New Moon

I saw New Moon last night with my sister and friend. It was really good. I especially like the romantic connection between Jacob and Bella.

Edward who?

Sweet Note from a Student

The third graders I'm subbing for are at recess right now. Right before recess, the students were given 15 minutes to work on writing. They were allowed to write about anything they wanted in their notebooks.

Right before recess, I received this little gem from Lizzy:

Dear Miss Smith,

Thank you for being so nice I think you are the Best teacher I ever had you make things fun and you get me in too doing work I hope you good luck and a happy life.
Your student,
Lizzy

Isn't that just the sweetest thing ever?



(I didn't edit her note, as I hope you can tell, because I wanted to maintain the authenticity.)

Grad School Update

It's been a long while since I've posted about my grad school program. Probably because school is school and I don't find it incredibly exciting. But, I'm grateful to be in this teacher ed program and thought I should post about how it's progressing.

Right now, I'm taking one class this semester: Reading Methods 1 (how to teach reading to K-2 grades). The class is good; the workload isn't bad at all and the teacher knows her stuff. The semester ends in a few weeks.

I have three classes remaining before I do my student teaching. They are: Reading Methods 2, Methods of Language Arts, and Methods of Social Studies. I plan to take these three during spring and summer semesters of next year. Then, hopefully, I should be on track to do student teaching next fall semester.

I took the last test of three tests to complete my Praxis 1 exam this morning. I took the reading test. It was easy, thank goodness!

My next testing to look into is the Praxis 2, which I think includes assessing me on the actual methods of teaching. Also, my initial plan was to teach middle school English, which would also require me to take the Praxis English exam. I'm still thinking about that, but also considering the upper elementary grades, like fifth and sixth grades. So, I guess I'm undecided right now as to which grade level I'll teach.

Sorry, kind of a boring post, but I wanted to have it recorded.

Enjoy the remainder of your weekend!!

Irish Substitute in Spanish Class?

I subbed Spanish at my old high school today. And, actually, I'm still here; it's the last period of the day. Four out of the five classes have been great; quiet and doing their work. The other class? LOUD, talkative, and funny. Some of these kids have hilarious senses of humor.

Anyway, during this obnoxious class, I go and help this one girl with her assignment. This guy nearby asks me if I'm from Ireland.

My first thought: he must think I look Irish.

I just look at him blankly and he further explains: "You sound like you have an Irish accent."

I just laughed and told him that no, I was not from Ireland.





Well, there's a first for everything, right?

Fascinating Love Facts

Did you know that...

...men who kiss their wives in the morning live five years longer than those who don't?

and

...Philadelphia International Airport finished as the No. 1 best airport for making a love connection, according to an online survey?



Get the entire list of 25 here!

I Could Have a Boyfriend Right Now

I went visiting teaching today and the girl we visited has this brother. This brother now has a girlfriend, but his sister told me that before he started dating this girl (who, by the way, lives 8+ hours away driving distance), that he wanted to ask me out.





That sounds about right.

CES Fireside: President Uchtdorf

President Uchtdorf spoke at last Sunday's CES fireside. During his talk he addressed three common questions/issues young adults face: depression, dating, and faith. He began and ended his talk based on the Ugly Duckling story. We may feel like the ugly duckling. We may feel like we don't fit in. But, like the ugly duckling who really turned out to be a beautiful swan, we too have beautiful potential.

Here are some notes that I took:

• The plan of salvation tells us that we're divine. It changes my present, it can change my future, and it can change the world.
• By having a knowledge of who I really am, I can conquer the troubles in my life.
• Shakespeare was wrong. It's not "To be or not to be" (of course we are to be) but "What do I need to do or where do I need to go to fulfill my potential?
• Heavenly Father doesn't want me to be sad. As long as i follow the commandments I will be led to fulfillment and joy.
• "A time to weep. A time to laugh. A time to mourn. A time to dance."
• There is no right person for me.
• I can't find/expect perfection, but I shouldn't lower my standards at the same time.
• I need to find someone who can accept my imperfections, and I for them.
• There may not necessarily be a "spark" with someone, but we can make the sparks happen; both parties can bring their own magic.
• Once married, you have to make your spouse your soul mate.
• My prayers are heard. The righteous desires of my heart will be fulfilled.
• My job? To love the Lord and others.
• Avoid spiritual harm. Temptation often appears fun and intriguing.
• Inquiry leads to truth. Inquiry is the birthplace of testimony.
• God's ways and thoughts are higher than mine.