I feel spoiled because I don't have to be at work until 8.  Wow.  The kids are gone and it's just a work day today.  I survived my first Christmas party. . .

Let me just say it went really well.  A lot of my kids gave me presents (mostly stuff that has "teacher" on it somewhere ).  But one present BLEW ME AWAY.  One of my student's parents gave me a friggin' vacation.  A 3 DAY, 2 NIGHT vacation with lodging paid for.  I could go to Maui, or I could go to Tennessee (whatever I can afford travel-wise).  I have a year to take this vacation from heaven, and I have a little brochure that lists a ton of places.  I'm in awe.  I don't even feel like I'm a very good teacher to this child.  What the heck???

Time to get ready for work, because I take FOREVER to get ready.  Side note: GO SEE THE CHRONICLES OF NARNIA.  I've never read the book (which I started yesterday), but that movie shows the most amazing illustration of the Gospel I've ever seen.  So amazing that one of my students told me that the "Lion is Jesus and the witch is the devil."  Yeah baby.  I love C.S. Lewis.  That man was a genius.

Agggghhhh! Jake's in the ER (minor injury-work related), and I'm trekking out to Arlington @ midnight to see him.  Pray for him, pray for me.  Work will be real fun tomorrow.

*Update:  Jake has a "contusion" (aka serious bruising/torn tendons) in his arm.  (I'm sure he appreciates me telling the whole world this.)  Arms=stiff, pain level= high, ER visit= lasting until about 3 a.m.  Needless to say, I'm not at school today.

Currently Listening Casting Crowns By Casting Crowns see related

Ok. . .Apparently I still have issues w/ talking in my sleep.  When Jake called me after work last night, we talked for a few minutes.  I don't remember any of what we said, I just woke up this morning and saw on my call log that we'd talked.  Let me repeat. . .I don't remember any kind of conversation with him. I just found out that I asked him how his birthday thing went.  Not too strange.  Except that his birthday was in September.

I went to an inservice tonight until 7:30.  Ugh.  I'm beginning to find out more and more that there are a lot of people in the world who are remarkably open about very personal things in their life.  It's surprising what a person who has talked to you once or twice will tell you.  Take tonight for example. . .

This certain teacher, who I've talked w/ maybe two or so times, very easily shares with me that, after meeting this guy over the Internet, she's discovered that he is indeed rich, famous, amazingly talented, and ready to marry her.  She kept saying things about him being so "over her" or "too good,"  because of who he's been on tour with, or who he knows.  As if her worth could somehow be defined by a man's status, wealth, or ability.  This is a random thing to put on a xanga. . .I know. . .but it's amazing to see how people (including myself) look for significance in things that are fleeting. 

Wow, I feel really deep.  I'm off to bed. . .I hope I don't say weird things over the phone again.  It could get really embarassing.

Currently Listening Feels Like Today By Rascal Flatts see related

I LOVE THE METROPLEX.  Really, I do.  Especially last Friday night. . .

So Jake and I had plans to go w/ Adam and Taber to the Fort Worth circus.  Yes, the Fort Worth circus.  I left my apartment nice and early, counted on traffic on 635.  But, maybe I suck with directions.  And maybe when I exited on 121 to KELLER I took the wrong way (north, not south).  Maybe there was so much traffic that I went ALMOST 40 MINUTES NORTH OF WHERE I SHOULD.  And by the time I realized this, I had to have Jake & The Crawford's talk me back to FORT WORTH FROM CARROLLTON.  This little detour involved me going on 35, through Dallas, to 30 (Grand Prairie, Arlington, to Fort Worth).  I went through the majority of the Metroplex in ONE NIGHT.  A 50 min. drive turned into 3 hours. . . I LOVED MY LIFE. 

I must admit, though, the circus and afterward was VERY FUN.  Especially when Jake got conned into paying $10 for a picture from a random solicitor (sp?) in a restaurant. 

Yesterday was great.  I relaxed, hung out w/ Jake, put up a mini-tree.  It was glorious.  And now, I have a festive little tree w/ lights and red and gold ornament balls all over it.  I'm lovin' life.  Yay! for Thanksgiving!!!

Currently Listening Illuminate By David Crowder Band see related

"Have I not commanded you?  Be strong and courageous! Do not tremble or be dismayed, for the LORD your God is with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9

"The LORD your God is with you, He is mighty to save.  He will take great delight in you, He will quiet you with His love, He will rejoice over you with singing."  Zephaniah 3:17

"Be strong and courageous, do not be afriad or tremble at them, for the LORD your God is the one who goes with you.  He will not fail you or forsake you." Deut. 31:6

YAY for God's faithfulness.  He never changes.  He never leaves.  He is our Perfect Abba Father. 

With that in mind. . .I'm gonna take a hot bubble bath, and get my happy butt to bed.  3rd grade children require lots of energy.