Long Update...Part Deux

What else has been going on...

Well, I finished out 2007 having read 44 books. My goal was 50. Eh, close enough. I do recommend the book Labyrinth, by Kate Mosse. Check it out - it's really good.

This coming year is going to be one of big changes. I'm currently updating my teaching placement file and researching school districts in Alaska. Teaching up there has been a dream of mine for the past 5 or 6 years and now is definately the time to head up there. I've seen God's hand in this decision over the past four or so months and I know it's the right thing. Now the job search commences! I've narrowed down school districs by geography: basically, I'd like to go near or around southeast Alaska. Kodiak Island is my first choice, followed by Juneau, Ketchikan, and Skagway. There are others I am researching, too. Southeast AK's climate is similar to that of Seattle's, yet they do get good snow. It'd be tragic to move to AK and not get any snow! I'm also planning on applying in Anchorage and Fairbanks, even though they are hundreds of miles apart. Anchorage, Fairbanks, and Juneau all have universities where I can work on a professional certificate and eventually my master's, which will most likely be in reading and/or literacy.

"Why Alaska?" is now the most FAQ I get from people. Well, many reasons. I've always desired to work with native cultures, as my mom's side of the family is Native American and it's an integral part of who I am. I also want to go where there is a great need for teachers. The turnover rate for teachers in AK is pretty high, which I admit makes me somewhat nervous, but the need there is so great and I hold fast to the belief that every child deserves a quality education. The chances of me finding a job in the greater Seattle area are slim-to-none, almost the same as my chances of finding a teaching job in MI. And then there's the sweet perk of the salary in AK. They pay really well, have amazing healthcare, and once you're a resident, you get paid to live there!

I do admit that I am growing restless. Don't get me wrong - I LOVE Seattle and my life here. Waking up on a perfectly clear Christmas morning and seeing both the Olympic and Cascade mountain ranges from all sides was pretty stinkin' amazing. But I have this adventurous streak that runs through me that is yearning for another adventure and completely new place. I'm getting very excited about everything and do pray that the right job opens it's arms to me. God has always been faithful, and God's timing has always been perfect. I'm excited to see how all of this will work out...

Ella is wonderful. It's hard to think about leaving her this fall. Jina and I went and looked at a daycare this morning. It's sad to picture her in daycare, but I also know that there are some really good daycares out there where she will be loved and taken care of. I'm trusting God with this, too, even though I get really emotional whenever I think about it. That child has become like a little niece to me and I love her dearly.

Ok, changing subject....

Knitting. Well, a resolution for last year was to knit socks. Oops. I am, however, signed up for a sock knitting class that begins on the 19th. Right after that class ends I am taking a color class, where I'll learn how to knit Fair Isle patterns. Fair Isle socks for everyone this Christmas! I also need to get going on an afghan for my friends Andrea and Michael. They're getting married in June. I found a pattern for a neat cable-knit afghan, so now all I need is yarn and an idea of what color to knit it.

Wedding plans...for Andrea, not me! Heavens no, I'm not ready to get married! (an incredibly independent streak runs parallel to that adventurous streak) I'm heading to Grand Rapids in March for a whirlwind of a long weekend so I can help out with wedding plans. I'm Andrea's maid-of-honor and am doing my best to help with the planning whilst living 3,000 miles away. It's difficult. That weekend will be good, though. We'll work on making stuff, shop for shoes, start to plan out a bachelorette party, etc. Her aunt is also throwing her a shower and is adamant that she throw it when I'm in town. I'm flattered and very thankful. My goal was to make it to at least one wedding shower.

Aye. It's 11 out here and I am tired!

Here are some pictures of Miss Ella Jo: