Yesterday, 7/25

Yesterday was an emotional one. I could not forget yesterday. I could not forget the lessons I have learned.

In my previous post, I mentioned my dilemma about my family's future. I already knew this week would be a tough week. Choices needed to be made.

Yesterday, as planned, I called my principal. We talked about her plans and any updates on my employment. She said there are no updates, there is still a problem with the visas of the Chinese teachers and she is not certain if things will be resolved by Friday, the day we agreed to make a final decision on my employment. She said, even if the Chinese kids will arrive at school one or two weeks late, it is still going to be fine. My mind said, "But I do not have those two weeks! Guam is waiting!" Since the Chinese kids are coming anyway, it is just a matter of when, I asked her the BIG question (an idea from a Derek Nutt, my classmate in ethics class, who is a teacher at another SDA school), "Can you take a leap of faith in me?" We said goodbyes and I talked to Alex. My husband was fine with moving anywhere but when I talked to him yesterday, he made up his mind. He said, "Drop Guam." I got upset, I cried. I was not ready for that answer. The Guam opportunity was the only sure thing we had! How could he say that? I left the house to school without kissing him goodbye. I cried in the car, called my friend Von, and prayed and prayed throughout my 40-minute drive to La Sierra. When I exited the freeway, I got a text from our principal asking me to call her when I get a break. I was battling if I should call her right away. If it is bad news, I would not want to ruin my presentation for my class that day. But what if it is good news? When I drove through the university's parking lot, I told God, "Whatever, God. Whatever." I called her and she said she got the word (from her boss) and I am in, for sure. I could not believe it. I was shocked. I did not cry. I was done crying. I felt relieved.

What a day! Hopefully, things will fall into place. God already knew it. This decision to stay at Glendale is a leap of faith. My co-teachers say that. It is a leap of faith.

Lessons learned:

1. Listen to Alex. Alex and I have been praying for this and God must have told him in his own time and meditation that Guam is not the right place for us. Thus, he told me to drop Guam. I did not listen. I got upset.

2. Have faith. Tia Melanya, Alex's aunt, said I did not have even faith that God will do it for me. I think I did have faith that God will make things clear. I do not know what He'd do but I did not doubt His power. He can do it but I guess I did not have faith enough to believe He will.

More power, amigas and amigos! Thank you for those who listened to my venting! God is good - all the time!!

Crucial point

Guam or Glendale?

I am in a tough situation right now. Let me tell you the short history.

On the last Friday of June, my principal at Glendale Adventist Academy called and gave me some not-so-good news. She said the school may not be able to employ me again for the next school year which starts in August because of low enrollment. Because I am the last hired of that school (and the youngest too!), I am the easiest target. I felt sad, of course, but I got on my feet and started jobhunting big time!

I love Glendale. The school is home-y, comfortable, and I love my co-teachers. They may be way older than me but they are supportive, caring, and helpful. My students too are awesome. Their parents are so involved. I taught at a public school in 2011 and I could truly see the difference. My students in Glendale are way better. Other advantages of this job are: the benefits are awesome (dental, medical, vision, health savings, retirement) and professional development is superb (they pay for our summer school at the university and send us to places to attend teacher conferences). Even if my employment is not certain, the principal and I have been in constant communication. She is updating me on the enrollment. Little by little, the number of students grows in a month and that means, I can be secured with my position. As they were about to tell me (according to her) about my sure employment, an informer told them there's a problem with the visas of the Chinese teachers (who are accompanying the 60+ Chinese students who attend our school yearly). If there are no Chinese teachers coming to our school, there will be no Chinese students.. and that is a big chunk of the school budget! More teachers will be in jeopardy. The principals of my school are working it out with the US Embassy and they will update me again as so where I stand. Again, when this works out, I am in for sure. This brings me to the disadvantage of staying at this school. Until when is the security? Will I still stand on the same status next year? Will I still be jobhunting like crazy next year? This situation is crazy. Do I really want to go through this again?

While Glendale was sorting things out with their finances and enrollment in the month of July, I was in constant communication with Guam Adventist Academy for a possible employment. They called me 4 times for interviews and, finally, last Saturday, they told me I am hired. They gave me the go signal to buy the tickets of my whole family and they will reimburse the cost when we get there. Here are the advantages of this opportunity: It offers rent-free apartment and free car for easy mobility (so bills are just food and gas), it offers free fare for the three of us to and from the US every 2 years (Since it is cheaper to go through the Philippines to Guam from the US, we can hit two birds with one stone! I could go to my two homes for free!), simple life (It is an island just like Palau!), it is a US territory and Alex is a US citizen so he can get a job there, and I can still apply for my citizenship which I am already eligible for since June because Guam has a USCIS office. My friend who teaches there for 4 years now said, unless I mess up big time, my employment is pretty stable. The only issue I have with Guam is the low pay (1/3 of what I am getting now) and I have bills to pay back here in the States, plus I send money home for my dad's dialysis. If Alex gets a job over there, we will be fine, so he has to step up (if and) when we get there.

This is tough. In the past weeks, I was fine. But since yesterday, I have been a mess. It hit me that I had to make a wise decision soon. Guam's classes start on August 13 while Glendale's start on August 16. These dates are soon and I have to make a decision soon. My priority is still my current employer and I will wait until they say a clear Yes or No but I informed them that it would be unfair to keep Guam waiting that long. The principal understands that.

This week will be crucial. Lord, where will we be? Where do we fit best? Which one is best for my family in the long run? Please guide me. Please lead me.

Summer 2012 is here!

I lined up a few activities for our family to enjoy this summer. Alex and I always love roadtrips, out-of-town trips, sight-seeing, and visiting friends and families. I love the luxury of time brought about by being a teacher. We have all these breaks with pay! I feel so blessed with this privilege. If it's God's will for me to stay in teaching for the rest of my life, then I will be able to enjoy these breaks with fun-filled activities!


1. One whole week trip to Modesto to visit my uncle's and auntie's families - It is a five-hour drive from North Hollywood, where we are. Since Modesto is closer to San Francisco, we plan on going to the famous bridge and take a family picture. Hahahaha, yes, we're lame like that, but we have not been there as a family! On our way there, we will see an old virtual friend whom I met at UPOU while take courses online and my English teacher in high school whom I have not seen since I got married. This trip will be good for Cinzia too, so she will be able to  meet her cousins again. 


2. One month of FREE studies at La Sierra University - I will be taking 11 units as a requirement for my SDA credential. My employer pays for this and so I might as well take advantage of it. I am excited because this school was my dream when I was still in the Philippines. I was working so hard to save to get into this university. Thankfully, the time has come that I will be studying and not paying a dime at La Sierra. To God be the glory! And oh, since it is one hour away from our place, we opt to stay at Alex's relatives' house in Riverside. 


3. Cinzia's first birthday - Who would have thought this once little tiny baby is turning one soon? Where did time go? I am sure moms out there feel my sentiments. Why do our babies grow so fast? I went back to work last year when Cinzia was still 6 weeks old. She was so tiny, now she is a curly chunky chatterbox who now stands on her own and crawls so fast. Now, she eats rice too! Her birthday party will be at Verdugo Park in Glendale. It will be with families and friends. All invites were already out. Food orders were made. We will have rice, chicken adobo, pancit, and lumpia. Alex (and his team) will also grill turkey burgers and chicken on the spot. It should be a fun birthday! This baby has so much love flowing from her friends and families. 

3. Trip to Tennessee - There is a teacher's conference in August for all those who are teaching in the SDA organization in the whole US, and the host state is Tennessee! It will be my first time to be down south. All expenses paid, and I am bringing Alex and Cinzia along! It is always fun to be in new places. We will be staying at the beautiful Gaylord Hotel. 


I am so looking forward to do all these things. These are just the major ones, the minor ones include going to the beach, eating out, working out, and just walking at a park.. as a family. Last year, we could not do as much because Cinzia was just born and it was not wise to go around with a delicate baby in tow. This year we will roll again. 

Answered prayer

"Congratulations! The (school) board voted to renew your contract for the 2012-2013 school year."

This is such a blessing! My employer, Glendale Adventist Academy, is answered prayer. I really like teaching there. I like praying and singing praises everyday with my students. I like serving God at this school. I like the fact that is just a 20-minute drive from our apartment and the 134 freeway is not congested. I like the people at school - my co-teachers, administrators, and other workers. I like how they take care of me as a teacher. There are a few problems but I like my school in general! I remember my prayer last summer. I told God, "Please send me to a school where I'd grow old." Could GAE be the one? I hope so.

Solutions

So I came up with solutions to ease the burdens on my shoulders...

Positive thinking. I am an optimistic child of God. What happened to my optimism? Didn't God give us promises so He will carry all our cares? How can I forget that? The thing is, I am a control freak. If I could control the weather, I would. I need to learn the lesson "Be still and know that I am God" all over again. Focus on the positive things, Rica. So many good things and opportunities have come your way. 


Trust Alex. God gave him to me to complement me, not to be just like me. Marrying someone like me is not something that I wanted. That is creepy. I definitely thank God for a wonderful husband. He is patient, brilliant, caring, and knows what he is doing. God called me to be his wife so I should learn to relax, let him be the driver (even when we are falling into a ravine), and encourage him. I married a sinner (just like all of us) so I should not expect him to be perfect.

Save. Seriously, Rica, how can you not save when you are at the peak right now? So I started saving the money I get from my tutoring for the rainy days. Thankfully, the money saved up and I am contented. So saving can be done. It is just a matter of little sacrifices here and there. Honestly, I do not want to stress out with money. I am done with stressing about money. It is time to seriously save and create an emergency fund.

Be grateful. As I said above, so many opportunities have come my way. Instead of being grateful all the time, my bratty self won again in the past weeks. Cinzia is healthy. My new contract with Glendale SDA School came and my pay went up and my co-teachers said, it is going to increase every year. I will be studying at La Sierra University this summer - at my employer's expense. I will be going to Tennessee this summer to attend a teachers' conference. My family's needs are met. I have 10 students whom I tutor one-on-one on a weekly basis. These are some of the things I am thankful for. I am also thankful for my students who are bright and receptive to knowledge. I am also grateful of the times they misbehave or deviant. It gives a chance to think and say my words carefully.

 Life is good. How much better it is in heaven!

Life in 2012 so far..

Well, my year started really good. Blessings come my way. I am still working at my dream school. I still love my wiggly first graders. My baby is already 8 months old! Everything is going well but..

The realities of US life hit me. It is not easy to live in this part of the world. California has high cost of living. Most of my earnings just go to bills - rent, car insurance, internet, phone provider, power, gas for both our apartment and car, etc. It's a lot! Though I am earning well at my school, I wonder why it's still just enough. Alex and I were earning way less than what we earn now when we just started as husband and wife but we still cannot save the money we always aim for. I have to stay in my 2nd job which is tutoring K-8 students. I have 4 employers who gave me students within 10 miles my zip code. I am blessed my full-time job ends at 3pm (one of the many perks of being a teacher!) and so I still have time during the day to earn more on the side. Well, Cinzia is already here and she entails expenses too. She has demands too. Plus, Alex and I get chiropractic care and dental care and these are another expense. Again, it is a lot! Plus, everyday when I get home, I still need to cook, feed Cinzia, do house chores, and clean the house. Again, it is a lot!

My stress level is high that I often bark at Alex for minute things. I guess I have not fully adjusted to the realities of the life here in the US. I am very futuristic, idealistic, and optimistic. But sometimes the goings-on wear me down. It is hard.

In the Philippines, I can hire a helper to help me clean the house. I do not need a car to go around. I have my parents to, maybe, help me take care of Cinzia. The beach is just a stone's throw away. Vacation getaways are just there. Friends just meet anytime to chat, just to chat, and it was fun. Here you cannot easily go on vacations and meet friends. Everything and everyone is far.

Sigh*

God, please give me a peace of mind. You brought me here in the US for a reason. We have come this far together. We can overcome this too together, right?

2011 was my year!

Happy New Year!!!!It is 2012!!

Honestly, I do not want 2011 to end. 2011 is my year. So many good things happened to me and my family that year. First of all, I can only thank God for everything - tears, challenges, pain, and blessings, all rolled in one. I am also thankful that Alex and I are still in love with each other, still have the same goals, worked out our differences, and are now proud parents of Cinzia Amor Glaze. The highlights of my 2011 are as follows (in random order):

The birth of my daughter



Cinzia is such a blessing! She is 5 months old now. Without bias, I can truly say she is a cutie pie. Wish baby production is as easy as 123 so I could have more cuties just like her..


MA in Teaching degree from USC

With a huge belly (7months preggy), I marched through my graduation in May 2011. My classmates cheered for me! I was the most pregnant that day!





A fulfilling career

As I tell my friends, I feel guilty that I do not feel that my job is a job. I am enjoying it too much! I like my co-teachers, my students, and my school. I feel at home. My kids' parents are so supportive. They make my teaching easier. My kids are also brilliant! I cannot ask for more. I am so proud of them.

Trip to Philippines with Alex and Cinzia!

It was fun! Alex and I love to travel and it seems that Cinzia does too! She did not create any fuss on our long flights, long layovers, and during our stay in Davao. the trip was just two weeks but it was fun-filled, happy, and productive. Alex and Cinzia were able to meet my family.




I wonder if 2012 has way better things in store for me. Bring it on!!!

Goal achieved.

God set me up. It was so clear.

One of the goals I set early this year was to establish my career. A baby was coming and so I had to settle down career-wise. I thought I would end up at a public school because my teaching and job experiences since I got here in the US were in public schools. Boy was I wrong. God has a better plan.

I ended up at an SDA school, a private school at that. I love working there. My co-teachers awesome! My students are great! I cannot believe this. Plus, the school is just 10 miles away from home! The pay is way better too than what I got in the public school. This is such a blessing!

The process how I got the job was overwhelming. Our pastor recommended me. It turned out there were 3 of us being interviewed for the teaching vacancy. I met up with the principals twice. The second one was with the Personnel Committee with 12 people. I cried after the 2nd interview in my car. It was overwhelming and emotionally draining. The waiting game is always worse. Four days after school started, they called me. It was the call I have been waiting for!(When the principal and I hung up, Cinzia pooped all over my lap! That was her best way to tell me, "Congratulations, Mommy!")

I love Glendale Adventist Elementary School. I love first grade. I hope and pray I will grow old there. This is the career I long for. This may not be the job I envision myself getting into but this situation is better than that. Thanks a lot, Big Papa!

God's plan

I think something big will happen next week. Thank you, Jesus.

Cinzia's Birth Story

It has been more than a month since I gave birth. Cinzia has become the center of our lives since then. She is such a beautiful Pan-Pinoy kid. Before I forget my experiences prior to and on 7/7/2011, let me reminisce them here.

July 1 - During my regular OB appointment, Dr. Wu said I am 3cm dilated. He reviewed my records and said, I have two due dates. It could have been on July 1, based on my last period, OR on July 13, based on my ultrasound. Before Alex and I left his office, he said, "If nothing happens during the weekend, see me on July 5."

July 5 - Alex and I went to see him. Apparently, nothing happened over the weekend. He said I am still 3cm dilated, there was no improvement from last time. After he checked on me, he invited us to a private conversation at the back of his clinic. He told us that if we wait longer (until my 40th wk), Cinzia might get bigger because genetically she can get bigger because of her dad. Medically, my body is not suited to carry a baby that big because I am small, relatively. To avoid C-section, we might as well have the baby this week. He suggested that we check in the hospital Wednesday night that week and he would induce me that night. The plan was for us to have the baby at 12nn on Thursday, 7/7. Alex and I agreed to the idea. Dr. Wu said, "I am the pilot here and I believe this is the best for the baby."

July 6 - Friends Ritche and Rose came to our place for moral support. They brought Alex and me to a Korean restaurant close to Glendale Adventist Med Center where I will be delivering. We then checked in the hospital at around 8:30pm. It was so funny because right when we opened the door to the delivery and labor area, the nurses welcomed us with, "Glaze?" They were already waiting for us. I then changed to the hospital gown they gave me. They then attached tubes and the IV. They also put monitoring devices around my tummy. They injected pitocin through the IV. That was the drug to induce me. Alex and I slept.

July 7 - This is the big day so I am going to write down more details.

12:30 am - I felt the contractions but they're light still. I kept on going to the bathroom to cleanse my bladder then I went back to sleep.

2:30 am - I needed to go to the bathroom so badly!!!!I woke up Alex and it took him forever to unattach the tubes and stuff so I could go. I was getting frustrated. When I got up, I felt a trickle of water down my leg. My water just broke! When I sat on the toilet, nothing came out. My nurse arrived and she said it must be the baby pushing out. I laid down again and a gush of water just came out! It was warm and uncomfortable. Then my contractions just got stronger. They were painful. Alex and I started doing the breathing exercises we learned at the lamaze class. The nurse checked on me and I was already 6 cm dilated. She then asked me if I wanted the epidural. I said yes. The pain was tolerable but I did not know how long I can bear the pain and how long my labor will be.

3:00 am - The anesthesiologist came to give me the epidural. My contractions were getting stronger and more painful. She injected it to my spine and I felt pain but it was nothing compared to the contractions. The epidural slowly kicked in. Alex and I decided to sleep again.

6:00 am - The nurse checked on me and I was already 10 cm! She said I was ready to push!Her words, "I am calling Dr. Wu now" scared me. Alex and I were looking at each other. Our stares were saying, "This is it."

7:00 am - Dr. Wu came and checked me. The nurses asked me to push.

I forgot what time it was but Dr. Wu came back with his team. He said Cinzia was in a 7o'clock position, instead of 6o'clock. He had to vacuum her. With the nurses, they told me to push.

7:35 am - I finally heard Cinzia cry. She has come out!I cried and cried. I was so overwhelmed.

Here is our first family picture and a picture with Dr. Wu. He is the best OB! Thank God for him! It is such a blessing to have Cinzia. She is an angel.

Blessings

Right now I am attending Class 201 at our church. It makes me realize that I sometimes forget to praise God for all the wonderful things He has given me. This blog is actually dedicated to Him. He is the Director of my life. I credit Him for everything. Lately, I have only prayed just to ask Him something or to help me with whatever I need. I am such an ungrateful daughter.

Here are the wonderful blessings He has showered upon my life since I last updated this blog.

1. My Graduation on 5/13/2011. I finally got my MA in Teaching diploma. I thought my studies would never end. It was the busiest part of my life! God is good! I graduated! I met my classmates (from all over the country) whom I made personal connections with online for over a year. It was a marvelous meeting! It was a very nice day!

2. Baby Shower. Our church family at Burbank SDA Church has been so good to me and Alex. They threw us a baby shower which gathered our families and friends. The fellowship hall was packed! People just made it happen for us. Even if my family is not here, I feel the love and support surrounding me.


3. My smooth and healthy pregnancy.God is really amazing! With this pregnancy, I was able to do so much - got a teaching job, graduated, drove almost 2hrs everyday to and from work, had energy to clean the house, and still worked until my 37th week. This baby is just amazing. She is strong.She has not given me problems at all. How dare I say I am not ready to see her because of my selfish reasons. I would always tell people, "I am ready to stop being pregnant but I am not ready to see her (to be a mom to her)." What an ungrateful stupid girl I am! Who would not love this beautiful girl inside me?

4. My birthday. I turned 27 last 6/21. Alex and I went to dinner with Rose and Ritche. We ate at Pomodoro, an Italian resto. Thank God for good friends!They are amazing!

I really should start becoming more grateful to God. I have to be more hopeful too. Thank you Lord for your nature! Thank you so much!

25 weeks!

Meet Cinzia B. Glaze

Week 16 - Nasal Congestion

Last Sunday night, I could not sleep. I could not breathe properly. I had a really bad nasal congestion. It was the worst I have ever had in my life. I cried and cried, slowly breathing through my mouth. I thought it was just allergies. At this time of the year, sneezes and flu-ish feeling are always my best friends but I have never ever felt this bad. The next morning, I felt horrible but I had to get up to go teach. Before I dressed up, I checked my emails. There was the email that was the answer to my dilemma! The subject was "Week 16 - Nasal Congestion." Waaaaaaah. Babycenter.com knew everything! The article recommended saline nasal spray and neti pot. I bought both that afternoon. They mad me feel better but the congestion is not gone at all!

It has been 6 days now but the congestion is still here. I was absent at school for 2 days. This nasal congestion is the worst symptom ever! I was even hopeful that I'd feel better this 2nd trimester because I no longer throw up and get hungry as much. I really really really hope this will go away soon.

As for academics, four more weeks to go and I will be graduating as a Trojan! I cannot wait! The state tests (RICA, CBEST, CSET) are done. The state requirements (CAT and PACT) are also done. That was a long journey being at USC but here I am -- almost done! Almost credentialed! Aside from my remaining coursework, I still have one more requirement to pass - the US requirement exam. I plan to take it a week from now.

As for our moving to the new apartment, everything is well. I am happy we are at a bigger place right now. We are still looking for a dining table. Alex still has to build our desks from the dismantled parts (due to moving). One major thing still has to happen. Alex has to bring the rest of our stuff - clothes, shoes, etc. - from our old place. We will be all set when Alex gets time to do all these. Yes, Alex - my hero. He doesn't want me to work and help out because I am pregnant. =)

There are so many things that are happening lately and it is overwhelming. Alex always tells me to relax and not pressure myself. I do not know how to do that. There are always new things to do.

And oh, I am planning to go back to cross stitching! When I am done with my grad studies, I wanna do master pieces and display them in our simple abode. I am so excited! My ultimate masterpiece is this:



The pattern was worth $7 from a certain website. I am so excited! Watch me!

Nasal Congestion. Grad studies. Pregnancy. Work. Moving in. Cross stitch. How am I going to do this? Go figure!

12 weeks!

What do I want to accomplish in 2011?

In random order,

1. graduate in February and march in May
2. BIG thanksgiving party for my graduation, birthday, and baby shower in june- ALL in ONE!
3. get a stabler teaching job at a public school
4. have a safe and not-so-painful delivery (nothing is impossible!lol)
5. happier marriage
6. get closer to God
7. better handling with my anger issues
8. visit philippines with our little tot in december (exciting!)
9. more prayers for my family and close friend who is praying for a vibrant lovelife

So help me God..

Was I able to do my 2010 plans?

2010 was my craziest year ever since I migrated to the US. I did not expect grad school is that taxing and it would take most of my time. Let me review the plans I set for myself in 2010 and evaluate them:

In random order:

1. learn Spanish (seriously learn)---- no improvement at all!
2. start studying for MA + teaching credential ---- YES!
3. transfer to a bigger place ---- my biggest frustration but in 2 weeks we are moving to an apartment.
4. visit my home country (yay!!!) ---- nope. we planned it but I got pregnant so the baby is the priority.
5. buy Skechers running shoes ---- hmmm..I bought two for my parents.
6. visit my favorite relatives in Modesto ---- yes! but only once, or twice?
7. submit more to Alex's leadership ---- still working on it =)
8. pay off some debts (LOL) ---- YES!
9. learn how to drive and pass the driving test in one take ---- YES! YES! YES!

See, it was not that bad!LOL

2010 was a blast!

Before this year ends, I would like to recollect the important events that happened to me and my family. I can say I made better decisions in 20101 than in 2009 and so here they go!

1. January: I started working as a Teacher Asst at a charter school. I was so happy that finally I got into the field I really wanted to get into. That was my first step to a good teaching career.
2. January : I also started going to graduate school at University of Southern California. I am in their MA in Teaching program.
3. March: Alex and I bought our first car in cash! Where? From Ebay!=)We had the car shipped from Pennsylvania.
4. June : Alex got a job at an IT company. That was my birthday wish granted from God! I did not tell anyone until Alex broke the good news. After all the layoffs and economic brouhaha, that job is such an answered prayer!
5. June: My college friend/orgmate/roommate became my sister-in-law. She married my brother-in-law. They had a nice wedding in Palmdale.
6. June: My dad was diagnosed with kidney failure. Dialysis was highly recommended.
7. July and August : I worked as a camp counselor at an Art Summer Camp!
8. September : I started my student teaching at Roscoe Elem School in Mrs. Binnie's class.
9. September: I started working as a tutor for LAUSD. =)
10. November : Started working at Mrs. Hadnett's class.
11. November: I learned I am pregnant!=)))))))
12. December: I passed the RICA test!

I am sure 2011 will be a blast! I will be graduating from grad school and I will be a mommy! What are we waiting for? Here we go!

Baby Glaze is coming!

9.3 weeks inside as of 12/14/2010 =)

Christmas...Christmas..

1. What is your holiday wish for your family?

House furniture! My family (husband, me, and unborn child) is moving to an apartment at the end of this month and we need new furniture.=)

2. What is your Christmas morning / Hanukkah Nightly tradition?

Play Christmas music

3. If you could ask Santa for one, completely decadent wish for yourself, what would it be?

a Subaru car!

4. How do you make the holidays special without spending any money?

spend quality time with my husband at home, sing songs..

5. What games did you play with your family growing up?

Scrabble

6. What holiday tradition have you carried on from your own childhood?

Christmas

7. Where would you go for a Christmas/Hanukkah-away-from-home trip?

Europe!

goal accomplished!

Now that summer is over and it is early Fall, I can finally announce to the world that my big summer goal was accomplished. I PASSED THE ACTUAL DRIVING TEST IN CALIFORNIA!

It is big deal because I had never driven in my life and my driving instructor was my husband. I got my driver's license last week and I am treating it like $1000 cash in my wallet. =))))

I still do not drive on a daily basis. The school I am teaching at is only 3 miles from our house and so I bike there. However, I am the driver on weekends.

Welcome me, California highways!