Mid-June Update...

So I guess I've been a bit remiss about my once-a-month updates. Sorry for that. The thing is, a lot of things are in the midst of getting sorted out. So my posts would probably change per week or even per day. Even now as I try to collect my thoughts, I'm a bit scattered.

Today I went to my first cream tea. Clotted cream looks like whipped butter, but it's better. Not sure what makes it clotted, but it's delightful on scones with strawberries.

I've been getting depressed every time I talk to someone from the States because they tell me how lovely the weather is and then I realise it's like 70 here as a high... booo.

So I have a job for next year and I'm getting QTS (UK equivalent to a teacher certification). That will be a long process in the fall. Oy Vey. I'm working on learning dream weaver and making my websites for my program on macromedia for the intranet and internet. It's been fun.

I've been sorting out my budget for next year and getting rooms and what subjects I'm teaching and all that craziness. In the midst of that I'm trying to sort out a legitimate scheme of work for the program and find resources and liase with teachers and staff about the other duties I have. I've basically been ignoring my data analysis... I'll get to it in the summer.

Work is therefore incredibly busy, but getting sorted out. To that end, I've been incredibly nuts and TIRED when I get home. Because I'm tired I've been lazy, which leads to me eating take out and not exercising... which is bad. I'll try to get motivated eventually.

Also, last Tuesday all my credit cards, bank cards, etc. were stolen out of my bag... I luckily had enough change to get a train ticket home or I'd be begging in the train station. I'm still getting it sorted out, but luckily I didn't lose any money.

I've been trying to spend time with getting involved at church. I've joined a home group which is basically a group of people from pastorate that makes a small group. Ours is all girls, and we're focusing on spiritual gifts and accountability. It's been really good because the Spirit has been showing me what my spiritual gifts are... so far Discernment and Faith are my two main ones, supported by Mercy, Encouragement, Prophecy, and Administration. I'm praying about how God wants me to use these in my life... it's been interesting because some of them I can see, but some were a surprise to me.

I think that recently I've been learning about forgiveness and endurance. Being able to be hurt and forgive and show mercy and move on, making your way down the path you know was intended for you. It's not always easy, and I'm not going to pretend I don't complain or I do it to the very best of my ability, but I do think I'm progressing down the path Christ has set before me.

I can't believe that next week is my birthday. It really doesn't feel like I'm 24.. or soon will be. 24 seems like such a boring number to be. I don't know if I like it. Not cause I'm getting older, but just because it seems boring.

Nothing new is happening on the man-front. Grayson's disappeared. Talked to his sister and she says he's fine and working a lot, and I've heard nothing. I've been on a couple of sort-of dates. They've been ok. Nothing earth shattering. I'm still sad a lot, but I don't like showing it. I think it's coming out in my tiredness. I just need to sleep it off or something. I wish it would work.

I'm still not sure what's happening in the summer or where I'll live next year. My friend Martha got a job in the next town over so I might move there with her and take a bus to work in the morning. We'll see.

In other news, last weekend, on the way to Covent Garden to watch a football game, we came across a naked bicycling protest... 1000 people or more cycling naked through London... it was NOT a pretty sight.

Also, for our school walk, the theme is Stars and Stripes because it's on the 4th of July. I'm dressing as a Cowgirl and my assistant Form Tutor, Ellen, is going as Pocahontas. It's going to be awesome.

Honestly, I know it's been a while, but I'm not sure what else to report. If anyone has questions, I'd love to get some emails. I miss everyone, and mostly the weather. I hope y'all are aiight.

Big love from across the pond!! XO