Believe

If you don't know me, I am a die-hard Atlanta Braves fan. This year, for the first time since 2005, the Braves have an opportunity to get into the postseason. It's a very scant opportunity as they cannot clinch their division title and are 2 games out from the Wild Card race, with the Colorado Rockies holding first place. Basically, we have to win every game left in order to do this. We have won 13 out of our last 15 games. We have a chance. I hope we can do it! I would love to see them get in, they have worked hard. GO BRAVES!! (Tomahawk Chop)

Substitute Teaching

Well, I finally got an email the other day from Oconee County and I am going in mid-October for the substitute teaching course.

It's been a long ride for me trying to figure out what God wants me to do with my life after my son is through with his homeschooling. This will be in three years.

I have been praying and asking the Lord to give me direction because I'm going to need to have a job to help financially with the college bills.

I felt the Lord spoke to me back in the spring to put my resume out there and just see what happens. Well, I didn't get any bites.

I haven't officially worked anywhere for a long time. I was an office manger for Honeywell way back before hubby and I got married and had good experience and references for that. I also worked in D.C. as a secretary and have had several great experiences with secretarial and office managerial positions. But, after we got married, I have basically been a stay at home/homeschooling mom. I don't regret one minute of it. I know it has been the path that the Lord has had for me. I wouldn't trade it for anything, but that time is coming to a close and the next step is????

Anyway, over the last 10 years, I have taught part time at the local Technical college. I've taught Spanish to adults in the Continuing Education Program at the Tech. College. I have absolutely loved doing that. About 5 years ago, another location asked me to come teach Spanish. So, I have been teaching Spanish to adults there as well. I have also been teaching English as a Second Language to Hispanic people for about 5 years and this has been a delightful experience for me. It has also given me the opportunity to improve my Spanish conversational skills. (For those of you that may not know, after graduate school, I lived in Paraguay for a time as a short-term missionary and this is where I became fluent in Spanish.)

The reason I'm sharing all of this is that I feel as if I have some really good experience and I have some great references. But, because I don't have a teaching certificate, it's going to be virtually impossible for me to be hired as a teacher.

I could kick myself for not taking the two or three extra classes that were required of me in college to get certification. At the time, I never saw myself teaching or enjoying teaching. Lesson learned. And something to think about for those of you who think "I'll never do that"!

So a good friend at church has been giving me some ideas on ways that I can get into the school system.

1. I could go back to school and spend $10,000 to get my certification. I mean, I already have a Masters Degree and, plus, I really don't have that kind of money, nor the time to do that.

2. I could also take the GACE test. This is a test offered to residents of Georgia that is basically a proficiency test. My friend at church that took it (and she is really more proficient in Spanish than I am) told me that the written part was easy but the verbal part was difficult. My verbal skills are "okay" but I'm not too hopeful.

3. The other avenue, that she mentioned to me, was getting in as a substitute and being in a school system and basically "selling" your skills to them. Show them how good of a teacher you really are (which I am a good teacher - and I don't mean that in a proud way) and then when the time comes that they have an opening, they will pick you first. From there, the school system can help me to obtain my certification.

It's all a very complex process and I am still not sure I understand it all. But I am excited for this opportunity to become a sub.

I am just praying and asking the Lord to open the right doors. I feel as if I have done my part and now, I will stand back and see what happens!

Autumnal Equinox

The Autumnal Equinox - fancy term for First Day of Fall! It is only one of two days during the year when the length of day and night is the same.

Yes, it's here. My favorite season of the year. (hey, that rhymes!)

Why is it my favorite? Well, let me count the ways:

Beautiful leaves, cooler temperatures, less humidity, pumpkin pie, Thanksgiving, Christmas, shopping, ornament exchange, pumpkin bread, baking, fireplaces, long socks, sweaters, family traditions, Christmas trees, decorations, hot cider, crisp mornings, pumpkin pancakes.

Welcome Fall!! Fall, oh, how I love thee!!

Tea Drinker

Yes, I am a tea drinker. I like it "English" style. With lots of milk and sugar. Oh, and, by the way, my very favorite tea is PG Tips. Most popular and consumed tea in Britain, (now that's saying something).

Well, why in the world am I sharing this info. with you? Well, I'm entering a contest and I need to post the contest host information here. Hopefully I will win the prize. What's the prize? Well, a really nice tea brewing mug! Wow, do you know how much I would love to have that thing?

Anyway, if you love tea, you might want to check out this blog: The Tea Scoop

Wish me luck!!

Remember when....

I remember when I was little, all of my siblings and I had our own favorite cartoon character. I remember us going around the room occasionally and saying, "mine is..." Well, mine was Tweety Bird. I loved him!

Anyway, he's celebrating his 60th birthday! Wow. HAPPY BIRTHDAY, TWEETY BIRD!

Social Media Revolution

Posted on Collide Magazine's website. This is a great video. Are we gonna be left behind if we can't keep up?

That Time of the Year

It's that time of the year. When the world turns it's eyes to the gridiron. Well, everyone, except me, that is. Don't get me wrong, I don't hate football or anything; I really don't. It's just not my favorite sport. But, I am learning by living in a college town (or living near one) how important college football is to the culture of these people. It's crazy! I mean, really crazy! I mean, the Braves are still playing baseball (not too good, but, hey, they're still playing) and everyone is yelling "WOOF, WOOF".

I really don't mind. I grew up in the D.C. area and the Redskins, Sonny Jurgensen and Joe Theisman were household words. I just haven't learned all the terminology, the love for one of the ugliest dogs I've ever seen (bulldog) and all the hooplah. I still haven't figured out what it is they yell everytime they punt! I am sure I will eventually get there, but, in the meantime, I hope the rest of you have an awesome season and that your team does the best and makes you proud.

I will continue to root for my Braves and pray for a miracle and maybe someday I will love the Bulldogs with as much fervor.

Maybe I'll see you someday "between the hedges"!!

BOOK REVIEW #1 - The Noticer

Well, I just completed my very first book from Thomas Nelson Publishers and am now going to share my review with you.

The book is entitled "The Noticer" and was written by Andy Andrews.

This was an awesome book! It is fiction but has the feel of a true-to-life story during the read. The author takes his account of an elderly gentleman who is, over a period of time, befriending "needy" individuals and sharing his wisdom and insight with each of them. Each chapter highlights a new person and each chapter is, in and of itself, a new story. All, though, are woven together, by the author, into a beautiful story of hope and encouragement.

I'm not going to spoil the story for you by giving you details, because I really hope that you will pick it up and read it for yourself. It's quite an easy and quick read and the author gives plenty of detail to keep you going but you are not bogged down at all during the book. But, I will say, that this book has tons of everyday, practical advice and wisdom that all of us can use. Lots of day to day gems to hold onto in this book.

The thing I came away with is it's all about "perspective". And, when we start seeing things differently, it can, literally, change our lives.

I hope you will consider reading this book. I am actually recommending every member in my family to read it. If you would like to purchase your own copy, you may do so here.

It's Been A While....

It really has been a while and I have to admit that I have been unfaithful to my blog and the scores of readers out there following my every word. Yes, I must confess, that Facebook has consumed all of my literary genius, albeit quite pathetic that it is :)

Seriously, though, I have enjoyed Facebook; the main reason being that I have gotten to re-connect with college buds and friends from past ministry days. It's been a blast from the past, so to speak!

But, fear not, faithful followers! I have returned!!

I am also now an official Thomas Nelson Book Blogger! What in the world is that, you ask? Well, basically, I get to pick a whole bunch of books that I am interested in reading, they send me an e-book copy and I read a certain book and then review it on my blog. So, it's pretty fun! (Thanks to Rachel for this idea)

I have just finished reading my very first book and will be posting my review in the upcoming days. Don't miss out! It really was an awesome read!

Well, enough for today, kiddies.... I will be seeing you soon.

(All of the above done "tongue in cheek")