Sister Is Always Right

My brother and I got into a heated argument today about going to the movies. I told him he was not allowed to see the new Harry Potter or Twilight movies without me. Here is a summary of our conversation:

Him: I saw the last two Twilight movies without you.
Me: No you didn't. You saw the 2nd one with me.
Him: No I didn't. I saw it in San Francisco.
Me: No you didn't. You saw it with me at the smaller Alderwood theater.
Him: No, I didn't. I distinctly remember watching it in San Francisco by myself.
Me: You aren't right.
Him: Yes I am. I can remember the exact theater I sat in and returning home to tell my roommates about the ending. I thought it was excellent. "Bella, will you marry me?"
Me: It's impossible. You need to go home and check the release date. You weren't even in San Francisco when the movie was released.
Him: I don't know why you think you know these things. I think I know what theater I sat in and who I talked to.
Me: Because it is impossible. Before living here, you lived __________. Go home and check. Besides that, you never know if what you are saying actually happened or if you dreamed it.

At this point, silence filled the car. He was stewing and I was sure of myself. When we got home, he checked the release date...what do you know? November of 2009. And where was genius, confident brother at this time? Out here with me. Who did he see the movie with? Me. Who was right? Me. To mark the occasion, I recorded it on my phone. You see, when it comes to movies my brother is never wrong. Except today. And by the way, he just called me a gloater.

School Memories and Summer Vacation

Today is my last day of the regular school year. My vacation begins tomorrow morning. I just returned from graduation. It's odd. I had no bittersweet feelings as I watched. I didn't feel much at all...just thankful that, as of tomorrow, I will have a taste of freedom. I handed out roses, hugged students, had my picture taken, met family members and am now back at work - preparing to clean out my office. In a few hours I will check-in for my flight home. I will be traveling light - only my laptop and a duffel bag with wheels. My dad will pick me up at the airport. I've given him instructions to bring my sports card with him so we can stop at the store on our way home and I can buy my yearly fishing license. As soon as we pull into my parents' driveway I plan on dumping my stuff in the breezeway and hopping on the pontoon. Oh, how I hope it's not raining. I'm tired of rain.

Watching the senior slide show tonight took me down memory lane a little bit. There were several baby and childhood photos of the students mixed in with images from their years here at SCS. Several of the kids mentioned how quickly their school years flew by. I can agree with that. I can remember my first day of school (30+ years ago) as a five year old who still sucked her thumb. I also remember my brother's first day of school, ten years later. I was so apprehensive about him entering kindergarten. I didn't want anything or anyone to hurt him. The thought of someone being mean to my "little boy" made my stomach hurt. As he got on the bus that first morning, my grandma smiled and took pictures and I stood at her side and cried.

Anyway...a couple of pictures in honor of school days...

First Day of School - Big Sister

Ten years later - waiting for the bus

First Day of School - Little Brother

Link to Honored, Glorified, Exalted by Randy Vader
http://www.praisegathering.com/sounds/a08116.mp3

Variations on a Theme

Him: "So, you've accepted this new job. Will you commit to 3 - 5 years?"
Me: "No."
Him: "I was only half-serious. I didn't really mean it."

Him: "So it is important that you stay for more than a year. Can you commit to doing that?"
Me: "No."
Him: "Okay, it was worth asking."

Him: "Quick question. Can you assure me that you will be around longer than a year? I am looking at this from a leadership role. I am trying to plan for the future."
Me: "No."
Him: "Okay, woman. Talk to you later."

...to be continued

Why I Love Tutoring

We are focused, serious and teach important information that will help our students not only be persons of success but also persons of value. We are very effective time managers. Not a second of instructional time is ever wasted.

Today

I don't know what happened to the "e" in peace. Hmmmm.

School Days

The opportunity to step into the role of "Teacher" has presented itself again. Am I ready for this? I thought I was finished being in the classroom. I have conflicting feelings. I do not enjoy teaching but I enjoy the students. I do not enjoy getting up before it is light out but I enjoy getting home before it is dark out. I do not enjoy staff meetings and busywork but I enjoy summertime and play. I do not enjoy prepping for a plethora of classes and grading papers but I enjoy being home to make my own meals and create dinner menus. I am looking forward to other opportunities that may arise because of my new schedule. I guess we'll see!

Elder Care?

Refugee Care?

Foster Care?

Adoption?

Let Me prepare you for the life that stretches out before you. I know exactly what it will contain, whereas you have only vague ideas about it. You would like to see a map, showing all the twists and turns of your journey. You'd feel more prepared if you could somehow visualize what is on the road ahead. However, there is a better way to be prepared for whatever you will encounter: Spend quality time with Me.

I will not show you what is on the road ahead, but I will thoroughly equip you for the journey. My living Presence is your Companion each step of the way. Stay in continual communication with Me, whispering My Name whenever you need to redirect your thoughts. This way, you can walk through the day with your focus on Me. My abiding Presence is the best road map available.

~Jesus Calling by Sarah Young
Exodus 33:14; John 15:4-7