It's been a long time since I've posted a picture, and all my talky talky must get boring without pictures to look at. So here is a picture of my lovely little office. It's not quite a real office as the walls don't go up to the ceiling, and I can hear the guy next door breathing, but it's better than a cube and it's home for now. People stop by and ask about the paper lanterns I have crammed up on top of the credenza. I got them at Ikea a while back and they've been in nearly every classroom I've taught in, so I brought them in to make the stark boxy space have some rounded edges and feel... different, I guess. It works.
The week has been busy busy as usual, but it's getting easier as we find our groove more and more. Even though I technically have Mondays off, I've been super busy every Monday so far and am looking forward to some much needed alone time this Monday. I need to do some sewing and maybe just stare at a wall for a bit. Lots of people all the time wears me out. But I'm getting to know my students, and that is really neat. God knew what he was doing when we commanded us to love him and love people. It's really fun to learn these kids' stories and try to encourage them. I forget sometimes, in the hustle and bustle, that everyone has a story, and everyone's story is just as fascinating and complicated as mine is. It puts me in my proper place when I listen for five minutes to a scared and overwhelmed 18-year-old tell me how she chose to major in physical therapy because of her brother's horrible accident two years ago, how she helped train him to walk again, and how it inspired her to do that for a living. Or how my 27-year-old student from New Jersey transferred here after a four year hiatus from school during which he joined the army, left the army, and now works at a national pharmacy chain and dreams of working at their headquarters (near Chicago!). And all of that was inspired in him because his mother (who worked three jobs because deadbeat dad never paid child support for the three brothers) told him, "You can look around and become what you see, or you can look around and do better than what you see," and he chose to do much better. God, help me to see other people as you do. Help me to love them and encourage them and point them to you somehow.
In other news, we have a possibility for Brad on the horizon which would be a cool challenge for Brad and would very much help our financial situation. One of his colleagues has just landed another job at this university. The position this colleague held is one that Brad has had before, and Brad thinks he could do both his current job as well as Colleague's job quite well. Colleague agrees. So next week when Boss gets back, Brad wants to propose a reorganization of these two jobs, which would save the department money (Brad wouldn't demand both salaries, just his plus a raise) and fatten up Brad's paycheck. We're just watching at this point to see how God moves. Please pray for favor and inspired creativity and wisdom for Brad as he explores the options and tries to create a proposal. Boss is already impressed and pleased with Brad, so that's a good thing. And Colleague mentioned that Boss has some ideas for Brad... I'll keep you posted.
And, finally, my new Chacos (rhymes with tacos) came in the mail yesterday. They're like Tevas but I like them better. They come in wide width to accomodate my little sausage-feet, and also the straps are one continuous strap which wraps around under the footbed. Nice and huggy on the feet, and easily adjustable in practically every way. I've been wearing them for an hour and a half and love them so far. Plus I think they look kind of cool. They make me look like I'm an avid outdoorswoman, just pining to get out on the open trail and hike up a big peak. Ok, so they make me a poser. They still look cool, though. I like the blue.
Have a good weekend, all!
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