Sasha appeared to be doing great. We thought we were almost out of the woods until I came home to find Dale in shock as he just witnessed Sasha pee blood into the toilet (remember our cat is toilet trained). I was frantic and immediately had our vet on hold. She explained that it is perfectly normal, because Sasha had a catheter stuffed inside his impossibly small urethra. I would pee blood too under those extreme circumstances.
Sasha is NOW feeling better. He is in better health than we are and currently on a 3-week dose of Prednisone.
Work is going unbelievable slow right now. I have all these great ideas but my supervisor wants to put everything on hold until we get back from our training in Helena next week. I completely understand, but for those of you who understand my work habits, when I get excited and passionate about something, I develop tunnel vision. All I can do is think about my inspirations. I think at night, during the day, during breakfast, lunch, and dinner...and god forbid, even when Dale and I, well, umm, busy. It is a terrible habit. Waiting a whole week to discuss ideas is making me even more anxious. I am spewing educational inspiration and I need a lake to fill with all these ideas.
PS: We had the BEST meal of my life on my birthday! We went to Pearl, one of the restaurants that Dale wants to work at. We started with a delicately bold red wine. Ventured on to escargots, which were cooked perfectly and tasted more like mushrooms in an earthy bath of garlic, butter, and Parmesan. We got a crock of french onion soup, which you could smell from four blocks away and coated our stomachs for the next course. Our entree was smoke bison tenderloin in a huckleberry-red wine reduction. This was the most fantastic entree I have ever tasted. The bison was lightly smoked, perfectly cooked and the huckleberries were so fresh they popped essences of wine, sweetness and tartness in your mouth. We could have stopped at dinner, but we continued on to dessert, feasting on a homemade lemon custard tart. It was the perfect way to end our evening. Thanks to everyone who called on my birthday, I apologize if I wasn't alert, but I had a great meal digesting through my stomach, veins, and heart. Bedtime that night: 8pm.
***Note: this is the lamest post ever.
Friday, January 30, 2009
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Veterinarians, Birthdays, and my disillusionment with Seattle
On Friday, Dale called me worried that Sasha was sick. Now, Sasha vomits frequently mostly because he loves to eat anything that crosses his path....he is the world's biggest garbage cat. Anyways, I was thinking that maybe he just ate some garbage or maybe had a little cold, nothing too major. When I got home Sasha refused to move. His usually energetic and happy personality was clouded by obvious severe discomfort.
We took him to the vet and as it turns out he has what is really similar to kidney stones, caused most likely by the difference in water, change of diet, and stress from moving. Sasha had to be catheterized and hospitalized over night.
Dale and I hardly slept through the night. We were mostly amused by the thought of Sasha, attached to a catheter, waking in the middle of the night to find a toilet to use (he is toilet trained!). After we paid the $268 vet bill on Saturday, we were able to take him home.
Sasha now has better health care than Dale and me. He is currently drinking distilled water and eating specially formulated food that is grain-free. In addition, he is on prednisone and antibiotics and gets to use a litterbox so we can monitor his urination. Sasha previously behaved like no other cat, he has always been more human than cat. Now, I think it is safe to assume that he thinks he is human. Especially now that he thinks he belongs in our bed under the covers like a real human being.
Today is my birthday. I never enjoyed celebrating New Years, because my birthday always seemed to feel like New Years; New year, another year older, make promises I know I cant keep. I have always struggled with becoming an adult. I know compared to most of my friends and relatives I am more responsible and mature...more adult. However, inside I never feel a day over 16 and struggle to see myself as an adult.
I guess that is the beauty of turning 23. For the past year I have felt 24 and have even on some occasions told others that I WAS 24. Today, I recognize that I am 23. Not only am I 23, but I also am finally beginning to see my life in terms of adulthood. I am married, live in a house with a spare bedroom, go to work everyday at 7:30, come home to make dinner, complete domestic chores, and go to bed. I know many of you may think I am crazy--that this is no life to be envious of.
What about the bars? Parties? Dates? Men? I have really never been one in favor of all those adventures rather preferring a quiet night at home cuddled up with someone warm. So today, on my 23 birthday, my gift to myself is the reconciliation of my internal struggle of trying to be an adult and actually feeling like one.
Dale had a job interview yesterday. It went very well. The restaurant is a very quaint breakfast and lunch place and serves Cafe Vita coffee (Seattle coffee shop). One of the servers questioned Dale's relocation from Seattle..."why would you want to move here???"
I have been disillusioned with Seattle. Five years ago I wanted nothing more than to walk to bust city streets with a cup of Jo in my hand and my cell phone in the other. After four years of trying to live a life that I really was not made for I became depressed feeling like the cloud cover in Seattle existed over my brain as well. Dale and I have had many long talks about this. Ultimately, we are simple folks in need of simple lifestyles. That is why we moved to Missoula--to enjoy the beauty of solitude, the freedom of space, and the opportunity to grow gardens, hike, and become self-sufficient.
Having only been in Missoula for three weeks, we feel as though we have settled into a life style worth living. In Seattle we went out to bars and dinner 4-5 nights a week. We have gone out to dinner ONCE in our three weeks in Missoula. Some of the luxuries, like 24-hour grocery stores, late night diners, and bars within walking distance are just not available. We dont miss it. Instead, we go to the brewery to fill up our growler (which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective), make dinner most nights, sometimes even our own bread, and cuddle up to watch movies on our GIANT HD Projector. Jealous? We are too.
We took him to the vet and as it turns out he has what is really similar to kidney stones, caused most likely by the difference in water, change of diet, and stress from moving. Sasha had to be catheterized and hospitalized over night.
Dale and I hardly slept through the night. We were mostly amused by the thought of Sasha, attached to a catheter, waking in the middle of the night to find a toilet to use (he is toilet trained!). After we paid the $268 vet bill on Saturday, we were able to take him home.
Sasha now has better health care than Dale and me. He is currently drinking distilled water and eating specially formulated food that is grain-free. In addition, he is on prednisone and antibiotics and gets to use a litterbox so we can monitor his urination. Sasha previously behaved like no other cat, he has always been more human than cat. Now, I think it is safe to assume that he thinks he is human. Especially now that he thinks he belongs in our bed under the covers like a real human being.
Today is my birthday. I never enjoyed celebrating New Years, because my birthday always seemed to feel like New Years; New year, another year older, make promises I know I cant keep. I have always struggled with becoming an adult. I know compared to most of my friends and relatives I am more responsible and mature...more adult. However, inside I never feel a day over 16 and struggle to see myself as an adult.
I guess that is the beauty of turning 23. For the past year I have felt 24 and have even on some occasions told others that I WAS 24. Today, I recognize that I am 23. Not only am I 23, but I also am finally beginning to see my life in terms of adulthood. I am married, live in a house with a spare bedroom, go to work everyday at 7:30, come home to make dinner, complete domestic chores, and go to bed. I know many of you may think I am crazy--that this is no life to be envious of.
What about the bars? Parties? Dates? Men? I have really never been one in favor of all those adventures rather preferring a quiet night at home cuddled up with someone warm. So today, on my 23 birthday, my gift to myself is the reconciliation of my internal struggle of trying to be an adult and actually feeling like one.
Dale had a job interview yesterday. It went very well. The restaurant is a very quaint breakfast and lunch place and serves Cafe Vita coffee (Seattle coffee shop). One of the servers questioned Dale's relocation from Seattle..."why would you want to move here???"
I have been disillusioned with Seattle. Five years ago I wanted nothing more than to walk to bust city streets with a cup of Jo in my hand and my cell phone in the other. After four years of trying to live a life that I really was not made for I became depressed feeling like the cloud cover in Seattle existed over my brain as well. Dale and I have had many long talks about this. Ultimately, we are simple folks in need of simple lifestyles. That is why we moved to Missoula--to enjoy the beauty of solitude, the freedom of space, and the opportunity to grow gardens, hike, and become self-sufficient.
Having only been in Missoula for three weeks, we feel as though we have settled into a life style worth living. In Seattle we went out to bars and dinner 4-5 nights a week. We have gone out to dinner ONCE in our three weeks in Missoula. Some of the luxuries, like 24-hour grocery stores, late night diners, and bars within walking distance are just not available. We dont miss it. Instead, we go to the brewery to fill up our growler (which is both environmentally friendly and cost-effective), make dinner most nights, sometimes even our own bread, and cuddle up to watch movies on our GIANT HD Projector. Jealous? We are too.
Friday, January 23, 2009
In the battlefield
Part of my position at Sentinel High School includes implementing what is called student-led conferences. Student-led conferences (SLC) are similar to parent-teacher conferences however they differ in that the conference is prepared by the student and led by the student. SLC's are becoming extremely popular all across the nation's schools, however, some teachers are still extremely resistant to the idea of SLC. Take my school for example.
Yesterday, I sat through three different team meetings. Each one led to the same conclusion: teachers dont like SLC and are concerned about compensation and time that SLC costs. Now Missoula County Public Schools has not required parent-teacher conferences since the 1950's and their new superintendent is now requiring conferences again. I tried getting research about both the advantages and disadvantages of SLC. Here are some of the highlights.
1.) We all like to think that our students will talk to parents and teachers when they know they are struggling. However, students are afraid of disappointing and SLC provide a safe environment in which to openly and honestly discuss their schoolwork.
I sat in on a SLC yesterday and was extremely impressed. The girl was a freshman and she prepared for the conference by putting together a portfolio of work (both good and bad), attendence records, behavior records, grades, and goals. Most of the conference went well, but I could sense the tension when it came to talking about grades. Her cheeks became red, tears dwelled in her eyes, and nervous laughter eminated from her throat. She stayed confident and pulled together and told her parents that she had an F in one class and three C's in the others. Not only did she reveal her grades, which most parents should by now know that students will do whatever it takes to hide their grades, but she revealed why. She explained some challenges, strenghts, and strategies for improving grades. Which leads me to my next point.
2.) SLC hold students accountable for the grades. It encourages students to empower their education and become reflective on their skills, abilities, and goals.
This particular student said she would need help from her parents. She wanted them to set aside a family hour to study and work together. She also said she wanted to get a job shadow in a social work office so she could learn more about how to plan for her future.
3.) SLC also allow parents to listen to their students and witness them in a leadership role as students prepare and lead conferences by themselves. While this may cause some tension initially it generally allows parents and students to begin effective communication essentially improving their relationship.
I know we all like to think that our relationship with students is already good, SLC provides again a safe place for parents to express their concern.
There are so many other advantages that I could list but the consesus is SLC conferences are a good thing. It allows parents and students to engage in open and honest dialogue. SLC hold students accountable for their own education and allow students to set goals beyond their classroom. Students are able to develop strategies and reflect on how to be successful--those skills are probably the most essential to becoming successful in college (and it took me a few years to finally understand!)
The disadvantages of SLC were few and far between and could easily be resolved.
1.) Parents dont have time to attend conferences during the day. I read so many blogs that were written by complaining parents saying they cant make time in their work week to come to SLC. I am sorry to have little sympathy for this one. You decided to have kids, you have to make time for them. However, for those that have unforgiving bosses, SLC can be held in the morning before most work hours start, in the afternoon, of maybe depending on some teachers flexibility on evenings and weekends.
2.) Teachers complain about not having enough time. I sat in on a team meeting and all of the teachers agreed that they were maxed out and didnt have time to implement SLC. SLC require that students do most of the preparing. Each conferences takes 20 minutes and teachers are already given PIR days for exactly this purpose. In some schools, teachers held conferences after noon on a Monday and were given Friday off in exchange.
3.) Some complain the SLC take away time from the students learning in classes and preparation for standards-based tests. After a few years of participating in SLC students will be more effective learners performing better on tests than they would have just learning in class. SLC require strategy, goal setting, and reflection, skills often forgotten in the classroom.
The bottom-line, which may be harsh, is that those in opposition to SLC are more concerned about their self interest. What about the needs of the students? If SLC are really more effective for students than do them, we are educators and parents and our students interest must be put before ours.
***I sat through several staff meetings where that was the bottom line. Teachers were concerned about pay and time. I always grew up believing that teaching is a selfless profession and that there will always be sacrafices to be made. It appears however that some teachers dont feel this way. The longterm goal is common: we all want our students to succeed. If this a more effective means of doing so, then worry about compensation later.
Yesterday, I sat through three different team meetings. Each one led to the same conclusion: teachers dont like SLC and are concerned about compensation and time that SLC costs. Now Missoula County Public Schools has not required parent-teacher conferences since the 1950's and their new superintendent is now requiring conferences again. I tried getting research about both the advantages and disadvantages of SLC. Here are some of the highlights.
1.) We all like to think that our students will talk to parents and teachers when they know they are struggling. However, students are afraid of disappointing and SLC provide a safe environment in which to openly and honestly discuss their schoolwork.
I sat in on a SLC yesterday and was extremely impressed. The girl was a freshman and she prepared for the conference by putting together a portfolio of work (both good and bad), attendence records, behavior records, grades, and goals. Most of the conference went well, but I could sense the tension when it came to talking about grades. Her cheeks became red, tears dwelled in her eyes, and nervous laughter eminated from her throat. She stayed confident and pulled together and told her parents that she had an F in one class and three C's in the others. Not only did she reveal her grades, which most parents should by now know that students will do whatever it takes to hide their grades, but she revealed why. She explained some challenges, strenghts, and strategies for improving grades. Which leads me to my next point.
2.) SLC hold students accountable for the grades. It encourages students to empower their education and become reflective on their skills, abilities, and goals.
This particular student said she would need help from her parents. She wanted them to set aside a family hour to study and work together. She also said she wanted to get a job shadow in a social work office so she could learn more about how to plan for her future.
3.) SLC also allow parents to listen to their students and witness them in a leadership role as students prepare and lead conferences by themselves. While this may cause some tension initially it generally allows parents and students to begin effective communication essentially improving their relationship.
I know we all like to think that our relationship with students is already good, SLC provides again a safe place for parents to express their concern.
There are so many other advantages that I could list but the consesus is SLC conferences are a good thing. It allows parents and students to engage in open and honest dialogue. SLC hold students accountable for their own education and allow students to set goals beyond their classroom. Students are able to develop strategies and reflect on how to be successful--those skills are probably the most essential to becoming successful in college (and it took me a few years to finally understand!)
The disadvantages of SLC were few and far between and could easily be resolved.
1.) Parents dont have time to attend conferences during the day. I read so many blogs that were written by complaining parents saying they cant make time in their work week to come to SLC. I am sorry to have little sympathy for this one. You decided to have kids, you have to make time for them. However, for those that have unforgiving bosses, SLC can be held in the morning before most work hours start, in the afternoon, of maybe depending on some teachers flexibility on evenings and weekends.
2.) Teachers complain about not having enough time. I sat in on a team meeting and all of the teachers agreed that they were maxed out and didnt have time to implement SLC. SLC require that students do most of the preparing. Each conferences takes 20 minutes and teachers are already given PIR days for exactly this purpose. In some schools, teachers held conferences after noon on a Monday and were given Friday off in exchange.
3.) Some complain the SLC take away time from the students learning in classes and preparation for standards-based tests. After a few years of participating in SLC students will be more effective learners performing better on tests than they would have just learning in class. SLC require strategy, goal setting, and reflection, skills often forgotten in the classroom.
The bottom-line, which may be harsh, is that those in opposition to SLC are more concerned about their self interest. What about the needs of the students? If SLC are really more effective for students than do them, we are educators and parents and our students interest must be put before ours.
***I sat through several staff meetings where that was the bottom line. Teachers were concerned about pay and time. I always grew up believing that teaching is a selfless profession and that there will always be sacrafices to be made. It appears however that some teachers dont feel this way. The longterm goal is common: we all want our students to succeed. If this a more effective means of doing so, then worry about compensation later.
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Inauguration Elation
I started my first day at Sentinel High School on Tuesday. The day was busy as I was shuffled from one staff meeting to another, meeting people whose names I have already forgotten.
Even in all the chaos, I still made time to watch the inauguration. We snuck into an American History class that had an HD projector highly suitable for our viewing needs. During the inauguration, I teared (just a little), laughed, and became extremely frustrated. A couple of bothersome things happened:
1.) The kids that belonged in this class, SENIORS, mind you, had their heads on the desk the whole time. I can understand why as my years in high school were not the most politically involved, however, I was still respectful, interested, and thoughtful about politics. These kids were not the slightest bit interested in what was going on. To make matters worse, they were disruptive--talking in the back of the classroom, throwing pencils across the desk, just general annoyances but nonetheless disruptive. These are the same kids that I am supposed to be working with as part of my AmeriCorps position.
2.) I was extremely moved when Joe Biden took his oath of office. It was the same oath that I took to become part of AmeriCorps. Saying those words in the governor's office made an impact but seeing the vice president take the same oath reinforced my beliefs, mission, and commitment to the AmeriCorps program.
Even in all the chaos, I still made time to watch the inauguration. We snuck into an American History class that had an HD projector highly suitable for our viewing needs. During the inauguration, I teared (just a little), laughed, and became extremely frustrated. A couple of bothersome things happened:
1.) The kids that belonged in this class, SENIORS, mind you, had their heads on the desk the whole time. I can understand why as my years in high school were not the most politically involved, however, I was still respectful, interested, and thoughtful about politics. These kids were not the slightest bit interested in what was going on. To make matters worse, they were disruptive--talking in the back of the classroom, throwing pencils across the desk, just general annoyances but nonetheless disruptive. These are the same kids that I am supposed to be working with as part of my AmeriCorps position.
2.) I was extremely moved when Joe Biden took his oath of office. It was the same oath that I took to become part of AmeriCorps. Saying those words in the governor's office made an impact but seeing the vice president take the same oath reinforced my beliefs, mission, and commitment to the AmeriCorps program.
"I do solemnly swear that I will support and defend the Constitution of the United States against all enemies, foreign, and domestic;
That I will bear true faith and allegiance to the same;
That I take this obligation freely and without any mental reservation or purpose of evasion;
And that I will well and faithfully discharge the duties of the office on which I am about to enter.
So help me God."
3.) Obama is such a wonderful speaker, one that inspires those to tune in and listen closely. Looking around the room at other teachers and seeing their faces, small rivers running down their faces and glowing of hope and pride, I couldn't help but become tearful myself. Tuesday was a historical day, but not because of race, religion, or income. Tuesday showed for the first time what democracy is, it showed how to inspire people to empower their voices and become participants in their politics, and showed what happens when millions stand together for something they believe in: change.
My day in the office ended smoothly. I am starting my term with AmeriCorps during a dynamic and hopeful change for America, hopefully by the end of next year my service will be reflective of a year of great change.
Monday, January 19, 2009
What the Pho???
So Dale and I decided to have a dinner party the other night with some new colleagues. The food was fantastic! We decided to make pho (vietnamese noodle soup), caramel simmered pork riblets and spring rolls. The food was fantastic and our guests very eager to try such adventurous cuisine.
Even though the food was great there seemed to lack conversation. I remember at some point looking at the clock and thinking, "wow, it has only been a half an hour". Certainly our guests must have been feeling the same as they departedly shortly after.
I dont understand! Wine was plenty, however, no one was drinking. Food was plenty. Movies plenty. I dont think more than 30 words were exchanged the whole night, most of them between Dale and I.
In any case, this lack of excitement left us missing our Seattle friends and hoping that we will soon find friends in Missoula to heighten our otherwise boring lives.
My grandmother put a sparkle in my brain as she confessed the disasters of her first dinner party. I never would have guessed the fifty years ago she didnt even know how to boil water. I guess getting married and having kids kicks that habit!
Dale and I watched 'River Runs Through It' today. I must confess that I cried like a baby that got dropped on its head. I cant believe I have lived in Montana and never seen the movie. The movie was filmed in Bozeman and Livingston (my former romping ground) but is about two kids growing up in Missoula. I felt such a connection to the author who left Montana seeking greater adventure only to find that his adventure was here. Needless to say, I cried, weeped, blubbered, and tried to hide my tears. Our lives have been so busy the last couple months I dont think I have stopped to think about feelings and I guess the movie coaxed them all out.
In addition to crying like a baby today, I spent a number of hours perusing a rare seed catalogue. All the seeds carried their own story in their titles alone. I became entranced reading about country gentlemen, mammoth red rock, and early wonders. The hard part of course is reminding myself to start small because I have not yet developed a green thumb and we dont exactly have a large yard. Nonetheless, Dale and I will be starting a garden this year and I hope that many of you will be able to enjoy all the fruits of our labor...literally.
Even though the food was great there seemed to lack conversation. I remember at some point looking at the clock and thinking, "wow, it has only been a half an hour". Certainly our guests must have been feeling the same as they departedly shortly after.
I dont understand! Wine was plenty, however, no one was drinking. Food was plenty. Movies plenty. I dont think more than 30 words were exchanged the whole night, most of them between Dale and I.
In any case, this lack of excitement left us missing our Seattle friends and hoping that we will soon find friends in Missoula to heighten our otherwise boring lives.
My grandmother put a sparkle in my brain as she confessed the disasters of her first dinner party. I never would have guessed the fifty years ago she didnt even know how to boil water. I guess getting married and having kids kicks that habit!
Dale and I watched 'River Runs Through It' today. I must confess that I cried like a baby that got dropped on its head. I cant believe I have lived in Montana and never seen the movie. The movie was filmed in Bozeman and Livingston (my former romping ground) but is about two kids growing up in Missoula. I felt such a connection to the author who left Montana seeking greater adventure only to find that his adventure was here. Needless to say, I cried, weeped, blubbered, and tried to hide my tears. Our lives have been so busy the last couple months I dont think I have stopped to think about feelings and I guess the movie coaxed them all out.
In addition to crying like a baby today, I spent a number of hours perusing a rare seed catalogue. All the seeds carried their own story in their titles alone. I became entranced reading about country gentlemen, mammoth red rock, and early wonders. The hard part of course is reminding myself to start small because I have not yet developed a green thumb and we dont exactly have a large yard. Nonetheless, Dale and I will be starting a garden this year and I hope that many of you will be able to enjoy all the fruits of our labor...literally.
Friday, January 16, 2009
VISTA Update
After three days of working on my fluorescent conference room tan, I am pleased to announce that I am OFFICIALLY an AmeriCorps VISTA member.
We had an official swearing-in at the Governor's office in Helena on Thursday. Let me add, only in Montana will you find lobbyists in blue jeans, governor's dogs roaming the office, and a room full of trophy heads.
For those of you unfamiliar with AmeriCorps, it is essentially the domestic PeaceCorps and my particular branch, VISTA targets social justice issues, especially those dealing with poverty. Montana Campus Compact who are partnered with AmeriCorps work on building civic engagement of college students within their communities. Currently, I feel like I have the longest job title ever as I am an AmeriCorps VISTA member working with Montana Campus Compact through my work at Sentinel High School.....whew, what a mouthful.
Anyways, I am very eager to start working on Tuesday as I will be helping those plan for life after high school (ie college/career counseling) in addition to other duties like increasing civic engagement and parent involvement. For those of you who know my background, interests, and experience, this job could not be any more perfect. (Go educational equality....WOOT!!!)
At training I was so suprised to meet so many people from all over: Alabama, Tennessee, Michigan, Virginia.....etc. Being a west-coaster I have never really had interaction with anyone beyond the Mississippi. Meeting all those new faces and new cultures was completely eye-opening and I hope that throughout this year of service I will learn more about Southern etiquette.
VISTA provides tons of training and benefits and the next few months will be hectic but rewarding (especially if you are a conference junkie like me!) We are headed to Helena for a community building training in February and then Fairmont Hot Springs in March and then Bozeman in April. Whew!
Did I mention the benefits???? AmeriCorps works with the University of Montana so that members can get GRADUATE credit for their year of service. In addition, to health coverage, rellocation expenses, awesome VISTA t-shirts, they encouraged us to apply for public assistance. Dale (currently unemployed) and I qualified for $350 a month for groceries. I guess thats how they make up only dispersing $833 a month for my glorious position.
That was probably way more information than you wanted but I am just trying to encourage all my friends to join VISTA and come to Montana. Besides what could better than serving your country in the form of working towards social justice.....yes, I am also a social justice junkie being as I went to a jesuit school.
I hope that explains a little why Dale and I up and moved 428 miles away to Montana. Any questions let me know!
We had an official swearing-in at the Governor's office in Helena on Thursday. Let me add, only in Montana will you find lobbyists in blue jeans, governor's dogs roaming the office, and a room full of trophy heads.
For those of you unfamiliar with AmeriCorps, it is essentially the domestic PeaceCorps and my particular branch, VISTA targets social justice issues, especially those dealing with poverty. Montana Campus Compact who are partnered with AmeriCorps work on building civic engagement of college students within their communities. Currently, I feel like I have the longest job title ever as I am an AmeriCorps VISTA member working with Montana Campus Compact through my work at Sentinel High School.....whew, what a mouthful.
Anyways, I am very eager to start working on Tuesday as I will be helping those plan for life after high school (ie college/career counseling) in addition to other duties like increasing civic engagement and parent involvement. For those of you who know my background, interests, and experience, this job could not be any more perfect. (Go educational equality....WOOT!!!)
At training I was so suprised to meet so many people from all over: Alabama, Tennessee, Michigan, Virginia.....etc. Being a west-coaster I have never really had interaction with anyone beyond the Mississippi. Meeting all those new faces and new cultures was completely eye-opening and I hope that throughout this year of service I will learn more about Southern etiquette.
VISTA provides tons of training and benefits and the next few months will be hectic but rewarding (especially if you are a conference junkie like me!) We are headed to Helena for a community building training in February and then Fairmont Hot Springs in March and then Bozeman in April. Whew!
Did I mention the benefits???? AmeriCorps works with the University of Montana so that members can get GRADUATE credit for their year of service. In addition, to health coverage, rellocation expenses, awesome VISTA t-shirts, they encouraged us to apply for public assistance. Dale (currently unemployed) and I qualified for $350 a month for groceries. I guess thats how they make up only dispersing $833 a month for my glorious position.
That was probably way more information than you wanted but I am just trying to encourage all my friends to join VISTA and come to Montana. Besides what could better than serving your country in the form of working towards social justice.....yes, I am also a social justice junkie being as I went to a jesuit school.
I hope that explains a little why Dale and I up and moved 428 miles away to Montana. Any questions let me know!
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Married in Montana
Well, Dale and I survived the winter driving to our new home in Missoula. It wasn't so bad--if you have 4-wheel drive and dont mind driving on 3 inches of ice!
What is even more amazing about our drive was the 59 inches of snow we passed in Spokane and our cats that managed to break out of their respective boxes only to peer out the window in fear, amazement, I am not sure??? In any case, we are glad to be safe and have all feet on the ground, albeit snow covered.
I head to my training in Helena on Tuesday for three informative and inspiring days of AmeriCorps training. After all the orders of where to hang curtain rods and mirrors, I think Dale is looking forward to a little peace and quiet with me away.
Until then, we will enjoy setting up our new home, which is spacious and bright compared to our cave in Seattle. Plus, it has the added benefit of making chores easy and joyful with a dishwasher and washer/dryer. Who ever thought life would get easier in the cold country?
Hope all of you had a happy new year!
What is even more amazing about our drive was the 59 inches of snow we passed in Spokane and our cats that managed to break out of their respective boxes only to peer out the window in fear, amazement, I am not sure??? In any case, we are glad to be safe and have all feet on the ground, albeit snow covered.
I head to my training in Helena on Tuesday for three informative and inspiring days of AmeriCorps training. After all the orders of where to hang curtain rods and mirrors, I think Dale is looking forward to a little peace and quiet with me away.
Until then, we will enjoy setting up our new home, which is spacious and bright compared to our cave in Seattle. Plus, it has the added benefit of making chores easy and joyful with a dishwasher and washer/dryer. Who ever thought life would get easier in the cold country?
Hope all of you had a happy new year!
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