graduated...

Well, I made it home safely to Spokane for this holiday season. I've been spending a lot of time with my little sister and the fam. Including getting my car stuck in the snow trying to get out of Dad and Gail's cabin driveway. not fun!

It was hard to say goodbye to DC and the life I made there. I went knowing no one and left with a new world of people and experiences. I learned so much from my teaching adventures. I am so glad I had that experience in Washington, DC. My students have been writing me telling me to come back- oh how I'll miss them. Even though some days you want to strangle them, those good days make it all worth it. Oh yeah, we had all our mentor teachers over for dinner our last week- that was a blast. And Ms. Petree had a party in each class for me my last day. My students signed a t-shirt for me- I am an official Wilson Tiger. :)
last week with my students:
http://byu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2153855&l=2896b&id=17825146

Teaching is a huge responsibility. It's not just knowing your content but really teaching these kids how to function in society and be responsible people. They need help being organized and to learn how to work in groups and SO much more. They will forget chemistry in a few years, but hopefully they won't forget the other life lessons, even though you can't measure that success. You just have to know that you tried to make a difference.


So, back to spokane. Last night we had my graduation party at a nice italian restaurant. There were 20 people there- mainly family. It was a super nice gathering. Can you believe I am now a college graduate? For those who aren't sure, I graduated in Chemistry Education and a minor in mathematics.
Here are some pictures from the dinner:
http://byu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2154683&l=3b49f&id=17825146

I leave for Texas next Saturday- the 28th. I will be driving with my dad to Provo and then he'll fly home after helping me get my trailor all set up and stored with my storage unit stuff. I will drive the next 24 hours by myself with one night 'layover'. or sleep over? Yeah. My roommate Leslie is already for me to come- apparently I already get more mail than her! haha.

I am a very blessed gal and I have the world at my fingertips!

Hope you and your families have a very merry christmas!

Other photos---
mentor teachers and other updated photos:
http://byu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2151608&l=a6a1e&id=17825146

last day in DC:
http://byu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2154678&l=00f21&id=17825146

Snowball Fight!!!

Don't send a lame Holiday eCard. Try JibJab Sendables!

sick day

I woke up sick. Don't you hate that? Ms. Petree was totally understandable when I called her this morning with my froggy voice. I've just been relaxing and watching hannah montana online all day. I can't fall asleep, so I'm getting restless.

Now I'm feeling a weird sadness about leaving DC. I knew it was temporary from the start, but it just went by so fast and I have to leave everyone I met. Even the Charles and Mohammed- the front desk guys I adore! And my amazing roommates!!! So I hung out with Brian last night. He told me that I shouldn't leave! He wants to keep in touch and maybe come visit me in Houston... Boys are weird! I mean, your average boy doesn't say those things, right? And oddly enough, that's what happened with Nick- I moved away and we kept in touch (all his initiation). Do I really want that to happen again? I wish I knew what was really going on in their heads!

Fire alarms. I swear this building is the worst ever!!! We've had at least 6. More than that! And if my roommates are asleep, they can't hear it (but I can, dang it). Who wants to walk down 12 flights of stairs for a stupid fire alarm that occurs pretty much weekly?!?!?

It snowed here in DC! We might *might* have a snow day tomorrow. I wouldn't object. ;) It is rather pretty here with the snow everywhere. It has been getting rather cold!!

I have been working out a ton this week (prior to being sick) and have been eating better. I can't wait until I only share a fridge with one other person and I can pack it up with healthy stuff and actually cook! I still eat like a college kid, but I'm getting better.

I can't remember anything else I was going to write about. Oh yeah. I LOVE my new leopard mac OX interface! It's all sorts of fun and super organized! I love it. macs rule.

the last two weeks and two more to go.

Sorry I haven't written in a couple weeks. Goodness! Well, I had turkey day with the Hacketts up in long island New York. They were SO sweet and I had a very relaxing weekend. The trains are the way to travel, let me tell you! They were super nice. Karen is fabulous and Chuck is hilarious and the kids are great. I am used to high schoolers... :)

The next Sunday I gave a talk in Church about how we should Meet our Neighbors this season. We always need more friends and to be kinder to others!

Fun activities: Friday night we had a full-fledge dance party at our Penthouse. It was pretty rockin'- nice speakers and great music and lots of people! It was super fun. Saturday my friend Dan made me breakfast and then I went to a few art museums in DC and then my friend Ryan met up with me to do the "operation spy" activity. That was pretty cool. And our ward had a service auction that raised a bunch of money for some families in our area so they can have a nice christmas. Can you believe it's christmas time? The Washington DC temple has tons of pretty colored lights around the grounds. Quite the sight.

My students are doing alright. They had a test. Some did awesome. Some did not so awesome. They do't like to study. But it paid off for the ones who did. One major success story is that this girl Ayisha at the beginning of the semester was not doing well at all and just struggling. And she's put in effort and she got a B on the test! Phenomenol! Gotta love those moments! I am only teaching for one more week and we have parent-teacher conferences on Friday (why friday?). The last week will be observing ms petree and such. I dunno.

Yeah, two weeks left here! I fly home December 16th to Spokane. I'm kind of torn. I am so ready to move on a have a real job and move to houston...but I will miss DC- especially the people here. They've become my friends! I did purchase a mattress (queen size sealy pillow top...) that will be in my apt by the time i get there! That's exciting. But the 36 hour drive to houston- not exciting.

Eh. We'll see what adventures lie ahead in the next week. Chao!

Let me just tell you a little about him...

This is an email my old and dear Institute teacher wrote me. We have been in touch long since my days at the University of Washington and my mission. I have always felt very close to him and care deeply about his opinion and thoughts. He just sent me this email and quite frankly, it may just be the most beautiful truth out there. It brought tears to my eyes.

Jenn,

I appreciate being in your address book. I cannot respond to all of your wonderful letters but just wanted to take a moment this time and let you know that I am still here and have such fond memories of you as a student and the wonderful letters you sent from your mission.

What I have to say will make likely make little difference in your feelings but I will say it anyway. I was of course sad to hear that the dream you felt was coming true dissolved in such a painful way. I have seen so many things like this happen with young people over the years. Yet there is always a happy ending.

You are a first class person. Greatly blessed will be the man who will be fortunate enough to earn your trust and heart to the extent that he will have the privilege of kneeling across an altar from you.

By this last episode you just cleared another obstacle to finding him...or letting him find you. Let me just tell you a little about him. He will be so taken by the rich gifts that you possess that he will be willing to offer you his life, all that he has and ever hopes to have, just for the chance of winning your heart and fulfilling his dream of having you smile upon his overtures of affection and his desire to share eternity with you. It will take his breath away to think of winning your heart and together blessing this earth with a family. He will strive to be a better person, to honor his priesthood, prove his trust, fidelity and worthiness to you. He will draw closer to God because of you for he will offer many prayers on your behalf.

You will recognize his goodness by how he will strive to become a better person just from being in your presence. Each time he is with you he will seek to honor you, to bring you happiness and earn your trust and love.

That is the man who is out there praying to be led to the woman of his dreams. Don't settle for less. It won't take you long to recognize each other when you meet. Walk into that relationship with the majesty, grace and charm of the princess you are and watch him rise to meet you.

Take care,
Love,
Bro. Holliday

"accepting a divine rhythm to life"

I am hanging in there. It hurts so much that I trusted someone and he hurt me in the biggest way possible. I've cried, but I'm also trying to put my faith to the test- to just know that Heavenly Father has someone even more wonderful for me- and to know I'm supposed to learn from this last relationship (which I have learned a lot). I guess I'll keep the rest of my feelings to myself.

In support of my recent breakup (since they DID meet him!), my fourth period class offered to just 'talk about my feelings' for all of class...of course I objected and continued with the lesson. But that made Aunt Pam laugh, so I had to share that. And Jophie told me he still likes me more. He gave me a snickers bar- how sweet. They really do care about me. And I care about them! Ms. Petree deserves a gold medal for sweetness about everything, too. She just loves me and cares and understood. I'm a lucky gal.

I dyed my hair black. Well, dark brown but it is black. Kinda emo? sure. I'm having fun with it. My students either say "Wow, Ms. Daniel, your hair looks awesome!" or "what did you do to your hair!" A few thought I was blond before. Uh, no. Oh, and I did this Pre-Break-Up, not post.

So Houston update- I just found out that I do have a classroom (sometimes that just isn't the case) and for the first two weeks I'll be learning from other teachers about the Clear Creak grades/lesson plans/etc...and get to set up my labs and such. That'll be fun! I get to be a real teacher! I only have 4 weeks left here! Wow, and I get a real nice paycheck!

I went to see my students play volleyball in the championship and also quite a few of my students were in the musical "Into the Woods." It was fun to see them in that! Turkey day will be with Aunt Karen and family in New York! I'm excited to get away. And meet new family!

This week in Chemistry we've been learning about the different groups on the periodic table and the different trends. With Becky this week, we talked about "how" our students learn and that it's such an individual thing- it seems like such a daunting task to try to reach every single student when they just bolt out of your classroom and you don't get much one-on-one time with them. Being a true teacher is hard and you can easily burden yourself with so much over your students.

Here are some good quotes on patience:
"Patience is not indifference. Actually, it is caring very much, but being willing, nevertheless, to submit both to the Lord and to what the scriptures call the “process of time.”....Patience is always involved in the spiritual chemistry of life—not only when it helps us turn trials and tribulations, the carbon dioxide, as it were, into joy and growth, but also when it builds upon the seemingly ordinary experiences to bring about happy, spiritual outcomes. Patience is, therefore, clearly not fatalistic, shoulder-shrugging resignation; it is accepting a divine rhythm to life; it is obedience prolonged. Patience stoutly resists pulling up the daisies to see how the roots are doing!"
(taken from a great talk by Elder Neal A Maxwell entitled "Patience" http://www.lds.org/ldsorg/v/index.jsp?vgnextoid=2354fccf2b7db010VgnVCM1000004d82620aRCRD&locale=0&sourceId=647cfc3157a6b010VgnVCM1000004d82620a____&hideNav=1)

I am going to apply that this week as I am left to wonder about Heavenly Father's eternal plan for me. I know I'm doing good things in my life and I am incredibly blessed for that. I will continue to have faith and learn what will make me a better person. I will turn this experience into joy and growth; I will accept the divine rhythm that is my life. And I will keep my heart open and continue to be the Jenn I am and continue to grow through the trials I'm given, even as silly as this one seems at times.
My friend once heard a proverb that "one cannot see the end, but the end is perfect." So true!

Thanks to all of you who love and care about me- I love you all so much!

uhm yeah

so Nick broke up with me. today. two days after our wonderful weekend. that's all I have to say. I'm crushed. crushed.

from cloud nine...

I just had the most amazing weekend of my life! I can't remember much about the week because ever since Thursday night, I've been in my own world. I do remember that I'm working with classroom management with my kids because they just talk way too much and lack a bit of respect...but I love them and will find my place yet.

So Thursday night NIck flew in from Salt Lake City! it was so great to see him!!!! It has been six months since we've seen each other. Unbelievable! Needless to say it was such a great feeling seeing him there at the airport and being in his arms! He did kiss me right off- so cute!! gotta love it.

We went back to my apartment building- which is just 2 minutes away via metro. He stayed with these nice boys in my ward (that's a church term for the same area that goes to church together...) downstairs. They're all going to grad school or working and were very nice to let Nick stay with them.


Friday morning we headed off to school. Yup, to Wilson High School! I had a lab planned for all of the classes and it was perfect for Nick to be there and help out. He got to meet all my little munchkins. He's heard many of the names, so now he's got faces. They loved him. Even Jophie- who was quite jealous (haha)- Jophie is the one who always jokes about wanting to date me. Yeah, my students- and Ms. Petree- loved Nick. It was a great day!



After school it started raining but we went out anyways! We went to the Washington Monument and walked around the reflection pond and the WWII memorial, the Vietnam memorial, and the Lincoln memorial. We got some great photos (the links are below...). We got lost on the way to the Kennedy center, so we just got extra wet! :) We watched this little concert with an Indian man and a flute- kinda cool. The kennedy center has a great view of the potomac river, we enjoyed that. We also wandered around the Watergate building and got some yummy hazelnut hot cocoa. It was getting pretty cold and we were pretty wet! In the evening we got a huge pizza from Costco and watched Transformers at home on my laptop. We just had a wonderful evening together.

Saturday was another adventure filled day! We went to the Library of Congress- which is a beautiful building! Then we went to the Air and Space Museum. We got to see Dorothy's ruby slippers and a bunch of cool air and space-y things. :) Then we watched a 3-D IMAX about astronauts living in space. We learned a lot from that, it was interesting. Then we had a yummy lunch in Chinatown (which is kind of a sad chinatown). We wanted to do the Operation Spy thing at the Spy Museum but it was sold out. Oh well! We visited the Smithsonian Castle and then we went to the Museum of National History and saw Dinosaurs and other dead animals. Quite the sight! It was getting dark but we walked to the White House and got a picture outside of the lawn and then wandered around to find a metro stop (which isn't hard to find). We just were everywhere!!!! We headed back home eventually and watch Ratatouille and just enjoyed each other's company all evening. We even danced. Nick is the cutest guy ever!

This morning we made french toast for breakfast and then took a long walk around the Arlington Cemetery. It was a beautiful day! The cemetery has some impressive sights- it was very peaceful.

Then I had to leave Nick at the airport this afternoon. I cried (does that surprise you?) - I'm gonna miss him! But it will be okay- we'll see each other after Christmas (he's gonna help me drive to Houston). Anyways, I just want to say that I am such a lucky girl to have Nick in my life. He is more than amazing, and I just feel like such a princess in his presence. He makes me laugh and smile like no one else! I'm sure smitten with that boy! You need to meet him if you haven't! My roommates loved him. I mean, who wouldn't! And the best part is that he's pretty crazy about me, too! I couldn't be happier.
Here are links (they are different so look at both) to our AMAZING photos. There is a plentitude!

Nick and Jenn in DC Part One:
http://byu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2147579&l=7e393&id=17825146

Nick and Jenn in DC Part Two:
http://byu.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2147603&l=a0af6&id=17825146

Well, you should check those out. I hope you have a wonderful week! Love you all!

two days!!!

So my dearest boyfriend, Nick, flies into DC in just two days! I cannot wait to see him! It has been six months since I've seen him! We started officially dating since I've been out here in DC. I cannot wait to see him!

I'm super excited!

angels and devils

Homecoming Dance. I didn't go to the game (I just don't do those kinds of things) but we did lose. haha. Anyways, the homecoming dance was quite the ordeal! It was in the ballroom of the Marriott hotel downtown DC. Hor'dourves of all kinds, little sodas, and crazy music! It was way fun watching the kids. My little "white" sophomores all sat around in groups and barely danced while mostly black kids were on the small dance floor. Kind of funny how that is. They're kind of segregated in class like that, too. No obviously dislike for each other, they just are more comfortable in their own little cliques. Hence why I split them up for group work and such! But they always complain. Anyways, back to the dance- Jophie and Jake were asking me to dance many times (those silly boys) but I said I couldn't. Then Jophie asked Ms. Petree to dance and she did, so haha. well, five of my boys all surrounded me to dance- those goobers! It was pretty dang funny. You should've been there. I wore my pretty pink 'barbie' dress. Good times!

We've had interruptions of all kinds in the past week or two! Homecoming, Spirit Week (so they dress up all crazy), Pep-rallys, assemblies, fire drills (uhm THREE in one week. once we were outside for over an hour!!! the firemen did come, late, for that one), half-day, halloween, school audit (so homeroom lasts for like 2 hours), and other crazy stuff. You sure learn how to be flexible as a teacher! Let's just say it's been chaotic. Oh and that was the most interesting pep-rally I will ever see. Spirit times a hundred and music times a thousand- black kids can dance! In very suggestive ways, but yes, they can dance way better than anyone else I know! It was an eye-opening experience to culture!

Classroom management. It's hard! I apparently was not a normal teenager. You know how I was/am! I was always good, never talked, and was always in classes with other kids who were good and didn't talk. And never did anyone ever 'flirt' with the teacher! goodness. So it's hard to be 'struck' by ALL these kids- many of whom are wonderful- who just are normal teenagers in every sense of the word. Even my "good ones" aren't good. Okay, so there's maybe three or four absolute angels. But the other smart ones even have attitude and feel the need to say anything at anytime. They can be little devils. We made class room rules- and a warning system together this week. They didn't want "no flirting with the teacher" on the rules, however. Goobers. Goobers, I tell ya. Maybe a few are in love with me. haha. I don't think so but all evidence points to yes. I don't know what to do with them somedays. It's crazy. CrAZy. And I have Becky trying to tell me what to change to get a better grip on them AND another teacher (the head of the science dept in the school) as well. Okay, great. I'm working on it! But it doesn't change overnight. Patience begets experience.

I don't like how Ms. Petree grades. Their final grade is basically only based on tests. Not fair. And my kids see that it's not fair, but there isn't anything I can do about it.

Ms. Petree fell Monday and was out for a couple days. She's okay. Mind you, she's gotta be over 65. I tripped up the stairs- I have a nice bruise to show for it. haha. And I'm borderline sick...dang it! Next week is SO busy and Nick is coming. I can't get any sicker!

Lesson of the week- be thankful for your parents and tell them you're thankful for all they've sacrificed for you! One story- we're learning about the periodic table and I was reading them a story about Mendeleyev- the creator/organizer of the periodic table. His mother knew he was bright and walked over 1000 miles (okay, this was in the 1800s...) to two different colleges to try to get him enrolled. She died of exhaustion in the process but knew the importance of education and loved her son. He dedicated his first book to her. But amazing sacrifice on her part, huh! Look that story up if you want more info (this is a shout out to Dr. Wood, too! He first told me that story). Second story- just talking to Nick this week one night I was telling him how great my family was- all the little things my dad and mom did to help us and that we always had family dinner and time together... and it just made me want to write my dad and say thanks (so I did). Those kinds of things are hard to put into words because what our parents have done for us is HUGE. But it's worth a shot to say what's in your heart. Yup.

Okay, so I'm not quite ready for all the craziness next week holds- I'm substituting for another chemistry teacher on top of my usual chem classes and Nick is coming Thursday night! Just pray that I get feeling better!

I Got It From My Mama

This week was an "on" week but I just can't sleep for the life of me. But I am a trooper! I'm still as happy as I can get! And this email was just way too much fun to write. Are you ready?

I got "placed" in my new school district. I will be teaching just Chemistry at Clear Creek High School. It's right next to the district offices and I have met the principal (when I went to visit...). I met a few principals and the joke was that they were going to arm wrestle for who got me. And well, this principal definitely would've won an arm wrestling contest. He's a manly man. Guess he did win! haha.. You can check my school district out at www.ccisd.net (Clear Creek Independent School District).

I am putting my foot down. The discipline in my class is just not there. But this week I changed things. It'll be interesting to see how they did on the test I gave them, too. But yeah, maybe I need to have more challenging work for them. I thought the stuff I gave them was challenging. But maybe I need to have extra work for the ones who 'get it' quicker than the others.

As for the kids who miss a lot of class and will essentially fail the class...I am still not going to give up on them, but they will have to learn in the hard way that they can't just skip class and skip life!

I got to talk to the parents of one such student. They said they wouldn't want to be in school from 8:45-3:15 either! Sad! Guess that attitude really is inherent. So thank goodness for good parents! Ms. Petree stated that it's hard for students to come from the structured middle school to such a huge and largely unstructured high school- that they think they can get away with more. I want to HELP these kids who struggle even though it's not really fair to those who are there every class and do the work expected of them. But I guess sticking to my guns and being strict about makeup work only will teach them? I don't know?!?! Does it? Is that fair if they are not going to learn the material because they missed so much and cannot make it up? Those are the exact kids that are going to be flipping burgers in a few years. What can I do?!?! I feel like I'd be so much more organized if this was my classroom. That I'd have the "excused" absences forms to properly excuse the kids and give them their makeup work and then be able to call the parents who's kids are skipping and failing. But you know, it’s priceless to learn this in the odd setting I’m in! Any thoughts?

On Monday a whole group of us went on the 'ghost and graveyard' tour of Old Town Alexandria. We had the coolest tour guide- he told awesome stories about ghosts and olden day traditions of dating. It was very amusing. Apparently fans (the expandable paper kind) did all the talking with girls back in the day. The girls had such power in dating! We still do now, just not with fan-signals telling them to come over or to leave! Or to kiss us...

Oh, I had a run-in with sponge curlers last week. You know they never work and your hair just turns out all goofy, but I wanted to try again. And they looked awful! My roommate laughed soooo hard. Needless to say I re-washed my hair before going out. Those stupid sponge curlers! haha




Funny kid moments (there are quite a few from this week!!!):

I was giving extra credit for the test if they were wearing "spirit week" stuff. One day was "wear your grade color" so I wore red because most of my kids are sophomores. One kid asked if he could have extra credit because his underwear is red. Are you serious? Man. I think I might give it to him because that's just funny!

Another kid asked me to homecoming: "So, Miss Daniel, you know, if you don't have anyone to go to homecoming with, you know, I'd, you know, go with you, you know." watch out Nick!

The same kid later asked if he could call my parents and ask for my hand in marriage. watch out Dad and Gail!

My kids think that my taste in music is rather hilarious. Especially that I listen to Hannah Montana and John Mayer. Hey, give me a break! It's good, fun music. :) I don't get their music. Crank that. Con-ye who? No, I beg your pardon, I got it from my mama. Who's a cyclone? (don't fret if you don't get it. however, my sister would laugh at me right about now. but she likes that stuff.)

I got a high five for being an awesome teacher. Gotta love those moments!

My students don't want me to leave- they offered to pay me $5 each every week to make me stay. How sweet. Too bad life is more complicated than that, as much as I don't want to leave them...

This one girl said, "All my teachers are female and over 50. Except you. And all my teachers are christian. Except you. You're Mormon." Thanks I think? Mormons are Christians bytheway.

I have a bunch of cute Asian students- they came in for help before their test during lunch and I got to help them and then we played around with my PhotoBooth application (which allows you to take pictures with your computer and you can do funny effects...) on my MacBook (remember dad and gail how much fun you had with that?!?!). Yeah, those gals got a kick out of it! They even took pictures of the pictures. haha.

This next one is great!!! So Monday last period of the day this kid comes into my class and tells me he's shadowing from Deal (another high school. well that's what I thought. It's really a middle school...) to see if he wants to come here. I didn't object and even let him help me run the review games we had planned. He had a blast. At the end of class he informs me that he actually was just skipping his 4th period because they had a sub! Oh gosh. Gullible Jenn. Ms. Petree laughed when I told her.

Ooh, things to look forward to- 1. Nick is coming to visit in less than two weeks! 2. I get to go to New York for Thanksgiving- I get to spend time with Aunt Karen (who I actually have never met- she's Gail's sister and the only one I haven't met...) and her family! How fun! I feel so lucky to have Gail's family as part of mine now, too! The more the merrier!

Favorite foods of the week: Costco potstickers (they are just so yummy and easy!) and caramel apples rolled in peanuts. mmm fall food. You know you want some now...

I remember that I was once scared to come out here to DC (remember that, Nate? ps-thanks!). Well, I don't even know what I was scared about! I absolutely love it here and am just conquering every day better than the day before. A little faith goes a long way!

On that note, I shall close. Until next week. Or if tomorrow (it is the homecoming dance- I am chaperoning!!!) is rather interesting you’ll hear from me sooner.
Remember who you got "it" from. (it’s your mama.)

ThE OfF wEeK

So this week isn't going to be one of those blogs that will make you laugh. Nothing really funny happened this week. I'd say it's been my most 'off' week in a long time. But you know, that's okay. We're allowed to have off weeks.

So I had something stolen on Monday. Ms. Petree has her Earth Science kids (who are BRATS!) and I was working on stuff in the lab area and left for like 5 minutes to make copies and when I came back my headphones were stolen. They have major security in the school and the whole rest of the period was them trying to get the kid to fess-up and give me back my headphones. But no one would. Some kid gave my headphones to another kid who then gave them to Ms. Petree. I did get them back. I didn't want it to be a big deal. And I definitely learned my lesson. Everything is staying by my side 100% of the time! Oh, and then some kid, at the end of the class, reached into the garbage and pulled out a spider-man pencil pouch full of drugs and turned them in. They were not his, but he obviously knew whose they were. The kids were going to be searched so the drug-possesser threw them in the trash to recover later. The garbage in the hallway was thrown around the floor because they came back to get the drugs to no avail. Uh, crazy. That's not even the right word for it.

My students (who are NOT the blatant thieves and drug-users) were not angels this week. Someone figured out my first name and half the class was trying to call me that despite me asking them not to, and they were just so disrespectful the whole time. All week. I'm learning how to put my foot down. Everyday I learn something new I need to work on. Be pleasant but firm, Becky says.

Uhm, I am kind of bored after school these days. I kind of just want to come home and sleep. I hate that feeling, but my body is just so tired! I know it's a mix of a lot of things, so I'm just keeping an eye on what is causing it. But yeah, I'm kind of bored. And tired. So that contributed to the off-week.

Good things- there are a couple gals in my class that just never get it and never try...but they were actually getting the stuff this week! I was so elated to see them progress! And I think they were actually excited that they were, too! I did call home to both these girls- thank goodness I speak spanish- even though I'm not sure that made a difference (talking to them I mean). Too bad I don't speak mandarin to talk to some other parents I need to talk with! But needless to say, there is hope for each student!

Two of my roommates had birthdays this week! Monday and Friday! We've had four birthdays in one month flat. Crazy. So burgers, pizza, and partying this week. Always fun. My roommates rock. We have a broad span of ages in our house- 21,22,23,24,25,27,27. Kinda funny. I'm the middle roommate.

Next week is Homecoming week. Monday is "twin day", so I'm going to wear a lab coat like Ms. Petree. And Nick is coming up Veteran's day weekend! I cannot wait to see him! I'm a lucky gal. I just have so many wonderful people in my life- my roommates are such a blessing, my family is awesome, and each of you also help make my life just so great. Thanks for always being there for me. I love each of you!

Cover Your Buttons

We got Monday off! Sweet! I played with my roommates (shopping) and then met up with an old mission companion (lunch and shopping) and more roommate time (shopping). I'm a good little bargain shopper. I take after my mom, what can I say. Plus hanging out with Smart (my companion's last name...) was so fun! She grew up in Maryland and is out here working.

Tuesday was Parent-Teacher Conferences. All afternoon and evening. Talk about a long day. Here are the different scenarios:
1. "Oh, you're child is doing so well academically and they are such a delight to have in class!"
2. "Oh, you're child is doing so well academically. They do, however, talk waaaay to much during class!"
3. "Your child is not doing well and does not pay attention in class."
4. "I'm not sure I have met your child... They never are in my class..."

Oh wait, none (meaning zero) of the scenario 3 and 4 parents EVER come to talk to me. Just the 1's and 2's. Ironic, isn't it? And that one annoying dad who donated us stuff wants Ms. Petree to write up what she received for tax write-offs. Her comment- "He's annoying. I'd rather not have received the stuff." haha.

I did have my patience tried earlier this week with my kids. However- the plus was that they did wear their goggles (I just threatened to kick them out of the lab if I saw them without goggles). So, I had a lab for them to put sticks of different elements in a flame to see what color it emitted. A cool lab. Not hard. But I feel like I have to babysit them and they just push your buttons! Some lady here once told us to "cover your buttons." We didn't get what she meant ("like our shirt buttons?" we thought as we all look down at our shirts...) until she explained- cover your buttons so they can't push your buttons. ahhh. gotcha. Anyways, I'm learning how to cover my buttons. But dang, they can be so annoying! "Ms Daniel..." "Ms DanielS..." "We need help!" "Ms. Dan-yell!" "What do we do now?" (that's why you have a PROCEDURE written down right in front of your face). Cover your butt.

My students are learning about electron configurations this week- you remember those? 1s^2 2s^2.... basically what energy level/orbital the electrons are in. Super hard stuff. But it's in the curriculum. I have thought of an unique approach and I think it's working. It's quite slow to get into and there's a lot of "I don't get its" but "you're not supposed to yet" to it... but it's been going well. I love trying to think of ways to make it learn-able for them! Lots of pictures, tables, and heck, even coloring (of the different s p d f orbitals on the periodic table in case your were wondering).

I do love them. My fourth period- the ones I see everyday are my absolute favorites!

I went to the Holocaust Museum and to the National Archives. Everything is easy to stop by on my way home, just off the metro stops. Love it.

Remember that huge teacher work sample project? Yeah, it's due next month but I am DONE! I'm ready to mail it back to BYU. Awesomeness!

I am now a financial wizard. Not really, but I'm now much more aware of finances as per my new job soon- thanks to the book Dee sent me. Speaking of which, I found a roommate for January in Houston! She graduated from BYU in Chemical Engineering and works for Dow Chemical. She has a two bedroom apt right on the marina and does not have a roommate. She said she'd love to have me as her roommate. Only like $400/month and no written contract. Sweet deal. I'm pumped. I love how things work out! I won't be so alone in Houston and we're both chemistry nerds!

I'm dating someone! His name is Nick Hopson. We've known each other for about a year now- I was his Chem 105 TA last Fall semester! He's from Washington, almost 24, pre-med...well...I don't want to bore any of you boys with details (I know the girls care) so just email me if you want the dish. You know I'll write back! Oh yeah, he's in Provo, dang it! But he will come visit me next month! I am quite fond of him, what more can I say?

I am just loving life. I have no stress. Maybe it just evaporates quickly. But I am seriously just so dang happy with everything! Life is wonderful. Hope it is for each of you, as well!

-Ms. Cover Your Buttons

--> super cool button covers...haha

Lunch Boxes and Other Ramblings

So this week has been interesting.

I bring a tin lunch box to school. Yes, they still make those. Mine has colorful stripes on it. People often comment, it's funny. Even people on the Metro. And people on the Metro never talk to anyone. They must think I'm like 12. And they're like you, surprised that they still make them. At least I eat lunch! And my lunch box matches my metro-pass holder, so there. haha. (Borders carries these items)

I made a new friend. Her name is Shirley. She lives on the floor below me. I see her out in the common areas of our building. She's probably 80 +/- a few years...I'm not sure. So I visited with her on Sunday. She's lived in so many different places around the world and she's an artist. I'm learning a lot from her- like the advice to volunteer wherever you live- there's so many great opportunities you wouldn't even think of! Like the zoo or for 9/11 she helped out and at the White House!

I witnessed my first fight. It was in the hallway during lunch. That's why we have security people in our building all day. There is a lot that goes one that we're unaware of. Ms. Petree says that there are a lot of kids in gangs. Scary!

My roommate Melissa had her birthday on Tuesday. I brought her home flowers and made a cake. We had tons of people over after Institute (our weekly young adult religion class). I got to Tango dance. haha. Someone dropped their cell phone from our balcony! 12 floors up. Whoops.

My doctor is changing my medication. It'll take about a month until I'm on the new one, but hopefully it'll help my sleep problem out. I'm struggling a bit, but I'm trying.

My students had a test this week. They did great. For this big Teacher Work Sample project that every BYU teacher has to complete, we get to analyze the learning of our students during a unit. I'm using the unit we just did, so this weekend I'll spend some time with that project. Fun.

And we've started a new unit on the History of the Atom. We had some library research time and we're always doing something crazy- group presentations and exploring different ideas. I'm even learning a lot! The history of the atom is cooler than I thought!

My best night this week was ordering pizza with Whitney and just chatting. It's nice to just relax and have good gal pals! Her boyfriend just flew in Thursday night and will be here until Tuesday. (He's staying with our guy friends downstairs.) In other words I won't be seeing much of her for a few days! That reminds me- some of you should come visit....!!!! Make sure it's the DCA Reagan Airport! Whit and Jeff didn't get home until wayyyy to late because he went to the other airports. Reagan is like 10 minutes from us. Anyways, I do miss so many of you!

I finished another book: "Forget About It" by Caprice Crane. This girl gets hit by a car and fakes amnesia so she can reinvent her life. It's pretty hilarious. A little PG-13 as far as books go (language and sexual references), so I wouldn't recommend it for everyone. I'm also half way done with "Personal Finances for Dummies" (Thanks, Dee!!!) which is quite entertaining AND useful. Next on the list is "Uncle Tom's Cabin"...Nick was sweet enough to send me that book for my bday. I love reading! Beats having a TV any day!

Googley Goggles

Whew. Another week has flown by. Can you believe I've been here a month already? So my students were quite the bunch this week!

One student thought it'd be funny to call me "baby." Thus he did. I asked him not to and corrected him with "Ms. Daniel" every time he said it. A few days later he did stop. But his parents came to parent night Wednesday. They said their son can be a bit of a smart-aleck...so I told them what he's been calling me. They were embarrassed, to say the least. But the other parents found it to be quite amusing. Yeah, parent night. Not too many showed up. I was surprised by the number of single parents. Apparently I'm "perky"- that's what one dad said to his wife who works at the school. haha. And then there was this one odd parent that met us and asked "Do you get donated equipment and not use it?" What kind of question is that? And he also asked me what I thought of the polygamist trials. I didn't comment. And this same dad emailed me like five times the next day asking what his daughter needs for the class. He sent me a copy of his ebay bid for a couple TI-83 calculators and told me he's going to donate them to our classroom. His daughter informed me that he always does this and to just ignore him. haha.

Goggles! So, BYU-education program emphasizes using "Inquiry" methods for teaching like all the time. You're an awful teacher if you don't, apparently. But I have realized that you cannot do inquiry with these kids. They lack the basic knowledge to go out and figure things out on their own. A lab is somewhat inquiry related. But it becomes direct because they have to have the steps repeated like 100 times and can't figure out what they're doing at all. They barely can follow instructions. I love them, so I am patient. at least I try. But they do not keep their goggles on!!! I had to tell SO many kids to put their goggles back on. Like it's a joke! Some kid did say "Safety never goes out of style"...I was surprised by his support of goggles but happy nonetheless. I might just make them wear goggles at their desks as a punishment if they don't wear them in the lab. Seriously. We can't do labs with these kids. I will keep trying.

You remember that annoying coordinator lady we have? Yeah, well somehow I managed to be on her good list. She's even understanding of my sleep-issue when she totally isn't with my other roommate! Odd. I did get blood-work done this week (I almost fainted. lack of H20). There's nothing wrong with my insides. So it might be the meds I'm on. We shall see. I'm still "perky" so everything is fine.

I went to the National Cathedral this week. Very beautiful. It's right down the street from our high school. Neat.

There are a lot of little lakes around here. Yesterday I got to go kayaking and canoing! Our friend's aunt and uncle have a place near a lake and have the kayaks and canoe! So Brian and I went with a couple others and had a wonderful afternoon on the water. We saw a bald eagle, woodpeckers, turtles, jumping fish...all on the serene beautiful lake!

I started and finished "The Memory-Keeper's Daughter" this week. Amazing. A doctor delivers his wife's babies- twins. A boy and a girl. The girl he notices has down syndrome and so he sends her away with the nurse and told her to bring her to a clinic/institution. He tells his wife the girl died at birth!!! The nurse raises the girl in another city. It's an amazing book. Captivating. It's crazy what that one secret would do to the family.

Well, on that note...I'm off to church. Another week of adventures in chemistry to be continued...

I ain't no cute lil barbie doll

Teaching this week was amazing. I have three classes of chemistry that I teach. One class meets everyday and the other two longer every other day. I just started a unit on a bunch of basic chemistry stuff- units of measurement, density, states of matter, physical/chemical changes…all that good stuff. Each day I’m learning something new on how to teach them. Like one day they didn’t do their homework. Nobody did! So we talked about what we can do better next time- like I can be clearer about assignments and write them on the board, they can bring their books to class, etc… and it actually worked for the next time. My classes are really well behaved. One class I changed their seating around so they wouldn’t talk…and another I changed around because they are so segregated socially. There are a few sleepy/inattentive kids and I’ve been working with them. And the kids who aren’t as good at English (mainly Asians), I’ve got some ideas on how to help them out with quizzes and tests…so we’ll see.

Becky (my coordinator-lady) came in for a whole 90-minute class period and observed me. She’s quite judgmental, mind you. She was so amazed with the way I taught. She said I’m a natural. Ms. Petree said, “She does this every day!” She had nothing but good things to say. ☺

Here are some classic moments from this week:

Ms. Petree is just so sweet to me. She brought chips and soda for each class on my bday! And she’s just awesome. I tell her all the time she’s “cute”…
Me: “oh, you’re so cute!”
Ms. Petree: “I don’t know what you mean by that!”
Me: “Just that you’re thoughtful and sweet…”
Ms. Petree: “oh, you can call me cute then!”

A kid in my class: “She sounds like a Barbie doll.”
I wasn’t supposed to hear that, but I did.
Another kid replied: “Barbies don’t talk.”

Ms. Petree cut and permed her hair.
Me: “Did you do your hair?!?!”
Ms. Petree: “No! I had a beautician do it! If I did it, it’d look like it does everyday at school!”


Card from three nice Asian gals in my third period class:
Front: “Happy Birthday” written in somewhat curly letters.
Inside: “I’ve been saving these pubic hairs for weeks!” then in handwriting “Happy birthday! You’re a good teacher!”
WHAT?!?! So I know these gals are not 100% proficient in English- I really don’t think they know what that word means…but it is sure funny! goodness.


We were going to the Zoo on my birthday. Three of my roommates were going to meet me, and so was Casey. But, come 4:00, when we were going to meet up, nobody could come! So I went to the zoo by myself. I got to see my favorite lil poison dart frogs! After that I went home and met up with everyone. We went out for Thai food and then had cake and ice cream at our apt. A lot of people came by! My roommates made a yummy german chocolate cake, too. How sweet.

Thanks to all of you who emailed/called/facebooked/texted/mailed me a card or whatnot me on my bday- that means a lot! It was good to hear from each of you!

This weekend wasn’t terribly exciting. Ms. Petree took me out to dinner after school Friday for my bday. I cut my hair super short again. A few of my roommates and I went to go see “Across America.” Saturday we went to a bbq at a biology teacher’s house in Maryland and watched a film-festival in our stake (Church-related). Marci and I had fun on the metro because we had a whole car to ourselves…so we sang and danced to my ipod music. haha!

Just gearing up for another week at Wilson High. Teaching is exhausting. I’m starting to feel it. I need to find a good doctor around here but they’re all booked until November! So I’m doing what I can- working out a few times at our gym upstairs and trying to get enough sleep (or just time in bed…). Thank goodness for Sundays. A day of rest and no stresses. Have a good week, everybody!

Chemistry at Wilson High

This week was our first week in the schools. I'm at Wilson High School. My mentor teacher is Ms. Petree. She's awesome! She's been teaching for 41 years- can you believe that?!?! So she definitely has experience. She is so easy-going. She's a hoot. I don't know how else to describe her- she's a hoot!

I'm learning to balance- I'm very effective with my time and have gotten a lot done during the day (lesson plans, lab prep, copies....pretty much everything is ready for the next two weeks). So when I get home from school I can have time to relax. I recognize the helpfulness of good teaching resources- good problem sheets and labs and such. I appreciate the book we use- there are a lot of good things in it.

I'm learning about different class-personalities. I have one class that is very grade orientated and on top of things- they don't like busy work and generally do well. I have to be on my toes to gain their respect knowledge-wise. Another class though needs a little more motivation and yet they don't argue about grades and they have confidence in their teachers' knowledge.

This experience is also different for each one of us. I feel so confident and prepared and organized while others have such different situations in their classrooms and everything lends to different emotions and stresses. I'm really trying hard to be a good friend to the girls I live with. I feel really close to all of them.

I have quite the social life here. Always something. I had another great first date. We even made a funny little video about socks. haha. My roommates are always up for adventures, too. Good times.

Anyways, I start teaching this week! And my birthday is Thursday...and there is salsa dancing in the district this weekend, too! So much to look forward to!

The Adventures of Week One

I am loving it here in D.C. This week has been amazing! And entertaining. I think one of the things that just makes everything great is that I have awesome roommates. All six of them are amazing and we just have tons of fun together. We have a BYU coordinator out here- her name is Becky Vanatter. She talks a lot and gives us really long unnecessary lessons and tells extremely long stories...we're just not intrigued. The week was very long because of her. But I guess we'll have to get used to that. She's like our mom, but not in a good way. It'll be interesting.

We toured the Library of Congress and spent a day in Mt. Vernon. We got personalized tours from Becky. On Friday night we got a group from our ward together to visit the Monuments. We only saw Lincoln and Vietnam, however. Last night I had a date with a boy from our group the night before! We went to the other monuments- FDR and Jefferson at least. He's great.

So we have church today and then we start in the schools tomorrow. We did visit all of our schools. There are 5 of us at Wilson high. Yeah- there are 11 gals total- but 3 are married and 1 lives with her folks so 7 of us live together. I briefly met (like 30 seconds) my teacher- Ms. Petree. The only things I can use to describe her are short, old, and rumor has it she's a hard teacher. She won't be there tomorrow so that'll be lame. Becky tells us we have to be flexible. Okay. I can see why.

Wilson HS is in a nice area but kids are bussed in from all over D.C.- specifically urban areas. There are rich kids and poor kids so diverse in many ways. 50% african american, 20% caucasian, 20% hispanic, and 10% asian. It's a beautiful school, for being old. Nice woodwork. The mascot is the tiger and the colors are green and white.

So, I think that's all the updates. It's gonna be an adventure! At least that's what Becky says...

DC, baby

I arrived this evening in D.C..... Long day of flying and a fun taxi driver to boot. I was locked out for 45 minutes or so because none of my roommates were around. There are seven of us living together. I was a bit hesitant of this situation because we’re ALL student teaching (some elementary ed some secondary) and basically have the same schedules and activities…that’s almost like having 6 mission companions at once! 24/7. But I really don’t think it’s gonna be that bad. I have met all but one so far and they just seem great. We’re all girls with confidence and willing to take a challenge in life. I like them a lot so far. Oh, did I mention our penthouse is beautiful?!?! It has 3 bedrooms, 2.5 baths, a den, living room, dining room and kitchen. It looks brand new. I have the den room to myself. I will get a bed and stuff- but the furniture doesn’t arrive until Tuesday. Our complex has a 24 hr gym, a convenience store, a computer lab with printers and coffee, and a pool. We’re superduper close to everything. The city of Arlington/Crystal City is mostly underground! The stores and such that is. We’re on the 12th floor! I'd say we're pretty spoiled here. Pretty dang spoiled.

Tomorrow is a chill day (groceries!) and then Tuesday we start our week of orientation with our BYU coordinator lady, Becky. That’ll be grand. I shall keep you posted!

Travelling

Aug 18- left Provo and headed to St. George. My best friend Tammy lives there with her hubby. They've been married 3 months! Cute. We enjoyed the sun and went to the Donny Osmond Concert!
Aug 21- Made my way thru Vegas and ended up in Los Angeles. My Aunt Pam lives there.
Aug 22- My sister, Jessica, flew down from Spokane to hang out with us in LA. We went to Disneyland/California Adventure, shopping downtown, 3rd street promenade, farmers market, the grove, venice beach (including biking on the beach), and a couple swap meets. Crazy times!
Aug 26- At 6:30pm we set off for Seattle. Mind you, it's an 18+ hour drive. We only slept for an hour and a half in a McDonald's parking lot.
Aug 27- Arrival at our Aunt Orva and Uncle John's home in Sammamish, WA. Their Mormon neighbors met me (haha). The next day we went shopping, to Pike's Place, and had a nice family get together
Aug 29- The drive back to Spokane. My sister got a nice speeding ticket. I get to stay with my family way up north of Spokane (Newport/Lake Sasheen). I stayed with my sister one night and had my early bday dinner and such. Had fun at a bbq labor day weekend
Sept 2- Flight to D.C.....just wait and see!

one week left in Provo...

So I only have one week left here in Provo. More or less. A lot has happened in the last 3 semesters here at BYU. I will write more of my thoughts later...