June, 2011

Just wanted to note that I am working 4 days this week and 2 days next week.  Then, I am finished with the 2010-2011 school year!!! 

I am very excited for our summer to begin.  Nathan and I will be getting as much mommy and son time as we can before July 20th.  We plan to go swimming almost every day.  We will also visit the library for story time and head to the mall of course.  Nathan and I will also be attending VBS for a week in June.

A new thing that we will try this summer is going to see a movie at a theater.  A local theater is offering movies for a dollar.  So, we can go and find out how long Nathan will sit in a theater.  Hopefully, the entire duration of the movie!

I am also hoping to go to the river or to the beach for a weekend.  We cannot go too far because Chris needs to save his vacation days, and I need to stay close to home in these last 2 months. 

No matter - our summer is bound to be fun with the plans that I have for us and also because we are going to welcome a new family member soon! 

The School Principal

On Saturday, I went to Region IV and took the Texas Principal Certification test.  The test was comprised of 115 questions, and I was permitted to complete the test in 5 hours or less.  The test was administered by a computer rather than on paper. 

I began shortly after 10:00 am.  I worked diligently, with only 1 restroom break, until almost 1:00 pm.  The test seemed so difficult to me.  I had to read much of the content over and over again, and I really had to think carefully before answering for most of the questions. 

After about question #50, I was tired of taking the test.  My brain hurt.  I was distracted by the other people in the room, and my earplugs were not really helping.  However, this test had cost me $120, in addition to the tuition and time spent on coursework that I completed during the past year.  I had to push on and finish.

When I left, I felt defeated.  I was honestly questioning my ability and intelligence.  I felt like I had failed and failed miserably!  I was sure that I would be back taking the same test in 2 months, which would be a nightmare.  If you cannot pass something the first time, how do you pass it on a retake?

Today I received an email, saying my score was available.  At the time, I was sitting in a lab, waiting to get some blood work done.  So, I already felt a little bit jumpy.  I decided to look anyway.  I couldn't wait to find out, and I was prepared for less than pleasant news.

To my surprise and delight, I passed the exam!  Not only did I pass, but I performed exceedingly well!  I immediately felt that I had accomplished something again - just like when I got my Masters - just like each time I get offered a job that I really, really wanted!  It felt good!

Now, I have to wait a week for the score to appear on the TEA website.  Then, I can add it to my teaching certificate.  After this, I will be certified by the state of Texas to work as a school principal!

Now, to only find a position in the times of budget turmoil!  Ha ha!

My Uncle Bill

This weekend has left a shadow of grief hanging over my family.  My uncle Bill recently made the decision to not pursue a liver transplant.  He recently became eligible to be placed on the transplant list, but sadly my uncle did not want to cooperate with his physicians in getting his body strong enough for the procedure. 

This week, the doctors began administering morphine injections to my uncle, as it is all about pain management at this time.  The morphine sedates my uncle, and he has not been conscious since Wednesday.  Because his liver is not functioning, his body cannot break down the morphine.  This means that although the morphine is relieving my uncle of his pain, it will also soon end his life. 

My father has been to see my uncle each day this week.  I wanted to go with him, but both my parents say that other hospital patients with communicable diseases are too close and it would put my unborn baby in danger.  I have to respect my parents' requests for me to stay home.

My uncle's children have been visiting him also.  His stepdaughter is staying with him each night, and I am grateful that she is doing this, as he has done so much for her in the past.  None of us want him to die at night, alone.

My other uncle and aunt drove down yesterday from Clarksville, Tennessee, even though the doctors did not think that Uncle Bill would hold on that long.  He surprised us all and is still resting in the hospital.

Uncle Bill has suffered with an unknown ailment of his liver for at least the last 3 years.  Although I am sad for my uncle and will mourn his death, I am also rejoicing that he will soon be resting with our Savior!

Go with God, Uncle Bill