More here on what's happening with Korry and I...
http://familiadeashton.blogspot.com/
Monday, April 6, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
OK
Two snow days, and a lot of pressure from a sweet Donut of a friend, brings me back to my blog. Still, I sit here thinking that I am sure that only 1 person will see this. Here's to you, Donut.
I can't even remember the last time I wrote. I'd have to visit my blog to remind myself and after my difficulties logging in after such a long blogging hibernation, I'd rather not.
I imagine, however, that I didn't write at all during my full-time student teaching last semester. Wow. That seems like years ago now! It was amazing. I had the honor of working with one of the best teachers in Monroe County, no doubt. I learned from her things that I would rather die than forget to implement in my future classroom. Yes, I said "future" because right now, my classroom is wherever someone was too sick, tired, or busy to come into their own. That's right...I'm a Substitute Teacher. To be honest, though, before you roll your eyes, I've loved being back in the classroom...even if it's not in any way my own. My school (I call them my own without their permission) has called me nearly every day since winter break ended to sub in the building. I'll never forget when I saw a few of my 6th grade boys from last semester and my heart stuttered. I love those kids.
In the midst of subbing, I find myself with nothing to prepare or study each night before teaching the next day. Therefore...there is time that was never there before. Given that I am more successful with too much to do rather than not enough, it was a good thing I found Edward.
Edward actually found me, really. Edward Cullens. Before I start to spew more than you are interested to know about my late obsession with Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Saga, if you don't know what I'm talking about, google it. If you do, than there is no explanation necessary. I love him and that's all there is to it.
After finishing all 4 books in the series within 3 weeks, I am trying to move on in desperation. Harry and Hagrid are vying for Edward's spot, but not doing very well. We'll see.
In all the other hours that surround a school day, I am teaching 6 Jazzercise classes a week and still loving it. My hair is still short and I'm contemplating what it would feel like to be able to have a pony-tail again. With each stroke of the keyboard I hear the scraping of our snow shovel outside. My dear Korry has been shoveling the whole time I've been writing. And there was the door...
Until the next snow day.
I can't even remember the last time I wrote. I'd have to visit my blog to remind myself and after my difficulties logging in after such a long blogging hibernation, I'd rather not.
I imagine, however, that I didn't write at all during my full-time student teaching last semester. Wow. That seems like years ago now! It was amazing. I had the honor of working with one of the best teachers in Monroe County, no doubt. I learned from her things that I would rather die than forget to implement in my future classroom. Yes, I said "future" because right now, my classroom is wherever someone was too sick, tired, or busy to come into their own. That's right...I'm a Substitute Teacher. To be honest, though, before you roll your eyes, I've loved being back in the classroom...even if it's not in any way my own. My school (I call them my own without their permission) has called me nearly every day since winter break ended to sub in the building. I'll never forget when I saw a few of my 6th grade boys from last semester and my heart stuttered. I love those kids.
In the midst of subbing, I find myself with nothing to prepare or study each night before teaching the next day. Therefore...there is time that was never there before. Given that I am more successful with too much to do rather than not enough, it was a good thing I found Edward.
Edward actually found me, really. Edward Cullens. Before I start to spew more than you are interested to know about my late obsession with Stephanie Meyer's Twilight Saga, if you don't know what I'm talking about, google it. If you do, than there is no explanation necessary. I love him and that's all there is to it.
After finishing all 4 books in the series within 3 weeks, I am trying to move on in desperation. Harry and Hagrid are vying for Edward's spot, but not doing very well. We'll see.
In all the other hours that surround a school day, I am teaching 6 Jazzercise classes a week and still loving it. My hair is still short and I'm contemplating what it would feel like to be able to have a pony-tail again. With each stroke of the keyboard I hear the scraping of our snow shovel outside. My dear Korry has been shoveling the whole time I've been writing. And there was the door...
Until the next snow day.
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
anybody out there?
Hellllooooooo? Anybody out there??????
It has been a very long time since I last wrote. I sit here wondering if anyone has missed my writing or if my blog (along with most electronic newsreel nowadays) has disappeared into the technological galaxy. Do I dare to ask you, reader, to comment so I know you actually care that I write again?
It is obvious, to me at least, that much has happened since my last post. It would be quite dreadful if nothing had, wouldn't it? The question is, however, what is noteworthy and qualified of your precious internet time?
Maybe you'd like to know that I teach five Jazzercise classes a week now and feel like I'm in the best shape I've ever been.
Maybe you'd like to know that we (meaning, my husband) installed new wood flooring in our house which almost makes me want to postpone our move so we can enjoy it for longer.
Maybe you'd like to know that I still have short hair and actually want to cut it shorter if I could pull it off without looking like Shirley Temple or Annie.
Maybe you'd like to know that while my husband was installing new flooring in our house, I was vacationing in LA at my parents' house...soaking up the sun, throwing an engagement party for my sister, and jazzercising so I wouldn't die when I came back to teaching five classes a week.
Maybe you'd like to know that my sister is engaged (oh, but now you already knew that since I mentioned it in the line above).
Maybe you'd like to know that this next semester is my final semester in grad school. I'll be student teaching full-time and am totally freaked out at the fact that I will be teaching 6th grade MATH!
Maybe you'd like to know that our dogs are doing just fine minus the fact that they seem to shed enough fur everyday to make a third dog they can play with.
Maybe you'd like to know that the neighbor across the street just moved into a nursing home and I feel terrible that I've never actually had a conversation with him.
Maybe you'd like to know that the air conditioning in my Jeep is not working and it is very very hot in there and that the windows fog up like crazy when it's raining but I can't open the windows because it's raining and the fan no matter how high it is doesn't do anything and I sometimes have to pull over until it defogs by itself which can take quite a while.
Maybe you'd like to know that my husband just came in and advised me not to post something on my blog while in my "current state" which technically could be diagnosed as monthly moodiness. (Or maybe you didn't want to know that.)
Maybe you'd like to know that my sister who lives in San Francisco might be moving back to southern Cali and we are all very very excited at the possibility of our whole family being in the same vicinity. Just to be able to spontaneously have lunch together would be such a huge event for us.
Or maybe you didn't really want to know any of this, but in the event that there are any readers out there...here's to you!
It has been a very long time since I last wrote. I sit here wondering if anyone has missed my writing or if my blog (along with most electronic newsreel nowadays) has disappeared into the technological galaxy. Do I dare to ask you, reader, to comment so I know you actually care that I write again?
It is obvious, to me at least, that much has happened since my last post. It would be quite dreadful if nothing had, wouldn't it? The question is, however, what is noteworthy and qualified of your precious internet time?
Maybe you'd like to know that I teach five Jazzercise classes a week now and feel like I'm in the best shape I've ever been.
Maybe you'd like to know that we (meaning, my husband) installed new wood flooring in our house which almost makes me want to postpone our move so we can enjoy it for longer.
Maybe you'd like to know that I still have short hair and actually want to cut it shorter if I could pull it off without looking like Shirley Temple or Annie.
Maybe you'd like to know that while my husband was installing new flooring in our house, I was vacationing in LA at my parents' house...soaking up the sun, throwing an engagement party for my sister, and jazzercising so I wouldn't die when I came back to teaching five classes a week.
Maybe you'd like to know that my sister is engaged (oh, but now you already knew that since I mentioned it in the line above).
Maybe you'd like to know that this next semester is my final semester in grad school. I'll be student teaching full-time and am totally freaked out at the fact that I will be teaching 6th grade MATH!
Maybe you'd like to know that our dogs are doing just fine minus the fact that they seem to shed enough fur everyday to make a third dog they can play with.
Maybe you'd like to know that the neighbor across the street just moved into a nursing home and I feel terrible that I've never actually had a conversation with him.
Maybe you'd like to know that the air conditioning in my Jeep is not working and it is very very hot in there and that the windows fog up like crazy when it's raining but I can't open the windows because it's raining and the fan no matter how high it is doesn't do anything and I sometimes have to pull over until it defogs by itself which can take quite a while.
Maybe you'd like to know that my husband just came in and advised me not to post something on my blog while in my "current state" which technically could be diagnosed as monthly moodiness. (Or maybe you didn't want to know that.)
Maybe you'd like to know that my sister who lives in San Francisco might be moving back to southern Cali and we are all very very excited at the possibility of our whole family being in the same vicinity. Just to be able to spontaneously have lunch together would be such a huge event for us.
Or maybe you didn't really want to know any of this, but in the event that there are any readers out there...here's to you!
Monday, April 21, 2008
an aerobics instructor? me?
Yup. And it gets better...
This past weekend, I was certified as a Jazzercise instructor. I know what you are thinking...old women in thong leotards, leg warmers and head bands, dancing to techno music? Wrong!
For the past three years, I have been "doing Jazzercise" at the Bloomington Sportsplex. When I first started, my instructor told me that I would make a great instructor and suggested that I think about it. I laughed and graciously said, NO. I loved working out to current music, dancing like a fool, and sweating the fat away, but while I can sing in front of thousands, getting on stage to dance and/or workout was not in my cards (as I read them). Well, three years and 40 pounds later, I am an instructor.
You're probably still thinking that Jazzercise is some lame, out-dated workout regime that doesn't really work. Remember what I said above? 40 pounds?! It has been my primary exercise for the last three years and it works! Not only does it work, it is hilariously fun! Women AND men of all ages dance around like fools burning 500 calories per class. Really! Ok, enough advertising. I'll tell you about my certification process...
Becoming an instructor was not a simple process. Four months ago, I had to pass a pre-screening movement audition. They had to make sure I could do all the moves correctly. Then, the cramming began. I had to learn and memorize 10 routines before April 18th when I would go to the official audition to become an instructor. Out of the 10 routines, the judges would choose 2 that I would have to "teach" (perform) in front of them and the other people auditioning (with no advance warning I might add). Oh wait...I almost forgot.
Before I could even perform my 2 chosen routines, I had to pass a PHYSIOLOGY EXAM. Yes, that's right. Naming the muscles, bones, how the body works, CPR, first aid, physical health, and more. The exam had 107 questions on it and I stressed about every one of them. I only missed 5! Go me!
So, there I was, after I passed the physiology exam, standing on the stage waiting to hear what 2 songs they wanted me to do. And, what do you know...they chose one of the ones I hoped they wouldn't. Nonetheless, I made it. Somehow, I am an aerobics instructor, but not just ANY aerobics instructor, this is Jazzercise...where physiologists design each routine and workout! (Can you tell I really believe in this program?) And because of the depth, rigor, and thoroughness of the certification and training process I went through to become one, I think even more highly of Jazzercise.
Most fitness programs do not train or require half this much of their instructors...I am proud to be a part of one that does.
This past weekend, I was certified as a Jazzercise instructor. I know what you are thinking...old women in thong leotards, leg warmers and head bands, dancing to techno music? Wrong!
For the past three years, I have been "doing Jazzercise" at the Bloomington Sportsplex. When I first started, my instructor told me that I would make a great instructor and suggested that I think about it. I laughed and graciously said, NO. I loved working out to current music, dancing like a fool, and sweating the fat away, but while I can sing in front of thousands, getting on stage to dance and/or workout was not in my cards (as I read them). Well, three years and 40 pounds later, I am an instructor.
You're probably still thinking that Jazzercise is some lame, out-dated workout regime that doesn't really work. Remember what I said above? 40 pounds?! It has been my primary exercise for the last three years and it works! Not only does it work, it is hilariously fun! Women AND men of all ages dance around like fools burning 500 calories per class. Really! Ok, enough advertising. I'll tell you about my certification process...
Becoming an instructor was not a simple process. Four months ago, I had to pass a pre-screening movement audition. They had to make sure I could do all the moves correctly. Then, the cramming began. I had to learn and memorize 10 routines before April 18th when I would go to the official audition to become an instructor. Out of the 10 routines, the judges would choose 2 that I would have to "teach" (perform) in front of them and the other people auditioning (with no advance warning I might add). Oh wait...I almost forgot.
Before I could even perform my 2 chosen routines, I had to pass a PHYSIOLOGY EXAM. Yes, that's right. Naming the muscles, bones, how the body works, CPR, first aid, physical health, and more. The exam had 107 questions on it and I stressed about every one of them. I only missed 5! Go me!
So, there I was, after I passed the physiology exam, standing on the stage waiting to hear what 2 songs they wanted me to do. And, what do you know...they chose one of the ones I hoped they wouldn't. Nonetheless, I made it. Somehow, I am an aerobics instructor, but not just ANY aerobics instructor, this is Jazzercise...where physiologists design each routine and workout! (Can you tell I really believe in this program?) And because of the depth, rigor, and thoroughness of the certification and training process I went through to become one, I think even more highly of Jazzercise.
Most fitness programs do not train or require half this much of their instructors...I am proud to be a part of one that does.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
an update (pics coming soon!)
So, it has been a VERY long time since I've blogged and I'm flattering myself assuming that there are readers out there that have been hanging on the edge of their seats waiting for my next post (yeah right!). A lot has happened since my last post and, for efficiency's sake, I'll summarize...
Over our spring break, Korry and I took a week-long trip to California. We spent three of the seven days in San Francisco visiting one of my older sisters who recently moved there. Here are the highlights:
Over our spring break, Korry and I took a week-long trip to California. We spent three of the seven days in San Francisco visiting one of my older sisters who recently moved there. Here are the highlights:
- Korry's first time in San Fran!
- We WALKED across the Golden Gate Bridge (1.7 miles of shaking bridge suspended WAY above water...my mom and I thought we were going to die.)
- My sister had a lovely trip down Memory Lane as we wandered through her old stomping ground, Berkeley.
- Toured THE GOOGLE PLEX. Whoa. Let me just say, there is an alternate universe out there, people. It's called: Google. Unlimited free food for employees, bikes to ride from building to building, recreational facilities in each building. Yeah. Oh, and did you know that every time you search for something on Google.com that they get $0.10? Do the math...
- Visited my sister's classroom (she's a teacher). Loved it!
The other 4 days were spent in Palos Verdes and Los Angeles area, where I grew up...with the fam. Highlights include:
- Working out in the living room with my mom and sister.
- Eating LOTS of great food!
- Visited potential churches for when we move there (in less than a year!)
- Hunted for houses that we could afford...saw a lot of what we can't afford.
- Babysat the two greatest nephews in the world. I even got to read bedtime poems!
- Experienced racism first-hand and didn't handle it well...this will have to be a whole other post.
Since spring break came and went, I've kept extremely busy with school. I love love love the classroom I am working in right now. I couldn't agree with the teaching philosophy and approach towards children more. That made it so much easier to fulfill my requirements for this semester. I planned and taught a unit of study on money and it went really well! Now, I am wrapping up my experience there but plan on volunteering in the classroom through the rest of the school year.
As the semester comes to a close (can you believe it?), Korry and I have a lot planned for the summer already.
- I am taking an intensive summer course...my last official course before graduation!
- Mexico Family Camp - our short-term mission trip building homes in Mexico. Can't wait!
- A little post-Mexico vacation in Cali.
August will come sooner than we expect, I'm sure. And it already holds a few things for us...full-time student teaching for me, a Cali job-search for Korry, and getting the house on the market just to name a few. Whoa.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
i am still alive
For those of you who check for my existence via this blog,
Yes, I am still alive. Not ready to write yet, but alive. Traveling and school has consumed me. I will be back soon. I have MUCH to tell you.
Stay tuned...
Yes, I am still alive. Not ready to write yet, but alive. Traveling and school has consumed me. I will be back soon. I have MUCH to tell you.
Stay tuned...
Friday, February 29, 2008
funny things
*I was in my 1st/2nd grade classroom that was swarming with 46 children getting ready for the start of another school day when I spotted a boy and girl in a heated discussion by the cubbies (don't you love cubbies?). Anyway, I sneaked behind them to listen in and caught the dialogue, "Um, I think you should just clean it now"..."No, I'll do it later"..."If you clean it now, it'll be easier to keep it clean"..."Ugh!" I couldn't help but to bust up in a cackle...does the man vs. woman bickering really start that early? I guess so.
*The sun came out today for about 3 and a half minutes. Wow. So, I let the dogs out to let them get some vitamin D (do they need vitamin D like humans? anyway...) and within seconds they both plopped on the deck soaking in the rays. They were actually sunbathing! I felt like I should lay towels down and ask them if they'd like any iced tea! Hilarious.
*Another kid story...this first grader was trailing four shoelaces about 3 inches behind each step as I asked him to tie his shoes. He looked at me and, with total seriousness, said "No. I'm a gangster. Gangsters don't tie their shoelaces." Ha!
*I currently have over 50 children's picture books loaned out from the IU and Monroe County Libraries. I can't stop! Help me!
*First thing each morning since I cut 12 inches of my hair off, I secretly walk by the mirror to see if it is still short. It's like I feel like it might have been a dream or something and I'll wake up with all my hair back on.
*I've watched the NFL Scouting Combine on the NFL Network twice now. I think my footballism is getting out of hand. I even watch it as a re-run! What?!
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