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| Whoah! Where has September disappeared to?!?
How are all my xanga friends?
I'm awaiting my last violin lesson of the week, catching up on email here at HSU...Kim and I are trying to avoid signing up for internet at home--so catch it where we can! Makes life a little more exciting.
Wendy's little one is due very soon...likely November.....and we are so excited....
I took Organic Chemistry and received a B+ this summer, praise the Lord, and actually greatly enjoyed it! Currently tackling Calculus, Music Appreciation, Philosophy and Ethics and hoping to CLEP out of histories and get my associate of science this December/transfer to NiU....we'll see...have to admit, it's kind of strange/fun to be required to attend 5 musical concerts this fall...these courses are 'gen ed' requirements, and I find them rather refreshing after so many of the sciences. My philosophy teacher gave a defense for the resurrection of Christ recently which was refreshing. I'm teaching this fall, just Biology and Chemistry though, and grateful to God for giving me multiple classes of the same subject matter --lightens the workload tremendously. Praise God for these 50+ high schoolers using the Apologia curriculum....I covet your prayers as I see the Lord using science to pursue their hearts ....praise God!
Noelle and I have a new hobby--freezing sheets of ice, and sledding down grassy hills. Now, this may seem completely random, and to be honest, we haven't done this yet...but have recently heard that it's great fun...so, you will need to wait for my next update to find out how it went! (Yes, I may be 30+ years old, but I'm afraid outgrowing adventures has not quite occurred yet--though perhaps in this case it should)!!!!
Have a lovely weekend you all! Please keep up the posts, as always-- so fun to hear how things are a' goin'....
Much love,
Gayleebird | | |
| Well my friends! I do apologize, as I have gone over my six month deadline post! I am very excited because I actually figured out how to post picures somehow, though they are too small...but hopefully will still give an idea of the most excellent time we recently enjoyed down in Kentucky!
The beginning of our adventure was foreshadowed at the start by a lack of starting!
However, the road was soon rising to meet us, and off we went. Our travels even took us through a town labeled, "Pig" which even included the town's country store, "Porky's Pitstop." as we traveled, we desperately hoped campsites would appear, and they always did~ praise the Lord!
Gayle greatly enjoyed the personalities on the trip--there was Kim. Kim has a wonderful wit that kept all of us on our toes~ especially John, who definitely benefited from the quick tongue when driving. Speaking of John, I must give him much credit for braving the outnumberings on this trip, though I believe his words expressed more the great privilege of "camping with four beautiful women"...though perhaps he was simply realizing that for his own sanity and protection, such words were simply necessary for survival. Katie, our dear friend...such a sweetheart! Noelle, our valient 14 year old kept older sisters on their toes, desperately trying not to play the part of mother hens in such locations as the skywalks of Daniel Boone National Forest...basically these are natural bridges made of the stone mountainous rock, narrow pathways thousands of feet up on either side--beautiful views!
Mammoth Cave was our next day's adventure--I wish it were easier to download picures of this, but you will simply have to believe me when I tell you the 4.5 hour tour underground was simply spectacular. The history, stories, and workout we received will not soon be forgotten! Apparently Mammoth caves has over 300 miles of underground cave routes!
Finally, upon leaving, our last day saw us journey to one last beautiful trail location. It was here that I was able to fulfill my 4th lifelong dream of being a preacher (notice my hand-picked lady elders!)
It was also at this location, that our hope was restored in the existence of chivalrous, noble, and handsome men. our dear friend Katie managed to take a 7 mile detour and scare the living daylights out of us! We had to call in the rangers..yes, the rangers...loads upon loads of good looking young men. We women were simply beside ourselves--well...Katie was--when three of them came to her rescue several yards down the trail!
One thing I found myself having the most interesting time getting used to was the thick southern accents down there...I kept trying not to laugh, thinking they were joking...but they weren't...I admit, I guess I'm prejudiced! They probably thought me quite too proper. Ah well.
Microbes--yes, a dear older lady informed us of the presence tiny ticks all over that part of Kentucky (after we had spent nearly three days camping--not always even using tents, swimming through rivers, and going barefoot whenever possible)! We soon found ourselves identifying the little critters all over us! Hopefully we won't all end up with Lime disease...but if so...it was worth it (maybe!)...
So that was our trip! Very much fun, and many more stories....
What else has been happening around home?
Well...I finished up the sememster. I find teaching to be so enjoyable, that quite honestly, it's a bit of a letdown when it all ends...but I was also very ready for a break....I'm still tutoring and giving lessons to a handful of students (about 10 or so) this summer, doing quite a bit of yardwork, and attempting to get ready for a 5 week crash course at cod starting end of June through end of July. I had a very fun year--taught Chemistry, Biology, Debate and Math study groups, plus about 15 students taking private lessons/tutoring each week, subbing on the side ACS and WA...it was perfect as these weren't difficult classes to teach, and allowed me to pursue school and earn fairly decent income. I enjoy subbing at the high school level because I can usually get about 5 hours of my own studying done during the day. This last semester I took the last part of Precalculus, managed by the grace of God to finish up an independent study course in Biology, and pass (or earn exemption from) at least 200 + hours of Organic Chemistry laboratory, for which I am so grateful to the Lord. I could use prayer for the lecture portion of Organic Chemistry which I will be taking again this summer.
Other than that...next week is my last week of freedom before I must hibernate into Chemistry....so will be spending that week up at Lake Geneva Youth Camp with Noelle...we've got about 160 girls coming I believe...and Noelle's job description is "Gayle's Slave"...for which I am gleefully looking forward to taking advantage of! She's actually called a "gopher"...the idea basically being along the same lines as my slave. 
I'll have to give an update on camp if I'm able...though I may at the end of this week be shutting down internet for a month and a half....until mid-August when my students/parents will be wishing to get in touch. But feel free to call anytime!
Love you all! Gayleebird
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| Hi Xanga friends!  I've decided that I need to give a quick update....yikes...I think May was the last time.... Jenelle, it's been so wonderful to see my little niecette (neicee) on xanga...what a beautiful little girl! On that note...of the Jenelle and Brittany, Grant and Evan...that is....I had lunch today with your all's gym teacher...(I know that's not so great english)....anyway, what a nice lady! She was delighted to hear of Jenelle's new addition, and we had a wonderful conversation about a book that we were both interested in..and she said Brittany was simply wonderful... So....what else is new recently? Well.....let's see.... - I'm teaching Chemistry, Biology, Debate, Violin, and Math study groups this year...it's actually easier than last year--and substitute teaching for Wheaton Academy which has been alot of fun...especially seeing Brittany in the hallways!
- Taking 16 credit hours at College of DuPage...Organic Chemistry, Precalculus, and two other somewhat easier classes.
- Involved with a really nice group at Harvest Bible Chapel...Bible studies on Thursday nights....some good friendships there
- Involved with a group called 1Stone (no it's not a rockband!) --actually it's a Bible Study/group meeting at COD
- I'm doing Church nursery and orchestra. Not sure which is more challenging.
I feel kind of like perhaps I'm insane. But, you have to understand, that I also thrive on pressure and stress to some degree--and in a way it's fun. But it doesn't mean there's no tears. Please pray for my Organic Chemistry! Nothing else is too new--other than adjusting to life without Wanda....but Kim and I have really been so busy, that I think it's eased the loss of her absence at least a little. Noelle continues to keep me on my toes...and Kim is a huge blessing...so I've still got sistas surrounding me to some degree--but definitely looking forward to seeing Wendy and Steve next week! LOVE my dear nephews and fantastic sister-in-law Emily....couldn't ask for a better friend, sister-in-law, or mother of my two absolutely adorable little nephews....and Emily's helped me tremendously with my debate class this year as well..... Brooks, Brett, and I share a bit of special comaradarie in that we're all in college someplace right now...and it was kind of funny, last night, I was leaving my class, and looked through an open door to an adjacent room, and there was Brett--working on something! I gave a speech on sailing a catamaran recently....here are some You tube links I used that you might enjoy: Introduction: hangin’ off! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l3O11g4hXY8&feature=related 1st: How to set up your sailboat http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZqAmhvyFFP4 2nd: crashing http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iL_-OmOznB0 3rd: back flipping http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=saCT-fvxBZ0&feature=related 4th: wave jumping http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9frzM-8hEe8&feature=related 5th: fun sailing, general http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sqm9XvqHwSM&feature=related I'm also going to try and paste some of the wedding pictures below--what an amazing time! Ah, alas, I'm not sure how to get that to work.... Would love to hear from all of you--I will try to have pictures next time, and perhaps take some of my students too.. Gayleebird | | |
| Yes, I'm very grateful that it is currently almost the end of teaching and classes for a short time called 'summer'. It's been too long since I last updated (I think back in November--ouch!)...so thank you Jenelle for the prod ;_) I've been pretty busy....took 16 credit hours at College of DuPage this semester (Chemistry, Biology, Exceptional Children and Educational Psychology)...this kept me hopping...especially Chemistry. I also enjoyed teaching 2-3 days a week with HSU and Heritage, and am in the middle of putting together 40 grade reports and evaluations by tomorrow, Lord willing. It was an interesting semester, as I taught a variety of subjects, Consumer Ed, Algebra II, Government, Apologetics, Biology, Violin, Tutoring, and Math/Science Explorers. It sounds like alot, but most these classes were pretty low-prep, and allowed me to pursue school which was good. To be honest, I'm just very grateful for having made it through the semester without going crazy (or at least not yet)...and thankful to God for bringing me through Chemistry, giving me an extension with Biology, and helping me still enjoy my students immensely. When I wake up to go to work, I'm usually never bored, and nearly always somewhat excited about what I do--and actually LOVE doing it....what a blessing...I can't imagine not teaching. We'll see if this lasts, but for a few years now, this has been a very satisfying line of work--which is why I'm pursuing a second degree in Biology Secondary certification. Okay, enough about all that....what else is new? Well, my purse got stolen....about a month ago. I have to say, it didn't happen at a convenient time (not that it's ever convenient)....and it has cost many hours of cancelling bank accounts, credit cards, investigating identity theft possibilities, and trying to identify pictures of the folks who made fraudulent charges on my card....lots of hassles. Mostly, I miss my makeup and my flash-drive, though! Thanks for your prayers, all of you who have offered up some on my behalf this semester--they were and are much needed, and I have definitely seen God's Hand at work, providing for everything I need, and also bringing me through some crazy days this semester! How about some amusing happenings? Well, let's see...I made the mistake twice of doing a project involving food coloring and ooze with my junior high class...(mostly boys)....umm...we dissected fish and frogs this semester which was very interesting...but I'm glad I'm teaching so therefore I can't 'disect'!! Let's see...one of my students brought in baby chick embryos still in their shells...makes me look at eggs in a whole new light! I found myself substitute teaching last week for two classes that were dissecting cats (yes, the fur was still on them).....that was a bit much for me... What else...well, I'll have to keep you posted! Of course, the latest news would be of my twin getting engaged, and planning an August 9th wedding....this is very exciting...and I couldn't ask for a better brother-in-law...as a side note...I've had some questions put to me here and there regarding having a twin getting married....I have to say honestly, that it's really not sad to see her go! In fact, it's really quite wonderful that Steve is such a great guy, and I that it's God's perfect timing for them to get married...it just feels right. In addition, I am as close to Wendy as I am to Kim, so any 'twin' thing is really a 'triplet' thing in reality...I should say perhaps a 'quadruplet' thing...because actually all four of us girls are very close...Noelle included....I think speaking for all of us sisters...we know it's a wonderful thing that Wendy's getting married...and separation is not anything new..as we have all been apart several years after college....but, I will say, we are treasuring extremely any time we can get with our Wendy, and honestly, the scramble and desire to make every moment count with her, is really the only difficult thing with this...we just love her muchly! Yes, this is a long one....but hey...I have to make up for all the time! By the way, my computer is smelling really funny, so I'd better go.... On another note, if anyone is free this Saturday, we are having Capture the Flag from 3 to 10 p.m. at Mom and Dad's house...it should be alot of fun! See ya later! Gayle ;) | | |
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