I love my "Job"

When I walk in the front doors and see the students sitting in the hall waiting to come to class, I get so excited. Everyday I learn something new and get to know my students better. It is so interesting to see the way children act, interact and react. I can’t wait to see how much progress they make through the school year! I have observed growth already in the three weeks I’ve been there. It’s amazing! There is one thing I don’t love about my job, though. Driving home. It is so depressing. I leave my job in a community that has a very high crime rate and is in need of economic and spiritual revival. I drive “over the mountain” to crepe myrtle lined roads filled with foreign cars and in need of an economic reality check. I don’t mean to sound harsh about either side of the mountain, but I am saddened by the divide that is Red Mountain. I should drive home and feel blessed to live where I live, but I actually feel guilty for driving home to my “perfect” little apartment with our manicured yards. I feel as if I am ignoring the big issue. I believe I am called to work with children in urban Birmingham, but am I really doing enough? I don’t want this job to be a “job” but a daily opportunity to love these kids and show them Christ’s love. How does this translate into change for the community? I have no idea. All I know (and what I’m clinging to) is that I am doing what I feel God has called me to do now. I won’t worry about what else I need to do, because I know God will equip me to do His work in His time. I say this often, but I’m so glad I serve such a capable God.

Gnome Buddy Knows

That's the name of my new background. Pretty cute, huh? The little gnome made me laugh out loud, so maybe it does you too! I recently went to the movies to see "Life As We Know It" (great movie, by the way) and there were some ridiculous previews for a new gnome movie. Ridiculous doesn't even begin to describe how stupid it looks, but that's just my opinion. Seriously though, "Life As We Know It" was so good! It has been too long since I felt like I got my money's worth from a movie! This one was well worth the $9.50 it cost me! It was funny, moving, sweet, funny, happy and inspiring. Did I mention it was funny? Plus you get some good eye candy! Not only does Josh Duhamel star in it, but Josh Lucas plays a supporting role! I KNOW, right! Anyway, I definitely recommend it! Let me know if you see it and what you think...

Bachelorette Weekend

My friend, Kara, is getting married in December, so we went to Lake Hartwell in South Carolina for her bachelorette weekend. It was so wonderful to get away and celebrate the upcoming nuptials of one of my dearest friends! As most parties do these days, it included sharing time of our favorite youtube videos. I was introduced some pretty hilarious ones...but I think this one was my favorite. Thanks Jill! Enjoy all...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gspaoaecNAg&feature=channel

Update

Okay, so I only updated my song list, but I'm making progress! Don't judge me based on my current faves. If you are honest with yourself, you probably like them too. Stay tuned for a real update on life. Maybe some bachelorette party pics since I just got back from Lake Hartwell with one my besties, Kara. We had so much fun and perfect weather. Now I'm enjoying my Columbus day vacation from work. No kiddies tomorrow either for parent-teacher conferences, but Thursday and Friday the head teacher's out...so it's me! Ah! It's too soon for this. Pray for survival and sanity.

It's a Girl!!!

(No, it's not mine. I know I haven't blogged in a while, but not THAT MUCH has happened!) I've been so busy lately I haven't had the opportunity to do anything worth blogging about. Well, my job is pretty darn fun (most days), but you are probably tired of me talking about that! SO, I am going to share my excitement over my cousin's baby GIRL! She just found out the sex! This is the first baby in the family and we are overjoyed to see this baby in person. She is going to be so beautiful, blessed, and well-mannered (if you know her mama, you know what I mean). Oh, I forgot to mention well-dressed (if you know me, you know what I mean). I already went on a shopping spree at Baby GAP and got the most adorable pink and purple clothing. I should probably stop shopping for the unborn and spend money on sustenance so I can stop eating beans and cornbread every night for dinner. Just kidding, it's actually been cream corn soup and saltines. Not very nutritious, but really yummy! Okay, enough about my meals (although very engaging, I'm sure) and back to baby! There will be no name until the day of her birth, so I'm just calling her baby girl. Very original...I know! I'm sure I'll have some pictures of the mama-to-be soon, but until then here is a link to her blog post. Enjoy!

http://abbasgirlandthefamily.blogspot.com/2010/10/baby-is.html