The last month has been complete chaos, my body is convinced. I've been out of school for 5 weeks, and 4 of those weeks have been staying in a bed that does not have my name on it. It's nice to lay my head on my pillow. Cook in my kitchen. Be on my time. And know, for the most part, where to look for what. I'm happy to be back in our home.
We can see the light at the end of the tunnel too. Mike finished his second to last seminary course on Friday. This is the last class in person. It was fitting that we ran in to Dr. MacKenzie, Mike's favorite professor. What a perfect gift on his last day!
Tomorrow I start back to work, half days. I guess it's not quite starting back as it is tutoring and not teaching, but it's work. I'm excited to see some familiar faces. I ran in to three former students on the way to Target yesterday. Such a fun treat! It's nice to be excited about seeing them and not running and hiding from them like I used to do.
So, what else...DOMINION! It's our new favorite game. We played it a million times with Scott and Robin on vacation and quickly purchased our own copy. The expansion is now out, Intrigue, and we just can't seem to get enough of it. Luckily, the Bowerman's enjoyed the game too and we had lots of fun playing with them over the past week.
I chopped my hair off too. Well, Becky technically did. I love it! Takes a little while to get used to, but it's much cooler and actually has a style. I've been meaning to take some pictures, so I'll try to get that taken care of this week.
I'm on a hunt for a good way to organize coupons. I've heard about this new binder system, but I'm just not sure if I want to go that route. Still contemplating the grocery list, especially since I need so many speciality products. ::sigh:: Lot's to figure out before I go back to school full time in 5 weeks.
On a very exciting note, Amanda's in town!!! This is my long lost friend. Mike went to high school with her and they even share the same birthday. She's slightly responsible for Mike and I being together too. She's been in Italy for what seems like forever and she's back on a little furlough for the summer and meeting all the BF's family, and friends. YEAH! I get to see her tomorrow and I can't wait! I also get to meet this BF, well RE-meet. He seems pretty cool and we did go to the same school too. So, CHEERS, to Amanda and Chris! YIIIIIIIPPPPPEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!
(It's been one of those days. I apologize for the stream of consciousness, but you get the idea.)
Sunday, July 12, 2009
Friday, June 26, 2009
Gracyn
Well, the last few weeks have been a whirlwind. We took a week vacation to Mexico to celebrate our three year anniversary at the same place as our honeymoon. Another couple went with us and we had a blast. The sun showed no mercy on us, but at least my legs aren't pasty white now.
The last two weeks we've spent in Orlando while Mike pounded out two more classes at RTS. 1 more to go!!!! Along the way, we never thought this day would come. Mike is luckily very disciplined and was able to balance work and school for the past three years. Too bad they don't have a summer graduation to make it official!
I've had a few photo opportunities while we've been in town. I found a prime location in Winter Park. Thank you Sierra! Meanwhile, I'll have to start back to the teaching world when we return to Raleigh. I have a couple weeks that I'll be small group tutoring and planning for next year.
As for today, I'm running some errands around town. I hope to check in at a venue for a potential wedding client. We're meeting up for coffee with Mike's grandparents, then off to the Bowerman's for pizza and pop night. Then back to crash at Scott and Robin's and hopefully squeeze in a game of Dominion. (FR family, this may soon take over Settlers.) Too bad the expansion isn't released until next week.
So, regarding my title. You can read Gracyn's story here. It also includes a video. Throughout the past few years, I've just wondered if I would ever be able to function in every day life again. I used to think I would be the first one to fight through this and miraculously be healed to the fullest. After I get glutened, I've given up on that idea. The way I feel afterwards, isn't worth the risk. Even if someone told me I was healed and handed me a piece of bread, or better yet a Krispy Kreme donut, I don't think I would take the risk to even taste it and test it's reliability. Meanwhile, this sweet little girl's story reminds me of who is the Healer. Despite my diagnoses, there is still hope of functioning in the real world and being healed. I may not be cured, but I can trust in God alone to fight this battle.
The last two weeks we've spent in Orlando while Mike pounded out two more classes at RTS. 1 more to go!!!! Along the way, we never thought this day would come. Mike is luckily very disciplined and was able to balance work and school for the past three years. Too bad they don't have a summer graduation to make it official!
I've had a few photo opportunities while we've been in town. I found a prime location in Winter Park. Thank you Sierra! Meanwhile, I'll have to start back to the teaching world when we return to Raleigh. I have a couple weeks that I'll be small group tutoring and planning for next year.
As for today, I'm running some errands around town. I hope to check in at a venue for a potential wedding client. We're meeting up for coffee with Mike's grandparents, then off to the Bowerman's for pizza and pop night. Then back to crash at Scott and Robin's and hopefully squeeze in a game of Dominion. (FR family, this may soon take over Settlers.) Too bad the expansion isn't released until next week.
So, regarding my title. You can read Gracyn's story here. It also includes a video. Throughout the past few years, I've just wondered if I would ever be able to function in every day life again. I used to think I would be the first one to fight through this and miraculously be healed to the fullest. After I get glutened, I've given up on that idea. The way I feel afterwards, isn't worth the risk. Even if someone told me I was healed and handed me a piece of bread, or better yet a Krispy Kreme donut, I don't think I would take the risk to even taste it and test it's reliability. Meanwhile, this sweet little girl's story reminds me of who is the Healer. Despite my diagnoses, there is still hope of functioning in the real world and being healed. I may not be cured, but I can trust in God alone to fight this battle.
Thursday, June 4, 2009
dracula
Well, I'm waiting on FedEx to come and pick up some blood. Yes, that's right, I have a few ounces of blood hanging out in my refrigerator. I'm sending samples in to have testing done for food and environmental allergies. I'm hoping we can figure out what is still causing me some problems. Meanwhile, after the first stick, the nurse missed my vein. With a 9 gauge needle, it was not comfortable for her to dig that thing around in my arm. After 2 tubes, she gave up and moved to the other arm. At least I made it and filled all the tubes. Now, I just wait for the results.
Last weekend Mike and I journeyed out to Wal-mart. Mike despises that place. I was able to stretch out our visit to check out more of their GF products. While searching from some granola bars, I met a new friend. Sarah doesn't have celiac, but has recently discovered her intolerance to gluten. She has been so overwhelmed with the change in diet, she has just ignored it. I cannot imagine still eating that stuff! By one simple crumb I am so sick now. I haven't picked up an ounce of gluten on purpose since I started the diet and wouldn't go back to eating it for any craving. This week has been the worst with all the delicious looking cake floating around for graduation and retirement. So, I ran home and made my own. I just wish I had some whipped cream and strawberries to top it off. So, Sarah has my number and email, but I haven't heard from her. I'm happy to have a new friend in this journey. I think to just be a network or encouragement to her as much as Katie has been to me, would be such a blessing. (And now if we can just help Becky figure things out. As much as I would hate for her to have to deal with this, I can't think of anyone else I would rather go through this journey with. Too bad we didn't figure this out when we were living together.)
Mike and I are spending the next couple days in Durham for Advance '09. I haven't been to a conference since I left Crusade and I am so encouraged by my short afternoon today. This conference is to encourage and equip church leaders in helping America discover the importance and value of the local church. I heard Driscoll speak for the first time today. Oh how I love the truth that comes out of his mouth! No need to sugar coat the Gospel. Tomorrow and Saturday Piper is speaking and Driscoll will speak again on Saturday. A great blessing as our first year in a church plant draws to a close. I was thinking today of the joy of church planting. There are some many things that excite me about this and I see Mike and I gifted in different ways to continue this journey. I think this really could be a lifetime journey for us, except that whole idea of support year after year. Who knows where the Lord will lead us, but I'm hoping support raising is not in our future for too much longer.
Oh yeah, and a high for week, school is officially over! My last day was Wednesday, but I had a total of 5 classes this week. Time creeped by, but I was excited to see some familiar faces drop in to say hello. Graduation last week was much more emotional than I ever thought. I've only been a part of this community for the last 2 months and already miss my students. How do these teachers that have known the kids for 9 years make it through? What a change this has been! I really love my job and I am so excited for the blessing God has given to us. Now, I'm just trying to figure out if I want to help coach cheerleading or start on my Master's.
Next week, R & R! Hopefully, we're able to enjoy the sun and the rain will go easy on us.
Last weekend Mike and I journeyed out to Wal-mart. Mike despises that place. I was able to stretch out our visit to check out more of their GF products. While searching from some granola bars, I met a new friend. Sarah doesn't have celiac, but has recently discovered her intolerance to gluten. She has been so overwhelmed with the change in diet, she has just ignored it. I cannot imagine still eating that stuff! By one simple crumb I am so sick now. I haven't picked up an ounce of gluten on purpose since I started the diet and wouldn't go back to eating it for any craving. This week has been the worst with all the delicious looking cake floating around for graduation and retirement. So, I ran home and made my own. I just wish I had some whipped cream and strawberries to top it off. So, Sarah has my number and email, but I haven't heard from her. I'm happy to have a new friend in this journey. I think to just be a network or encouragement to her as much as Katie has been to me, would be such a blessing. (And now if we can just help Becky figure things out. As much as I would hate for her to have to deal with this, I can't think of anyone else I would rather go through this journey with. Too bad we didn't figure this out when we were living together.)
Mike and I are spending the next couple days in Durham for Advance '09. I haven't been to a conference since I left Crusade and I am so encouraged by my short afternoon today. This conference is to encourage and equip church leaders in helping America discover the importance and value of the local church. I heard Driscoll speak for the first time today. Oh how I love the truth that comes out of his mouth! No need to sugar coat the Gospel. Tomorrow and Saturday Piper is speaking and Driscoll will speak again on Saturday. A great blessing as our first year in a church plant draws to a close. I was thinking today of the joy of church planting. There are some many things that excite me about this and I see Mike and I gifted in different ways to continue this journey. I think this really could be a lifetime journey for us, except that whole idea of support year after year. Who knows where the Lord will lead us, but I'm hoping support raising is not in our future for too much longer.
Oh yeah, and a high for week, school is officially over! My last day was Wednesday, but I had a total of 5 classes this week. Time creeped by, but I was excited to see some familiar faces drop in to say hello. Graduation last week was much more emotional than I ever thought. I've only been a part of this community for the last 2 months and already miss my students. How do these teachers that have known the kids for 9 years make it through? What a change this has been! I really love my job and I am so excited for the blessing God has given to us. Now, I'm just trying to figure out if I want to help coach cheerleading or start on my Master's.
Next week, R & R! Hopefully, we're able to enjoy the sun and the rain will go easy on us.
Friday, May 15, 2009
chicken and DC
So, what do these have in common? This week.
My week has been a little crazy. The 8th graders from school were on a class field trip to DC from Wednesday morning until this evening, Friday. Even though I'm an 8th grade teacher, my switch came late in the year and I was held back to teach some of the other classes. No worries, with this whole Celiac thing, I think it was the BEST thing possible (besides just having three days off). So, I was covering my 5th and 6th graders, along with a different homeroom, someone else's lunch duties and traffic duty, and covering the headmaster's two classes while he was in DC. I didn't really have extra responsibilities, just as much as different ones. I was running around most days trying to figure out who I was supposed to be when. All in all, I figured it out.
So, we roasted a chicken, again. I thought this would be complex, but most of this post is going to be two of my new favorite recipes. (I also made gluten-free lasagna that was tasty, but most people probably already have a good recipe for lasagna.)
Roasted Chicken
1 small chicken
1 whole lemon (halved)
2 teaspoons celery salt or favorite seasoning (I use rosemary and salt and pepper)
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
(Empty the chicken of any "goodies.") Trim off extra fat from the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Squeeze the lemon juice all over the chicken and inside the cavity. Place the squeezed lemon inside the cavity. Sprinkle the chicken with seasoning and pepper. Place the chicken in a crockpot (or roasting pan for the oven). Pour water/chicken broth in the bottom of crockpot or pan. Cook until meat thermometer registers 180 degrees. This usually takes around 2 hours in the oven or 6 hours in the crockpot. Roasting in the oven gives more of a crispy taste. Crockpot is very moist, but does not brown very much. The first time we did this, we couldn't get the chicken out of the crockpot because every time we would try to pick it up, it fell completely apart. It's DELICIOUS and provides great leftovers...see below.
After the chicken is removed and cut up, drop the bones and some other fatty pieces back in to the crockpot. Add water (8-12 cups) and any extra veggies and seasoning around. (onions, celery, carrots, parsley, etc.) Let boil for a few hours and remove from heat. Skim all the extra things (bones, meat, veggies, etc.) out. Refrigerate overnight and remove fat from top in the morning. Store chicken broth or freeze it in separate containers for something else in the next few days.
Chicken Tortilla Casserole
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon mexican seasoning
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (I use a lot less than this...2 tables spoons or so)
2 cups shredded chicken (I use the leftovers from the roasted chicken and cut it up before I refrigerate it)
1 1/3 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
1 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 tortillas
Preheat oven to 400. Grease 2 pie plates.
Combine tomatoes, seasoning, and cilantro to make a sauce. Stir in the chicken.
Place one tortilla in the first pie plate. Top with 1/4 cup of the tomato mixture and 1/4 cup of cheese. Repeat three times and top with 5th tortilla. Sprinkle cheese on top. Repeat for the second pie plate.
Cover lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 12-15 minutes. (Until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.)
I eyeball this entire recipe. I hate measuring for things and I only make one pie plate for Mike and I. The recipe says it feeds 4. When I made ONE pie plate, it will feed us for at least 4 meals, maybe 5. I think this recipe feeds more like 6 growth spurt men or 8 normally.
You can also top with black olives, beans, sour cream, and extra cilantro.
DEFINITELY a new favorite in our household!
***Thank you Carol Fenster!
My week has been a little crazy. The 8th graders from school were on a class field trip to DC from Wednesday morning until this evening, Friday. Even though I'm an 8th grade teacher, my switch came late in the year and I was held back to teach some of the other classes. No worries, with this whole Celiac thing, I think it was the BEST thing possible (besides just having three days off). So, I was covering my 5th and 6th graders, along with a different homeroom, someone else's lunch duties and traffic duty, and covering the headmaster's two classes while he was in DC. I didn't really have extra responsibilities, just as much as different ones. I was running around most days trying to figure out who I was supposed to be when. All in all, I figured it out.
So, we roasted a chicken, again. I thought this would be complex, but most of this post is going to be two of my new favorite recipes. (I also made gluten-free lasagna that was tasty, but most people probably already have a good recipe for lasagna.)
Roasted Chicken
1 small chicken
1 whole lemon (halved)
2 teaspoons celery salt or favorite seasoning (I use rosemary and salt and pepper)
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 cup water or chicken broth
(Empty the chicken of any "goodies.") Trim off extra fat from the chicken and pat dry with paper towels. Squeeze the lemon juice all over the chicken and inside the cavity. Place the squeezed lemon inside the cavity. Sprinkle the chicken with seasoning and pepper. Place the chicken in a crockpot (or roasting pan for the oven). Pour water/chicken broth in the bottom of crockpot or pan. Cook until meat thermometer registers 180 degrees. This usually takes around 2 hours in the oven or 6 hours in the crockpot. Roasting in the oven gives more of a crispy taste. Crockpot is very moist, but does not brown very much. The first time we did this, we couldn't get the chicken out of the crockpot because every time we would try to pick it up, it fell completely apart. It's DELICIOUS and provides great leftovers...see below.
After the chicken is removed and cut up, drop the bones and some other fatty pieces back in to the crockpot. Add water (8-12 cups) and any extra veggies and seasoning around. (onions, celery, carrots, parsley, etc.) Let boil for a few hours and remove from heat. Skim all the extra things (bones, meat, veggies, etc.) out. Refrigerate overnight and remove fat from top in the morning. Store chicken broth or freeze it in separate containers for something else in the next few days.
Chicken Tortilla Casserole
2 cans diced tomatoes
1 teaspoon mexican seasoning
1/2 cup chopped cilantro (I use a lot less than this...2 tables spoons or so)
2 cups shredded chicken (I use the leftovers from the roasted chicken and cut it up before I refrigerate it)
1 1/3 cup shredded monterey jack cheese
1 1/3 cup shredded cheddar cheese
10 tortillas
Preheat oven to 400. Grease 2 pie plates.
Combine tomatoes, seasoning, and cilantro to make a sauce. Stir in the chicken.
Place one tortilla in the first pie plate. Top with 1/4 cup of the tomato mixture and 1/4 cup of cheese. Repeat three times and top with 5th tortilla. Sprinkle cheese on top. Repeat for the second pie plate.
Cover lightly with aluminum foil and bake for 12-15 minutes. (Until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbly.)
I eyeball this entire recipe. I hate measuring for things and I only make one pie plate for Mike and I. The recipe says it feeds 4. When I made ONE pie plate, it will feed us for at least 4 meals, maybe 5. I think this recipe feeds more like 6 growth spurt men or 8 normally.
You can also top with black olives, beans, sour cream, and extra cilantro.
DEFINITELY a new favorite in our household!
***Thank you Carol Fenster!
Sunday, May 10, 2009
to infinity...and beyond
The last week has been quite rough for me. I spent most of last Sunday in the bathroom and managed to make a doctors appointment for monday afternoon.
Although we are grateful for my diagnosis of Celiac Disease in December, I have continued to have rough days and weeks. i went back to the doctor to investigate another chronic disease or some other culprit. Mike and I are realizing that there have been great milestones since December, but there are still several days (or even weeks) that I can hardly function in society. After last weekend, we went back to visit the doctor.
After waiting for an hour to see the guy, he came in pushed on my stomach a few times, and said "We can send you back to the GI." Again, I'm grateful this guy was willing and ran a million tests on me for a few weeks, but I really don't enjoy seeing him or paying him money to send me to someone else. Why couldn't he just tell me this on the phone?
Tuesday and Wednesday were great days. We celebrated Wednesday by having a gluten free pizza from one of our favorite places in town. TASTY! I even added my homegrown fresh basil. Delicious! Well, Thursday came and so did the pizza. Apparently, since I have now been GF, I am more sensitive to it. So, simply by baking the pizza in the same oven (or touching it with contaminated hands) I was MISERABLE. 1:00am - 1:00pm I was leaning against cold metal fixtures and walking laps around the block. Luckily, once I made it to the bathroom a couple times, all was over and I even regained some energy.
On my way home from work, I called a new friend. Katie has been diagnosed with Celiac just about a year longer than I. She has figured out some tricks of the trade and found that going GF was not quite enough for her. I took some notes and was encouraged by our conversation. The next day, I was back to normal and even went out to pick up Elisabeth Hasselbeck's new book, "The G Free Diet." I read nearly half of it within 24 hours. I've realized that although I thought I had eliminated gluten from my diet, it was still creeping in to my body. Now, with lots of help, encouragement, and prayers, we are continuing this fight against Celiac. I've learned that the 100% GF diet is more like 110%, and HAS to be. I never want to feel that nausea again, especially when I can do something to prevent it. The silver lining, I don't know if i have any other chronic disease or anything else, simply just an elastic grain that haunts me everywhere I go.
Since it is Sunday and some of you haven't made it to church, I'll leave you with some action points:
1) PRAY! Pray for me and my body. Pray for Mike to continue to have patience and understanding with me. Pray for a good dietitian and wisdom from him/her and wisdom for me and understanding my body.
2) Get tested. Nearly 1 in 133 Americans have Celiac Disease. However, less than 5% of them know they have it. Many people will never experience symptoms. That might seem like a good thing, but there are many more complications of Celiac, especially if people continue to eat Gluten. A simple blood test can help identify if you are at risk or not. If a first degree relative has CD, your chances are 1 in 22. If a second degree relative has it, your chances are 1 in 39. Again, it's better to be safe than sorry. Can you imagine finding out you have cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, infertility, thyroid disease, colitis, etc and then realize you may have been able to prevent it, just from changing some things in your diet? Next time you go to the doctor, ask them to draw some blood. Americans are FAR behind the times with this one, but more and more research is being done. Thank you to Australia and Europe for leading the way! (Even Italians with all their pasta and pizza have more GF options than we do.)
And a side note, thank you Katie! You've helped me see some hope in this and I am grateful that hopefully my other chronic pain and headaches will go away as well. Who knows, maybe even I'll realize what it feels like to not have my skin hurt.
Although we are grateful for my diagnosis of Celiac Disease in December, I have continued to have rough days and weeks. i went back to the doctor to investigate another chronic disease or some other culprit. Mike and I are realizing that there have been great milestones since December, but there are still several days (or even weeks) that I can hardly function in society. After last weekend, we went back to visit the doctor.
After waiting for an hour to see the guy, he came in pushed on my stomach a few times, and said "We can send you back to the GI." Again, I'm grateful this guy was willing and ran a million tests on me for a few weeks, but I really don't enjoy seeing him or paying him money to send me to someone else. Why couldn't he just tell me this on the phone?
Tuesday and Wednesday were great days. We celebrated Wednesday by having a gluten free pizza from one of our favorite places in town. TASTY! I even added my homegrown fresh basil. Delicious! Well, Thursday came and so did the pizza. Apparently, since I have now been GF, I am more sensitive to it. So, simply by baking the pizza in the same oven (or touching it with contaminated hands) I was MISERABLE. 1:00am - 1:00pm I was leaning against cold metal fixtures and walking laps around the block. Luckily, once I made it to the bathroom a couple times, all was over and I even regained some energy.
On my way home from work, I called a new friend. Katie has been diagnosed with Celiac just about a year longer than I. She has figured out some tricks of the trade and found that going GF was not quite enough for her. I took some notes and was encouraged by our conversation. The next day, I was back to normal and even went out to pick up Elisabeth Hasselbeck's new book, "The G Free Diet." I read nearly half of it within 24 hours. I've realized that although I thought I had eliminated gluten from my diet, it was still creeping in to my body. Now, with lots of help, encouragement, and prayers, we are continuing this fight against Celiac. I've learned that the 100% GF diet is more like 110%, and HAS to be. I never want to feel that nausea again, especially when I can do something to prevent it. The silver lining, I don't know if i have any other chronic disease or anything else, simply just an elastic grain that haunts me everywhere I go.
Since it is Sunday and some of you haven't made it to church, I'll leave you with some action points:
1) PRAY! Pray for me and my body. Pray for Mike to continue to have patience and understanding with me. Pray for a good dietitian and wisdom from him/her and wisdom for me and understanding my body.
2) Get tested. Nearly 1 in 133 Americans have Celiac Disease. However, less than 5% of them know they have it. Many people will never experience symptoms. That might seem like a good thing, but there are many more complications of Celiac, especially if people continue to eat Gluten. A simple blood test can help identify if you are at risk or not. If a first degree relative has CD, your chances are 1 in 22. If a second degree relative has it, your chances are 1 in 39. Again, it's better to be safe than sorry. Can you imagine finding out you have cancer, diabetes, osteoporosis, infertility, thyroid disease, colitis, etc and then realize you may have been able to prevent it, just from changing some things in your diet? Next time you go to the doctor, ask them to draw some blood. Americans are FAR behind the times with this one, but more and more research is being done. Thank you to Australia and Europe for leading the way! (Even Italians with all their pasta and pizza have more GF options than we do.)
And a side note, thank you Katie! You've helped me see some hope in this and I am grateful that hopefully my other chronic pain and headaches will go away as well. Who knows, maybe even I'll realize what it feels like to not have my skin hurt.
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
singleness...
Well, I have realized I really need to upload some photos on the blog. I tried for the last post, but apparently the files were way too big. I'll have to try again later.
So, Mike's off for Gospel Coalition. Lot's of boy time...but I even got to talk to Lisi this morning. I wish the girls got to have some time like that. I'm already realizing I get bored too easily. As a teacher and pastor's wife, this should be a nice change. However, I just don't know what to do with myself. In addition, I don't like the idea of being in charge. Laundry, food, cleaning, hosting, all that jazz is even worse when it's just for you. Why bother?! Oh, but I do have to eat and clean since we are holding small group here tomorrow. I guess it's good that someone else will be able to enjoy my cleaning besides me.
As for another thing, Five Guys. If you haven't had their burgers yet, you are missing out. We were thrilled to find out there's one in Raleigh. I don't know if I ever ate there before I was diagnosed with Celiac. After that, eating out has been cut to a minimum. I took 45 8th graders on their reward luncheon tomorrow and found out everything at Five Guys is gluten free...except their buns. Well, I had a burger with no bun and all the extra goodies, a small fry, and a coke. DELICIOUS! I kept eating, and eating, and eating....I don't think I should have to exercise self-control with a gluten free diet AND watch portions. That's asking way too much. Well, I was pretty miserable the rest of the day and night. I woke up this morning feeling incredibly nauseous. I figured I would go in to work and hopefully feel better if it was associated with Celiac. Well, I made it, but I felt worse by the minute. I found someone to cover 1st period and put in a request for a sub. Great...a bug from one of the kids. I'm on a tight schedule with my classes so this was NOT ideal. I made it home and hit up the bathroom. Within an hour, I was feeling back to normal. That's all good except I used a sick day for that. So, I took a nap and I'm still feeling better. I finally ate some food and the headache is going away. Celiac is annoying. Luckily, that's all it was. But Celiac is not something to take lightly either. :::sigh:::
On an exciting note, we booked our vacation! YEAH! Plus we get to share the week with some of our best friends. We can't wait. This deal is the best deal I think we have found yet. Now if we can just get a decent flight... This week I've been starting to think about starting a traveling blog. hmmmmm..................
So, Mike's off for Gospel Coalition. Lot's of boy time...but I even got to talk to Lisi this morning. I wish the girls got to have some time like that. I'm already realizing I get bored too easily. As a teacher and pastor's wife, this should be a nice change. However, I just don't know what to do with myself. In addition, I don't like the idea of being in charge. Laundry, food, cleaning, hosting, all that jazz is even worse when it's just for you. Why bother?! Oh, but I do have to eat and clean since we are holding small group here tomorrow. I guess it's good that someone else will be able to enjoy my cleaning besides me.
As for another thing, Five Guys. If you haven't had their burgers yet, you are missing out. We were thrilled to find out there's one in Raleigh. I don't know if I ever ate there before I was diagnosed with Celiac. After that, eating out has been cut to a minimum. I took 45 8th graders on their reward luncheon tomorrow and found out everything at Five Guys is gluten free...except their buns. Well, I had a burger with no bun and all the extra goodies, a small fry, and a coke. DELICIOUS! I kept eating, and eating, and eating....I don't think I should have to exercise self-control with a gluten free diet AND watch portions. That's asking way too much. Well, I was pretty miserable the rest of the day and night. I woke up this morning feeling incredibly nauseous. I figured I would go in to work and hopefully feel better if it was associated with Celiac. Well, I made it, but I felt worse by the minute. I found someone to cover 1st period and put in a request for a sub. Great...a bug from one of the kids. I'm on a tight schedule with my classes so this was NOT ideal. I made it home and hit up the bathroom. Within an hour, I was feeling back to normal. That's all good except I used a sick day for that. So, I took a nap and I'm still feeling better. I finally ate some food and the headache is going away. Celiac is annoying. Luckily, that's all it was. But Celiac is not something to take lightly either. :::sigh:::
On an exciting note, we booked our vacation! YEAH! Plus we get to share the week with some of our best friends. We can't wait. This deal is the best deal I think we have found yet. Now if we can just get a decent flight... This week I've been starting to think about starting a traveling blog. hmmmmm..................
Sunday, April 12, 2009
He is Risen!
Happy Easter!
This time last year, we were celebrating Christ with Fellowship Raleigh, but we had no idea if we would ever see these people again. We had flown up for the weekend, an interview weekend of sorts, and they were holding their first Sunday morning service. I remember meeting several of the smiling faces. We had lunch as a church and most of our time was spent answering questions from all the locals. They were all just as curious about us as we were about them.
We were in an unfamiliar world. Today, things were very different.
Our church looks very different now. Faces are still smiling and it is a familiar place to us. Several of those people we met a year ago have changed churches, moved cities, or were gone traveling this weekend. We now are a big part of the behind the scenes, set-up and break down. We we're their early and stay late. We spend most of our Sundays at church. We also shared lunch with the body this afternoon. We invited people over, broke bread, and even enjoyed the warm sunshine with Bocce Ball and football. (Last year it was nearly snowing.) Conversation never seemed to stop. We weren't the newbies or in the spotlight all afternoon. We greatly enjoyed our time with our friends, our family.
As for other ministry, the church is growing. We have seen several couples commit to making Fellowship Raleigh their home church. We have seen one family, with older and wiser, parents and 4 children (their son leads worship for us) commit as well. The Lord is not only hearing our prayers, but we are seeing them answered faithfully. He is moving through this city - and the world!
As for personally, things are going well. Sara has been fighting off a cold most of the week and had an upset stomach all last night. Overall, her health has improved by the Gluten free diet. We both have been working quite a bit. Mike hasn't found much down time, but enjoyed having some guy time while Sara was visiting her sister and her family over her spring break.
So, Sara has another day of tomorrow for spring break. Although half of her students will be gone to DC for a few days in May for their class trip, she will be covering one or two other classes for other teachers. Then, come June 5, SUMMER! Hopefully, this summer will lead itself to some photography income. (Those of you in Florida, we'll be down for a couple weeks in June/July, so schedule an appointment or pass the word around.)
As for now, we're exhausted! I'm not exactly sure what happened, but as soon as Tiger Woods sinks his last putt, we're off to dreamland....
This time last year, we were celebrating Christ with Fellowship Raleigh, but we had no idea if we would ever see these people again. We had flown up for the weekend, an interview weekend of sorts, and they were holding their first Sunday morning service. I remember meeting several of the smiling faces. We had lunch as a church and most of our time was spent answering questions from all the locals. They were all just as curious about us as we were about them.
We were in an unfamiliar world. Today, things were very different.
Our church looks very different now. Faces are still smiling and it is a familiar place to us. Several of those people we met a year ago have changed churches, moved cities, or were gone traveling this weekend. We now are a big part of the behind the scenes, set-up and break down. We we're their early and stay late. We spend most of our Sundays at church. We also shared lunch with the body this afternoon. We invited people over, broke bread, and even enjoyed the warm sunshine with Bocce Ball and football. (Last year it was nearly snowing.) Conversation never seemed to stop. We weren't the newbies or in the spotlight all afternoon. We greatly enjoyed our time with our friends, our family.
As for other ministry, the church is growing. We have seen several couples commit to making Fellowship Raleigh their home church. We have seen one family, with older and wiser, parents and 4 children (their son leads worship for us) commit as well. The Lord is not only hearing our prayers, but we are seeing them answered faithfully. He is moving through this city - and the world!
As for personally, things are going well. Sara has been fighting off a cold most of the week and had an upset stomach all last night. Overall, her health has improved by the Gluten free diet. We both have been working quite a bit. Mike hasn't found much down time, but enjoyed having some guy time while Sara was visiting her sister and her family over her spring break.
So, Sara has another day of tomorrow for spring break. Although half of her students will be gone to DC for a few days in May for their class trip, she will be covering one or two other classes for other teachers. Then, come June 5, SUMMER! Hopefully, this summer will lead itself to some photography income. (Those of you in Florida, we'll be down for a couple weeks in June/July, so schedule an appointment or pass the word around.)
As for now, we're exhausted! I'm not exactly sure what happened, but as soon as Tiger Woods sinks his last putt, we're off to dreamland....
Sunday, March 15, 2009
a little overwhelmed
I didn't really realize I was working only 20-25 hours each week. I was still taking multiple naps, rushing to get ready for work on time, and felt like I couldn't take on any other responsibilities. Well, switching to a full-time job (again) seemed to be much more time demanding. I didn't realize how much time this was going to take, until after I started.
So, I've been at the new school for just over two weeks. I LOVE it! The students are great. The faculty is great. The parents are great. I have quite a bit of freedom of to how and when I teach things. I have 4 different preps and really only teach 4 out of the 7 periods. The day seems to fly by and I never seem to have time to look at the clock. I even spent this past Friday at a movie theatre with 150 students watching the ACC tournament.
Well, with all the good changes, it hasn't come easily. Matt and Kristin had their beautiful little girl last Sunday. I've been working from 7:30am until almost 5 most nights. Mike spent this week doing overtime to make sure everything was in order with Matt being at home and preparing his sermon for this morning. Last weekend I spent several hours planning and prepping for school and I haven't had time to even begin to gather my bearings. Mike is off to Georgia this weekend to officiate a wedding and I couldn't take the time off. Although I will miss all the fun, I am need of some rest and still have planning day after day.
So, with Mike and I both working overtime this week, we needed some rest. Yesterday, we did NOTHING. It was well needed. We rented Australia Friday night. It was a good movie, but not quite what I expected. Oprah had painted a false picture for me. However, I would still recommend it.
So, after rereading this post, I've realized I haven't recovered from the week. This has no structure and is too mush of a stream of conscience. So, I'll continue the trend by saying I am not a fan of the new Facebook. I'll also say that I am excited about March Madness, but have no idea who half the teams are. There are way too many big teams missing and this could be a VERY interesting tournament. I'll conclude by saying that I LOVE my job and I am extremely thankful for God's provision. Although I extremely busy preparing, grading, and earning the respect of the community, I know my load will lighten up soon enough. Three more weeks until spring break and 50 days or so until the summer.
So, I've been at the new school for just over two weeks. I LOVE it! The students are great. The faculty is great. The parents are great. I have quite a bit of freedom of to how and when I teach things. I have 4 different preps and really only teach 4 out of the 7 periods. The day seems to fly by and I never seem to have time to look at the clock. I even spent this past Friday at a movie theatre with 150 students watching the ACC tournament.
Well, with all the good changes, it hasn't come easily. Matt and Kristin had their beautiful little girl last Sunday. I've been working from 7:30am until almost 5 most nights. Mike spent this week doing overtime to make sure everything was in order with Matt being at home and preparing his sermon for this morning. Last weekend I spent several hours planning and prepping for school and I haven't had time to even begin to gather my bearings. Mike is off to Georgia this weekend to officiate a wedding and I couldn't take the time off. Although I will miss all the fun, I am need of some rest and still have planning day after day.
So, with Mike and I both working overtime this week, we needed some rest. Yesterday, we did NOTHING. It was well needed. We rented Australia Friday night. It was a good movie, but not quite what I expected. Oprah had painted a false picture for me. However, I would still recommend it.
So, after rereading this post, I've realized I haven't recovered from the week. This has no structure and is too mush of a stream of conscience. So, I'll continue the trend by saying I am not a fan of the new Facebook. I'll also say that I am excited about March Madness, but have no idea who half the teams are. There are way too many big teams missing and this could be a VERY interesting tournament. I'll conclude by saying that I LOVE my job and I am extremely thankful for God's provision. Although I extremely busy preparing, grading, and earning the respect of the community, I know my load will lighten up soon enough. Three more weeks until spring break and 50 days or so until the summer.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
better late than never
After yesterday's snow day, I had a two hour delay. I have decided that a late arrival is a win-win situation. I'm able to sleep in, but I don't have to figure out a good reason to get out of bed. More so, some snow days have to be made up. Delays - they don't. I can get used to the idea of working a 6 hour shift and getting paid for 8.
So, through all of this and several contemplations in changing jobs recently, I have decided that teaching really is an ideal profession. Here are several reasons why: 1) 180 work days (minus sick/personal leave) 2) Great benefits, at least for the employee 3) An almost guaranteed raise each year 4) Always a demand, especially in the right field 5) An incredible ministry opportunity 6) Endless amount of opportunities, for extracurricular or even advancement 7) Several other ways to ear extra money (extra duties, or hidden benefits, or continuing education, etc) 8) More than decent pay for an average of starting at nearly $25 per hour 9) Getting off by 3 or 4 in the afternoon 10) SNOW DAYS!
So, the moral of the story: teaching is a great profession to consider. I really can't imagine doing anything else right now. I work a lot less than most other people, and may make less than them as well. However, if I needed to bring in more, I could easily tutor for $40-50 an hour, find a part time job, or even work full-time throughout the summer. Don't get me wrong, there are some good and bad positions in teaching. I've experienced both to some degrees. Find your fit with classroom management and finding the administration that fits with your style will help make it more enjoyable. Teaching isn't for everyone. But, it's worth considering.
So, through all of this and several contemplations in changing jobs recently, I have decided that teaching really is an ideal profession. Here are several reasons why: 1) 180 work days (minus sick/personal leave) 2) Great benefits, at least for the employee 3) An almost guaranteed raise each year 4) Always a demand, especially in the right field 5) An incredible ministry opportunity 6) Endless amount of opportunities, for extracurricular or even advancement 7) Several other ways to ear extra money (extra duties, or hidden benefits, or continuing education, etc) 8) More than decent pay for an average of starting at nearly $25 per hour 9) Getting off by 3 or 4 in the afternoon 10) SNOW DAYS!
So, the moral of the story: teaching is a great profession to consider. I really can't imagine doing anything else right now. I work a lot less than most other people, and may make less than them as well. However, if I needed to bring in more, I could easily tutor for $40-50 an hour, find a part time job, or even work full-time throughout the summer. Don't get me wrong, there are some good and bad positions in teaching. I've experienced both to some degrees. Find your fit with classroom management and finding the administration that fits with your style will help make it more enjoyable. Teaching isn't for everyone. But, it's worth considering.
Monday, March 2, 2009
groundhog day
So, remember back to February 2nd? The little rodent apparently determined we still had 6 weeks of Winter left. I'm curious as to how accurate Groundhog Day is. Anyone have any incite on his accuracy?
Well, after 60-70 degrees, I was ready for the spring and summer. I was not very excited about giving up my spring break or finishing school in to July. Fortunately, by switching jobs, I have no make up days. :) I think the private schools have some better discernment when it comes to cancellation.
So, today, I spent the day at home. SNOW DAY! It seemed like a long shot when the head master mentioned bad weather on Friday. They called a 2 hour delay around 10pm last night and at 6am this morning, I (well actually Mike?) received the cancellation call. I enjoyed the day to rest and didn't even get too bored by myself. I did make it to the doctor as I changed my appointment from tomorrow to today. I'm so glad I did! I had quite a bit of dizziness and light-headedness so spent the rest of the day of the couch. That's what I call a productive snow day!
So, as for other things. Our March update is in the mail. If you want an electronic copy, please let us know. We've been in Raleigh for nearly 7 months and in another month we will mark the longest we have lived alone as a couple.
I have a spring break coming up in April. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth making a trip to see the family in Cincinnati or some friends in Orlando. I think that might be my only chance to see the family for awhile. We should be headed to Orlando for a couple weeks this summer. Mike will be tying up his last three classes! (Anyone in Orlando that wants some photos, let me know.)
So, for the rest of the evening, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and the Big Bang Theory. For all of Mike's nerdy friends, I highly recommend checking out the Big Bang Theory. I don't think it would be nearly as entertaining if I wouldn't have married Mike. Oh how Becky was right, "Nerds make good husbands."
Well, after 60-70 degrees, I was ready for the spring and summer. I was not very excited about giving up my spring break or finishing school in to July. Fortunately, by switching jobs, I have no make up days. :) I think the private schools have some better discernment when it comes to cancellation.
So, today, I spent the day at home. SNOW DAY! It seemed like a long shot when the head master mentioned bad weather on Friday. They called a 2 hour delay around 10pm last night and at 6am this morning, I (well actually Mike?) received the cancellation call. I enjoyed the day to rest and didn't even get too bored by myself. I did make it to the doctor as I changed my appointment from tomorrow to today. I'm so glad I did! I had quite a bit of dizziness and light-headedness so spent the rest of the day of the couch. That's what I call a productive snow day!
So, as for other things. Our March update is in the mail. If you want an electronic copy, please let us know. We've been in Raleigh for nearly 7 months and in another month we will mark the longest we have lived alone as a couple.
I have a spring break coming up in April. I'm trying to figure out if it's worth making a trip to see the family in Cincinnati or some friends in Orlando. I think that might be my only chance to see the family for awhile. We should be headed to Orlando for a couple weeks this summer. Mike will be tying up his last three classes! (Anyone in Orlando that wants some photos, let me know.)
So, for the rest of the evening, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, and the Big Bang Theory. For all of Mike's nerdy friends, I highly recommend checking out the Big Bang Theory. I don't think it would be nearly as entertaining if I wouldn't have married Mike. Oh how Becky was right, "Nerds make good husbands."
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)