My life this week

We put applications in to an apartment in Springfield. Not sure when we can move in, but we start house sitting for my aunt down there this weekend. I've been alternating between packing and homework the last couple of days. I think this will be my life for the next week or so.

 Greg brought some boxes home from the hotel so I was able to pack some things. I feel like the worst packer in the world. I never know where to start.

 I'm trying to use any containers or decorative boxes I have as packaging materials. I've packed six or seven large boxes, plus the wicker ones above, and it doesn't look like I've even put a dent into packing up our place. At least the move will happen in stages, not too stressful.

 In between packing, I've been working on homework for my two graduate courses for my Masters degree. One of my classes is Contemporary Issues in Children's Literature and the other is Leadership and Policy in a Diverse Society. Both of these classes are very interesting.

In my Contemporary Issues class, one of our assignments is to read two young adult novels and 50 children's books, as well as two books with a group from class, and another novel as an entire class. The book Loser on the left is by Jerry Spinelli and is a fun easy read about a quirky kid who doesn't fit the norm at school. It follows him from Kindergarten through 8th grade. The book The Absolute True Diary of a Part Time Indian on the right, by Sherman Alexie is our whole class read. It was on the New York Times Best Seller list and is incredibly entertaining! It's about a boy who grows up on an Indian Reservation and makes the choice to attend high school off of the reservation. My description cannot even do it justice. It touches on serious issues with so much humor that I was laughing about every other page. The book in the middle, Ask Me No Questions by Marina Budhos is about an illegal immigrant from Bangladesh and her family and the troubles that arise for them while living on the East Coast. I haven't read it yet but am looking forward to it!

Springfield Update

I can't believe it's been so long since my last post. You would think since I'm on a permanent vacation (unemployed) I would have more time to blog. And I had planned to, but things just haven't worked out that way.

The past few weeks have been difficult to say the least. Greg and I spend about 3 days apart, then a few hours together (when he finally comes home by 11pm to sleep in his own bed then leaves for work by 6:30am the next day), 3 days apart, then a few hours together. The Hilton Garden Inn is officially open for business! They sold out their first two nights, which is unheard of! Today is only their third day open. I guess all of the other hotels are impressed because selling out the first night hasn't ever happened that anyone can remember. Greg is one very proud front office manager :)

While he has been working 15-18 hour days 6 days a week, I have started summer classes for Grad School. Last term was a complete nightmare because I took on the only two research classes in the program at the same time. Greg asked that I not do that ever again, but I survived and passed both classes. This term I am taking two courses (only one left in the fall) and I enjoy both of them very much. I have the same professor for both classes and she is very easy going which will make my school life less stressful this term.

Apartment searching has been more difficult than I had imagined. Looking back I realize that this is my first time doing it. In college my roommates always found the place and I just moved in, and the place Greg and I are in now was once lived in by some friends from WOU and they let us know it was vacant so we moved in. I'm realizing now that when I see a "great deal" on Craigslist there is normally a catch. 1: the picture is not an accurate descriptor of the rental, 2: it's low income housing only, 3: it smells like cigarette smoke, 4: it's so small we will have to find storage for some of our things.

I have been apartment hunting on my own because as I stated before Greg has been working so much he just doesn't have time to come with me. He gave me the green light and told me that whatever I choose is fine. Great right? Funny how I need him with me to make a decision anyway :) Originally we had hoped to be moved down to Springfield by next weekend, but seeing as how we haven't turned in applications anywhere I don't think that will happen. Luckily, I have enough family out there that we should be able to "move" and stay with them until we find a place.

I will take pictures of the new Hilton Garden Inn to post in a later blog. It is decorated so beautifully and modern like. I love it! It's gorgeous. As for now, I have homework and more apartment researching to do. Have a great weekend everyone!

3rd Grade Weather Reports

The last unit we studied in Science in my 3rd grade classroom this year was weather. Instead of giving them an "exam" I had the students create a poster of everything they learned about weather. They could write all the facts they learned, draw a picture, or both. I was impressed when I went through the posters. So here is a little weather report for ya from a group of 3rd graders:

Natalie's interpretation of the water cycle. Notice "prsipatasion" is in fact "precipitation" And the lightening bolts means "danger, get in house."

this says: "A tsunami sometimes could kill people and some tsunamis could be dangerous."

"tornadoes are not so safe that's why you need to prepare for one like if you hear that there's going to be a tornado tomorrow you would have to put boards on the windows."

This little guy Daniel is really low in reading and writing but did a great job illustrating his ideas!

I think they all learned a little something don't you? Guess I'm doing my job right :)

My Dad is a Retired Teacher

After 31 years of service at Colton High School, my dad has decided to retire. Since his first year in the early 80's my dad has taught Health, Social Studies, PE, and Weight Lifting. He has coached football, boys basketball, girls basketball, and cross country. And he has also served as the Athletic Director for several years which he will continue to do next year part time.

My mom planned a retirement party for him at the high school yesterday and it was nice to see students from the past come in and show their appreciation. Made me thankful for the career I've chosen and the opportunity I have to make an impact on childrens' lives.

Colton High School.... such good memories!

one of the cakes

Greg and I with my parents

with Ty and Katrina (Macie is growing quite a bit! Still a few months to go.)

love my dad :)

My Aunt Linda, Uncle Dennis, and cousin Sarah (below) came to celebrate with us.

wished more of the Olaen women were there to be in the pic!