Well as summer is getting closer and closer - so is grad school! Luke and I were both admitted into Concordia University's MAT program that begins in June. It is a one year program and we are really excited to start.
We just got an email from them explaining the placement process that goes along with it. Normally this wouldn't scare me but it asks you to chose your PRIMARY and SECONDARY choices for teaching. Basically, what grades you want to teach. I always thought that I wanted to do something like 1st grade or Early Childhood Education - but when I saw how it was broken up, I decided that I would make Early Childhood Ed. my secondary option and opt for Elementary Education (4-6th grade).
I was really surprised when I decided to do this, but I am super happy about this choice. I mean - after two years of teaching, I have been really surprised at myself and finding which kids I prefer to teach. After teaching middle school kids - I am just in love with that age! However, Chinese students are a lot different (innocent) than American students - so I figure 4th grade is about the social equivalent to Junior Ones here.
Anyway - I had to update my resume and tell them which districts I would be interested in teaching - so hopefully all of that will match up with Luke's. He is taking one more week to teach the Junior students to see if he wants to focus on Middle or High school. Personally - I see him going middle school.
I will let you know what I learn when I do - hopefully I will figure out which school I will be in sooner then later since I start visiting the schools in September! Oh I am geeking out I am so excited.
: )
4.07.2010
4.05.2010
Are you in the frenzy?!
Well - for most of my friends, they know that I enjoy writing. I did go to college and get my degree in writing so that always helps. Anyway - last year, two of my friends joined this writing frenzy thing online - where you pledge to write 100 pages in a screen play in the month of April.
So this year - seeing has how I haven't really written in forever, I decided to join the frenzy and write 100 pages.
Currently, I only have 2, but that is because I just started about an hour ago. I decided to write a screen play about the zombie take over of the world. I feel that this is a neglected topic and I enjoy writing about this kind of sci-fi/fantasy thing. Who knows - I may change my topic but we will see.
If you want to join the frenzy - I highly encourage it and help to promote creativity in this day and age! Here is the link to my page so you can check on my progress.
http://scriptfrenzy.org/eng/user/630982
So this year - seeing has how I haven't really written in forever, I decided to join the frenzy and write 100 pages.
Currently, I only have 2, but that is because I just started about an hour ago. I decided to write a screen play about the zombie take over of the world. I feel that this is a neglected topic and I enjoy writing about this kind of sci-fi/fantasy thing. Who knows - I may change my topic but we will see.
If you want to join the frenzy - I highly encourage it and help to promote creativity in this day and age! Here is the link to my page so you can check on my progress.
http://scriptfrenzy.org/eng/user/630982
3.31.2010
The Lonely Werewolf Girl
So, as I have been reading more and more my best friend Katrina has been fueling my need. >.<
She is also living in Asia and knows the need for books and passed one along that I just finished. It is called 'The Lonely Werewolf Girl' by Martin Millar and is a good to so-so book.
It is very British and a fun quick read. It follows the royal werewolf family from Scotland and all of their crazy family adventures. One of the reasons that Katrina liked it was because it was inspired by the TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. You definitely get that feel when reading it.
Overall, I would give this book a B+ as it is entertaining but the ending is only so-so. My favorite character had to be the Fire Queen who was not only the funniest character but also obsessed with fashion.
So, if you are looking for a quick read to pass the time, I would recommend this Buffy inspired novel.
3.30.2010
Jon Hunter II
Another day another baby! My cousins Jon and Katie just welcomed their lovely baby boy named Jon Hunter II after my uncle Jon.
He was born on March 26th and is healthy and happy. I was excited but really - another March baby! >.< March is a busy month with birthdays (all at the end too) with Luke and I but we are happy to welcome the little guy!
I cannot wait to meet him and give him some Chinese baby clothes.
3.18.2010
Praxis I - Check
Awhile ago - I mentioned that Luke and I traveled to Beijing to take the Praxis I exams (math, reading and writing) as our acceptance to Concordia is conditional.
But great news - WE PASSED ALL THE TESTS!
I know what most of you are saying/thinking, 'of course you did silly' but you have no idea the test anxiety this blonde...brunette gets. I was mostly worried for the math section, since really, I suck at math. Luke was nervous about the writing section - but we both did extremely well.
Phew.
Now we just have to rock the ORELA exam and Luke has to take a Praxis II exam in History. That shouldn't be an issue for him since he is one of those smarties. >.<
Just thought I would update everyone on what is going on.
But great news - WE PASSED ALL THE TESTS!
I know what most of you are saying/thinking, 'of course you did silly' but you have no idea the test anxiety this blonde...brunette gets. I was mostly worried for the math section, since really, I suck at math. Luke was nervous about the writing section - but we both did extremely well.
Phew.
Now we just have to rock the ORELA exam and Luke has to take a Praxis II exam in History. That shouldn't be an issue for him since he is one of those smarties. >.<
Just thought I would update everyone on what is going on.
Looking for a good read?
So - one of my goals for 2010 was to get back into my reading groove. Since college, I sadly have not been reading as much as I have wanted. I do not know exactly why - but I am trying to change that. Luke and I have been making a point to read a lot lately and I have really been enjoying it.
Now for the shameless plug - some of the books that have really caught our interest were recommended by our friend Travis and they are called the 'Sword of Truth' series. They are a great fantasy read for any of you interested in them. I have really loved reading them and have gotten Luke and Lili both obsessed as well. Terry Goodkind is an amazing author who can capture your imagination.
The books are about a character named Richard, who by chance is thrown into a world of magic and has to help a woman who he barely knows save her part of the world. I know - it sounds crazy but there is action, romance and sooooo much good stuff, you will enjoy them if you like fantasy.
There are 12 books total and currently we are on book 6. Believe me - you will be in for the long haul with these ones. I am excited to get back to America and continue reading the next 6.
Just thought I would spread the word.
3.17.2010
The Martins are heading home
May 29th!
Luke and I just received confirmation that we indeed have our tickets to Seattle on May 29th and will arrive in the states around noon. It is still strange to me that we will leave Beijing at 4pm and arrive in Seattle the same day four hours earlier - but oh well.
Dogs are going to be with us. Sadly, Henan Airlines (or whichever we are flying) does not allow animals in the main cabin so they will have to be below with the luggage but that shouldn't be too bad as long as they can be in the same crate. This weekend they are going to get their rabies shot and then we should be good to go until about a week before we leave - then they need to get checked for screw worm or something and be quarantined for some reason in China. As long as they get home I will do whatever it takes.
As for getting home Luke and I couldn't be more excited. We have had a good time in China but both of our patience is running thin as we feel we have definitely been taken advantage of this year. The school last year was really understanding and went out of their way to help us and this year, nothing except expecting us to do all the work for not so much as a 'thank you'. Forgive my vent.
I am also excited to get back because I have signed up for a 1/2 marathon in July! I was originally going to run Crater Lake with my friend Barbie (who I love!) but it turned out it was going to be a little too much with school and funding to do that one. Also, I would have very little time to train for the hills which was not sounding so awesome - so, I found a run on Sauvie Island that is known as the 'flat' run and I am very excited about it. So far Bob, Helen, myself and maybe Casey are doing it. Yes, it is on the 4th of July but I don't care - I am going to run a 1/2 marathon!
Anyway - we have a busy couple of weeks coming up (and by weeks - I mean months). Tomorrow my friend Aenne flies in (hurray!) and Jean and Terry also arrive. The next Tuesday, Katrina comes which is going to be awesome! Luke and Lili are peacing out with Jean and Terry and heading to Shanghai while my girls and I roll out to Xian. The next month, JR and Brett are coming to visit for a weekend which will be pretty fun and then after that, my mom, brother and friend Hollie are coming. Phew - plenty of people in so little time. Over the course of the visits we will be heading to Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, Dengfeng, Luoyang and possible Chengdu/Yangshou... not sure on those yet.
Anyway - my amigo Chad let me know that I have been not the best about updating so that is where things are at now. Hope all is well and I will get to see you all soon!
Luke and I just received confirmation that we indeed have our tickets to Seattle on May 29th and will arrive in the states around noon. It is still strange to me that we will leave Beijing at 4pm and arrive in Seattle the same day four hours earlier - but oh well.
Dogs are going to be with us. Sadly, Henan Airlines (or whichever we are flying) does not allow animals in the main cabin so they will have to be below with the luggage but that shouldn't be too bad as long as they can be in the same crate. This weekend they are going to get their rabies shot and then we should be good to go until about a week before we leave - then they need to get checked for screw worm or something and be quarantined for some reason in China. As long as they get home I will do whatever it takes.
As for getting home Luke and I couldn't be more excited. We have had a good time in China but both of our patience is running thin as we feel we have definitely been taken advantage of this year. The school last year was really understanding and went out of their way to help us and this year, nothing except expecting us to do all the work for not so much as a 'thank you'. Forgive my vent.
I am also excited to get back because I have signed up for a 1/2 marathon in July! I was originally going to run Crater Lake with my friend Barbie (who I love!) but it turned out it was going to be a little too much with school and funding to do that one. Also, I would have very little time to train for the hills which was not sounding so awesome - so, I found a run on Sauvie Island that is known as the 'flat' run and I am very excited about it. So far Bob, Helen, myself and maybe Casey are doing it. Yes, it is on the 4th of July but I don't care - I am going to run a 1/2 marathon!
Anyway - we have a busy couple of weeks coming up (and by weeks - I mean months). Tomorrow my friend Aenne flies in (hurray!) and Jean and Terry also arrive. The next Tuesday, Katrina comes which is going to be awesome! Luke and Lili are peacing out with Jean and Terry and heading to Shanghai while my girls and I roll out to Xian. The next month, JR and Brett are coming to visit for a weekend which will be pretty fun and then after that, my mom, brother and friend Hollie are coming. Phew - plenty of people in so little time. Over the course of the visits we will be heading to Xian, Beijing, Shanghai, Qingdao, Dengfeng, Luoyang and possible Chengdu/Yangshou... not sure on those yet.
Anyway - my amigo Chad let me know that I have been not the best about updating so that is where things are at now. Hope all is well and I will get to see you all soon!
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