It's almost Wednesday...that means three more days until Spring Break! I can't wait! Kids think that they are the only ones who look forward to school being out. Well, news flash - teachers like it too! And to top it off, I'm headed off to España for 12 days! I will miss my love so much...life just isn't the same when we're apart. :-(
I'll post soon with pictures of my trip. Wish me a "bon voyage"!
New Year, New beginnings
The new year was one of huge transition. We moved January 15th from our apartment of over four years - our first home as a married couple! The two of us moved all by ourselves in about 9 hours! Needless to say, I was so sore the next few days! We made one trip to our new home and one trip to our storage unit. I know what you're thinking - storage is such a waste of money. Well, we agree. But when you see our new place, you'll understand why...
We have the remarkable privilege of house-sitting - rent free! I kid you not. We were overwhelmed by this blessing. We couldn't believe it could happen to us, but by God's grace, we are living in the guest house of a very lovely family. We have a lot of responsibility taking care of the house and the animals. Allow me to introduce you to the clan:
and the birds.
After the move - I hadn't taken pictures of the place in order yet. I was anxious to start snapping away. Meow-meow got acclimated quickly, thankfully. Here's the grand tour: the living room, the bedroom and the office.
Our new home. 
And the other new home.
And the other new home.
We have the remarkable privilege of house-sitting - rent free! I kid you not. We were overwhelmed by this blessing. We couldn't believe it could happen to us, but by God's grace, we are living in the guest house of a very lovely family. We have a lot of responsibility taking care of the house and the animals. Allow me to introduce you to the clan:the dog
and the birds.
This is the backyard.
After the move - I hadn't taken pictures of the place in order yet. I was anxious to start snapping away. Meow-meow got acclimated quickly, thankfully. Here's the grand tour: the living room, the bedroom and the office.
...and the kitchen
...and the bathroom.
...and the bathroom.
It's the fabulous European living I've always wanted. I am really enjoying our studio apartment, although my love would really want more space for the computers :) of course! We don't know what the future will hold. We don't know how long this will last, but we are leaving it in God's hands and day by day we live our lives the best we can for Him.
In the meantime, we will continue to feed the squirrels right outside our window and give Meow-meow tons of entertainment! (It's fun for us too!) P.S. squirrels are very greedy, so try to get something squirrel proof if you want to just feed the birds.
all the food was gone in about a week.
In the meantime, we will continue to feed the squirrels right outside our window and give Meow-meow tons of entertainment! (It's fun for us too!) P.S. squirrels are very greedy, so try to get something squirrel proof if you want to just feed the birds.
all the food was gone in about a week.Cruisin'
Our cruise in December 2006 was five days. It was lovely, but not as restful as it could have been. I was a little neurotic. They give you a schedule of activities you can do each day, and I was probably the only one on the ship highlighting everything we could do (several things a day!) So needless to say, I went a little "overboard"!
The first port - Key West, FL. Very beautiful (but only for the super rich to enjoy...)
Key West is known for its cats and roosters.
Not what we expected. First things first: bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, it's the only country in Central America where English is the native language (although there is a patois/creole as well). A very poor place, but if you like to scuba, it has the largest barrier reef outside of the Great Barrier in Australia.
We decided to go on a jungle survival hike. It was very beautiful. I went belaying for the first time as well (I was terrified!) I got eaten alive by the mosquitoes. I think I still have some scars from them!
Overall, a nice trip. I would consider doing it again sometime.
The first port - Key West, FL. Very beautiful (but only for the super rich to enjoy...)
Key West is known for its cats and roosters.
Why did the rooster cross the road?
To get to his family on the other side!
Next port of call - Cozumel, Mexico.
It has become far too touristy for my taste. Years ago, you used to be able to walk two blocks in and it would be just the natives. But it's still a pretty place to chill out.
To get to his family on the other side!
Next port of call - Cozumel, Mexico.
It has become far too touristy for my taste. Years ago, you used to be able to walk two blocks in and it would be just the natives. But it's still a pretty place to chill out.
Last port of call: Belize City, Belize
Not what we expected. First things first: bordered by Mexico and Guatemala, it's the only country in Central America where English is the native language (although there is a patois/creole as well). A very poor place, but if you like to scuba, it has the largest barrier reef outside of the Great Barrier in Australia.We decided to go on a jungle survival hike. It was very beautiful. I went belaying for the first time as well (I was terrified!) I got eaten alive by the mosquitoes. I think I still have some scars from them!
Overall, a nice trip. I would consider doing it again sometime.
Giving thanks
I've been away from my blog for far too long (sorry FSO)! So what a better way to return then to give thanks for all the wonderful things that have happened over the past few months. So here's a quick recap.
September: the year started out super hectic but exciting.
October: still super busy
November: busier than ever (a short break to Virginia to visit family). Here's a momento from the trip...
December: finished the semester with a sparkler in my hand (not the fireworks I was hoping for). Thankful for the break. We visited my family in Florida and then on to our first cruise!
The other side of the building.
Then the cruise...it was awesome except when my love got sick on the last day :-(
(Stay away from the sweet and sour chicken!) Otherwise, a very cool trip.
My first meal.
You're probably wondering where we visited on the cruise. Then you should read the next post...
September: the year started out super hectic but exciting.
October: still super busy
November: busier than ever (a short break to Virginia to visit family). Here's a momento from the trip...
December: finished the semester with a sparkler in my hand (not the fireworks I was hoping for). Thankful for the break. We visited my family in Florida and then on to our first cruise!
The view from their place.
The other side of the building.
Then the cruise...it was awesome except when my love got sick on the last day :-(
(Stay away from the sweet and sour chicken!) Otherwise, a very cool trip.
The ship (Royal Caribbean, in case you're interested).
My first meal.
The lovely bed! Although next time I would get a room with a window. Without one, you never have a clue what time of day it is.
You're probably wondering where we visited on the cruise. Then you should read the next post...
Difficile
Only one word can describe how this year has started for me - difficult. Between working on a new curriculum and doing grad school work, my cup runneth over! I'm just barely hanging in there, with sleep and work being the top priorities. I fear work is pushing the most desired (sleep) out of the running. I miss running...this is where I used to run.
There is no running away from this one...gotta get to it. Gotta press on. I must claim the promise, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will surely strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" Isaiah 41:10. Please hold me up...
There is no running away from this one...gotta get to it. Gotta press on. I must claim the promise, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will surely strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" Isaiah 41:10. Please hold me up...
My last day of class!
Today is my last day of class. I can't believe how quickly the time has flown by...I am going to be sad to leave this experience. It has helped me grow in so many ways - spiritually, academically, socially. I think this is the phrase that sums it all up for now:
Music to our ears
On Thursday our class took a trip to the music building and listened to mid to late 19th century French classical music. It was a lovely experience that helped me to learn a little bit more about socially organized perception (thanks PJ).
Our walk to the building
Inside Jennings
It's a jungle, part 2
There must be some stashed nuts in this one spot, because without fail, every morning the squirrels and the birds are there foraging for food. Lately they have had a visitor - we like to call him l'écureuil-pin or lap-cureuil.
Midnight Madness
Sssshhh, don't tell anyone, but we left the campus, only after doing our work of course. We couldn't miss out on going to downtown Bennington for their Midnight Madness where all of the stores open up from 7pm to 12am and they close Main Street to traffic. It was not bad...a good repose.
In a cafe with a strange woman in the background. She had her face painted like a cat and she seemed super hyped up on caffeine. I could barely capture her still. It was late I guess.
In a cafe with a strange woman in the background. She had her face painted like a cat and she seemed super hyped up on caffeine. I could barely capture her still. It was late I guess.
The Clark
Our class took a trip on Wednesday afternoon to The Clark in Williamstown, MA. What a tremendous experience! We had a great time and learned a great deal about how to teach art in French to our students while engaging them in the process of talking about something totally foreign to them - in a foreign language! I am hoping to go back soon because it was a very short visit.
Near the end of our awesome guided tour.
Les Françaises
Near the end of our awesome guided tour.
Les Françaises
A page out of the FSO Handbook
I couldn't resist (sorry N :-) but I had to show you the yummy food I'm eating these days - it's very good! It's a shame though, because I feel like all I do is eat, go to class, eat, go to class, eat, study and then start over again...I need some more physical activity; my running schedule has been suffering :(
I had to give you a close-up of the delicious Morrocan-style tofu topped with a tomato & black olive tapendade. Bon appetit!
I had to give you a close-up of the delicious Morrocan-style tofu topped with a tomato & black olive tapendade. Bon appetit!
Quelle surprise!
I have been so busy here with work that I have not had a chance to post - so here's the weekly recap.
Monday was super awesome! After 3 hours of class, we all got a wonderful surprise - a class trip to the lake! I was so shocked and super excited. Here are the photos - we had a blast!
Monday was super awesome! After 3 hours of class, we all got a wonderful surprise - a class trip to the lake! I was so shocked and super excited. Here are the photos - we had a blast!
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