I tutored this morning from 10-12, had Papa's Pantry from 1-3, worked out from 4:30-5:30, and then tutored a new student from 6:30-8:00.
During Papa's Pantry today, one of the clients asked me if I was a volunteer there. We got to talking about how I moved down here about 2 months ago and don't have a job yet so I spend my time volunteering (or that's what I told him anyway). He explained to me that he just inherited a house here in Towne Lake. Towne Lake is a part of Woodstock, kind of similar to Long Beach being a part of Michigan City. He said it's completely furnished with old antiques and things, and worth about $500,000 but that he doesn't have $10 to his name. He is from CT and we laughed about the crazy things these southerners eat, like collard greens. So, you know me and my history with older men from CT; we became fast friends in the pantry. Then he asked me to move in with him... He said he is looking for a female that will live in the house, clean it, and get it ready to be put on the market, in exchange for free rent. And that's all I have to say about that!
Tonight I got my second tutoring client from the website I've been utilizing. She wants me twice a week for an hour each. She is taking her second PRE college level math class at Kennesaw State University. She is a mom and a wife and works somewhere in the medical field becuase she was wearing scrubs. She is going to school for nursing. She appears to be around my age, and she is from Chicago. We hit it off - her attitude, gestures, language and body language reminded me of home. And again, I was reminded how refreshing it is to work with students who want to learn! I think I'm just going to be a professional tutor from now on.
Speaking of home, I'M COMING HOME SUNDAY! I plan on spending the first half of the week in Mishawaka, and the second half of the week in Michigan City. Speaking of which... who wants to come pick me up from Mishawaka and take me to MC Wednesday afternoon? Anyone? Volunteers? I planned my trip for this coming week because I knew my tutoring of the little girl would be done as of this Friday. I didn't know I would get another client so soon! I know Ryan might be sad that I'm gone, but all the old ladies at Square Dancing Thursday will be happy that he'll need a new partner! Yee-haw!
Look who's Pregnant!!!
Thursday, September 30, 2010
Saturday, September 25, 2010
9th week in GA
Friday night Ryan and I went to dinner at McCollum Airport in Kennesaw. They have a restaurant there called Elevation Chophouse and SkyBar that over looks the runway. Unfortunately, no planes took off or landed while we were there but it was a neat experience none the less. Ryan claims one plane took off right when we arrived, but I do not believe him. My mom used to tell me that when she was younger she would go on dates to airports and watch planes take off and land... I thought that sounded ridiculous at the time, but now I've done it. =)
Afterword, we attempted to go roller skating at a place called Sparkles. Do you know it costs $13.50 per person to go roller skating?!?!? And everyone in there was approximately 10 years old, except for two teenagers who were in the middle of the rink dancing robotic style to In the Ayer by Flo Rider. One guy was actually pretty good. So we left, and instead went to the movies and saw "The Town" with Ben Affleck.
Today I went to Saturday morning tennis and Ryan pulled out the big W. Every time I go to tennis, there are 70 new people to meet, who are all best friends with Ryan. Ok, not 70 but always 5-10 new people. Players and their wives, girlfriends, parents, and children. This group all went to high school together, so they've known each other forever, and they are one of the most genuinely respectful, caring, fun, and supportive group of people with each other that I have ever witnessed. While they are all super friendly and inclusive to me, it makes me miss MY friends :(
On Wednesday I went to a woman's house in Alpharetta and interviewed for a nannying/babysitting position. She wants someone on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30-12:30. I didn't realize how far away she lived from me though (30 miles), which during morning rush hour traffic would take me over an hour to get there. So I pulled my name out of the hat for that job, but did offer to sit if she ever needed someone just randomly or in a pinch. This afternoon I went to a couple's house to interview for a nannying/babysitting position here in Woodstock. Their house is a good 20 minutes away, but they are only looking for one night a week, and one weekend night every other weekend. So we will see... I'd really like to spend more time tutoring. The pay is awesome, the work is minimal, and the time commitment is also minimal. But my girl leaves for NYC for rehearsal after this week. So I have two more weeks total with her: this week, and the very last week in October, in between rehearsal being done and when the tour of her musical actually starts.
I stopped by Jason and Stephanie's tonight. I needed to return my garage door opener I had of theirs, and pick up some mail that had come for me. I was hoping it was a care package full of goodies, or maybe just a "hey how are you?" card, or maybe a random envelope full of scratch off lottery tickets, but no. It was just something stupid from my school ;) Jason had just gotten done making some chili and invited to me to eat. Since I do not turn down invitations to eat, I gladly accepted. It was really good, and made me miss the home cooked meals I used to enjoy there!
After that I went up to Canton, GA where the RiverFest arts and crafts festival was happening. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I had just eaten at Jason's so I couldn't mow down a bunch of fair food. I bought some kettle corn to take home, and a present for one of my cousins' kids. As I was leaving, this guy yelled at me to come try some "gator". I laughed, said "no thanks", and kept walking. When I was driving home I regretted my hasty decision. I should've tried the gator!!! I mean c'mon! When or where else am I going to be offered gator??? Next time someone offers me gator, I'm in!
Afterword, we attempted to go roller skating at a place called Sparkles. Do you know it costs $13.50 per person to go roller skating?!?!? And everyone in there was approximately 10 years old, except for two teenagers who were in the middle of the rink dancing robotic style to In the Ayer by Flo Rider. One guy was actually pretty good. So we left, and instead went to the movies and saw "The Town" with Ben Affleck.
Today I went to Saturday morning tennis and Ryan pulled out the big W. Every time I go to tennis, there are 70 new people to meet, who are all best friends with Ryan. Ok, not 70 but always 5-10 new people. Players and their wives, girlfriends, parents, and children. This group all went to high school together, so they've known each other forever, and they are one of the most genuinely respectful, caring, fun, and supportive group of people with each other that I have ever witnessed. While they are all super friendly and inclusive to me, it makes me miss MY friends :(
On Wednesday I went to a woman's house in Alpharetta and interviewed for a nannying/babysitting position. She wants someone on Tuesday and Thursday mornings from 8:30-12:30. I didn't realize how far away she lived from me though (30 miles), which during morning rush hour traffic would take me over an hour to get there. So I pulled my name out of the hat for that job, but did offer to sit if she ever needed someone just randomly or in a pinch. This afternoon I went to a couple's house to interview for a nannying/babysitting position here in Woodstock. Their house is a good 20 minutes away, but they are only looking for one night a week, and one weekend night every other weekend. So we will see... I'd really like to spend more time tutoring. The pay is awesome, the work is minimal, and the time commitment is also minimal. But my girl leaves for NYC for rehearsal after this week. So I have two more weeks total with her: this week, and the very last week in October, in between rehearsal being done and when the tour of her musical actually starts.
I stopped by Jason and Stephanie's tonight. I needed to return my garage door opener I had of theirs, and pick up some mail that had come for me. I was hoping it was a care package full of goodies, or maybe just a "hey how are you?" card, or maybe a random envelope full of scratch off lottery tickets, but no. It was just something stupid from my school ;) Jason had just gotten done making some chili and invited to me to eat. Since I do not turn down invitations to eat, I gladly accepted. It was really good, and made me miss the home cooked meals I used to enjoy there!
After that I went up to Canton, GA where the RiverFest arts and crafts festival was happening. Unfortunately, or maybe fortunately, I had just eaten at Jason's so I couldn't mow down a bunch of fair food. I bought some kettle corn to take home, and a present for one of my cousins' kids. As I was leaving, this guy yelled at me to come try some "gator". I laughed, said "no thanks", and kept walking. When I was driving home I regretted my hasty decision. I should've tried the gator!!! I mean c'mon! When or where else am I going to be offered gator??? Next time someone offers me gator, I'm in!
Monday, September 20, 2010
My house in South Bend
My dad went to get Sam Batt's stained glass windows out of my house last Thursday. He took pictures of the kitchen and living room. The gay men who live there have it looking AMAZING!
Lately
Thursdays - Square Dancing and the Jersey Shore
So it's official now... Ryan and I have a Thursday night routine: Square Dancing, then Snookie. Square Dancing, then the Situation. Square Dancing, then Sammy Sweetheart. You get the idea... By the way, the motto of the square dancing club is "dance in a square, make a circle of friends!" The lesson is supposed to go from 7:30-9:30 but apparently all the old folks can't hang with that so they are starting to end it now at 9:00. It's kind of ridiculous...we dance for 15-20 minutes and then there's a 15 minute break. Repeat.
Tennis
Saturday morning tennis... we won't mention the score of this game...
Cruise to the Bahamas
I was all set to go on that cruise with all those people I don't know. We were supposed to leave at 10:00am on Sunday (yesterday). Saturday morning I got a text from Tammy, the only person I really "know" who is going, whom I don't even actually know, saying "I can't go, can't find my birth certificate. Hope you can find a ride down there. Don't forget to book a hotel room for Sunday night as I've already canceled ours!" What?! She is the only person I remotely know so I had some thinking to do. First thing I did was call the travel agent and see if someone else could go in her place. Since it was less than 3 days before departure, that was not an option. I'm pretty independent, but I did not willingly sign up to go on a cruise by myself. So I decided I wasn't going to go. Then, later in the day Tammy texts me saying "Oh I can go now! I don't need my real birth certificate, I only need a copy. I re-booked the hotel room for us!" So I called her and said I was not going. She didn't really understand why, and then gave out my phone number to some more people I don't know who all called and encouraged me to still come. No, freaks. Besides, Hurricane Igor is romping around down there and I just felt it in my gut that I shouldn't go. I am NOT happy about the decision, but I figured if this woman is that much of a flake to have me frantically freaking out all morning, then only more examples of her/this would be popping up on the trip.
As a result, I have everything canceled for this week...Papa's Pantry, tutoring, ok I guess that's all I do in a week... I knew my mom was going on vacation this same week so I called her and asked her if I could join her. "No honey, you can't". Apparently she is in the same type of situation I was in where someone couldn't go at the last minute, so someone invited my mom but my mom only really knows one person going out of the whole group. She's like. "I hope they like me!" and I tried convincing her that if two of us go, the odds increase on them liking one of us but she wasn't buying it :)
Comcast
This whole time I've been living in this basement, I have had access to about 10 channels on the big TV and no channels on the tv in my bedroom. I didn't exactly mind...it took me back to the days of growing up without cable at Carol's house. I mean if the Home Shopping Network didn't switch over to cable, we still wouldn't have cable at mom's house. Apparently the home owners called a cable man to come out and help. I was just getting out of the shower when in walks the cable man and I am wearing nothing but a towel. I'm glad I was wearing the towel! I left while he was still there and upon returning all the lights were on, both tvs were on, and my door was slightly ajar to the apartment. Today, I tried to use the tv for the first time since he had been there and it is so blurry I can't see what the guide says. So now, I really have no access to any channels. Awesome!
Cystic Fibrosis
On Saturday night Ryan and I went and volunteered our time to help the day before a big race. First we stuffed bags with coupons, fliers, and information. Then we distributed bags and t-shirts to the race participants. We each got TWO free t-shirts and free spaghetti dinners! I love anything free, but FOOD and T-SHIRTS have to top my list. It was awesome!
Tutoring
One day last week I took my phone in and snuck a picture when I was alone. Here is a portrait of Ginny Lee and her brother Trey from many years ago:
So it's official now... Ryan and I have a Thursday night routine: Square Dancing, then Snookie. Square Dancing, then the Situation. Square Dancing, then Sammy Sweetheart. You get the idea... By the way, the motto of the square dancing club is "dance in a square, make a circle of friends!" The lesson is supposed to go from 7:30-9:30 but apparently all the old folks can't hang with that so they are starting to end it now at 9:00. It's kind of ridiculous...we dance for 15-20 minutes and then there's a 15 minute break. Repeat.
Tennis
Saturday morning tennis... we won't mention the score of this game...
Cruise to the Bahamas
I was all set to go on that cruise with all those people I don't know. We were supposed to leave at 10:00am on Sunday (yesterday). Saturday morning I got a text from Tammy, the only person I really "know" who is going, whom I don't even actually know, saying "I can't go, can't find my birth certificate. Hope you can find a ride down there. Don't forget to book a hotel room for Sunday night as I've already canceled ours!" What?! She is the only person I remotely know so I had some thinking to do. First thing I did was call the travel agent and see if someone else could go in her place. Since it was less than 3 days before departure, that was not an option. I'm pretty independent, but I did not willingly sign up to go on a cruise by myself. So I decided I wasn't going to go. Then, later in the day Tammy texts me saying "Oh I can go now! I don't need my real birth certificate, I only need a copy. I re-booked the hotel room for us!" So I called her and said I was not going. She didn't really understand why, and then gave out my phone number to some more people I don't know who all called and encouraged me to still come. No, freaks. Besides, Hurricane Igor is romping around down there and I just felt it in my gut that I shouldn't go. I am NOT happy about the decision, but I figured if this woman is that much of a flake to have me frantically freaking out all morning, then only more examples of her/this would be popping up on the trip.
As a result, I have everything canceled for this week...Papa's Pantry, tutoring, ok I guess that's all I do in a week... I knew my mom was going on vacation this same week so I called her and asked her if I could join her. "No honey, you can't". Apparently she is in the same type of situation I was in where someone couldn't go at the last minute, so someone invited my mom but my mom only really knows one person going out of the whole group. She's like. "I hope they like me!" and I tried convincing her that if two of us go, the odds increase on them liking one of us but she wasn't buying it :)
Comcast
This whole time I've been living in this basement, I have had access to about 10 channels on the big TV and no channels on the tv in my bedroom. I didn't exactly mind...it took me back to the days of growing up without cable at Carol's house. I mean if the Home Shopping Network didn't switch over to cable, we still wouldn't have cable at mom's house. Apparently the home owners called a cable man to come out and help. I was just getting out of the shower when in walks the cable man and I am wearing nothing but a towel. I'm glad I was wearing the towel! I left while he was still there and upon returning all the lights were on, both tvs were on, and my door was slightly ajar to the apartment. Today, I tried to use the tv for the first time since he had been there and it is so blurry I can't see what the guide says. So now, I really have no access to any channels. Awesome!
Cystic Fibrosis
On Saturday night Ryan and I went and volunteered our time to help the day before a big race. First we stuffed bags with coupons, fliers, and information. Then we distributed bags and t-shirts to the race participants. We each got TWO free t-shirts and free spaghetti dinners! I love anything free, but FOOD and T-SHIRTS have to top my list. It was awesome!
Tutoring
One day last week I took my phone in and snuck a picture when I was alone. Here is a portrait of Ginny Lee and her brother Trey from many years ago:
Tuesday, September 14, 2010
What do you think the title should be?
I had a busy Monday. I tutored from 2:00-4:00 and then didn't get home until 9:00pm. First I went to Kauffman Tires to figure out what the heck is going on with my repeated flat. They found a crack in my VW rim, and said that for a mere $300 (estimated) I can be up and running again. If I order it from VW, Kauffman said they'd put in on for free.
Then I went to 5/3 bank, which is not located in Woodstock. While I was there my dad called and said that he is going to my house in South Bend THIS Thursday to get Sam Batt's stupid stained glass windows. On one hand I'm am SUPER READY for those to be off my hands, on the other hand, I then had to go to Walmart and make copies of my house key, then rush to UPS before they close and pay for overnight shipping to get it to my dad in Springfield, MO by today.
I gave my dad the phone numbers to the two people who are renting from me, Michael and Tracy. My dad got a hold of Tracy, who is a man, not a woman, and he asked if my house is for sale. My dad told him everything in life is for sale. Tracy explained that him and Michael have really made it their home and would love to stay. So now I have something to ponder... I looked them both up on Facebook and both of their pages were public. Apparently they had some problems with the ADT alarm system becuase Mike continually posted:
"So tried to sleep at the new house tonight but when I went to get a water out of the fridge, I set off the motion detector for the alarm system."
"So....tracy said the alarm went off last night three times....if it wakes me up, I'm ripping it off the wall."
"So the alarm saga comes to a close, it went off every five minutes this morning, so I used a butter knife to disconnect it, all Macgyver and shit. All this moving heavy stuff sure does a lot for the testosterone I guess! Mike-1 Alarm-1000.... but I got the final laugh."
It's just so weird to read what they've written because that's MY house and MY alarm system they're talking about! They posted other things too and it's just weird to think and know about!
Anyway, then I went to the local library branch and signed up for a library card. I was severely disappointed in the selection the library had. I was all excited to get my library card but when I went to find specific books, they didn't carry 2 of them, and another one I wanted I would be #19 on the waiting list. It is just so little of a branch that their selection is horrible and what they do have is all very very old.
So then I ventured off to Barnes and Noble, which also is not in Woodstock. I had some old gift cards I needed to use anyway, so I went and bought the two books the library didn't have. On my way home I got gas and went to the grocery store. Then I canceled my eHarmony membership =)
For about the first week -10 days I've been living in this basement, the son was not around at all. For about the past week his car and him have been here almost everyday. His license plate says "EN V ME". This morning he was SCREAMING bloody murder at someone upstairs. I was contemplating whether calling the cops for domestic violence would automatically cause friction between me and the home owners. Either way, Ali has been around way too much now that I think about it... am I about to get kicked out at the end of the month?! My guess is him and his girlfriend aren't on the best of terms currently...
Today I tutored and then hit the gym. I like tutoring, and the schedule it provides, but I have not been working out since I started. And this tutoring gig is only through September. Come October I will have no income and nothing to do so I'm starting to job search again. And, I might be homeless come October too ;)
Saturday, September 11, 2010
Wednesday through Saturday
Wednesday
Papa's Pantry
On Wednesday when I went in for my shift at 1:00 I was told there were no pantry appointments scheduled, however there were some people who needed help with technology. I volunteered to do one-on-ones and small group help for people who need very basic skills...like how to set up an email account and use it, how to attach files, how to create a resume, etc. Very basic skills that most people in the world already possess, yet skills that these people in need do not have.
Only one woman stayed for my help, and unfortunately the internet had gone down prior to my arrival. So we worked on her flash drive...how to save files, delete files, rename files, copy and paste, etc. We worked together for about an hour and then she broke down. She cried and cried and cried and told me that she is used to being on the volunteer end of things, not the receiving end of things. She told me that on July 3 she went out, got drunk, and was about to be raped. She said she felt like her only two choices were to stay in that location and get raped and/or killed, or get in her car and escape. She chose to leave, wound up getting in a car accident and arrested for driving under the influence. Since then her work (she is a RN) has put her on unpaid leave, what little family she has has turned their backs on her, and she has no money to pay this months rent, car payments, cell phone bill, or gas. She said she has no friends, either, so when she gets evicted, she will have no place to go and be homeless. She has found some free counseling through a church, has attended some domestic violence support groups but didn't find they were exactly helpful since they didn't focus on rape, and she has landed at Papa's Pantry and is taking advantage of partnering up with us and all of the privileges and help that entails.
Mostly I just listened, but occasionally I reassured her that there is a higher plan for her in all of this, that people are out there who want to help her, and that she should be confident in the decision she made that night since she felt it was the best option at the time. I told her this was all going to work out just fine in the end, but that in the meantime it would be hard and lonely, but that there will be a light at the end of this rain. Then, her phone rang. After being unemployed for over two months and applying at numerous places, she got a call for an interview at a pediatric office. So things ended on a positive note. I don't know if I'll ever see her again, or get to hear how her story plays out, but I was glad that I got to be a small part of her recovery process. It also helped me remember how ridiculously blessed I am to live the life I live with all of the unconditional support and love from family, friends, and co-workers.
Due to my Papa's Pantry schedule I am tutoring from 8-10pm on Wednesday nights. I thought the girl's name was Jenny. Turns out it's Ginny, as in Virginia. Ginny Lee to be exact. I just call her Ginny. I actually really like this little girl. She is super cute, friendly, sociable, polite, fun, educated, and wants to learn. However when the mom, Emmie, and her are both in the same room, they each talk a mile a minute at the same time over each other. And they're both talking to me. My head spins from person to person while I think surely one of them is going to stop talking to me because they see the other person is already talking to me. Nope. Chaos that I uncomfortably wait out. Then the mom tells me to feel free to keep Ginny on task and not let her start chit-chatting. I wonder if the mom really is clueless that she does the same thing? By that time at night, Ginny is a little "punch drunk" as she keeps telling me so it is somewhat hard to focus that late for her. And honestly, for me too ;)
This is a view of their house from when I enter the gate. I know it's not a great view... but I can't very well bust out my camera and take snap shots while they're looking at me!
Thursday
Baby Kennedy
Today Leslie had her baby. I got a text in the morning from the proud papa announcing her arrival. Kennedy Elise Baker is the only girl the arrive in the Baker family thus far!!!
Today we tutor in a different room from the one we've normally been in. We've been in the formal dining room so far at this HUGE, round, elegant table reminiscent of the Godfather. Today we are working in the office. The walls are made of protruding blocks of wood about 2ft by 2ft, with perhaps 3in borders all around them. If you look closely, on every wall except one there is a secret door that you otherwise would not notice. One door goes into a closet, which is the most visible with the hinges in plain sight. Then there is one door that goes into the master bedroom, one door that goes into a formal living room, and another door that is another closet. It's like in a movie!
Ryan and I went square dancing again tonight. Apparently we are now enrolled in the Thursday night class. Yee-haw! On the enrollment form there was a space labeled for Ryan and I's relationship. I wrote he's my "baby daddy". There were some pictures of us from the first night we went square dancing, but Ryan has been a slacker on sending me them so I can't post them. I do have footage of the experienced "angels" as they call themselves dancing at the end of the night though. In one year, they say, this could be us! To see the video, look at the post above this one.
Friday
Ballroom Dancing
Tonight Ryan and I went ballroom dancing. I'm not sure of the name of the dance we learned, but it was not pretty. I mean the dance is pretty, Ryan and I attempting to do it together was not a pretty sight. He is definitely not as skilled at ballroom dancing as he is square dancing! And me, well, I'm just great at everything of course =) After that we went out to eat and then back to his house so I could bake a Green Bay Packer's cake for Jason's birthday. I used Ryan's kitchen earlier in the week to bake cookies for my brother Michael's upcoming birthday. Now I used it to bake Jason's cake. I feel bad about it because Ryan always gets excited thinking I'm making this stuff for him and then I give him the evil eye, like, if you touch it - you're dead meat. So I got a little creative with this cake to please both parties:
I'm not sure why the picture is upside down but oh well. So I cut a 1/4 out of it out for Ryan and his roommate/cousin Grant. I also gave Ryan a mini lesson on cake decorating techniques so he could decorate his own:
Saturday
Ryan is an avid tennis player and is in a league almost year round. This morning was his first match of the season and I went with him to it. He picked me up at 8:15AM! He is a superstar on the court but I totally think I could take him. He and his partner easily won their game.
Before leaving I saw the cutest snail I've ever seen:
I just got a phone call from Erin Moure with Penn High School. Penn is hosting several Challenge Days on November 2, 3, and 4 in Mishawaka. They are putting 900 kids through this program and they need a TON of adult volunteers to help for one day, school time hours. You do not need to be a teacher, anyone can volunteer. I participated in this last year at Penn High School and it was an awesome experience. So awesome that MTV has now made a tv show out of it called "If You Really Knew Me". Erin needs to talk to you within ONE week if you are interested in helping. Tell her I sent you and call her at 574-252-5589. You will not regret giving one day of your service to this amazing organization!!!
Papa's Pantry
On Wednesday when I went in for my shift at 1:00 I was told there were no pantry appointments scheduled, however there were some people who needed help with technology. I volunteered to do one-on-ones and small group help for people who need very basic skills...like how to set up an email account and use it, how to attach files, how to create a resume, etc. Very basic skills that most people in the world already possess, yet skills that these people in need do not have.
Only one woman stayed for my help, and unfortunately the internet had gone down prior to my arrival. So we worked on her flash drive...how to save files, delete files, rename files, copy and paste, etc. We worked together for about an hour and then she broke down. She cried and cried and cried and told me that she is used to being on the volunteer end of things, not the receiving end of things. She told me that on July 3 she went out, got drunk, and was about to be raped. She said she felt like her only two choices were to stay in that location and get raped and/or killed, or get in her car and escape. She chose to leave, wound up getting in a car accident and arrested for driving under the influence. Since then her work (she is a RN) has put her on unpaid leave, what little family she has has turned their backs on her, and she has no money to pay this months rent, car payments, cell phone bill, or gas. She said she has no friends, either, so when she gets evicted, she will have no place to go and be homeless. She has found some free counseling through a church, has attended some domestic violence support groups but didn't find they were exactly helpful since they didn't focus on rape, and she has landed at Papa's Pantry and is taking advantage of partnering up with us and all of the privileges and help that entails.
Mostly I just listened, but occasionally I reassured her that there is a higher plan for her in all of this, that people are out there who want to help her, and that she should be confident in the decision she made that night since she felt it was the best option at the time. I told her this was all going to work out just fine in the end, but that in the meantime it would be hard and lonely, but that there will be a light at the end of this rain. Then, her phone rang. After being unemployed for over two months and applying at numerous places, she got a call for an interview at a pediatric office. So things ended on a positive note. I don't know if I'll ever see her again, or get to hear how her story plays out, but I was glad that I got to be a small part of her recovery process. It also helped me remember how ridiculously blessed I am to live the life I live with all of the unconditional support and love from family, friends, and co-workers.
Tutoring
Due to my Papa's Pantry schedule I am tutoring from 8-10pm on Wednesday nights. I thought the girl's name was Jenny. Turns out it's Ginny, as in Virginia. Ginny Lee to be exact. I just call her Ginny. I actually really like this little girl. She is super cute, friendly, sociable, polite, fun, educated, and wants to learn. However when the mom, Emmie, and her are both in the same room, they each talk a mile a minute at the same time over each other. And they're both talking to me. My head spins from person to person while I think surely one of them is going to stop talking to me because they see the other person is already talking to me. Nope. Chaos that I uncomfortably wait out. Then the mom tells me to feel free to keep Ginny on task and not let her start chit-chatting. I wonder if the mom really is clueless that she does the same thing? By that time at night, Ginny is a little "punch drunk" as she keeps telling me so it is somewhat hard to focus that late for her. And honestly, for me too ;)
This is a view of their house from when I enter the gate. I know it's not a great view... but I can't very well bust out my camera and take snap shots while they're looking at me!
Thursday
Baby Kennedy
Today Leslie had her baby. I got a text in the morning from the proud papa announcing her arrival. Kennedy Elise Baker is the only girl the arrive in the Baker family thus far!!!
Tutoring
Today we tutor in a different room from the one we've normally been in. We've been in the formal dining room so far at this HUGE, round, elegant table reminiscent of the Godfather. Today we are working in the office. The walls are made of protruding blocks of wood about 2ft by 2ft, with perhaps 3in borders all around them. If you look closely, on every wall except one there is a secret door that you otherwise would not notice. One door goes into a closet, which is the most visible with the hinges in plain sight. Then there is one door that goes into the master bedroom, one door that goes into a formal living room, and another door that is another closet. It's like in a movie!
Square Dancing
Ryan and I went square dancing again tonight. Apparently we are now enrolled in the Thursday night class. Yee-haw! On the enrollment form there was a space labeled for Ryan and I's relationship. I wrote he's my "baby daddy". There were some pictures of us from the first night we went square dancing, but Ryan has been a slacker on sending me them so I can't post them. I do have footage of the experienced "angels" as they call themselves dancing at the end of the night though. In one year, they say, this could be us! To see the video, look at the post above this one.
Friday
Ballroom Dancing
Tonight Ryan and I went ballroom dancing. I'm not sure of the name of the dance we learned, but it was not pretty. I mean the dance is pretty, Ryan and I attempting to do it together was not a pretty sight. He is definitely not as skilled at ballroom dancing as he is square dancing! And me, well, I'm just great at everything of course =) After that we went out to eat and then back to his house so I could bake a Green Bay Packer's cake for Jason's birthday. I used Ryan's kitchen earlier in the week to bake cookies for my brother Michael's upcoming birthday. Now I used it to bake Jason's cake. I feel bad about it because Ryan always gets excited thinking I'm making this stuff for him and then I give him the evil eye, like, if you touch it - you're dead meat. So I got a little creative with this cake to please both parties:
Saturday
Tennis
Ryan is an avid tennis player and is in a league almost year round. This morning was his first match of the season and I went with him to it. He picked me up at 8:15AM! He is a superstar on the court but I totally think I could take him. He and his partner easily won their game.
Before leaving I saw the cutest snail I've ever seen:
Challenge Day
I just got a phone call from Erin Moure with Penn High School. Penn is hosting several Challenge Days on November 2, 3, and 4 in Mishawaka. They are putting 900 kids through this program and they need a TON of adult volunteers to help for one day, school time hours. You do not need to be a teacher, anyone can volunteer. I participated in this last year at Penn High School and it was an awesome experience. So awesome that MTV has now made a tv show out of it called "If You Really Knew Me". Erin needs to talk to you within ONE week if you are interested in helping. Tell her I sent you and call her at 574-252-5589. You will not regret giving one day of your service to this amazing organization!!!
Tuesday, September 7, 2010
The past couple days...
Computer
Since moving out of Stephanie and Jason's I have had severely limited access to a computer. Thus my apologies for a lack of postings. The good news is I should be getting my computer back and fixed in about a week. Yahooo! I am at their house right now doing laundry so I have time to blog!
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Square Dancing
Ryan was supposed to leave on Thursday night to spend Labor Day weekend in FL with his family. Luckily, they didn't end up leaving until Friday morning so he got the pleasure of accompanying me to a free square dancing lesson on Thursday night. When we got there, I didn't want to go in. If I had been by myself I would've turned around and gone back home. The parking lot was packed; Ryan made us go in anyway. It was actually a lot of fun! My favorite part is "Schwing your partner"... Halfway through there was a HUGE potluck buffet filled with the most goodies I've seen in a long time. And, it was free!!! There were two door prizes drawn, both for free lessons starting the following week, but neither of us won :( Everyone there kept asking us why we weren't married yet and I kept pretending like he wouldn't bite the bullet and propose already. "Do you see a ring on this hand? NO! Whatcha waiting for dear?"
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Labor Day Weekend
Kelly came and visited me this weekend. I picked her up on Friday at 9am. Ryan advised to me to get to the airport BEFORE rush hour started, so I was there 2.5 hours early. There were military men and women coming home from a deployment where everyone was waiting and it was a very emotional thing to witness. The whole crowd cheered every time someone in uniform came off the escalator, and then to see that person embrace his/her loved ones was over whelming. I almost started crying several times before I decided I needed to eat.
We came home and took naps, then showered, and went out for the night. We went to Pure in downtown Woodstock. The food was good but the live music they were playing on the rooftop deck was awesome. We sat in rocking chairs and listened to the music and chit-chatted.
On Saturday Kelly and I went to three different cities for festivals/fairs. We started in Woodstock for a farmers market and a flea market, then we went to Marietta town square where they were having Art in the Park. There were REALLY cool artists and artwork there. Check out the port-o-potties! Have you ever seen something so beautiful?
Since moving out of Stephanie and Jason's I have had severely limited access to a computer. Thus my apologies for a lack of postings. The good news is I should be getting my computer back and fixed in about a week. Yahooo! I am at their house right now doing laundry so I have time to blog!
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Square Dancing
Ryan was supposed to leave on Thursday night to spend Labor Day weekend in FL with his family. Luckily, they didn't end up leaving until Friday morning so he got the pleasure of accompanying me to a free square dancing lesson on Thursday night. When we got there, I didn't want to go in. If I had been by myself I would've turned around and gone back home. The parking lot was packed; Ryan made us go in anyway. It was actually a lot of fun! My favorite part is "Schwing your partner"... Halfway through there was a HUGE potluck buffet filled with the most goodies I've seen in a long time. And, it was free!!! There were two door prizes drawn, both for free lessons starting the following week, but neither of us won :( Everyone there kept asking us why we weren't married yet and I kept pretending like he wouldn't bite the bullet and propose already. "Do you see a ring on this hand? NO! Whatcha waiting for dear?"
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Labor Day Weekend
Kelly came and visited me this weekend. I picked her up on Friday at 9am. Ryan advised to me to get to the airport BEFORE rush hour started, so I was there 2.5 hours early. There were military men and women coming home from a deployment where everyone was waiting and it was a very emotional thing to witness. The whole crowd cheered every time someone in uniform came off the escalator, and then to see that person embrace his/her loved ones was over whelming. I almost started crying several times before I decided I needed to eat.
We came home and took naps, then showered, and went out for the night. We went to Pure in downtown Woodstock. The food was good but the live music they were playing on the rooftop deck was awesome. We sat in rocking chairs and listened to the music and chit-chatted.
Later that night we strolled through the little shops in downtown Woodstock.
Then we went to Karaoke with the 575 Singles Meet Up Group. That is where I was doing the cha cha slide (see earlier post).
On Saturday Kelly and I went to three different cities for festivals/fairs. We started in Woodstock for a farmers market and a flea market, then we went to Marietta town square where they were having Art in the Park. There were REALLY cool artists and artwork there. Check out the port-o-potties! Have you ever seen something so beautiful?
Then we ventured on to Homer GA and went to their holiday festival there. Homer happens to have a large outlet mall so we hit that up real quick too. We didn't end up getting home until 8:00pm so we just ordered a pizza and watched tv.
Sunday we got up to go out to eat and when we arrived at my car, the tire was flat AGAIN. This same tire has been flat three times now since I've been to GA. I called Jason to come put on my spare. He was not too happy, and in fact, said that this is the last time he will put on my spare.
So Kelly and I went out to eat, and then tried to hit up the pool but we only got about an hour left of sunlight before it set. That night we went to Stone Mountain GA to see a laser show and extended fireworks display. There were so many people there it was ridiculous. We finally found a good spot, we got to enjoy it for all of 10 minutes, and then a huge crowd of late arrivers stood right in front of us so we couldn't see anything. So, we left. We stayed up all night until it was 3:00am and time to take Kelly back to the airport.
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Tutoring
I started tutoring today. I drove to Sandy Springs GA and went into this crazy mansion. There was a gated entrance into their driveway. The kind in movies of celebrities houses where you have to state your name at the gate to get buzzed in. AND, there was a driver already at the house waiting to take the husband somewhere. The mom's rock on her hand was so big I don't know how she lifted it. Three dogs.
The girl was very pleasant and sociable. It's fun to work with a kid who wants to learn. I forgot how that felt. She does all her schooling online so I reviewed some language arts things she was working on prior to my arrival. Then we planned ahead for some upcoming science assignments she'll have. Then we did some math. I went over some math she had already done and most of it was correct, but not all of it. Then we did a new lesson: absolute value. I will now be tutoring there on Mon, Tues, and Thurs from 2-4pm, and Wednesday nights from 8-10pm. The program she utilizes is pretty neat. Like her science lesson had a link to a specific article on National Geographic that she had to read and then summarize. Her mom is required to go out a buy one of two movies (students choice) for history. Very interactive, up to date, and student chosen activities.
Friday, September 3, 2010
Thursday, September 2, 2010
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