Things You See in the 802-II

I went hiking today in the snow. Since I didn't have too much time I thought I would just explore the woods around school for an hour or so. There was probably up to 6 inches in some places of a crunchy snow/ice combination so I strapped on some crampons and set foot up the short mountain/tall hill behind school. Once I got to the top I knew there weren't any trails so I decided to just follow deer tracks around the woods. I knew the chances of getting lost were slim since I could hear/and see houses and cars below. Let me tell you, deer walk in strange patterns but it was nice walking a different path then I would of thought as normal. The wandering tracks at one point led me to the scene below. I guess deer like to be comfortable, just like humans :-).....

All natural bathroom decor...


I checked. There was no money.


I bet all they can get is the nature channel. :-D

Things you see in the 802

I may of mentioned before that Vermont is a different land. There are many things about this tiny state that make it very unique. One of which is the obsession with clean air and health. With strict carbon emissions testing and the bragging rights of being one of the healthiest states in the country Vermont is a place that I can appreciate! Here is an example of "encouragement" sign to be more health minded.

Hymn for the Heart!

I have hummed these words to myself on many occasions during my time in Vermont so far. Everyday I am adapting and learning to deal with the many challenges that come with being a first year teacher far away from familiarity in this mountainous and cold Arctic land. The seemingly daunting challenges of the classroom and everyday life will continue to occur and winter will soon be here in all it's glory. I continue to wonder what God has in store for my future and sometimes cannot fathom how things work out the way they do. For now, until the curve balls of life settle in the dust, all I need to do is simply trust and obey!

When we walk with the Lord in the light of His Word,
What a glory He sheds on our way!
While we do His good will, He abides with us still,
And with all who will trust and obey.
Refrain:
Trust and obey, for there’s no other way
To be happy in Jesus, but to trust and obey.
Not a shadow can rise, not a cloud in the skies,
But His smile quickly drives it away;
Not a doubt or a fear, not a sigh or a tear,
Can abide while we trust and obey.
Not a burden we bear, not a sorrow we share,
But our toil He doth richly repay;
Not a grief or a loss, not a frown or a cross,
But is blessed if we trust and obey.
But we never can prove the delights of His love
Until all on the altar we lay;
For the favor He shows, for the joy He bestows,
Are for them who will trust and obey.
Then in fellowship sweet we will sit at His feet,
Or we’ll walk by His side in the way;
What He says we will do, where He sends we will go;
Never fear, only trust and obey.

Flight of the Butterfly(s)!

Today was super cool! My good friend Temple came down for the day and agreed to run this race with me. I heard about it about a month ago and saw that it was a "costume race." We thought it would be fun to dress up but I am not sure we actually thought we would at first. After brainstorming for a bit we decided to dress like butterflies! It was soooo fun! How can you NOT have fun when you have brightly colored wings on your back and glitter on your face? My training has been minimal thanks to my busy teaching schedule but I managed to do pretty well. I figured Temple and I were just following Andrew Fisher's famous philosophy and pre race strategy of 'rest and relaxation':-)

Today's race was a first in many categories for me! It was the first time I have ever stopped taking my running seriously enough to dress up! It was also the first time I have ever run a race with snow on the ground! It was really fun to see all the other costumed runners. There was a fairy, a, pumpkin, a bumble bee, a cop, and other strange costumes that required much self interpretation. At the end they called out everyone to pick a raffle prize out of a large bag. Since Temple and I were the 2ND and 3rd people to register we got to pick 2ND and 3rd out of the bag! We both scored an awesome winter skull cap plus a couple other things at the end when they had extra just laying around! Overall the race was a nice change of pace...you know flying instead of running :-)


How else do you finish a race with wings on ? :-)

October Snow!!

Saw my first New England snow flakes today and threw my first New England snowball! I also broke my record for the earliest I have ever seen snow in my entire life! I guess when you have lived in the south your entire life its not unusual :-)It may not be much but its still exciting and even better it is officially Christmas music season!

Character Building

Dealt with this scenario recently. Glad there are more better days then bad!

Identity Crisis

Me-"Esther please turn around and pay attention to class."

Esther-"my name is not Esther!"

Me very confused - "oh well what is it then?"

Esther-"Estherlyne!"

Me-"OK so what name do you want me to call you then?"

Esther-"call me Esther! "

alrighty then kiddo, Esther it is...