2009

Too much happened this year. I can't remember it all!

Here is a mixed-up list of what I remember from this year:

Student teaching: High school was good with fun kids and a great master teacher. Junior high was okay with funny kids and a not-so-good master teacher.

Weddings: Shane & Lindy, Garret & Kaydee, Sheri & Nick, Luke & Danielle, Kyle & Misty, Josh & Meredith, Thomas & Dany (Did I forget anyone??? Sorry if I did!)

Family: Luke, Lexi, and Gio were adopted this summer! They can't get away now! haha! They are cute, great, very human kids. I've learned a lot from interacting with them, watching them with Mom and Dad, and talking about them. Kaydee was added as an official member of the family, as recognized by God, man, and the State of California. ;) Also, Ross and Audra are going to have a baby in August! That baby is going to have a LOT of aunts and uncles.

Fun: I've had a lot of fun this year. I've gone hiking, gone on small adventures, gone on large adventures, gone kayaking (bleah!), gone to weddings, played with little kids, had hilarious times, made big messes, made small messes, learned to drive a stick shift, etc. :)

Funny: It is quite possible that I have laughed more this year than I have in other years. Looking back at my teaching jobs, at quotes from the little kids, at quotes from roommates, at pictures, at adventures, at blog posts, at conversations, at battles with insects, 2009 was a really funny year! haha! :)

Credentialing: I am a credentialed English teacher! I survived several state-mandated projects, early mornings, lesson planning sessions, classes, and meetings. I'm glad I have my credential. Now I have to find a job to actually use it!

Roommates: I said goodbye to Kat, Sherrie, and Danielle at the end of May and hello to Mom, Dad, Brenda, Luke, Lexi, and Gio for June and July. (Somehow those few weeks seem much longer.) I then said goodbye to my family and hello to Michelle, michelle, and Jen. Though apartment 1730 is not like Aptartment 29, it is still good.

Boyfriend: Amos is my handsome boyfriend. I like him A LOT. God keeps showing me things about him that surprise me. I am very blessed. :)

Work: I've had many different jobs this year. Interestingly enough, all of them have dealt with students. I guess it was planned this way; I want to have a good résumé when I actually apply for teaching jobs. I've been a private tutor, a regular tutor at a center, and a private tutor with a company. I've also been a substitute. I may have to look into getting another job next year, but that can wait for now.

Travel: I've been to NorCal. I've been to SoCal. I've been to Tahoe. I've been to Bowman. I've been to the beach. I've been to Pasadena. I've been to Yosemite. I have not left the state of California in quite a while. That should be remedied next year.

Faith: God has shown me a lot of things this year. I hope to continue to grow in Him in 2010 and for the rest of my life. He is the reason for my joy, perseverance, and indomitable spirit. May I be faithful both to follow where He leads and to wait while He works, not being helpless or lazy, but actively trusting Him that He knows what He is doing. Psalm 143

Happy New Year, blog readers! May you be faithful and persevering in 2010 as God guides and protects you by His mercy, grace, and love.

Love, Jennica-Ayelet