One Year

Sunday Chaz and I celebrated one year of marriage. Yup. A lot of you were celebrating with us one year ago in Bellevue, IA. It's been a crazy, up-and-down, topsy-turvy sort of year, and it's been forever, but it's also gone by quickly. To celebrate, we went to Sturgis Falls in CF (yeah, yeah, Kel!), which is where we met three years ago. The day consisted of church, friends, supper with family, salsa dancing, beer, foot washing, and laughter (and, of course, kissing). Now that we're a year older in marriage, we have much to look forward to: continual learning, new adventures, moving, but also getting more comfortable in our lives together.

We are so thankful for:
friends near
friends far away
friends in far away lands
church family
growing family
the love and support we get from all of those

Oh, yes, it's summer in Iowa

Yesterday was just about THE perfect summer day you could ask for. Chaz, Kim, Steve, and I decided to fill the hot, humid day with great fun instead of sweating into a pool of flesh in front of the television. We jumped in the car with Sasha, the sassy dachsund, and drove to get Tropical Sno from the local stand. Then, we took it across the street where we paid $5 to hit balls at the batting cages. I haven't done that in so long (not since dad and the boys would drag me outside to play baseball with them). It was glorious, and I actually surprised myself by being able to hit NOT ONLY the slow-pitch softballs, but also *ahem* the 50 mph baseballs. That's right, dad, I could bat with the big boys. Steve showed off his sweet skillz by switch-hitting in both the 50 mph cage AND the 65 mph cage.

After sweet treats and sweaty times, we drove to Peterson Pitts to swim with the mass of other people who had gathered there. It was dirty, cool, and de-LIGHT-ful. Steve lived up to his new nickname, C-Athay (like the comic strip "Cathy"), by complaining about every possible horrific scenario. "It's so dirty, I bet people get diseases." "Oh, no, I sand on my body! How am I ever going to get dry?" etc. etc. His complaining seemed justified, however, after he emerged from the lake (he wore his Chacos to avoid nasty things on the ground) with a hook and sinker wrapped around his sandals.

Then it was back home for grilled meats, tater salad, beer, and wine. And what day isn't complete with buzzed bike riding? Oh, it was glorious! I hope to have more summer days spent like that...

*Shout out to Angela and Joel for tying the knot on Friday! It was wonderful!*

Still Searching

Yep....we still don't know where we'll be next year. We've been searching for jobs the past couple of days, and thanks to a few websites provided by friends, we've found a lot to send in applications. However, I constantly have second thoughts about this whole process. Can someone ELSE make this decision besides me? I really need to get the new Threadless Select shirt called "I Overcomplicate Things." That's me.

Chaz and I have weddings to attend the next four weekends. Wedding season is upon us. Not to mention the celebration of our one year anniversary. My how the year has flown. I can't believe that at this time last year I had yet to teach in a real live classroom with real live students and real live assignments and real live grading to do.

Lately I've been puppy-sitting for the most adorable puppy on the face of the planet. His name is Oscar and he's a 12-week-old puggle (that's pug+beagle for those curious). He's provided much companionship during the days, and has made me pine for one of my own. Chaz refuses, however, and I know it's not the smartest decision (since we don't know where we're moving), but minor details, right? I mean, with a face this adorable, how can you resist??

the days of nothingness

Yesterday and today I had more subbing days. The beginning of the week looked bleak for some work, but I got a text from my cooperative teacher from last semester saying he was going to be gone on Wednesday, and I should get the job. This meant I got to sub my familiar class again! It was a sweet day full of students being surprised at my being there and me being comfortable with the students and the content area. Such a good time.

Then today I got a call at 10:00 asking me to come in as soon as possible because a teacher had a family emergency. I accepted and came in midway through the day. Students were pretty respectful since their teacher had gone for a somber reason. However, by the end of the day, they were just anxious to get out for the day and enjoy the weather, which is understandable.

So, here is what I have learned about subbing throughout my short experience:
1. Freshman are obnoxious. I know, I'm sorry. I shouldn't generalize, and I shouldn't be that biased, but it's a proven fact. I taught freshman in college....equally obnoxious. It's just a hormonal imbalance that causes everything to seem hilarious, even squeaking a chair on the floor over and over and over (and over and over and over...hilarious, eh?).

2. "Street Cred" is important. Even if only one or two students know who you are, the whole class automatically respects you. Without that, you're a nobody that they test and test and test.

3. Plans are so important. I'm especially going to keep this in mind when I teach. I've had jobs where I had great instruction and all the information I needed for the day. On the other hand, I've had days where I knew very little of what was going on for the day, and I felt nervous and fumbly throughout the time. Students notice that as well. The more comfortable you are, the better a day it will be.

Those are just three tidbits I've learned during my time of subbing. I'll hopefully have a couple of more jobs before the end of the school year, but if not, ah well. It's been an interesting experience while it lasted.

Subbing

That's right, people. I had my first subbing job yesterday.

I AM PRODUCTIVE!

So I was incredibly nervous before the day (stupidly enough). Chaz constantly tried to comfort me and reassure me that everything would be fine, but of course I didn't believe him. I awoke at 4:30 in the morning, nervous, and my mind raced so that I couldn't get back to sleep. Yesss!.....5 hours of sleep. I subbed for a social studies class having mostly freshman. There were a couple of classes of older students, and some students I had last semester where in them, so it was fun to see them. Plus, since I've already built good rapport with them, they didn't feel the need to "test" me. It was an okay day, and I think it would've been better if I hadn't been so TIRED. Mostly it was fun to see students I had last semester. I also got in on the Yearbook photo, so that was thrilling.

Last night was rough as I was incredibly tired and emotional. I finally gave up trying to make sense and went to bed. This morning I awoke to another call for a sub. I rejected that job, and wasn't going to go in today, but then I got online and saw a math position for today in which I just had to watch while students worked on their assignment. I wasn't tired and figured I should take all opportunities to work now while I still have them, and accepted.

So now I'm at the beginning of another day, this one looking much better than the day before. I'm hoping to coerce students into letting me read a Jane Austen-themed Choose Your Own Adventure book. I hope I hope I hope I can!

lazy dayz

As I said in my last blog, I'm finally done with 201. So what have I been doing the past week or so? Pretty much....nothing. I've read the sixth Harry Potter book, and yesterday I read the seventh in one day. I've watched television (yay Create!), felt guilty about being lazy, got sick because I ate nasty leftover food in the refrigerator, and gone home to celebrate Mother's Day (which was not a waste or lazy).

Today, however, I do not feel guilty. Today is a good day. I could feel a change when I woke up this morning. I watched my usual morning shows, had a bowl of cereal (there's nothing like replenishing your food supply to get you rejuvenated), took a shower, and made a tasty lunch. Then, I was watching the Create channel (my new favorite PBS channel full of cooking shows, craft shows, and do-it-yourself goodness), and what should come on? Mexico: One Plate at a Time with Rick Bayless! I haven't seen the show in a long time because it hasn't been on our Create channel since probably November/December. I was really wanting to watch it recently too. I was super stoked, and it didn't disappoint. I really want to have a Mexican Paella party now....haha.

To add to the goodness, I finally went in to turn in my subbing application! (One bad sidenote: Chaz left me his car to drive, and it was extremely windy today, and the Administration office is waaaaay across town, but Chaz's car had a flat tire, so I had to bike. I was sweaty when I arrived) So yes, I am officially in the system to sub in the district. And I'm scared. I've heard horror stories, but I know I'll feel better being a bit more productive than I've been the past week.

Glorified babysitting: here I come!

hodge podge of thoughts for today

I just wanted to say how excited I am about mewithoutYou's new album "it's all crazy! it's all false! it's all a dream! it's alright" coming May 19. Just when I thought these guys couldn't get any better with "Brother, Sister," this album looks to be even MORE incredible and even MORE amazing! You can check out a couple of songs on their Purevolume site. Ah! They just make me want to dance (I'm obviously listening to them right now).

Anyway...I'm done with 201 today! We had the final this morning, and we're having the grading meeting in a couple of hours. *sigh* Crazy to think that this semester is over. I have survived teaching a college course. Spent 10 hours yesterday finishing grading projects. Eek! Now on to other things. What? Still don't know, but at least I'm not worried about it (for now).

So many things coming to an end:
College
201
Shift
Marriage: Year 1
Year 23 (in a couple of months)
Living in Ames (?)
My Sanity (kidding)

Transition periods. Ah, life.

Jobs & IPTV Kids

Today is beautiful! It's so nice to have the sun shining, the wind at a minimum, and me sitting in Café Diem reading, blogging, and drinking coffee. To life!

I'm trying to be semi-productive lately, so I've been looking for jobs in areas we'd like to move. I found a definite potential, so I started writing a cover letter and editing my resumé. Don't know if it'll work out, but it would be sweet. They're a laptop school (each student gets issued a laptop), so it would pretty much be awesome as I could fulfill my dreams of using technology quite a bit in the classroom. Ack! How sweet would it be? Very. We'll see what happens...

Yesterday we had a couple of presenters from IPTV in class. They asked who watched different programs on IPTV Kids. Who was the only one who raised her hand?

You know it. Me.

I LOVE the IPTV Kids shows! They're awesome! Not to mention educational AND informational. haha. Probably the best is Electric Company. Apparently this was on in the 70s, and they brought it back, but updated it with an urban/hip-hop flair. So sweet. It's on at 4:00 on Fridays. I really encourage you to watch it. Anyway...during lab then I raved about IPTV Kids and told my students they should watch it for ideas for their class. I also told them I know Dan Wardell (this announcer-guy for IPTV Kids), and they thought I was crazy for calling him a "celeb." To me, and to kids all over Iowa, he is.

Don't knock it.

the creative me

Chaz had a lot of work to do tonight (it's teaching portfolio time for him), and I (surprisingly) had nothing. I decided that I was in a create mood, so I made a laptop cover for myself out of scraps of fabric I had in our craft drawer. Now, I've been needing a laptop cover for awhile, and I really just wanted to buy one for myself to save me the anxiety of making one (you know how most of the time you just see the flaws in the things you make?). However, I decided to just make one already instead of slowly letting my laptop get scratched as I tried to find the perfect cover. I was pretty pleased with the final product, but once again, I see the flaws. Ah, well, at least I kept myself occupied for an evening!

Look, mommy! I made a pretty thing!



(not the best image, but you get the general idea)

Good Mornings

I am so thankful for everyone who commented on my last post offering support, encouragement, and advice. Chaz and I are still mulling over possibilities, but I'll be sure to let everyone know what we're doing when we decide (which may be awhile from now...ah, well).

I just wanted to say today that I am so thankful for my husband. I get so focused on myself and my schedule and my life that I forget about everyone and everything else. Last night I was in a funk and took it out on Chaz. This morning, I awoke to a loving note (not spite), wishes for a good day, and a reminder about where my focus should be. I am so thankful to have someone who loves me and reminds me of what love looks like.

To all of you, I wish a good day upon you and a reminder that you are loved by someone (least of all, me).

No work

I waited awhile to post this because I haven't wanted to deal with the implications.

There is no dream teaching job.

Yes, that's right friends, I have no job for next year. Most of you know that I was really hoping for a job in the area because:
A) There was a woman retiring
B) The teachers there wanted me (since I student taught there and had experience and fit in well)
C) They have the best English Department in the world
D) It's my dream job

But the all-important E has trumped all and prevented me from attaining my dream job.
E) Budget cuts in education all across Iowa

Ugh. Are we really going to put a price on education? These budget cuts have cost this English Department 1.2 positions (not to mention positions all over Iowa). This means their curriculum must change because they don't have the amount of teachers to continue implementing their current curriculum (which is great, I must add). Yes, change is good, but I can't help but think this is not a change for the good. They will most likely have to sacrifice some of the great work they do at the school in the English Department. I mean, seriously, I taught juniors and they were learning things I didn't even hear about until my junior year in college. Consider how much more prepared they are for college than students from other schools. And believe me, I can see how much more well-prepared they are just in the college freshman I have this semester.

Anyway, I digress...

Here are the implications of this development: Chaz and I are jobless. We are free. We have no ties. We have no prospects. So what will we do? Here are options:

A) Go overseas—While this is something we've always talked about doing, I can't help but feel that it would be really difficult on our marriage. We've not even been married a year, and we're still learning about each other and about our marriage (as we will be for the rest of our lives, of course). But, I'm afraid if we only had each other and went somewhere without another couple (or at least someone else we know), we'd kill each other. I know it would be so tough if I only had Chaz to be around and didn't have other people to socialize with. I know that we'd meet people and we'd be able to fellowship with friends after we make them, but I would just feel a whole lot better if we went with someone we already knew and had that community already in place. However, this is a good time to do this option seeing as we have no ties currently and it would be wonderful experience.

B) Move—We have a couple of options with this one, however, no jobs. We know that we'd want to move somewhere with people we know (Colorado...Minneapolis...), but we have no job options. There is always the option of subbing, but I would prefer to have a job instead of just subbing for a year. I mean, we could always just sub around the Central Iowa area, after all. Plus, my parents are none to excited about this, but I can't let that stop me, can I? It would be a way to gain a new experience and experience some more of the world (which is what we should do now since we have no ties really....except for the nieces...darn those adorable nieces).

C) Stay and find another job—I love living in Ames, and I know that I'm so comfortable here that it scares me to go elsewhere. However, should I stay in comfort when I have the option of exploration? Probably not, but I'm a bit afraid of leaving my comfort zone. Anywho, we do have the option of staying here and just trying to find other jobs. Chaz could work for a coffee shop....I could find, well, SOMETHING. Or we could always sub.

D) Stay and go to grad school—While it's a little late to apply to grad school, my friend tells me I could probably get in just because I've been around the program for so long (and I'm working for the program right now). I could also have the opportunity of getting an assistantship, meaning I would get paid nearly as much as I would with a teaching job. However, I'm of the feeling that if someone should go to grad school, Chaz should get the opportunity first. Plus, if this is a time where we can just go and explore the world, should I sacrifice that to stay and continue my education (which I'll want to do later, most likely)?

We are leaning no way right now. We have no idea what we're going to do. What are your votes?

Lili & Me

Yay Spring Break!

Spring Break!!

Spring Break!!!
Yeah! *fists in air*

Sooo...here's my Spring Break: cleaning, purging, and grading. Oh yeah....I'm living it up, peeps! I had no idea I had married into a crap-ton of, well, crap. Chaz has been finding love letters from high school. And I thought I was a pack rat. Oh well, it feels nice to get rid of all of this stuff and cut our possessions in half. Chaz and I are also going to have a yard giveaway where people can come take what they need/want and leave what they don't. I think it'll be fun to give it away ourselves instead of just leaving it somewhere for someone to sell.

Well, it's back to organizing I go!

(oh, and I may have stretched the truth a bit. last night we celebrated kim's b-day and st. patty's day, so we are having some fun!)

Unification

It's been a week pretty much without internet, so I blame my lack of blogging on that.

Sunday night we had a Story City Youth Worship Night at The Crate. It was so amazing to see the room packed with tons of high school students at least one more time before we're finished with Shift (for those of you who don't know, Chaz and I are part of a high school coffee house ministry in Story City called Shift...we are the coffee part of coffee house ministry). We've been doing this for two years, and this seems to be the last as most leaders are moving on to other places in life and student attendance has been down. Unlike what you would think, this is a good thing because youth groups in the area (connected to local churches) have been growing. This was a goal of ours in the first place, so it's awesome to see it realized (hence why it's okay that we only have a few students each time).

Anyway, it was really awesome to see The Crate packed once again and students from four youth groups (and their leaders) joined all together. The students also gave the message, so it was great to hear words from them instead of one of us leaders up there talking at them. It was a unifying night, and THAT was the most exciting part.

Idiots!

That's all I'll say to prevent being really mean....IDIOTS!

Unfortunately, I'm far too nice in my emails. Ugh. If I could really articulate what I'm feeling, however, I would quite probably get fired.

On another note....IT'S SUPER NICE OUT!! I biked to campus for the first time this season. Oh man....I'm still sweating profusely.

Chaz's Sleeping

Some of you already know this, but Chaz is an avid sleeper. He could be considered narcoleptic by some. Also, while he is sleeping, he sometimes mumbles about his dreams. If you're lucky, you can actually converse with him and try to understand what he is dreaming. An example:

You're so pretty, you should go to I Can Has Cheezburger and put your face on it.

Yup, that's what my loving husband told me last night as he was drifting off to sleep. I decided to have some fun with this opportunity, and I recorded him talking to me about his dreams. Soon I'll try to post the recordings on here, but for now, I'll just give you a little taste text-style:

K: What about the jack?

C: What? Why are you hitting me?

K: What about the jack?

C: The jack? No, I think they mean a jaguar.

K: Who's jaguar? Is it yours?

C: No! You've seen my car, come on now!

K: What is your car?

C: It's an old, old car. Like 1988 or something.

K: Who's jaguar is it?

C: Justified.

K: It's justified's car? Who is that?

C: He forgot to take his test.

K: Oh, goodnight Chaz.

C: I know, I'm getting there.

That's just a snippet of what went on. What was really funny was I played it back to listen to it last night, and Chaz heard it in his sleep and responded with, "Why do you keep asking me that question? I already told you!"

Turkish

Chaz and I attended Turkish Student Night on campus. My aunt is part of a project that brings 40 Turkish Student Teachers to Iowa to teach in Iowa schools. We've interacted with them a bit (I drove a van for them a few times, and we had a couple students stay at our place for a weekend), so we wanted to go tonight to experience some Turkish culture and say goodbye. As you can imagine, it was sweet. They did some awesome dances, and then we got to eat some amaaaazing food! Yum! My stomach is still super happy from it.

Probably the best part, however, was when Chaz and I walked in (during the awards ceremony that was running late), a bunch of students started yelling, "Mrs. Engelkes!!" They were some students I had last semester. So embarrassing/awesome! Afterwards, they bombarded me and we chatted about what they're doing now, pranks they've pulled on Webb, and, "Are you teaching at Ames next year?" My answer was a mere, "Hopefully!" But we'll see...

It was also sweet to talk to Webb and Schmidt, two teachers I have really missed. Webb informed me that they were reading a book the other day, and he looked down and about seven students had the bookmarks I gave them on my last day and were using them. *sigh* I feel loved! I'm kind of enjoying this "celebrity status," and I may be content to just keep it this way.

But, no, I miss teaching high school too much.

I always wanted a sister....

I just want to give a shout-out today to my new sissy: April. Growing up, I always wanted a sister. Instead, I got two stinky brothers. I love my brothers, this is true, but a sister is different. Well, one of the perks of getting married: I have a new sissy (and a black daddy, but that's another matter)! I love having a sissy, and I know she loves me too because every time I call her she always laughs and says, "You're a nerd." That's sister-talk for, "I love you, you're the best sister ever." Now it's even BETTER having a sister because she has babies which means I have nieces. As you can already tell, I'm obsessed with them. It's amazingly fun because I get the joy of spoiling and loving babies without having to deal with the messes, crying, sleeplessness, etc. etc. WOOHOO!!!

So basically, I love my sister, April, she rocks, and I'm glad that I was made to wait until marriage to get a sister. She's the best.

I want to be genuine.

This is true.

Shows & Showers

Well, I suppose I should relate about my weekend since it was another eventful one.

Friday Chaz and I had a date night. We ate at The Spice (wonderful!) and then attended To Kill A Mockingbird at CY Stephens. My aunt had gotten us tix for Christmas, so we finally got to use them. It was incredibly good. I cried. So did Chaz. Also, we had the most phenomenal server at The Spice (Kara!). She's so good. We were majorly pushed for time (once again, lack of planning), so pretty much we got our food and then had to pack it up in to-go boxes to make it to the show, which we did with no problem.

Saturday was April's shower that I've been planning for a couple of months. The decorations looked SO CUTE! I won't even go into the frustration I had with invitees and group gifts prior to the day, but the shower ended up being super fun. April got a ton of necessities, so she shouldn't have to worry about baby supplies for quite awhile. This is super good as money is tight right now what with Aaliyah in the hospital and Alivia about to be in the hospital. Aaliyah now will maybe get to go home on Wednesday. April will have been in Iowa City for a week and a half. Ugh.

After the shower and dinner with my mom, Chaz and I went to see Rachel in Pal Joey at Wartburg. She's so phenomenal, and it was hilarious to watch her parents squirm with all of the sexual references (and Rachel acting as a harlot). Sooooooo entertaining.

Then yesterday was spent Shifting (Shift meeting) and churching. Church was super good, and I was inspired to take more time for myself for reflection, so that's what I'm devoting this week to. I'm excited. We'll see how it goes, and what my outlook is at the end of the week.

(this blog took a considerable turn from my original posting plan: week after week of crappy reflections. when will it end? aren't you glad?)