Well so far teaching hasn't been what it is all cracked up to be. I mean since when did 8th graders get so mean?? I know I wasn't like that in 8th grade... at least I hope I wasn't! Today I taught at East Jessamine Middle School, Theatre classes. The problem is, it is a required class here and so 99% of the students don't want to be in it. I had no idea so many people had such little interest in Theatre. I mean it's great, right? OK so maybe people don't care about it, but wouldn't any kid rather be acting out a scene or doing a character analysis than sitting in Math class?? It seems like an easy A to me! So as I am going around helping these noisy 8th graders with their analysis I find them asking me questions like, "What is a character flaw?, or "What does moral beliefs mean?" As they ask me these questions they also give me an answer and ask me if it is right. For example, I had several different students ask me if moral belief meant Christian. One girl who was analysing the character of Alice in Wonderland, decided, "Sure Alice is a Christian." I then had to explain to her that moral beliefs expanded beyond what religion we claim. I tried using descriptive words like trustworthy, honest, or sneaky. I think they finally got the gist.
Whether or not teaching is for me, I am still not sure. It just seems like it is so hard in the classroom setting. At least as a sub you don't get to build a real relationship with them. Sasha, there regular teacher, told me she use to go home crying all the time because they were so horrible! Though I can no longer postpone getting a "real" job. And I must make a decision.
I will be applying for a couple different teaching positions over at the Elementary School. I am hoping to set up an interview for next week. Also the Drama Coach position at the High School opened up. I guess that means Ben is moving on. (The former drama teacher.) Though it is not full time and I think they are hoping another full time teacher will pick it up as an extra activity. I will keep you posted on how that goes! (Oh and I am not sure I will ever get use to being called Mrs. Johnson by the students, I forget that's me sometimes.)
Today makes 10 days until my one year Anniversary! Then we can no longer be officially called newlyweds. And 13 days until we head back to VA for Josh and Ashley's wedding. I look forward to spending more time with friends. Our trip up there last week made me miss having a close gang of friends to hang out with all the time. But no doubt there will be more hanging out time with them to come! (Tori you and Shawn better make time for a Pizza Hut Mom's Night Out!)
Alright, I shall finish my day here at the school. Then it's back to the house for some major cleaning. Brian's allergies are killing him and we must get rid of any dust! Take care for now!
-Melanie
Whats Up?
(Written by: Brian) This week I finished my first semester of Seminary. It has really been everything I hoped for, and a little more. I am very happy with my choice in schools. I was surprised mostly by the professors. In undergrad, you always felt like you were bothering or interrupting a professor when you came to their office (In general). However, I have found professors who really care about students. They have welcomed students into their office and even had us over for lunch! Also, and probably most importantly to me, is that I feel challenged. I wanted to go to a school that would offer me the opportunity to really think about and look at Christianity. There is an atmosphere of openness in which I know I can express my ideas (weather right or wrong) and know that I will not be looked down at and brushed off. The faculty seems to think we learn best though experience and working through theological issues together. I guess I am trying to say... Its more like a hiking through a forest with a guide who knows the area well. They want us to become competent guides also, so instead of telling us every which way to turn, they allow us to make decisions and work through consequences. OK, that's enough school for now.
Melanie and I are in Virginia right now, well, she is in dream world right now, but I was done sleeping. We came down this week for two of our closet friends wedding. Shawn and Tori. It was very exciting to see two people that we have known for so long become one in marriage. I remember when all of us were just starting college. We new that we would find ourselves here. Congrats to Shawn and Tori, who are probably on the beach in Jamaica right now enjoying the sun and crystal clear water! Yall earned it, have a blast (like they will really read our blog while there ha ha). I got make some new friends and we both caught up with old BSU people. We got to spend time with family also, and had perfect weather. I have never been in someones wedding while I have been married. I was reminded of the vows and commitments that I took with Melanie in our own wedding. We were reminded that love is not best defined by "falling in love" or "head over heels," but by these less romantic words; commitment and sacrifice. If I have learned anything in our past year of marriage, it is that I pledged to love in a way that puts my wife's needs before any of my own. I have also learned that God chooses to teach and build me most though my interaction with my wife. It seems that marriage and living with someone brings out all of your good and bad.
Today we are going to try and plan our summer vacation/anniversary before heading back to big city Wilmore. We are hoping to spend some time on the beach in Florida to celebrate the big 1 year. We are taking our time driving back and would like to stop at the Natural Bridge along the way.
Toasting David & Brian's Birthday
Well this past weekend was an especially busy time here in the Johnson household. The Alfred Hitchcock show "Toasting David" better known as "The Rope", opened this past Thursday. I would say all in all the play was a success. I enjoyed portraying my character Janet Walker. In a somewhat serious murder mystery you could say I was the comic relief. Flirty and boisterous I fluttered across the stage with my not so funny jokes. We received great comments and feedback. I also enjoyed the opportunity to get to know more people on campus. While I am sad the performances are over, I know I will be happy to have that time free once again! The show closed Saturday and I awoke Sunday morning with a sore throat, congestion, and 100 degree temperature. I praise the Lord that it didn't come a day earlier!
So as you can imagine, other than moving from the bed to the couch on Sunday it was a lazy day of drinking about 8 bottles of water. Brian was able to get much of his homework done, as I could hardly speak and was not a distraction to him.
Yesterday was Brian's 25th Birthday! And as my Dad would say he has finally reached the age where his car insurance goes down. I am not so sure what is magical about the age 25, but apparently you magically become a better driver! Better driver or not, I still think the world of him! He was blessed with many gifts this year. My older sister Lucinda and her boyfriend Chip came through KY and treated us both to lunch. Our neighbors decorated our window with balloons and a birthday sign, and he got the manly grill he has been wanting for a long time. The grill was from my parents and I. And his parents sent him some money that he purchased a bike with... no he has no excuses for being late to class anymore.
We also got to spend some fun time with our neighbors last night. They all came over to share some cake and ice cream and sing Happy Birthday. Oh and of course.... play Bingo! A Boger family must! Brian enjoyed himself and even though I was still feeling a little groggy, I had a good time too!
Next week begins the first of our many trips for the summer. Brian's last final is next Tuesday and then Wednesday we will be heading to VA Beach for our friends wedding. We plan on taking off for almost a week, making time to spend with his parents while we are there. Then we will come back to KY for a few more weeks, before we head off again!
So that is it our latest and greatest! I am busy working this week to make some extra bucks for our travel, and Brian's nose will be stuck in his books. Keep us in your prayers, this tends to be a stressful time of the year! We should have pictures posted from the show and Brian's birthday by this evening. We love you all and miss you!
-Melanie
So as you can imagine, other than moving from the bed to the couch on Sunday it was a lazy day of drinking about 8 bottles of water. Brian was able to get much of his homework done, as I could hardly speak and was not a distraction to him.
Yesterday was Brian's 25th Birthday! And as my Dad would say he has finally reached the age where his car insurance goes down. I am not so sure what is magical about the age 25, but apparently you magically become a better driver! Better driver or not, I still think the world of him! He was blessed with many gifts this year. My older sister Lucinda and her boyfriend Chip came through KY and treated us both to lunch. Our neighbors decorated our window with balloons and a birthday sign, and he got the manly grill he has been wanting for a long time. The grill was from my parents and I. And his parents sent him some money that he purchased a bike with... no he has no excuses for being late to class anymore.
We also got to spend some fun time with our neighbors last night. They all came over to share some cake and ice cream and sing Happy Birthday. Oh and of course.... play Bingo! A Boger family must! Brian enjoyed himself and even though I was still feeling a little groggy, I had a good time too!
Next week begins the first of our many trips for the summer. Brian's last final is next Tuesday and then Wednesday we will be heading to VA Beach for our friends wedding. We plan on taking off for almost a week, making time to spend with his parents while we are there. Then we will come back to KY for a few more weeks, before we head off again!
So that is it our latest and greatest! I am busy working this week to make some extra bucks for our travel, and Brian's nose will be stuck in his books. Keep us in your prayers, this tends to be a stressful time of the year! We should have pictures posted from the show and Brian's birthday by this evening. We love you all and miss you!
-Melanie
