My Pittsburgh Peeps

Last year, when Julia (my previous roommate and dear friend) told me that she was taking a job in Chicago, it was a bit rough for me. By "a bit rough" I mean hysterical crying in my childhood bedroom. I also realize that I am once again referencing me crying. That doesn't happen thaaaat often. I am emotionally stable, everyone.

Anywho, I don't deal with changes well. Big changes anyway. I had moved out to Pittsburgh knowing no one but my cousin Ryan and Julia, who were moving there with me. The 3 of us were the small town kids moving to the big city! We had a lot of big moments together, especially Julia and I since we lived together. We lived out on our own, really and truly, for the first time. She was my comfy and familiar in a place that was full of new. We did everything together and it was an awesome 2 years.

And next thing I know she was moving and getting married. Something I couldn't do with her. A weird feeling after two years of togetherness.

Needless to say, I was nervous about living in Pittsburgh without Julia. Who would I be friends with? Would my roommates even like me? Would I spend my nights sitting bored in the corner of my room?

I made an agreement with myself when I moved back to PA after a summer in Wisconsin that I would agree to everything I could the first couple of months so I could get out and meet people and do things! I mean, I knew people but I didn't have my comfort bubble.  I also prayed a whoooole bunch, knowing God wanted me here and to help me through the transition.

Well, as usual, God answered in a great way. The new teacher my school hired for this last school year is the same age as I am and we clicked immediately. Not to mention that the rest of my coworkers are fabulous people, people I consider friends first and coworkers second. Through church I have met a bunch of new and fantastic people who have also been wonderful and amazing and every other glowing adjective under the sun. And there are still tons of amazing people from the east side of the city from when Julia and I lived there. All in all, things worked out better than I could have hoped and no, I have not been sitting alone in a corner of my room!

Except now. Which is by choice. And because my car is broken down again. But let's not get into that!

So I want to say thank you to all my dear friends here in Pittsburgh. Living away from family and old friends is hard sometimes, but you have become my adopted family. You encourage me, love me, make me laugh, have me over, and even take care of me when things go wrong. I cannot imagine life without you all! Pittsburgh was never ever a thought in my head 3 years ago, but the Lord sure knew I needed all of you great people in my life. I may never be able to convey just how much you all mean to me and how much you have helped me grow into a somewhat mature and functioning adult. I really and truly love you so very much.

Also, I may or may not be tearing up...so much for the not crying often part...


*Pictures of a few of the many wonderful people I know

 

My Boys

Since I am a teacher and I've been back to blogging for a bit now, I guess it's about time I tell you about life in 2nd grade!

We're over half way through the year...crazy! How is it that life goes by so darn fast as adults?? Another topic for another day. Anywho, we have been cruising along, my boys and I. Yes, my class of all boys has made for a very interesting year! I have had boys each year I've taught, but never an entire class of them. Also, these boys are as boy as you can get. We have been working hard and having a fun year together! They have also been teaching me quite a lot.

Here is a bit of what I have learned spending my weekdays with my 2nd grade kiddos:

1. Boys have energy. A very different energy than girls. It's a--pound my lego creation into the ground then run around the room yelling and flailing arms around--energy. Not that that has ever happened in my classroom...

2.  Boys like doing boy things and to me, that's great! Today's society is so against boys being boys. How many stories have you read about innocent kids being suspended because of their rough playing? Ugh. Lots of boys like to play in dirt, fight the bad guys, and run around because God created them that way. I look for ways to make things educationally messy or energetic because I know these boys need and love that. I gave them a half hour of extra recess Friday...they seriously thought I was a superhero :)

3. Boys can have just as/more tender of a heart than a little girl. My boys have said some pretty darn sweet things to me throughout the year. And they are such gentleman! They hold the door open for me and try to be polite as possible. They also come to me with tears in their eyes when their feelings have been hurt. There is no doubting the love bursting from these boys.

4. Boys in adult like clothing just kiiiilllll me! Soooooo cute! I freaked out on them at the Christmas concert when they all came in ties. One of them was wearing  a bow tie. A BOW TIE! ON AN 8 YEAR OLD! And their giggles. It just tugs on your heart strings!

All in all, the year has been going really well. They challenge me in a whole new way, which, I am learning, is every class, every year. Teachers are always working on adapting, changing, and learning. Keeps it interesting, ya know! I'll finish my post with two delightful 2nd grade quotes. These boys say the funniest things...feeling blessed to be their teacher this year!

Me: How are the cookies?
Student 1: Good!
Student 2: Mine tastes flat.

You can't get old until you get married.

Overwhelmed

Overwhelmed.

It is the first word that came to mind as I was reflecting on my crazy week. Overwhelmed in every way you can imagine. Let me explain my week to you, dear friends.

My car has and continues to be a test of my patience. By the beginning of this week, I had made yet another call to a friend to pick me up for work because my car had, yet again, not started for the 3rd time in 2 weeks. I had reached the end of my patience and did what all mature adults do when confronted with difficult circumstance. 

I sat down and cried my eyes out.

Yep. I was that girl. I did not like having to call on friends again for a ride, I was sick thinking about how much money fixing this ongoing problem was going to cost, and I was simply frustrated that life isn't always a bowl of ice cream with fun sprinkles on top.

While I was bawling into my gloved hands I realized that I should be lifting this burden to the one who has offered to carry them for me. I prayed at that moment for guidance on how to handle this situation and for the Lord's care in finding a way to deal with this all.

I picked myself up, got to school, thanks to a dear friend, and was determined to have a good day. That morning as I opened my Bible to start devotions with my students, I found that it was open to James 1 where it says, "Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance. Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything." 

My heart was once again overwhelmed, this time with the reassurance that the Lord knows what my circumstances are and knows what I need and when I need it. 

The rest of my week proved that to be so true. My dear friend Heather let me stay at her house while my mechanic, her wonderful dad, worked on my car. They fed me, provided me with a room to stay in, and rides to wherever I needed. I received money from the dog sitting job I just happened to have while this all was happening. Other financial provisions were made from other situations as well. Then I had a fantastic night with amazing friends on Friday night, just what this extravert needed! When I got home, I had a package waiting for me from my old roomie, Julia.  Not to mention all week my coworkers were the most kind and considerate people to exist, asking me about what they could do for me, praying for me, and providing encouragement to my always struggling heart.

Overwhelmed...in the best sense of the word. While there are many things that are worse than a car breaking down, I realize, this was a big stress for me. The Lord provided for me in so many ways in such a short time that it is hard for me to even process. Obviously God provides for us each and everyday, but I tend to skim over that fact when things are going all fine and dandy. Then I have a nasty start to a week and God provides, yet again.

What a patience and loving God to continue to provide for us, even when we have weak hearts or don't thank Him near enough! A lesson I'm sure I will continue to learn through the rest of my days on this earth. I'll end with the lyrics to the song "Good to Me" by Audrey Assad that has been a huge encouragement to me:

I put all my hope in the truth of Your promise
And I steady my heart on the ground of Your goodness
When I'm bowed down with sorrow I will lift up Your name
And the foxes in the vineyard will not steal my joy

Because You are good to me, good to me

I lift up my eyes to the hills where my help is found
Your voice fills the night - raise my head up to hear the sound
Though fires burn all around me I will praise You, my God
And the foxes in the vineyard will not steal my joy

Because You are good to me, good to me

Your goodness and mercy shall follow me
All my life
I will trust in Your promise