My Golden Birthday

Thank you, everyone, for your kind comments wishing me many happy returns of the day on my birthday! The day was a singular experience.

First of all, it was the Brown family Christmas. Never a dull moment there. Whew.

And then came the most memorable part of the day. We all charged down to play volleyball, and we were having a grand time of it. In fact, I haven't played such good volleyball in ages. It really was a blast! Then there was one of those wild and high balls that could be anyone's, and I made the mistake of going for it with another, larger, taller, stronger person. My forehead made sharp contact with his elbow, and sent me flying un-gracefully to the ground. My my. I leaped up again, only slightly the worse for wear, when I felt something wet. Bother, I was bleeding. I departed the game (right across the other team's court - talk about interference!) and ran to the women's dorm upon discovering, in the gym entryway, a distinct lack of anything to staunch blood. By the time I got down there, blood was dripping off the end of my nose. What is it with me and head wounds? I looked in the mirror and saw a cute little stream of blood that neatly divided my head with a scarlet stripe from the top of my forehead to the tip of my nose. It was pretty funny. Anyway, I got some paper towel and cleaned my head and the sink as best I could before heading up to see Uncle Lewie.

Ah the joys of a grand entrance. Most of the adults were still up there, you see, waiting for the pizza to arrive. In I walked, asking for Uncle Lewie, and the throngs of horrified faces made the perfect gauntlet. Several aunts/uncles/cousins are in the medical profession, being EMTs, nurses, etc, so some were quite interested in following the proceedings and warning me of scars (right in the middle of the top of my forehead - I hope no one gets any wrong apocalyptic ideas), and looking on with joy as the butterfly bandages were applied.

How's that for a good birthday event? I was actually kind of pleased. There's no risk of this birthday being forgotten, and it's going to make a GREAT story when I get back to school. Aunt Debbie suggested I tell some wild tale of gangsters and brawls and stuff just to make it more exciting:)

Also on my birthday I got several lovely e-mails, blog comments, phone calls, and the like which made me feel remembered and loved. One highlight along those lines was a voice mail message I got of a huge crowd singing Happy Birthday. I had some guesses, but couldn't quite figure it out. Then I heard Lisa saying it was the whole Springer clan! Now how's that for a once-in-a-lifetime experience! I loved it!! Thanks, Lisa:)

I also had a lovely time with my family, opening presents (Mama prepared 26 separate presents for my golden birthday! Wow! This meant, of course, that some were stretches - I got some canned goods from the cellar for instance - but that made for some good laughs, and I was actually quite happy to get said canned goods!), hearing nephews sing happy birthday, and getting prayed for by people who love me.

Also, I was awakened at three minutes of midnight to a banging outside of my room. Outside, as in outside the house. I was half asleep still, and couldn't figure out what it was, except for perhaps the wind blowing ice chunks against the house. But that didn't really make sense. Then I thought perhaps gangsters were trying to get in (huh? you might say - but I have been having quite active dreams lately - I've already saved Dad from being murdered by pushing him off a large yacht of some kind before the bad guy could stab him). Finally I realized someone must be throwing snowballs at my window! I leaped from my bed, and promptly knocked by newly injured head against the window in an effort to see out. Yessss. But then I got the window open and saw KATIE! I hurried downstairs to let her in. She'd gotten in from GA earlier, and then remembered it was my birthday and came racing down to see me before it wasn't my birthday anymore. We've never seen each other on my birthday. She even came bearing gifts! It was the crowning touch to my birthday, and I headed back to bed very happy.

So there, my friends, were some events from my golden birthday. Hurrah for 26ness! So far so good.

Merry Christmas from me, too!

Merry Christmas, dear friends! I had a wonderful day with my family, and I'm feeling very thankful. I wanted to give some public worship to my Jesus before the day is done. I'm so unutterably glad that we have a Savior who KNOWS -- One who came and lived a complete life here on earth, a life with all its human ups and downs, experiences and limitations, and hurts and pleasures great and small. I found this quote from Charles Spurgeon tonight that I really liked:

"Immanuel, God with us in our nature, in our sorrow, in our lifework, in our punishment, in our grave, and now with us, or rather we with Him, in resurrection, ascension, triumph, and Second Advent splendour."

Praise the Lord for His unspeakable gift, which we've only begun to open!

Merry Christmas!

Merry Christmas to One and All!

I love Christmas so much every year, and especially in recent years when I have begun to grasp what it's all really about. The Wonder of the season is fresh each year, most often conveyed to me through a Christmas Carol. In light of that, I thought I'd share some of my favorite Christmas Carol phrases of this year:

A thrill of Hope, the Weary World Rejoices,
For yonder breaks a new and glorious morn.
- From O Holy Night

The King of kings lay thus in lowly manger;
In all our trials born to be our friends.
He knows our need, our weakness is no stranger,
Behold your King!
- From O Holy Night

Son of God, Love's pure Light.
- From Silent Night

Light and life to all He brings,
Ris'n with healing in His wings.
Mild He lays His glory by,
Born that man no more may die,
Born to raise the sons of earth,
Born to give them second birth.
- From Hark the Herald Angels Sing (this year's favorite)

May the Joy and Peace and Love that is Christmas, be yours today and all year!

What a Day!

For the first time in my life I turned on the radio this morning, heard there was no snow day after all (despite the sleet, ice, freezing rain, etc), and decided that that was okay - I wanted to go to school! The day, you see, consisted of the movies I'd checked out of the libraries, goofing off on the computer (aka typing class), reading Sherlock Holmes aloud (You're so on the right track, Aaron:)!), Pizza Day (a bi-weekly tradition at my illustrious place of employment) and then having a Christmas party!

In Classical Literature I told my students, after we went over a chapter of The Odyssey: "I am about to do something that I have been wanting to do ever since this summer! We're going to fast-forward through time to see how Classical Literature influences our own culture." There were instant groans! One student made a gun with his hand and pointed it to his head! I was mystified. Didn't they catch the excitement in my tone? I asked them what they thought that meant, anyway? And they said research/report or something. It occurred to me that I usually get pretty excited when I hand out paper assignments. So I didn't blame them, but instead knocked their socks off by pulling out four movies from behind my desk!

Isaac, and others who may be interested: They were My Fair Lady (based on the Pygmalion myth), Clash of the Titans (a terrible mutilation of the Perseus myth: not only does it twist the story into something almost unrecognizable, but the acting is awful and the special effects make one laugh/groan/cry all at once - I only showed my kids 2 little clips of that one), X-Men (because of the guy named Cyclops - again only a very short clip of that...), and (drumroll) O Brother Where Art Thou (based, of course, on the story of Odysseus - very loosely - although I'm definitely picking up more parallels now than I had before!). What a fun class!

But the climax of the day came at the time of the Christmas party. The kids were all out of the room scurrying about. Then suddenly the lights went out. And THEN they came in SINGING with a CAKE AND CANDLES. It was a SURPRISE EARLY BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR ME!!!!! I was TOTALLY surprised, and SO happy. I have never had a surprise party before! And they hate singing, but were willing to sing for me! And they had PRESENTS: tons of chocolate, a tin of mints, and rewritable CDs! (Yes, they know me quite well.) They bring me such joy on a daily basis, and with this they totally outdid themselves. Bless their hearts! I LOVE THEM!

And now I am home for my nephew's birthday, enjoying the Sabbath with my family (you should have seen us break into a fabulous rendition of "Way Down Upon the Swanee River" together - KJ was quite weirded out) heading to a Christmas party with friends tomorrow, and, once again, reflecting on the incredible blessing of such a job.

Happy Things From School

* My high school kids keep on casually asking me what I want for Christmas. Ahhh, so subtle. So enjoyable.

*Two of my 7th grade girls told me they want to invite me to their Christmas Party and Sleepover! Oy vay! But very flattering.

*I'm starting to make more friends in the 2nd grade class! It's really fun to slowly build up a rapport with them. Yesterday one of them spoke to me for the first time: "Will you be my teacher someday?"

*My 7th and 8th grade class are SO into the Sherlock Holmes story I'm reading aloud to them (The Speckled Band). They keep coming up with great theories of how it could have worked, and who might be to blame. None have hit on it yet. But they keep on trying.

*One of my girls wants me to give her guitar lessons! I assured her I didn't know that much... But that I'd love to pass on what I do know! We're tentatively scheduled for Tuesdays after school.

*I am in love with the RI library system. I can get books out of any library in RI with my card. Today I went to three different libraries to get movies (when you have a commute as long as mine, that's not too crazy). The movies are for "fast-forward through time to see the effects of Greek culture on our culture" day. Which is tomorrow. Yay!

*Now I have to go read and watch movies to get ready for tomorrow's class. What a life!

The Snow Day that Wasn't

Today Katie came to school with me!

Yes. We had school. Despite the small blizzard.

It was so much fun to see her experience my world, and enjoy it. She loved my kids! And they, I might add, loved her. She told my 8th grade boys stories about first hand encounters with sub-machine guns. They were devoted from that point on. She played Hebrew Simon Says with them.

Then the last period came (in which Katie was shocked at my lack of discipline while giving exams), and the small blizzard became rather largish. The electricity blinked several times, causing the children to hope desperately for deliverance from their exam. The Newport Bridge closed. I trembled. Just in time for the commute home. I was seriously worried.

I called dear Uncle Paul, though, whose light confidence inspired such confidence in me. I was relaxed enough that I was up for a 10 minute snowball fight with my students before I left. What fun! Katie and me against 3 high school boys and 1 junior high boy. My aim was abysmal. I was ashamed. But Katie assured me I had won their admiration simply by joining in. Nonetheless, I plan on calling for a rematch next time there's a good snowfall. We shall see.

The commute home took us 2 and a half hours. The last fifteen on the driveway! But it was a peaceful time. Katie read me a story! She's a good reader.

I love having others see into my world, and especially when they are so appreciative of said world! Ahhh, I am rich indeed.

I Am Rich

Needless to say, this card pretty much made my life. Michael made it after coming in from playing, while he was feeling on top of the world and hyper...hence effusive. The results of his labor made me cry when I got it, and make me smile every morning when I see it again.

Front:












Inside:























Back:

Setting Records

I almost didn't want to post, because that would mean Tim Naehring would be booted from the page. But here I am.

I won the contest at school for most festive classroom. Actually there was no contest. But if there was, mine would win. I suddenly realized I could decorate my classroom, so now it sports a green garland over the chalkboard, with white Christmas lights. My large collection of Christmas ornaments is hanging up as well. I have snowflakes (made by my 7th and 8th graders) on my windows. I even have a poinsettia plant that Uncle Paul bought for me! The Christmas spirit is alive and well in my classroom, and I think the kids are really enjoying it.

The other record I set was the one for longest and worst commute ever. This morning it took me 1 hour and 50 minutes to get to school. And I kept being surprised I hadn't gotten in an accident yet. It was really strange. I left the house, first of all, at the last possible moment. But Uncle Paul had just noticed that my right rear tire seriously needed air. I figured I could still make it, since devotions always start late anyway.

Ha.

I got to the place where they sell air for 75 cents. I put in my quarters, the machine started, and then I discovered that the nozzle was either firmly jammed or there was some trick to getting it to come out. I called Uncle Paul who told me where to find another air thing. I found it, and this time was successful. Interestingly enough, my 35 lbs of air tire had a mere shmere 6 lbs in it! Oy vay.

I zipped back onto the road, still not having hit 295. Kimberly called. She usually calls when I'm in Fall River. I wasn't even close to Providence yet. Ay ay ay. I chatted with her for awhile until I had almost hit a van for the second time, and then decided I needed to concentrate. Did I mention it was raining all this time?

So I get to the place where you have to quickly and stealthily cross a million lanes of traffic to get onto 195. Nothin doin. For the second time in my life I, who usually pride myself on my ability to maneuver in traffic, missed my exit because I couldn't break into the line of traffic. You should have heard the bellow that emerged from my mouth when I sailed on down 95, inexorably parted from my road. Actually you shouldn't have heard it. I would have been mightily embarrassed.

In any case, I took the next exit and realized it would not get me anywhere fast. I found my way back to 95, hoping I would be north of my exit. Nope. Definitely south. So I resigned myself to my fate, and took 95 all the way down to the Newport bridge. For those of you readers not familiar with the highway system of RI (let's see... that would be everyone except Melissa) that is kind of like going from NH to RI via Chestnut Hill. Although not quite as long, thankfully.

I got to school 1 hour and 50 minutes after I left the house.

But today ended up being a super day! Ahhh, I love teaching. I love my students. I even love Earth Science!

Elizabeth Goudge's A City of Bells

I just finished reading A City of Bells by Elizabeth Goudge. What an incredible story. It captures so many elements that make up the human existence. It covers the lasting nature of art, the duality of the pain and the beauty in life, the possibility of re-birth. Goudge is able to demonstrate the depth of these things without being heavy-handed about it. She portrays it in a way that makes the reader, however unartistic and undeep he may sometimes be, follow the pathway the story opens up, and sink and rise with the characters. The reader, therefore, experiences the catharsis - the cleansing of the emotions - that the finest works inspire. I wish I could quote half of the book right here. But instead I suggest you wheel around from your computer, dash at once to the closest library/friend/relation/bookstore, snatch the book greedily, and begin at once.

So Much to be Thankful For!

Here I am in the comfort of home, surrounded by family, and thankful for so many things. Some of the things I'm thankful for are:

*Four amazing years at PC, and the euphoria surrounding graduation.

*An incredible job that God led me to, and that I love every day.

*A wonderful home situation - I love living with Uncle Paul and Aunt Laura and Melissa. I love the fun we have, the conversations we have, the harmony and fellowship we have. I couldn't ask for a better "second family."

*Some fantastic summer excursions, including one to GA to see the Adamses with Melissa and KJ, one to Coolidge Point with my family, one to Busch Gardens with Lisa, and one to Rockport with Amy and Lindsay.

*The gift of Faith, and the lessons God has taught me about Himself this year. He is so good, so faithful, so trustworthy.

*Material blessings like my new car and new cell phone!

*My dear, dear friends. What would I do without them?! And I'm thankful for ways to keep in touch - e-mail, blogs, phones, and (best of all) get-togethers!

*And I'm thankful for my dear family. What a source of love and support and strength...and fun! Hurrah for parents, siblings, and nephews!

God is so good, and I'm thankful for these things that come from Him.

Conversations with Michael

Michael is becoming more and more verbose these days, so the occasional telephone conversation has progressed from the days of "Hi, Iah!" to actually dialogues. Today he called with some big news. His tooth had fallen out! I had forgotten (if I'd actually known) that his tooth was loose, and the news was a total surprise. This was big! Therefore I screamed and jumped around with joy for awhile. I cannot wait to see the little gap! I can't believe how old he's getting.

The phone call ended up being the longest I've ever had with him, lasting perhaps half an hour! Fortunately I had been feeling a distinct Michael-withdrawal, and was willing to spend some real quality time.

The conversation proceeded something like this:

Michael: Now I'm on the new couch in the living room.
Andrea: Oh wow! That's nice.
[Pause followed by high pitched beep]
Michael: Oops, that was me pushing the button.
Andrea: Oh, I was wondering what that was!
Michael: [Laughter]
Andrea: So what have you been doing today?
Michael: I don't know... Did I tell you my tooth fell out?
Andrea: Ya! Remember? I screamed and jumped around.
Michael: Oh ya! [Pause] Mama's laughing. [Laughs]
[Pause]
Michael: Are you there?
Andrea: Ya! Are you there?
Michael: Yes! [Laughs]

This conversation continued with some variation, but not too much. The "are you there" sequence was repeated four or five times. There were some moments when information was actually exchanged, but not too many. Information exchanges are highly overrated.

The happiest parts came at the beginning (with the initial news) and then when I told him I'd be home for Thanksgiving and he gave an involuntary "Yaaaaayyy!" Oh, and the "I love you" at the end was a day maker.

Man, I love being an aunt!

Report Cards!

Yesterday I had the joy of handing out my first batch of report cards. It was so interesting, yet again, to be on the other end of something I've experienced for most of my life. And the kids' responses were also interesting: a strange combination of anticipation and terror.

What surprised me was the astonishment that some students exhibited upon seeing a bad grade. How can you not realize when you're failing Latin? Wouldn't the succession of F's on quizzes and tests give you a clue?

Happily most of the grades I handed out were A's and B's. I did have a few C's, but only one was a C-. One of these C's was given to someone totally unprepared, however. That wasn't much fun, because she kind of crushed. I could understand that, since she's received mostly A's and B's on her tests. But it was the 38% on that one test that did it. Sigh. The good news, though, is that I went back to check my gradebook and discovered that it was really a C+! She was happier with that.

As the students all left, and the classroom was empty and quiet, I said to myself, "I miss getting a report card." I miss the excitement of opening it up, pulling it out, and doing the quick scan followed by the careful reading. I miss taking it home and hearing Dad say, "This is boring. Can't you do any better than that?" This was said, of course, as a total joke, which gave me great joy every time.

As I left my classroom to go home I saw two fellow teachers chatting in the hall. "I miss getting a report card," I said to them. There was a momentary pause as they both looked at me, and then they said in perfect unison, "I don't!"

Happy Birthday KJ!

Today is my little sister's birthday, and I would just like all the world to know that I think she is an extraordinary girl. She has such a heart for God and for her family and for her friends. She calls me up sometimes and tells me about lessons she is learning, and I have to restrain myself from saying "Oh Kimberly, you don't need to worry about that," from the biased vantage point of big-sister-who-thinks-she's-pretty-much-perfect-already. But it blesses me to see her responding so readily to the work of God in her life.

Of course, if she called me up and told me that God has been teaching her that she needs to let me poke her more often, then I would agree. There's this weird phenomenon that occurs whenever I get close to Kimberly. I am seized with the urge to poke her. I think it's because she's more serious than I am, naturally speaking, and she just brings out the most unserious side of me. So I get as goofy as possible and start poking her. She doesn't usually appreciate it, strangely enough.

Other than that, we enjoy a great relationship. For years, long before we should have been, we have been close friends. Back when we should have been constantly quarreling we were having sleepovers and taking walks and generally enjoying each other's company. That was a blessing I do not take for granted. And the relationship has only deepened as time has gone on.

So thanks, KJ, for being such a great friend, a dear sister, and a devoted fellow-pilgrim. I love you!

Today's Claim to Fame

Before Ryan Gomes was a Celtics player, he was my very own classmate at PC. I kind of forgot about the whole "he became a Celtics player" thing until this evening. I was watching the game while grading papers. This means that the game did not have my undivided attention (of course, neither did the papers...). But all of a sudden I heard the announcer say "he passes to Gomes" or some such thing. Up jerked my head! Gomes! My classmate! Look at the small town kid make it big! It was an exciting moment. He still looks tall, even among the Celtics players. But not as tall as he looked when I passed him at graduation, surrounded by happy family members. I can't wait to tell my kids about it tomorrow.

Happy Veterans Day...

And happy 11/11 day!!!

More On Teaching

Ahhhhh (sigh of glee to be back on blogger!). It's been awhile.

Guess what. I love teaching so much. I'm already depressed about retiring. Okay, not quite. But I was driving home today and had this weird moment where I was thinking sadly about how great it had been to teach, when I remembered I'm not done teaching yet! Strange, yes, but it's the end of the week and I think I'm entitled to momentary lapses in my short-term memory. Or yes, even severe cases of amnesia. Either way, I'm happy that I get to teach again on Monday! But meanwhile, thank the Lord for weekends (LONG weekends, especially!).

Today was red, white, and blue day at school! I found an excellent quote about patriots from John Milton, which I quickly tore out of its original context and used on the chalkboard with red, white, and blue chalk. Two girls took pictures of it. I AM NOT ALONE!!!

I am now studying The Hiding Place with my 7th and 8th graders. I was worried at first that it was too deep for them. But they are doing quite well, even if they don't get all the nuances. And I get to bring some of my outside knowledge in, too. Yesterday I taught them the song "By the Waters of Babylon," and today I taught them the Hora! They loved it!!! Ahhhh, what a way to start the weekend.

I just love those kids so incredibly much.

Of course, there are the ups and downs... Last Monday afternoon I was so irritated with them I just wanted to let loose with a mighty scream. I refrained, however, and the rest of the week went very well.

And now I have Veteran's Day off, and a nice long weekend to look forward to! Hurrah!

Visiting History

I had my US Government class reenact the Constitutional Convention today! Chad, you would have been proud. It was kind of like one of those mystery dinners - I gave each person a piece of paper that told them who they were, what they proposed, and how they voted. Then I moderated and led them through the process. It was so much fun! Some of them got into it more than others (I asked the rep from New Jersey if he was drunk when he started mumbling his part without standing up). But I think they all enjoyed that more than they would have enjoyed a lecture.

I also held two classes outside today because the weather was INCREDIBLE. They did pretty well at paying attention, although I did have to follow through on my threat and make them go back inside when they got too distracted. Fortunately that was only for the last ten minutes of the day, so I got to save face while still getting lots of nice outside time. Yay!

This morning I was at Dunkin Donuts and glimpsed a nun working behind the counter. I did a massive mental double take before realizing that it was Halloween. To celebrate I think I'll go do a lesson plan and grade some papers... And maybe eat some candy.

The Newport Bridge!

Inspired by Melo's insistence that I really can have a picture if I want one (see Oct 14 post), I went on line to find some great shots. Here are the fruits of my labors:

beautiful



beautifmdsul

Friday!

After a couple of days of being so edgy I wanted to run screaming from the study hall because the kids KEPT making NOISES, I had a laid-back and energy-filled day today! I'm not sure why. Maybe it's just some weird psychological trait that refuses to allow me to have three edgy days in a row. Anyway, it sure made for a fun day today.

In government class we were talking about the George Washington bridge (it was only vaguely related to our class), so of course I had to sing the "George Washington Bridge" song to them. I was bellowing it out and looking down the row of kids, and was pleasantly surprised to see the last one, a boy whom I would consider the hardest to connect with, laughing really hard! I could have been offended, of course. It's not as if he was laughing at the sheer talent of it all. But actually I was quite pleased - it was a connection. And then he kept insisting that I must have made it up myself. I protested that such was not the case. I just don't know it very well so I kind of fill things in from my own mind. And the only lyrics I know are "George Washington Bridge," so I repeat them over and over. But I did NOT make the song up!

At lunch I went into the gym/auditorium where the kids eat lunch, and I played "knock out" with them! I don't think they expected me to have any kind of athletic ability. Thus, the little basketball skill I have was a big deal to them. I felt almost as cool as Chad! But not quite.

Yesterday I started "The Hiding Place" with the junior high. I wanted to lead them to the realization that she had started her story with a happy party, instead of in the middle of some suspenseful moment, in order to show how the war was a horrible interruption to a normal life (I'm not sure if this is really the reason - it's hard to prove motive - but it is an interesting parallel anyway, so I wanted them to notice it). To show this, I said to them, "Imagine you have been through WWII, and have a really gripping and suspenseful story to tell. Pull out a piece of paper, and write the first three sentences of your story." As I had hoped, almost all of them started with Germans storming in or bombs falling. We went on to have a good discussion about how the war broke into people's lives. The cool thing was that four of the students were so excited about it that they finished their stories that night, and read them today in class! I was quite impressed at what they knew and what they were able to convey.

A happy thing: I have a student who repeatedly does very poorly on science tests, and I was worried about her. But I just gave a literature exam - all essay questions - and she aced it! It was just a matter of finding out her strengths! Yay!

Uncle Paul says hi.

In the Zone

Today I was leaving school, and took the shortcut through the auditorium/gym. There I encountered three young boys who were brandishing hula hoops. I smiled at them and stuck to the edges of the room while I exited. Half way through the room one of the boys cautioned: "Watch out! You're in an empire war zone." I don't think empire was the word he used, but alas I forget the real one. In any case, it was reminiscent of Star Wars, and whether the connection was in my head alone or a legitimate one I do not know. I thought it completely charming, whatever it was, and continued merrily on my way.

Once outside, however, I discovered more truth than fiction in the idea of some kind of danger zone. I was driving up over the Newport Bridge (yay!) and noting how unusually green the water was, when I was suddenly without control. My car was going right, and I was not making it do so! And then I realized it was the wind! I slowed right down, and crept the rest of the way, still incredulous at the force of the gusts.

The water showed it, too, by being choppier than I've seen it before. It was so choppy, in fact, that I stopped to take pictures. I tried to open the door, and realized I had accidentally locked it on myself. So I hit the unlock lever and nothing happened. The door wasn't locked - it was the force of the wind against my door that made me unable to open it without an unusual amount of force!

Ah the joys of remnant hurricanes/nor'easters.

Now, though, I am happily ensconced on the couch, ready to do lesson plans, and reveling in chocolate and beautiful music (um, by the way Craig, we have your John Rutter CDs. Heh heh heh, thanks!). Thank the Lord for a warm, dry, comfortable house!