I've had a pretty good week. Working in the library is nice. It’s a little tedious, but it’s a job. I'm averaging a couple hundred books each week. That's a labeling and shelving. If I work 2 1/2 hours tomorrow, I'll have 20 hours in this week of my allotted 44 for a three week period.

Saturday was fun. I went to the ALA conference in DC with both of my roomies (but I drove to metro in my own vehicle due to having some other plans). There were 1600 vendors there. I did walk through every aisle and got a few freebies, even a book signed to be by the author. It was very interesting.

I left the convention a little bit before my roomies to head to FBT for the video scavenger hunt. I had a great time there. I'm starting to remember some names, but not too many. We separated into teams of 3-4 people and got busy trying to complete our list. The team I was on came in 4th out of 5 groups. We still had a lot fun! :) I really enjoy the fellowship of the FBT group when I go. This was my second time. I'd really like to go to the next activity, but I'll be visiting my family. I wouldn't give that up. I guess the activity is an "Amazing Race" in DC. Sounds like a lot of fun. I'm now on their email list so I can get the updates and happenings.

Its been almost a full week since I hurt my back. Still not sure if I pulled a muscle or pinched a nerve. I recently learned about a condition that seems to match what I have. A while ago I went to the doctor about the side pain and the only thing that was said about my x-rays was that my lower back is narrow. I guess the technical jargon is Stenosis. I got that from the current Readers Digest I just got in the mail. I took some Motrin last night and slept the best I have in a few nights. Monday night was just awful. I was close to tears a few times. I don't think it helped any that did 3 1/2 hours of cleaning before I did the library work. I'm thinking about calling the doctor in the morning. I had some weird chest pains earlier as well. They're gone now, but I think I need to go in anyway, but I really am not impressed with my current PCP at the moment.

Praise the Lord! =)

Well, the Lord has answered my prayer in 4 different ways in the last two days! It makes me think of the verse that says "what is man, that thou art mindful of him." I'm nothing really, but God will still provide.

I'll be busy, but it will all be good.

Today, I went in to help out in the library. I labeled and shelved close to 200 books in 6 hours. The juvenile book section is being cataloged rearranged and that is going to be one of my projects this summer. Tomorrow I'm planning on being in the library for 8 hours. Now that I know more of what needs to be done, I think it'll move a little faster.

While working on the books, I think I pinched a nerve in my back. It hurts so much! I just took some pain reliever and have a heating pad on it to try to take the edge off the pain. If I am sitting or standing without any other movement, I'm ok. But, I can't be still for that long. I'm always shifting about. I do hope it gets better quickly.

Well, that's all for now. Have a blessed day!

I'm in quite a pickle. The one thing I need most is prayer. I thought everything was in order, but its not. I'm not sure why the Lord is having me go through this situation, but there is a reason for it. Otherwise, I wouldn't be going through it. I do not want to share the specifics of it because I was to see the Lord provide. In my logical, reasoning mind, there's no way its going to work out. BUT, I serve a God who owns the cattle on a thousand hills. He can provide.

I do have another request. My health is on the poor side as of late. I'm having asthma problems. With my health insurance, I can't even afford the meds I'm suppose to take on a daily basis. It's actually cheaper to have a full blown attack and go in to see the doctor than fill the prescriptions. (Wrong line of thinking, I know.)

I was asked about being a camp counselor for a church that I don't know. No, it wasn't a random thing, really. Watson, the youth pastor here, took a group of the younger kids to junior camp week. I guess while there, another church had need of a lady counselor. So, he called me. I told him I was willing (but that I had no idea where the camp is). So he called the camp back. Someone else filled the need, but I'm on-call now as a fill-in counselor. I think it would be a great experience.

Year in Review

Wow. School is over. Today is the last out-service day as well. My summer vacation is here. I don’t plan on working this summer (well, not a “regular” job, anyway) but there is still plenty to get ahead on. I have to think through a new discipline plan for my fourth graders. Oh, by the way, it is official that I am teaching fourth grade next year. Some people ask if I’m ok with that. I am. I did student teach fourth grade, so its not completely new to me. Only the second semester curriculum will be. J

There are a few changes for this coming school year. One K5, two 1st, one 2nd, one 3rd, two 4th, one 5th, and one 6th. There are 6 staff members not returning in the fall and I think that there are 2 people being hired. One of this year’s 4th grade teachers is moving up to 6th and will also be our department supervisor. I think he will do a great job. I did go up to his classroom to ask him a few things and for ideas about next year. There will be a music teacher and possibly a computer teacher (I really do hope for a computer teacher because I don’t want to teach it), but PE will now just be incorporated into recess. I hope I have a consistent aide to take mine out. If not, Sheila and I will alternate turns with the kids. Another thing that is changing is my involvement with the daycare. I don’t plan on working in it this next school year. I want to be available to meet with parents after school and to be able to get my grades done and posted.

I’m flying home Monday. I am excited about seeing my family again. It’s been too long. That’s the only drawback about moving so far from home. I know this is where God wants me for the time being, so I know that I will not be happy anywhere else. I’d rather be happy, far from home, and in God’s will than be where I “want” to be, miserable, and out of God’s will. I’ll be chaperoning my brother’s choir trip to Cedar Point on Tuesday. I think my mom going, but my sister cannot due to work.

Well, that’s all for now. There are still things to be done. I’ll try to update more often this summer, time permitting. God Bless!