New Perspective

So, I've been reflecting and thinking and reflecting some more...yes, I know those mean the same thing (basically). All last year I was trying my darndest to find a teaching job that was perfect for me. I tried looking overseas again. I tried looking in California. I tried going for jobs that weren't in the education field. Nothing seemed to work. I had offers to teach in some places...but those positions weren't right for me.

I ended up getting a long-term subbing job for a friend. It's turning into a fairly LONG term thing - not sure when it'll end at this point. I realized that all my prayers for me to have a full-time job and to be where God wants me to be have actually been answered. I am supposed to be HERE. I am teaching FULL-TIME. It may not be in the manner I wanted, but it's the manner in which God wants for me.

I am blessed and I am happy about it. I Love that I realized this. It makes me grateful beyond belief. And it makes me understand things in a new way. As Luci Swindoll said (paraphrased by me) at the recent Women of Faith conference I went to, "Don't wish for Fall when it Summer, or Winter when it's Fall, or Spring when it's Winter, or Summer when it's Spring...enjoy the moment you're in." I'm learning to enjoy the moment I'm in and not wish for something different.

Right place...?

Have you ever wondered if you are in the right place? I am ALWAYS wondering that!!! I reflect on things and where I am frequently. There are times when I think that there is no possible way that I'm in the right place. And then there are times that I know that I am. And yet...there are a few other moments where I'm going on faith that I'm in the right place and that there is a reason for me to be there.

I wish that things were clearer. I wish that I just knew the reasons behind it all. But...then I think a bit further and realize that the reason will come. It will just come on its own time and in its own way. I suppose that patience is somethng that needs to play a role in here somewhere.

So...when you're feeling down, or happy, or confused...know that there is a reason and that you are feeling what you are supposed to be feeling at that time. You are in the right place. However...if you ever get the feeling, and a strong feeling, that you are supposed to be, oh...I don't know, somewhere else - like a police station reporting a crime - I'd follow that instinct! It's probably correct!

Live in the moment, I guess is what I'm trying to say. Enjoy the beauty that surrounds you and appreciate what you have!

Movies and Laughter

Movies can be amazing releases! I saw "Date Night" yesterday with a friend (yes, I know it's been out for awhile...went to the cheap seats). I do not think I've laughed SOOOO much in a movie in a long time! Tina Fey and Steve Carell are amazing together!

I actually clapped 3 or times at something funny and I think I even snorted! Yep...I'm admitting to a snort! It has to be funny if I snort! :)

I am definitely thinking that I should buy this movie when it comes out! It's just too darn funny!

Also...if you need a few good books to read I have read some amazing books lately. I had posted on Facebook that I needed some recommendations for books that were hard to put down. My high school English teacher gave me a few wonderful suggestions! The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society read about it in the previous post, and The Art of Racing in the Rain.

I highly recommend them both. The second book is from the perspective of a dog. It's just a phenomenal read. I was bawling at the end of the book out of sadness and happiness! I'm ready for another good book!

An amazing book

I finished The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society yesterday. It's such an amazing book. It's all letters written back and forth to an author, Juliet, after WWII from the island of Guernsey to London. It tells of the Occupation during that time as well as of the love of reading.

I love how the letters let you into the lives of these people. I always know when it's a good book because I didn't want it to end. I want to know what happens next! I had a few surprised moments, but I'm very happy with the way in which the book ended.

It's a love story, a story of friendship, a story of grief, and a happy tale all rolled into one.

If you have never read it...do so!

The Blind Side

Who has watched "The Blind Side?" At church today our pastor started a new series entitled "The Blind Side." He started it off with the scene where the Tuoghy family is leaving the Thanksgiving play and driving home and come across Michael Oher walking down he street in the rain with only a t-shirt and shorts on. Mrs. Tuoghy invites him home with them after he admits to not having a place to stay. It totally got to me, that scene.

I remember watching the movie thinking I would be crying through it. But as the movie unfolds, it's so uplifting that I didn't really cry through it. But that scene taken out of the rest of the movie is such a moving show of compassion from Mrs. Tuoghy.

We had some wonderful people who help out with the Children's Ministry be spotlighted today from the community. They have an organization called Stepping Stones and it's an amazing thing. I was so moved by their talk about it that I want to go and help. They take youth that need help with school work and help them with that as well as witness to them about God. They have helped many youth bring up their grades and show them that there are better alternatives out there than joining a gang or any other not so good choice.

I am hoping to call them up this week and see what they would like from me. Another body in the center to help out, tutoring kids, whatever...I'm willing to do it.

I am so excited about this and I'm motivated to look for ways to do good. I encourage you all to do the same!

Chocolate High

I think I was on a chocolate high last night. I couldn't fall asleep! I had gone to a ladies chocolate and chick flick gathering. It was fun. Lot's of yummy chocolate goodies to eat. I didn't even eat that much, but...it must have been enough to keep me going until the wee hours of the morning. 2am-ish to be exact-ish. I then, of course, woke up at 7:30. Because why would I sleep in? Why would I sleep until at least 9? I wouldn't!

The night was fun. It was through my church. We met at the pastor's house - his wife's house - and chatted with one another. I met some lovely ladies I'd never met before. And then we watched "When in Rome." Cute movie. I ended up getting sucked into a conversation, which was fun, with two of the ladies after everyone else had left. Someone noticed the time was 10:20 and we were all surprised. My eyes were starting to water. My thought was that it was because I was tired (which I was) although you wouldn't know it since I could fall asleep! UGH!

It took me a 1/2 hour to get home and then I was up watching a cool show on BBC America - Dr. Who - anyone seen it? It's kinda fun!

Anyway...maybe my mind mixed with the chocolate just was on overload. Hopefully I'll be able to sleep better tonight.

Visitors

Yeah!!! So, I'm super excited. I have a friend that I worked with in Germany coming to visit for a few weeks. She's coming from England. She's not been to much of the US so she's excited as well. It ought to be fun. She's a sweet girl, too! I'm looking forward to the reunion of sorts! Also, another friend will be in So. Cal. at the same time. She's back from Japan for the summer holiday. She and I were the first grade team. I'm really excited to hang with her for a bit.

It's a mini-reunion. I so needed this. I miss these folks so much! I wish more could come and visit as well! I'm trying to talk two of my other friends to come visit at around the same. One is in LA and the other is in VT. Not sure that it'll work out for them. But it'd be so sweet if it did!

I haven't been able to stop smiling since I got the news that Laura was going to come. She's being a bit spontaneous - her words - and it's going to be great fun!

I don't have the funds to travel this summer, but having people come here...it'll be alright! It'll be almost as if I were traveling! I'll have the British accent in my house for two weeks! How fun is that! :)

Plus she'll celebrate her birthday while in the states!

I'm just so happy about these visitors that I could burst!!! Yippeee!!! I've actually jumped for joy a few times! How crazy is that??!! I've found myself walking around the house and spontaneously jumping up and down and clapping just because I'm uber excited to see these folks! I then think, "my neighbors must think I'm crazy!" But then I think, "Oh well! I don't care!"

Amazing how things work out!

Sticks and Stones

I've been thinking today about that old adage. It would most definitely hurt to have sticks and stones thrown at you. But it's also way more hurtful to have words said that are unkind. We've all experienced it...and most likely we've all said some hurtful words to someone.

Here's a great article referring to the adadge. It makes me wanna say nice things to everyone I see!

At youth on Friday, we were talking about how God had separated the people to all parts of the Earth after they had begun to build the tower in Babel. This brought about a discussion on how we look at others in different places. What our identity is, in essence. I don't know.

I think it's important to build others up. I think it's mighty important to say: You're wonderful. You are doing an amazing job. I love you. I think you handled that situation well.

Any of those would be fabulous. Please...read the article. The author of it is a friend of mine. She's an amazing person with one of the biggest hearts I've ever seen.

Happy 4th of July!!! I wish you a safe and happy day.

Rough days

Lemonade from lemons?? Man, it is soooo very hard to make! I have had a hard few days. Friends. Family. Too many changes that I'm not ok with personally. Perhaps, though, I don't have to be ok with them. I guess I don't have to be. I just have to learn through them.

What is the reason for things going badly? What is the reason for things going well? I think that I can get through this. I think that I can muster through the tough times and when I get to the other side, I will be stronger for it all!

I don't normally witness on here, but...God is working through my heart. I can feel Him and I can tell that He is with me. I know that all will be ok as long as I have God with me!

Exhaustion

I used to think I would want twins...not so much anymore. I have started to nanny for a family with nine month old twin boys on the weekends! They are full of energy and they don't tend to take their naps at the same time! So...there really is no down time.

I don't know how the mom does it! I think I want to start with one kid and we'll see if the little guy/gal gets a brother or sister...of couse, I would have to find me that special someone who is willing to give me a pretty ring, first, and then say, "I do" next. It's gotta go in the right order!!!

I'm enjoying the little guys a bunch...I'm just tired after only two days with them. I'm sure as the summer goes on it'll become a bit easier and bit less tiring?! Yeah...hopeful thinking, I know!

Writer's Workshop

Here's a little acrostic poem for a good friend of mine who is a teacher...of course most of my friends are teachers since I am one as well...

Teaching is a way of life
Exciting and new opportunities always abound
Always do you have a smile for your kids.
Caring and sharing
Has a way to make your students open up.
Each one holds a special place in your heart,
Reminding you that what you do is all worthwhile!

Query Letter Progress

SOOOO....one query letter I sent out about my story got the "NO" reply. But I wasn't too surprised as I wasn't really sure that Lit. Agent really took Children's books....it didn't say she didn't take 'em so I thought, "what the heck?" The one place that had asked for my story...well, after researching that company a bit further I have come to the conclusion that it's not the place for me. They send out form letters ONLY...nothing personalized to you or your story. AND they want you to find an editor and a have critique done to your story before they'll ask publishers to look at it....kinda wacky if you ask me! I thought that puplishers had their own editors and the agent was the critique of the story. So...needless to say, even though they "want to move forward" on my story, I don't want to move forward on them. FYI the company is called WL Children's Agency....although they do go by a few different names. It's all a little crazy. Plus...they don't have an address or phone # contact. They don't share the author's they've helped to publish....it's all a little odd.

I've been onto quite a few different Lit. Agent's sites and they all (well, I suppose the legit ones) show the author's that they've published. They also have a phone# and address attached to their site.

It was just a tad too shady and after the research...even more shady. So...I'm doing it the hard way (which is probably the only way there is) and sending out the query letters to lit. agents and hoping beyond hope they like what they read. I have a few weeks (like 5 more) to wait and see if I hear back from one place....if I don't by that time, then it's another no go. But...that's ok. It takes a lot of "no's" to make a writer appreciate it more when the "yes" comes, right??!!

Also...still waiting on job offers! I sent out an app to a school in Greece. It's a British School so they will give preference to Brit teachers, but....I may make their shortlist. That would be great because if that happens, then they would fly me to Athens (at their expense) to do a lesson and interview. I think if they gave me a shot they may just like having me on their staff! We'll see though. I could hear this coming week one way or the other from them. Fingers crossed and a few prayers sent up that I've got what it takes to be apart of their staff!

Well, off for a walk this morning...maybe, If I can get myself up and out the door. I am meeting a friend for lunch later and I'd like to feel like I've done something somewhat productive before that. Plus I'd like to get my house a bit cleaned...my parents are coming for a visit this week. They'll be here either tomorrow or Monday. Either way, I need to clean! If I can get it all done today then I don't have to do much tomorrow! Too many things to do!

Ok...I'm. Going. For. That. Walk. Have a fab Saturday everyone!

Query Letters

Yikes! So....sent off a few more query letters to a few literary agents. So can't believe that I've actually done this. Something must be up to make me take that step. I guess it was time!

I hope to hear from them. I guess we'll see though. Their websites claim it could take a few weeks and after so many....then it was probably a no go. The one place I sent off my manuscript to...well...after doing some research I have found that it isn't the most reputable place. They will begin to ask for money. I haven't had that communication from them yet...but I've read that it will come. Plus some of the folks claim to have sent them encrypted manuscripts and had an offer to publish their work...how the heck can that be if they couldn't read it??? So bizarre. So I guess I'm going the long route.

If it's too good to be true then it probably is! *sigh* That's ok. I think I'd rather have someone in my corner who has read my work and thinks it has potential than someone who just wants my money! I want to make money, not spend it!

Manuscript

Oh my goodness!!! I cannot believe that I had the nerve to send off an inquiry for an agency to take a look at my children's story/book I wrote a few years back. They wrote back today saying that they would like to take a look at my manuscript. I promptly sent it off.

I'm so crazed right now. Really??? What if they like it try to actually sell it to a publisher? How great would that be? If it doesn't work, then....there are other places I could try to send it to right? I think that sending it off is good though. At least I had the nerve to do so.

I hope that it does get chosen to try to sell to publishers. What a dream come true that would be! *big sigh* Yikes.

Exciting New Adventures Await

So...it's been a LONG time since I've posted. Just been doing my thing. But...I've got a big adventure coming up. I'm not sure where adventure will take me, but I hope it's fun and good.

There is a Internationl Teacher's Job Fair in San Francisco next weekend. I have no idea what will occur...where I'll get a job...IF I'll get a job.

There are a few places I'm interested in, but I'm definitely trying to keep an open mind:
Instanbul, Turkey


Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia


Chisanau, Moldova


Those are just a few. But, we'll see where the wind actually blows me. I just hope it's a good school and an interesting place. Wish me luck!!!

**Photos from various websites

Happy New Year's!!!

Hi all! Happy New Year's! I hope that 2010 is a great year for you. I am hoping to have a good year myself. I would like it to include a full time job and maybe in some cool country. We'll see where the wind blows me though.

Since I live in a climate that doesn't have snowy weather in the winter I took advantage of my 65 degree day and went on a hike. It was rough at the beginning. I can't believe how out of shape I am. I am going to make a goal of going on the hike each day I don't work. I would like to get into some good shape and perhaps lose a few pounds or 30...

I didn't make it all the way to the top of the hike....got close, but I was pooped and needed to come back down to my car. Thinking that the next time I go I'll be able to make it further (possibly all the way) and then I'll be able to make it every other This is a good time of year to hike, too....the snakes aren't out and about and it's cooler. Hope to keep this up. No excuses for being sore or tired!

Happy New Year and I hope that you are all able to keep your goals this year! Cheers!