Sunday, January 6, 2008

Back to School

It is time to go back to school and begin teaching Algebra and Geometry again. Both classes are still new to me because they are just a continuation of the material I have already taught. I feel like I did the whole first semester. I ask myself "How am I going to do this?" Whenever I begin to think about the material I have to teach I get anxious about it all and in a way just fall apart and want to escape the worry by doing something easier and definitely more fun. I am looking forward to the day where I can think about how I taught something before and alter my lesson based on what I learned. Nonetheless, I will get through today and have something for my students to learn or more likely review tomorrow. God has to be my strength and my provider in my life. I know I must trust Him for all comfort, peace, and guidance.

On a somewhat happier note I had a fantastic 2 week break away from school. I went back to Ohio and visited friends and family. It was extremely good to see everyone and also good to see that I can still interact fine with my college friends even though we have been separated for about 6 months. That was the longest I have been away from Ohio in one shot. When I came to Houston for co-op during college I was actually only gone for closer to 5 months.

In Ohio, I was able to balance my time with family, friends, and Danielle. What was really nice is that most of the time when I was hanging out with my family and friends, Danielle was with me too so I was happy to have them get to know Danielle better and vice-versa. I came home on Saturday the 22nd and enjoyed time with my family for 5 days. During that time Danielle was able to meet my extended family on Christmas Eve and I was able to meet one side of hers on Christmas. Both went really well. At Danielle's family's get together we were introduced to the game "Rock Band". This was a really fun game where you get to play the guitar, drums, sing, and bass all at one time. The only thing we were missing was the bass but we had 3 people rocking out to each song. Once we finally got the microphone to work Danielle's family urged me on to be the VERY first one to sing. It was the song by Weezer called "Say it ain't so". It was fun and I think I really impressed them by having the courage to do it in front of a bunch of people I just met, especially since they were Danielle's family. Well Danielle and I decided that we should get this so that we could play with others in Houston when she comes and have something else social to do other than going out to eat and watching a movie. Last night I ordered a used XBox 360 with many extras on Ebay and the Rock Band game on Amazon. Everywhere else I looked it was sold out but for some reason Amazon had quite a few in stock and were selling many used ones too. I just hope and pray that both the XBox and game work without a hitch.

Overall I had a GREAT break and am really glad I got to see everyone back home. I look forward to coming back from March 14 - 24. Pray for me that I will be able to give my best to my students and give them all the opportunities I can possibly give.

I love you all and I truly mean that!

Peace,
Michael

2 comments:

Danielle said...

I like being such a big deal in your post :)
You're in my prayers today and always, and I have no doubts that God will fill you to be the presence and wisdom your students desperately need.

Unknown said...

I just played Rock Band for the first time a week ago, and sang that Weezer song too (it was one of the few songs that I actually nailed)! And I think that is officially the funnest video game I've ever played.