PreInterview

My preinterview went well today and I now just have to finish filling out my application. That process is easier said than done. I have so much work to do by the end of the semester and my house is a mess (although I have some clean clothes now). That's all... I need sleep.

My Drinking Philosophy

During the weekend alot of people asked me about my drinking philosophy. So here it is:
I choose not to drink any alcohol at all. That does not mean that I look down on people who do, I just don't see the point in it. I understand those who want to drink for social reasons and if it is legal (i.e. you are overage and aren't driving) and not to the point of drunkenness (as drunkenness leads to debauchery according to the Bible) then I don't see a problem with it. Personally, I don't want to spend money on it (as it's expensive), see what the affects on my body are in conflict to my medicine, or as a camp blog post stated I don't want to have the temptation to like it and then have it lead to any consequences (addictions, lack of judgement, etc.). I've had to take care of too many drunk people/friends and seen the effects of the alcohol on those who don't know when to stop and those around them.
I instead chose to not drink any and typically stay away from the party atmosphere... mostly related to the fact that my body can't handle tons of bass, I'm not big into dancing, alcohol smells bad (it's an acquired taste apparently), and often people tend to not wear enough clothes in those places.
That being said, I do not put my personal philosophy on anyone else and just encourage you to follow the drinking laws and the Biblical guidelines to not drink to the point of sinning or being in danger.

Not alone

The song left on my pandora station was Not Alone. As the semester draws to a close, I'm reminded of the fact that I'm never alone. I won't leave my friends alone and I know that they won't leave me alone either. Best part is that God will never leave me, even when I'm in my single apartment.
The other reason that this hit me so much lately was that due to the weekend being completely filled with drinking, it reminded me of the importance of friends. Now I don't drink and will probably explain that in a later post, but I still see the affects of alcohol. Yesterday I was eating late in the dining hall when I saw a guy sitting at a table alone puking on himself. He was out of it enough to not be moving in response to puking and couldn't leave when someone encouraged him to get out. I called University Police so that he could get help. He was taken by the rescue squad to the hospital, in addition to many other students who went there this weekend and more who will go most likely. Now if he had a friend to tell him to stop drinking before he got to the point of alcohol poisoning or to make sure that he got home safely instead of leaving him in the dining hall that would have made a big difference.
Friends are so important in our life and knowing that you can call someone and trust them to help you is crucial. I'm very thankful that I have people I can call if needed and also so blessed that my God is always with me! If you feel alone call me or even better, call on God. He's always there to listen to your call as he never sleeps. Thank your friends for being there for you and treasure the time you have them... never leave them alone.

Food and conversations

Have you every thought about the role of food and conversation? If you want to ask someone out on a date often it's to coffee or dinner. Both are ways to get a chance to know the other person with fewer stresses. If you get bored, just stick some food in your mouth and think about something else as you chew. You can also use eating as a way to just listen to the conversations around you in a staff room or at a restaurant. It's a great way to spark conversations too as it can become the topic if you really need something. Either way, I'm thankful to the number of people who have bought me food lately (mostly due to the fact that they had to spend their meal plan anyway), but it's still appreciated especially when partnered with conversations.

Long Day

I was a substitute teacher today responsible for giving part of the NYS Math test again... which I'm still not a fan of. But despite the horrible start to my day (hitting a dog on the way to work who thankfully is ok), God turned it into a wonderful day. I was gone from before 8am until after midnight, but I know that despite my lack of sleep He will be glorified tomorrow.
I was able to leave subbing early today (while still getting paid) which allowed me to go to my other job and help monitor the research expo. While there I met with a few friends and saw lots of research that my friends had participated in. I also learned that people who can't tan (like me and other redheads) have more symmetrical faces. Since symmetry is usually more attractive, I'm just waiting now for my door to be knocked over by all the guys wanting me. Just kidding.
Anyway, I left there to go to my office, kinda deal with a few problems, then off to meet with a friend. After a great convo, I went to class, got dinner with another friend and hung out for a while before meeting a third friend. This last friend and I were able to have about 3 hours worth of conversation which was such a blessing to me. I learned alot about myself and her as well. So while my alarm is going to be set for about 5 hours after I go to bed and I'll have to wake up with less than 6 hours of sleep... today was worth it. God honoring conversations are the best!

State Testing

For those of you not in NYS right now we are on day 4 of a 6 day series of tests (ELA for 3 days, math for 3) and that's not all of the tests. These tests are each 90 minutes long (per day) and impact the schedules of 3rd to 8th graders all across the states. I'm not a fan of such long tests as I feel that students tend to finish them and don't care much about the results. Regardless, I'm administering one for the rest of this week and I have worked my observation/work schedule around them for next week as well. It's helpful for substitutes to have the tests as teachers get removed from the classroom to grade the tests, but still teachers belong in the classroom as I'm sure they would agree with. We'll see what the rest of this week brings (other than nice weather :) )

Snow Day

Today I was supposed to go supervise the college students who are completing their field placements in local schools. However, the school decided to have a snow day. Yes there is snow on the ground there and more snow in the forecast, but I feel that they called a snow day mostly because in April when you have leftover snow days, you should just use them. I support their decision to use up the leftover days as those days get used sometime. Why not today?