This is the beautiful city of Weinheim (pronounced VineHime) that we explored yesterday. There are all people's homes. I might just have to move there one day!
Sunday, January 29, 2012
Weinheim!
This is the beautiful city of Weinheim (pronounced VineHime) that we explored yesterday. There are all people's homes. I might just have to move there one day!
Pedicures
Today is a lazy Sunday here in Germany. I woke up, made cinnamon rolls, went to the gym (yes I know they counter act the two but its better than just eating the rolls and moving on with my life!!) and now I've been updating photos. We are leaving for Ramstein for pedicures in a an hour!
My imagination of this said pedicure experience will go like this...we walk in to a busy shop (when I say we I mean Lori, Kyndell and I) with children running around, our favorite Asian ladies crouched over peoples fingers and toes and Chanel (their four year old) belting You Belong with Me by T-Swift. Its not exactly a relaxing spa experience but it sure keeps ya on your toes!...I will have to update everyone on how our experience actually turns out! For my sanity I just hope there are no children there. After listening to their "sweet" voices all week you just want a few days with no people under the age of ten :)
My favorite thing to do, other than nap of course, is to visualize and internalize the work I have to do. Last semester all of my friends would be working on homework. They would ask me if I had any to do, and of course I had lots but I would respond, "I have to mentally prepare myself. I'm visualizing it being complete right now." So I think I will spend the rest of my evening doing that!
Here's to another great week at Patrick Henry Elementary and adventures in Germany!
Tchuss!
Friday, January 27, 2012
The beauty of first grade
Today we were walking back from Host Nation (When students live on post in another country they go to a class called Host Nation. There they learn the language and culture of the country they are living in) one of our boys with Aspergers (who often likes to run away, he makes noises all day long and loves to distract our whole class) was singing in the hallway. His singing is usually just nonsense words but today is was Deeper than the Holler by Randy Travis. And much to our surprise he was a wonderful singing voice. We have always been told that music calms him down but this was a miracle. When Mrs I asked him to sing to our class I wasn't sure he would. But sure enough he sat right up front by her and sang his "favorite song." He was like a totally new boy when he was singing. He is usually unmanageable and often mean to the other students. But as he sang he sat there so peacefully. Singing every word to the song. It was the sweetest thing I had ever seen. It quickly reminded me that even when you are frustrated with a child they A) still have the possibility of amazing you at any time and B) EVERY single student has something beautiful to offer to your classroom.
As I head to bed before a teacher inservice day tomorrow (Thank goodness! This was a long week) I will leave you with the lyrics from his favorite song. A song I will never forget and will always be reminded of him when I hear it....it now makes my heart so happy!
Well I've heard those city singers singin 'bout how they can love
Deeper than the oceans higher than the stars above
Well I come from the country and I know I ain't seen it all
But I heard that oceans salty and the stars they sometimes fall
But that would not do justice to the way I feel for you
So I have to sing this song about all the things I knew
My love is deeper that the holler, stronger than the rivers
Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill
My love is purer than the snowflakes that fall in late December
And honest as a robin on a springtime window sill
And longer than the song of the Whippoorwill
From the backroads to the broadway shows with a million miles between
There's a least a million love songs that people love to sing
And everyone is different and everyone's the same
So this is just another way of sayin' the same thing
My love is deeper that the holler, stronger than the rivers
Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill
My love is purer than the snowflakes that fall in late December
And honest as a robin on a springtime window sill
And longer than the song of the Whippoorwill
My love is deeper that the holler, stronger than the rivers
Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill
My love is purer than the snowflakes that fall in late December
And honest as a robin on a springtime window sill
And longer than the song of the Whippoorwill
As I head to bed before a teacher inservice day tomorrow (Thank goodness! This was a long week) I will leave you with the lyrics from his favorite song. A song I will never forget and will always be reminded of him when I hear it....it now makes my heart so happy!
Well I've heard those city singers singin 'bout how they can love
Deeper than the oceans higher than the stars above
Well I come from the country and I know I ain't seen it all
But I heard that oceans salty and the stars they sometimes fall
But that would not do justice to the way I feel for you
So I have to sing this song about all the things I knew
My love is deeper that the holler, stronger than the rivers
Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill
My love is purer than the snowflakes that fall in late December
And honest as a robin on a springtime window sill
And longer than the song of the Whippoorwill
From the backroads to the broadway shows with a million miles between
There's a least a million love songs that people love to sing
And everyone is different and everyone's the same
So this is just another way of sayin' the same thing
My love is deeper that the holler, stronger than the rivers
Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill
My love is purer than the snowflakes that fall in late December
And honest as a robin on a springtime window sill
And longer than the song of the Whippoorwill
My love is deeper that the holler, stronger than the rivers
Higher than the pine trees growin' tall upon the hill
My love is purer than the snowflakes that fall in late December
And honest as a robin on a springtime window sill
And longer than the song of the Whippoorwill
Tuesday, January 17, 2012
Berliner
As we traveled by train to Berlin this weekend I couldn't help but be excited. We were finally getting to travel to yet another new city and see what it had to offer!
Berlin is a huge city....about 3 million people live there. Its so interesting to see the differences in it compared to Heidelberg...not only the size but also the fact that Berlin is so "new" compared to everywhere else I've been. Since it was mostly destroyed by bombing it all had to be rebuilt. However, the things that still stand are absolutely beautiful. We walked, literally, around the entire city I think.
It was amazing to see not only the buildings but the museums were great. We read all about the Berlin Wall, went to a Holocaust memorial (a chilling experience) and the East side Gallery. For pictures check the FB!
As we were coming home today Paul pointed out the window towards a castle...you know just nestled in the middle of some hills...middle of now where Germany. A GAINT castle! It was amazing. These are the things I came to see. Things we never get the chance to see in the United States. The land is just rich with history!
I read a book about Germany and Berlin on the way there and worked on my German. We have the majority of the main phrases down. I hope to use many of them when I get home. I also want to learn enough that I can teach useful phrases to my students some day in a wide variety of languages.
Off to another four day week...I'm not sure what I'm going to do once February hits and we have to go five days a week :)
Tchuss!!! (Bye!)
Berlin is a huge city....about 3 million people live there. Its so interesting to see the differences in it compared to Heidelberg...not only the size but also the fact that Berlin is so "new" compared to everywhere else I've been. Since it was mostly destroyed by bombing it all had to be rebuilt. However, the things that still stand are absolutely beautiful. We walked, literally, around the entire city I think.
It was amazing to see not only the buildings but the museums were great. We read all about the Berlin Wall, went to a Holocaust memorial (a chilling experience) and the East side Gallery. For pictures check the FB!
As we were coming home today Paul pointed out the window towards a castle...you know just nestled in the middle of some hills...middle of now where Germany. A GAINT castle! It was amazing. These are the things I came to see. Things we never get the chance to see in the United States. The land is just rich with history!
I read a book about Germany and Berlin on the way there and worked on my German. We have the majority of the main phrases down. I hope to use many of them when I get home. I also want to learn enough that I can teach useful phrases to my students some day in a wide variety of languages.
Off to another four day week...I'm not sure what I'm going to do once February hits and we have to go five days a week :)
Tchuss!!! (Bye!)
Thursday, January 12, 2012
1/11/2011
I am just loving this place more and more each day. The other student teachers and I were sitting around the dinning room table tonight talking about how we didn't realize that each of us were going through the same thing...kind of feeling alone and trapped on the base since its pretty difficult to get downtown from here and we don't have a car. So that was nice to know that everyone was on the same page!
It is so nice to get to spend my days with first graders though. They are full of energy and always say the funniest things! I've started writing them down. My mentor teacher Carol is one of the sweetest women in the entire world. She refers to her husband, who volunteers in our classroom every day, as aging old people and says, "Well I guess we have to let that balloon go..." Which sounds like a funny saying but it has really made me think. There are so many things in this world that are out of our control so instead of worrying about them and distracting yourself from the moment you might as well let the balloon go and move on with your life. She is such an inspiration!
Who knew I would be learning so much just after a few short days! I know that I will have so much to learn from her and our kids. They have been so many places in their short lives and are so knowledgeable!
Tschüs (Bye in German!)
It is so nice to get to spend my days with first graders though. They are full of energy and always say the funniest things! I've started writing them down. My mentor teacher Carol is one of the sweetest women in the entire world. She refers to her husband, who volunteers in our classroom every day, as aging old people and says, "Well I guess we have to let that balloon go..." Which sounds like a funny saying but it has really made me think. There are so many things in this world that are out of our control so instead of worrying about them and distracting yourself from the moment you might as well let the balloon go and move on with your life. She is such an inspiration!
Who knew I would be learning so much just after a few short days! I know that I will have so much to learn from her and our kids. They have been so many places in their short lives and are so knowledgeable!
Monday, January 9, 2012
Heidelberg!
So I've made it half way around the world! I wasn't sure what to expect at all! And quite frankly (which is a pun since I flew in to Frankfurt haha!) I was not very excited when we drove here. It just looked like a flat, less populated area of Washington...and I was trying to get away from there for a while! We drove straight to the post (military base) and started working on getting all of the cards and privileges that we needed to function on the base. One on the base it looks pretty much like any other small town only without the houses and you have to show your military id to enter.
I was let down by the fact that nothing looked the way I imagined it. However, yesterday we went down to the downtown area of Heidelberg. That was when we all said, "this is why we came here!" The architecture, churches, castles, bridges and the river are all just gorgeous. I will post pictures soon! (as soon as I figure out how to do that exactly!)
With a little down time here and none of my close friends I was pretty homesick recently...however I know once I get busy with school and traveling the semester will fly by. Before I know it I won't want to leave! And those little "friends and family" (the way my mentor teacher addresses the class is just tender) first graders will be all I can think about!
Chao!
I was let down by the fact that nothing looked the way I imagined it. However, yesterday we went down to the downtown area of Heidelberg. That was when we all said, "this is why we came here!" The architecture, churches, castles, bridges and the river are all just gorgeous. I will post pictures soon! (as soon as I figure out how to do that exactly!)
With a little down time here and none of my close friends I was pretty homesick recently...however I know once I get busy with school and traveling the semester will fly by. Before I know it I won't want to leave! And those little "friends and family" (the way my mentor teacher addresses the class is just tender) first graders will be all I can think about!
Chao!
Tuesday, January 3, 2012
GERMANY!
As I finish up the packing process I am a little nervous but so excited for the semester ahead. I leave Wednesday morning for Heidelberg, Germany! Teaching first grade on an Army base is an experience I have been dreaming of since day one at WSU.
As we just celebrated the new year I think back to a conversation I had not too long ago. We were discussing the fact that some people hate new years eve. Its just one night...why do people get so excited? But then my friend Megan had words that really seemed to make sense to me. Its a time in which people are almost forced to review the past year. Our lives are so fast paced that we often to forget about where we've been, the mistakes we've made and the areas in our lives in which we are able to grow. I really liked her outlook on the night so I decided I would do so as the year came to a close---look back.
2011 was a year for the books. I turned 21....both a good and bad point in my life. I seem to indulge a bit too much while on campus at the bars (: I have made so many knew friends this year. I am so blessed to have many amazing people in my life that I wasn't sure I would be blessed further but come to find out...you can NEVER have too many friends. I worked on the Panhellenic council for the Sorority and Fraternity community. This was also an extreme high point in my year. I was able to be so involved in the community and make changes that I had been wishing to see all by myself and with the help of our council. However, as I take on more in my life it quickly became apart that a work/life balance is very necessary. So if being on Panhellenic taught me nothing else, it was to manage your time very well and always spend time with the people we love. You just never know what is going to happen next!
After reviewing the past year I have so many amazing things to be thankful for. This year, my senior year in college, also signifies big changes in my life. As I think of what life will be like when I return home from my travels I realize how much my life will continue to change. Finding my own place to live, applying for jobs, getting another year older however, maybe never really "growing up"
I've recently given up on the idea of New Years resolutions as I look ahead...it seems that we set ourselves up for failure. But why??? Why don't we simply select resolutions that are attainable? Ones that will actually enrich our lives? So here are mine for 2012...
1. Love more deeply
2. Express through words and actions how I feel about other people
3. Plan ahead
4. Pass the TPA (more to come about this in the coming semester don't worry! The acronym will get old)
5. Take a few minutes a day to think, reflect and spend alone
6. Become more healthy (everyone wants to lose weight...however, that doesn't seem to be a very successful goal of mine thus far so if I concentrate on being healthy maybe a few pounds will be lost and NEVER found again along the way!)
7. Carpe the hell out of every Diem
Here is to an amazing year, amazing memories and a once in a life time experience...we will never get 2012 back so why not leave it all on the table. And if the Mayans are correct then at least we had a wonderful time in our last year (:
As we just celebrated the new year I think back to a conversation I had not too long ago. We were discussing the fact that some people hate new years eve. Its just one night...why do people get so excited? But then my friend Megan had words that really seemed to make sense to me. Its a time in which people are almost forced to review the past year. Our lives are so fast paced that we often to forget about where we've been, the mistakes we've made and the areas in our lives in which we are able to grow. I really liked her outlook on the night so I decided I would do so as the year came to a close---look back.
2011 was a year for the books. I turned 21....both a good and bad point in my life. I seem to indulge a bit too much while on campus at the bars (: I have made so many knew friends this year. I am so blessed to have many amazing people in my life that I wasn't sure I would be blessed further but come to find out...you can NEVER have too many friends. I worked on the Panhellenic council for the Sorority and Fraternity community. This was also an extreme high point in my year. I was able to be so involved in the community and make changes that I had been wishing to see all by myself and with the help of our council. However, as I take on more in my life it quickly became apart that a work/life balance is very necessary. So if being on Panhellenic taught me nothing else, it was to manage your time very well and always spend time with the people we love. You just never know what is going to happen next!
After reviewing the past year I have so many amazing things to be thankful for. This year, my senior year in college, also signifies big changes in my life. As I think of what life will be like when I return home from my travels I realize how much my life will continue to change. Finding my own place to live, applying for jobs, getting another year older however, maybe never really "growing up"
I've recently given up on the idea of New Years resolutions as I look ahead...it seems that we set ourselves up for failure. But why??? Why don't we simply select resolutions that are attainable? Ones that will actually enrich our lives? So here are mine for 2012...
1. Love more deeply
2. Express through words and actions how I feel about other people
3. Plan ahead
4. Pass the TPA (more to come about this in the coming semester don't worry! The acronym will get old)
5. Take a few minutes a day to think, reflect and spend alone
6. Become more healthy (everyone wants to lose weight...however, that doesn't seem to be a very successful goal of mine thus far so if I concentrate on being healthy maybe a few pounds will be lost and NEVER found again along the way!)
7. Carpe the hell out of every Diem
Here is to an amazing year, amazing memories and a once in a life time experience...we will never get 2012 back so why not leave it all on the table. And if the Mayans are correct then at least we had a wonderful time in our last year (:
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