I'd forgotten...

• that knitting calms me down
• about "teacher mode" and how easily I slip into it
• to take conscious alone time (us introverts and our need for solitude...)
• how relaxing it is to read blogs only at night
• the enthusiasm of a friend newly infected by the knitting bug ;)
• what an affluent society I live in

But I promise I didn't forget about blogging! Its been a crazy week preparing for and having a recital for my students, being sick, going to a friend's concert etc. but I'm back now.

Things You Need to Know Pt. 1

Life has certainly changed since I went to EXCEL in 2003. I remember being very discouraged during Mr. Bell's talks, even though they were my favorite sessions, because I didn't know what I was supposed to do with my life. I had no idea what my life calling was, I couldn't see where the forks in the road were taking me. As I look back over my notes from those sessions this morning, I am amazed at how much more clarity I have been given in life. This list no longer scares me:

Things You Need to Know

• Where you want to go - life purpose
• What you wish to accomplish - goals
• How you're going to get there - plans
• What you need to take with you - abilities
• What we need to overcome - obstacles and detours
• Who will be your guides - teachers
• Who will travel with you - companions

Over the next few days I'd like to share more with you about this list and tell you about some of the answers God has given me over the past few years. More to come... :)

You just have to love little kids - they say the funniest things! I should write a book someday of all my funny experiences with my students.

Last night one of my five year olds said to me, "You know what kind of cats I like? Feline cats. They're white and fluffy." ;)

Random Fact of the Day

Here's a little something I learned in a little blurb about PLU codes (the 4-5 digit code on fruits and veggies at the store) from a Mary Jane magazine that mom just brought home from the quilt shop.

*A four digit code means the produce has been grown with synthetic pesticides and fertilizers
*A five digit code beginning with an eight means the produce has been genetically modified
*A five digit code starting with a nine means its organic

Just thought I'd share that with you in case you find it as interesting as I did. Now I want to go check out all the PLU codes of things we typically buy ;) I'm looking forward to gardening and hopefully growing more of my own food in the coming years (I have a plan up my sleeve for bartering with mom and dad for garden space after I move to the apartment, not to mention lots of container gardening). But even so, the produce section can never be avoided completely so I'd like to at least be informed about what I'm buying.

I've been up to my ears in apples - Lindsey and I brought so many back from the mountains! Most of them are for drying, but I've also really been wanting to make applesauce again like we did with Gampa when we were little. And of course apple pies are a must ;)

Life is good

Life is good, right now, just the way it is. Despite all the hard things that have happened over the past four months, life is good, right now. Things will never again be exactly as they are right now. Dawn and I will not always teach at Atlas together. I will not always be in college, able to take different classes and study so many things. I will not always live with James and my parents. I will not always teach these same little children, having such an opportunity for influence in their lives. This is a time to be enjoyed, to be treasured. What a shame it would be to let it all slip away without truly appreciating every moment of it. To live like this, that is what it is to be truly alive - vibrant, thankful, aware of every blessing - because life is good, right now.

Whew! I've finally gotten through a grueling week, filled with several big homework assignments, a last minute crisis, and lots of lessons on trusting God. I finally sat down tonight to think back over the last few weeks and get my brain organized for the next few (can you believe Christmas will be upon us in a mere six weeks?!!!).


Armed with lists, calendars, and planner, I'm hoping I can stay on top of things more and be back here more often. I have so many things to share with you all...pictures of lots of fall goodness, thoughts, what I've been learning. Until then, Happy November!