Day 1 of the New Job

New job began today. After the fiasco of a 55 min drive to get to Lasseletta K-8 School [7 mi away] (one closed road, one gridlocked freeway, two bouts of road construction, three detours and one train), I arrived 24 minutes late. But, no worries. They weren't expecting me. So I proceeded to meet with and "sell" the TUPE (Tobacco Use Prevention Education) to the AP, who got on board and is now encouraging his Middle School teachers to get on board as well. Luckily the counselor arrived shortly and she was familiar with the TUPE Interventionist Program.. so all smoothed out quickly and I was given a room with a desk. This is good. I sent my informative letter and referral forms to the middle school teachers this afternoon, so now I can hopefully start meeting with their students after school resumes in January.

We met with our supervisor for an additional training meeting after school and the highlight was picking out our school supplies. Ha. Why do I love colored Sharpies so much?

Tomorrow I am at Sparks Middle School, and it looks like I may start meeting with students as soon as I arrive. Could be an adventure of a day!

I can't believe that we leave for the drive west the day after tomorrow! I am so very NOT ready and am just concentrating on accomplishing these new work requirements. I sort of wish that I had time to mentally anticipate our trip, but I guess I do have 28 hours in the car for that.

On that note, I am hitting the sack early tonite. Working 2 jobs back to back makes me tired and I still have to pack!

Advent Season

I truly look forward to Advent every Christmas season, and this one is nonetheless, special. We are reading through the Mosaic Bible and participating in the Christian Calendar. I look forward to our readings and candle lightings every morning.

Today, Sunday, begins the start of week 3: Active Anticipation. This verse stood out:

"And so, dear friends, while you are waiting for these things to happen make every effort to be found living peaceful lives that are pure and blameless in his sight." II Peter 3.14

Peaceful. Am I living a peaceful life? Tranquil, calm, restful, quiet? Serene, untroubled, composed, at ease? Unworried, content?

As I am preparing to go to the Midwest in four days, it is hard to remain peaceful. I am anxious and busy and noisy and bustling and sometimes agitated. I am packing. Planning. Thinking and cleaning. Shopping and working. I don't think peace means sitting in my living room all day, sipping cocoa. (Although that would be nice :) It's my state of mind. And my state of mind is a sort of panic disarray.

Lord, I want to strive for peace. A peaceful demeanor. Keep that present.

-B

A New Blog...

Hello everyone,

Well, a few months ago I jumped back into the blogging world using a Tumblr account.. sadly, we didn't jive and I have returned to the blog I began while in South Africa. But Blogger.com is really more my style and MUCH simpler to use :)

Hooray for a Holiday Blog!

-B