So, I'm a little confused at myself today. I found myself browsing through the job listings on edjoin.org for jobs in California. I also sent an email to the credentialing department to see what the requirements would be for me to transfer my Oregon teaching license to CA.
What is going on here? I don't know if it was a whim, or if this is coming from some deep seated desire to move back to California. I have REALLY enjoyed living in Oregon so far, and I enjoy the school I work at. Am I maybe a little disappointed that I am teaching music and not Elementary? Absolutely, but is that really a reason to start looking for a job in California? I don't think so.
So, pray for me. I am intensely confused, and a little curious at my actions tonight. I don't see any major problems here, but what could they mean? I can't see it all clearly right now, but maybe I will soon. I'm usually extremely thick headed when it comes to seeing where God is leading me, so maybe this is a hint? Or maybe I was just bored and curious?
I don't like this confusion, but I am going to let go of it for now and allow myself to move on with my evening.
P.S. I'm sorry I haven't been blogging much lately. I could make excuses about being busy and being sick, but we all know I could've made time to type a short blog here or there. I'll try to do better!
Sunday, February 24, 2013
Friday, January 11, 2013
More activity
So, this week I did a few more "active" things, as per my resolution.
On Wednesday, I went to a rehearsal for the Clackamas Community Band. I will admit, they're a pretty low-key group, but it's nice to have somewhere to play again. My clarinet and I almost forgot what each other looked like!
This afternoon, a co-worker and I went to Happy Hour at the restaurant a couple blocks away from work. It was totally impromptu, but definitely fun. It's nice to have more social activity in my life. :)
I have spent more bonding time with my kitty. She's needed it. I think she feels extremely attention deprived since I ditched her when I was in California over break. The poor thing is CONSTANTLY begging to get into my bedroom. I've been holing up in there more often in the cold weather. I don't see the point in heating my entire apartment, since I don't have one thermostat. There's one in my bedroom and a "space"-type heater on the wall. There's another thermostat in the main living area, and two "space"-type heaters that run from that in opposite ends of the area. I've mainly been heating my bedroom, because I end up in there at the end of the night anyways. Let's be honest-I'm kind of an old lady when it comes to bedtime. I go to bed so early, that when I get home, I turn the heater on in my room to get it warmed up. I figure, it makes more sense for me to hang out in my room than for me to heat the rest of the apartment and hang out in the living area. I don't know if that makes a whole lot of sense, but it works for me.
I guess there hasn't been a whole lot of activity yet, but some is better than nothing! In a few weeks, the church I've been attending will have their kickoff for life groups. I'm planning to join one, and it'll be another thing to be active with.
What I REALLY need, though, is to get out and go walking. I'm trying to convince myself that if I just wear enough layers, I won't be so cold. We'll see if I can do it. Maybe I'll just make this a wii fit weekend and get active that way.
Do you have any suggestions for being more active? The area I have been struggling with most (not motivationally, but rather just not knowing how/what to do) is socially. I want to be more socially active, but I don't have that many people to spend my time with. I have a few friends, and we do spend time together, but I end up spending much of my weekend just sitting around and doing nothing. Not always so great. Any suggestions in that area would be appreciated. I hate meeting new people, but I've come to grips with the fact that I'm going to have to meet people if I want to have more friends to hang out with...
On Wednesday, I went to a rehearsal for the Clackamas Community Band. I will admit, they're a pretty low-key group, but it's nice to have somewhere to play again. My clarinet and I almost forgot what each other looked like!
This afternoon, a co-worker and I went to Happy Hour at the restaurant a couple blocks away from work. It was totally impromptu, but definitely fun. It's nice to have more social activity in my life. :)
I have spent more bonding time with my kitty. She's needed it. I think she feels extremely attention deprived since I ditched her when I was in California over break. The poor thing is CONSTANTLY begging to get into my bedroom. I've been holing up in there more often in the cold weather. I don't see the point in heating my entire apartment, since I don't have one thermostat. There's one in my bedroom and a "space"-type heater on the wall. There's another thermostat in the main living area, and two "space"-type heaters that run from that in opposite ends of the area. I've mainly been heating my bedroom, because I end up in there at the end of the night anyways. Let's be honest-I'm kind of an old lady when it comes to bedtime. I go to bed so early, that when I get home, I turn the heater on in my room to get it warmed up. I figure, it makes more sense for me to hang out in my room than for me to heat the rest of the apartment and hang out in the living area. I don't know if that makes a whole lot of sense, but it works for me.
I guess there hasn't been a whole lot of activity yet, but some is better than nothing! In a few weeks, the church I've been attending will have their kickoff for life groups. I'm planning to join one, and it'll be another thing to be active with.
What I REALLY need, though, is to get out and go walking. I'm trying to convince myself that if I just wear enough layers, I won't be so cold. We'll see if I can do it. Maybe I'll just make this a wii fit weekend and get active that way.
Do you have any suggestions for being more active? The area I have been struggling with most (not motivationally, but rather just not knowing how/what to do) is socially. I want to be more socially active, but I don't have that many people to spend my time with. I have a few friends, and we do spend time together, but I end up spending much of my weekend just sitting around and doing nothing. Not always so great. Any suggestions in that area would be appreciated. I hate meeting new people, but I've come to grips with the fact that I'm going to have to meet people if I want to have more friends to hang out with...
Monday, January 7, 2013
I have resolved...
So, my resolution was to be more active. I have already begun to do this in a few ways.
First, my friend Amy and I agreed to read through Scripture together. Our plan is to read 1 chapter each day, and to meet about once a week via Skype to discuss our week's readings. We decided to start in the New Testament, and because we like to be a bit different, we agreed to read through the books one at a time alphabetically. So, we are currently in the Book of Acts. We didn't start on January 1, but that's ok. Today we are on chapter 5, and tomorrow we will read chapter 6 and meet via Skype. I am very excited to see where this will take us. :)
Second, I didn't want to put this on Facebook until I had more information, but I figure there are fewer people here to tell. Not to mention that I feel the few who read this blog are more trustworthy than the multitudes on Facebook! I am considering buying a house. My mom has agreed to help me with some of the preliminary costs (down payment and closing costs), mostly because she thinks if I can get into a house, I'll be saving a lot of money over time versus renting. I sent in some information to a mortgage broker on Wednesday evening. He called today and left a message while I was working, but we were only able to succeed at playing phone tag today. I'm hoping we can talk more tomorrow so I can get some real information. I am nervous that he's going to tell me I can't get a loan. I am also nervous he'll tell me I can get a loan, but for an amount that won't quite get me into a house. We'll see. Pray for me to be patient and trust God's plan and timing.
Third, I decided I'm going to put together a list of places nearby that I haven't been, things I haven't seen, etc. and start doing them. For instance, Multnomah Falls isn't very far from me. I have yet to hike up and see the falls! Granted, it will probably take some conditioning to be prepared for the hike, but I'm so close! I need to go see those falls! Anyway, be on the lookout for a bucket list of sorts. Once I have a draft of it, I'll post it and keep you updated with what I'm doing (hopefully with some pictures!).
Fourth, I am planning to get myself onto a cleaning routine. It's hard to take care of everything all the time. No one can keep up, let's be honest, and those that can are lacking in something, whether it's sanity, social life, sleep, etc. I choose not to be one of those people. So, to get myself there, I intend to choose one chore or cleaning task to do each day. Now, if I miss a day here or there it isn't the end of the world. However, this will make it MUCH easier on me when I do decide to clean my whole apartment. I will have less to do each weekend if I can get one piece done each day. Today I cleaned my bathroom-bathtub and all! If I do this regularly, nothing will ever be terribly dirty or have much to clean. This should make the task much easier. We shall see!
Fifth, I went back to work today after break. I know this isn't being active outside my normal set of activity, but after being on vacation for two full weeks, it's active enough.
We shall see what tomorrow brings! Who knows, maybe I'll get that stack of papers graded, my dishes ALL done, and even have time to write a letter? :)
First, my friend Amy and I agreed to read through Scripture together. Our plan is to read 1 chapter each day, and to meet about once a week via Skype to discuss our week's readings. We decided to start in the New Testament, and because we like to be a bit different, we agreed to read through the books one at a time alphabetically. So, we are currently in the Book of Acts. We didn't start on January 1, but that's ok. Today we are on chapter 5, and tomorrow we will read chapter 6 and meet via Skype. I am very excited to see where this will take us. :)
Second, I didn't want to put this on Facebook until I had more information, but I figure there are fewer people here to tell. Not to mention that I feel the few who read this blog are more trustworthy than the multitudes on Facebook! I am considering buying a house. My mom has agreed to help me with some of the preliminary costs (down payment and closing costs), mostly because she thinks if I can get into a house, I'll be saving a lot of money over time versus renting. I sent in some information to a mortgage broker on Wednesday evening. He called today and left a message while I was working, but we were only able to succeed at playing phone tag today. I'm hoping we can talk more tomorrow so I can get some real information. I am nervous that he's going to tell me I can't get a loan. I am also nervous he'll tell me I can get a loan, but for an amount that won't quite get me into a house. We'll see. Pray for me to be patient and trust God's plan and timing.
Third, I decided I'm going to put together a list of places nearby that I haven't been, things I haven't seen, etc. and start doing them. For instance, Multnomah Falls isn't very far from me. I have yet to hike up and see the falls! Granted, it will probably take some conditioning to be prepared for the hike, but I'm so close! I need to go see those falls! Anyway, be on the lookout for a bucket list of sorts. Once I have a draft of it, I'll post it and keep you updated with what I'm doing (hopefully with some pictures!).
Fourth, I am planning to get myself onto a cleaning routine. It's hard to take care of everything all the time. No one can keep up, let's be honest, and those that can are lacking in something, whether it's sanity, social life, sleep, etc. I choose not to be one of those people. So, to get myself there, I intend to choose one chore or cleaning task to do each day. Now, if I miss a day here or there it isn't the end of the world. However, this will make it MUCH easier on me when I do decide to clean my whole apartment. I will have less to do each weekend if I can get one piece done each day. Today I cleaned my bathroom-bathtub and all! If I do this regularly, nothing will ever be terribly dirty or have much to clean. This should make the task much easier. We shall see!
Fifth, I went back to work today after break. I know this isn't being active outside my normal set of activity, but after being on vacation for two full weeks, it's active enough.
We shall see what tomorrow brings! Who knows, maybe I'll get that stack of papers graded, my dishes ALL done, and even have time to write a letter? :)
Monday, December 31, 2012
Resolutions
This is the time of year when we all try to become a better version of ourselves going into the new year. So often, I've "resolved" to lose weight, to save money, to stop eating certain foods, to start eating certain foods, to stop doing certain things, to start doing certain things. I'm making a broader resolution this year. I'm trying to keep it simple for myself, and in doing so, I hope to be able to achieve it.
My resolution for 2013 is to be more active.
As simple as that. I want to be more active in many areas in my life-physically, socially, spiritually, etc. I need to get out and do more in my community, whether it's exploring or volunteering. I need to get out and do more physical activity. I need to meet more people, spend more time with friends and family, and stop being such a homebody. I need to stop letting things pile up, and take care of them sooner!
This means that I want to be a better blogger, too. I want to do cooler things (or just things in general) that I can share with you. I haven't been blogging all the time, and often I blog on a whim. I want to be a more active blogger.
We'll see how it goes. The fact that it's broad means that all I have to do is be more active than I am now, and let's face it-it won't be hard to be more active than I've been this past year.
So, as we go into this new year, I'm going to take suggestions from you (if you want to share them) of ways I can be more active. Any type of active counts.
Also, because I'm including spiritual activity, I would like to pray for you. Are there any areas of your life that you'd like prayer for? Specifically, any ongoing things that you're struggling with? I'd love to pray for you.
I wish you the best with your resolutions, and I'll try to keep you updated on mine!
My resolution for 2013 is to be more active.
As simple as that. I want to be more active in many areas in my life-physically, socially, spiritually, etc. I need to get out and do more in my community, whether it's exploring or volunteering. I need to get out and do more physical activity. I need to meet more people, spend more time with friends and family, and stop being such a homebody. I need to stop letting things pile up, and take care of them sooner!
This means that I want to be a better blogger, too. I want to do cooler things (or just things in general) that I can share with you. I haven't been blogging all the time, and often I blog on a whim. I want to be a more active blogger.
We'll see how it goes. The fact that it's broad means that all I have to do is be more active than I am now, and let's face it-it won't be hard to be more active than I've been this past year.
So, as we go into this new year, I'm going to take suggestions from you (if you want to share them) of ways I can be more active. Any type of active counts.
Also, because I'm including spiritual activity, I would like to pray for you. Are there any areas of your life that you'd like prayer for? Specifically, any ongoing things that you're struggling with? I'd love to pray for you.
I wish you the best with your resolutions, and I'll try to keep you updated on mine!
Sunday, December 30, 2012
California me vs. Oregon me
Sometimes I wonder if I'm a different person when I'm visiting in California. I definitely act a little different.
When I'm in Oregon, I'm less social. Much of this is not by choice, but rather simply because I have fewer people to socialize with. I also am calmer, more of a homebody, and eat healthier. I also don't post on Facebook as much.
When I'm in California, I'm out and about almost constantly. I am hanging out with friends all the time, doing things, going places, etc. I eat out a lot because I don't have a home to cook in (I think!). I am not nearly as calm. This calmness is replaced by excitement, anxiety, stress (traffic stress, mostly), and restlessness.
I like myself differently in both places. First of all, I love spending time with my friends in California. I feel most like myself when I'm with them. But when I'm away from them (still in California), I don't like myself. I annoy myself with the silly things I worry about or choose to do. I feel less healthy in California, as well. Some of that is the smog, I think. But I also don't eat well. I have a lack of self control in California that I don't seem to have in Oregon. Do I have a switch that's a vacation switch? Like I can do whatever I want because I'm on vacation? Or is it definitely a California thing?
Just some thoughts milling about in my head. There's a lot more that I could put in here, but I am feeling like I need to be done for now. Maybe I'll add more later.
When I'm in Oregon, I'm less social. Much of this is not by choice, but rather simply because I have fewer people to socialize with. I also am calmer, more of a homebody, and eat healthier. I also don't post on Facebook as much.
When I'm in California, I'm out and about almost constantly. I am hanging out with friends all the time, doing things, going places, etc. I eat out a lot because I don't have a home to cook in (I think!). I am not nearly as calm. This calmness is replaced by excitement, anxiety, stress (traffic stress, mostly), and restlessness.
I like myself differently in both places. First of all, I love spending time with my friends in California. I feel most like myself when I'm with them. But when I'm away from them (still in California), I don't like myself. I annoy myself with the silly things I worry about or choose to do. I feel less healthy in California, as well. Some of that is the smog, I think. But I also don't eat well. I have a lack of self control in California that I don't seem to have in Oregon. Do I have a switch that's a vacation switch? Like I can do whatever I want because I'm on vacation? Or is it definitely a California thing?
Just some thoughts milling about in my head. There's a lot more that I could put in here, but I am feeling like I need to be done for now. Maybe I'll add more later.
Thursday, December 20, 2012
Christmas Concert and Thoughts
Tonight was our school Christmas concert. I was nervous earlier this week, and some of those nerves were normal/common for me, but some were actually justified. My accompanist did not quite play through things the way we discussed. She is a sweet lady, but she apparently doesn't have the chops to accompany students that aren't great at following a conductor...
Anyways, I don't want to go all negative here. The concert went well, despite the bits that weren't great. The kids did a GREAT job following, even when things got changed on them in the moment. So, many of the people that read this (ok, the 2 that regularly read it...) know how flowers are often given at the end of a performance. Well, they didn't give me flowers tonight. Instead, they gave me this giant stuffed giraffe with a purple scarf around its neck, a purple hair flower on its ear, and a silver snowflake ornament on its ear. TOO cute.
Anyways, I don't want to go all negative here. The concert went well, despite the bits that weren't great. The kids did a GREAT job following, even when things got changed on them in the moment. So, many of the people that read this (ok, the 2 that regularly read it...) know how flowers are often given at the end of a performance. Well, they didn't give me flowers tonight. Instead, they gave me this giant stuffed giraffe with a purple scarf around its neck, a purple hair flower on its ear, and a silver snowflake ornament on its ear. TOO cute.
So, random back story to help with an epiphany I had tonight. Back in high school during my senior year (my one year in choir in high school), our choir director did these interviews with each of the seniors that he called "Senior Spotlights". It was a fun way for us to tell our classmates what we were planning for college, what our goals were, etc. Well, the ONE question I remember my answer to other than which college I was attending (APU, woo!) was where I wanted to be in 10 years. My answer was: "Teaching at a private school, so I can teach Band, Choir, and Spanish all at the same time." Guess what? I've arrived!!! It hit me tonight that this spring, I will be doing exactly that! Sure, I only teach Preschool Spanish, but it's definitely still what I said I wanted to be doing.
I never really thought of myself as a goal oriented person to such an extreme that I'd make anything happen like this, but maybe I am? No, I'm thinking not. I tend to work toward smaller goals, not the big ones like this...
Wednesday, December 19, 2012
My FB status tonight...
I thought I should share this here, too.
"Being human can be hard. We are fallible, we are emotional wrecks, and we are broken. We need God to make it through this life. I needed this reminder tonight, and I thought someone else might need it as well. Love God, love others, love yourself. All are important, but the order is even more important."
"Being human can be hard. We are fallible, we are emotional wrecks, and we are broken. We need God to make it through this life. I needed this reminder tonight, and I thought someone else might need it as well. Love God, love others, love yourself. All are important, but the order is even more important."
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