During my two day stint in the nursery I discovered that I chose the right major.  The children in the nursery were not horrible, but they did lack the skills necessary for intellectual conversation.  I was very excited when I was able to return to my third and fourth graders.

As I stated I have taught spelling and handwriting.  Next week I will begin teaching third grade reading.  I am looking forward to teaching; however I am not looking forward to my first two stories.  It is just my luck that the first two stories I have to read are about snakes.  If anyone knows me, they are aware that I have a phobia of snakes.  Needless to say I am not looking forward to those first few lessons.

Tomorrow there will be no school because the teachers are having a staff development day.  SFC is working on getting out WASC accreditation.  Our development day will be focusing on things that we need to work on for WASC.

Today third and fourth grade are celebrating Valentines Day.  We will be walking to McDonalds for our party.  :)

My last day of work at Subway was on Thursday.  I am no longer a sandwich artist.  I am very thankful that God allowed me to work there over the past three years.  When I first got hired, I did not expect to be there that long, in fact, if you remember I quit the summer of ‘08.  At that point I had no intention of ever returning to work there.  I was sick and tired of Subway!  Well, God had a different plan.  That fall when I returned to school Subway asked me to return and work for them, after a week I told them yes.  My second year stint at Subway was a whole lot more enjoyable for me.

My last final as on Friday.  After class worked on packing my car… which by the way I am a tetris master.  To celebrate I had lunch with Kyle and Annie.  After lunch I headed to the airport to pick up Caitlin who would be driving home with me.

I decided to drive home on Saturday so that I could be coherent, consequently a safer diver.  However, by leaving later I was gambling with the weather.  I had planned to leave Costa Mesa about 8am Saturday but ended up not leaving until 20 minutes after.  It was raining so I was being extra cautions… within the first hour Caitlin and I saw 2 single car accidents.  The first accident took place in front of me in the carpool lane, it probably occurred about 2 minutes before we passed it.  Thankfully  there was a wide shoulder next to the carpool and the vehical happened to be on the shoulder.  The second accident we saw also took place maybe a minute before we passed it.  The carpool lane had just ended and I was back in the flow of traffic.  A van in lane #2  I guess spun out or something because the van was kind of faceing sideways and one of the tires wasn’t aligned with any of the other ones.

Rain was off and on the entire day and we were able to see a total of 5 rainbows, of those 4 of them were double rainbows.  It was truly amazing. I want to thank all of you who were praying for our safety and for the weather.  We were able to make it through the Grapevine without any problems.  I made it home in 7 1/2 hours!

So what have I been doing since I got home?  too much!

I have decided to make the guest bedroom my bedroom which means I have been moving around furniture, building furniture, and moving around stuff for the past 3 to 4 days.  By today I am sore and tired of moving stuff, but my room is coming together.  I haven’t decided yet if I will paint my room.  If I do decided to do it, I probably won’t attack it until the summer.

Tomorrow is SFCS High School Christmas Program.  Daniel gets home on Thursday.  I still need to do Christmas shopping… don’t know what to get my parents…. any suggestions?  I’m not sure what else to tell you.  If you of anything leave a comment.

I am picking up Caitlin from the airport on Friday afternoon and will be driving home to SF on Saturday.  It sounds like there will be lots of rain and lots of wind.   Not only this, but the Grapevine might be closed.  So maybe I’m blowing this all out of proportion, but I really am praying that the Grapevine doesn’t get closed.  I don’t want to drive PCH in all the rain, and all my other options would take me REALLY out of the way.  Anyways, so honestly I don’t care if it rains too much, I just don’t want them to close the Grapevine… at least until after I get through it.

Please keep me in your prayers as I drive home on Saturday.

I had a wonderful birthday and thanksgiving.  I can’t wait to go home.

I have six days left at work and six days left of school

I’ll try to write a valuable post later.

Enjoy your day.

On Sunday I was getting ready for church, I had already blowdried my hair and had my flat iron plugged in and warming up.  When I began to straighten my hair I realized that my straightener was not hot… it wasn’t even warm. In other words, my straightener had died, deceased, kicked the bucked,  was no more, passed on, perished, croaked, bereft of life, bought the farm, departed, expired, gone to meet its maker, lifeless, was pushing up daisies, dead.  To my horror I only had 15 more minutes before I had to leave for church. By the grace of God I was able to tame my hair into a manageable style.  Later that afternoon I purchased a replacement for my recently departed straightener… may it rest in peace.

On Tuesday I had a chapel presentation due.  Seeing that people are visual learners I made a PowerPoint display that coincided with the presentation.  I have enough technology savvy to know that I should expect the worst, consequently I provided myself with a large space of time to get my presentation up an running.  The projector was setup for me in the chapel and all I needed to do was plug in my computer and “have at it”.  So what did I do? I plugged in my computer and attempted to get my presentation to show up on the screen.  Long story short… it wasn’t working.  I returned to the office to ask if anyone knew how to do it… nope.  I texted my brothers… “pressed a bunch of keys until it works” or “i don’t know how to help you”  were my responses.  So I went and found some high schoolers from ACA, we were diagnosing the problem when my computer decided to freak-out.  First the mouse froze, then the screen went black.  I turned of my computer and restarted it.  The computer decided that it didn’t want to work and wouldn’t even make it to the password screen!  By this point I told the guys not to worry about it and I would just make my presentation without the PowerPoint.

Later that day….

I had just entered the dorm when I thought I heard my phone ringing.  When I grabbed my phone I realized that it was not ringing but rather had someone talking to me.  Apparently my phone decided to act of its own accord and call my manager on her cell phone.

Still later that day….

By this time I realized that technology was not on my side and that I should expect the worse when I went to work that evening, and technology did not disappoint me.  Soon after I arrived I was informed that certain individuals had ruined some of the night crews privileges.  During the evening while we are on our breaks we are often in the office on the computer playing spider solitaire.  Occasionally when it is ABSOLUTLY DEAD we will play it while we are on the clock, but this circumstance does not happen frequently.  Apparently an individual who usually works nights decided to play on the computer during lunch time and now all of the night crew gets punished for someones lack of thought.

Today is Thursday and so far I have not had any more technology drama, but you never know.  Stay tuned to find out more.

So it is mid-terms this week.  I only had three midterms and two projects due.  I think I did okay on all of them.

Work is normal, although my coworkers are going through a tough time.  There is a rumor that one of them might have swine flu… yikes!!!!  Another one had a roommate commit suicide… please keep her in prayer.

I spent the night over at a friends house last week and had a blast.  I learned a very important lesson while I was driving to her house… NEVER… I mean NEVER allow Renae Archer give you directions.  This was the second time she got us lost!  I should have remembered the first time that we ended up in Oxnard instead of El Matador Beach in Malibu; but there I was giving her the benefit of the doubt that she knew where we were headed.  Its wasn’t until we exited that she confessed that she doesn’t quit remember exactly how to get there.  As a result we got to explore parts of West Covina.  Thankfully I know how to text Google and get directions… we were able to get ourselves back on track and get to the house.

I was so happy when I realized that it was raining on Tuesday and Wednesday.  But wouldn’t you know it… its sunny again with tempertures expected to reach 90 degrees today.  California weather boggles my mind.

This was just one event in a very long day.  I finally decided that I shouldn’t consider all the bad things in my day and that I should find an upside.  I concluded that I wasn’t having a bad hair day.

Nothing entirely major has happened lately, just a bunch of random things so here is a random post.

Customers are interesting.

There is this one elderly gentleman that comes in early in the morning to get a bowl of soup.  He will only eat chicken noodle or minestrone.  When he comes in and we are serving Chipotle Chicken Corn Chowder or Broccoli Cheese he begins to lecture us about how nobody likes those soups and that he needs lots vegetables to keep himself alive.  He doesn’t understand first of all, people love those soups more than chicken noodle and second, that we have to rotate through our soups.  What makes him even more interesting – and somewhat scary is that this man needs a walker to get around.  Okay, so that walker doesn’t sound scary…. but the man drives a car!!  Seriously… if the guy has to us a walker should he really be driving?

I was very studious the other day while I was avoiding my homework.  I know this sounds like an oxymoron…. but its true.  I took a ton of classes for subway university.  I have now finished 22 classes… I’m not sure how many more I have to do before I graduate.

I have taken Hannah to the ER allot recently.  I think I’m getting used to this idea of staying up all night, well, that is until i get to class the next morning.  I did fine in class on Thursday, but I was pinching myself all through chapel in order to stay awake.  Thankfully I have never fallen asleep during class or chapel during my college career… yet.

I have a dilemma for next Friday night.  PBC is going bowling then to coldstones.  LBC is going to boomers.  Bowling and ice cream is “free” cause I paid the activity fee… boomers’ isn’t free.  Either way I will be making some of my friends mad… maybe i should ditch both that way I don’t have to decide

Hmmm, I’m not sure what other random information I should post.  If I think of anymore I will post it later.

I have also just returned from a two week vacation with my family.  I flew to SF then traveled with my family to Portland OR. for a cousins wedding.  It was really great to spend time with my family and see my grandparents, aunts, uncles, siblings, cousins, and niece.  The one downside was the trip home…. lets just say that it was crowded.

Now that school is back in session I hope to be blogging more frequently because I have access to the internet more regularly.

Grrr. I made great plans for today. It was my day off and I was going to seclude myself at the coffee bean, which has free Wi-Fi, and I was going to spend time on the internet. Checking email, blogging, Subway University, etc., well I made it to coffee bean just fine, ordered my drink and got ready to use my computer. Wouldn’t you know it… my computer decides it does not like the internet today. Oh, it says I’m connected… but nothing is loading. On top of that, I had brought my headphones so that no one would have to listen to all my subway stuff… and my computer won’t admit that I have even plugged them it. Sometimes computers make me want to go crazy.

I rebooted my computer… that didn’t help. Texted my brother… he can’t help until I visit tomorrow. My only solution is to give up, go home, and finish the book I was reading.

Well, seems how I am writing I might as well give a good update about my life. As usual, work keeps be busy. Oh the drama of work! Half the time I can’t help laughing at all of it. Most recently, I heard a rumor that I was trying to get someone fired! I’ll try to tell this story as simple as possible. One morning I was working with two other shift leaders. One of them is usually a closer (like me) and we were commenting how another closing shift lead has become “comfortable” with work. Well somehow, word traveled and the shift leader who we said was “comfortable” heard that me and the other person thought she was “lazy” which then was interpreted, as we want to get her fired! Honestly, I should know better than to say anything like that at work. It doesn’t matter who you work with, whatever you say will be spread through the entire store by the next day. Nothing is ever held in confidence. I guess that comes with working with a bunch of girls.

Life in the dorm is going normal. Hannah and I see each other every occasionally. Between our work schedules, different churches, and her doctor appointments, we see one another for maybe two 15-minute sessions a day (that’s just Monday through Thursday). From Friday to Sunday, it is actually a miracle if we see each other. I think we have become fairly good at summing up our days in those few minutes.

I went to Six Flags Magic Mountain last week with my Sunday School Class. It was a blast. I honestly couldn’t tell you what was the best ride… terminator… batman… tatsu… I don’t know they were all pretty fun. Although I definitely didn’t like the line for superman… dark tunnel… crowded… hour wait… I couldn’t wait for fresh air! My only regret was that we didn’t get to go on X2… both times we got in line we were informed that the ride was down.

I can’t wait for August. I get to go on vacation! I will by flying home then driving with my parents and brother up to Oregon to attend my cousins wedding. I will be gone for two weeks! When I return I will be registering for my classes and back in school. I feel as if summer is flying by!

I’m not sure what else I should say. Oh! I cut my hair! It is now above my shoulders. I haven’t had it this short in over 5 years. It is taking a little while to get used to, especially when I have to try to put it up for work.

Today is my little brother’s and Grandpa’s birthdays. Daniel is 19! Man that makes me feel old… even if I’m only 20 I made sure I texted him bright and early this morning to wish him a great bday. Well, in actuality, it was still dark outside, and I hadn’t gone to bed yet. I’m sure he appreciated a text just after midnight though.

Ok. I need to stop rambling. Hope you enjoyed reading about everything.

I’ll give everyone a better update about my life whenever i get the chance.

Ji was in torment the whole next day.  Her conscience was telling her that the guys were mad at her… they wouldn’t answer her phone calls.  Finally when Kyle answered, he said that he had never seen Casey that mad before.  That really sent her into tears. That evening she discovered that the guys really were not mad at her and that they had been pulling her leg.

The next morning as Hannah and I walked out to her car we couldn’t help but bust up laughing.  They had gotten us.  Hannah’s car was TP-ed.

Ever since last year we have waited with anticipation for this years graduation fellowship.  The girls dorm has pulled a prank this year that is unbelievably awesome.  the prank is still in progress… so i can’t disclose any information.  but come back soon to find out what we did and how they responded.

I believe that a woman has a right to be voice her opinion and be respected for it.  Nonetheless, the woman is to submit to the authority in her life (ie. God, her father, brother, husband, pastor etc.).  If voicing my opinion does not conflict with their authority then I see no harm is saying what needs to be said. Apparently others disagree with me.

I at a point in my life were I have no husband and have no prospects (that doesn’t make me anti-husband and anti-children).  I don’t consider the lack of prospects to be a disadvantage.  I have a great opportunity to get to know my God and to serve him with reckless abandon.  (i’m not perfect… but He is making me perfect)  God is the final authority in my life and I submit myself under his authority.

My father is also an authority in my life.  I would never intentionally do anything to defy his God-given authority.  In like manner, I respect my brothers and value their opinion.

My pastor and professors are authorities in my life.  While I am under their leadership I will respect their authority.  The Hebrews 13:17 says “Obey them that have the rule over you, and submit yourselves: for they watch for your souls, as they that must give account, that they may do it with joy, and not with grief: for that is unprofitable for you.”  As long as there is any form of authority in my life i will obey this verse in Hebrews.

I have two weeks left (actually 7 days) and 6 more projects to do.  I feel like I have been turning in projects all semester!  I guess that’s how college is suppose to be – and endless list of things to do.

I’m avoiding homework right now.  I should be working on my paper for Creation v. Evolution.  I’m writing it on eugenics and am finding it very interesting.  Galton, the father of eugenics, was Charles Darwin’s cousin!  Anyways, my paper is basically how Darwinian thought leads to eugenics and eventually genocide.

Got to get back to my homework.  Like I said I can’t wait for summer!

Almost three years ago I discovered that I had celiac disease.  I don’t think I can put into words how I felt.  There are so many adjectives! …scared, frightened, shocked… okay so they all have the same general meaning.  I couldn’t imagine what my life would be like. I knew that there was no cure, just a way to prevent the symptoms… but that didn’t set my mind at ease.  I wrestled with God for the longest time.  “How dare He give this to me!”  I thought.  “God, please take it away!” was my plea.

God taught me so much those first few months!  I learned that He is always in control – even where my health is concerned.  I taught me that He is able to provide my daily bread… a really ironic thing to consider.

Sometimes I still feel like an apple, and there are days when I get really sick.  But it is on those days that God reminds me to place my trust in Him and rely on His strength.. not mine.

So, what is the purpose of this post…

Don’t feel sorry for me, please!  God has used this to bring me closer to him.

Second, don’t worry if you accidentally asked me if I want cookies, spaghetti, or anything like that… I won’t be offended.

As I wrote a few weeks ago, I took The Life of Christ and have a paper due in March.

Monday morning from 7:30 to 10:30 I have History of Civ II with Pastor Dorsey. I have a paper due for this class.

Tuesday from 7:30-9:30 and from 10:30 -11:30 I have Physical Science with Pastor Dorsey. (9:30-10:30 is chapel).  I’m supposed to have a paper… but he hasn’t told us about it yet.

Wednesday from 7:30-10:30 Doctrines IV with Pastor Dorsey; and 10:30-12:30 is Creation v. Evolution with Dr. Cantrell. We are theoretical going to have a paper for Doctrines… hopefully he will forget . However, I do have a paper for Cantrell’s class.

Thursday from 7:30-8:30 I have Teaching Methods and Educational Psychology with Dr. Gordon.  These two classes are directive study and I have approximately 7 projects for Methods and 4 for psychology.  Three of each of the projects are book reports.  Also on Thursday is chapel which is at the same time as it is on Tuesday.

Friday I get a break from my early classes and have no classes… it is so wonderful not to be up at 6a.m.

This past week I had the opportunity to sit in class for approximately 25 hours.

  I was taking the winter interim which was “Life of Christ.”  Pastor Kirkland was my teacher… and let me just say he did an awesome job.  When I got to class Monday morning I  realized that I was going to be the only girl in the class.  Our homework was to read all four Gospels during the week and write a research paper (thankfully it’s not due until March).  I am kind of excited about writing this paper.  It is an 8 pg paper comparing and contrasting Jesus to any religious leader.  I have decided to do my paper on Mother Teresa.  Although this was only a one week long class I still had to take a mid-term and a final.  My mid-term was an essay, so I’m not sure how I did on that.  My final was a typical Kirkland test… I only missed three questions. 

Alright now that I have discussed my academic life, I am going to discuss my work life.  After a wonderful 3.5 week vacation I went back to work on Monday.  My second person didn’t show up… so I found a replacement. Course when you get someone to close who does not normally close you end up staying at work later than you would like.  The schedule for the next week (Jan 7-13) was already up  so I wrote down when I was supposed to work.  Somehow I ended up having Thursday, Saturday, Sunday, and Monday off leaving me with only 21 hours of work.  On Tuesday I get called in two hours early and when I get to work and glance at the schedule… 29 hours.  I was now scheduled for Monday.  Thursday morning I am sitting in class, I glanced down at my phone and noticed that my manager texted me…. she wanted me to work Saturday.  So there you have it.  37 hours.  But wait that is not the end of my story.

So today was supposed to be one of my days off, but I ended up covering another person’s shift.  Well around 1 pm my manager texts me and says that the store is out of spinach and that I need to pick some up on my way to work.  Well, she had already called South Pomona and they didn’t have any so I needed to call La Verne and see if they had some we could borrow.  Well, I called La Verne and they didn’t have any, so I called Claremont and they didn’t have any to spare either; next I called San Dimas… they had some.  So I hastily got ready for work and drove to San Dimas and picked up spinach.  I got to work and… well… it was work.  But still my story is not done….  My third person was there when I arrived, and my second was supposed to get there at 5.  As the day goes on I notice that we are in danger of running out of napkins, so I call South Pomona and arrange to pick it up later that evening.  Around 4 I get a phone call from my second saying she was going to be a little late.  My Second got to work around 6 and as soon at possible I ran my errand to yet another Subway.  So there you have it: from 21 to 37 and 3 in 1 day

here are our names in case you don’t remember

Natalie
Monica
Jireh
Hannah
and… yours truly…. Ruth

Care-Bear Names
green: Oopsy Bear
pink: Cheer Bear
yellow: Funshine Bear
purple: Share Bear
blue: Grumpy Bear

if you go to this link it will give you a discription of each one of the five bears
http://www.agkidzone.com/meet_carebears.action

Good Luck and Have Fun

I am still working at Subway.  I’ve been there since Feb 2007 but I took this past summer off because I went home.  I enjoy working there.  I have had several opportunities to be a light in my coworkers’ very dark world.

I’m looking forward to Christmas Break when I get to see all of my family.

Well, I guess that is all for now.