them. We'll present them next week, and the kids are super excited to give them to their recipients!

Also, the caterpillars we got from the kindergarten class were all in their cocoons this week (by Monday or Tuesday), and today at lunch we got a surprise! One of the butterflies emerged! We should have the rest out by Monday or Tuesday at the latest (that is if we didn't lose any). The kids were extatic to see this. I don't know if they actually witnessed the butterfly coming out, or if they only noticed that it was out and flapping its wings to get them dried and build up strength. I think I was (and am) just as excited about this as the kids! I've never seen this happen, and it is definitely amazing!

God does some awesome work! To think, he created a creature that spins a cocoon (amazing) where it changes into a different creature (butterfly), becoming more beautiful than it had been going in! It just amazes me at what God has created!

Next week is my last week (it's the last week of school as well). I won't be teaching everything, but I'll finish up doing another lesson of poetry on Monday. Mrs. G. will do math, and we have several of the kids who want to read books to the class, so they'll do that this week as well. Starting Tuesday, there isn't much school work to be done. Tuesday is an all day field trip to a local park and we'll have a pic nic there as well. There are assemblies and presentations of certificates and whatnot the rest of the week. Friday is only a half day; I'm not sure if I'll have to stay until 2:00 or 3:00 or whenever, but even though the teachers have to come back the following Monday and Tuesday, I don't have to. My prof said we're done when the kids are done. So, maybe I'll get to leave when the kids do as well!

I found out this afternoon that I'll be teaching a kindergarten (or primary as they call it) class when I'm in Australia. I'm going to try to talk to the kindergarten teacher here to get some idea of what the kids learn at that level so I'll have a little idea. Also, I'd like to see if there are any books on Canada for that age level so I can read them to the kids in Australia, to help them learn about Canada.

I'm getting a little more excited about going Down Under, but truthfully, I haven't really been thinking about it too much. I think as the day we leave (July 6) draws closer, I'll get more excited - and nervous.

Well, I'd better end here for now. I'm getting tired and for some reason my body feels restless tonight. I was wondering if it might be because I'm over-tired...at least tomorrow is Saturday, and I can sleep in!

Have a blessed and Christ-filled day!

An Encouraging Link

Internet Cafe Devotions has a great post here. Why not head over and read it. I find it to be very encouraging.

Teaching Intership - Week 6 & 7

Weeks six and seven have gone well. The children are looking at me as more of a teacher now than just a "helper" in the classroom. One thing though, is that several of them consistantly push the envelope to see what they can or can't get away with (which is normal). There is one of these children who seems to try to joke around with me a little too much and tries to treat me more as a friend than a teacher. Now, don't get me wrong. It's fine to joke around and be friendly with the kids, but they need to know when to stop and listen and treat the teacher as a teacher/authority figure. However, this whole situation is helping to build relationships with the children and help them to learn that they can come to me to ask questions or tell me something.

Last month my host teacher (after we had discussed and agreed that the idea was a good one), contacted a company to get some butterfly eggs/baby caterpillars for the classroom. We've been studying the butterfly life cycle, and we thought it would be a good idea if the kids had some to observe. The kindergarten class is also doing this (and I believe one of the grade four classes as well...but the kindergarten teacher may just have given them some of theirs), and they got their order last week. Our class should have gotten ours by Monday or Tuesday.

By Wednesday after school, we still hadn't received anything and it's too late for them to send us anything because school finishes on June 19, and there wouldn't be enough time for the process to take place before the kids are finished school. My host teacher called the company with regard to our not getting our package, and they said that the order had been processed, but for some unknown reason it hadn't been shipped!

Yesterday we talked to the kindergarten teacher (we had told her on Monday we still hadn't received our caterpillars yet, and she said if we wanted some of theirs we could have some) and told her about our situation. She gave us eight of their caterpillars for the class to keep! That was so nice of them to do. I mentioned to my host teacher that maybe we could do up a thank you note or card to the class and have the kids sign it. The kindergarten teacher also would like for us to come and share some of the questions and answers the kids had with regard to the butterfly life cycle with her class (to bring her students' learning up a level...I think they kept everything very basic). I thought when the kids do that, they could give the card then. Also, since there weren't very many different questions (seven or eight in total), maybe some of them could read a couple of butterfly or caterpillar poems to the kids as well. My host teacher thought it was a great idea, so we have to check with the kindergarten teacher to find out when would be a good time to do this for her.

Today, another of my profs (not the same one as last time) came to observe me teaching a class. It went well, and he wasn't there for quite the entire class - maybe about 40 minutes. He pulled me out of the class (my host teacher continued teaching while I was out) to discuss how things went. He had a lot of great things to say, had some questions as to how or why I did something a certain way (just out of curiosity and not because it was right or wrong), and I came away feeling successful and encouraged. The next time I get observed will be when we are down in Australia doing the second half of the internship (there are 10 of us going).

Next week is my final week of me doing all the teaching, and my host teacher will then start up again, though she won't have much to do since there isn't a great deal done during the last week of school. I do know the kindergarten to grade threes classes are all planning a "field trip" and picnic at a local park near the beginning of that week (a week and a little bit from now), but I'm not sure what else will be done. It shouldn't be a too difficult week though.

Well, I've rattled on long enough I think. Hope you all have a blessed and Christ-filled day/evening!

Teaching Internship - Week 5

I'm a day or two late in posting my update, so sorry about that. Week five went well, nothing too major happened.

On Friday the kids began their provincial assessments in language arts. They have a week to do this, and the teacher is giving them about half an hour to an hour each day to work on it. As teachers, we aren't allowed to help them with these assessments at all. We can't help them pronounce words or tell them what they mean. The kids just have to do their best and try.

Last Wednesday I helped again with the grades four and five (and possibly six) track and field. They all had a chance to do a long distance run (I believe it was 800 metres), long jump and shot put. I think this week they might be starting with sprints, but I'm not sure. I helped keep the distance for the long jump, and let me tell you, there were a few awesome long jumpers!

On Thursday, we had the parents visit the class. The kids read them their "published" stories (which are stories they write during Writer's Workshop and then make a good copy and decorate a title page), and they also performed their Reader's Theatre plays. The kids all did a fantastic job. They had practiced for a couple of weeks, and then early in the week they performed it for the kindergarten class, the grades one, three, and the two grade four classes. The principal also came down one day to watch them perform. The kids all seemed to enjoy their plays and have a good time. With Reader's Theatre, they don't have to memorize lines; they keep the scripts in front of them the whole time. This is just another way to help them practice reading and have fun while doing it.

This week, and the following two weeks, I am in charge of the class - I teach everything. My host teacher will still be around if I need her, but she will more than likely be out of the class. The only thing is that she is in charge of the assessments, and she is also pulling students out at times to do running records with them ("testing" the kids to see which level they are at in reading).

Apart from what I've mentioned, nothing in particular has stood out from this past week. I am enjoying my internship a lot, and I feel lucky to have the class and host teacher that I have. I'm not sure what grade I'll be doing my internship for in Australia yet. I should find out soon, maybe even Friday, because we have a meeting with our instructor(s) to go over how things are going for us, etc.

Well, I will sign off for now and keep you up to date on week six! Have a blessed and Christ-filled day!

Teaching Internship - Week Four

Another great week in the classroom. On Tuesday my prof came to observe me. He was there from from 8:20 until 10:00. He said I did a great job (and so did my host teacher)! I wasn't nervous like I had expected to be, though there were a few times I would think to myself, "I wonder what Vince will say about this..." or some such thought. There were a couple of things he wondered about, but those were out of curiosity and not because they shouldn't have been done or said.

My prof really loved the activity I had the kids do that morning. We've been reading Barbara Reid books and learning a little about her, so this activity was to have the kids use modeling clay/plasticine to make a picture to go along with the little stories they had finished writing the day before. Vince thought that was an excellent activity - it was engaging and the kids were very enthusiastic about it. He also said that whoever thought of it (me or my host teacher) struck gold with it - or something to that effect. I told him it was a combined effort. I had mentioned it to my host teacher that I thought it might be nice if the kids could do something like that and she said she has done that in the past and that it would be a good idea for the class to do it as well.

All in all, I did very well. Vince pointed out a couple of things for me to keep in mind, or things I might think about for next time, but they weren't much of a big deal.

My host teacher was out on Thursday, so there was a supply teacher filling in. He just graduated a couple of weeks ago from the course I am in now. He had been doing his internship in the grade three class at the same school, and since he was on the list of the school's preferred supply teachers, Mrs. G decided to see if she could get him booked.

I ended up doing most (if not all) of the teaching that day - though there wasn't much to do because there was a guest speaker in for most of the morning and we didn't have to teach at that time. Mr. M (the supply teacher) told me at the end of the day that he was sorry he hadn't done more in the class, that I had had to do it. I told him that I was sorry I had "taken over" and didn't get him to do much, but he said that in that grade you need consistency and I knew the routine so it was probably better that I had taken control of the class. At least he got paid for an easy day of work!

Next week is a short week - three days. Monday is a holiday here (Victoria Day), and Tuesday the teacher's association has some sort of PD day for them dealing with union stuff and voting. Since I'm not a teacher yet, and only doing my internship, Mrs. G. said I probably didn't need to go to it. I didn't want to ask my profs in case they told me to go...Mrs. G. said it was going to be a boring day anyway. But, I really agree with Mrs. G. - I'm not a part of the teacher's association yet (I don't have my license yet), so I probably shouldn't even be there. I'm not going.

I will take this weekend and start doing some planning for when I start teaching all day, every day, for three weeks. I'm not entirely sure yet what I'll do, but I do have an idea for one language arts class so far, and Mrs. G. gave me an idea for another class - something she does every year with her class (a sort of end of year newsletter where the kids write about their favourite thing they did or learned over the course of the year). That would be another couple of classes. I'll have one or two more classes for social studies dealing with the butterfly topic (no social studies this coming week though), and might do a class or two on the life cycle of the frog and then they can compare the that with the life cycle of the butterfly. Mrs. G. said she'd sit down with me though, after school, and help me to plan my lessons. That should help.

I'm looking forward to a short week next week. Language Arts provincial assessments take place starting next Friday, and they have a week to do it. So, I'll get to observe that and see how that is done. I think the kids (or the majority of them) will do great on the assessments.

Anyway, I'm going to head off and do some more reading. This is something I've not been able to do in a long time (due to school), and I'm getting caught up on the books I've had and not been able to read. I've read about four or five books in the last couple of months. Not too shabby, if I do say so myself.

Well, I hope you have a blessed and Christ-filled weekend!

Week Three - Teaching Internship

This past week went fast in some respects, slow in others. However, I think it went well overall. Mid-way through the week I had my Base Line Day. This is where I was in charge of the class from the time the kids came in at 8:20, until they left at 1:50.

Tuesday evening I had to do up three lesson plans - language arts, math, and social studies (which, at this grade, is called You and Your World). It took me until 12:30 to finish them because the way we were taught to do them was to make them detailed - very detailed. I had everything written down for what I was going to do, but when it came time to do up the lesson plans and add all the little details, it took quite awhile. Then, to top it all off, I couldn't get to sleep that night and ended up with maybe four hours by the time the alarm went off.

For language arts, the teacher had me just do a reading comprehension exercise to help them practice for provincial assessments which are coming up soon. They have done a few of these before, so it was nothing new to the kids. For math, I just had to review front line subtraction like she had started with them this past Monday. I started a new unit for social studies. We are learning about the life cycle of butterflies, and caterpillars/butterflies in general.

I started off by teaching them about the life cycle. They did pretty good with it and liked the pictures I had printed from the net of the different stages - egg, caterpillar/larva, pupa/chrysalis/cocoon, and butterfly. From there we did a KWL chart and covered the K and W (which stands for Know and Wonder - what do you know about butterflies, and what do you wonder or want to know). Next week we will review the life cycle and they will have some information to read in expert groups. From the expert groups they will find out a couple of facts (from what they read) and then take it back to their home/base group and teach the others. As well, we have ordered caterpillars for them to observe as they go through the stages until they become butterflies, then we will set the butterflies free. They will also have an observation journal they will have to keep throughout this process (which takes about three weeks).

My host teacher said I did a great job with my baseline day, and she loved the KWL chart. She hadn't used that before with this class (might not have with previous classes either, but I'm not totally sure on that).

This week, on Tuesday to be more precise, one of my profs will come and observe me as I teach a class. I'll be doing the language arts class since that is the only time he can come observe me. We have been learning about the Canadian author, Barbara Reid, so we will read the last of the books we have in which she wrote and illustrated with plasticine. The students will also be working on their own plasticine illustration for a story they have been working on as well. I believe we will have them create a picture for the title page. Then, I will take pictures of their creations and we will glue the pictures to their little booklets. This also ties in with the author study because Barbara Reid's husband takes pictures of her illustrations and those pictures are used in her books. As well, the students will finish working on their stories if they haven't done so by then. If they finish everything early, they can work on their cursive writing or other writing pieces that are unfinished.

I'm a little nervous for my prof coming in to observe me, but I am confident that I'll do well. When we were doing our presentations, the profs were really picky about things, but I'm told they aren't that bad when we are actually doing our internship. Still, it makes me nervous. I think I just need to get through the first one so I know what to expect, and then I'll be fine. My host teacher says I'll do well though. It does help, though, that I'm in a great class with an awesome host teacher and terrific kids.

And, on that note, I am heading off to do a little more work on the lesson plan and start getting things ready for Tuesday. Have a blessed and Christ-filled day!

Week Two as a Teacher Intern

Week two has finished and it went well. To be honest, it was a short week - only three days. This was because of the PD day on Thursday and an all day teacher conference yesterday.

I taught my first full lesson by myself on Wednesday afternoon. It wasn't anything spectacular though, just introducing a Canadian author (Barbara Reid), reading one of her books, The Subway Mouse, and a couple discussion questions and talking about 'beginning', 'middle', and 'end'. Then we did an activity/craft in which the kids had to draw a picture from the beginning, the middle, and the end that would help explain the story if they were to show it to someone who has never heard what the book was about. The kids seemed to love it, and most of them did well. There were three kids (all at one table) who weren't doing it. One girl wasn't feeling well and didn't want to, one boy didn't know what to draw (even if you gave him suggestions he turned them down). He knew what he wanted to do for the middle and end, and even with telling him to start with those, he wanted something for the beginning before he started drawing. The other boy attempted to draw and got frustrated because he couldn't draw a mouse perfectly. He refused to try and kept erasing everything. The teacher told me after it was his way of testing to see if he could get away with not doing it. She stepped in and got firm with him and even though he did the same thing with her, he finally did something when she said that the three of them couldn't leave until they drew at least one picture. Overall, it went well.

The conference on Friday was great (though the third speaker I went to I left early because I wasn't getting anything from it - and I had to use the bathroom, so I thought that was a good excuse to leave, hehehe). There were two speakers that I was thrilled to hear, and wasn't disappointed with them.

The first speaker was Erin Gurwell. She is the teacher portrayed in the movie "Freedom Writers". She was very inspiring and showed clips from her classes (mostly the clips were from broadcasts on TV that were done - possibly from Dateline, but I'm not totally sure). Then she told us about some of her students, what she did and why. Totally inspiring. I want to rent the movie and watch it again.

The other speaker I enjoyed was Harry Wong. He talked about what to do to become an effective teacher. The only thing I didn't like was that I felt he was trying to sell his book (one of them), even though he claimed that wasn't what he was doing. They used to use his book in the Education program at school, but this year they didn't. We did use some ideas and materials of his though, and they do work. He also used a lot of humor in his talk, and that was enjoyable too. He's also the only one to ask the teaching interns and those in their very first year of teaching to raise their hands. He then singled us out and was encouraging and gave us some great advice to help us be effective teachers. I was glad I got to go to this conference!

Next week I have my "base line day", which is the day I teach the class from the beginning until the end - by myself. The teacher will still be in the classroom, but I'm the one who will be in charge. I do know for the math lesson, I will just be doing a review of what they learn Monday and Tuesday. Language arts will be pretty much the same as they have been doing - working on writing. Though this day they might be getting ready for their publishing party, but I won't know for sure what they will be doing until this week when I can sit down with the teacher and plan things out. In the afternoon (which is only about 75 minutes), we will start a lesson for their social studies class, and it is going to be about butterflies. This is a class that is only once a week, so I will need to plan a whole unit on it. We'll start with the life cycle of the butterfly.

I've started the lesson planning already, but I will need to talk to the teacher to find out if she thinks they can do some of the ideas I've come up with (or if the ideas are more geared to an older grade). Anyway, I'm looking forward to doing the unit, and hoping I will do a good job.

So, I will close for now. I've decided that this weekend I'm going to work on some of my crafts - knitting and card making. I haven't done those in awhile and I'm looking forward to it. I'll be posting pictures of any cards I get finished today over on my knitting/craft blog. The knitting will take longer to finish so there probably won't be any pictures of that for awhile...unless I do some "in progress" pictures.

Have a blessed and Christ-filled day!

End of the First Week

The end of my first week of internship has arrived. Everything went well so far, though I haven't done a lot of teaching yet. The first few weeks the host teacher slowly "breaks" you in and you just do little things here and there. I did do some reading to the class two or three days, and I helped in math class, but not the actual teaching for that class.

Mrs. G. told me on Tuesday (my first day) that she was teaching them how to do addition using the front end method. This is a totally new concept to me, though I had briefly heard about it in my Math Education class at school. The idea for this is to add the first two numbers, from the tens column, together (keep in mind this is a grade 2 class and they are using only double digit numbers so far), write the total down below the line. Next, you add the numbers from the ones column and write that beside the answer from the tens coloumn (and put a plus sign between the two). Then you add those together to get the answer. There are a lot of extra steps involved, but apparently it's to help them with that type of math for when the get to grade 3 or 4.

Some of the kids caught on quickly, and of course, some didn't. She used a manipulative for the kids at first, to help them understand. Those who caught on to the math, she encourages them to go ahead and do the work without the manipulative. Those who struggle are allowed to use the manipulative, but she also encourages them to try without using it.

Over the next couple of weeks, I'll be teaching more and more. It culminates in me teaching the entire day for about three weeks total, and then I get weaned off and Mrs. G. will take one more and more again until she is doing all the teaching. I must admit - this kind of scares me, but I think that's natural.

Yesterday there was a supply in for Mrs. G. and there will be one in on Monday as well (hopefully the same one). We got along great and didn't have any problems. Mrs. G. will be back on Tuesday.

In other news, I was contacted by somone from my church's Christian Education Board indicating that the church is having a little "ceremony" for the university graduates. It's nothing fancy (from what I recall from past years and when I got my B.A. in 2006) - the graduates go up on the stage, they are introduced and asked to tell what they are graduating from, what they plan on doing next, etc. and they are presented with a Bible and prayed for. I told them I could attend. That will be at the evening service. I don't know how many university grads there are this year, but I'm sure there are a few.

Well, I've rattled on long enough. I'd better head off and do up some last minute work that I have to submit on Monday (observation journals). I hope you'll have a blessed and Christ-filled day!

School's Out...

I finished my classes on Thursday, and all I have left to do is my teaching internship - which starts tomorrow!

I'm excited but nervous. I was lucky that I am able to be in the same grade 2 class where I have been doing my observations on Fridays since October. This way the kids will be used to me (so will the teacher), and I'll be used to them. I do know I have one student who has Asperger's and there is a TA in the room who works with him. Hopefully she'll still be there. There are also a couple of kids who get pulled out (usually during math) to go see the Resource Teacher to get help with their reading. These are things I need to be aware of in the class - they dynamics and all that stuff.

We are supposed to get eased into things by teaching a class here and there, and then gradually working our way up until we are the ones responsible from the time we set foot into the class, until the time we lock up and leave. Then we get eased back out towards the end. However, where I have been in this class and know how the kids are and what to expect (and how the teacher runs the classroom), my teaching time might come quicker than someone going into a class they've never been in before.

At any rate, I'll find out more tomorrow and I'll sit down with the teacher and find out what she's teaching, what she wants me to teach, where she is in the curriculum, the procedures for fire drills, helping her if she has lunch duty or something, etc. I'm also supposed to get involved with the school (clubs, etc.). I'm not into sports, so I highly doubt I'll be doing anything with that. I'm not musical so I wouldn't be doing anything with that. I might see if my host teacher needs help with the literacy group she has going though. Also, I was thinking about hanging out with the chess club (sounds geeky, I know), though I can't play chess. I'd like to learn, so maybe I can help out there and get the kids to teach me how to play. I'll have to see what else they have going and see where I can help out.

In other news, at Sunday school, we started a new module this week. This is when new classes start up and others end. The one I had been in didn't continue on for this module, so I joined another class. This one is a women's group as well, and it's small (at least so far). We are doing the Women of Faith series and so far it seems like it might be good. This study is all about finding balance in our lives (physical, mental, emotional, spiritual). I'm looking forward to this class.

I was also able to spend the afternoon at my best friend's house - something I haven't been able to do in a long time. One of our other friends, and her two kids, are down for a few days so we all hung out together. It was really great to be able to spend time with them. Since I should be able to hang out after church now that I don't have to worry about doing homework, we are thinking of possibly starting up another Bible study. Not sure what we'll do or anything like that just yet, but I'm sure we'll be talking more about it next week.

Well, I'd better head off now. I need to work on my observation journals and get that caught up so I can hand it in before Friday. We also have to do journals throughout this part of our internship as well, but it focuses more on us rather than observing the operations of the classroom and teacher we observed. Those of us doing the second half of our observation in Australia will have to finish our journals for teaching in those classrooms as well (the ones staying here to do their internships - regardless of when they actually do their internships will have to do them as well, only they'll have one class to worry about).

Any way, I hope you'll have a blessed, Christ-filled day!

Welcome to April

We are now four days into April. It's been good so far - no snow storms! The snow from our storm on Monday has melted considerable. There is now more grass showing than even before that storm. The back flower bed where the dahlias are planted is totally uncovered now. I wasn't expecting to see that today. The last time I looked out there, a huge amount of snow covered the entire backyard. However, we did get some rain last evening and overnight - and today was quite mild. So, I would think all of that is contributing to the melting snow. Yay!

There are only a couple of weeks left of school. We finish on the 17th, though I don't have any classes that day. I guess then, the 16th is the last day for me. As well, we have this Friday and next Monday off (Easter holidays), so that means there about 7 day of classes. I'm quite happy with this. However, between now and the end of classes, I have a TON of work to do - 3 presentations left, a couple of lesson plans, and a few various assignments. I'm definitely not looking forward to any of this.

I finished my 72 hours of observation in the grade 2 class yesterday. Now, I have to do my journals and write-ups for that and have them in by the 24th (going to aim to have them in by the end of classes though). Within a couple of weeks I will be starting the teaching portion of my internship. I'll be doing half of it here, and the other half I'll be heading to Melbourne, Australia to do it there! Well, that is provided I get my student loan...

By doing part of my internship in Australia, I can finish my course and be ready to start teaching in September. Otherwise, I'll have to wait and do the internship in the fall and finish by Christmas. I am really hoping to go to Australia! I'll let you know when I find out. Hopefully I'll get the student loan...

Well, better head off now and do up some more of my homework. I'm feeling frazzled, overwhelmed, anxious, etc. about the amount of work I have to do. Oh, and as per usual, my motivation is lacking at this time. That's not a good combination. I suppose even if I do little pieces of each it will be a help. What I'd like to do, though, is complete some of the assignments so that I don't have as much to do tomorrow...things that are due on Monday.

Lord, please give me the strength and motivation I need to get my work done. Help me to do my best and to do it for you. In Jesus name, Amen.

This Is Spring?

So much for spring. After the beautiful weekend we had, morning dawned with some rain which turned into freezing rain - then snow...and it's still snowing. The forecast is calling for some messy weather today and into tonight.

I got home after class about an hour ago. They've cancelled the rest of the classes for the afternoon and evening. Unfortunately, the school has stated that if need be they will use Easter Monday to make up for the missed time - but the discretion is up to the teachers. I really hope my teacher's don't go for that. I could use the break!

My math presentation was this morning, and it was alright. I didn't do a whole lot because I am terrible with math. My prof knows this and my presentation partner and I went to talk to him a week or so ago about what we were going to do so he knew I was worried about not being able to present the material correctly and whatnot. I don't think I'll get a good mark - the other girl really deserves most of the mark (unless the teacher thought it came across that she was hogging the floor and not letting me do anything). However, as long as I pass and get at least a B- then that's fine.

My Phys. Ed. presentation was supposed to be tonight, but since they cancelled classes, that will be postponed. There are two other presentations that were scheduled tonight (these are group presentations) as well. Next week we are supposed to have a test but I don't know what is going to happen now. I assume this particular teacher will make us come in Easter Monday to finish up everything. We'll just have to wait and see.

Going to head off now and get some lunch. Also going to need a nap this afternoon as I was up early trying to prepare for the math presentation. At least I have this evening to work on school work when I would normally have been in class!

Have a blessed and Christ-filled day!

It's A Sunshine Sweet Day

What a beautiful day it is today. The sun is shining and the mercury is above the freezing point! According to the icon on my computer, the temperature is +4C.

I've got a busy weekend ahead of me - two presentations on Monday, I have to read three chapters for one of my classes (with a quiz on them on Monday), I have an article review (one page) due on Tuesday, I need to work on my portfolio that is due in a couple of weeks, plus several other pieces of homework that will be coming due soon. On a positive note, classes finish in less than a month!

I found out yesterday that the pastor emeritus (not sure on the spelling of that) of my church passed away through the night - early yesterday morning. He was such a kind man who loved the Lord with his whole heart. He also used to be the senior pastor at my church in the '70s. Please pray for his family. The funeral is on Monday.

Tomorrow at church we have a believer's baptism. I think the pastor told us last week that there are four or five people being baptised! Praise Jesus! One of the people being baptized is a teenaged girl I have taught in the midweek program from when she was in grade 2 until she was in grade 5. Her father was my first Sunday School teacher when I started coming to this church and had just become a Christian. He also read my testimony when I was baptized at Easter in 2000. I'm thinking of bringing my camera and taking some pictures for her and her family.

Well, I best head off and get some lunch and hit the books again. I'm starting to freak out and feel overwhelmed with my math presentation on Monday. I'm terrible at math and we are doing our presentation on fractions - something I don't feel confident with (truth be told, I don't feel confident with any math). Please pray for that as well.

Have a blessed and Christ-filled day!

Almost Friday

Well, here we are, Thursday evening. It's almost Friday. It's been a long week for me with school work, and it definitely feels like it should have been Friday a couple of days ago. There is less than a month left of classes and it's going to be busy between now and then. I am so ready for a break from all of this!

I don't have to go in to observe the grade two class tomorrow; they are having parent teacher interviews at the school. I would love to just do nothing at all tomorrow (and for the whole weekend for that matter), but I will have to do some work at least. I have two presentations on Monday to prepare for, as well as search for info for a presentation my group has on Thursday, plus a lot of other things for homework.

I am just feeling really drained this week. No doubt the lack of sleep is contributing to my current state. I really should go to bed earlier than I do every night. So far I haven't made it any earlier than 11:30 - and that was only one night I think (maybe two).

I had a comment made to me the other day that felt good. On my email signature line I have the verse for Jeremiah 29:11 typed out. So, when I sent my part of the group unit plan to the account we have set up for my Phys. Ed./Wellness Education class to post our unit plans, etc. for our resource binders (which was due this past Monday), I got a reply back from one of the fellows in the class. He thanked me for having that on my signature line because it had spoken to him. He said it was something he needed to hear that day, and that God worked through me. Isn't that great?

Jeremiah 29:11-13 has been my key verses throughout my university years, as well as my year in South Korea. I've held on to them this whole time, and every now and then I need to be reminded of them as well. I'm glad God could use me (or my signature line) to speak to Chris this week.

Well, just a short post tonight. I must head off now. I hope you all have a gloriously blessed Christ filled day!

Oh, before I forget, please pray for M. He is a young boy (maybe around 10 years old, roughly) who goes to my church with his mom. I just found out this week that he has a tumor on his leg, and he's waiting for a biopsy to be done on it. Pray for M and his family - they can really use some prayer!

Much Better Mood

I'm in a much better mood tonight, though I am tired. I am finding out that I should probably be going to bed earlier than I usually do. That's something I'm going to have to work on, especially since I've been a night owl since I was little!

I did my observation in the grade 2 class again today, and things went pretty well. During math, the teacher had stations and groups of 5 would rotate every 15 minutes. The station I was at was the Math Bowling one. The idea was for them to practice subtracting from 10. So, there are 10 pins and whatever they knock down is subtracted from the 10 to get the answer. So, if they knock down 3 pins, they have to say 10 - 3 = 7. The kids loved it - probably because it was a game. I think it's great that you can use games to help reinforce what they students are learning, and most of the time the kids don't even realize they are learning!

I only have one more class to observe, and that is in two weeks. There is no school next Friday (the day I do my observations) because they are having parent-teacher interviews and I don't go to that. So, after the last class, I'll have 72 hours of observation! There will be about 3 weeks after that in which I don't have to go, and on April 24th those of us doing our teacher training in the spring will meet to discuss that. I believe it is the week after that (or maybe 2 weeks later) that the actual teaching practicum starts.

Today was a pretty nice day, though it was a little on the coldish side (not overly cold though). The good news is we have had some really nice days (and a bit of rain one night) and a LOT of our snow has melted! There's still an awful lot of snow to melt though, but hopefully the temperatures will start warming up enough (and often enough) and it won't take long for the rest to melt. I'm keeping my fingers crossed!

I've got a busy weekend ahead of me. I have to do up my phys. ed. resource binder (I have a lot of things printed already, plus handouts from the prof) and put it together, do a comparison "critique" between 3 articles and a chapter or section of a chapter from the text book for social studies, work on my 2 articles for the group article presentation I have on Wednesday...and I think the rest can wait to be done after the weekend. What I've listed above are the main things I need to work on and get done (or some of them mostly done) first. Like I said - it's going to be a busy weekend!

Going to head off and do a little knitting tonight before bed - still need to work on the scarf for my Ravelry Scarf Exchange pal and get it sent out by April 2nd.

Hope you all have a blessed and Christ-filled day!

Seriously Though...What Is Wrong With Me?

I'm feeling the struggle again tonight (and last night)...that spiritual battle that seems to be prevalent in me lately - or for the last I don't know how long.

What is it that Paul sahys - I don't do what I should do and I do what I shouldn't do...or something to that effect. That really seems to be what I am struggling with. I know I should be reading my Bible. I know I should be praying more often than I do. But it feels like my motivation is severely lacking.

In all honesty, these feelings seem to hit me most when I'm feeling tired and/or stressed. I feel so busy with school work, that it's like everything else gets put on the back burner. When I'm not doing school work I just want to relax and not do much of anything. I do know that I need to get some energy, and that means that dreaded "e" word - exercise. That would help in a lot of areas I think. If I had the energy, I'd feel like doing more.

I do realize (as I believe I've stated in previous posts) that I am placing things ahead of God - school, relaxation, hobbies. I also realize that is wrong. I need to prioritize things with God being at the top of the list. I often hear stories that when people put God first in their lives, then everything else seems to fall into place. I just wish I could see that in my own life. But, in order to see that, I need to actually do it.

I feel like I'm on a backward walk in my spiritual life. Several years ago I had been doing great - reading the Bible every day, studing it, praying, going to a Bible study, never missed church, helped out in various kids ministries at church. It seems like somewhere along the line I started taking two steps back for every step forward.

I'm taking a break this year from all my ministries (except the knitting thing, though that hasn't been happening much this semester either) because I feel that since I've been home from Korea, my focus needs to be on getting myself back on track. How can I teach others to read the Bible or pray if I'm not doing it myself? Besides, this year I don't have much in the way of free time because of school so I am limited in what I can do or even in joining some kind of Bible study.

However, I don't think a lot has happened for my walk to improve. Don't get me wrong, I've had improvements. But then something happens and I'm right back where I was before - not spending time with God.

I will continue trudging on. I won't give up on my walk. I just feel right now like I need a huge rest in order to start on the journey again. So, if you can, please pray that I will find motivation to pray and spend time with God, get the rest I need, and at least get back to where I was on my walk a few years ago (and even surpass that).

It's hard to explain what I'm thinking, or wanting to say...but God knows what I'm meaning.

It's such a beautiful day today! I'm not sure of the temperature, but I think it's around +5C and the snow is melting. There's a lot of snow still, so I think it will take awhile for it to melt. It would be a really nice day to go out and do some photography, but I have class at 6:30 and need to finish an assignment that's due today.

Our sermon at church yesterday was really good. Basically, it was on the importance of prayer - that it is the foundation of every relationship we have, be it with parents, a spouse, a teacher, a boss...you get the idea. In other words, prayer brings Jesus into our relationships because when we are praying and working on our relationship with Jesus, it spills over into our other relationships. I forget exactly how the pastor phrased all of this, but this is, I think, pretty much what it boiled down to.

I am coming to the realization that I have been very neglectful in my walk with the Lord - I have been putting people and things ahead of Him, and that is wrong. In fact, it's a sin. I have created idols out of these things and have given them more importance than the Lord. I have been sitting back and not spending the time I need with my Saviour, and I know that saddens Him. It saddens me too, because I never wanted to do that - it just seemed to happen, and I let it.

Oh Lord, forgive me for giving people and things more importance in my life
than You. Forgive me for my sin, my idolatry. Help me to elevate You
up where You belong and seek Your guidance, Your love - You, ahead of everything
else. Lord, I ask that you work in my relationships and help me to place
you in the middle of all of them. In Jesus name, Amen.

Well, I must head off and finish the rest of my assignment for my class tonight. Have a blessed and Christ-filled day!

Jumbled Up, Mixed Up Feelings

It's hard to describe the way I'm feeling right at this moment. It feels like a whole lot of things all smooshed together and I can't put my finger on any one feeling.

I feel a little bored. I was working on some knitting a little while ago and I messed up - very noticeable too. I'm working on a scarf for an exchange pal and I have to send it out by the first of next month so I need to get cracking on it. This mistake really puts a hinderance on things because the pattern isn't very easy to pick up again. I will wait until tomorrow to try again - right now I'm too frustrated with it.

I started reading after the knitting. The other day I began reading "Kingdom Come" by Tim Lahaye and Jerry B. Jenkins. This is the final book in the Left Behind series. I could only read a few pages and felt - I don't know, almost agitated or restless or something. I can't seem to focus on the reading.

I had a nap earlier on, only for about half an hour when I got a phone call. It wasn't enough of a nap to take away the tired feeling, though it did help a lot. I didn't want to sleep too late anyway or else it would interfere with my sleep tonight. I don't feel totally tired at the moment, but I'm sure if I went to bed now it might not take too long to get back to sleep - though I could be wrong.

Maybe what I'm feeling is the Lord nudging me to spend a little time with Him. I've neglected this the last few days/nights and I have that whole "I'm such a bad Christian" feeling. You know the one I mean...the one where you feel so inadequate and can't seem to do anything right because you're not working on your relationship with Jesus. I know I'm not perfect; I know I struggle from time to time with being a "good" Christian. I feel so lazy in my walk, yet I long to have a wonderfully close relationship with the Lord...but yet at the same time I don't do what I ought to do (kind of like what Paul says). I guess I just need to get off my butt and make the effort. It's not the Lord who is lacking in this area - it's me.

I think what I'll do is listen to some Christian music, do a little praying, and read a chapter in my Bible. That should help.

Lord, help me to focus on you. Please forgive me for my neglect
in our relationship. Help me to build on your foundation in my life.
Amen.

A New Week

Monday. The start of a new work/school week. However, for me it is March Break! I have been looking forward to this week since the beginning of February - mostly because I felt ripped off with my Christmas vacation. That is my fault, though. I worked all but three days of Christmas vacation, so I don't feel as though I had any real time off. The only thing about this break is that I have to do school work during the week - things that are due for next week, etc.

I did some work Friday, but took Saturday and Sunday off and just relaxed. I made a couple of cards on Saturday and did a little bit of knitting. Yesterday, I stayed home from church because I was unsure of the roads. Turns out I think they would have been OK, but I didn't want to take the chance in case they were slippery from the freezing rain. So, yesterday I spent the day finishing up the book "Kiss" by Ted Dekkar and Erin Healy, as well as starting and finishing "The Shack" by Wm. Paul Young. I don't think I've ever finished a book in one day before!

I have fallen off track again with my Bible reading. It's been about two weeks, maybe not quite that long, since I last read it. Well, I did read last night so that was the first time in the roughly two weeks since I last read. I know how easily things begin to decline when I get away from pursuing my relationship with Jesus. I need to get back on track and work at it before things get out of hand.

I know my relationship with the Lord is not perfect - far from it in fact. That is something I admit that I need to work on. I don't feel anywhere near as close as I felt a few years ago. Something had happened (though I don't remember what the situation was - I do remember feelings of depression) and it seemed from that point I started going backwards and it seems that I haven't been able to get back to the point I had been at. It seems as though it's a struggle to get back to the place I was once at.

But, at any rate, I do realize the need for a close and personal relationship with Jesus and it is something that I need to continually be working on. So, I continue to strive even when it seems I take two steps backwards for every step I take forwards. I am not alone in this, and that is definitely something I can be thankful for and give praise to Him for.

Thank You, Jesus, for being with me - even when I fail to acknowledge Your presence in my life. You have said, "I will never leave you nor forsake you", and for that I am truly thankful.

Snow Day

Well, the university finally did it. They cancelled classes because of the snow storm we are getting. The snow and wind picked up through the night, and boy was it whipping around! When my alarm went off, I listened to the news to find out that all of the schools in the districts around here were closed, some other colleges, and the city pulled the busses off the roads. That alerted me right away - the lack of busses running. I got up and called the university's storm line and sure enough, classes are cancelled for the morning and afternoon. Usually during bad weather, if the busses are still running, the university is open and advises students and faculty to use their own judgement about coming to class.

I also have a class at 6:30 on Monday evenings, but as of now it is undecided on whether or not any evening classes will be cancelled or not. The school will make that decision around 3:00 this afternoon. Im hoping and praying the classes are cancelled...

As of right now, it apears that the snow has stopped for the most part (maybe some flurries flying around) and there doesn't appear to be much, if any, wind. The plow hasn't been around to do our street yet, nor has the guy that plows out our driveway.

According to Environment Canada's website last night, the snow is supposed to turn to rain this morning and end early afternoon. At that point - or sometime in the afternoon - it's supposed to start snowing again and the wind is supposed to pick up as well. However, we are in the Maritime provinces, so that could change at any time.

So, today will hopefully be productive and I can get some (or most) of my two math lesson plans worked on and possibly finished (they are due Wednesday), go over my lessons for our group Social Studies unit plan and fix them up, and work at other bits of school work that need to be done this week. Though, to be honest, I also want to work on some knitting I need to get done and maybe do some rubber stamping and make a couple of cards.

Well, I will end this post for now. Hopefully it won't take so long until the next post! Have a blessed and Christ-filled day!

It's The Weekend Again

Another weekend is upon us, the sun is trying to shine through the clouds (it is bright out) and some flurries are fluttering to the ground. It is the middle of February; hard to believe the month is going by quickly - or somewhat quickly. Soon it will be spring, the snow will be gone, the temperatures will warm up, and I can't wait. I think I am tired of all the snow and cold of this winter.

Yesterday the grade two class where I observe, held their Valentine's Day party. The kids were excited from the moment they walked into the classroom. They wanted to pass out valentines immediately. However, their teacher had to remind them to put the cards away until after lunch. She had been explaining all week that the party would be in the afternoon, and the morning was just like any other school day. She had even spent about five to ten minutes the afternoon before reminding the kids, getting them to tell her when the part was, what they were supposed to do with the valentine's when they got to school in the morning. They knew the answers. Yet, she had to get stern with them several times because the kids kept asking when they could hand out the cards, eat the food, etc.

All in all, the little party was fun. The kids really enjoyed getting to go around and put their cards into the construction paper pouches they had worked on during the week. The pouches were taped to the back of the child's chair, and the teacher explained to be careful or the pouch would rip off. A couple did get ripped from their chairs, but it was accidental both times and more from brushing past them rather than putting someting inside.

This coming week is a little busier than last. I have a presentation on Thursday (there are four of us in the group), we are meeting on Monday again to put things together, and will probably have to meet again to work on the lesson plan we have to submit for the presentation as well. I also have two speaker's responses and an article critique due on Tuesday and Wednesday. Other than that, the bulk of my work next week will be in working towards next weeks assignments, presentations, etc.

Today is going to be busy trying to get some readings done, searching for an article to critique (really it's more of a review of the article, but they call it a critique), look into starting two lessono plans for my math class, looking for info to bring for our meeting on Monday regarding the presentation next Thursday, as well as hopefully beginning to create my portfolio, a wellness plan (for phys. ed. class), and phys. ed. resource binder. It all adds up quickly!

On top of all that I want to do some crafty things this weekend as well. I need to work on a scarf (knitting) that I have to do for an exchange group I'm in, something for my best friend for our "after Christmas gift exchange" which we decided to hold on St. Patrick's Day (neither of us had the time or money to do anything at Christmas so we decided to put it off until March). We did this one other year as well, only we chose Thanksgiving to do it then. So, I need to figure out what I'm going to do for her and get cracking. I also want to try and do some scrap booking or work on some handmade cards this weekend as well.

Well, I am starting to ramble, and there really isn't much more to talk about, so I will end here. Have a blessed and Christ-filled day!

It's Sunday

I had a nice relaxing afternoon with my best friend and her nearly nine year old daughter today. We used to get together pretty well every Sunday after church, but since I've been home from Korea - especially since I started back to school in the fall - we haven't been able to hang out too often. It's because of the amount of school work I have, and I generally need my Sunday afternoons to work on presentations or critiques or other various pieces of homework related stuff.

It was a really nice day today, weather wise. It was supposed to go up to around +7C or +9C, but I don't know what if it did or not. It was definitely mild and sunny, though. It's also supposed to go down colder tonight, so I would expect some slippery roads in the morning. Maybe I'll luck out and they'll cancel school tomorrow, but I doubt it; they never cancel unless its extremely bad and they've pulled busses off the roads.

We had a nice surprise this weekend. My younger brother, his significant other, and their son came up yesterday and stopped in. We didn't know they'd be here, and my brother said they had only decided that morning to make the trip up since the weather was cooperating for once. We haven't seen them since Dad's funeral in August, so it was a nice surprise.

Well, I'm going to head off and make a phone call and hopefully get to some knitting or reading before bed. Have a Christ-filled day!

Thank You Lord

This past week, Wednesday in fact, I had a group presentation for one of my classes. I was so stressed out in the days leading up to it because I seemed to be having difficulty preparing for it. One thing I failed to "remember" was that I was leading the section where we were presenting scenarios to groups in the class and they had to discuss them and come up with ideas/answers. That isn't exactly something you can prepare for much since you don't know what their answers would be.

Well, by Tuesday I was quite stressed and couldn't focus or concentrate on trying to find some information on the topic so I could have a little something to contribute before or during the discussion of my section. I did the one thing I should have done in the beginning. I prayed. By this night, I also had to do an article critique for another class, and that was eating up a lot of time as well. Prior to praying, I was beginning to become quite frantic.

I also prayed when I got up early on Wednesday so that I could focus on finishing the critique and finding some info for the presentation. The prayer worked again. I also prayed before the presentation a few times. Let me tell you, prayer works. I was calm and not frantic at all; I was able to focus on the task at hand. I had some classmates tell me after the presentation that I was relaxed and did a great job (I was actually nervous and my hands were shaking somewhat during the presentation, and I felt like my mouth was full of cotton when I was speaking). I truly believe that God helped me through that.

I don't know, yet, how we did on our presentation (I should interject here that I also prayed for the others in my group) - we should find out on Monday. However, I do know that when I turned to God for help, it was there. God hears our prayers. He is always there waiting for us to turn to Him. It is usually us who skip off ahead and come running back when we need help. What we should be doing (and I include myself in this as well), is walking with the Lord, by His side, and be in constant communication (prayer) with Him. I know I fail miserably at this. I am still, afterall, a work in progress.

But, I can only give the glory and praise and thanks with regard to my situation to God. He is the one who calmed me and helped me to stay focused on my task. Thank you Lord. Prayer really does work.

I Wonder Why...

This semester seems to be more difficult for me. I can't seem to get my focus or motivation up, and when I do, it doesn't last very long. The only thing I can think of that is causing this would be the fact that I only had four days of vacation over the Christmas break. The rest of the time (2 1/2 weeks) I worked.

Today in Sunday school the pastor (he teaches the class) asked if we needed any prayer and I had mentioned this fact to him, about not being able to focus, and he prayed for me. That was good. Also, we went over the Armor of God and he had mentioned at one point that we should pray before things happen during our day - if we have a meeting to go to, if we are going to meet up with someone, if we have school work to do, if there is a lot of work to get done, or anything at all. He said it's a good idea to pray in the morning (or before you face the particular situation) and ask for God to help guide your steps along the way.

Tonight before I tackled some of my homework (which I had been struggling to do all afternoon), I prayed for God to help me focus on what I needed to do. It worked. I got my article read and am ready to do the one page "report" on it. It's not due until Tuesday though, so I might wait until tomorrow to work at it. I also need to find some research on Gender Separation in classrooms for my group presentation this coming Wednesday.

My group met last week to figure out what we were going to do for our presentation. We've figured out how we're going to go about presenting (mostly involve the class and have them present what they find out from info we give them) and who is going to do what part. For my part, I am in charge of the scenarios. We are going to present two different scenarios and have them come up with ideas of what they would do or not do if they were faced with that particular situation, and why. So, what I'd like is to have some info to contribute somewhat (give facts or something, i.e. 'studies show that...').

We have another group meeting tomorrow afternoon and I found some articles on the subject, but I don't know if they will work with the scenarios. I'm just afraid that the others in the group are going to think that I'm not doing anything (with regard to research and doing my part well enough). It just seems like I'm the only one struggling with this. And the fact that I can't focus just makes things feel worse...so, I am going to pray about it again.

Dear Lord,
I pray that you will help me to focus on my studies. Please help me to stop procrastinating and to get some motivation. Help me to do my work as though I'm doing it to present to you and not my professor and fellow classmates. In Jesus name, amen.

Feeling A Little Sad Today

I was going to post what I learned about in Sunday school, however, it's just not happening at the moment. The last couple of days I've been affected by my sinuses. I have no idea if it's an infection or just part of a cold...thought it doesn't feel like a cold. I've been taking some sinus pills which are helping, so that's good.

I had a weird dream last night. That happens seemingly often when I take night time sinus or cold medication. Anyway, my dad was in my dream, and I remembered that a friend from work had told me my nephew wouldn't remember my dad when he got older. My nephew was also in the dream, and when dad made his appearance, that is the thought that ran through my mind - in my dream. I thought, "Why did Jean say that?" It turns out that my dad had just been in the hospital (or away somewhere), and he was all better and back at home. I woke up feeling saddened that it wasn't real. I still feel sad.

For most of the day I haven't had my mind on my dream - or my dad. I was able to distract myself with classes. However, on the way home from this last class (I go back again after supper for a nearly three hour class) I had a sudden "I miss my daddy" feeling. It still feels like he's just away or something, and seems like he should be here. Usually I try not to let myself get upset or "ignore" the feelings. I know it's ok to cry and whatnot, but I just try not to. Even now I don't want to feel the emotions or cry because if I cry, my makeup will need to be reapplied before class again, and my eyes will get all red and puffy.

Maybe when I go to bed tonight I'll let myself cry...

More Flowers

I took a few more flower pics today. One of the flowers is a double amarylis (double bloom I think), which is to the right, and the other flowers are the ones I got my mom last weekend. This time I didn't use my telephoto lens (on macro), but just the regular 18x55mm lens that came with the camera. It also wasn't set to macro but I got in kind of close. I really love pictures of flowers - almost as much as the flowers themselves. I can't wait again until the end of August and into September when my mom's dahlias will be out. Those are pretty flowers (there are different kinds) and I'm hoping to take some really good pictures of them using macro...though if I use my telephoto lens I'll need a really good tripod to help prevent shaking and blurry pictures.

It's been pretty cold here lately, and the other day our city apparently broke a record for cold temps that particular day (I think it was Wednesday or Thursday). The previous record had been set in 1957. We are supposed to get another snow storm on Monday, though that depends on how the system moves. The meteorologist said it might change paths and miss us, which would be great. But, if they are calling for snow, that means the temperatures are going to warm up somewhat; when it gets too cold it can't (or doesn't) snow.

I was looking forward to getting back into doing my observation in the grade 2 class I was at before Christmas. I can only go on Fridays since I have classes the rest of the week. Well, I set my alarm to get up at 6:30 yesterday morning (Friday), and when the alarm went off the newscaster was saying schools in the district (as well as another one) were cancelled due to the extreme cold temperatures. It was nice to have the day off, though really I should have done some school work. I didn't. I had a lazy day. I really should have worked some on my portfolio for school (we have to do these up with regard to teaching and becoming a teacher).

We are just learning about portfolios for the teaching profession, what to include and how to make them. We are also working on bio-resumes, which are a little different than a regular resume in that it gives more detail (they're also done up a little differently). I started work on my bio-resume at school the other day, and just need to finish it up and type it up on the computer. Our rough drafts of those are due next Thursday. The portfolios aren't due until April, but it's not something you can do at the last minute. They take time so we have to start early. I've got my binder, tabs, paper (good quality) and plastic cover sheets. I've also got a couple of certificates and diplomas to get good quality copies made of to include so far. As we go along and learn more about it, we'll have more to put in.

The portfolios are what we will take to interviews to show to prospective employers - basically a selling tool. Oh, and I should note that the bio-resumes are also included in the portfolio too. We saw some samples from students who did them last year (the professor was marking them and the students would be coming to get them in the next few weeks), and there were some really nice ones. Not everyone does up a portfolio, but it's something our school has the B.Ed. students do.

Well, I had wanted to post about what I've learned in Sunday school this last week, unfortunately I haven't gotten around to it. I have my notes in the other room and just didn't bother to go get them. I figured that since tomorrow is Sunday again, I might just wait until I finish with that class and maybe combine my notes from that class with last week's. Hopefully I can/will get this done and not put it off too long. Like I've said in some other posts in the past, I would like to have this blog return to the way I started off - discussing more Bible related things, more God-focused and God-oriented posts, prayer talk, etc.

I have been keeping up regularly with my Bible reading, which is good. Unfortunately I still haven't gotten more indepth with it - all my own fault, I admit. Prayer life is still about the same, though I do try to pray off and on throughout the day when something comes to me, or I talk to someone who could use prayer. Usually throughtout the day my prayers are just short and to the point - which there is nothing wrong with that way. I do want to become better at prayer as well.

Well, I realize my post is dragging on somewhat and I don't really have much more to say at the moment. So, I'll end here and wish you all a glorious Christ-filled day! Blessings in Him!

Flower Power

Aren't God's floral creations simply beautiful!

Well, I promised in yesterday's post that if some of my pictures from my photo shoot turned out, that I would post some of them.

I had a great time learning about depth of field and which aperture to use. We went to the grocery store to buy a bouquet of flowers to practice with. The first store we went to didn't have much of a selection at all, so we headed over to a different one. They definitely had a better selection! We came to an agreement on which bouquet to get, and then I picked up a couple of different kinds for my mom.

I'd say I spent a good 2 1/2 to 3 hours at Michelle's as she explained things to me and gave me some great hints and tips. One thing we kept finding was the focus on my camera didn't seem to be where we'd want it; therefore, some of the first pictures I took didn't get focused exactly where I was aiming. Unfortunately, my brain wasn't working all that well because I ended up forgetting to bring my manual and a couple of other things I had wanted to bring along.

Michelle had the bright idea of going online and seeing if there was one there. Sure enough! She figured out how to set the focus so I could choose where it would be. Then I went and practiced several more shots to get the hang of it.

We mostly focused on the macro setting on my telephoto lens. I must say, I really enjoy shooting macro photos! It's so cool how close you can get to something and create a beautiful (or creative) image.

The next time we get together she said she'd go over shutter speed with me. I'm not sure when that will be though, because we are both in school and are quite busy with all that is involved in our courses. She also mentioned some places she'd take me in the summer or fall (or maybe even late spring I suppose) where we could take some great shots. One place was a butterfly exhibit, which I think would be awesome! Another place was her father's backyard. Sounds weird, but she said he gets quite a few hummingbirds there. I've seen some of her shots of hummingbirds, and they are really good. I invited her over to our place to take pics of my mom's dahlias that will be in bloom in late August or early September (she mentioned that she loves dahlias, so I thought I could recipricate and invite her over to take pictures).

I think tomorrow I will try taking some more macro shots using the flowers I bought for my mom today. There are only two kinds (two different bouquets), but she put them all together so hopefully I'll get some nice shots of those.

I must say I had a great time taking pictures today. I've loved photography for awhile now, even though I don't always take the best pictures. I used to have a 35mm camera (semi-professional) and loved taking pictures with it. The only thing I didn't like was that you had to pay for the terrible shots as well as the good ones. Also, you could end up wasting a lot of film if you did take terrible ones. That's one reason I like digital - you can delete the photos you don't want!

I'll just post three of my favourite shots from today. Let me know what you think of them by leaving a comment. Hopefully I'll get some good shots tomorrow of the other bouquet. If I do, I'll try to post them over the next couple of days.

Until then, have a blessed and Christ-filled day!

Well, I've been back to school now for a week. Second semester started this past Monday, and I can tell already, from each and every syllabus I got, that it's going to be a busy semester again. However, I know I can do it. I got my marks in my mailbox (at school) on Monday, and I got an A+, an A- and four A's - not too shabby. The course requires you to get no less than a B or B- (I forget which offhand) average.

I've been continuing my Bible readings every night, but I must say that in many cases I have just been reading - no meditating or anything like that. That's not what I want to do. I want to get into the meat and potatoes of it all again, and get really grounded in The Word. So, I need to do something about that. I want to join a small group at church, but the only thing is most of them meet during the week in the evenings, and that's not a good time for me during the school year. The other ones also meet at times that don't work for me. And, I am in no position to start one up myself. I don't have the time to commit to being a leader or even hosting one. So, I guess for now, I will have to stick to the Sunday school class I'm attending - unless I'm able to get to a Bible study here and there during school.

I will say that recently I have been trying to memorize Scripture. Since starting the Sunday school class I'm currently involved with, I have memorized Ephesians 3:20-21 and all of Psalm 1. Not sure where I'm going from here, but I want to pick something else to memorize. I'm currently doing my Bible readings in the Psalms, so maybe something from there would be nice again.

Tomorrow I'm going to meet up with a friend from when I was enrolled in my B.A. at university. She was in a few of my classes. Anyway, she is a good photographer and since I'm relatively new to digital photography (though I did do some 35mm photography...took a course in it), and she said she'd help me taking pictures. We were thinking of going outside somewhere and taking pictures, but due to time constraints, we are just going to go buy a bouquet of flowers and she's going to help me practice macro photography with the flowers. She's also going to instruct me on some portrait photography too. I'm really looking forward to this. I enjoy photography!

Well, I guess I will end for now. It's getting a little late and I'm tired. I have to be over to her place for just after lunch. I'm not sure if her husband will be there (doesn't matter if he is), or her daughter. But, we have to finish before supper since she had to take her daughter to work for 6:00. I'll try to get on tomorrow and update about the photography session, and maybe even post some of my shots if they turn out decent enough.

Have a blessed, Christ-filled day!

Happy New Year!

Ok, so I'm a couple of days late posting my New Year's greetings. But, it is still early so I think it's fine to still be wishing a Happy New Year to everyone!

New Year's Eve was pretty quite for me. I stayed home and spent some quality time with Richard Dean Anderson! Ok, so he was actually on the screen of my laptop (I was watching season 1 of Stargate SG-1 yet again. Just finished watching season 10 of my DVD boxset recently so I started over.)...

We had some snow that started late in the eveing of New Year's Eve, and through the night it and the wind picked up. The storm stopped some time during the afternoon on New Year's Day, but the wind stuck around blowing snow everywhere. I was quite content both days to just stay home.

I've not really set any new year's resolutions. I never keep them. I would like, however, to start eating better, getting more exercise, spend more time reading my Bible and getting into it, develop a better prayer life, become a better friend, work more on my writing (take it a little more serious than I have been), and develop my photography using my new Pentax digital SLR camera. Are these resolutions? Maybe. But I prefer not to look at them that way - or I won't stick to it, hehehe.

School starts back up on Monday (the 5th), which reminds me...I need to check an email one of the profs sent all of us in the Ed. program. Two of the classes that start Monday are postponed until Wednesday and if I don't need to go, then I won't. I think, offhand, one of the classes affects me, but the other might not.

I'm not sure if I'm excited or not to start back for the second semester. I've worked from the day after school finished back on December 8th, right up until this past Monday, December 29th. So, I've only had four days vacation really. Part of me would like to have more time off to relax and not have to do anything; the other part hasn't made up its mind yet. But, regardless of whether or not I want to go back, I have to. January 5th marks the beginning of the second semester, and it's creeping up quickly!

Tomorrow I'm meeting up with Lorie and Sarah, the two girls I went to Korea with. We're going for coffee in the morning, and have some catch up time. Lorie is the only one of us who decided to stay in Korea another year. She was able to get a couple of weeks off to come home for Christmas, so that was nice. I think she has to go back very soon though.

Also, tomorrow sometime (depending on the weather and if it's too cold or not), I'm supposed to get together with a friend from university and go on a photoshoot. She's a good photographer and after I got my new camera, she said she'd take me out and show/tell me some hints and tips to take better pictures. Hopefully it won't be too cold and the weather won't be too bad; I'd like to go on the photoshoot.

Well, I'll end for now and hope you have a Christ-filled day/night! Blessings in Him!