Monday, August 25, 2008

The First Day

So today was the first day of school. It was quite an interesting day. First we had homeroom to hand out schedules. Borrrrring. Then I had first period conference...then advisory. We had advisory for like 1.5 hours! Way too much time. I entertained them with making them get to know each other (which for 10th graders is quite uncomfortable for them). I had fun. My 2nd period physics class was very nice. 3rd period was a little hyper- they're going to be interesting. A handful. And my AP Physics C kids....oh goodness. I was telling them about my Nasa job...and then as I was handing stuff out and this kid who I was near had the nerve to say this to me "Oh, sorry we weren't impressed about your Nasa experience. Like 8 of us our on the Robonaut team and two of our dads are astronaut's." (one being his dad.). Matt said I should have said "Well what have YOU done" because he doesn't like kids who think they're all that because their parents are accomplished. Good point. And the science dept head said that was typical of that certain kid and next time I should just turn it into an assignment (say, write a paper on what it's like to be an astronaut's kid) and he'll never talk again. Brainiacs. Total 180 from my other classes. Oh, and I have a couple of my fav students from last year!

It's going to be an interesting year! Tomorrow is the second first day (block) and we shall see what's in store...crazy....

Sunday, August 24, 2008

Jenn's got her groove back

I do. I've been in the mindset that I shouldn't and can't date for awhile. But then I went and talked to the Bishop on the stand before Church and we just talked. I said I wasn't going to date boys for a while- then he jokingly said that I should say I'm not going to date anymore (so it doesn't sound like I'm dating girls instead, haha). But he said there were lots of guys in our ward who speak spanish. . Oh, okay. And he said there are a lot of great guys in our ward (as he looked out amongst the group).

Not only that, but I am SO ready for school to start. I'm excited for my new classes- to see what this year brings. I'm excited for the challenges, for the triumphs, for the new people in my life, for everything Heavenly Father has in store for me. I have a feeling it's going to be AMAZING. I'm going to grow a lot and have a lot of awesome experiences. I feel it.

Saturday, August 23, 2008

ready for school!

I think I am ready for school. We had some awful training this week, but not all awful. The day with just physics -AP- was the best. I feel pretty excited to teach these kids. Even the AP class. And of course my room is super cute and happy, and I will be really really busy!

My cell phone has been annoying me all summer. It broke June 29th and then was on 'back order' so they gave me a 'backup' and each week they still said it was on back order then a month later they said oh, actually we don't make that phone anymore...so they said send it in to samsung and get it fixed. So I did. Then it was freaking out (the phone) the other day so I bought a new one (what's up with stupid upgrade fees?!?!) and it had a music player but those phones don't work with Macs so I took it back today. My old phone did turn on...and I have an iPhone on the way (it's unlocked so I can use with with T-Mobile still).

Mac has been driving me bonkers. He ATE all the hair off of a new make-up brush! He runs around like a crazy person. He gets all his play toys stuck under the sofa, fridge, and stove. He bites my ankles lots at night and in the morning in bed. He knocks over my vases and frames. And annoys company. He's like a dog. and he's been eating a lot!!! I'm trying to monitor it. But I hope he won't be a stupid fat cat.

School starts Monday. Wonder what the year holds...

Saturday, August 16, 2008

let it rain

it rained pretty hard today. Well, that's just Houston. But my thoughts...well, I miss my sister. At least she kept me busy and occupied. Before her it was Sam that kept me busy and occupied. Why am I letting him get to me so much? I have NO appetite. Nothing sounds good. I don't want to go out. I'm sick of driving downtown (I did a ton this last week with my sister and then also before with Sam). I'm not ready for school to start. Yes, my classroom looks great. But I have no lesson plans ready. I don't know. I'm not looking forward to teaching again. Yet I know it's what I'm supposed to do. And I took up the extra NASA job...is that too much for me? Pretty much I've been a lazy bum the last two days. I can't even concentrate enough to prepare my lesson for RS tomorrow. Crap. I never procrastinate. I don't know what's wrong with me. I even went to the Temple Thursday. I did a session and sealings (mainly as a child). I just bawled in the celestial room. Why did there have to be so many hispanic temple workers there to remind me of Sam and what we could have had? To remind me how badly I wanted to serve 'his people'...as I loved them so much from the mission. So I didn't exactly feel peace there. I felt confusion. Although I know I love the temple and still felt good about going there, but I really feel that He's leading me in the dark for a bit.

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Sisterhood of the Traveling Sister

So Jessica came to visit! Hooray!

Friday we went to Space Center Houston- I had to work. But she got to meet all of my cool India kids! It was pretty fun. She got to see and experience all I do there! And the banquet was nice as well.

Saturday we went to the Zoo- it was SO hot and all the animals were so sleepy! And the otters were hiding. :( haha. We also went to the Museum of Fine Arts...then we met up with Lucki at the Cypress Outlet Mall. We found some GREAT deals! How fun! My new signature scent is Burberry London. ooh lala. Then we went to the Luau up in the cypress area (church event). We ate, watched the dancing, and left. We had a long day...and I felt bad making my sister hang out with church friends. haha.

Sunday we slept in and then went to Church. I talked to the Bishop about Sam...and while that was going on Sam found Jessica and talked with her (it wasn't bad, she just didn't really want to talk with him because he broke my heart, but they were very very nice to each other nonetheless). The Bishop has no clue what's wrong with Sam. Me either. He wants to be my friend but I'm finding that VERY hard to do. He's frustrating me. No comment.

So after Church my sister and I wandered- and got lost- in the Galleria mall. What a ridiculous mall! So many expensive stores! I found a couple jeans (on sale of course). We ate at the Cheesecake Factory and then the mall closed and we got lost getting back to our car! We walked sooooo much! It was kind of annoying. but funny.

So Monday was a nice day- Jessica was kind enough to help me set up my classroom- mainly all the posters. It took a lot of work so I really appreciated her help! Then after we went to Galveston with Lucki! We got some sun...and then Lucki got heat rash so we had to get her home. At least we got an hour at the beach....her rash was SO bad! poor thing! My sister still insisted that we go to the pool when we got back, so we did. Then we wandered around Kemah and ate at Joe's Crab Shack and then went to Lucki's and watched their wedding video! It was funny! (because of their comments!) I also asked why Stephen's nickname is Stevebob...Lucki said that some friend called him that like sponge bob...then I said but what about the steve part? haha. I really didn't think about the connection! Stephen is such a Stephen to me, not Steve!!!! haha

Tuesday was full of craziness. We went to the Aquarium (SO lame- it took like 5-10 minutes to walk through. Don't ever go there). Then we went to the Museum of Natural Science. The Chemistry part was really cool- but everything cost more- like to go to the IMAX (which we did) or the Rock museum (which was funny- my sister thought it was a Hard Rock and Roll museum not just a rock museum!). Then we went to the coolest museum- the health museum. It was SO fun and interactive. You have to go to that one! We also went out to eat at Rice Village at my fav thai place. Then we ran into traffic on the way home. I also embarrassed Jessica by asking someone where the restroom was at Academy (a sports store)...and well that person clearly didn't work there. It was awkward. whoops. We went to the Bay Area Mall and Jessica got a few things. And the infamous Plato's closet. haha. Then we watched Hitch. Every night was a different movie...she can't fall alseep without that. Oh, and we went to the pool again that night.

Our last day was pretty chill- we went back to Nasa with my friend Sean and took the tour of Mission Control, ISS Mock up, and Rocket Park. And souvenirs...haha. Then we went to the pool all afternoon. I got a little burnt. Then Andrew took us out to dinner at a fun Hibachi grill and then we went hottubbing. Then my sister made me watch From G's to Gents. haha.

We cried saying goodbye today. I'm really proud of who she is. I really care about what she thinks of me and we are really close for being sisters. We don't always see eye to eye but we really do love and care about one another- and love so many things about each other. I learned a lot about her this week. She's grown up so much and she's just such a sweet, wonderful person. She cares so much. She's funny and beautiful. Gosh, she's so pretty. She's also not afraid to put me in my place. Sometimes I can be a bit selfish or thoughtless. She's strong and confident, yet has such a soft side. I love her so much. I already miss her. I wish I could put into words how much I love her and adore her for who she is. Love you, Boo!

Tuesday, August 5, 2008

More priceless words from Brother Holliday

This is from my favorite institute teacher ever. He always knows what to say.
Jenn,
I am sorry to hear about your latest disappointment. I know it is discouraging.
One of your many strengths is that you are cheery by nature and never stay down for long. Its is one of the things that makes you attractive to a wide variety of people. Even losers are attracted by individuals with your level of attributes.
So use your strength. Get the tears out if necessary and then cinch up and move on. The Lord knows your heart and will still lead you. After all He just eliminated another loser from your life and prevented you from making learning about it after it was too late to easily back out. See that as a sign that He knows your heart and is watching out for you. In time you will look back and be so grateful.
Consider getting a blessing from your bishop and listen carefully to what is said. Then go forward with faith and let the Spirit help you discern the losers before you invest too much of your heart.
You are a wonderful and beautiful person and I am proud to know you.
David Holliday

Monday, August 4, 2008

Mac Takes a Dip

I was being mean and dipped Mac in the tub.

Sunday, August 3, 2008

New Flip Video Camera

So I just got this neat little Flip Video camera. It holds up to an hour worth of video with sound...and has a USB on the side that 'flips' out for super each hook up to your computer. I took some videos this week, of mac and of space school with Taiwan.

Saturday, August 2, 2008

random stress

Drama drama drama. Not exactly...but life has been a bit stressful.

-stupid TeXes Teacher certification tests in chem/physics (one test) and pedagogy. Done. Good. Hope to never have to deal with that again.

-I am so not ready for school to start. Was I supposed to do lesson plans or something? I mean, I've been studying physics, but I feel utterly under prepared. And my classroom isn't even set up yet.

-My doctor keeps inspiring me to be better and healthier. I've been doing by best to conform.

Space School this week was amazing. Taiwan. The best group of kids ever. I loved them. They did so well and it was just an amazing week. I'll try to post some videos- I have a cool new video camera with a usb hook up. :) The banquet last night was so fun. I loved Allie- the interpreter they had. Just awesomeness.

Jessica comes to visit me- she arrives next Thursday night. We'll go to Space School that Friday ...and then the Zoo and the Aquarium, a couple museums, Galveston beach, the Galleria (fancy mall), and wherever else we feel like. She'll be with me until the following Thursday morning. Hope we have fun!

until I write again I send you my love