curlybecs's Xanga

Whew!

Tue, 09 Sep 2008 23:51:47 GMT

So, it's been awhile and I just realized I hadn't written recently as I was reading my little bro's site, who is now in the Dominican Republic...yea, I haven't seen him in a long time, but he's getting to do the traveling I wish I could do :)

School has started up again, almost 4 weeks ago now. I'm teaching 7th grade math and science again with the same teaching partner. Life is good. I'm enjoying the break from having to recreate a new curriculum again, it's so nice to use materials from last year and make things better. My kids seem like good kids and I'm learning to have fun with them. Since I had some of my kids for the last two years (due to moving up to 7th grade with them), I'm still going through withdrawal from them, but it's ok.

This past weekend I took 19 kids with 3 other leaders to SpringHill camp for the weekend retreat. It was great trip, lots of fun with the kids, especially my girls from small group. Besides that life is full but good.

Justin came to visit!

Labor Day Fireworks! Sarah and me

Fred, Megan and me

Jr. High Retreat to SpringHill

Intense game of Z-ball- Overtime!

My girls and me :)

Family and the 4th

Sun, 06 Jul 2008 03:31:28 GMT

I was able to visit home for a couple days this week. Although short, it could be described as very successful and really fun. Wednesday my dad and I worked on my car which, although taking longer than expected, was a great experience. I can now say I know how to change the brakes of my car...I can even change the calipers too! Definitely an exciting moment in my life. :) Thursday my best friend, Trisha, finally arrived back in the States and I was able to spend some time with her and her family. Most of our time was spent shopping with her sister Topaz...Trisha is great at spending other people's money :)

Then, of course, Friday was the 4th. Although wanting to leave from Wheaton early enough to make it to Carmel's parade...it did not happen. Instead I sadly drove the streets of Wheaton as festive people began to line them in anticipation of the upcoming parade. I wished I was staying to celebrate too but I drove home to Carmel alone, without even patriotic music to serenade me. The evening improved my spirits as I spent time with friends from church, wandering around CarmelFest, counting the number of students I saw (I counted 30!). The fireworks were great, my favorites are the white ones that cascade down.

All that to say, here are a few pictures of the last few days :)

Best wedding toast ever...

Thu, 05 Jun 2008 13:41:42 GMT

So I found this link on a photographer's I like website and watched this video. It's awesome! Enjoy

Best Wedding Toast Ever!

A funny moment

Mon, 05 May 2008 18:50:40 GMT

Today I was grading papers- science labs to be exact. As I was reaching my point of saturation, I came across this answer and just couldn't stop laughing. Hopefully it'll bring a smile to your face.

Rock Lab
Task: Identify rocks according to their special features
Answer for identifying one of these rocks (Gypsum).
Correct answer: [Gypsum] Cleaves in flat sheets (meaning it will break in flat sheets)
Given answer: Cleavage like none other

Definitely different meanings...

The blessing of a slower pace

Mon, 05 May 2008 18:40:06 GMT

It's been three weeks since I returned from Nicaragua and I still find myself reflecting on the trip often, especially as I look at my pictures. I know it's hard to believe that I'd enjoy looking at pictures, but it's true :) The trip was a good one, definitely different than any trip I'd been on before, mainly because I was a leader this time. Instead of experiencing all of the adventures available, I more often worked so the students could have those experiences instead. I didn't get to have as much direct contact with the Nicaraguans except for a little on the job site, at the orphanage, and at church. That little bit of interaction still impacted me though. So quickly was I reminded how important people are. While getting the job done was important, it was never the main focus nor was it ever put above getting to know people, investing in relationships. I loved the slower pace of our evenings in Nicaragua. After a long day of work we would always have some time to spend on the back porch, filled with rocking chairs and a hammock. A perfect place for relationships to grow and develop.

It was in those moments on the porch where I learned the most. The most about myself and the most about others. I was able to slow down enough to ask good questions and listen well. Each person has such a unique story to tell- both the story they tell verbally but also the one they tell without words- through their actions and through what they don't say. Cecil Campbell, who was our host down in Nicaragua, taught me a lot about listening to those things as he listened to me. His opened ended questions challenged and intrigued. He made you think about life, yourself, and others in ways you'd never thought of. What a blessing.

In the weeks that have followed my trip, many things have occurred, a few of which I will mention here. My teaching partner, Liana, had her baby: Belle Madeleine (see pictures below). I gained a new teaching partner and became the new team leader of our academic team. I went to Chicago with friends to see Annie Calhoun in her most recent play, The Giver, based on Lois Lowry's book. I've seen Joel throw javelin at the NCCAA national track meet. I've been able to spend time with people. Today we don't have school and it's been so wonderful. Grading is getting caught up, other things are getting done and the weather is beautiful- I'm even sporting a sunburn from yesterdays escapades outside ;) Overall, I feel like I'm learning a little bit how to slow down, at least for the moment. I know as summer approaches it will still be easier, with so much less on my schedule, but the schedule always fills up quickly as school starts again and I will need to work to slow my pace, at least for moments.

In these slower moments, I hope you enjoy these few pictures from the last month of life. :)

Nicaragua 2008

The girls at the fort

At Lake Catarin

At Volcan Masaya

The team working on the cement floor

Out whole team

Preparing for a day of work!

Belle Madeleine

Belle and me

Becca and Becca at the Bean :)

Fun with friends (and family) in Chicago!

Sunrise, sunset

Sat, 01 Mar 2008 22:53:42 GMT

Today I saw the sunrise and now I'm watching it set. A first to see both in way too long. I love to watch how the colors play and dance across the sky, an every changing movement.

This morning as I drove and watched this dance of colors and shadows I was immediately transported back to last year's spring break. The memory came strong, accompanied with a longing to see my friend Trisha. As I looked at the sky, the puffy clouds clustered near the horizon and the back-light of the sun caused them to be great shadows. These shadows seems to loom higher and higher as they created an image of a mountain range. A range very similar to the ones I experienced the Guatemala. The memory that came then was of when we awoke the morning after I arrived, very early, to depart for the Tikal ruins in Northern Guatemala. The crisp air, shadows of the mountains and simple presence of the morning made it seem like I was back in time. The longing to be there again lasted for a long time. It made me ponder the possibility of going. Going to visit? Maybe. Going to stay? Maybe. Going to Guatemala? Maybe. The future is open. It did bring back the excitement I used to have when I thought/think about teaching and/or living overseas.

This Spring Break I am returning to Central America, but this time to Nicaragua. It is a missions trip and I will be one of the leaders with about 10 high school students and 4 other leaders along too! We'll be doing some construction, the project is yet to be determined, and playing/loving on kids. I can't wait for those 10 days to come! Please be in prayer for me and my team as we spend these next 5 weeks preparing our hearts, minds, and suitcases for this adventure!

figuring it out...a little

Sat, 23 Feb 2008 04:18:25 GMT

I made a realization while visiting Joel last weekend at Bethel. I discovered what I miss about college. I know, it's only taken me 2 1/2 years to figure out, but better late than never, I guess. I miss the craziness of having 9 or more girls living in close proximity to one another. You would think that a normal person (especially one who grew up with 3 brothers) would be glad to get away from it but I miss having lots of girls to borrow clothes from, to hear their drama, to laugh together, to just have that silliness. Now, I'm sure I got tired of it and would probably again, but I think it's the friendship part, the enjoyment of lots of different personalities. Believe me, working in a middle school, there is plenty of drama to share, but it's different when you're experiencing it and when your trying to contain it

I also recently spent time with some of my amazing TU friends! We went Duckpin bowling and ate great food!

The whole crew - minus Head

Ross and me

Me and Linda

The guys

The girls and Grant chillin

My most recent adventures :)

Sun, 03 Feb 2008 01:03:44 GMT

There are never dull moments as a teacher. Difficult ones? Yes. Hilarious ones? Most definitely. Awkward ones? Daily. It's never the same. So, I thought I'd spice it up a little more during Spirit Week, I decided to show my spirit in some .... well, unique ways.

Superhero Day- Super Stellar Scholar

Saving the world, one lesson at a time...

Preparing for Twin Day - I was Liana (my teaching partner's twin)

She's pregnant, if you cant tell...

I have a bigger belly than she does!

What a fun week

more basketball

Tue, 15 Jan 2008 00:55:47 GMT

Ahh...the season is in full swing and basketball is about the only thing on my mind besides school, it seems, these days. Today we had another game where my girls definitely impressed me with their defense, hussle and teamwork. I was proud to be their coach today. They handled themselves well -- especially up against the 6'3'' 250lb. 8th grader on the other team :) Yup, same one from the 7th grade team last year. Well played defense was the trick though!

For anyone interested, this is the link to our team's website. It has the schedule of games (and practices) if you're ever curious.

http://www.ccs.k12.in.us/clj/Teams/Six/Five/RRunyon/Basketballsite.htm
Have a great week!

basketball

Fri, 11 Jan 2008 01:15:22 GMT

We had our 4th game of the season tonight. We're 3-1 now (although in my book we're 4-0...boo 1st game). Tonight's game went into over time and we won 19-22. Two players scored all of our points...hmmm...guess we need to work on using the WHOLE team a bit more. Any wise suggestions? I'd love to hear anyone's thoughts on this. Feel free to shoot me an email or leave a message.

School is back in full swing this week. It's amazing how long it takes to feel like you're back in the groove...I'm still getting there. There have been moments so far though that I've actually enjoyed my kids this week. What a blessing

Have a wonderful weekend! Laugh much.