Monday, February 27, 2012
The Luckiest
I'm pretty sure I'm the luckiest girl in the world, and here are the most recent reasons why:
- My awesome husband stayed up late last night cleaning the apartment, even though I'm home all day today and could easily have done it.
- He made us eggs this morning before going to work.
- He made sure I spent some of our tax return on myself and spent a lot of time researching sewing machines for me.
- He works hard every day so he can provide for me and our baby who's coming soon.
Peter Metzger, I love you :)
Friday, September 30, 2011
Wednesday, July 13, 2011
Wedding Activity Books
For our wedding reception, I decided to make an activity book to aid people in entertaining themselves. They were originally intended for children, but I knew going into it that many adults would enjoy them as well. And I have the pictures to prove it. I really enjoyed flipping through the couple of books that were left at the reception, so I thought I would share the best pages on here.
Crayons + candles = art
I forgive you
Creative
Peter and I were actually going to do this for one of our wedding pictures, but we weren't able to squeeze it in. However, we have ridden on the same board before!
I don't even know what to say about this one
Mr. and Mrs. Italiano?
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
We're married! And have been for 44 days now. I just haven't gotten around to writing on here since before the last minute wedding preparations began. After a night in a beautiful B&B that Peter picked out for us, we spent several days in the Smoky Mountains in Gatlinburg, TN for our honeymoon. Before the wedding, I had the greatest intentions of doing a good bit of hiking while we were in the mountains. In reality, we watched a lot of movies and spent a great deal of time relaxing in the air conditioning. We did venture out every so often to view the surrounding area, and did some mountain exploration in our car. I am proud to say that we did see a black bear. It showed up right under us when we were on the sky lift in Gatlinburg. At the top, we met a cute couple who were celebrating their fortieth wedding anniversary by visiting their original honeymoon destination. They informed us that the town has changed quite a bit since their first visit. Now, it's extremely touristy. Then, you couldn't find a restaurant open after dinner time.
On our way back, we took the scenic route, stopping in Bowling Green, KY to visit the Corvette Museum. Even though I'm not a big car person, I have to say that it was pretty cool to read about the designers and see how much the car has changed. When Peter reads this, I know he's going to be thrilled by the above sentence.
Then we came home and real life began. I'm now working at the Early Childhood Development Center at Notre Dame and Saint Mary's. I spend the mornings teaching Spanish to 3-6 year olds at both ND and SM. In the afternoons, I'm usually in the 5/6 year old room at ND. However, I sometimes go on field trips with other classes or fill in for other teachers when they go on break. I'm really enjoying teaching Spanish to the little ones. It's a challenge each week coming up with something new and exciting, which I'm fully embracing. Along with the directors at ECDC, I decided to center my Spanish teaching on Eric Carle books. I basically pick a new book each week and choose a set of words to read in Spanish. I then create some kind of game or song that will aid in the comprehension of the vocabulary. It's really exciting when children are obviously absorbing the language, and are able to use parts of it freely in their conversations. One other plus to working at ND is that Peter and I get to carpool every day. Going to work every day with your best friend makes getting up easier in the morning.
A couple of weeks ago, we decided it was time to buy a new car to replace one/or both of ours. Peter did a lot of research and we finally decided on a 1999 Volvo v70. We sold the mini van to Peter's parents, but we're hanging on to my vehicle for the time being. This wagon has a turbo engine in it, which makes it awesome to drive. And that's coming from the girl who doesn't really like driving. Peter is standing over my shoulder and smiling right now.
Besides spending some time at the dunes and hanging out with family, Peter and I also completed a 1000 piece puzzle this past weekend. It was quite a bit of fun.
Monday, May 2, 2011
new things
This has been such a busy and eventful weekend!
I had my interview Friday morning, which went really well. I was interviewed by the principal of Moran Elementary in Osceola, IN. I'm not really sure if he was interviewing people for openings at his school or just doing interviews for the Penn district in general. At any rate, the interview went well and I'm glad that I at least know what to expect from interviews now. He also gave me a teaching application which I will be filling out sometime in the next couple of days.
The Bethel Graduate dinner was Friday night. My Mom & Dad, Breagan & Abby, and Peter and I went together. It was fun to reminisce on the four years I've spent at Bethel with my fellow classmates. It was also just a nice time to hang out with part of my family and relax.
Saturday morning, around 8 a.m., Peter and I began packing up our stuff at Breagan's house. All of our shower gifts were there. I had some of my stuff stored in his basement. And of course Peter had his stuff there because that's where he's been living. And let's not forget the huge dresser and desk we had in his back room. Breagan and Abby were gracious enough to help us move our belongings into our apartment. I can not imagine trying to load and unload everything without their help. As it was, we spent the entire morning and part of the early afternoon hauling stuff to our apartment. Peter and I decided to try out the Sonic right beside us (woot!). We were in Peter's van and the back was completely empty. So, we decided to sit in the back while we ate so we could stretch our extremely tired legs. The people beside us gave us some weird looks, but that didn't deter us from having a wonderful Sonic picnic.
With renewed energy, we set out to unpack some of our many boxes. I had a wonderful time washing down the cabinets and figuring out with Peter where to put everything.
We took a break around 6 and headed over to Breagan & Abby's house for an end-of-the-school-year party. It was so wonderful to sit! After the party, we took one last load over the apartment. On our way, we had to stop at Meijer (also right beside us) to pick up a shower curtain. It's amazing the things you don't think about until you're on your own! It was about 1 in the morning before I was able to head back and crawl into my bed. The day was very exciting, but extremely exhausting as well.
Sunday was graduation day! Part of my family came in the morning for church. This was their first time in our new church building, which was pretty cool. Also, Peter was playing, which made it even cooler :) After church, we all had a wonderful meal of McDonald's cheeseburgers and fries and subsequently all got cheeseburger breathe. From there, the afternoon was a whirlwind. Picture with the Education graduates at 1:20. Graduation rehearsal at 1:30. Commencement at 2:30. Mingle with friends, family, and professors at 4. Fun party with family at 6.
After the party, Peter and I took a few more vital things, such as our microwave, to the apartment. We traveled separately so I could get back home. On his way, Peter stopped at Meijer to get a plunger (another necessity) and a cute apron I had seen a couple of days before. He gave it to me as a graduation gift when he got to the apartment. The apron of course :)
And now, the only big thing approaching is our wedding! 19 days!!
Of course, between now and then there are a million little things to do. Like apply for my teaching license. Apply for multiple teaching positions. Find a summer job. Finish all of the little wedding details. Figure out what things I'm leaving at the apartment and what I'm taking home. These next three weeks are going to be fun!
I had my interview Friday morning, which went really well. I was interviewed by the principal of Moran Elementary in Osceola, IN. I'm not really sure if he was interviewing people for openings at his school or just doing interviews for the Penn district in general. At any rate, the interview went well and I'm glad that I at least know what to expect from interviews now. He also gave me a teaching application which I will be filling out sometime in the next couple of days.
The Bethel Graduate dinner was Friday night. My Mom & Dad, Breagan & Abby, and Peter and I went together. It was fun to reminisce on the four years I've spent at Bethel with my fellow classmates. It was also just a nice time to hang out with part of my family and relax.
Saturday morning, around 8 a.m., Peter and I began packing up our stuff at Breagan's house. All of our shower gifts were there. I had some of my stuff stored in his basement. And of course Peter had his stuff there because that's where he's been living. And let's not forget the huge dresser and desk we had in his back room. Breagan and Abby were gracious enough to help us move our belongings into our apartment. I can not imagine trying to load and unload everything without their help. As it was, we spent the entire morning and part of the early afternoon hauling stuff to our apartment. Peter and I decided to try out the Sonic right beside us (woot!). We were in Peter's van and the back was completely empty. So, we decided to sit in the back while we ate so we could stretch our extremely tired legs. The people beside us gave us some weird looks, but that didn't deter us from having a wonderful Sonic picnic.
With renewed energy, we set out to unpack some of our many boxes. I had a wonderful time washing down the cabinets and figuring out with Peter where to put everything.
We took a break around 6 and headed over to Breagan & Abby's house for an end-of-the-school-year party. It was so wonderful to sit! After the party, we took one last load over the apartment. On our way, we had to stop at Meijer (also right beside us) to pick up a shower curtain. It's amazing the things you don't think about until you're on your own! It was about 1 in the morning before I was able to head back and crawl into my bed. The day was very exciting, but extremely exhausting as well.
Sunday was graduation day! Part of my family came in the morning for church. This was their first time in our new church building, which was pretty cool. Also, Peter was playing, which made it even cooler :) After church, we all had a wonderful meal of McDonald's cheeseburgers and fries and subsequently all got cheeseburger breathe. From there, the afternoon was a whirlwind. Picture with the Education graduates at 1:20. Graduation rehearsal at 1:30. Commencement at 2:30. Mingle with friends, family, and professors at 4. Fun party with family at 6.
After the party, Peter and I took a few more vital things, such as our microwave, to the apartment. We traveled separately so I could get back home. On his way, Peter stopped at Meijer to get a plunger (another necessity) and a cute apron I had seen a couple of days before. He gave it to me as a graduation gift when he got to the apartment. The apron of course :)
And now, the only big thing approaching is our wedding! 19 days!!
Of course, between now and then there are a million little things to do. Like apply for my teaching license. Apply for multiple teaching positions. Find a summer job. Finish all of the little wedding details. Figure out what things I'm leaving at the apartment and what I'm taking home. These next three weeks are going to be fun!
Thursday, April 28, 2011
Interview!
I have my first interview tomorrow morning! Somehow, I've arrived at the stage in life where I need to begin looking for a real job. To help prepare me, and all of the other Bethel seniors getting ready to embark on the interviewing process, Bethel has been sending me emails about what to do and not do in an interview. Well, the one thing they stress is the importance of first impressions. Naturally, one's outfit comes to mind. I decided to invest in a new top for this interview (and any others that may be coming along). My original plan was to go to Target and get this really cute top I had found online, but as things usually go, the Target I went to didn't have it. I was kind of bummed, but decided to try Marshall's. I found several blouses that I only kind of liked before coming upon this top.
I don't really wear peach that often, but I liked that this was springy, yet classy. I also knew I could pair it with a jacket I already had but don't wear too often because of a lack of shirts to wear underneath it.
One specific thing that the interview material Bethel sent me highlighted was the fact that your shoes matter. And potential employers notice if your shoes have been shined or not. So I thought, "Why not!?" and decided to try my hand at shoe shining. My Aunt Lucy happened to still have some old black shoe wax, polishing cloth, and buffer brush which she let me borrow. I was pretty excited to realize that I knew what the kiwi bird on the wax tin was too.
I think I did a fairly good job, considering this was the first time I had ever shined my shoes. Maybe I can make a summer job out of it!
I don't really wear peach that often, but I liked that this was springy, yet classy. I also knew I could pair it with a jacket I already had but don't wear too often because of a lack of shirts to wear underneath it.
One specific thing that the interview material Bethel sent me highlighted was the fact that your shoes matter. And potential employers notice if your shoes have been shined or not. So I thought, "Why not!?" and decided to try my hand at shoe shining. My Aunt Lucy happened to still have some old black shoe wax, polishing cloth, and buffer brush which she let me borrow. I was pretty excited to realize that I knew what the kiwi bird on the wax tin was too.
I think I did a fairly good job, considering this was the first time I had ever shined my shoes. Maybe I can make a summer job out of it!
broken record
In other news, the song Grace Kelly has been stuck in my head for about 24 hours. It all started last night when Peter and I were listening to a conglomeration of songs in our attempt to pick songs for our wedding. This one popped up (not as a choice, but more as a relief for our ears and brains). Peter also found the sheet music so I could learn how to play it, which I mostly successfully did this morning. However, I can't seem to get the song out of my head!
Crayola makes my day
The other day, I unexpectedly received a tax refund check in the mail. Unexpected because my mom filed my taxes for me, so they weren't even close to being on my mind. Well, I was pretty happy to have a little extra money on hand. Today, I spent every last cent of my check. On crayons. I bought a box of 800 Crayola's that were on clearance at the teacher store.
I think they were discounted because the crayons were all mixed up when I got them. My organized little brain had quite the thrill putting the different colors back into their correct places. There is just something about colors neatly contained that makes me really happy.
I did have an excellent reason for buying so many crayons. For our wedding reception, I'm making activity books for the guests who are children (or children at heart). To accompany the books, I decided to create bundles of crayons. Hence the 800 crayons I bought today. After about 45 minutes of work ...
If I was a kid coming to my wedding, I would be super excited. So hopefully the actual kids who are coming will be too. My next endeavor is to put the activity books together.
I think they were discounted because the crayons were all mixed up when I got them. My organized little brain had quite the thrill putting the different colors back into their correct places. There is just something about colors neatly contained that makes me really happy.
I did have an excellent reason for buying so many crayons. For our wedding reception, I'm making activity books for the guests who are children (or children at heart). To accompany the books, I decided to create bundles of crayons. Hence the 800 crayons I bought today. After about 45 minutes of work ...
If I was a kid coming to my wedding, I would be super excited. So hopefully the actual kids who are coming will be too. My next endeavor is to put the activity books together.
Saturday, February 19, 2011
Valentine's Day Week
This week has been completely different than last week. A large contributor was a change in my attitude toward life in general. Over the weekend, I realized that most of the time, I'm concerned with doing things my way and having things be just so. In other words, I'm a perfectionist. Anyone who has entered an elementary classroom knows that this mode of thinking clashes severely with the reality of the classroom. Naturally, this caused a lot of inner turmoil for me. Back to the weekend. Prompted partially by the reading of "Me, Myself, and Bob," by Phil Vischer, I decided to let go of myself and all my desires, hopes, and plans for the day and instead focus on living in the center of God's will each day. That mental decision made all the difference this week! I've had fun. I've been much more relaxed and flexible. I'm suddenly not concerned with the amount that I'm teaching, but rather the impact I'm having on my students.
Monday was Valentine's Day, so my teacher and I decided to make everything center around Valentine's Day, ending the day with a party. I have never seen so much candy and sugar in my entire life. The Friday before, I had sent a newsletter home with my students, mentioning the party and that each student should bring something to share. They definitely took my request seriously! All I can say is that I'm glad we had the party at the end of the day, right before all the kids went home.
On Wednesday of this week, a new girl joined our class. She's a sweetie. Thursday was the last day for another girl who is moving to a different district. Things are always changing and that's ok.
Monday was Valentine's Day, so my teacher and I decided to make everything center around Valentine's Day, ending the day with a party. I have never seen so much candy and sugar in my entire life. The Friday before, I had sent a newsletter home with my students, mentioning the party and that each student should bring something to share. They definitely took my request seriously! All I can say is that I'm glad we had the party at the end of the day, right before all the kids went home.
On Wednesday of this week, a new girl joined our class. She's a sweetie. Thursday was the last day for another girl who is moving to a different district. Things are always changing and that's ok.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Hanging on for dear life
Sometimes I feel like this frog ...
Sometimes my days are crazy and I feel like I'll never be able to get everything done. Between planning my lessons, working out the final details of our wedding, and the latest, looking at housing options (we think this is the place we're going to go with - the second 1BR video), I feel a little overwhelmed. But things are coming along and God always gives me enough strength to meet the needs of the day.
Sometimes my days are crazy and I feel like I'll never be able to get everything done. Between planning my lessons, working out the final details of our wedding, and the latest, looking at housing options (we think this is the place we're going to go with - the second 1BR video), I feel a little overwhelmed. But things are coming along and God always gives me enough strength to meet the needs of the day.Because of the LORD’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail.
They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.
I say to myself, “The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” Lamentations 3:22-24
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Student Teaching and Job update
So far, I'm enjoying my student teaching fairly well. I've been able to get to know a lot of the other teachers, which just makes everything nicer. At the beginning of my placement, I was having some issues with another teacher treating me like a teacher and not a gopher. I realized this week that somehow, our relationship has changed and she treats me much more like an equal than before. My teacher is fun to be with. She loves to teach and has tons of great ideas. I have had some trouble adjusting to her style of teaching ... she tends to yell, which I do not do nor do I want to do it. Last week I found myself contributing to the negativity. Since then, I've done my best to encourage students and point out the good that a few might be doing in order to motivate the rest to behave.
My current goal is for my students to walk quietly in the hallway, in a single file line, with their hands behinds their backs. This is the schoolwide procedure, but my students somehow missed the memo. We've been working on it last week and this week. They are definitely getting better! Again, I've found that positivity and praise has better results than telling the students what they're doing wrong.
Starting next week, I should be teaching full time. Right now, I'm supposed to be teaching everything but two things. However, most days that doesn't happen. That is probably my biggest frustration right now. At the beginning of my placement, my teacher and I sat down and plotted out when I would begin teaching every subject. But, for whatever reason, she will often teach it anyway. Or, we will get extremely off schedule and won't have time for certain subjects. I'm at the point where I know I can teach on my own (my teacher was sick and not at school on three different days and I taught everything) and, while I value her input and advice, I just need to teach. And, as silly as it may sound, I think the biggest thing that annoys me right now is that we are way off schedule, both daily and for the longterm. What can I say ... I love my schedules!
Fun fact, I've only had one 5-day week so far! Between meetings, snow days, and teacher inservice days, I've really lucked out!
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In other news, Peter was hired at Notre Dame last Friday! He will be working at the OIT help desk. We originally heard about this job opening last September, around the same time we decided to stay in South Bend after we married. The job didn't actually open until December. Peter applied and had his first interview two weeks ago. He received a call a week later telling him the position was between him and another applicant and he would have to do anther phone interview. No pressure! Well, about ten minutes after his interview, his boss called and offered him the position! God is so good! Deciding to live in South Bend was a huge step of faith for us. It meant that Peter had to leave his job in Michigan and move here with no way to provide for himself or us. But God has always been faithful to each of us and has always provided what we needed. This is a testimony of His power and goodness!
We are currently looking for a place to live. Originally, we were going to rent a house, but we are now thinking that renting an apartment/duplex may be wiser financially. We would both like to pay back our college debt as soon as we can, while saving up for a house of our own.
My current goal is for my students to walk quietly in the hallway, in a single file line, with their hands behinds their backs. This is the schoolwide procedure, but my students somehow missed the memo. We've been working on it last week and this week. They are definitely getting better! Again, I've found that positivity and praise has better results than telling the students what they're doing wrong.
Starting next week, I should be teaching full time. Right now, I'm supposed to be teaching everything but two things. However, most days that doesn't happen. That is probably my biggest frustration right now. At the beginning of my placement, my teacher and I sat down and plotted out when I would begin teaching every subject. But, for whatever reason, she will often teach it anyway. Or, we will get extremely off schedule and won't have time for certain subjects. I'm at the point where I know I can teach on my own (my teacher was sick and not at school on three different days and I taught everything) and, while I value her input and advice, I just need to teach. And, as silly as it may sound, I think the biggest thing that annoys me right now is that we are way off schedule, both daily and for the longterm. What can I say ... I love my schedules!
Fun fact, I've only had one 5-day week so far! Between meetings, snow days, and teacher inservice days, I've really lucked out!
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In other news, Peter was hired at Notre Dame last Friday! He will be working at the OIT help desk. We originally heard about this job opening last September, around the same time we decided to stay in South Bend after we married. The job didn't actually open until December. Peter applied and had his first interview two weeks ago. He received a call a week later telling him the position was between him and another applicant and he would have to do anther phone interview. No pressure! Well, about ten minutes after his interview, his boss called and offered him the position! God is so good! Deciding to live in South Bend was a huge step of faith for us. It meant that Peter had to leave his job in Michigan and move here with no way to provide for himself or us. But God has always been faithful to each of us and has always provided what we needed. This is a testimony of His power and goodness!
We are currently looking for a place to live. Originally, we were going to rent a house, but we are now thinking that renting an apartment/duplex may be wiser financially. We would both like to pay back our college debt as soon as we can, while saving up for a house of our own.
Monday, January 17, 2011
Attention World!
I'm growing up! I can now say that I enjoy chocolate! Even the dark stuff! I'm not sure when this change occurred in my life ... I believe it has been a slow transformation, aided by the many gifts of chocolate by my lovely friends. I became aware of this life change last night, when Peter gave me a bar of dark mint chocolate. As I bit into a piece, I didn't shrink away from the bitterness. I allowed the 70% fair trade cocoa bar to engulf me in a wave of ecstasy as the chocolate and mint combined to form a rich and refreshing sensation in my mouth.Even as I write this, I am being soothed by the Divine embrace of Heavenly Chocolate with a heart.
However, if you search long enough, you will find evidence that I am not growing up ...
However, if you search long enough, you will find evidence that I am not growing up ...
Sunday, January 2, 2011
new year update
I'm not one to make New Year's resolutions. I have tried a few times, but I usually break them within the first month. However, if I were to create some this year, blogging more regularly would make the list (my last post was in May!).
Tomorrow morning, I will partially step into the real world as I begin my fifteen week student teaching assignment. I will be teaching under second grade teacher Mrs. Miller at Warren Primary Center in South Bend. The first week or so, I will be observing her as I get a feel for her teaching style, become familiar with the routines, and get to know the students. Although I'm not yet completely familiar with the school and classroom, I am excited based on what I have seen in my previous visits.
I will also be taking two college courses this semester: orchestra and world civilizations. I had to get that last gen. ed. out of the way!
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In other news, on New Year's day, Peter officially launched Envision Skate Collective at 1:11 p.m.! I am so excited to see how God is going to bless other people through this business. I know that already, through the whole process of creating the business, my faith has been strengthened as I've watched God provide in so many ways. Tonight, as Peter and I were praying together, God brought to my mind Luke 19:17.
I believe God is going to bless the little that Peter has been entrusted with and do something so big with it, that no one will be able to say it wasn't of God. I believe God is going to put Peter in charge of "ten cities" and I am so excited that I get to be part of it!
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Peter and I also started working on our wedding website last night! We haven't done too much with it yet, but hopefully in the next week or so we can make it look pretty and find a replacement for the default picture. We also set up a google voice phone number to use as a wedding RSVP number. We're going to be all trendy and not send out RSVP cards with our invitations.
Tomorrow morning, I will partially step into the real world as I begin my fifteen week student teaching assignment. I will be teaching under second grade teacher Mrs. Miller at Warren Primary Center in South Bend. The first week or so, I will be observing her as I get a feel for her teaching style, become familiar with the routines, and get to know the students. Although I'm not yet completely familiar with the school and classroom, I am excited based on what I have seen in my previous visits.
I will also be taking two college courses this semester: orchestra and world civilizations. I had to get that last gen. ed. out of the way!
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In other news, on New Year's day, Peter officially launched Envision Skate Collective at 1:11 p.m.! I am so excited to see how God is going to bless other people through this business. I know that already, through the whole process of creating the business, my faith has been strengthened as I've watched God provide in so many ways. Tonight, as Peter and I were praying together, God brought to my mind Luke 19:17.
‘Well done, my good servant!’ his master replied. ‘Because you have been trustworthy in a very small matter, take charge of ten cities.’
I believe God is going to bless the little that Peter has been entrusted with and do something so big with it, that no one will be able to say it wasn't of God. I believe God is going to put Peter in charge of "ten cities" and I am so excited that I get to be part of it!
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Peter and I also started working on our wedding website last night! We haven't done too much with it yet, but hopefully in the next week or so we can make it look pretty and find a replacement for the default picture. We also set up a google voice phone number to use as a wedding RSVP number. We're going to be all trendy and not send out RSVP cards with our invitations.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Choir Tour
We left Bethel at 5 a.m. Monday morning, drove to Chicago, and boarded a plane for Seattle. We arrived sometime in the early afternoon. When we boarded our bus at the airport, we knew the week was going to be awesome because we were going to have the same awesome bus driver the entire week! MarySue! She took us to Salt Water State Park for our first taste of beautiful Washington. Even though it was freezing and our fingers were numb after being outside for only a few minutes, we toughed it out and explored the water line.
Our first concert went very well.
Tuesday morning, we traveled to Portland. It was a beautiful city. Most of us headed to Powell's Books as soon as we got off the
bus. The store took up an entire city block and was four storeys (yes, that actually is a word!) high. I have never seen that many books in one place in my life. The best part was that everything was half the price of any bookstore around here. I spent the rest of my time in Chinatown.
My friend and I were told to visit a particular Chinese restaurant, which we did. The food was excellent. After walking around, looking in different shops for a while, we went to Voodoo Donuts, which apparently has been on the food network because of its unique donuts.
I was boring and just got a regular donut (the best donut I've had in my life!), but same was adventurous and got the voodoo donut.
After our concert, three other girls and I stayed with a school teacher and a college professor that night. The husband had fun teasing me. Surprise.
We spent the entire morning traveling back to Washington on Wednesday. The long bus ride gave us plenty of time to see the beautiful mountains.
We did stop at a beautiful waterfall along the way, though, called Multnomah Falls.
By the time we arrived at the church that evening, it was basically time for us to begin rehearsing for that night's concert. One of the guys in our choir had to go to the hospital because of an infection in his hand. Before leaving for tour, he had visited a doctor because his hand had started swelling. That doctor said that it wasn't an infection. Several doctors later, he found out it actually was an infection stemming from an accident that had happened in high school. He made it back in time for the concert, but was only allowed to sing his solo. That night, we stayed with a sweet widow from the church.
Thursday morning, Chuck went in for his first surgery. They made an incision and left it open so the fluid could drain out. He was told that he might have to have up to two more surgeries before the infection was completely gone. We left Chuck, his fiancee, and sister in Moses Lake and went to Davis High School in Yakima and sang for the high school choir, as well as any other students interested in listening to us. One of the teachers at this school used to be in the Bethel Choir several years ago. She had an awesome time showing us off to her students. After singing, we were given the afternoon to peruse the town. Another girl and I headed to an authentic taco place and had wonderful enchiladas and pineapple juice. We spent the rest of our time looking through the several antique shops the town offered. That evening, we sang at a church that just happened to be next door to my host family's home. They had several horse, donkeys, dogs, and cats.
Friday morning, we headed to a town on an island called Oak Harbor. While we were traveling, Chuck was having his second surgery on his hand. To get there, we had to cross a 900 ft. long bridge set 180 ft. above the water. MarySue dropped us off before we reached the bridge so we could walk across.
It was very cool to look out across the water, but it was sooo high.
After we had crossed the bridge, we were able to walk down some trails to a rocky beach.
After leaving Deception Pass, we headed to the WWII Fort Casey that was built right into the side of a hill, overlooking the water.
It was so cool to walk through the fort, trying to imagine what each room was used for.
After leaving the fort, we went to the church we were singing at that night. Two Bethel alumni who graduated last year and used to be in the choir go there. My roommate and two other girls actually got to stay with them that night. We went to a bonfire after the concert, as did several other choir members and their host families. It was an awesome time to get to know each other better, learn about our host families, and relive hilarious stories from last year's choir tour.
When we arrived at the church on Saturday morning, we received news that one of the guys in our choir, Dan, had broken his leg that morning. Apparently he was paintballing, slipped on the dewy grass while running down a hill, and snapped his leg.
We delayed for about an hour, trying to figure out what would be happening with him. He was taken to the hospital on the island we were on, but they didn't have the doctors needed to treat him. Ultimately, he was taken to Seattle and underwent a 4 1/2 hour surgery to set the two places where his bone had snapped. The rest of us went to Seattle as planned to spend our free day. We explored Pike's Market and all of the shops along the piers, as well as some of the shops in the more main part of town. After several hours there, the entire group met up again and visited the Space Needle and the Experience Music Project. A few people ventured inside the Space Needle, but most of us were content to hang around outside, taking pictures and visiting the tourist shops.
We headed directly to the church in Federal Way that we would be singing at the next morning. Because our director was still with the boy who broke his leg, our choir president walked us through the concert schedule and practiced with us a bit. Then came our choir party. We had Chinese food, revealed who our prayer partners were, then gave our last gifts. Before we had completely finished, our host families came to pick us up.
Sunday, morning, we sang our last concert. It was kind of sad, knowing that all of the seniors would be leaving us and moving on with their lives, but also exciting because the long week was drawing to a close. After a delicious taco salad lunch provided by the church and more cookies than I have ever seen in my life, we headed to the Seattle airport. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to MarySue, but she gave us all her email address and facebook name, so we can still keep in touch with her. She definitely made the entire week a blast. We left the two sick members, as well as three others, in two different towns in Washington. They were all able to come home today. Our flights on Sunday were uneventful, though a bit bumpy at times. We arrived at Bethel around 3 a.m. I'm pretty sure all of us crashed as soon as we hit our warm, comfy beds.
Our first concert went very well.
Tuesday morning, we traveled to Portland. It was a beautiful city. Most of us headed to Powell's Books as soon as we got off the
bus. The store took up an entire city block and was four storeys (yes, that actually is a word!) high. I have never seen that many books in one place in my life. The best part was that everything was half the price of any bookstore around here. I spent the rest of my time in Chinatown.
My friend and I were told to visit a particular Chinese restaurant, which we did. The food was excellent. After walking around, looking in different shops for a while, we went to Voodoo Donuts, which apparently has been on the food network because of its unique donuts.
I was boring and just got a regular donut (the best donut I've had in my life!), but same was adventurous and got the voodoo donut.
After our concert, three other girls and I stayed with a school teacher and a college professor that night. The husband had fun teasing me. Surprise.
We spent the entire morning traveling back to Washington on Wednesday. The long bus ride gave us plenty of time to see the beautiful mountains.
We did stop at a beautiful waterfall along the way, though, called Multnomah Falls.
By the time we arrived at the church that evening, it was basically time for us to begin rehearsing for that night's concert. One of the guys in our choir had to go to the hospital because of an infection in his hand. Before leaving for tour, he had visited a doctor because his hand had started swelling. That doctor said that it wasn't an infection. Several doctors later, he found out it actually was an infection stemming from an accident that had happened in high school. He made it back in time for the concert, but was only allowed to sing his solo. That night, we stayed with a sweet widow from the church.
Thursday morning, Chuck went in for his first surgery. They made an incision and left it open so the fluid could drain out. He was told that he might have to have up to two more surgeries before the infection was completely gone. We left Chuck, his fiancee, and sister in Moses Lake and went to Davis High School in Yakima and sang for the high school choir, as well as any other students interested in listening to us. One of the teachers at this school used to be in the Bethel Choir several years ago. She had an awesome time showing us off to her students. After singing, we were given the afternoon to peruse the town. Another girl and I headed to an authentic taco place and had wonderful enchiladas and pineapple juice. We spent the rest of our time looking through the several antique shops the town offered. That evening, we sang at a church that just happened to be next door to my host family's home. They had several horse, donkeys, dogs, and cats.
Friday morning, we headed to a town on an island called Oak Harbor. While we were traveling, Chuck was having his second surgery on his hand. To get there, we had to cross a 900 ft. long bridge set 180 ft. above the water. MarySue dropped us off before we reached the bridge so we could walk across.
It was very cool to look out across the water, but it was sooo high.
After we had crossed the bridge, we were able to walk down some trails to a rocky beach.
After leaving Deception Pass, we headed to the WWII Fort Casey that was built right into the side of a hill, overlooking the water.
It was so cool to walk through the fort, trying to imagine what each room was used for.
After leaving the fort, we went to the church we were singing at that night. Two Bethel alumni who graduated last year and used to be in the choir go there. My roommate and two other girls actually got to stay with them that night. We went to a bonfire after the concert, as did several other choir members and their host families. It was an awesome time to get to know each other better, learn about our host families, and relive hilarious stories from last year's choir tour.
When we arrived at the church on Saturday morning, we received news that one of the guys in our choir, Dan, had broken his leg that morning. Apparently he was paintballing, slipped on the dewy grass while running down a hill, and snapped his leg.
We delayed for about an hour, trying to figure out what would be happening with him. He was taken to the hospital on the island we were on, but they didn't have the doctors needed to treat him. Ultimately, he was taken to Seattle and underwent a 4 1/2 hour surgery to set the two places where his bone had snapped. The rest of us went to Seattle as planned to spend our free day. We explored Pike's Market and all of the shops along the piers, as well as some of the shops in the more main part of town. After several hours there, the entire group met up again and visited the Space Needle and the Experience Music Project. A few people ventured inside the Space Needle, but most of us were content to hang around outside, taking pictures and visiting the tourist shops.
We headed directly to the church in Federal Way that we would be singing at the next morning. Because our director was still with the boy who broke his leg, our choir president walked us through the concert schedule and practiced with us a bit. Then came our choir party. We had Chinese food, revealed who our prayer partners were, then gave our last gifts. Before we had completely finished, our host families came to pick us up.
Sunday, morning, we sang our last concert. It was kind of sad, knowing that all of the seniors would be leaving us and moving on with their lives, but also exciting because the long week was drawing to a close. After a delicious taco salad lunch provided by the church and more cookies than I have ever seen in my life, we headed to the Seattle airport. Sadly, we had to say goodbye to MarySue, but she gave us all her email address and facebook name, so we can still keep in touch with her. She definitely made the entire week a blast. We left the two sick members, as well as three others, in two different towns in Washington. They were all able to come home today. Our flights on Sunday were uneventful, though a bit bumpy at times. We arrived at Bethel around 3 a.m. I'm pretty sure all of us crashed as soon as we hit our warm, comfy beds.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
Friday, April 30, 2010
I finished my last final this morning! Even though I'm done with spring semester, I don't really feel like I'm done. Maybe because I'm leaving for choir tour this Monday and starting May term the following week?
This year for choir tour, we're going to Washington and Oregon states. This will be my first time in that part of the west coast, so I'm pretty excited. Here is our concert schedule:
May 3 at 7 p.m.:
First Christian Church
11717 Southeast 240th St.
Kent, WA 98031
May 4 at 7 p.m.:
Holladay Park Church of God
2120 NE Tillamook St.
Portland, OR 97212
May 5 at 7 p.m.:
Lakeview Missionary Church
810 Evergreen Dr.
Moses Lake, WA 98837
May 6 at 7 p.m.:
West Valley Missionary Church
11107 Wide Hollow Rd.
Yakima, WA 98908
May 7 at 7 p.m.:
Family Bible Church
2760 Heller Rd.
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
May 9 at 9 a.m.:
Steel Lake Presbyterian Church
1829 South 308th St.
Federal Way, WA 98003
We will also be singing at a few elementary and high schools throughout the week.
This year for choir tour, we're going to Washington and Oregon states. This will be my first time in that part of the west coast, so I'm pretty excited. Here is our concert schedule:
May 3 at 7 p.m.:
First Christian Church
11717 Southeast 240th St.
Kent, WA 98031
May 4 at 7 p.m.:
Holladay Park Church of God
2120 NE Tillamook St.
Portland, OR 97212
May 5 at 7 p.m.:
Lakeview Missionary Church
810 Evergreen Dr.
Moses Lake, WA 98837
May 6 at 7 p.m.:
West Valley Missionary Church
11107 Wide Hollow Rd.
Yakima, WA 98908
May 7 at 7 p.m.:
Family Bible Church
2760 Heller Rd.
Oak Harbor, WA 98277
May 9 at 9 a.m.:
Steel Lake Presbyterian Church
1829 South 308th St.
Federal Way, WA 98003
We will also be singing at a few elementary and high schools throughout the week.
Tuesday, April 27, 2010
Chapels
I had the opportunity to be a part of several chapel services this semester. Not all of them are archived, but here are two of them.
Semester Abroad Chapel - 2/5/10
Seth Bartlette - 2/15/10
Semester Abroad Chapel - 2/5/10
Seth Bartlette - 2/15/10
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
On April 3, my best friend asked me to marry him :)
Peter was at my house over Easter break, except that he had to go home on Good Friday to help with his church's Good Friday service. While there, he picked up a ring he had been looking at. Although he was originally going to wait until early this summer to ask me, he decided he couldn't wait that long; there was also the risk of losing it somehow in the end of school transition. Sometime during that weekend, Peter asked me if I wanted to take a walk with him Saturday night around sunset. I love walks, so there was no protest on my part. Saturday night after supper, I asked him if he was still interested in taking a walk. My brother's fiancee decided that was a good idea, so she talked him into taking a walk into the woods. Poor Peter. That was exactly where he was planning to take me. After a while, he suggested we take a walk through the field to Grandma's house. As we were walking out the door, he asked me if I had a small plastic container. Of course I was rather confused, so I asked him why he needed one. "I just do." Being the submissive person that I am, I brought him a plastic container. He responded by asking where the grape juice from the night before was. Naturally, I'm pretty suspicious at this point. A walk at sunset. A plastic container. Grape juice?? About this time, "He's going to propose!" started running through my head. I tried really hard to suppress the thought so I wouldn't be disappointed if he didn't. Eventually, it dawned on me that he could be planning some kind of communion to go along with the Easter weekend, but I wasn't thoroughly convinced. When we finally got to my Grandma's, we heard the sound of a 4-wheeler coming through the field. Another brother and his girlfriend were in search of gas. Fortunately for Peter, they didn't stay too long. Our walk found us touring the old barn at my Grandma's place. It is over 100 years-old - the framework being made entirely without nails. Peter finally found a place in the barn that suited him. He pulled out the grape juice and a slice of bread he had smuggled into his pocket somehow. He then proceeded to lead us in a very deep and meaningful communion service. Because it was so deep, I was pretty sure no proposal was going to take place. However, as he was on his knees talking about how Jesus washed his disciples' feet, he asked me if I would marry him. Of course I said yes!
Our date is May 21, 2011.
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