The Long Lost Blog - Part 1

Hello all,

I know it has been so long, it is overwhelming to come back to this forlorn blog of mine. Let me just tell you it has been a busy summer. I don't know how I could possibly tackle it all and add pictures at the same time without going crazy, but I will list some of the things I have done this summer to give you an update, and I am sure you will understand why the blog seemed to fall into the oblivion of things that didn't make the priority list.

• My older sister, Hannah, got married on June 21st. It was a lot of preparation. I made all the table runners, planned, bought, prepared, and transported, most all of the decorations for the reception, helped with the flowers, including making Hannah's bouquet. Our family pretty much put the whole of the celebration together. It was a very busy time. We are very happy for Hannah and Michael. Someday soon, I will post pics of the Dimond wedding.
• I have since finished my first semester of my Masters of Education in TESOL (Teaching ESL). I took block classes, The Psychology of the Adult Learner, and Curriculum and Instruction. It was intense with the work load, and adjusting to being back in school, and trying to figure out Cleveland State University, but I made it through, and got two A's, so I'm pleased. I learned a lot in both classes. Going to college not at BYU Idaho is very different. I miss having a prayer at the beginning of the class uniting with classmates and instructor to seek for the spirit to be with us. But the diversity has been a great opportunity to learn and grow.
• I have been perfecting my resume over and over and have been looking all summer for a job that would help me pay for school. That has taken up a lot of time and stress and frustration. I wanted to be a Graduate Assistant (GA). These are the best campus jobs for graduate students because 10 hours of work per week will pay in-state, full-time tuition. If you get a 20 hour GA position, the second 10 hours gives you a really good stipend (cash money). I looked high and low for one, and nothing was turning up. We kept praying and fasting and paying our tithing, and I kept searching for a job. Finally, someone I knew in my class said they knew of an open position in their department, Student Activities. I met with the director, and it didn't seem to me like it would be a great fit. But then my friend introduced me to the director of the tutoring center. I got an immediate interview, and they offered me an hourly paying 20 hr. per week job on the spot. My supervisor was very energetic and enthusiastic. I was way excited to tutor international students in English. The next day I got called to set up an interview with Student Activities. I was surprised, but said I would do the interview. I didn't feel good about it, and after a lot of reflection, and talking to people to try to figure myself out, I respectfully withdrew myself from consideration. That same day I got called for a GA interview in Teacher Education! The Lord works in mysterious ways. I took the interview, apparently wowed them, and they offered me a 20 hour GA position right in the interview. I accepted with bitter-sweet feelings. This will pay for my degree, and it is in a good department, but I was sad to have to quit my tutoring job. I feel like I made the right decision, although the road has started out quite bumpy. I officially start my GA job tomorrow in The Department of Teacher Education for the Middle Childhood Ed. Program.
• I have been applying for Ohio residency so that my tuition cost would be cut in half. That was a crazy process. It was much easier to get married and change my name! I think if anyone was in the business of stealing identities, all they would have to do is find the 30 page packet of information I had to compile to apply. I was just approved for residency, so my tuition will be about half as much. Yay!

Well, we will just start with that because I need to get to sleep, and tomorrow I will try to put in 15 minutes to continue the epoch of my summer activities.