Well...here we are again, at that awkward place where I update my blog and apologize for not having done it sooner. Again I'd like to point out that since my last post I have completed almost three graduate classes (9 credits). Which, by the way, is a PAIN. This M-F 9-4 class situation is a pain. BUT after tomorrow I will be HALFWAY done my Masters degree!! Woot. Just so you're all aware, I fully intend on making a big deal out of it when I graduate. You will think there has never been a Master's degree given out before.
Anyway, let's move on, since also after tomorrow I can officially start summer vacation! Things I hope to do this summer...slash am definitely doing:
-beach with the fam in a few weeks
-going to SEATTLE! to visit my twin with Kels
-move out??
-help a former coworker with her twins
-make some jewelry with my coworker and former art teacher :)
-tutor
-get Brewer out here PRONTO
-another Bikram Yoga!
-Take 15 classes at Merritt...also a Groupon purchase!
-Learn to slalom ski...oh WAIT I DID THAT YESTERDAY!
-weekly prayer/craft meetings with my Erikins
-hang out with my cousin returning from Kenya in August!
Ok I think that's enough for now...I actually have to go call Krysten back...later kids.
Sunday, July 10, 2011
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Bikram Yoga
So this has absolutely nothing to do with Father's Day, but I did say I would blog about my yoga adventure. On some fateful day in May, Groupon offered 5 sessions of Bikram (pronounced "beek-ram") for $20. Since yoga can get pricey and summer was coming up, I was quite interested. Bikram yoga is also known as "hot yoga," and I don't really know the technical differences except that it's yoga in a 105 degree heated room. Supposedly all the sweating detoxifies your body.
Since I'm obviously intrigued by new experiences, I was pretty excited to buy my yoga mat and get started. I even made a bag to carry my yoga mat in! I rolled over to Cockeysville (which, to be fair, is a far roll) and tried not to look too ignorant about what I was doing. I stuck my stuff in a locker, grabbed my water, towel, and mat, and headed into The Room.
The first thing, in my opinion, that you notice about The Room is the smell. There's no way of sugar-coating the fact that it's pretty bad. I can't explain it. I don't think it's like that everywhere, though. Maybe just that location. Anyway the obvious second thing, or maybe you realize it simultaneously, is the heat. No brainer, right? But it's also humid, and since there are no windows, it feels stuffy too; the air has nowhere to go. So I thought I'd be all cool like the other folks and lie on my mat and wait for 15 minutes until class started but there was no way. I set my towel down and went back to the bathroom and pretending to look for something in my locker until the last possible second.
Once class started, the instructor informed us that we'd probably start to feel sick and lightheaded, like we were going to pass out, but we wouldn't. I nodded and thought, Do you know where I lived for a year? I can handle anything.
And about 30 minutes later, I reversed my position on that. I was pretty sure that she was wrong; I was going to pass out. Or die. The yoga itself isn't the problem; it's the heat and humidity that gets to you. Also the sweat that runs into your eyes burns. But dang it I was going to stick it out, and I did. And if sweating detoxifies you, then I'm pretty sure I got a lot of toxins out.
After class was over and I staggered, blurry-eyed into the hallway and the bathroom to retrieve my things, I could only assume that this is how one feels when they've smoked some bad weed. As I left I checked with the instructor just to confirm that the sweating is good for you...I wanted to really make sure that there was some benefit to this situation.
I won't lie; I wasn't really sure I should drive home, but there were things to get done so I sailed off trying to refocus my brain. Let me tell you, that's one of the best showers I've ever had.
So. The conclusion. The next day I noticed I didn't feel as hungry as usual, and that kind of continued for the next few weeks, which cause me to lose weight since I wasn't consuming many calories. Now that could be due to a ton of things: stress, the ludicrous amount of vitamins I'm taking, whatever it is that is currently effecting my joints, but I like to think it was the yoga. So was it hot and miserable? Yes. Did I see benefits? I think so. Will I go back? Definitely. I payed money for those classes and I fully intend to use it up. And if it alter my appetite, all the better. Would I pay $17/class (the normal price)? Not unless it radically alters my health.
I'm also wondering if I should just get a yoga video and set it up outside on my deck on a hot, humid July day to get the same effect...
Since I'm obviously intrigued by new experiences, I was pretty excited to buy my yoga mat and get started. I even made a bag to carry my yoga mat in! I rolled over to Cockeysville (which, to be fair, is a far roll) and tried not to look too ignorant about what I was doing. I stuck my stuff in a locker, grabbed my water, towel, and mat, and headed into The Room.
The first thing, in my opinion, that you notice about The Room is the smell. There's no way of sugar-coating the fact that it's pretty bad. I can't explain it. I don't think it's like that everywhere, though. Maybe just that location. Anyway the obvious second thing, or maybe you realize it simultaneously, is the heat. No brainer, right? But it's also humid, and since there are no windows, it feels stuffy too; the air has nowhere to go. So I thought I'd be all cool like the other folks and lie on my mat and wait for 15 minutes until class started but there was no way. I set my towel down and went back to the bathroom and pretending to look for something in my locker until the last possible second.
Once class started, the instructor informed us that we'd probably start to feel sick and lightheaded, like we were going to pass out, but we wouldn't. I nodded and thought, Do you know where I lived for a year? I can handle anything.
And about 30 minutes later, I reversed my position on that. I was pretty sure that she was wrong; I was going to pass out. Or die. The yoga itself isn't the problem; it's the heat and humidity that gets to you. Also the sweat that runs into your eyes burns. But dang it I was going to stick it out, and I did. And if sweating detoxifies you, then I'm pretty sure I got a lot of toxins out.
After class was over and I staggered, blurry-eyed into the hallway and the bathroom to retrieve my things, I could only assume that this is how one feels when they've smoked some bad weed. As I left I checked with the instructor just to confirm that the sweating is good for you...I wanted to really make sure that there was some benefit to this situation.
I won't lie; I wasn't really sure I should drive home, but there were things to get done so I sailed off trying to refocus my brain. Let me tell you, that's one of the best showers I've ever had.
So. The conclusion. The next day I noticed I didn't feel as hungry as usual, and that kind of continued for the next few weeks, which cause me to lose weight since I wasn't consuming many calories. Now that could be due to a ton of things: stress, the ludicrous amount of vitamins I'm taking, whatever it is that is currently effecting my joints, but I like to think it was the yoga. So was it hot and miserable? Yes. Did I see benefits? I think so. Will I go back? Definitely. I payed money for those classes and I fully intend to use it up. And if it alter my appetite, all the better. Would I pay $17/class (the normal price)? Not unless it radically alters my health.
I'm also wondering if I should just get a yoga video and set it up outside on my deck on a hot, humid July day to get the same effect...
Friday, June 10, 2011
SCHOOL'S OUT!
There are no words in English nor in Hebrew to express how I feel today. There were certainly days (more than I care to admit to) that I wasn't sure I'd make it to this point! But here we are, and the school year is 2.5 hours from being DONE! I cannot believe it.
I'm not completely off the hook; I still have classes to complete. But I think not going to work all day will make a huge difference. I am so enjoying my current class, educational assessment, and how applicable it is! Really all my classes have been great; I highly recommend College of Notre Dame of Maryland, to be changed to Notre Dame of Maryland University this fall. It's a great place. And there's definitely something to be said for learning things you are doing at the same time.
Without further ado, some summer plans:
-Finish Educational Assessment
-1 week of Human Development
-1 week of Leadership I
-Smith A104 roommate reunion July 4th weekend! What!
-trip to Michigan?
-trip to Seattle?
-see Natalie Brewer?
-sit by as many pools as possible
-read the books required for my ACSI certification
-beach with my family
That's a lot of things...so I'd better stop before I stress myself out.
Note: I need to update on two things at some point, Bikram Yoga and my health. Forthcoming!
I'm not completely off the hook; I still have classes to complete. But I think not going to work all day will make a huge difference. I am so enjoying my current class, educational assessment, and how applicable it is! Really all my classes have been great; I highly recommend College of Notre Dame of Maryland, to be changed to Notre Dame of Maryland University this fall. It's a great place. And there's definitely something to be said for learning things you are doing at the same time.
Without further ado, some summer plans:
-Finish Educational Assessment
-1 week of Human Development
-1 week of Leadership I
-Smith A104 roommate reunion July 4th weekend! What!
-trip to Michigan?
-trip to Seattle?
-see Natalie Brewer?
-sit by as many pools as possible
-read the books required for my ACSI certification
-beach with my family
That's a lot of things...so I'd better stop before I stress myself out.
Note: I need to update on two things at some point, Bikram Yoga and my health. Forthcoming!
Friday, April 22, 2011
Holy Week Reflections
Yes, I have returned from my travels south, and will certainly have comment on it later, but today is Good Friday, and I had the pleasure of having my weekly prayer time with my best friend Erica today, and I want to post here some of what I reflected on with her.
I've been working hard this year, and I think I didn't realize until recently how impossible this year should have been for me. A few weeks ago I stopped and realized the significant number of changes and challenges I've experienced since last June:
1) moved back to my home country
2) moved back in with my parents
3) started a new job
4) started a graduate program
5) lost a grandparent
6) watched my dad struggle with keeping the surviving grandparent healthy and well
7) felt very uncertain about the future of my church due to financial issues
8) planned a trip to a country I've never been to
9) lost the other grandparent on that trip
10) got sick 3 times
11) gained a new, non-English speaking member of my family
12) since September, I've spent the year without of my best friends (in Africa)
13) been part of the preparations for the other best friend's wedding in 3 weeks
There have been other things too...trying to maintain a healthy diet that I can believe in...missing friends in other states and not having time to visit them...making new friends...I could add other things.
When these things started to occur to me, it dawned on me that no one person should be able to handle this many things in one year. I think I kind of turned around to see how long and how far Christ has been carrying me this year. Because I shouldn't have been able to get through all this without falling apart. But God has brought me through this. And He's still bringing me through this.
About two weeks ago I hit another change, a bump in the road, whatever you want to call it. And that was my moment of saying, Lord, I don't think I can handle any more this year. I'm praying He doesn't send anything else. But I'm so blissfully at peace knowing that if He does, He'll give me the strength to get through it.
So today, as I reflect on the meaning of today, the remembrance of Jesus' death for me, I'm also thinking about how He sacrificed Himself on earth so that I could have a relationship with Him. A relationship that means He covers me. I don't see any benefit to Him: I get redeemed, He has to take care of another sinner. And so tonight I'm just marveling at this kind of love. And so thankful that He shows it to us.
I've been working hard this year, and I think I didn't realize until recently how impossible this year should have been for me. A few weeks ago I stopped and realized the significant number of changes and challenges I've experienced since last June:
1) moved back to my home country
2) moved back in with my parents
3) started a new job
4) started a graduate program
5) lost a grandparent
6) watched my dad struggle with keeping the surviving grandparent healthy and well
7) felt very uncertain about the future of my church due to financial issues
8) planned a trip to a country I've never been to
9) lost the other grandparent on that trip
10) got sick 3 times
11) gained a new, non-English speaking member of my family
12) since September, I've spent the year without of my best friends (in Africa)
13) been part of the preparations for the other best friend's wedding in 3 weeks
There have been other things too...trying to maintain a healthy diet that I can believe in...missing friends in other states and not having time to visit them...making new friends...I could add other things.
When these things started to occur to me, it dawned on me that no one person should be able to handle this many things in one year. I think I kind of turned around to see how long and how far Christ has been carrying me this year. Because I shouldn't have been able to get through all this without falling apart. But God has brought me through this. And He's still bringing me through this.
About two weeks ago I hit another change, a bump in the road, whatever you want to call it. And that was my moment of saying, Lord, I don't think I can handle any more this year. I'm praying He doesn't send anything else. But I'm so blissfully at peace knowing that if He does, He'll give me the strength to get through it.
So today, as I reflect on the meaning of today, the remembrance of Jesus' death for me, I'm also thinking about how He sacrificed Himself on earth so that I could have a relationship with Him. A relationship that means He covers me. I don't see any benefit to Him: I get redeemed, He has to take care of another sinner. And so tonight I'm just marveling at this kind of love. And so thankful that He shows it to us.
Wednesday, April 13, 2011
Viaje!
Am I the worst blogger in the world? Potentially. I need someone to remind me.
Just a quick note to say two things: A) I'm leaving tomorrow to go back down to Jarabacoa! SO EXCITED to see everyone and to have some time off. It came at the perfect time for so many reasons. B) I will probably eat meat while I am there. So many of my memories come from different places we ate, and I want to visit old haunts. Not to mention I doubt there are any gross mega meat processing factories in the DR.
Might have to do a posting at the old Tier Travels spot...we'll see! Hasta luego!
Just a quick note to say two things: A) I'm leaving tomorrow to go back down to Jarabacoa! SO EXCITED to see everyone and to have some time off. It came at the perfect time for so many reasons. B) I will probably eat meat while I am there. So many of my memories come from different places we ate, and I want to visit old haunts. Not to mention I doubt there are any gross mega meat processing factories in the DR.
Might have to do a posting at the old Tier Travels spot...we'll see! Hasta luego!
Monday, March 14, 2011
Pura vida...
Since 2006 I've sort of made it my goal to hit a new country every year. I've cheated a little bit (2 new countries in 2009 and no new one in 2010), but for the most part I'm doing well. 2011's country: Costa Rica!I went with 30some 8th graders and their parents and such for a week-long missions trip. It was pretty stressful but the weather was beautiful and we all know how I feel about palm trees. Definitely a confirmation of my love for Central/South America and Hispanic countries in general.
I'll let the pictures do the talking!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
I'm a jei jei...
Ok, not to sound like a broken record but....I'm sorry I'm terrible at posting. To be fair; the past month has been a terrible mash of unstructured snow days and stress about the upcoming school trip to Costa Rica. Also the event which I'm about to reflect on.
About four weeks ago, my parents and J left on a jet plane (reference to the song; I don't actually know what they flew on) to head to China. Two weeks later, they came home with my newest sibling, Zhi Sai, 13 years old.
So here we are, 6 Tiers. My parents have two adult children and two teenagers. (Good luck!) And we all. live. together. (I smell a reality show...) But back to the newly built family. Especially since my blog is half food half new things. I have a new sister! Is there anything bigger in life than that? I mean besides getting married or having my own child?
It's weird, no lie. And it's hard. But I keep trying to remind everyone that we knew it'd be like this. We knew she wouldn't speak English. We knew there are attachment issues with older adopted children. It's easy for me to despair and assume we'll never be able to talk to her...but I remind myself that it's only been 2 weeks. Things will change.
For now, keep praying. That she would learn English quickly. That she would connect with Mom. That she would learn discipline.
Thanks everyone!
Monday, January 17, 2011
Differences
Happy Martin Luther King Day! It seems like everything that's happening in my life today has a common theme, so I'm thinking it's time for a blog post.
Which I love. Here's why. Growing up my school was pretty much 98% white, and I live in an area that is shockingly racially divided by county line. The public schools in my county are super-white, and the public schools across the bridges are super-black. But right over the bridges is also my school, and it looks different from when I went there. I'm not talking about the additional middle school classrooms; I'm talking about the students. This Google image looks like the elementary classes that I teach. And I think it looks the way Martin Luther King imagined it looking. I love that I teach in a school that does that, that brings together kids on both sides of the water.
MLK Day is one of those things that stays on your calendar and you think, yes, a day off! Or, if you're in college, you think, Why don't I have off? (At least that was my mind at Messiah.) Today, though, is special in a lot of ways. Earlier my parents and Jordan picked up a new member of my family in China, a thirteen year old orphan. They have basically no way to communicate with each other. Awkward turtle in the hotel room? Maybe.
Because I've apparently become a procrastinator in my post-college life, I've popped up Google a few times today for various and a sundry searches, like Why do we keep the thermostat at 68 degrees, hating winter, etc. and saw their image in celebration of today:
Moving on, I've been plugging away (in between google searches) on my Philosophy of Special Education paper. Part of our philosophy has to include "fully reflecting on the role and value of individuals with disabilities to society." I came across this article about that very topic. I won't go into it, since it's pretty short and legit and you should all read it, but it got me to thinking about how working and living with people who are different is what makes us grow. This is why I can never live alone; I would be too selfish. I am tickled that as a Spanish teacher I not only teach my kids another language, but how to celebrate and appreciate other cultures besides our own. And that's part of my philosophy on Sp. Ed. That we appreciate the differences around us. That differences force us to think outside of ourselves, and that's always beautiful.
I'm so excited and nervous to welcome a stranger into our family. And I'm excited about the ways that it will stretch me and force me to become more like Jesus. What an amazing thing!
I hope you all celebrate the differences around you and in your life. Even if you share a bathroom with someone who accidentally leaves their stuff all over the place. (I'm making you become a better person Kels!)
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
2011
Happy New Year! What good would a blog dedicated to new things be without a new years post? It's 2011! When did that happen? Ten years ago I was a high school freshman...yikes! Tan viejo!
Things I'm looking forward to this year:
April: trip back down to the DR to visit my friends and students! Might have to make a post on good old Don't Drink The Water! just for kicks.
May: My best friend is getting MARRIED!
Summer: I'm hoping Natalie # 1 moves herself over to the East Coast so we can get a place together and start the Nat Flat. Also, I'm turning 25. That's a quarter of a century. I'm thinking birthday party?
November: On November 11th in 2001 my friend Jenna and I sat in a Subway marveling over the beauty of the day's date, 11/11/01. We decided to write down where we thought we'd be in ten years on a napkin. I still have that napkin. We're going back to Subway to read what we wrote :)
Resolutions? I don't really have any...but some things I would like to do:
-write more letters to people.
-get my cousin back from Kenya at some point.
-start the Nat Flat as previously stated
-visit friends in Seattle, Chicago, and Michigan. Or one of those.
-complete the requirements for MD teaching certification
-go on a date. Or a few dates. It's been like two years, so I'd be down for more than one.
-find my sister a boyfriend.
-get my motorcycle license
A decent list, si? I could go on. But I think these are reasonable goals/interests.
Well, I have a meeting to be off to. Love going back to school on weekday nights! Booooo.
Things I'm looking forward to this year:
April: trip back down to the DR to visit my friends and students! Might have to make a post on good old Don't Drink The Water! just for kicks.
May: My best friend is getting MARRIED!
Summer: I'm hoping Natalie # 1 moves herself over to the East Coast so we can get a place together and start the Nat Flat. Also, I'm turning 25. That's a quarter of a century. I'm thinking birthday party?
November: On November 11th in 2001 my friend Jenna and I sat in a Subway marveling over the beauty of the day's date, 11/11/01. We decided to write down where we thought we'd be in ten years on a napkin. I still have that napkin. We're going back to Subway to read what we wrote :)
Resolutions? I don't really have any...but some things I would like to do:
-write more letters to people.
-get my cousin back from Kenya at some point.
-start the Nat Flat as previously stated
-visit friends in Seattle, Chicago, and Michigan. Or one of those.
-complete the requirements for MD teaching certification
-go on a date. Or a few dates. It's been like two years, so I'd be down for more than one.
-find my sister a boyfriend.
-get my motorcycle license
A decent list, si? I could go on. But I think these are reasonable goals/interests.
Well, I have a meeting to be off to. Love going back to school on weekday nights! Booooo.
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