Showing posts with label Jodi Picoult. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Jodi Picoult. Show all posts

Tuesday, July 13, 2010

Half Way There

At the beginning of 2010, I made a goal for myself to read 20 books this year! I love to read and have always loved to read, but tend to only read during summer and breaks off from work. So, it was my goal to read during the school year too; of course I am talking about for pleasure and not all of the professional books and resources that I read.

Yesterday, I finished my 10th book- I am halfway to my goal! My 10th book was House Rules by Jodi Picoult. If you look at my book list, you can see that I read her books often because they are exceptional; this book was no exception. Her writing amazes me because it is evident that she has to do some much research to write the majority of her books. Many of her topics are very controversial. This book was about an 18 year old boy who was on the Autism Spectrum, Aspergers to be exact, and was accused of murdering his tutor. As a teacher I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Although fiction of course, I learned things I didn't know about Aspergers.

So, if you are looking for a new read, I suggest you pick up this book, and then let me know what you think.

Until next time,

H =)

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Unexcused Absence

I have been gone for quite some time, two weeks almost, but with absolutely no excuse other than LIFE!

Last week was crazy busy with Group Exercise Training and birthdays.  Monday and Tuesday I trained all day long, and then went home on Wednesday to celebrate my cousin's 21st birthday.  I then came home Thursday, we celebrate my SIL's birthday on Friday, went to the DMB concert Saturday, and went back home Sunday for a family reunion and to celebrate my mom's birthday.

Now, we are in my last days before going back to work.  I go back to work on Thursday, as in two days from now, and the kids come on Monday.  I am dreading it, absolutely dreading it!  I had a scheduled interview for a different school district that was supposed to be yesterday, but they decided not to fill the position.  I received that phone call 15 minutes after hitting up Express and purchasing a new interview suit; oh well, I hope to wear it soon!  Now, I am just waiting on hearing from the YMCA for Youth and Family Life position and keeping my eyes and ears open for other jobs as well.  

With all that being said, I feel horrible and embarrassed.  I never thought I would be that teacher that dreaded going back to work.  I really thought I would be the "lifer" that would always love being in the classroom.  I loved, loved, loved my student teaching.  In fact, I was looking at pictures from that time and was trying to remember what it felt like to be that happy in the classroom.  I was able to be so creative and my kids learned so much.  I can't believe after only two years it has come to this.  I feel sorry for my students.  Let me also reiterate that it is not my students I am dreading; in fact, I am excited to see them.  It is everything else that comes along with it and all the new mandates I am certain we will have, and all the things I am unable to do.   AHHH!  Okay, I am done being negative, and will just continue to pray that something will come my way and God will lead me in the right direction.

My training for both another half marathon and my group exercise position is going great.  I have been quite tired from it because between the two I am working out for about 4 hours or more each day.  You would think with that I would have lost weight, but no.  I just eat more now because it makes me so hungry.  I have been running with a friend and it has made things SO much better!  I actually enjoy my long runs outside, AND I feel they are productive.  Friday, we ran 7 miles in 63:27; I am definitely pleased with that time.

It is a rainy, stormy, yucky day here in Indy today... blah!  In fact, Mr. Hoosier is supposed to have a presentation tonight, but they lost power at his branch.  Poor guy!  I am just going to curl up on the couch and finish Change of Heart by Jodi Picoult; great read and highly recommended.  

Today is also the 2 year wedding anniversary for our good friends, A and J, so Happy Anniversary to them.  They are such wonderful people, great friends, and Mr. Hoosier and I feel SO very blessed to have them in our lives.  We wish you many more years of love, laughs, happiness, and memories!!!

Until next time, which I hope is sooner than a week and a half....

:) H