Ok, ok…an update

Well I realize that I have a hard time keeping this thing updated. So there has been a lot of things happening lately. Life seems crazy at the moment and all too busy to be honest. Lately I’ve felt like I’m running around like a crazy person trying to get so many things done at one time! It’s nuts!

We’ll start with work. For now, I’m still working at CBRE Monday – Wednesday. It is always great to be here, and of course it doesn’t hurt that I am making a little extra money right now. Once I get in the full swing of student teaching I plan to work 10 hours a week from school. We’ll see how that goes. I am going to have to be a MUCH better steward of my time. I have a feeling I’ll need to literally plan out every second of my day in order to pack in all the things I need to do. It’s possible, but it will take a lot of self control and work.

Now school. I’m so close to the finish line that I almost feel like I’ve already crossed it. Right now I am finishing up my methods course for teaching math in middle schools, there is only three weeks left of this…during which I have about 10 projects/papers to complete. Gross. It basically involves jumping through hoops so that Purdue will give me my degree. I’ll do whatever it takes! Just the other day I received an email from my academic advisor saying that my name is listed for a December graduate, and to clarify that I’ll be getting a degree in math education and a minor in psychology…to which I of course replied…”YES, that is correct…can’t wait to be done!”

I’ve also been visiting my classroom quite a bit in the last few weeks. I am so excited! I have a great cooperating teacher, a great university supervisor, and a super group of kids! Tecumseh seems like a super school and I’m thrilled to be able to “work” there. I am ready. I am also very pleased that I have a SMARTboard in my classroom!!! Yeah for integrating technology effortlessly:) I need to come up with a plan to learn all of my students’ names…all 130 of them. That will be quite a task.

God has been blessing me like crazy! I can feel His hand directing my path and I prepare for a future that isn’t so clear to see at this point. My current employer has informed me that they would love to keep my “on board” as long as possible…and definitely through next summer. Amazing. I also found out that Tecumseh will have two math positions opening for the 2009 school year…so that is really good news. I’m trying to explore options right now. I have a lot of contacts within several school systems in Indiana, so things are looking good right now. I don’t know where I want to move when I graduate…but WesLaffy is looking pretty good. I love Kossuth, and would be blessed at the opportunity to stay here and grow more! I’m also looking the possibility of private tutoring for Sylvan Learning Center when I graduate. I’m thinking this would be a great option from January-May of next year or until I can land a full time teaching position.

And some random thoughts to close my post:

1. I shared an amazing math joke with my co-workers, and they simply stared at me like I was crazy. Sad.

2. My “Math Teacher’s book of lists” should be coming in the mail today. I’m pretty excited!!!

3. Don’t ever, under any circumstance, spill milk in your vehicle. It is NASTY MCNASTY…and a pain to clean up. Not to mention it smells worse than anything you could imagine. The advice of my colleagues was to either burn my car, or sell it. Ha. How sad…I’ve only had it for two months But the smell is improving…little by little.

So many things to think about…but NOTHING to worry about!!! Praise God for His peace, guidance, and grace in my life! He’s got it ALL under control.

Today we had a debate in the office on the difference between “effect” and “affect”.

It is times like these that make me glad I am a math major.

Stupid english!

So…

Shall we start by stating the obvious…I haven’t updated in a looong time. Sorry to anyone who actually reads this and is concerned! Ha. But much to your surprise (and mine as well) there are actually things to update on. So let’s begin with where I left off after my last post.

Oh, but first…some have questioned where my blog title has come from…answer: it’s a couple lines of a poem I wrote last summer. So there you go!

Apparently I updated the day before my birthday this year, so happy birthday was said to me and I turned 22 on Valentine’s Day…how exciting. As I recall we had a dinner for HOOT where the boys cooked for the gals and it was rather tasty, and they also sang to me. Good birthday! And then I think I had a test the next day.

The rest of February came and went and then on to March!

March was an exciting month:) GERMANY! This was my first overseas trip and hopefully not the last. The flight over was a little rough for me (no air vents on the plane…it was toasty) and the motion sickness didn’t help. I felt bad, but never actually got sick. Needless to say I was glad to get back on the ground! The week spent in Berlin was absolutely amazing! What a wonderful time of fellowship with Team Berlin. Such a great group of people, their love for the Lord was so evident! We went to encourage them, but I found myself being much more encouraged by them. I didn’t feel like we did enough. I was able to lead a couple songs during their Sunday service and then again during AWANA’s that night, and this was the first time I played my guitar in front on a lot of people! It went well despite my lack of adequate preparation. We spent the rest of the week sight-seeing and ministering…did I mention how great is was? Really, I want to go back!! We even landed a free stay in Brussels, Belgium after our flight got delayed in Berlin causing us to miss our connecting flight to Chicago. It all ended up working out great and I for one am glad that we were able to take in the sights in Belgium as well! Plus the beds were much comfier than those in our hostel:)

Then of course I came back to a few days of jet-lag and sickness, school, and work. It was hard to get back in the routine of things, but I managed and am still plugging along as you read this.

Only one week of classes, and a week of finals and then I’m finished with finals FOREVER! (unless I go to grad school at some point…) I officially move from taking tests and completing countless assignments to giving them and grading them.

Once finals are over this semester I’ll head home and start working full-time again for CB Richard Ellis|Bradley. I’m thrilled to see my co-workers again and to get paid for working hard Unfortunately I can’t really start looking for a permanent teaching job until I graduate this December.

Which brings me to my latest bit of news, I finally found out where I’ll be student teaching next semester: Tecumseh Junior High. I’ll be in an 8th grade classroom and I am very excited; partly because I’m almost finished with school, and partly because I am thrilled to finally be teaching!

After that I am hoping to find a job in the Lafayette area…we’ll see how things work out. If I’ve learned anything during my time here at Purdue (or shall I say during my time as a disciple of Christ), is that making plans on my own is never a wise decision. I’m best to follow God’s leading and rejoice in whatever circumstance He puts me in! Then I’m reminded of a favorite verse of mine: “many are the plans in a man’s heart, but it is the Lord’s purpose that prevails” (Proverbs 19:21) Ah, makes me smile just thinking about that verse and that no matter how uncertain I feel the future is, that I have an amazing peace through God’s promises! I can’t wait to see how his plan unfolds in my life

good day sunshine

Today has been a good day…which definitely makes up for my extremely stressful morning yesterday. I don’t even want to get into that.

Good things about today:

God has totally opened me eyes to something that I’ve been praying about…I picked up an old daily devo book last night and the lesson was exactly what I needed to hear! Amazing…my God is truly awesome. Praise Him for his unfailing, unfathomable, never-ending love!!

I’ve been extremely productive! All of my homework is finished for the rest of the week. I’ve gotten in all my hours for work, and have practiced my guitar.

Statistics ended 20 minutes early today.

I scored a free pop today! I needed some caffeine so went to get a coke…I put my dollar in, and bingo! TWO cokes for the price of one! Sweet!

The sun is shining! This always makes for a good day:)

And I have choir tonight…fun, fun.

It’s hump day!

That’s all my good things for today…what were some good things about YOUR day today?!

Long time, I know…

So, it has pretty much been forever since I’ve posted about anything. Things have been so busy! Over Christmas “break” I worked. So it really wasn’t a break, but it was nice to see my co-workers and get away from school type work for awhile. I came back and was forced to get right back into the swing of things. Here’s how classes round out this semester:

MA 366 Differential Equations, great professor, so far. He’s a bit unorganized (we didn’t get a syllabus), but he is approachable and explains things well. This class also has a lab component, MATLAB, which I am not really a big fan of, but I guess the program does tell me answers to equations I plug in, so that’s nice!

MA 385 Introduction to Theory (or is it logic? I can’t seem to remember). My professor is crazy! He just rambles on and on and on…and then stares are someone in class until they nod their head in agreement. No joke, he will continue to look at you until you give some response, which is why I don’t sit in the front row. But, so far it has been easy, and I have a friend to do homework with, so that makes it much more tolerable.

STAT 350 Introduction to Probability. So far so good here. The professor gives us outlines for each day’s lecture, and goes through things slowly (sometimes too slowly), but I won’t complain. So far it is a big repeat from my old stat class and last semester’s discrete mathematics course. There is also a lab with this class, but we pretty much just use excel and minitab and make graphs…so it’s not hard.

Lastly is EDCI 425 Teaching Math in Secondary Schools. My professor is amazing! She taught math for three years and now she is focusing on getting her PhD in research on how to make teachers better teachers. Pretty cool. I think if I were to go back to get my doctorate, that’s the kind of thing I would focus on. I don’t think I could handle studying one math topic for a few years! I’m hoping this class will give me some really good insight into how to conduct a math class and teach so that my students feel engaged in the material! I must admit that it is kind of weird to be studying education and then sitting through classes here at Purdue with professors that don’t know how to really teach students in the best possible manner. It is beyond frustrating, and I think that is something that Purdue needs to work on…they should require professors to take some kind of course in teaching methods (maybe they do…if so, they should do more!)

Ha, so last night at choir practice, Ben (our choir director) asked me if I would consider myself a mathematician, I didn’t know what to say at first…but now that I’ve googled the definition of a mathematician…I can answer yes! A mathematician is defined as someone who is “skilled in mathematics” or “a person whose primary area of study and research is the field of mathematics.” Well that’s me! HA! I guess I am an amateur mathematician, because in order to be an expert in a field you need 10 years of experience in the field (according to my psychology classes…boy that minor is coming in handy!)…but then again, I’ve been doing math for well over 10 years…so maybe I am an expert…hmmm…interesting. Wow, I’m sure that was enthralling for my readers.

Anyways, on to other things. So other than filling my head with more math knowledge this semester, I’m continuing to work with CB Richard Ellis | Bradley as their Market Study Intern. The 2007 study has been completed and should be hot off the printers in the next month or so, kind of exciting that I’ll be published and all!

Ok, enough of my rambles…but I had to make up for my lack of posts! OH, for anyone who is interested…I have a GREAT math joke to share…ask me the next time you see me

While some people are gearing up to take their last final exams and go home for Christmas break; I’m waiting to take my first final of the week.

Purdue dealt me a crappy finals schedule this semester, with two finals on Thursday and (gee, lucky me) the late final slot on Friday. And of course, that last final happens to be my hardest. I just want to be done and relaxing at home!

Today I’m off to a review session for my abstract algebra class. And apparently my professor is going to bring in his rubik’s cube and show us some trick to solve it. Only a dork like me would think that was exciting. After that I have a study session planned with some folks from my discrete math class. And then I’ll be brushing up on my music theory for tomorrow’s 8am exam in that class.

I really don’t like studying. I think that in highschool we were fooled into thinking that we were being prepared for college. WRONG! I didn’t study ever, no not ever, in highschool and still managed to get straight A’s. But at good old Purdue, I can study for days to prepare for a test and end up with a not so good grade. Take my last abstract algebra test as an example, the class average was 33%, and we are all math majors. Go figure that one!

ok, well I gotta jet to my review session.

thoughts and rambles…

This past weekend I went to see August Rush with a friend. GOOD MOVIE! I highly recommend it, and I want to learn how to play the guitar like that kid. Maybe I’ll try that later on tonight. I should really take guitar lessons, maybe then I’d actually be more motivated to practice, and make time for it. That’s the problem, making time. Although, I am constantly surprised at what I remember even if I haven’t played it in a long time.

God is amazing. I am constantly astounded to see the ways that His plan continues to unfold in my life. I’ll admit that I don’t understand why certain things happen, or even how to deal with circumstances when they inevitably go sour. But I do know that I’ve got an amazing Friend and Father who cares so deeply for me. Despite all that I am, He still looks upon me…wow. I’ve just been thinking alot lately, good thinking. I don’t know, I’m just realizing that God has so much in store for my life (yes, I already knew this before), and there is no sense worrying about anything. That’s right, about anything. We allow ourselves to be distracted and we take our eyes off of Jesus and fix them on people and things. I’m not saying I should just throw away dreams, friendships, or relationships. I’m not saying that at all, God has placed those desires in us for a reason. I know He places people in my life to encourage me, and spur me on in my faith, and to challenge me. And I know that He has placed ambitions within me to be used for His purpose and glory. I don’t know if that makes any sense at all, I don’t know how to explain the thought inside my head right now; but I guess what I’m trying to say is that we as humans seek out relationships, approval, and love from things on this earth, which will in the end disappoint us. Fact of life. I do this, we all do this. When in reality we simply (sometimes it’s not so simple) need to turn to face God and we will find this meaningful relationship, the face of the One we should be trying to impress, and the love that we so desperately desire. He won’t return void. You don’t have to worry about Him rejecting you, or not wanting to spend time with you. That’s not going to happen. I give God the short end of the stick. He wants me to spend time with Him, and I ignore Him. Terrible, it really is. I need to take advantage of those weekends when I feel like everyone has plans with their significant other or when I feel a friend doesn’t want to spend time with me and see a blessing and not a curse. I need to use this opportunity to get to know my Creator, my Lover, my Savior, and my Lord, more and more!
I feel God working in my life, and let me tell you that is the most amazing feeling that anyone could have! I know that He has got His mighty Hand over me and that He is looking out for me in ways that I cannot even understand right now. I see His guidance in my life. He’s protecting and providing for me in the ways an earthly Father should. I have not been denied anything, I haven’t been short handed; God’s taking care of me! There is nothing else I need. He is more than enough. I feel His peace, His love, His mercy all around me. I see Him in the faces of my friends, the smiles of random students on campus, and in my life. He’s here with me, always. I’m learning to trust in His perfect timing. I trust He will make relationships grow when and with whom He sees fit, He’ll show me where to find a job, He’ll guide me in my friendships, in my interactions, in the seemingly mundane routine of everyday life. It may feel at times that I’ve been abandoned and rejected by the ones that I love most, the ones I hold nearest to my heart, the ones I’ve placed my trust in, the ones I’ve held to my high expectations, and given my time to. But I am not abandoned or rejected EVER by the One who loves me most, the One who matters most; I rest in that peace and in His promises today and always. Jesus, YOU make me smile!

I thought I’d share a poem with the wordpress world…

You

 

You amaze me everyday

You deserve so much more than what I give

You want to know my thoughts

You motivate me to be better

You caress me and tell me I’m beautiful

You touch me and my flesh melts

You make me long for a new life

You hold my life and make me feel secure

You guide me into a world I do not understand

You whisper to me and soothe my soul

You reveal yourself to me through all creation

You flood my heart with joy

You protect like a father should

You chip away my hard heart and make me complete

You smile on me

You take me beyond where I think I can go

You know my struggles and pain

You see me for who I truly am and you still love

I fail

I crumble

I wander

I stray

I quit

I forget

I disobey

But you remain steady, constant, and strong

My pillar

My teacher

My leader

My guide

My lover

My life

My God

 

Ashley Justice (2006) 

I’ve been tagged!

Alright, so apparently this thing is called “Meme” and Janet has tagged me. So I now have to write 5 interesting things about myself and proceed to tag 3 other people…here we go!

1. I have a tendency to stick my tongue out if I am trying to concentrate on something. For example: while I am painting, making pottery, playing the guitar, doodling, or doing math homework. I find it does in fact help, and I’m told I’ve done this since I was a wee little one.

2. I am a neat freak. I will often spend hours organizing things, labeling, and making sure everything is in it’s place. I can’t stand clutter…which is why I have only 5 icons on my desktop (which most people think it strange), but I like it. This does not mean my apartment is spotless…I would love for it to be…but my roommate has other plans.

3. I work for a commercial real estate company (CB Richard Ellis…largest in the world). I am a Market Study Intern, which pretty much means I do all the things that no one else wants to do; as well as compile a huge market study that will be published in the very near future. Oh, and I have no interest what.so.ever. in selling real estate. I love my coworkers, never a dull moment in our office!!

4. My sister bought me a rubik’s cube for my birthday last year. And ever since I have made it my goal to solve that blasted thing (maybe it is the former “mathlete” in me) LOL. I can get past the first 2 layers…then I get stuck. I have literally spent hours just sitting and trying to solve it…to no avail of course. The stickers are peeling off and it is so worn! I’m sure if you were to sneak into my apartment you could find my roommate and I lounging in the living room procrastinating and passing the cube back and forth…yeah, we’re dorks, self-proclaimed.

5. I like to sing (yes, most of you already know this), but there’s more. I like to sing really loud (like really really loud) if I am alone in my car. It’s like my own personal concert. I usually refrain from this while I am with others (unless the roomie and I are belting out a little “my heart will go on”…or if we want to show off our mad skills to random pedestrians and passer-byers)

Ok, that was fun! I tag…

Adam H., simply because he dared Dave to tag him (beat you to it).

Jennah B…because I miss her like mad and am eager to see what she can come up with! and…

Tim G.! Because you used to actually update your blogs and haven’t, and I would love to hear how you and the beautiful family is doing!! (PS, I wanna come back to Delaware…)

I know, I know…

    Ok, so it has been a long time since I have gotten around to updating this thing. I honestly did try to a few days ago…but alas, I sat here with a blank page and with nothing to say to the world.

But here I am! Still with nothing too profound to say, but I’m here. I just got back from church a few minutes ago, I’m usually not home until 1ish, but I went to first service (and part of second) because I got to sing for choir today. Which leads me to my first point. I’m in choir. Ha. I love to sing, for me, praising God through song is a form of worship that truly draws me closer to His heart…and focuses my mind on Him alone. Choir is fabulous. Like I said, I love to sing, and we have been working really hard on our Christmas program for this year (The Wonder of Christmas). And I think that anyone reading this should come!!!! Inquire for dates and times:)

Onto other things. I am so beyond ready for this semester to be over, finished, no more. I would say that this has probably been my hardest semester yet…all for one reason (enter dark music) Abstract Algebra ::shudder::. And that is really all the more I want to talk about that subject.

Oh, yes, and the Germany trip is in the works. We will be heading over to Berlin in early March and spending a week or so working with a small church over there. Be praying for God to use us and show us how we can best minister to His people over there.

And now I’m back to a point where I feel as if I have nothing to say, the only thing playing in my mind is the following song. I won’t post it in it’s entirety, but this is the verse/choruses that really spoke to me this morning. You all should look it up, and if you don’t sing it at your church, suggest it to your worship leader…it’s “The Power of the Cross“…

…This, the power of the cross:
Christ became sin for us.
Took the blame, bore the wrath -
We stand forgiven at the cross…

Oh, to see my name
Written in the wounds,
For through Your suffering I am free.
Death is crushed to death,
Life is mine to live,
Won through Your selfless love.

This, the power of the cross:
Son of God – slain for us.
What a love! What a cost!
We stand forgiven at the cross.

I guess I do have one more thought. I can’t imagine my life without my Savior. His forgiveness and love for me is unfathomable, and I don’t deserve it. Not at all. Praise God that salvation is found in Him alone, and that there is nothing we can do to attain it, because if it were up to me…I don’t want to think about what I’d be doing now.

overdue update…

Hi friends! I think it is time that I update this thing.

Life has been absolutely crazy lately. It seems like everything is running at full speed and that I am always on the go! But things have been going well…I do wish they would slow down though.

I am very excited about something…I have the opportunity to go to Berlin over spring break this coming March!!! I’m not sure exactly what we would be doing, but it is mission related and I would be traveling with folks from Kossuth and the college group down here. I prayed about it, and I think it will be an amazing time! I haven’t been on a mission trip since Oklahoma, and I am really looking forward to it already. Please pray for all of us that are thinking about going and as we figure out all of the details of the trip!

I was able to work in the Warsaw office a couple of days last week for my October Break. It felt so good to be greeted with hugs and surrounded by familiar faces once again! I really do miss work while I’m at school. Although I am still working, it is just by myself in my room…so not as exciting.

Other than that, I don’t think there is anything too thrilling to report.

Hope everyone has a great week!