Happy New Year!

Last night we had a get together with some friends to celebrate New Year's Eve Eve....
It was a blast. It was a night filled with good food (mine...hehehe), good people, good conversations, and good times playing wii!
I pray that God makes this coming year a fruitful one for Patrick and me, and that we continue to grow as individuals and as a couple.
Gotta go back to work in a couple of days!
Happy New Year to everyone!

Saturday already?! AHHHH!

Okay so it's the last few days of my vakay and I'm a little sad about it....
But I have had some lovely culinary experiences this week (which I'm all about)...
Sushi, dim sum, bbq, family gatherings....yum!
Last night we had dinner with friends Sheryll and Dave, who just became engaged. Yay! We ate at Joe's Shanghai in Flushing, and the last time I remember eating there was in college! Well we had the soup dumplings of course and they were awesome. Wish I took some pics of us downing those bad boys...they were yummy! Good food, good conversation, good company, good laughs making fun of people, good times...
Weird thing happened while we were waiting for a table though....
We were standing outside the restaurant and this young couple was sitting right inside the restaurant. The woman looked at me and stared at me, like she recognized me. I gotta say my memory is pretty bad, so I didn't recognize her. Well anyway she just keeps staring at me and I don't know what to do because it's not like she smiles or waves to me or comes out and says something. It was just bizarre. Queens, I must say is a very small world. Unfortunately, I have met lots of people and talked to them and if I haven't seen someone in a few years, I kind of erase their faces from my memory. I still can't figure out if I know the girl, and it's almost 24 hours later. Oh well.

Update...tomorrow it's Friday and time hasn't stopped!!!!

Does anyone know how to stop time?

Wow, it's crazy to think that tomorrow is already Thursday. I wish all other weeks passed so quickly....for now, I'm just savoring the moments of my vacation and hoping the next 6 days won't pass too fast. I know they will.
No time for blogging....gotta go enjoy some Wii moments now!

Spreading the love...shining His light...

Merry Christmas to everyone!
As many of you know, Patrick and I are teachers, and are just beginning our holiday vacation from work, and we're going to enjoy every minute of it! At my old job, I actually had to work during this coming week and now I'm excited cause Patrick and I are on the exact same schedule work wise. We enjoy our time together!
This past week, I decided to do something nice for the staff at my new workplace. I started working there last January so this is my first Christmas working there. I have to admit that when I started working there it was a bit of culture shock. People at work weren't exactly mean but they weren't friendly. This was such a change from my old work, where everyone at least said hello to each other in the hall. It took some getting used to, but now people at least acknowledge my presence...baby steps....
Anyway, I decided to give everyone a few chocolates wrapped in tissue paper with a ribbon and I put them in each person's mailbox. I have to admit I didn't know many of the people whose mailboxes I was filling, but as I put the tiny packages in early Wednesday morning, some of them were clocking in. Everyone looked like they were in a rush coming in, all huffy and stuff. As they went to their box, I saw them slow down, then smile, then thank me (they assumed it was me since I was the one putting them in! lol). They were all so appreciative. I even got several thank you cards! All for a few pieces of chocolate! Some people wrote "it was just what I needed" or "it was so nice of you to think of me." It was nice to get such appreciation, but it made me wonder how much "niceness" was spread throughout the school in general, if a small gesture such as this was getting such a response! My answer came when I got a card yesterday from a teacher/service provider in the school. She wrote that it was so nice of me to think of all the staff, and that in all the years she's worked in the school, she doesn't remember anyone doing something so nice. I would think that would make me feel like I was on top of the world, but it didn't. I almost felt sad for them, because this is something that is second nature for me, and didn't require too much effort, just time. I thought of all 80 (!) people that received those chocolates and that maybe I made their day, or year, or experience of working at the school a little happier. THAT made me feel good, and maybe that will inspire others there to be a little kinder. I will try praying more for those people now individually...Spreading God's love can come in the form of spreading the Gospel, a prayer, sharing a hug or smile, or even a few chocolates! Here's hoping you can share your love with someone (or 80 someones!) today!

What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God? --Micah 6:8

Bake them cookies, grandma!

Okay, so I'm nowhere near a grandma, but I just finished baking about 8 dozen cookies to bring for people at church tomorrow. It's sort of my way of spreading christmas joy by giving people a little goody bag filled with a few of my chocolate chip cookies. I'm tired, but I feel good about the accomplishment. I really love Christmas!

The baked cookies mmmm....




Patrick..uh...packing the cookies?



The lovely packages...





Wii is just sooo interesting!


The Chung Tree!

Wheeeeee!

So my week has been pretty sweet, mostly because Patrick surprised me with an early Christmas gift, the Wii. Damn this thing is lots of fun! We've been getting our money's worth with just the games that the console comes with, but more than that, it's a freakin workout, man! Everyday I wake up with sore arms, legs and back. Oy!
Took the day off Monday, after coming home from Virginia, where my cousin's engagement party took place Saturday night. It was nice seeing everyone again, and catching up with la familia. It's weird when I see my cousins and think back on our childhood together. We basically grew up together and it's surreal being grown ups now, doing grown up things.
Work has been just eh. My asssistant and I are not exactly friends if you catch my drift. I need to pray for more understanding and wisdom... it's quite difficult though...
I think I'm coming down with a cold. Everyday I go to work and my voice sounds like it's about to go. My kids are like, "Mrs. Chung, is your talking thing going away again soon?" I lost my voice once already this year. "Mrs. Chung, do we have to be quiet again?" They're too funny!
Next Friday cannot come soon enough. Big time needed holiday vacation! I can't wait to play wii sun up to sun down, and hang out with people I never get to see! Then maybe think about work! hahahaha!
Okay gotta go and play wii now! I bowled a six pack last night...that means six strikes in a row! Woo hoo!

Cookie Exchange 2007

I've wanted to do a cookie exchange for a while now, and especially since we bought our house 4 years ago. But somehow, the holiday season came and went, and I never did it. This year I was determined to have one. I told people in the summer about it. As Halloween approached, some ladies at church began discussing holding one. I immediately offered my house up for one. Well, fast forward a month, and my cookie exchange took place on Saturday. It really was a lot of fun!

I have to say it was a lot of work, but it was worth it. 12 ladies ended up coming, and although many of them didn't know each other, they all came with a common purpose...COOKIES!

As a host, I didn't get to "enjoy" the party, but my enjoyment came in the faces of all my guests, who laughed a lot that afternoon!

I can't wait till next year's cookie exchange!

Kids, Thanksgiving, and more kids!

Hey everyone!


Hope you all had a great Thanksgiving! Mine was filled with many many gluttonous moments that I will not soon forget, but it was all worth it.


It all began Wednesday since I had a special Thanksgiving meal for my kids and their parents at work, which was really nice. The kids sang some songs for their families and then they ate some turkey sandwiches and got the heck outta there. These parents were the most laid back I've ever encountered. So quiet and they left so soon. I was lucky to get some pictures (which later I discovered my memory card was acting wacky and I lost most of) before they took off.


Thursday was nice. I got up nice and early to bake an oreo cheesecake for my mom's house which we were going to eat at Friday. We got ready then headed out to Jersey to have Thanksgiving dinner with Patrick's family. Dinner was good, and we ended up staying overnight so we could go shopping Friday. Now, Black Friday is something where every year I say I'll never do again, but every year I do it again. Patrick's uncle wanted to buy tools at Sears, so that was our first stop. We were going to get up at 4:30, but of course the tryptophan coma from the turkey had us out until close to 6. So we arrived at Woodbridge Center Mall around 6:30, and although the parking lot is packed, we get a good parking spot. We enter Sears expecting the worst, but it's actually pretty empty. I guess not much of a need for tools! I bought a couple of shirts, and then we hit the actual mall. OMG! People were packed like sardines. This is the point where I say, "I'm never doing this again!" But anyway, we walked around a bit and then left.
After breakfast at Uncle Ed's we headed back home. As we're headed to our house, Patrick says, "I just want to check what it's like at the Target and Circuit City." I'm like, "okay, sure" and then we get there. Holy cow! It looks like there is a line to get into Circuit City? Huh? It's 11 o'clock! I go to Target. It's empty. Patrick tries heading to Circuit City. Yes, there is a line to get into the store! Are they giving stuff away? No thanks. Plus it was freezing that morning/day!
Anyway, we head home to lounge for a few hours and then head to my mom's for ANOTHER thanksgiving feast! Well for those of you who don't know her, my mom redefines the word feast and takes it to a whole new level. She makes: a ham, a turkey, a prime rib, lasagna, stuffing, baked potatoes (both sweet and white), sausage, veggies, rolls...am I leaving anything out? Does it matter? It was all good!
Saturday, another event....Joyce and Arvy's little bundle of joy was being christened. Patrick loves this kid's middle name: His name is Addison Kalel Villanueva. I know....yep...after Superman. It's inspiring Patrick for our future children. Not so inspiring for me.
Before we knew it, it was Sunday again! Ah! What happened to the LONG weekend that we were gonna have? Oh well. It was fun anyway!
GOBBLE GOBBLE!

Professional Development Day

Just got home. What a dumb day it was at work. Basically PD day means teachers sit around listening to stupid crap that doesn't really matter to fill up a school day since we don't have students. What a waste. I was lucky cause I kinda got out of a meeting on a technicality. My principal didn't write "pre-k teacher" as a participant in any of the meetings after lunch, so I just stayed in my room. I would have gotten away with that too except my principal walked into the kindergarten meeting and had to hand something out. Of course she's like, where's Stacey? CRAP! Of course I went groveling and claiming stupidity, but it was her bad too cause she didn't put me down for that meeting! HA! Oh well...you know that won't EVER happen again now. I'll have to sit in boring meetings that have absolutely nothing to do with me. Ugh.

Anyway, I've been feeling sick the past few days, and I feel a little better today. Last night we got together with some peeps and had dinner at a Thai restaurant in Brooklyn. It was pretty damn good I gotta say. I wasn't feeling great but I figured I'd go because the spicy food could clear me up a bit. Boy did it ever! I ordered an eggplant and chili dish. Patrick didn't go near it, and he just ate his usual pad thai, especially since the dish included two of his least fave foods: chilis and eggplant. I loved it! We got to sample some appetizers too, which are really good! It was pretty cool, since most of the people there were teachers and we knew we didn't have the kids in school today, but you could tell everyone was pretty tired.

It's going to be a busy two months, Nov and Dec...

let's see...b-day, grandma's b-day, parent teacher conferences, open school week, wedding, thanksgiving, cookie exchange, engagement party, friend's baby's 1st bday, holiday parties, christmas...what else? I'm sure there's more!

I look forward to the madness that is about to happen! More updates to come!

I'll leave you with this nice picture of Hawaii, as I was reminiscing about it with someone last night at dinner....ahhhhh.....

Yay! It's over!

I'm so happy that my observation with my principal is over. She seemed to be pleased with my lesson, and I caught a few glances of her doing an approving nod or two while I was teaching, so that's a good sign. But I still have to meet with her, post observation to see how I really did.

I was so nervous throughout the whole thing, but my para (assistant) said I seemed pretty calm. I think that it was great that I was in my element though, with pre-k. Perhaps in another grade I would be even more nervous, but it was a good and strong lesson, which I've done a million times (but she didn't have to know that).

I just feel drained right now. I've spent the better part of the past week preparing for this lesson, and getting my classroom "presentation ready." I think that no matter how many years I've been doing this, I'll always be nervous when I'm being observed. I think it's my character, and I just feel so self conscious, because I know someone is watching me. As a child, I never liked anyone to look at me. I was very shy and my teachers often told my parents that I was "challenging" them because I never spoke. It's funny looking back now at those teachers and the things they said and the way they treated me, because I just see how they made me not feel safe and not want to talk even more! It's so funny but I think that these bad teachers make me a better teacher today, and maybe even a better person!

Blog editing...an unfortunate thing

I have been forced to edit my blog, unfortunately. The "four things about me" post has gained so much attention and sorry to say that it's been negative. I've since deleted the last part of my post where I made a comment, jokingly and now people think I hate all people and kids and that I shouldn't be a teacher! Geez, people, chill out! I guess there are people who read this blog that don't know me, so maybe I will just save those comments for those close to me and who get me and my sense of humor. Oh well, such is life! In my defense, what I meant was that as a teacher, I can deal with kids in my class, but not in other situations, where they're not my students. I think many teachers can relate to that... but if you're not a teacher, you probably think I'm an evil person who shouldn't be working with kids.
Anyway, that's all I'll say about that. And if don't know me and you have a comment that's not so nice, how about you keep it to yourself, cause I sure don't wanna read it. THANKS!

Calgon, take me away!

I am stressed. I am being observed on Wednesday by my principal. And although I really have nothing much to worry about (she is unfamiliar with pre-k), I still care about what she'll think of me, the program, etc. The stresses of being a teacher who cares are just too much to explain, so I won't. The only person who can understand is another teacher who cares. That's it. It's a job like no other. A job that not only affects you but little people you come in contact with and every little thing you say and do makes a difference. There is no slacking off in teaching, no "I need a five minute break," or "I'm taking a long lunch today," or "I'll just zone out for a couple of minutes." Teaching is 100 percent participation. 100 percent presence. 100 percent heart.
I love kids, believe me, but sometimes I need to get away from that. Today at church I finally had a break from the kids, and was able to join my hubby's Sunday School class. I gotta say it was so great! I felt like a mom who got a break to go to lunch with a friend. It was nice talking to grown ups about grown up things, and not about who was out this week from nursery, and what problems there are, and how to solve them. I probably freaked everyone in the class out because I just kept babbling, and talking on and on. It was so nice.
Strangely though, as the hour went on, I felt so out of my element with the adults. I felt like a caveperson who came into civilization. (funny image, I know) I almost missed that nursery and the environment I'd become so accustomed to being in. It almost felt wrong for me to be there, enjoying myself, like I needed to be somewhere, doing something, and somehow I'd forgotten some responsibility I had. I knew the kids were being well taken care of, so I came to a conclusion. I realized that although it's tough and although I may lament about its hardships, I really enjoy teaching little kids. I think it's a special gift that God has given me, to be able to teach and understand small kids. I appreciate that gift and I think that when I feel stressed, it's never about the kids themselves, it's about all that other stuff that gets in the way of me teaching, like red tape, politics, and money. When I can sort through all that stuff and get past it, I feel that is when God reveals Himself to me even more. It doesn't mean I'm still not nervous about Wednesday.

New toy!

I got my new Blackberry curve on Friday. I must admit I really like it a lot. I got it because Patrick was getting his and he thought I'd love it. I was fine with my black motorola razor that I've had for two years, but I'm a lover of texting so I decided to give it a try. Wow is all I have to say. I like the style, the way it feels and it's just plain awesome.

As usual, Patrick has been obsessed with this new gadget all weekend, trying to figure it out, all that it does and has already customized his. As for me, I'll just wait till he finishes obsessing with his, and make him fix mine up.

Yesterday I went to a bridal shower. It was actually a little weird because the shower was for one of Patrick's friends from work, and she invited me I guess in his place, since he's a boy and couldn't go. I felt a little strange, and out of place sitting there with Patrick's friends, while they talked about things I knew nothing about, and they are obviously close with each other. It felt even weirder not having much to say about any of it and not having Patrick there. I even considered not going, but I really like the bride to be and I was representin' the Chungs afterall! I feel like God's been throwing me into a lot of situations that I'm not comfortable with lately. I wonder what He's trying to show me or tell me, but most of all, I'm excited about it, because I am going through a real period of personal evolution. No, not the kind like chimp to human, but more like how I'm growing as a person and becoming better. I like that.

Looking ahead to my week right now. I hope I can keep up the calm that came over me after my previous entry and lots of prayer. May God help me be the kind of teacher these kids need. I pray I don't get caught up too much in everything around me...

Anyway, back to my Blackberry (or blueberry as I like to call it). Look out! I may be texting one or more of you soon!

Kids, meet your Drill Instructor Mrs. Chung!

I'm so mean. Seriously. I feel so awful nowadays, cause it seems like I'm always yelling at my kids. Yelling at them to sit down, yelling at them to stand up, yelling at them to be quiet, yelling at them to calm down, you name it I've done it. I've had the talk with them, "we're not babies anymore, we're big boys and girls," to which one student replied, "yes, I baby! No big boy!" Oh geez, what have I gotten myself into? I know it probably doesn't seem very different to MOST people, it's such a difference going from pre-k to kindergarten last year and now back to pre-k. I mean going up a grade wasn't too much of a problem. Going down a grade is so hard! These kids really don't know ANYTHING! "What's your name?" Response: nod. "Boys and girls, say hi to Tina." What does Tina say?: "Hi, Tina." "What color is this apple?" Response: "APPLE!" AAAHHHHH! I know it will get better. I've been doing this long enough to know that. But I just love the people who walk into my room and say, "I'm so jealous! I would love to play all day!" Uh, play? Hello! Are you serious? Okay, let me just have them play, and then when they get to you and they don't know how to write, hold a scissor, line up, or speak, don't blame me! I was just playing with them!
I feel so forgotten this year. I'm an afterthought to everyone, especially my principal, and custodian. I find no solace in anyone else, because they've all got their own problems. Things could be worse. My principal could have it in for me, I guess. Maybe it's all this that's bringing my frustration level up. Who knows? I hope I can stay stable for the rest of the week. I need to pray for more patience. I need to pray for more compassion. I need to pray for more peace. I think I just need to pray. In prayer there is truth, and in truth there is God. Getting caught up in worldly things is so easy, especially at my work. Seeking truth and not false dreams, ideals or expectations will be my goal. I will update on the progress of this next week.

"the truth shall make you free."
-John 8:32

Misunderstood

I wonder sometimes about whether my life experiences have had an effect on who I am, or whether who I am has had an effect on what my life experiences are. I have been such a being in need of control and order in my life. I feel sometimes that this has held me back from experiencing many great things and I've missed so many opportunities because of this.


My sister is having a pretty major surgery tomorrow. I am worried about her, but I am also reflecting on what my sister means to me. I have had a difficult relationship with her throughout my life, and a lot of it has to do with our age difference, but also our different ways of life and thinking. My immediate family has never had a strong spiritual life, and I don't even know if they are believers. I've tried to have the "talk" with my parents about Jesus, but we've never been the "heart to heart" kind of family. Talking about feelings and thoughts is strongly discouraged, and we just sort of float through life, never really dealing with heavy issues. I am the type of person who likes to talk about and analyze feelings, and the funny thing is I feel like I can't be myself around my own family. It's so weird, and I don't think they know me at all right now. I wonder if they care to.


I really had my first heart to heart talk with my sister when I found out about her surgery three weeks ago. I think it's the first time we talked to each other like people, rather than sisters. I realized that I really love my sister and, although we may not see eye to eye on most major life issues, God has placed her in my life and I must embrace that fact rather than reject it.
To be misunderstood I think is the worst feeling that I could feel. I think it happens a lot though. Ever since I was a child, I've been misunderstood. Either people will misunderstand my words, actions, attitude or just plain energy for something opposite of my intentions. Is it others or is it me?


Tonight as I write this blog, I reflect on my role in this world, my influence on others, and my potential to change the course of action by something small. Maybe this heart to heart with my sister will change my family forever. Who knows but God. I love that I can fully put my trust in Him and know that He will take care of the situation. Maybe I need to open my heart more to people, and then I might not be so very misunderstood.



"He who does these things shall never be moved." --Psalm 15:5

One down, one hundred eighty something to go!

Okay, my day is over. After freaking out for the better part of last week, I survived the first day of school! Praise God! It wasn't easy, I tell you. And you know I'm gonna tell ya!
Okay, (why do I keep saying okay lately?) so let's rewind a bit to last week. I was all set to teach pre-k which I'm so comfortable teaching, it's like second nature now. A brand new class, which means brand new everything! Yay! My principal and I met before my trip to Hawaii. I was hopeful (as was she) that our order we wanted to put in would go through before September hit. I walked in last Monday. I say hello to my AP (Assistant Principal). My principal is on the phone. She sees me and rolls her eyes. Uh oh. She gets off the phone, hugs me hello and tells me the bad news. The furniture isn't here yet. Then the worse news. The furniture has not even been ordered yet!!!!! So, armed with Patrick, I set off to my classroom. It's depressing. There's nothing in there! How the heck am I supposed to set up a classroom? There is no classroom!!!! After lots of deep breaths and an encouraging talk from Patrick telling me it'll be okay, things could be worse, and the furniture WILL arrive eventually, we start cleaning all surfaces. Damn, for an empty room, it sure was nasty! Okay. Done. Now what? We stare at each other. The phone rings. It's a school aide calling me. "Hi, Stacey...so I wanted to let you know, hon, that Henry (custodian) will be bringing you some furniture. (yay!) You know, just a hodgepodge of stuff from the basement." What? Oh Lord, I can't wait to see this. I tell Patrick I can't do it anymore. I want to leave. I go help him at his school. We stay there another 2 hours. We go out to eat dinner with my mom and dad, and I whine to them like a baby. Very productive, I know. We go home. I whine more to Patrick like a baby. Pretty much my entire week was filled with whining. I could not have been more depressed, upset, etc. If there's one thing I loathe, it's not being prepared. I can't stand it. People were annoying me (you know, cause I don't like people), and I couldn't imagine how my students would feel welcome in such a craphole (I love my students, I just don't like kids in other public places...there's a difference for teachers).
I keep hope alive Tuesday, as I go help Patrick with his classroom. We decide to stay there for the day so we can get more done rather than going back and forth. It works. Patrick wants to go to my job afterwards (5 p.m.). I don't. We try. I'm more depressed. No furniture has been brought. I want to cry, and tell Patrick, "Let's please leave. I'm tired." We go to Party City and the dollar store, searching for something to brighten up the room. I love my husband. He is so very much the person I admire in life. He never complains. He always stays positive. He never worries. He always tries to find a solution. He always encourages me. He shows me to take joy in the small, so I can appreciate the big even more. Patrick helps me find some stuff to decorate. He tells me it'll be beautiful and fine. I almost believe him.
It's Wednesday. We go in super early. Patrick starts moving like a madman. I continue whining. Nothing's ever going to come together. I watch him and wonder how he can work like that, seeing the big picture through the fog. Time passes. It's coming together...a little. I begin to get happy. Still no furniture, but at least the room looks decorated.
Thursday and Friday the rest of the staff is required to be in. I meet my new para. (assistant) She's someone I don't know well but have heard stories about. I can't worry about that now, cause I have to attend a bunch of meetings that have nothing to do with me. I am tired, but it is nice seeing some people from work. It's not so nice when they come into my room and gasp because it's so empty. The looks of pity on their faces said it all. One of my friends said, "I'll never complain about my classroom again." Thanks. Furniture arrives. Uh, are you kidding me? Five small round tables and 18 adult chairs does not a pre-k classroom make! HODGEPODGE? You're not kidding!
Anyway, fast forward to this weekend. I can't tell you how many times I felt bad and just plain discouraged. On Saturday I suddenly thought about my pastor Taylor Field, and how he always talks about how people just have "stinking thinking" when they get down on themselves, and negative about life and just doubt God. That's what I felt like I was doing. I wanted to pray to God and not be so stinky but it just kept coming back to "why God, why did you have to do this to me? Wasn't I good in my prayers about that hurricane in Hawaii? Didn't Patrick and I connect with you even while I was on vacation? Why are you doing this to me? Why?"
On Sunday I didn't even want to go to church. I felt awful, thinking of everything that needed to be done. Then Taylor preached about prayer. It was insane. How did he know? How does God do that? I listened. Prayer isn't about trying to get God to give you stuff. Everytime you want to focus on the good stuff you want that you don't have, think about all the bad stuff that you don't want and you don't have. Hmmm. That's true. It could be worse. I could have NO experience with pre-k. I could have NO job. I could NEVER get the furniture. I could have a horrible next door neighbor next to my classroom. I began thanking God for what I DID have.
The next day though the awful whiner in me came back. Call it pre-first day jitters. I was nervous, anxious, and lazy at the same time. I couln't break out of it. Patrick was working like a maniac. Homeboy was gettin' it done! I told him how much I admired him, and what a great person he was. Then another thing Taylor said Sunday hit me. When you appreciate someone, don't just always tell the person you appreciate that he or she does this or that, but appreciate who the person is. At that moment, I appreciated who Patrick was. I thought about myself, and whether Patrick would be able to appreciate who I was, while I was whining and acting like a lunatic. I started to pray, but pray to God this time, not just at Him. I shared my heart, my doubts, and my anxiety. Things turned around. I was able to type up an orientation letter for the parents. I started thinking clearly again. I was able to get a good night's rest.
I must say that today went smoothly, all things considered. Hey, it could have been worse....

Work is yucky!

I can't believe it. The summer is just about over! It's flown by sooooo quickly, and I am shocked that I have to go in to work tomorrow. I'm officially depressed.

It's been really hard getting up since coming back from Hawaii. It's 6 hours back there, and so we've been struggling to wake up before 10 am and wide awake till 2 or 3 in the morning. Today was tough, though. We had to wake up at 8 to go to church. I enjoyed being back at church, since we've not been there for three weeks while on vacation. It felt good seeing familiar people and getting to talk to them a little bit.

As for work, I haven't even prepared this year! I feel so out of it, which I guess may be a good thing since I'm always so stressed out and worried. Tomorrow I will see if my furniture has arrived for my classroom. If it has, I can set up. If not, I'll just clean and do my bulletin boards, or something like that. Then we'll go to Patrick's school, so we can set up his room.

Yesterday we had lunch with an old friend and just hung out and watched a movie at our house. It was nice, just lounging around. There was no time schedule, nowhere to be, and we just chilled. I will miss those days soon enough.

Today we went to Target to buy a fridge for Patrick's classroom. After buying it, we realized that it was too big to fit into the car. Uh oh. We had to call a friend who lives nearby to come with his minivan and rescue us from the parking lot. I don't know what we were thinking. We're both out of it. Then we realized that this thing was way to huge for the classroom. We debated returning it right then and there. We decided to keep it for our home, for a possible bar we may set up soon. We're completely nuts, I know. But we're both the same kind of crazy, so it's okay. Right?

I also have been trying to get those darn pics up, but keep running into freezing issues, and it's pretty annoying! I hope soon they'll be up! I know some of you asked me to post them. It's coming....someday....

My complete state of being lackadaisical is scaring me slightly. I feel like I'm moving in slow motion, and everything else is independent of me.

Today at church Rick was preaching about the prodigal son. I started thinking about who God is to me. Then I read a devotional about focusing on God's sufficiency to reach inner peace. I thanked God for giving me this peace that I call being "lackadaisical," and I understood that it wasn't that I was being lazy, but God was taking care of me, and reducing my anxiety and pressures because of my prayers and submission. It's pretty funny, but most of my prayers the past 5 months have been for Patrick, and his health, and safety. I love that even though I didn't pray for myself, God knew I needed comfort and love, too! What an awesome Lord!
"Casting all your care upon Him, because He cares for you." -- 1 Peter 5:7

Four things about me

My friend sent me a personality test thingy and I thought I'd post it here...

Four jobs I've had:
1. office assisant
2. Teacher of toddlers
3. Teacher of pre-k
4. Teacher of kindergarten
(yes, they are all different jobs to me)

Four of my fave foods:
1. french fries
2. bacon cheeseburgers
3. sushi
4. fried calamari

Four places I've travelled to:
1. Hawaii and California (just came back!)
2. East Coast U.S.
3. Brazil
4. Bermuda

Four places I'd rather be right now:
1. Hawaii
2. California
3. Brazil
4. Bermuda

Four...(or two) places I've lived:
1. Flushing
2. Woodhaven

ALOOOOOOOOOHAAAAA!

Ah....home again...from our awesome trip to California and Hawaii.


Boo hoo, but also sort of happy to be home. I'm sure that will wear off pretty quickly. Oh, wait, it just did.

It was a great trip, filled with lots of fun memories for me, and just a super relaxing time to be honest. It's been tough not having a vacation in two years, so it was a much needed rest!

California...what can I say. If I could afford to live there right now, I would. Not on a teacher's salary...oh wait, make that two teachers' salaries! Seriously we had such an amazing time there. Most of all I loved the weather...humidity? What's that? I didn't miss it one bit. We were staying in San Fransisco, and went to the classics (Chinatown, Fisherman's Wharf, Golden Gate Bridge) but we also went to Muir Woods (most stunning redwoods ever), Sausalito (quaint little boat town), Monterey (best aquarium ever), Napa (Bouchaine Vineyards, we love you!), Sacramento (to visit Patrick's cousin) and Kirkwood/Lake Tahoe (So nice!). We rented a convertible while we were there. Good choice! Altogether we drove about 1000 miles (!) in 8 days! Whoah! Now, for New Yorkers, where everything you need is within arms distance literally, that's a lot! But where we were, everything was at least a half hour drive (which is nothing for these people by the way). Luckily we found super cheap gas (2.99/gal!) but we had to fill up three times I think!

Anyway, it was just really great...and then we had our cruise in Hawaii! I swear, I feel like we went on three vacations. Hawaii....ahhh....well the goal for Hawaii was to get a nice tan and lay out on the beach all day. We certainly got that accomplished! Not to mention a nice sunburn! It was just so laid back and chill there. Everything moves at a glacial pace there....they say there's real time then there's Hawaii time. We were definitely on Hawaii time right off the bat. We were excited to start our trip but then we also were concerned about our dear friend....Flossie. This little lady was following us! As we left Honolulu for Kauai, she was heading straight for the Big Island! Ah! That was where our next port (Hilo) was! The captain told us we might not make it to Hilo and even worse, we'd end up just at sea for the next two days if she really hit, because after Hilo, we were still on the Big Island in Kona! Oh man! What could we do? Patrick and I prayed one prayer over and over...just that we would stay safe and out of harm's way. God once again delivered, because the next morning, the captain announced that Flossie was downgraded to a tropical storm and was headed in the other direction! Yay! So we get to Hilo and see the awesome volcanoes, and craters, and visit the Mauna Loa Macadamia Nut Factory (highlight for me!) and THEN we hear about the earthquake in Peru. We also hear that there's a tsunami warning for Hawaii as a result! Last time there was an earthquake in Peru, a huge tsunami hit Hawaii, and so all the people were worried. Ah! More prayers for safety....answered. No tsunami. Thank you God.

Kona was great! Famous for coffee and snorkeling. Patrick went snorkeling at Turtle Beach. I tried, but I just get really panicky in the water for some reason. All the coral really freaks me out. So I went back on the beach to lay out, after Patrick walked me back. So he's barely gone 5 minutes and then he's coming back and his finger is like dripping blood! Apparently he was just putting his flippers on his feet and a wave came, he put his hand down and sliced his finger on some coral! Poor baby! It was a bad cut, and after sitting for about 20 minutes, he wanted to go back out again. He said a sea turtle was following him, and he saw some amazing fish! Anyway, that was a really nice day!

Then we went to Maui...went to a luau and saw the most awesome show, which included the #1 Fire Thrower in all of Hawaii three years in a row. Boy was he ever! We met some nice people at our table, and feasted on some good food! Of course we met a couple on their honeymoon... from Queens! So crazy, but there were a lot of Queens people there! The borough must have seemed empty!

Let's not talk about the flight home right now. It'll spoil the good feeling I have right now. All I have to say is that the seats in the airport are surprisingly comfy when you're sleeping there OVERNIGHT! But I digress....

We took 400 pictures in all! I love digital cameras. Remember the days of film, where you had just one chance, and you didn't even know if you got the shot? I loved being able to delete the bad and keep the good. Honestly, half of the 400 pics were food pictures. We decided to take pictures of all the foods we ate and it was so worth it. Those of you who know us know it's all about the food with us! Why not document it? Still working on developing the pics. I don't know if I should post the pics here. If anyone reads this and wants to see them up let me know.

What an awesome trip. We really just did whatever the heck we wanted. I did sooo much research before going...restaurants, sightseeing, etc. We didn't do half of that stuff, but I had a better time just hanging out with my man in the most beautiful places! We just did the vacation our way, and I love that! Most of all, I loved that I got to spend the time with Patrick, realizing once again that God really has given me a treasure of a husband, and I literally fell in love with him all over again.

Those of you who haven't been to California or Hawaii....go. Now.

I can see! I can see!

Well some of you know by now that I had LASIK surgery done on my eyes last week. I can honestly tell you that it has changed my life...for the better obviously. If any of you are thinking about it, don't think. Just do it. My problem: overthinking (big surprise). Anyway, Patrick tells me that for my anniversary present he wants to give me the surgery. Well not GIVE me the surgery, but purchase it for a doctor to perform. So we call for a consultation and they tell me I'm a prime candidate for LASIK! Yay! I tell them that we will be going on vacation at the beginning of August...will this be a problem? They tell me that maybe we'll work it out during my next appointment. The next appointment is the following week, and it involves dilating my eyes so the doctor can see if I have thick corneas. (which for those of you who don't know anything about LASIK, is a good thing.) Anyway, good news! I have super thick corneas! Just what a girl always wants to hear! So I'm getting ready to make an appointment for the surgery. I'm thinking maybe in a couple of weeks, or something. They tell me, okay you're going to have the surgery Monday. (it's now Thursday) Um....

I've wanted to have the surgery for so long, and I've been dependent on glasses and contacts since I was 9 or 10 years old, so I didn't give it a second thought. (of course Patrick was at my side the whole time to "encourage" me to get the surgery!)

Anyway, the surgery was over in 10 minutes. It's weird. In true Patrick fashion we have it all on tape with pictures as well. If you want to see it, just ask...you know he'll show it to you! Must he document EVERYTHING?

Changes

Just felt an itch to start writing down my thoughts again. This year (as a teacher I think of a year as Sept to June) has certainly not been dull! Let's think of the changes that have happened this year, shall we?

1. I started a new job in a new school in January and left everything comfortable...

2. My husband Patrick almost died in March from a bleeding ulcer

3. I now may not be working in the school I am at in September so I am job hunting again

4. Patrick and I both turned 30

Well I guess that's enough for me to handle. Hopefully nothing else happens before the end of the school year!

I guess I will tackle my thoughts on each of these one by one now.

1. Basically I left my old job for a new one right before Christmas break. And when I say right before, I mean it! I interviewed, got hired and gave my notice within 3 or 4 days of Christmas break beginning. I started my new job January 2nd. I have to say it's been an amazing experience. I have definitely made a difference in the school, which my principal has told me over and over again. I have made some new friends and I really feel like it was a good change.

2. This was not such a good change. Patrick gave me (and others) the scare of my life in March. He collapsed in the middle of the night and vomited so much blood, that his red blood count was 1/3 of what it should be. He had a bleeding ulcer with no symptoms and no warning signs, and the doctors say that within 24 hours of his collapse the ruptured blood vessel just "healed itself." I have never been so scared in all my life. The doctors said that if I had not called 911 when I did, and he didn't come in when he did, he would have died. He had two blood transfusions and I had to take care of him for another month after he came home. I am so thankful that he is alive and well now, and I know that God heard all the friends who prayed for him and his recovery. I feel that Patrick's life, and experience is a testimony of how wonderful and awesome and in control God is.

3. Yeah, just when I think I have it all figured out, God just throws me a curveball. I don't know what to say about this one. Just gotta keep praying I guess...

4. 30 really isn't that big a deal. Every single person I tell this to says, "it's just cause you have Patrick." I do agree with that. But I also think that if you're not comfortable in your own skin at any age, you'll be unhappy. I've learned to live with my faults and my strengths and I think at this stage in my life, I'm truly happy.

Anyway, that's all for now. Here's hoping my summer is calm! I'm thinking that cruise we're taking in August to Hawaii should do it!