Chapter 7: Long Time, No Write!

So, I have been called back to the world of blogging by my friend Jac's family blog, which she just started. This blog was originally created for us to keep in touch when we all graduated and went our own separate ways in life. Well, that has certainly happened now. But we have failed miserably at keeping these updated for one another to read. 

Here's my attempt at turning this into a habit. I really do have so many stories from day to day. My students are absolutely hilarious. Some of the funniest 15 year olds you will ever meet. I am a very lucky, very entertained lady most of the time. There are so many times when something happens at school and I think to myself, "I can't wait to tell my girls about this one!" But, always, without fail, innumerable other things come up during the day, and my funny stories escape me when we next talk. I know I have shared a few stories with you all from time to time. For example, the students' pet peeve essays, which included such topics as: Asians, peanut butter, back fat, and being called Mexican. I could not believe that two students in the same class hate Asians and peanut butter-- I've never missed Lisa while grading essays so much! 

Well, anyways, I will be posting more often from now on. That shouldn't be hard to do since I haven't posted since last summer right after we got back from Europe!!! Oh... more news! My sister and I are going to Europe this summer! My parents have decided the trip will be our Christmas gift. It looks like our trip will include the British Isles this time, which I am really excited about. You all know how I feel about the English language... I like speaking it. I also really enjoy British accents. I have a feeling I will just be laughing at how adorable the people are when they speak to me the entire time I am there. Scotland is going to be tough... I've seen Braveheart a few too many times. 

I haven't checked anyone else's blog in a really long time. Maybe I am the only lame one in the bunch. Perhaps you have all been posting and I am out of the loop... Nope. Turns out we're all lame. That's why I love you all; we're all lame together. 

Chapter 6: My First Summer Camp

So I just got back today from camp with the junior highers from my church. It was an incredible experience. They were amazing kids, and it was so encouraging to see the way that junior high students can act when they are raised well and when they are high on God instead of drugs. But seriously, I had an awesome time and feel really good about the fact that I got to be a part of that. I knew I would be fulfilled by going, but I was dreading the kids a little bit, to be honest. I didn't know any of them, and while I would have been excited to go hang out with high school kids for a week (great experience for the future, etc.), when I think Jr. High I think "awkward" or "trouble." I was proven wrong throughout the week as I watched the students grow together and individually in their faith. As it turns out, I got so much out of a camp that was meant for 14 year olds. There was an amazing group of chaperones that went along, and I know we all felt so lucky to be there with the kids this past week. Waking up at 6:45 wasn't really my cup of tea, as I am sure you all know. But it was absolutely worth it. I met some great people, learned a lot about myself, and spent a week doing something that I know God wanted me to do-- it doesn't get any better than that!
I'm looking forward to being back in Gville in a couple of weeks... can't wait to be back with all my girls! Love you guys and talk to you soon.

Chapter 5: Reflections on the Past... and the Future

How about those sweet chapters on Europe!? That was an exciting time! I can't believe I did all of that nor can I believe the amount fun that I had over there- it should really be illegal to have that much fun. We officially took the greatest trip of all time. Now I am home for the summer before grad school starts in August. I gotta say I am really excited about these upcoming semesters, but it is nice to be home for awhile now just hanging out with the family and Stu-Man. I know this last year in Gainesville is going to be incredible... and then I will be a high school teacher. As long as I have been planning it, it's still weird/exciting/crazy to think that it will be happening so soon... So here's a preview.

Student: (hand raised) Ms. Edmonds?
Me: yes, Sean.
Student: Can I have a hall pass?
Me: I'm sure you "can." And yes, you MAY.

Heading home in less than 12 hours...

Not a lot of time left here in Europe. We are getting ready to go to dinner and then we are going to hang out with the cool hostel people for a little while, but we will be sleeping early tonight. We have to leave our hostel at 4am to get to the airport in time for our flights home. I am going to be really tired when I get home, but I am excited to see everyone and tell you all about the incredible trip this has been. I am bringing prizes!!! I think if I was leaving Europe from Italy I would be crying about it, but Athens wasn't my favorite. The Parthenon was really neat to see, but I am ready to leave Greece. I am happy to be coming home though, Mom. And I cannot wait to see you guys! I love you all very very much. I will call you all tomorrow during my trek homeward to the States!!!

My Big Fat Greek Vacation

Now we are in Athens. Our hostel is literally less than a five minute walk from the Acropolis. We are going to do some more sightseeing tomorrow. Due to technical difficulty and an unexpected trip to Naples, we got here pretty late and now we are all tired. We did have our first Greek dinner though at a place just down the street from our hostel. The owner looked like Albert Einstein, which I thought was really cute. Anyways, I can't say that I know a whole lot about this city yet, so I will have to write about it after tomorrow. The Parthenon is all lit up at night and looks amazing though. I cannot believe we are here! Thank you, Mom and Dad- this is the best graduation present I could ask for. I love you all!!!!

Our Last Night in Florence

Tonight is our last night in Florence. This morning we went to the highest point to San Minioto and looked at the city from up there. That climb was tough... I think we worked off all the pasta and pizza we have been eating over here. It was truly breathtaking from up there and I took a lot of pictures... good thing we bought that extra memory stick right before I left because it will definitely be full when I get finished over here. This evening we hurried to the Uffizi Museum to see some of Michaelangelo's and Boticelli's paintings. We had to skip the David because it was at a separate museum and we felt it was more important to see more. They closed at 6:30 and aren't open on Mondays. I think it was the only sacrifice we have made all trip though, so I guess it was bound to happen. We have seen the copy of the David in one of the piazzas every day that we have been here though, so that makes us feel a little better about it. I love all of you very very much! We leave for Venice tomorrow, and I will try to write from there! Ciao!

Firenze=Paradiso

So I am in Florence now and I cannot believe how right Stu was about this place. It is without a doubt the most beautiful city I have ever seen. We just finished what we swear will be our only day of shopping. Spent some time on the Ponte Vecchio and some other interesting little shops. Mom, if you are reading this tell Dad that yes, my money is holding up. So far, so good. I went to Dante's house today. That was exciting for me. I have been taking lots and lots of pictures. The sad thing is that most of our pictures only have 4 of us in them because someone has to play photographer for us each time. We should have hired a photographer to follow us around because we really are having such a wonderful time here. I am so glad that we have four days in Florence because it is allowing us to relax a little more than we did in Rome. It is also great to have a room to ourselves. We actually have two rooms because they are each only for three people. I am rooming with Lisa and Chelsea, while Kitty and Gabby are just down the hall from us. The view from our room is really nice and the people who own the hotel are very sweet. I am looking forward to three more nights here and then it is on to Greece!!!! I LOVE YOU ALL VERY VERY VERY MUCH and I will keep you updated whenever I can! Ciao!