Fall Break!!!

I'm currently in Tucson, enjoying my first full day of Fall Break. I am ready for this break! It's been a long few weeks. It's nice to be able to relax for a few days.

I guess it's time for another update.

Work
Pick a job - any job!!! I'm in the process of working at 4 different jobs/job titles so my needs are met. 3 are with PDSD: my main teaching, ASL teaching (on Thurs. nights), and after school tutoring (Tues. - Thurs.). My 4th job is with Sylvan (Mon. nights and Sat. mornings). With the current economy, my hours at Sylvan have been cut back. This time last year, I would work around 15 hours a week. Since June, I've been averaging 4-5 hours a week. So, I applied for the two other jobs to help make up the difference. I'm hopeful that things will work out for the best. :)

Church
We're currently working on our Primary program. We'll be performing it at the end of this month. I really enjoy working in Primary. The kids are so fun to watch and have the greatest answers to everything. Two weeks ago, we had a little girl say the closing prayer. She asked that we would "be able to change from our church clothes into our pajamas and relax the rest of the day." I've never heard someone pray for us to specifically relax. Ah, the mouth of babes.

Other
I'm not sure what to call this part. Personally, I'm just glad to be on break. I'm planning on staying here in Tucson with Mom and Dad for a few days, then spend the rest of the week cleaning my condo. My roommate moved out and left things less than clean. So, I have a bit of work to do.

Hope things are well with everyone. More to come later.........

Back in School again

Well, 6 weeks in school and I'm still alive. My science classes are doing well. I'm only teaching 7th and 8th grade this year. We're in a brand new building with fun new techno toys to play with - mainly a smart board. For those of you who don't know what that is, think of a white board that's connected to your computer and you can treat it like your computer screen. It makes life a lot easier when you're trying to explain what an animal cell looks like or even what a bug looks like. :)

I'm also on the school's sex ed commitee this year. I'm actually one of the co-chairs (yeah for me!). I'm looking at this as a learning opportunity in many ways. It's one of the first leadership positions I've had so far at the school. It's also a subject that (sadly) isn't being taught in the homes with parents who are able to communicate with these kids. And (unfortunately) we as teachers become the next in line. I remember being scared to teach this 5 years ago when I first came to PDSD. Now, I've resigned myself to see there's little options left if students are to be healthy.

On to happier news, I'm going to be the aunt of twins. I never thought that being an aunt would be so fun. I love playing with and hearing all the stories and antics of my niece and nephews. Jayden has the cutest smile. Jaxxen has the funniest laugh. Logan is smart as a whip (when he knows who his Mom is talking to - that's one smart kid!). Cooper just tells it like it is and keeps things in perspective. Adrienne is growing up into a beautiful young lady. I can't wait to see what's the next chapter of the Aunt Christina adventures.

I guess that's it for now. More in a few weeks. 2 1/2 weeks until Fall break (at least I'm not counting the days). :)

Summer Halfway Over

After the 4th of July, I came to the sad conclusion that summer is more than halfway over for me. I report back to PDSD on the 29th of this month, but I'll probably go back the Thursday before to look over my room and get a few things set up. But enough about that. :)

So here's some updates:

Work
Sylvan is going well. I'm working about 1/2 of the hours that I worked last summer. It's averages to be about 6-9 hours a week. I guess tutoring is a luxury that gets bumped when gas keeps going up. It is nice to work for a few hours then relax the rest of the day. I also love the summers because I don't work on Saturdays!!! During the school year, Saturday would be the day I would get the most hours from Sylvan, so I would feel like I have a very short weekend. It's nice to have a full weekend now.

Cooking Class
I LOVE IT!!!! I can't say much more about it. I wish I had taken more advantage when I was living at home and learned from my mother (who's a terrific cook). I've made a vegetable soup that was easier than making mac and cheese. I've made a Shepard's pie that was tasty with Mexican spices and chilies. And I've learned to freeze and reheat the left overs so I have like my own frozen microwave dinners already in my freezer.
Another bonus - I've lost 20 pounds since the end of May!!! I guess I never learned until now how much damage I was doing by being lazy and going through the drive thru on the way home from work. Now, I just by pass Panda Express (my normal spot) because I know I have food ready in the freezer. I Love it!!!!!!

Arizona Heat
Well, it's been a pretty hot summer. But the monsoon storms have started so it has cooled us down. I think that today is the first day that the height temp is supposed to be under 100 degrees!! Yeah! Anything is bearable with AC and lots of water!!!

I guess that's it. More later......