Well, I have been home for three days so far.  This weekend we got free tickets to see the nutcracker and that was a lot of fun.  I saw it when I was little and hardly remembered it.  This one was good, but not as good as the one in Cleveland.  It has also been a weird break with family.  I don't really know how to act around them anymore, so please pray for me and my whole family.  

I am really looking forward to the International House of Prayer (IHOP) conference.  This year I am not going to Christmas Conference because I really feel like that is where the Lord is calling me to go this year.  It is good never to be content and just go to something because that is what you've always done.  I found that it was getting too routine for me and I wasn't going with an eternal purpose anymore.   

Woohoo!!!!  I am DONE!  Seriously, I am basically done with college and I am not afraid to brag about it.  Now it is that annoying time between finishing your finals and actually getting the final grade.  I am just going to forget about it. 

Yesterday, one of my cooperating teachers for student teaching finally called me.  Tomorrow I am going to visit the school and me the teachers.  It is going to be an interesting semester getting up around 5:30am every morning.  Who does that?  Basically, I am not going to have a life next semester and I will have to be in bed by 10:30pm to get decent sleep.  I am feeling extreme excitement and nervousness.  They are putting me in charge of a bunch of 8th graders.  When I think about the responsibility, it is just overwhelming.  Oh, i also found out that the 8th grade math teacher at this school is retiring this year, which means JOB OPENING!! I am not to sure if I really want to stay in springfield, but hey it is kind of exciting to think about that job being available.  Student teaching is like a 4 month job interview, so if they like me, I will probably have a good chance at getting the job since i am the only student teacher at the school. 

Home Thursday night!!!

I hate the fact that Christmas is soooo materialistic.  My friend Carolyn and I went to Panera to do some studying today and then we thought we would go shopping for a couple hours.  Well, the mall was so busy that we could not even find a spot.  We were on the hunt for 25  mins.  NO JOKE!!  It was really frustrating so we just went home.  I really don't get it.  I probably won't spend that much on Christmas and I never really do.  When I tell people that my Christmas list is only 4 items long with only one "for fun" item, they all look at me like i am crazy.  Then i tell them that my mom only spends $50 on each of us and that amazes them.  I mean seriously people, not everyone is rich in this world and there is more to Chirstmas than getting gifts.  I don't even have money to buy anyone gifts, but i wish i did.  I love blessing people and getting something that they really need (practical gifts).  Our best family Christmas was when we had the least.  It is makes me sad to see people be so unhappy around the holiday season when we should be rejoicing in the Lord! 

On a brighter note:  there are only three things keeping me from Christmas Break!

History test (monday), physics test (monday), and my Education portfolio, this will take the longest, but it is the last one I have to do! (due wednesday)

Currently Listening A Day Without Rain By Enya see related

Although I am sick, I had a fairly productive day!  I stocked up on Halls and Cold-eeze.  It is suppose to help a lot.  We had a student teaching meeting today.  I didn't get as overwhelmed as last time, so that was good.  Hopefully, I will get some good networking done over Christmas break!  Well, I don't have much else to say.  I really need some good rest tonight.  Sweet dreams!

Four more days of classes! (not that i'm counting or anything)

Currently Listening Lifesong By Casting Crowns see related

So I had a really good talk with Blaire tonight and realized (not for the first time) that is it definitely 10 times better talking in person than reading someone's xanga.  Hearing someone's heart is so much better than reading it.  So on that note, please talk with me if you are reading my xanga, especially those who never comment!  I communicate way better in person than online; it's a fact.  Oh, and if I haven't really approached you in the past please do not take it personally, I probably just have 50 million things on my mind and I am always on the run.  In my heart, I truely do want to get to know so many of you! 

 I was also convicted of a couple things tonight and I realize that I really need to talk to a certain somebody.  The hardest part is knowing when and how and i hate confronting people.  So pray that the Lord would tell me when and how. 

We also had fun talking about Roma.  We miss the STINTers so much and of course some of the Italian students we met.  By the way, we want to hear some updates!!!  You guys can't leave us hanging for this long, I mean seriously! 

p.s.  Olivia, I am trying to work on the whole weekend trip thing, but it is seriously going to take a miracle.  The mother is not too excited about it and I would need to get my car fixed in order for it to make it to chicago safely.  But nothing is impossible with God, so if i am suppose to be there it will happen!  Love ya!