Now that you know the physical whats that have been occuring since we last met each other on these pages, its time to get deeper.
This past Weekend I had the opportunity to go on my second year retreat. It was in the embassy suites, right next to the beautiful LAX. Not exactly the most serene place for a retreat, but you do with what you can. Five of us from the Southwest and three from the Midwest.
I could not have been more thankful for this weekend that came when it did.
The time of year when all the simple living, soul serching, service, community living was just plain starting to burn me out. Here we are month 16 of living too many miles away from home to count, having to plan phone dates with people at home, and just plain wondering how much more JVC can I take. I had totally lost site of what I wanted to accomplish, and why I was doing this. I was struggling in Phoenix, with my spirituality, my community, to see the difference I was making with the students at work, why not eating meat was important, and it was driving me insane.
This weekend gave me a chance to process with others who knew what that feeling was like. We not only engaged in organized reflection activities, but also just had fun, enjoyed each others company, shared stories, and gave advice. We went to In-n-Out, lounged in the hot tub, made arts and crafts posters, and had a three hour convo that helped me gain persepective on this year, last year, and where I want to go from here.
I realize that I left a piece of myself in Chicago, with my former community, and the residents and staff of ABAM. I couldn't accept that before, and I felt guilty for it. Anytime I though about chicago, or the memories I made/good times I had I felt that I wasn't giving my all to community or I was living in the past. I've come to accept that this is okay. I was an experience that has shaped me, and my life, and I've also taken pieces of all of them on my journey now to Phoenix that I am now sharing with others.
Looking back I relize that my last year wasn't this glorified picture that I have painted it out to be. There were real struggles and it to, was hard everyday. There were fights at home, akward moments where I couldn't be myself, aggravating and tired moments at work that I was completely unqualified to handle, moments that I questioned what the heck am I doing this for, what am I actually accomplishing (i.e. rice week). But despite all the struggles it was an experience that I would never trade and have nothing but love for, much like this one. I am confident that come month 24 I will look upon this year with the same gratitude and love for the people of phoenix, my community, and my job.
With a little over a 1/4 of my JVC experience left to go I still have miles to go before I can say that I got that former status and have fullfilled all the goals that I had coming into JVC both 16 months and 4 months ago. I don't know if I will in the next 8 months either. But I will never know unless I start.
If we gotta start somewhere why not here
If we gotta start sometime why not now
If we gotta start somewhere I say here
If we gotta start sometime I say now
Through the fog there is hope in the distance
From Cathedrals to third world missions
Love will fall to the earth like a crashing wave
"Toby Mac"
The hardest part of this JVC business is to accept the fact that it's not about me. It's about everyone else. The people I live with, the friends I've made, the people I serve. It's about them. My committment to love and to serve and not to count the cost. It is only when I remeber that and apply it to life that my eyes will be opened and I will be "ruined for life"
Friday, December 10, 2010
Thursday, December 9, 2010
1,000 Words or Less
Hello Friends,
So I am aware that I have fallen off the face of the blogging universe for about 2 months, but thats what no internet at home, an extremely busy work day, and lack of motivation will do to you. Well I am happy to say that I have found motivation again in the Holidays!
I honestly feel like I dont know where to pick up.
I guess I'll just hit the big ones.
Holloween:I had the pleasure of riding with my casamates to the wonderful land of San Diego to hang out with a bunch of JVs from the Southern Southwest Region. LA, San Diego, and the Phoenican Contingent were all there in full force. While here I learned of the new obsession young people have with a drink called Four Loco's. It is basically alcohol and caffine, and now banned in several states becuase people are having heart attacks upon consumption. Scary, and yet JV's will still keep drinking it because we have no money and it's cheap. Me, I had a sip and spit it back out. It tasted like purple diamatap, even tho the liquid was yellow. Despite this Four Loco's Craze it was great seeing some of the JV's that we haven't seen in a while. After the awkwardness of what's your name again's and where do live, It was nice to chat with people and make new friends. Later came a costume party where charlie brown and his pals, the ninga turtles, a JVC Program Coordinator and the cast of the Jesery Shore were all in full attendance.
Washington D.C. Trip:
So I got to be back on the East Coast for about 5 days and it was WONDERFUL! I spent five days staying in a hotel in a queen size bed all to myself and learning about the DC area and its connection to civil rights, learning about immigration, and the El Salavdorian Martyers, along with doing some site-seeing and seeing some awesome people! The best part: Dinner with my Mama, Aunt Debbie, UC, Vicki and Steve. Second Best Part: Lunch with Mateo and MaiMai! It was so good to be sorta home, seeing people that I love. I was so tired after the trip, but I came back rejuvinated in some awesome way!
While there We also had a private meeting with Senetor McCain about the issue of immigration. It didnt go as well as I had hoped but it was awesome to be in a private meeting with a US senetor and former presidential canidate.
Thanksgiving:Casa's BArt and Truth welcomed their homes to 40Jvs's from all around the southwest region. It was quiet an experience. The first community arrived at about 1am on Thanksgiving morning which communiies following suit until about 3am. I gave up and went to bed. Why? Well let's back track to how I chaporoned at trip to Mexico again that morning. We left school at like 4:30 am and returned at 11pm. I got back just in time to want to pass out but instead was greated by JVs who came for a weekend of food, drink, and friendship.
Thursday was awesome. Becky and I rode around Phoenix for hours doing last minute things for our big feast. The NoCal contingent arrived at about 8:30am awaking the house and allowing us all to prepare for the awesomeness that was to come. We all got dressed in our Thanksgiving best, decorated the table, open the wine, tapped the keg and induldgeed in as much food as we could hold. Then bought out the pie's and ate some more. Finally a trip to the dive bar of four Kings made the night complete. (Although, I spent a good hour that night trying to get lost people back to my house)
Black Friday was no complete without a treck to the local Christown Mall. Were I bought sweet sweatpants for just $5.00. After which we headed back to casa truth to take part in the Phoenix Thanksgiving tradition of Beer Olympics. Casa Truth became East and West Germany with the Berlin Wall to seperate them. We got through two events before the Keg was empty and the games were over, only to be replaced with a nightclub in our backyard. I didn't count but i believe we danced for like 6 hours. AWESOME!!!!
Saturday consisted of most people sitting in my living room, watching football, and getting polluted, but their was a different option. Harry Potter! On the Saturday of thanksgiving, I went to see HP7 for the 2nd time, a descsion I do not regret! getting their was quiet the experience. Before the movie I was hanging at Casa bart where we met a nice women named Michelle** (name has been changed). Michelle was a little intoxicated and decided she would join our football frisbee game, and then run away,and run back, run away, use the bathroom behind a low wall, then come back. When we all got in the van to head to the theater. She decided to sit on their front porch and wait for us to return. This resulted in me driving in circles, waiting for Matt and Scott to be ready to join us for the movie.
After the movie we proceeded to have a three hour conversation about the Potterverse! Time Well Spent! Another Trip to Four Kings, ended the Thanksgiving Shananagins.
On Sunday the guests left and we were left with a destroyed house to clean up. We finished a went to Taco Bell, then I read book 7 of Harry Potter. Again. Time.Well.Spent.
So that's all for now. I'll try to update again real soon!
So I am aware that I have fallen off the face of the blogging universe for about 2 months, but thats what no internet at home, an extremely busy work day, and lack of motivation will do to you. Well I am happy to say that I have found motivation again in the Holidays!
I honestly feel like I dont know where to pick up.
I guess I'll just hit the big ones.
Holloween:I had the pleasure of riding with my casamates to the wonderful land of San Diego to hang out with a bunch of JVs from the Southern Southwest Region. LA, San Diego, and the Phoenican Contingent were all there in full force. While here I learned of the new obsession young people have with a drink called Four Loco's. It is basically alcohol and caffine, and now banned in several states becuase people are having heart attacks upon consumption. Scary, and yet JV's will still keep drinking it because we have no money and it's cheap. Me, I had a sip and spit it back out. It tasted like purple diamatap, even tho the liquid was yellow. Despite this Four Loco's Craze it was great seeing some of the JV's that we haven't seen in a while. After the awkwardness of what's your name again's and where do live, It was nice to chat with people and make new friends. Later came a costume party where charlie brown and his pals, the ninga turtles, a JVC Program Coordinator and the cast of the Jesery Shore were all in full attendance.
Washington D.C. Trip:
So I got to be back on the East Coast for about 5 days and it was WONDERFUL! I spent five days staying in a hotel in a queen size bed all to myself and learning about the DC area and its connection to civil rights, learning about immigration, and the El Salavdorian Martyers, along with doing some site-seeing and seeing some awesome people! The best part: Dinner with my Mama, Aunt Debbie, UC, Vicki and Steve. Second Best Part: Lunch with Mateo and MaiMai! It was so good to be sorta home, seeing people that I love. I was so tired after the trip, but I came back rejuvinated in some awesome way!
While there We also had a private meeting with Senetor McCain about the issue of immigration. It didnt go as well as I had hoped but it was awesome to be in a private meeting with a US senetor and former presidential canidate.
Thanksgiving:Casa's BArt and Truth welcomed their homes to 40Jvs's from all around the southwest region. It was quiet an experience. The first community arrived at about 1am on Thanksgiving morning which communiies following suit until about 3am. I gave up and went to bed. Why? Well let's back track to how I chaporoned at trip to Mexico again that morning. We left school at like 4:30 am and returned at 11pm. I got back just in time to want to pass out but instead was greated by JVs who came for a weekend of food, drink, and friendship.
Thursday was awesome. Becky and I rode around Phoenix for hours doing last minute things for our big feast. The NoCal contingent arrived at about 8:30am awaking the house and allowing us all to prepare for the awesomeness that was to come. We all got dressed in our Thanksgiving best, decorated the table, open the wine, tapped the keg and induldgeed in as much food as we could hold. Then bought out the pie's and ate some more. Finally a trip to the dive bar of four Kings made the night complete. (Although, I spent a good hour that night trying to get lost people back to my house)
Black Friday was no complete without a treck to the local Christown Mall. Were I bought sweet sweatpants for just $5.00. After which we headed back to casa truth to take part in the Phoenix Thanksgiving tradition of Beer Olympics. Casa Truth became East and West Germany with the Berlin Wall to seperate them. We got through two events before the Keg was empty and the games were over, only to be replaced with a nightclub in our backyard. I didn't count but i believe we danced for like 6 hours. AWESOME!!!!
Saturday consisted of most people sitting in my living room, watching football, and getting polluted, but their was a different option. Harry Potter! On the Saturday of thanksgiving, I went to see HP7 for the 2nd time, a descsion I do not regret! getting their was quiet the experience. Before the movie I was hanging at Casa bart where we met a nice women named Michelle** (name has been changed). Michelle was a little intoxicated and decided she would join our football frisbee game, and then run away,and run back, run away, use the bathroom behind a low wall, then come back. When we all got in the van to head to the theater. She decided to sit on their front porch and wait for us to return. This resulted in me driving in circles, waiting for Matt and Scott to be ready to join us for the movie.
After the movie we proceeded to have a three hour conversation about the Potterverse! Time Well Spent! Another Trip to Four Kings, ended the Thanksgiving Shananagins.
On Sunday the guests left and we were left with a destroyed house to clean up. We finished a went to Taco Bell, then I read book 7 of Harry Potter. Again. Time.Well.Spent.
So that's all for now. I'll try to update again real soon!
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Moral Dilemma's are my favorite kind......
Every year the OFJ plans and hosts the Summit on Human Dignity for its students. The summit is two weeks of speakers, workshops, activities, masses and service opportunities. This year the topic of the summit is food, I have the honor of being the faculty advisor for the student executive committee, eight boys, sophomores through seniors, who work in planning this summit which in the past has received national recognition.
Today I attended my first adult committee meeting. The committee had met a few times before and since this was my first meeting, and first summit, I was utterly confused. The talk was quickly directed to the verbiage of our mission statement, and what key area’s we wished to address during the summit.
Some of the topics we began discussing at the meeting made start thinking about food again as a justice issue. Many of us never realize how the food we eat gets to our table. We have no idea where it came from, the type of labor that was used in cultivation, processing or packaging, what was added in during those processed and how much of a carbon foot print it left on the earth as it journeyed to our local supermarket and table.
We never take the time to consider why the things that are always on sale are sometimes the things that are least healthy for us. Or in general things that are healthy cost more. Thus dooming those who don’t have an appropriate sustainable income or forced to buy and consume food that will result in long term health risks that they probably will not have the funds to receive medical attention for.
Many people (Myself included most of the time) choose not to think about these issues, because it’s easier. It frees us from the guilt of realizing that people, animals, and the environment are abused and exploited because of the food we consume. I can guarantee the dinner I eat tonight will exhibit all of the before mentioned forms of exploitation. Despite the exploitation that I am well aware of concerning my meal, I should be thankful that I even have this meal to eat all. The workers in all fields especially those who might be undocumented or those who reside in other countries might not be so lucky. They survive on much much less than many of us do on a daily basis.
So than, what is my solution. Should I hunger strike in solidary with those who have no food, protest against the unfair exploitation of workers and the environment, advocate for worker’s rights, or is just realizing the injustice and educating others about it enough?
I don’t know what to do about this moral dilemma, however, I know that tonight, sitting around the table for dinner, I will thinking about a lot more than good it tastes, and hopefully the summit (which incidentally occurs during rice week, hello challenge part II) will help me to answer some of those moral questions surrounding the justice of food.
Today I attended my first adult committee meeting. The committee had met a few times before and since this was my first meeting, and first summit, I was utterly confused. The talk was quickly directed to the verbiage of our mission statement, and what key area’s we wished to address during the summit.
Some of the topics we began discussing at the meeting made start thinking about food again as a justice issue. Many of us never realize how the food we eat gets to our table. We have no idea where it came from, the type of labor that was used in cultivation, processing or packaging, what was added in during those processed and how much of a carbon foot print it left on the earth as it journeyed to our local supermarket and table.
We never take the time to consider why the things that are always on sale are sometimes the things that are least healthy for us. Or in general things that are healthy cost more. Thus dooming those who don’t have an appropriate sustainable income or forced to buy and consume food that will result in long term health risks that they probably will not have the funds to receive medical attention for.
Many people (Myself included most of the time) choose not to think about these issues, because it’s easier. It frees us from the guilt of realizing that people, animals, and the environment are abused and exploited because of the food we consume. I can guarantee the dinner I eat tonight will exhibit all of the before mentioned forms of exploitation. Despite the exploitation that I am well aware of concerning my meal, I should be thankful that I even have this meal to eat all. The workers in all fields especially those who might be undocumented or those who reside in other countries might not be so lucky. They survive on much much less than many of us do on a daily basis.
So than, what is my solution. Should I hunger strike in solidary with those who have no food, protest against the unfair exploitation of workers and the environment, advocate for worker’s rights, or is just realizing the injustice and educating others about it enough?
I don’t know what to do about this moral dilemma, however, I know that tonight, sitting around the table for dinner, I will thinking about a lot more than good it tastes, and hopefully the summit (which incidentally occurs during rice week, hello challenge part II) will help me to answer some of those moral questions surrounding the justice of food.
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Tomorrow is October and its still 107
I know I might sound like a broken record, but daily JVC reminds me of how grateful I am for things in my life. As much as I may whine, cry and complain about things I miss about life pre-Phoenix, it also makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside as I realize that I am happy that I have things to miss.
As October begins and I think about Fall on the East Coast. I remeber certain sights and smells, that are not available to me in Phoenix. There are no leaves changing color, no smells of crackling bonfires, and certainly no fall fests with my besties. Here I am longing for the things that I would have complained about before. Why is it cold already? Snow? Tomorrow? Really? It's October 7th! You must be kidding me!
Now fall is resonating some sense of longing for cuddling outside in a hoodie, or jumping in a huge pile of leaves,looking up at the sky and seeing "those clouds", you know the ones that tell you it is going to be cold and snow, not rain, Even having to plan a Holloween costume around the idea that it could potentionally be below freezing as soon as the sun goes down, which becuase of day-light savings is about 5pm.
But all this that I have just mentioned results in some sort of strange satifaction. Yes, I miss home, but I have fond memories and a home to miss, and I know that as much as I miss home, my home misses me equally as much.
When I started JVC, I didn't really get the whole "ruined for life" thing. I wasn't sure how exactly that would happen, or even if it would actually happen. When I left Chicago, I was equally confused. I knew that I had changed, but I couldn't pinpoint it in anyway. But over the past couple of weeks in Phoenix I'm starting to realize a little bit about what this JVC thing might be all about. It has helped me change the way I look at my life, I can't accept things with out thinking about them and questioning the heck out of it (Thanks Mateo, I never though I would say this, but I miss your insane questions and discussions), I can't help but be grateful for my blessings, and i've also grown quite fond of Ignation spirituality, which definately had helped me to be more intune with God.
Having Jake here this weekend was awesome, we had fun, chatted alot, and were able to reminsce a lot about old times. Just as being away from home has helped me realize things, so has being away from Chi-town. It's no secret that at times living with my community in Chicago was a challenging expereince and towards the end I was definately ready to peace out. Talking to Jake really helped to sort out a lot of stuff and I wouldn't change that expereince now for the world. I didn't realize how much each and everyone of them impacted my life until I nearly two months after the fact. I didn't realize what my work had done for my passion for living life each moment and not get bogged down by little things.
Now as I'm approaching the two month mark in Phoenix, I can't help but get excited about this experience. My job, my housemates, my city.....I have so much to learn from each person that I interact with. I know that this year is not going to be easy. It's gonna be hard work, but through each challenge there is an experience that will add to the "ruining" that has already taken effect.
So am I glad to miss home, Chi-town, the People I love, and the Challenge of Community Life?
You Betcha!!!!!!!!
As October begins and I think about Fall on the East Coast. I remeber certain sights and smells, that are not available to me in Phoenix. There are no leaves changing color, no smells of crackling bonfires, and certainly no fall fests with my besties. Here I am longing for the things that I would have complained about before. Why is it cold already? Snow? Tomorrow? Really? It's October 7th! You must be kidding me!
Now fall is resonating some sense of longing for cuddling outside in a hoodie, or jumping in a huge pile of leaves,looking up at the sky and seeing "those clouds", you know the ones that tell you it is going to be cold and snow, not rain, Even having to plan a Holloween costume around the idea that it could potentionally be below freezing as soon as the sun goes down, which becuase of day-light savings is about 5pm.
But all this that I have just mentioned results in some sort of strange satifaction. Yes, I miss home, but I have fond memories and a home to miss, and I know that as much as I miss home, my home misses me equally as much.
When I started JVC, I didn't really get the whole "ruined for life" thing. I wasn't sure how exactly that would happen, or even if it would actually happen. When I left Chicago, I was equally confused. I knew that I had changed, but I couldn't pinpoint it in anyway. But over the past couple of weeks in Phoenix I'm starting to realize a little bit about what this JVC thing might be all about. It has helped me change the way I look at my life, I can't accept things with out thinking about them and questioning the heck out of it (Thanks Mateo, I never though I would say this, but I miss your insane questions and discussions), I can't help but be grateful for my blessings, and i've also grown quite fond of Ignation spirituality, which definately had helped me to be more intune with God.
Having Jake here this weekend was awesome, we had fun, chatted alot, and were able to reminsce a lot about old times. Just as being away from home has helped me realize things, so has being away from Chi-town. It's no secret that at times living with my community in Chicago was a challenging expereince and towards the end I was definately ready to peace out. Talking to Jake really helped to sort out a lot of stuff and I wouldn't change that expereince now for the world. I didn't realize how much each and everyone of them impacted my life until I nearly two months after the fact. I didn't realize what my work had done for my passion for living life each moment and not get bogged down by little things.
Now as I'm approaching the two month mark in Phoenix, I can't help but get excited about this experience. My job, my housemates, my city.....I have so much to learn from each person that I interact with. I know that this year is not going to be easy. It's gonna be hard work, but through each challenge there is an experience that will add to the "ruining" that has already taken effect.
So am I glad to miss home, Chi-town, the People I love, and the Challenge of Community Life?
You Betcha!!!!!!!!
Friday, September 24, 2010
I've Come to Realize
1. I've come to realize that things...Happen for a reason and we should be grateful for everything we have in life, becuase it can be lost in a second.
2. I've come to realize that my friends...Are my life. I could not have done half of what I did without them, they made me the person I am today, and I thank the Lord for the people who have found me, everyday.
3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving...I love to listen to music, and sing. I also have conversations with myself, sometimes in french.
4. I've come to realize that I need...to not worry so much about pleasing others and just be myself.
5. I've come to realize that the person you may have....taken for granted might not know how much they really mean to you.
6. I've come to realize that life....is what you make of it. You only get out what you have put in.
7. I've come to realize that procrastination...is laziness in disguise.
8. I've come to realize that money...really does make the world go round, but definatly doesn't grow on trees.
9. I've come to realize that certain people...make life worth living.
10. I've come to learn that I'll always...care about people way to much and be way too emotional.
11. I've come to realize that my sibling(s)...don't have to share my blood and DNA.
12. I've come to learn that my mom...is more then a mother, she is a friend.
13. I've come to learn that my cell phone...is nice to turn off once in a while.
14. I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning...God gave me the opportunity to see the Sun for one more day.
15. I've come to realize that last night before i went to bed...That I need to go with the flow and not over think things
16. I've come to realize that right now i am thinking...I really do miss my family and friends.
17. I've come to realize that my dad...is a great role model and influence in my life.
18. I've come to realize that when i get on Facebook...That I have way to many "friends" who I never talk to.
19. I've come to realize that today...is the day to make things happen.
20. I've come to realize that tonite...'s the night, let's love it up.
21. I've come to realize that tomorrow....I can sleep past 6.
22. I've come to realize that I really want...my family and friends to be happy.
23. I've come to realize that the person most likely to read this....Is really important to me.
24. I've come to realize that life...is worth it.
25. I've come to realize that this weekend...will go to fast.
26. I've come to realize that the best music to listen to when I'm upset is...music that brings out the tears. I just need to get it out.
27. I've come to realize that my friends....are people I can not possibly ever live without.
28. I've come to realize that this year...has challenged me more then anything I have ever done in my life and made me appriciate people and things I have taken advantage of before.
29. I've come to realize that people....do crazy things when they are in Love.
30. I've come to realize that maybe I should...think things through a little better.
31. I've come to realize that I love...my life, I couldn't ask for anything more.
32. I've come to realize that I don't understand...how some people have no passion or desire for life.
33. I've come to realize my past...is my past for a reason.
34. I've come to realize that parties...are over-rated.
35. I've come to realize that I...am stronger then I thought.
36. I've come to realize that my life...should be lived for others.
37. I’ve come to realize that my favorite comfort food is...pizza
38. I’ve come to realize I’ll never like...to do laundry
39. I’ve come to realize my favorite moment in life so far is...coming home to hug and love after being away for so long.
40. I’ve come to realize...that God is in control and I'm just along for the ride.
2. I've come to realize that my friends...Are my life. I could not have done half of what I did without them, they made me the person I am today, and I thank the Lord for the people who have found me, everyday.
3. I've come to realize that when I'm driving...I love to listen to music, and sing. I also have conversations with myself, sometimes in french.
4. I've come to realize that I need...to not worry so much about pleasing others and just be myself.
5. I've come to realize that the person you may have....taken for granted might not know how much they really mean to you.
6. I've come to realize that life....is what you make of it. You only get out what you have put in.
7. I've come to realize that procrastination...is laziness in disguise.
8. I've come to realize that money...really does make the world go round, but definatly doesn't grow on trees.
9. I've come to realize that certain people...make life worth living.
10. I've come to learn that I'll always...care about people way to much and be way too emotional.
11. I've come to realize that my sibling(s)...don't have to share my blood and DNA.
12. I've come to learn that my mom...is more then a mother, she is a friend.
13. I've come to learn that my cell phone...is nice to turn off once in a while.
14. I've come to realize that when I woke up this morning...God gave me the opportunity to see the Sun for one more day.
15. I've come to realize that last night before i went to bed...That I need to go with the flow and not over think things
16. I've come to realize that right now i am thinking...I really do miss my family and friends.
17. I've come to realize that my dad...is a great role model and influence in my life.
18. I've come to realize that when i get on Facebook...That I have way to many "friends" who I never talk to.
19. I've come to realize that today...is the day to make things happen.
20. I've come to realize that tonite...'s the night, let's love it up.
21. I've come to realize that tomorrow....I can sleep past 6.
22. I've come to realize that I really want...my family and friends to be happy.
23. I've come to realize that the person most likely to read this....Is really important to me.
24. I've come to realize that life...is worth it.
25. I've come to realize that this weekend...will go to fast.
26. I've come to realize that the best music to listen to when I'm upset is...music that brings out the tears. I just need to get it out.
27. I've come to realize that my friends....are people I can not possibly ever live without.
28. I've come to realize that this year...has challenged me more then anything I have ever done in my life and made me appriciate people and things I have taken advantage of before.
29. I've come to realize that people....do crazy things when they are in Love.
30. I've come to realize that maybe I should...think things through a little better.
31. I've come to realize that I love...my life, I couldn't ask for anything more.
32. I've come to realize that I don't understand...how some people have no passion or desire for life.
33. I've come to realize my past...is my past for a reason.
34. I've come to realize that parties...are over-rated.
35. I've come to realize that I...am stronger then I thought.
36. I've come to realize that my life...should be lived for others.
37. I’ve come to realize that my favorite comfort food is...pizza
38. I’ve come to realize I’ll never like...to do laundry
39. I’ve come to realize my favorite moment in life so far is...coming home to hug and love after being away for so long.
40. I’ve come to realize...that God is in control and I'm just along for the ride.
Sunday, September 19, 2010
Some things never change, And some change everyday.
Another Week come and gone....
Breakaway ended up going awesome on Tuesday! I sucessfully gave my first bus tour of phoenix, dealt with crazy SVDP workers/clients, got through the day without giving any one a JUG, and ended with a little smiley face eating a shark on my name tag! (In the mornings all of us put on nametags and I decided that I am going to attach each on to my binder along with the number and a little emoticon/picture of how I felt about the day.)
On Wednesday afternoon I headed up to Manresa retreat center in Sedona for the Magis retreat, which was amazing! The adult talks, the student leaders, the retreatants, the weather, the scenary, everything was just perfect! Besides the sharing and general getting to know yous, we also got to go on a 5am hike in Oak Creek Canyon. First of all, It's awesome that I hiked a canyon in sedona, the home of the red rocks, but also its the first time since coming to AZ that I have been cold. It was seriously like 50 degrees in the morning. After the Hike, thursday was full of talks and activities that enabled me to really get to know some of the guys. They are all great people. I feel like all the guys are so honest and genuine. It's very different being around teenage boys, when there are no ladies present. They develop this sense of community and brotherhood with each other that is amazing to watch develop (And of course when they did there little testimonies of brothership to each on the retreat I cried). But alas boys will be boys and when they were asked what the qualities of manhood are, everyone said facial hair in some way....
I think my talk went really well. I wanted to post it here but I though that wouldnt be a good idea, so if you want to read it, Let me know and I will send it to you!
Being at manresa only added to my homesickness however....I was in the mountains, it was cold, I was doing soul searching, It only makes sense.
Friday I got back and was welcomed back in to the loving arms of my community drinking Burboun Whiskey out of Coffee Mugs and watching Youtube Videos (Somethings about JVC never change). We rounded up the troops and headed on over to Casa Bart for some weekend Shannanagins, which ended for some of us at 5am with the rise of the sun.
Saturday I slept til noon (First time in like three years) then went to the Scottsdale Mall which Becky and her Aunt, I can honestly say I know how the other half lives. This mall had Gucci and Louis Vitton stores for Goodness Sakes. We went back to Marys house for dinner then headed home to meet Casa Bart again and went to this cool Irish Pub to watch the U of A/Iowa game.
This morning I woke up at 8 (back to my usual granny wake up time) and went to the YMCA. Then I did a little shopping on stipend yey, and went swiming at Becky's aunt's friend's house. Went to Mass, ate dinner, and now I'm here.
My life is not that exciting anymore.....
I am super excited that Jake is coming this weekend though, and the fact that Glee and NCIS start Tuesday. Actually I'm not sure which one I'm more excited for. JUST KIDDING! But seriously NCIS, GLEE, and JAKE in the same week. What did I do to deserve this!
Peace, Love & Social Justice!
Breakaway ended up going awesome on Tuesday! I sucessfully gave my first bus tour of phoenix, dealt with crazy SVDP workers/clients, got through the day without giving any one a JUG, and ended with a little smiley face eating a shark on my name tag! (In the mornings all of us put on nametags and I decided that I am going to attach each on to my binder along with the number and a little emoticon/picture of how I felt about the day.)
On Wednesday afternoon I headed up to Manresa retreat center in Sedona for the Magis retreat, which was amazing! The adult talks, the student leaders, the retreatants, the weather, the scenary, everything was just perfect! Besides the sharing and general getting to know yous, we also got to go on a 5am hike in Oak Creek Canyon. First of all, It's awesome that I hiked a canyon in sedona, the home of the red rocks, but also its the first time since coming to AZ that I have been cold. It was seriously like 50 degrees in the morning. After the Hike, thursday was full of talks and activities that enabled me to really get to know some of the guys. They are all great people. I feel like all the guys are so honest and genuine. It's very different being around teenage boys, when there are no ladies present. They develop this sense of community and brotherhood with each other that is amazing to watch develop (And of course when they did there little testimonies of brothership to each on the retreat I cried). But alas boys will be boys and when they were asked what the qualities of manhood are, everyone said facial hair in some way....
I think my talk went really well. I wanted to post it here but I though that wouldnt be a good idea, so if you want to read it, Let me know and I will send it to you!
Being at manresa only added to my homesickness however....I was in the mountains, it was cold, I was doing soul searching, It only makes sense.
Friday I got back and was welcomed back in to the loving arms of my community drinking Burboun Whiskey out of Coffee Mugs and watching Youtube Videos (Somethings about JVC never change). We rounded up the troops and headed on over to Casa Bart for some weekend Shannanagins, which ended for some of us at 5am with the rise of the sun.
Saturday I slept til noon (First time in like three years) then went to the Scottsdale Mall which Becky and her Aunt, I can honestly say I know how the other half lives. This mall had Gucci and Louis Vitton stores for Goodness Sakes. We went back to Marys house for dinner then headed home to meet Casa Bart again and went to this cool Irish Pub to watch the U of A/Iowa game.
This morning I woke up at 8 (back to my usual granny wake up time) and went to the YMCA. Then I did a little shopping on stipend yey, and went swiming at Becky's aunt's friend's house. Went to Mass, ate dinner, and now I'm here.
My life is not that exciting anymore.....
I am super excited that Jake is coming this weekend though, and the fact that Glee and NCIS start Tuesday. Actually I'm not sure which one I'm more excited for. JUST KIDDING! But seriously NCIS, GLEE, and JAKE in the same week. What did I do to deserve this!
Peace, Love & Social Justice!
Monday, September 13, 2010
Ten Things.....
1. Freshman Retreat went awesome! My Big Brothers did an amazing job of sharing and encouraging their freshman to make the most out of their 4 years. It was nice to get to know some of them, and really here them put themselves out there and be vunerable. It was kind of a long weekend but well worth it. I'm excited to get to know more kids. I also had to organize 250 students at one service site. I though it was pandamonium, be apparently other people thought it went well...
2. I have Freshman Breakaway tomorrow. Only one kid didn't hand in their permission form. I'm gonna have to talk to their parents and I hate talking on the phone. I'm doing it with another faculty member who is taking his own car and leaving early. Another thrown to the sharks in the best way possible moment. I really hope this goes well.
3. My LP boys are so quiet, but really good with the kids. They are engaging them really well. I had an expereince with one of the sixth grade boys today. They start being cheeky a little earlier then I remeber but who knows. We played hang man with states and I taught him how to sound out really big words like: antidisestablishmentaryinism (Spelling?)
4. I have to give the Magis talk on a retreat called Magis. NO PRESSURE!
5. I am still awake, but I should be sleeping.
6. Casa's Bart and Truth have now decided almost EVERYTHING is going to be a competition. So Far the series is tied 1-1 with Truth winning a version of Baseball and Bart winning KickBall.
7. I am reading the Jesuit Guide to almost Everything for work.
8. I really want to figure out a way to go to NCCYM again!
9. Riding a Bike when its 100degrees is not a good idea.
10. I put picture on the board, an odor neutralizer on the shelf, and a reed difuser on my desk. After Frosh Retreat I feel all unpacked and ready to go!
2. I have Freshman Breakaway tomorrow. Only one kid didn't hand in their permission form. I'm gonna have to talk to their parents and I hate talking on the phone. I'm doing it with another faculty member who is taking his own car and leaving early. Another thrown to the sharks in the best way possible moment. I really hope this goes well.
3. My LP boys are so quiet, but really good with the kids. They are engaging them really well. I had an expereince with one of the sixth grade boys today. They start being cheeky a little earlier then I remeber but who knows. We played hang man with states and I taught him how to sound out really big words like: antidisestablishmentaryinism (Spelling?)
4. I have to give the Magis talk on a retreat called Magis. NO PRESSURE!
5. I am still awake, but I should be sleeping.
6. Casa's Bart and Truth have now decided almost EVERYTHING is going to be a competition. So Far the series is tied 1-1 with Truth winning a version of Baseball and Bart winning KickBall.
7. I am reading the Jesuit Guide to almost Everything for work.
8. I really want to figure out a way to go to NCCYM again!
9. Riding a Bike when its 100degrees is not a good idea.
10. I put picture on the board, an odor neutralizer on the shelf, and a reed difuser on my desk. After Frosh Retreat I feel all unpacked and ready to go!
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Have You Forgotten?????? 9.11.01 Never Forget....
On 9/11/01 America was attacked by terrorists, Hijacked Planes flew into the twin towers, pentagon, and another that crashed in a field.
For many New Yorkers and other people, this day is forever engraved in their memory, they remeber where they were and what they were doing. Those people that were deeply affected, I can assure you will never forget. This day is hard, as it always will.
But I'm asking all of you, those who didn't loose someone, those who live 3,000 miles away, those who may have only seen it for a few days on tv.
Have you forgotten?
I hear people sayin'. We Don't need this war.
I say there's some things worth fightin' for.
What about our freedom, and this piece of ground?
We didn't get to keep 'em by backin' down.
They say we don't realize the mess we're gettin' in
Before you start preachin' let me ask you this my friend.
Chorus
Have you forgotten, how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten, when those towers fell
We had neighbors still inside goin through a livin hell
And you say we shouldn't worry bout Bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
You took all the footage off my T.V.
Said it's too disturbin for you and me
It'll just breed anger is what the experts say
If it was up to me I'd show it everyday
Some say this country just out lookin' for a fight
Well after 9/11 man I'd have to say right.
Chorus
Have you forgotten, how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell
We had neighbors still inside goin' through a livin' hell
And we vow to get the ones behind Bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
I've been there with the soldiers
Who've gone away to war
you can bet they remember just what they're fightin' for
Have you forgotten
All the people killed
Yes some went down like heroes
In that Pennsylvania field
Have you forgotten
About our Pentagon
All the loved ones that we lost
And those left to carry on
Don't you tell me not to worry 'bout Bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?!
*Have you forgotten by Darryl Worley*
For many New Yorkers and other people, this day is forever engraved in their memory, they remeber where they were and what they were doing. Those people that were deeply affected, I can assure you will never forget. This day is hard, as it always will.
But I'm asking all of you, those who didn't loose someone, those who live 3,000 miles away, those who may have only seen it for a few days on tv.
Have you forgotten?
I hear people sayin'. We Don't need this war.
I say there's some things worth fightin' for.
What about our freedom, and this piece of ground?
We didn't get to keep 'em by backin' down.
They say we don't realize the mess we're gettin' in
Before you start preachin' let me ask you this my friend.
Chorus
Have you forgotten, how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten, when those towers fell
We had neighbors still inside goin through a livin hell
And you say we shouldn't worry bout Bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
You took all the footage off my T.V.
Said it's too disturbin for you and me
It'll just breed anger is what the experts say
If it was up to me I'd show it everyday
Some say this country just out lookin' for a fight
Well after 9/11 man I'd have to say right.
Chorus
Have you forgotten, how it felt that day?
To see your homeland under fire
And her people blown away
Have you forgotten when those towers fell
We had neighbors still inside goin' through a livin' hell
And we vow to get the ones behind Bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
I've been there with the soldiers
Who've gone away to war
you can bet they remember just what they're fightin' for
Have you forgotten
All the people killed
Yes some went down like heroes
In that Pennsylvania field
Have you forgotten
About our Pentagon
All the loved ones that we lost
And those left to carry on
Don't you tell me not to worry 'bout Bin Laden
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?
Have you forgotten?!
*Have you forgotten by Darryl Worley*
Thursday, September 9, 2010
Welcome to the OFJ aka the office that got hit by a bus
My entire office and co-workers look like a bus ran over them. Freshman retreat is this weekend and its been crazzzyyyy. There is just so much to much and so little time. Getting service, buses, faculty mentors and prayer services ready for 400 boys by Saturday is not the easiest thing to do. I spent the day making maniall envelopes, calling parents, organizing stuff for my co-worker and trying to catch myself up on work that I had seriously slacked on while trying to figure out this breakaway thing.
So I may work at a nice resonably weathly jesuit high school and not have the emoitonal stress of working with people that are on the margins of society, but working is definately draining and hard everyday. There is just to much to do and not enough time to get everything done. Whoever made the descision to put Karios, Magis, and Freshman retreat in the same week, take my advice, please dont do that again. Everyone is sick and looks like they got hit in the head by a 2x4. It took me til April to look like this last year lol....
Let me take you back to Monday afternoon....
So On Monday Eddie came over for a little pow-wow about Breakaway, since I was totally freakin out. We worked on it for a little and it quickly gave way to on of America's favorite past times: The BBQ, fully stocked with hamburgers, watermelon, and america's finest adult beverages.
Tuesday Morning I woke up with a little bit of fear in my heart, it was breakaway day. Although surprisingly all of my over planning paid off and it went off without a hitch. We got all the boys together in the morning, and headed out not before I had call three moms on the phone so that I could get verbal okays first and headed on our drving tour of Phoenix. It was really good having Eddie on the first one since he did about 35 last year, I was able to see how it was done and get comfortable with the idea and my job. We served lunch to 650 people, then Eddie and I had a break for about an hour while the boys hung clothes and sorted hangers. We all took a break in the chapel and did the examen and talked about the day, what we did, what we saw, what challenged us. We did a family pro-file activity where the kids were seperated into three groups and given the income and expenses of a working poor family and had to make a budget. It usually didnt work. Then some of the boys worked on the docks sorting through clothes while others played with kids in the dining room. I was with this one little boy who wanted to play patty cake, then hide and seek, well hide he did alright and for a good minute I though I actaully lost him since he ran into a room with a maze of cubicles.
I'm telling you I felt like the mamma duck. Me and my eleven sons. I think I found the newest form of birth control. Forget having people carry around baby dolls that do nothing, drive a bus full of 13 and 14 year old freshman boys around all day. It is definatly and experience. Twice I had to say, "You do realize I'm a teacher right,and I believe that comment was only midly offensive."
Eddie and I got back to the office, sat down at are desks and didnt move for like the next twenty minutes.
Wednesday I had to catch up on the work I had missed because I was out of the office all day on Tuesday. Then in the afternoon, I had to take 10 sophomores down to St. Agnes so they could tutor the students and complete there service project. I think this is going to be awesome! I love little kids, most of them are between 2nd and 4th grade. My favorite! I already had one kid give me a hug when I left and say he didnt want me to go home. Then when I said I would be back he was all excited and gave me another hug! Apparently everything I said about never wanting kids after my tuesday experience, went out the door on Wednesday when I was with the six year olds....
This weekend is Frosh Retreat, for which I am going to be at school at 8am on a saturday morning, and listen to speeches and talks all day before taking a group of boys to SVDP (Saint Vincent De Paul) for their service experience and driving out to the boondocks to do a prayer service and reflection for my freshman and their Big Brothers. Then I Have to be back there at 9am for mass sunday morning.
And Next Wednesday I leave for the Magis Retreat already....were has the time gone. Before you know it, it is going to be October already! Whoo Time sure flies when your in the Zona.
Its also getting to be that time of year where I am terribly homesick :(
So I may work at a nice resonably weathly jesuit high school and not have the emoitonal stress of working with people that are on the margins of society, but working is definately draining and hard everyday. There is just to much to do and not enough time to get everything done. Whoever made the descision to put Karios, Magis, and Freshman retreat in the same week, take my advice, please dont do that again. Everyone is sick and looks like they got hit in the head by a 2x4. It took me til April to look like this last year lol....
Let me take you back to Monday afternoon....
So On Monday Eddie came over for a little pow-wow about Breakaway, since I was totally freakin out. We worked on it for a little and it quickly gave way to on of America's favorite past times: The BBQ, fully stocked with hamburgers, watermelon, and america's finest adult beverages.
Tuesday Morning I woke up with a little bit of fear in my heart, it was breakaway day. Although surprisingly all of my over planning paid off and it went off without a hitch. We got all the boys together in the morning, and headed out not before I had call three moms on the phone so that I could get verbal okays first and headed on our drving tour of Phoenix. It was really good having Eddie on the first one since he did about 35 last year, I was able to see how it was done and get comfortable with the idea and my job. We served lunch to 650 people, then Eddie and I had a break for about an hour while the boys hung clothes and sorted hangers. We all took a break in the chapel and did the examen and talked about the day, what we did, what we saw, what challenged us. We did a family pro-file activity where the kids were seperated into three groups and given the income and expenses of a working poor family and had to make a budget. It usually didnt work. Then some of the boys worked on the docks sorting through clothes while others played with kids in the dining room. I was with this one little boy who wanted to play patty cake, then hide and seek, well hide he did alright and for a good minute I though I actaully lost him since he ran into a room with a maze of cubicles.
I'm telling you I felt like the mamma duck. Me and my eleven sons. I think I found the newest form of birth control. Forget having people carry around baby dolls that do nothing, drive a bus full of 13 and 14 year old freshman boys around all day. It is definatly and experience. Twice I had to say, "You do realize I'm a teacher right,and I believe that comment was only midly offensive."
Eddie and I got back to the office, sat down at are desks and didnt move for like the next twenty minutes.
Wednesday I had to catch up on the work I had missed because I was out of the office all day on Tuesday. Then in the afternoon, I had to take 10 sophomores down to St. Agnes so they could tutor the students and complete there service project. I think this is going to be awesome! I love little kids, most of them are between 2nd and 4th grade. My favorite! I already had one kid give me a hug when I left and say he didnt want me to go home. Then when I said I would be back he was all excited and gave me another hug! Apparently everything I said about never wanting kids after my tuesday experience, went out the door on Wednesday when I was with the six year olds....
This weekend is Frosh Retreat, for which I am going to be at school at 8am on a saturday morning, and listen to speeches and talks all day before taking a group of boys to SVDP (Saint Vincent De Paul) for their service experience and driving out to the boondocks to do a prayer service and reflection for my freshman and their Big Brothers. Then I Have to be back there at 9am for mass sunday morning.
And Next Wednesday I leave for the Magis Retreat already....were has the time gone. Before you know it, it is going to be October already! Whoo Time sure flies when your in the Zona.
Its also getting to be that time of year where I am terribly homesick :(
Sunday, September 5, 2010
Seriously Universe......
In the Best way possible I was thrown to the wolves this week. It wasn't done on purpose, but the stars aligned and all the right circumstances came into play so that I was left in the office with all three co-worker gone, On my third week of work and in the days before my two main projects were set to begin. Two were on retreat and one with a serious case of the Flu, plus I was sick myself and not totally at my best. Actually I was seriously lagging a major part of the week.
Well the fact that I had my first freshman breakaway on Tuesday and we had off monday didnt hit me until Friday afternoon, at which point I went into a blind panic. I ended up staying at school until almost 6:30 at night. First taking a tour of St. Vincent de Paul, trying to take notes while the volunteer coordinator talked at a speed of 8 miles an hour. Then I spent the rest of the afternoon splitting my time between reading over the binder and making sure I knew where to go, making sure I was well aware in how to run the poverty awarness activites, and in general making sure I had mentally prepared myself for taking twelve 14 year old boys out on a day-long service immesion.(Which I have heard is a mentally, emotionally, and physically draining day.
I also had to make sure everything was ready for the Tuesday/Thursday installment of the Loyola Project, which involved triple-confirming with all the schools, making sure the attendence sheets were up to date, re-emailinf students about having there permission forms in and setting up the binders for the faculty mentors. Thank goodness I did since there was a little scare. One of the schools had informed me that they had our start date wrong, (It's the 8th and they had it as the 21st) so there might not be kids for the first 3 weeks for our guys to tutor, but luckily enough we averted the crisis and there will be many happy, peppy, energetic second graders to annoy and challenge the sophomores.
I also did a training for the tutors, worked a club fair, answered lots of questions about things I had no idea about, contacted all the students interested in working on the student advisory counsil for our annual summit on Human Dignity, tracked down students who owe me permission forms and dealt with difficult parents.
Oh and I also subbed all of my two co-workers classes for 3 days completely on the fly. It was awesome being inside the classroom. I can't wait to teach UCC next semester!!!!
By the time the Casa Bart folkes picked me up from work on Friday, I was pretty frazzled. We did have a great time on Friday night though. Matt, who is in JVI and will be leaving for Peru in a few months invited us to his house for dinner. He graduated from the shcool I'm at and went to college with a few of the other JVs in Phoenix, so there were lots of connections there. His family treated us to awesome grilled steaks (The Vegetarian thing went on hold for the night) and let us swim around in their pool for a few hours. We just hung out talked about JVC, our jobs, schools, etc....
Today was the laziest day I had in while, probably since last memorial day weekend when Jake and I spent the day doing nothing but watching NCIS and Hanson music music videos while talking about Vampires. I laid around most of the day watching, you guessed in NCIS, and then later on the office. In my defense I did clean the entire Kitchen and the bathroom and go out with brittney to get dinner. But I did spend most of it in the comfort of my air-conditioned house. Hey I already have a cold, I want to get better so I don't get the sereve contagious flu from Mr. Cullen.
I hope to be more productive tomorrow. Get up semi-early go to church and maybe go to BEcky's Aunts house for another Labor Day celebration. They relax on Monday and prepare for my freshman breakaway expereince Tuesday and my LP boys on Wednesday.....
Wish me Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Well the fact that I had my first freshman breakaway on Tuesday and we had off monday didnt hit me until Friday afternoon, at which point I went into a blind panic. I ended up staying at school until almost 6:30 at night. First taking a tour of St. Vincent de Paul, trying to take notes while the volunteer coordinator talked at a speed of 8 miles an hour. Then I spent the rest of the afternoon splitting my time between reading over the binder and making sure I knew where to go, making sure I was well aware in how to run the poverty awarness activites, and in general making sure I had mentally prepared myself for taking twelve 14 year old boys out on a day-long service immesion.(Which I have heard is a mentally, emotionally, and physically draining day.
I also had to make sure everything was ready for the Tuesday/Thursday installment of the Loyola Project, which involved triple-confirming with all the schools, making sure the attendence sheets were up to date, re-emailinf students about having there permission forms in and setting up the binders for the faculty mentors. Thank goodness I did since there was a little scare. One of the schools had informed me that they had our start date wrong, (It's the 8th and they had it as the 21st) so there might not be kids for the first 3 weeks for our guys to tutor, but luckily enough we averted the crisis and there will be many happy, peppy, energetic second graders to annoy and challenge the sophomores.
I also did a training for the tutors, worked a club fair, answered lots of questions about things I had no idea about, contacted all the students interested in working on the student advisory counsil for our annual summit on Human Dignity, tracked down students who owe me permission forms and dealt with difficult parents.
Oh and I also subbed all of my two co-workers classes for 3 days completely on the fly. It was awesome being inside the classroom. I can't wait to teach UCC next semester!!!!
By the time the Casa Bart folkes picked me up from work on Friday, I was pretty frazzled. We did have a great time on Friday night though. Matt, who is in JVI and will be leaving for Peru in a few months invited us to his house for dinner. He graduated from the shcool I'm at and went to college with a few of the other JVs in Phoenix, so there were lots of connections there. His family treated us to awesome grilled steaks (The Vegetarian thing went on hold for the night) and let us swim around in their pool for a few hours. We just hung out talked about JVC, our jobs, schools, etc....
Today was the laziest day I had in while, probably since last memorial day weekend when Jake and I spent the day doing nothing but watching NCIS and Hanson music music videos while talking about Vampires. I laid around most of the day watching, you guessed in NCIS, and then later on the office. In my defense I did clean the entire Kitchen and the bathroom and go out with brittney to get dinner. But I did spend most of it in the comfort of my air-conditioned house. Hey I already have a cold, I want to get better so I don't get the sereve contagious flu from Mr. Cullen.
I hope to be more productive tomorrow. Get up semi-early go to church and maybe go to BEcky's Aunts house for another Labor Day celebration. They relax on Monday and prepare for my freshman breakaway expereince Tuesday and my LP boys on Wednesday.....
Wish me Luck!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Teacher, Teacher
Thanks to the fact that my wonderful co-worker Edward Cullen is out sick and in bed with some God-awful Flu thing, I am now a teacher. I have been subing his classes. It is amazing how rambuksious 14 year old boys can be at 830am.
At 8am i've been up for 2 hours and Im ready for my second cup of coffee or my morning nap. (well not today, I woke up at 7:30 when Eddie texted me asking me to cover his classes again and basically ran to work to get here before the 8:05 Bell) I am pleasently suprised at how well the boys listen. I don't know what I was expecting working here, I think I let Matt's rantings get to my head. I know its only the third week but I am really enjoying my job and all the people I have met here so far.
This weekend we are going to hang out with a guy who is in JVI leaving for Peru in a few months. It will be cool to find another volunteer friends. Yeah hes leaving in Nov but hopefully we can be friends until then. I miss having the other volunteer friends like the AVs :(. So many memories in Beverly, Some were slamming others, well they make for interesting life stories.
I miss Chi-town and it's people alot, but im definatly starting to feel the Arizona Love and once it gets a little cooler here in Arizona, I feel the love ever more :)
At 8am i've been up for 2 hours and Im ready for my second cup of coffee or my morning nap. (well not today, I woke up at 7:30 when Eddie texted me asking me to cover his classes again and basically ran to work to get here before the 8:05 Bell) I am pleasently suprised at how well the boys listen. I don't know what I was expecting working here, I think I let Matt's rantings get to my head. I know its only the third week but I am really enjoying my job and all the people I have met here so far.
This weekend we are going to hang out with a guy who is in JVI leaving for Peru in a few months. It will be cool to find another volunteer friends. Yeah hes leaving in Nov but hopefully we can be friends until then. I miss having the other volunteer friends like the AVs :(. So many memories in Beverly, Some were slamming others, well they make for interesting life stories.
I miss Chi-town and it's people alot, but im definatly starting to feel the Arizona Love and once it gets a little cooler here in Arizona, I feel the love ever more :)
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
She only drinks Coffee at Midnight
Sorry, Let's try this again!
Today was a crazy busy day at work. The kids all left for Karios so there was lots to do in the office preparing for the fun time they will all have this week. Kim is going to be gone, so there is one less person in the office to get things ready. Plus everything is coming up soo soon. Loyola Project training is tommorrow and thursday and it starts next week. Breakaway starts Tuesday. Freshman retreat is the 11th, Magis is the 15th. There is never ever a dull day in the OFJ. Which I am glad and utterly thankful for!
On that note I finally got to drive the bus today! I think I did a pretty decent job. There were a couple of moments that made me go eeek! But I kept my cool and did a pretty bomb dot com back up job out of the parking lot on the way out that I was praised for. But I'm not gonna let the fact that I could drive the bus well with minimal conversation and one calm adult. It will be a completely different story come Tuesday when Eddie and I take 10 energetic freshman boys on a tour through Phoenix....More on that later.
I've also been sick with a head cold these past couple of days so I feel like I've been dragging the past two days, not to mention sleeping a whole heck of alot. I knew it was gonna happen eventually, but when your housemate is sick and your co-worker who you share an office with is sick, its only a matter of time. I'm trying to rest, drink lots of fluids, and take advantage of Vitamin C and Zinc, hopefully I'll be better soon. It hasn't been too hot these past few days just barely hitting 100 everyday, so that's good. The Palm trees on our block were starting to die!!! When palm trees die in the desert it is most defs a bad sign lol.....
The community is going well. Its going to be small this weekend since Greg is going to LA and Becky is going to San Diego. I hope Britt, Eddie and I just have a little BBQ and watch a couple movies or something. I just wanna take it easy. Becky did a slamming spirituality night last night. We made collages on how we view our spirituality by cutting pictures and words out of old magazines. They are beautiful and currently sitting on our dining room table waiting to be displayed on the walls.
Its time for the bedtime ball, wish me luck I have a boatload of stuff to do again tomorrow.
In other news: I am no longer Mrs. Powell, I am now Miss Perry.....So if you see Miss Powell wcan you tell her I would like to speak with her, I would really like to be myself again....
Today was a crazy busy day at work. The kids all left for Karios so there was lots to do in the office preparing for the fun time they will all have this week. Kim is going to be gone, so there is one less person in the office to get things ready. Plus everything is coming up soo soon. Loyola Project training is tommorrow and thursday and it starts next week. Breakaway starts Tuesday. Freshman retreat is the 11th, Magis is the 15th. There is never ever a dull day in the OFJ. Which I am glad and utterly thankful for!
On that note I finally got to drive the bus today! I think I did a pretty decent job. There were a couple of moments that made me go eeek! But I kept my cool and did a pretty bomb dot com back up job out of the parking lot on the way out that I was praised for. But I'm not gonna let the fact that I could drive the bus well with minimal conversation and one calm adult. It will be a completely different story come Tuesday when Eddie and I take 10 energetic freshman boys on a tour through Phoenix....More on that later.
I've also been sick with a head cold these past couple of days so I feel like I've been dragging the past two days, not to mention sleeping a whole heck of alot. I knew it was gonna happen eventually, but when your housemate is sick and your co-worker who you share an office with is sick, its only a matter of time. I'm trying to rest, drink lots of fluids, and take advantage of Vitamin C and Zinc, hopefully I'll be better soon. It hasn't been too hot these past few days just barely hitting 100 everyday, so that's good. The Palm trees on our block were starting to die!!! When palm trees die in the desert it is most defs a bad sign lol.....
The community is going well. Its going to be small this weekend since Greg is going to LA and Becky is going to San Diego. I hope Britt, Eddie and I just have a little BBQ and watch a couple movies or something. I just wanna take it easy. Becky did a slamming spirituality night last night. We made collages on how we view our spirituality by cutting pictures and words out of old magazines. They are beautiful and currently sitting on our dining room table waiting to be displayed on the walls.
Its time for the bedtime ball, wish me luck I have a boatload of stuff to do again tomorrow.
In other news: I am no longer Mrs. Powell, I am now Miss Perry.....So if you see Miss Powell wcan you tell her I would like to speak with her, I would really like to be myself again....
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