Current events :)

Well, the school year is finally over! It actually went by fast. My 2nd year of teaching 5th grade was a tough year for me. I started having 28 kids in my class, then a few discipline issues later, I was left with 26. Still, the discipline issues didn't stop. Our principal was right when she told me at the beginning of the school year, "You won't be able to finish the books because you will be focusing so much on the kids' behavior." I had the biggest class in the whole school. Thankfully, I did not have problematic parents who micro-managed me. There were times I got lazy with grading papers and I was behind for weeks. Besides this, I still kept my tutoring job which gave me $800-1000 a month of extra income. I have no idea how I got the energy to do all this. It is a God thing.

My relationship with Alex got better this year. Well, there is only one NY resolution I set for myself- to be nice to him in words, in thoughts, and in actions. So far, I have been true to it most of the time. He got a part-time job this year (which was a relief), we put Cinzia in day care full-time. My poor baby needed the formal setting and exploration with kids her age. We also noticed that she had a speech delay, so we really thought her being at school would be helpful. Since this year started, I have not sent money home for my dad's dialysis. (My parents were able to fix their financial situation and they are doing great now, without my monthly support.) That money goes to day care now, which is around $500/month. Yep, it is expensive. This is also one reason I cannot stop tutoring. At first, I was bitter. Why am I still tutoring when I already have a stable full-time job? Why can't I just stay home after work? Eventually, after reflecting and knowing more about myself, I realized that not only I needed the money, I wanted it. It gives me a few luxuries in life which otherwise I could not afford - eating out, trip to the Northwest, shopping, etc.

And, oh, I have become patient too. I learned to trust God more with our situation right now. What we have now is far from ideal. We need a 2nd car, a bigger place, another baby, etc. I used to stress about these things, but where will that lead me? It took a looooong time to realize that everything is not in my control. God is. I will just do what I can do, and pray for the desires of my heart. God listens, God knows.

So, it is June. This is my month! I actually have so many things to look forward to this month:

1. World Cup! I am for Ghana! Alex is for Germany!
2. Miss USA/Miss Universe
3. NBA finals - go Spurs!
4. my 30th birthday (I am celebrating it on the 14th. Invites are out!)
5. Trip to the Philippines!Wohooo!

So thankful for all these opportunities! So long!