Lucerne and Zurich, Switzerland!

Chagall


Monet - three waterlillies - all by myself. Not like in Chicago when there are people everywhere!!

This puzzle is AWESOME!! It was huge! I want it for my classroom!

Chagall stole my heart!!

Picasso!

Dying lion in Lucerne.

Group dinner in Lucerne!

Our group with the crazy Turks that were on the mountain with us!!

Rainbow over Lake Lucerne!

Rodin exhibit at the Zurich art museum!

Look at those mountains!!

Liz and I on top of Mt. Pilatus!

Homesick.

After a long weekend, I think I may be a little homesick. Mom sent me mandel bread, Amish friendish bread, some of Grandma's chex mix (the best in the world) and chocolate! It really reminds me of home. I'm so grateful to have such a loving family. Gail sent me a great email too. It was unexpected and definitely made my day.

Switzerland was beautiful and the mountains/Alps are overwhelming. (I'll post pictures soon.) But when traveling with 6 other people, nothing is easy. It's also tolling when they're not outwardly appreciative. It takes time to rent the car, I have to leave school to get the car, to get the diesel coupons, to drive (when everyone else can do homework or grade papers), to talk to the other drive to help them stay awake. It really wears me out. It was very fun though, but right when we got home we were cleaning out the van I asked one of the other student teachers to get his things out of the back and he appallingly responded, "Don't tell me what to do homo." I was taken aback on many levels. First, this person is 22, I would think we're past calling people names. Secondly, we just got back from a trip were I took his butt around all weekend without a peep of appreciation. Finally, the entire group knows that I don't like when people say "gay," "homo," or any word that is against a group of people, like "I got Jewed." So he deliberately picked a word that would make me mad.

I want to ignore him and be the better person, I have not spoken with him since the incident, but it's really upsetting and now I'm overwhelmed with papers that need to be graded, lessons that need to be written, and chapters that need to be read.

This too shall pass...

Blah blah

My sister sent me a Hello Kitty doll from the UN!! She has on a UN shirt and has "UN" embroidered on her feet! I love it. She also sent me stickers!! I've gotten so much mail lately. It's been great.

Stickers go a long way. I know it sounds silly, but really, students love stickers. In high school stickers are usually neglected, but I put stickers on everything and the students can’t get enough. It is such a small effort and the students really feel like it is a reward. Not only do I give praise on their assessments, but also I am getting better at giving different forms of assessment. This week alone, they’ve had essays, quizzes with matching and multiple choice, they had to write a story, and draw pictures, all different assignments, but all demonstrating their understanding of the content.

There are a lot of ESL students here, and that is also challenging, but I really like it. People seem to just ignore their needs, or they think they're dumb. I'm not sure. One girl is from France, but her parents are from Liberia, I've been working with her a lot and she told me that I was the only teacher she talked to, it made me really happy and sad at the same time. She’s so smart, but she really struggles with reading and writing, but not comprehension. Maybe I’m more patient because I’ve had so many exchange students in my life, practically one my senior year in high school. I had to teach her everything from the US History class she was taking. I did not have enough patience at the time and sometimes my dad would take over, but I realized how hard it is to comprehend detailed history in a different language. She comes to me at lunch for extra help and stays after class to talk.

I'm going to Switzerland this weekend. I'll post pictures as soon as we get back! I love and miss everyone!

Praha (or Prague)

Charles Bridge


Maisel Synagogue



Toy Store - Prague is famous for its wooden toys.

This week was great! I got a letter and stickers from Chie and a package from Jamee! (with chocolate.) Also, a letter from Nelly and mom! Thank you =)

We went to Prague this weekend. The sites were beautiful. The Jewish Quarter is very moving. One synagogue has names of the 18,000 Jews from Bohemia and Moravia who were killed by the Nazis. The names fill the entire synagogue. Upstairs there were drawings from children in the Terezin concentration camp. Their teacher, Brandeis, had them draw their emotions and what life was like. The drawings are very touching, one girl even drew Mickey Mouse. The Jewish museums are incredible in Prague because there was a movement in 1939 to have all the confiscated goods to be brought to Prague to house as artifacts. It was finally accepted and after the war, the pieces turned into museums. The ritual artifacts cannot matched.

No school on President's Day...working all done on lessons and LAMP!

Baumholder High School

This is pretty much the whole school...it's small!



The pep rally was really silly, but I guess some of them had fun!

Letters, postcards, etc!

So many people have sent me mail!! It really makes my day!! Grandpa Mel has sent me three letters!! Grandma Rina and Grandpa Al wrote to me, Gail and Larry, Peggy (made me cards)!! Katie wrote to me from NYC and Sarah sends me little notes all the time!! Joshua is a great Hoosier. Jamee sent me a postcard and of course my parents mail all the time. I got the invitation to Katie's "Bridal Tea" which I can't go to obviously. =( But the invitation is so adorable, Cindy did a great job!

I want everyone to know that it makes me smile everytime I get mail. I know that's corny, but it means so much to know that you're thinking about me. =)

The hills are alive with the sound of music…

"You are 16 going on 17..."

Part of the fortress.

The Sound of Music cow...

Our adorable hotel.

Salzburg by night.

Salzburg is an absolute beauty. I had a wonderful weekend with terrific friends. I drove 8 hours to Salzburg and missed the time to check into our hostel, but we ended up getting a great deal at a lovely, unique hotel since we arrived so late (and flirted...)

Liz, Steven, and I went on the Sound of Music tour!! It was an absolute delight, as was our flamboyant guide, Peter. Our drive Marcus yodeled for us too!! We tried some Aumdoodler, the Austrian soda pop while we were overlooking the 7km long lake that rested between two magnificent mountains and went into St. Michael’s church where Maria said “I do” to Captain Von Trapp! The gazebo is quite small and the line of trees where the children climbed was bare, but the flowers in the gardens where still in bloom and the Von Trapp mansion was as yellow as ever!!

We also climbed up to the most intact medieval fortress in Europe! Hellburn Shloss (The Hellburn Castle) held a spectacular view of the city, especially after the sun had set. Dinner was at Pasta and Vino where we ended up eating in the kitchen. The two workers only spoke Italian and called our table “America.” They also gave us a shot of Grappa! We had a wonderful meal and a terrific atmosphere for our “Goodbye Salzburg” dinner.

What I'm learning...

Journal 6

Having the opportunity to assist my supervising teacher one a week long trip to Den Hague was an imaginable possibility just three weeks ago. Now that I am back from the long tiresome week, I realize that teaching is so much more than basic curriculum. In fact, I believe the classroom can actually stifle learning. The students went to the World Forum Conference Center, the same place that the real United Nations meets, to pass and debated resolutions they had been developing all semester. The Hague International Model United Nations, or THIMUN, is designed for students who are above and beyond what a regular student could achieve. INTASC 3 makes THIMUN very important for a gifted student. THIMUN can be used to fulfill the needs of those students who are not properly challenged in their everyday school setting. The students at THIMUN are children of diplomats, shareholders of multi-million dollar corporations, the heir to great fortunes, and sometimes even royalty. They have all received the best education. They have all been expected to do something great in their lives. Unfortunately, many people do not expect a lot out of the Baumholder students. For the most part, their parents are not highly educated. Most are expected to go into the military. Yet, THIMUN demands excellence. These nineteen students who attend work very hard to research, compile, and analyze not just CNN, but scholarly journals to form a strong, supported opinion about many global issues.

For the people from non-military schools that attend, the cost of the conference is inconsequential. Prior to the conference, Ms. Magowan went out of her way to raise immense funds to make the trip feasible for her students. Using INTASC 10, community resources and communicating with families, she managed to raise $5000. The students were still required to pay over $300 each. The total for Baumholder to attend THIMUN is over $10,000. This is a huge undertaking for any teacher or faculty member and they must wholeheartedly feel that this will greatly benefit not just the students going, but will help their community and the world. I was quite inspired this week as I watched Ms. Magowan with her students. Although this was very difficult to coordinate, their were many after school hours without pay, and the week was physically exhausting; she knew there was something greater that would become of this week. The students are going back to Baumholder with a significant understanding of the UN, of other cultures, and of themselves.

The United Nations is a very complex organization that consists of 190 countries and numerous Non-governmental Organizations, NGOs. Baumholder, being a very large delegation represented Finland, and Human Rights Watch. The senior who was the head of the Finland delegation got to meet the ambassador of Finland to the Netherlands. He also had to give a speech on behalf of Finland to over a thousand people (INTASC 6). Although not every student spoke in front of a number that large, they all communicated with other students while they lobbied for resolutions, made a “point of information” or a “point of personal privilege” in their committees, or gave a speech in favor of an amendment.

These skills they have acquired will be taken back to their classrooms, where speaking in front of fifteen classmates will seem like a piece of cake. They now know that they are just as smart as royalty and diplomats. I truly believe that many of them have gained a new sense of self worth that will not be taken lightly. One incredible student did not want to return home because at THIMUN, he realized that it was okay to be smart. At school when he voiced his opinion or said something too intellectual, the other students teased him.

Whether the students realized the significance of their attendance may not be important, but the students were cultural ambassadors. In a world where the US is despised (after going to THIMUN, I can assure that the US is indeed looked upon as evil) the students helped others realize that our government may be doing things that are looked down upon from the outside, but the American people are not bad. I heard many stories of unlikely friendships forms between students from Iraq and Britain, or Korea and France. One of the Baumholder students made a deep connection with a young man from Lebanon who is now living in Den Hague after last summer’s war. Not only did the American learn about life in Lebanon and the atrocities being committed, but the Lebanese became aware that there truly are Americans that care about his livelihood and not simply oil.

The North Sea!!!

Everyone loves Ike!! Especially in the Netherlands!!!




Super duper fancy hotel on the North Sea!

I got to go in the North Sea!! Isn't that soooo awesome!! The beach has shells, but the sand it nice and much bigger waves than the Dunes!!

Snow in Den Hague

This morning is snowed...it was beautiful!

THIMUN

UN Forum Room


Princess of the Netherlands - Princess Mable

On Sunday, I left with Ms. Magowan to attend The Hague International Model United Nations conference in the Netherlands. We followed the bus that carried the 19 Baumholder students.

Den Hague is truly a global city; there are people from all over the world, Thailand, Iraq, Egypt, and American International schools. The opening assembly was absolutely packed and was in the room where the actual UN members meet. The room holds an incredible aura, one of great purpose. It is hard to explain unless you’ve been in it. The key note speaker was the Princess of the Netherlands and the Mayer of Den Hague. Never in my life did I believe I would be able to see and do what I am doing here. The students have prepared so well and although I’ve only known them for a few weeks I am so proud of them! The student who is ahead of the Finland delegation got to meet the Ambassador of Finland to the Netherlands and our group is invited to the Finnish embassy!!

My hotel is a little place by the North Sea, yes, the North Sea!!! It is run by a little lady and her husband. The first night I was the only guest because they bring in a majority of their profit in the summer season. They really watch out for me and when I got lost yesterday morning on the tram, my teacher called the hotel. The lady was so worried about me! The people here are so sincere!!

We’re going to Amsterdam tomorrow afternoon and I’m going to go see the palace sometime this week!! I am truly blessed.


We went to Worms on Saturday! There is so much Jewish history there dating back to the mid 1000’s. It also has the oldest Jewish cemetery in Europe!! Rashi studied there and wrote a lot of what is now in the Talmud. The synagogue was destroyed during the Crusades and the Middle Ages, and burnt completely in 1938 by the Nazis.

Trier

Sunset in Luxembourg.

Liz and I being goofballs in Trier, Germany. It is the oldest city in Germany. We also went to Luxembourg, Luxembourg and Heidelberg. It was a three day weekend so we had a lot of travel time. We drove all over in a rented car and we really saw a lot of things.

Last night, we got a discouraging email from our supervisor and although not everything was false, it was disappointing because everything was negative and I've been trying very hard. So I suppose I'll try harder and hope that we don't receive another similar email. =(

Heidelberg

I took the Praxis in Heidelberg this morning! We had rented a Mercedes and drove everywhere, but I'm pooped and going to bed. So I'll write soon!

Flowers!

I sent Katie flowers before I left Muncie in December and she got them today!! I'm so excited!

Anxiety

On the bus on the first day of school!! (This is for my mom, who never failed to take a picture on the first day!! I love you.) I hope you notice how dark it still is outside!

When we got to school, after a treacherously dumpy ride, I met the principal and my main teacher, Mrs. Rudd. Her short salt and pepper hair suits her sassy sense of humor. I will be teaching AP US History with her during 6th block. The students do not do lessons in this class. They write, write, and write some more in preperation for their AP tests that will be at the start of May.

I will met Mrs. (Dr.) Magowan, who currently teaches the Model United Nations class. After a few weeks and finals, I will teach psychology with her. I am quite lucky though because I get to go the The Hague with the M.U.N. class for the huge annual conference that holds over 3,000 students for the week. We booked my hotel room today!

Mr. Hollenbeck, who coaches girl's basketball and football, is the most laid back. I will complete my LAMP project under his supervision as well as teach two of his World History classes. They began the Industrial Revoltion today and won't start the next unit until next semester.

All three of my teachers are located in different buildings. The cafeteria is in a fourth building. I do not think I would mind the short distances much, but it has rained everyday I've been here but one as well as today. The forecast calls for rain until Wednesday. Needless to say, I'm not looking forward to the walks outside between periods.

There was a lot to take in today and it was hard to stomach everything I will be doing, but I think every start of a semester is a little overwhelming! My shoes were killing my feet and I'm wearing my Crocs tomorrow.

Despite my hurting feet, headache, and blatant exhaustion; I'm looking forward to teaching. It'll be a great challenge and I'm ready to get my feet wet, as long as I'm not wearing heels.

Mainz

Check out that awesome scarf!! I made it last night!

Mainz is home of Gutenberg and the infamous printing press! The Rhine was beautiful on the first sunny day of my stay! There was a beautiful cathedral dating back to 925.

We were suppose to go to Trier today, but I read the schedule wrong. The buses don't run on Sundays, so ended up taking a train two hours later. Everything worked out for the best though!

School starts tomorrow and I'm a little nervous, but also excited!!

Idar Oberstein

Today we went to Idar Oberstein. It was about 15 minutes, by train, away from our home. There are two little castles, a church built into the rock, and a gem mine there! There was also a yarn store!!! FINALLY!! I was having withdraws. Really, the yarn is cheaper here. Especially the wool that is from Italy. So that might have been the highlight of my day!!

We met this really nice ladies at our grocery store and they have a lot of helpful tips! They're adorable!! I love talking to them when we go to the Commissary. We're going to relax tonight and have a little drink, but it won't be close to as good as Grandpa and Mom's cosmos!! Tomorrow we're going to Trier, the oldest city in Germany, there was Roman ruins there. We're also planning where the rest of our weekends are going to take us! Koln, Giverny, Versailles, Berlin, Prague, Rome, and Florence are all on the list!!

Little Castle

Today we went to Ramstein to go shopping! It was quite enjoyable. Things were not that cheap though. For example, an iPod was $179 instead of $199 and you could buy three Victoria Secret items for $15. So a little cheaper, but not great deals.

Afterwards, we drove to this little castle called Burg Lichtenberg. It's really little compared to some other things and more ruins really. Nonetheless, it was very exciting to see the area. Tomorrow we're going to Idar Oberstein to see a castle that is built into the wall of a mountain!

All the other student teachers are awesome and we get along great! It's an awesome mix of people and we all bring something special to our van rides!

My room!

My big chair and closet! There is a lot of storage!!

This is my bed! I'll eventually get a twin instead of a full! I put pictures that Josh sent my on my lamp!

The pictures on my desk are of Nelly and family!! The little table will be removed!! I love it! It's soooo homey!

Frankfurt (Before the army post)

This is Frankfurt's town square (old one).

This is the river that goes through Frankfurt!!! Mom's camera is good at night as long as it is held really still, so I propped it on a railing!!

The city is much older than I had expected!! Dad and I took a walk that night, it was quite lovely.

Now that I'm on base we finally got our ID cards after two days!! We got to finally check our mail, so thank you to everyone who sent me things already!! (Mom, Katie, Rick, and Josh!!) It is much appreciated!! It felt like Christmas all over again!! Gene, our supervisor, calls me "Missing" because I'm always running ahead to see what's going to happen next, or I go off exploring!! Or she calls me "Ondrea" instead of Andrea!!! It's a little annoying, but now it's a tease with our group!!

Tomorrow we're going to Ramstein, the Air Force Base, tomorrow to go to the BX (which is much bigger than the PX on our post!!) I'm excited to see it!! I'm all settled in here and everything looks great, I have to have a huge dresser removed from my room because we have so much furniture! When I get my camera, I'll take a picture!

The first day of school is Monday! I'm really looking forward to it! I'll let you know how my teacher's are. I'm teaching AP US history, sociology, and world history. This is much more than I had expected but it will be a great challenge!!

Love and miss everyone!! Write to me!!

Andrea Wiese

CMR 405 Box 1777

APO, AE 09034

On the base!

We all made it to the base!! We're just waiting and waiting for ID cards and registration! We got into our rooms though. I'll post pictures soon, I have to get a digital camera first though. We spent the night at Mrs. Moore's house, it was fun, but everyone is exhausted because they just arrived!! Love and miss everyone!!

Paris and Brussels

I was quite ignorant. Of course I wanted to see the sights in Paris, but once I actually saw them, I was in awe. Pictures hardly do the city justice. The Arc de Triomphe is so detailed. Napoleon would have been proud if it was only finished before he died.

Having visited the Art Institute hundreds of times in my life I expected to be an expert at the Louvre, but I was quite mistaken. The museum is never ending. It’s not just the art work on the walls though; it’s the ceilings and architecture. Even the bathroom I used (go figure) had a butt of a statue in the window. I wish I had taken the camera in with me.

The hot chocolate in Europe is much better than home. I’m fairly sure that it’s because they put loads of cream in everything. Haha. The Eiffel Tour was also much more magnificent in person. Every facet (I think that’s a word my dad would use) of the tour is beautiful. There are twirls and shapes. It’s actually a light brown color. From pictures I always thought it was black. The line to go up so ridiculously long. We walked across the Seine River and when we looked back the lights were on. Paris is a beautiful city, but like many people have said, it is a little dirty and smelly.

This morning we left for Notre Dame before 8 am in the rain. Dad was of course afraid we would miss our train to Brussels. The cathedral isn’t so big as it is old and high. The ceilings keep going up and up. The stained glass windows aren’t original. It’s very dark inside, no one could read when it was originally built, but when people started to read, they knocked out all the stained glass and put in clear glass. Still the stain glass is beautiful. I wish I knew more about the Catholic saints because there are pictures and statues everywhere. But with my good Jewish upbringing, we didn’t learn about the saints.

Brussels is a quaint little place. There is chocolate, waffles, and French fries EVERYWHERE! Some people may say that it’s heaven. There are castles and the king is home. I didn’t get to meet him though. L We bought mom chocolate from a man who has a shop across from our hotel. He was so nice and gave us free pieces. This city is much more than I had ever expected.

London and Normandy!

Freezin' my tush off on Omaha Beach!

Leaving home was quite emotional, I assumed it would be and it deserves to be. I don't like to cry, but the people I'm leaving deserve more than just tears, they mean the world to be and it'll be difficult to be with out them for the next few months.





Dad and I ran all over London. It was somewhat ridiculous really, but we got to see a lot. After the $100 cab ride, we checked into the hotel. It was a tiny room with squeaky beds and a narrow toilet. Facebook has the pictures! The London Eye was much better than I had expected and dad fully appreciated it for his Christmas present! Dad had such an awesome time seeing everything. I think he really wants to go back, but not as much as he wants to go back to Normandy!





Catching trains to Paris and then Caen was quite a hassle! I could not have gotten my suitcase by myself and I'm so grateful Dad was there to help me! We traveled first class on the trains which will probably be my first and last time of doing that, but getting breakfast, tea, and hot towels is all still fun.





Caen is a quint little town, that is presently decorated beautifully for the holidays! No one in France eats until after 7, at least you can't get dinner out until after seven. It's a weird thing to get used to. There are many parts of the trip so far that I wish other people could be with me, but today, there is no one I would rather share Normandy with than my dad! The day was freezing, absolutely cold and foggy. Despite the weather, it was a terrific learning experience. I was very moved and it's extraordinary to see the cliffs that they had to scale. Omaha lost 3,000 men, while 6,000 were lost on D-day. Half of the casualties were there and all American. It's a difficult place to describe because walking through a cemetery is never a joyful experience, maybe grateful is a good word for it.





I bought a cord for mom's camera to upload the pictures because my camera is pretty dead, we'll see if the PX has a cheap one! Tomorrow we're going back to Paris and then to Brussels the day after.

Christmas picture at the beach and my adorable mom!!

Christmas Eve at Rick and Katie's!

Christmas Eve was so much fun. Everyone was up at Rick's little apartment, but it didn't seen that crowded! Jackie, Tom, Alex, Cindy, Grandpa, Jack, and Anita were all there from Rick's family and my grandma, aunt and uncle were there too! It was just a little stressful during gift opening time, but very fun overall! I even cried when Rick got my this little device that will allow my to talk to my parents over the internet! It was a great gift.


Katie's nephew, Alex!! Adorable.......


Off to Europe in 7 hours!! Ah!

Haha!

Don't ask...just laugh. =)

Freaking out. A little.

Alright, I'm excited, but I'm getting a little worried. I can't wait to go and be in Europe, but packing is a huge job and I'm going to miss my family. Yet, I'll make a new family in Germany, I know, but it won't be quite the same. It's going to be the time of my life...at least until I get to Istanbul!

We're doing Christmas Eve at Rick's and Christmas Day at home, then we'll be on our way to London!!!!!

I went to Nashville for an orietation about Istanbul and I got to meet a lot of the other scholars. They're really going to some incredible places like Chile, Hungary, Moscow, Singapore, Ireland, France, etc. I'm not jealous but I get to go to my own place, but it's still awesome to think about all the experiences that people will have!

19 days...

My dad are leaving for London on Christmas day! Then going to Normandy on the 27th, followed by Paris, Brussels, and Waterloo. By January 2nd, we'll be in Frankfurt to meet the rest of the student teachers. We're going to Spain for a weekend in early February, and Dublin for St. Patrick's Day. Spring break will cover Italy and the open weekends will include Berlin, Amsterdam, Paris, Prague, and Auschwitz.

Before that, I have two papers and three finals. Not too bad, but a big hurdle nonetheless!! (And of course, a LOT of packing!)

Sexual Content

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m8SY3AxmmLI

I think this is interesting because although it was made as a joke, it's really not.

The Myth: Humpty Dumpty was a giant egg.

The Facts: Humpty Dumpty was actually the nickname for a large cannon on the wall of St. Mary’s Church in Colchester, England. During the English Civil War (1642–1649), a shot from an enemy cannon damaged the church wall, causing Humpty Dumpty to fall to the ground. Royal sympathizers (“all the king’s men”) tried to perch Humpty Dumpty on another part of the wall. But since the cannon was so heavy, “all the king’s horses and all the king’s men” couldn’t get Humpty back atop the wall.

Thanksgiving Report...

Besides Thanksgiving Day itself, break was fine. I saw The Queen and Bobby, both of which was entertaining. Bobby was an awesome movie and I would highly recommend it for everyone. My mom and I went on some great walks and talk about the past, present, and future (always our favorite topics).

The actual day was less than one would desire. My dad is a completely different person on holidays, as in a bad person. He continually insults my mother, which upsets me. He made my grandma cry and go home and he blows his top for no reason. I wish he'd realize it's not about him, not that he isn't important, but holidays aren't about a specific person, it's just being grateful and being with family.

Oh well...less than a month until Germany.

Home sweet home

Seriously, I'm excited about being at home. Usually I'm stressed and just glad I'm not at school, but I really happy to be with my parents, maybe it's because I'm leaving so soon, (just over a month to departure) I'm not really sure, but I'm going to have a great Thanksgiving. I know it.

I made two pecan pies, a cinnamon coffee cake, and Thursday morning, I'm making a Greek dish that a lady from my temple makes, I hope it's as good as hers! YUM!

Oprah Aftermath!

I had a blast at Oprah. It was a LONG day, but so worth it. I got to spend the whole day with Katie, which was awesome and hasn't happened for a long while. We got to see my parents and Rick, who bought me lunch at Olive Garden! YUM!

John Mayer is so adorable in person!! Although they didn't announce it on TV, we all got the CD! I love the songs, a lot of anti-war and anti-media, even though it's not in your face annoying about it! The rest of the show was random. Dancing with the Stars interviews, a $75 million house, animal reproduction, and John Mayer...hmm...but it was live, so if you didn't get to see it Tuesday, you'll have to wait for the re-run!

OPRAH!!!!!!

On Wednesday, Katie and I are going to see JOHN MAYER on OPRAH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! AHHHHHHHHH!!!!

Rachel and Matthew

Rachel and Matt got engaged! Is it weird if I said that I was proud of them? I am happy for them of course, but proud too. I think it takes a lot of courage for a commitment and I'm proud to be able to call them my friends. Plus, I can't wait for the wedding, since I'll be wearing burgundy... =)

Knitting

I knitted this adorable little hat...on accident, but at least it fit my teddy bear. She's beautiful!

Fall Break

I'm home, it's lovely, especially since I'm going back tomorrow. My parents took me to see Little Miss Sunshine. I was literally laughing so hard I had tears running down my cheeks! We went to The Town, a little one screen theater. The owner is an old man who sits at the down with his dog and takes tickets. At intermission, yes there is an intermission, his wife serves coffee as the line forms to get cake and cookies. There are two suits of armor that decorate the sides of the screen as well as shields that hang on the wall. In conclusion, The Town is a gem.

Tomorrow we're driving to Chicago to see Rick and Katie for lunch. Then I'll be heading back to beautiful Muncie to get some homework done. This week will be rough, but for the most part, things are settling down I suppose. I'm leaving for Germany on Christmas day and on January 13th I'm going to Rome to take the Praxis test. If I pass, I'll still be able to graduate in May. We'll see what happens. Everything happens for a reason, right? Right...

Dollar

I took my morning walk today, at 6am as usual. And I found a dollar, in bill form. I smiled the rest of the way and sang "I got a dollar, I got a dollar, I got a dollar hey hey hey..." for a good five minutes.

For your enjoyment...

Hoops

I despise jumping through hoops, that really seems to be what this year has been for me. They're not enjoyable hoops either. It's like Mario having to get six golden coins, then still having to pass the final level only to jump over lava, avoid flying fire balls, and kill the evil man lurking in the cave who has more lives than a black cat on Halloween. Except there is no restart button, or even a pause! Sometimes I just want a breather, but it seems I can't get above water. Or I think I'm close, the surface it right above, the rays of light are filtering in, but then everything changes and the tide comes in, taking me farther from my goal. Having adopted for four years, I would have hoped I'd have fins by now, but no such luck.

Enough with the metaphors, I want to get out of here and graduate. Everytime I think I do enough homework, I still have four more novels to read, or I make great progress on my portfolio and then the rubric is flipped upside down. I want to come home and relax, but my house is so tense and I feel like I'm walking on egg shells not to piss anyone off, but then another part of me doesn't care at all. The three of us sat down and talked, but I feel like it's almost worse now. I want to write down everything that I feel, but I know my roommates read this and I'm sure I would offend someone, even though it's just my own ridiculous OCD tendencies.

I want to be out of Muncie and away from my sister, Ball State is the last thing I need to get rid of to be completely away from the path I once followed to be like Katie. I feel like I'm suffocating because it was the wrong choice for me to come here in the first place. I won't say that I haven't learned or grown, but I think I would have been much better off someone else, somewhere I was passionate about going and free to be myself. I feel like I'm constantly judged here against standards that aren't my own.

Plus, I'm lonely, so I've slept with this boy a couple of times, that I shouldn't sleep with because it's not fair to either one of us. Because it's not real, but I hate sleeping alone. Hate it.

I don't want to alarm anyone, this isn't my usual happy-go-lucky blog, but I needed to vent, and tomorrow is a new day. A day in which I have a midterm on early philosphers in my PoliSci class that is worth 1/4 of my grade, then I'm going to try to give blood again since my iron was too low today.

Awesome.

Decision Point 3

I'm working on homework and passing all my requirements to student teach today! I got back from an awesome trip to Cincinnati to visit Lisa last night. We went to services and danced with the Torah. Watching old men run around with scrolls over 100 years old is incredible. It was like watching someone dance with the love of their life, literally. (and I mean that in a good way) We went out to a brewery for dinner, I met Lisa's brother, Adam, who is adorable. I have a little innocent crush, not gonna lie.

Before I starting working on my homework, I vaccuumed the living room floor so I wouldn't get dog hair on me or my things. I really thought I was getting less OCD, maybe not!

Aida

I saw Aida last night with my summer buddies. I was really impressed. I had no idea what it was about, but I loved it and I can't get enough of the soundtrack now! I cried...I didn't expect that, but obviously it was moving. I'm always a sucker for a good love story.

Aftermath

It's not so much the feeling of hunger that's difficult to deal with, just the intense headaches and tiredness that comes with no food or water. Plus, your throat really hurts, it's dry, scratchy, and raw. I wanted to sleep and I did fall asleep in my 9am Middle East history class, which led to me appologizing to my teacher afterwards.

Another bad part is that when I actually did get to eat, my throat hurt so much it wasn't that enjoyable. Then there is sooo much food, and you want to eat all of it, but you get stuffed so quickly. I was a little sad by how little I could eat. And more sad how huge my stomach feels right now.

In the end, I'm very proud of myself for doing it. I don't know if it was more to prove myself to G-d or to myself, but I'm glad I did it. Here is to a great year. Cheers!

Yom Kippur

Today is the Day of Atonement and on this day Jews fast from sundown to sundown. So I stopped eating yesterday after dinner and ice cream with my family and I won't eat or drink (maybe a little water) until 6pm tonight.

It's crazy, I already have a headache and my throat is soooo dry. I think it'll be worth it.

100th Post...

It's official, as long as I graduate, I'm spending a year here:


http://www.boun.edu.tr/index_eng.html

Most random weekend ever.....

Yesterday Elise, Lani, Naomi, Josh and I went to the James Dean festival!! The three Jewish ladies worked with Lisa (our student rabbi) over the summer in Massachusetts at a camp. They're from Australia and are traveling around the world now! They went to Rosh Hashanah services with me and then to Marion where they were suppose to take the Greyhound to Chicago to catch their flight to Vancouver. After much complications at the bus station, Josh and I decided to take the Ozzies to Chesterton so they could take the South Shore into the city this morning. It was a fun trip up north, after stopping at White Castle, which was disgusting. But of course, seeing my parents, Nelly, and my grandparents was well worth the journey. Besides the girls need to get to the city. Now it's homework time, since I haven't done any in about two weeks. Oops...

Tomato Sandwich

Yesterday (Tuesday, September 19th, 2006) I ate a tomato sandwich. Yes, it's true. If you know me, this is very significant because you wouldn't ever believe it! But by golly, I really did. They were tomatoes from the garden I planted at Dr. Chang's house, and I baked them with olive oil and this Greek spice that my mom always uses. And I ate them, on toast. It was delicious...I can't wait to have my own garden when I grow up.

Rabbi and Mackenzie visit in the same weekend!

This weekend flew by. Friday night I went to services, where Larry unfortunately sang. They were celebrating two couples' anniversaries, one 66 years, the other 50. I can't imagine living with someone for 66 years. That would take a lot of patience. I told Linoy I would help her with Sunday School, teaching the 5-7 year olds.

Before going to temple, I went to Ryan's with Dr. Chang and Grace for his 81st birthday. It was crazy. We were there for 3 hours before I left, while they proceeded to eat. They're like bottomless pits.

Saturday, I went to the Farmer's Market, then to Torah study with Lisa. Kay and Willard (great name) where there too. They're an adorable couple and Kay gave me a great hug. I continued to knitting class, where we started our dish rag. Mine is light yellow and pretty darn cute so far.

DeAnna, Lisa, and I went to lunch at Panera...Lisa and I went for a run...I wanted to die, but I think Lisa was saying prayers for me so I kept going, haha. Ok, but seriously, I haven't run in the longest time.

Hillel took the Rabbi out for dinner, which was delicious, and I think they liked Lisa. Atleast I haven't heard otherwise. We went to see The Last Kiss, which was rather depressing to me, but I did enjoy it for the most part. The previews were so intense though!!!! Every movie they showed made me jump in my seat! We got FROYO (frozen yogurt, if you don't know the terminology) I love Incredible Yogurt because the guy that works there is so cute. haha.

I went to visit Mackenzie, who was in town with Tyler for Mud Volleyball. I love her, end of story.

This morning (Sunday) I went to help with Sunday School, there are only 4 students. It's so different than at home. They don't go enough or long enough. Somehow I volunteered to help teach always, so that'll be interesting, just one more thing I got myself into.

I miss Jamee, who is in Mexico...and I have so much homework. So I'm going to get busy.

DeAnna's Birthday!

Last night DeAnna, Mike, Jen, Chelsea and I went to Cheeseburger in Paraside for DeAnna's 22nd birthday!! I hadn't hung out with her in way too long and it was awesome. It's amazing how much you realize you miss someone when you're finally with them.

And I like Mike, DeAnna's boyfriend. I think he's more comfortable around me now. He's really funny, and loves DeAnna, so that makes me happy! =)

Interfaith Service

Tonight I attended an interfaith service (Jewish and Muslim) at the Universalist Church in Muncie. I found that the Muslims wanted to explain why Jews and Muslims are brothers and sisters (as in Ishmael and Isaac are brothers, son of Abraham) maybe some in attendance did not know this, but if they didn't before the service, they will know now because it was repeated quite frequently. The Jewish side of a little random, very focused on peace, as was the whole service. And on unity.

They talked about how there are extremist and moderates in all religions, but that's as far as they went into the topic of politics. It was agreed that it would not be discussed, but I would have liked to listen to the different points of view.

I met the president of the Muslim Student Association on campus, who happens to be very attractive. Go figure.

There was dinner following, everything was terrific. I ate a lot of food, and everyone ate the cookies I brought. I find this funny, because they were Martin Van Buren cookies, but they had a weird spice, so I think everyone thought they were ethnic.

Anyways, I have to finish a book and a paper by tomorrow at 9am.

And I learned how to knit yesterday. It's exciting, I'm not sure if I like it more than crocheting though. But I'm better and faster at crocheting as of right now, so I'm biased of course.

Akeehal and the Bee

So I just watched Akeehal and the Bee. I would highly recommend it everyone! There was a great quote, which follows:


Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It is not just in some of us; it is in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.

Favorite Quotes

I'm taking my favorite quotes off Facebook, but I didn't have them written down anywhere else. So I'm putting them here so I can reference back when needed.


"Strong and bitter words indicate a weak cause."

"It's really a wonder that I haven't dropped all my ideals, because they seem so absurd and impossible to carry out. Yet I keep them, because in spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart. " ~Anne Frank

"If your success is not on your own terms, if it looks good to the world but does not feel good in your heart, it is not success at all." Anna Quindlen

"In the lives of individuals, and of peoples, too, the worst conflicts are often those that break out between those who are persecuted." Amos Oz

"To be nobody-but-yourself - in a world which is doing its best, night and day, to make you everybody else - means to fight the hardest battle which any human being can fight; and never stop fighting." -E.E. Cummings

"If you can't be good, be sanitary." -Nelly

"I can see Katie with a man. You...I see you with a suit case." -Nelly

Labor Day Weekend

On Friday, I set the microwave on fire. A real fire, big flames. We had to use the extinguisher. It was quite exciting. We got a new microwave.

I went home Saturday morning. It was a great day. Nelly came home from the hospital, grandpa was so surprised, and Grandma Mettie flipped when she saw me. Daddy and I played cards and my mom and I rode our bikes up town and took a nice walk.

I almost stayed today to go to the beach with them, but I promised a friend I would hangout with him tonight, so I also didn't make plans with my sister, but then he decided he didn't feel like it 15 minutes before hand. I was/am pissed. Then he wanted to hangout Monday, yeah...right.

Plus, I got pulled over on my way back from Chesterton on 69. But I was only given a warning.

Tomorrow I'm suppose to have lunch with Katie and Rick, then it's all homework. =)

September!!!

Happy September!! It's cooling off already! But the leaves are so beautiful when they change, I'll deal with the climate.

Don't forget to change your calendars!

Daily News

So, they published my little response. The best part...they called me Andrew, THREE times!!!!! Cool...

A response I wrote to an article in the Daily News.

In response to Jason Hoskin’s column Israel’s attack on Lebanon necessary, I don’t believe the issue is as simply as supporting one side or the other, Israel or Hezbollah. The issues in the Middle East may seem complex, but the origins are a continual universal problem. Groups of people in the Middle East are without necessities. The Lebanese government is not providing its citizens with basic amenities to live comfortably. There is not enough food, water, or shelter in the area to live secure lives. As history has proven, without security people will rebel and gain these items anyway possible. Since Hezbollah is the only group in the region providing food, shelter, and jobs; the group is easily gaining more power than ever before. The same thing is happening in the Gaza Strip. The Palestinians are living under great human rights violations and thus the Hamas are becoming more influential. The organization has no need to recruit members when on one side of the fence Israeli’s have lush green grass; while in Gaza, clean drinking water is barely accessible. It is easier to blame people who are living well and to point fingers than to actually fix the problem. Israel is targeted in the region because it is a prosperous country that is not helping clean up any messes.

Yet, this is not unique to the Middle East. It is proven that hate organizations in the US, such as the Ku Klux Klan, target people who are without jobs, shelter, and basic needs. These people are desperate and are willing to do anything to be provided with security even if that involves violent acts. Also, after WWI, the US left Germany helpless, without any hope of a future. As in Lebanon and Gaza, hate groups formed and targeted successful groups of people. As a result, the country was so lost, Hitler easily came to power by providing citizens with basic needs they had not had for years. After WWII, the US rebuilt Europe and Japan. By providing Europeans and Japanese with provisions they had not previously had the US assured that peace could be restored. Why aren’t we helping rebuild Gaza and Lebanon?

The problems in the Middle East and the origins of the terrorist groups are complex, but to move in a peaceful direction, people must be provided with jobs in order for them to buy food, clothing, and shelter. If the 15,000 Lebanese soldiers Hoskin speaks of would provide citizens with these necessities and/or the government would create jobs, the people would back the government and not the terrorist organization in the region making recruitment nearly impossible. Right now, Hezbollah is the only political group providing jobs to citizens, but the jobs they are providing usually include a homeless fifteen year old boy and an AK47.

Bombs

What's up with bombs exploiding in the countries I want to go to...? http://today.reuters.com/news/articlenews.aspx?type=topNews&storyID=2006-08-28T005102Z_01_L27115125_RTRUKOC_0_US-SECURITY-TURKEY-EXPLOSIONS.xml&WTmodLoc=NewsHome-C1-topNews-1

I really don't want to pick new places to go for Rotary (again).

Rain and Rabbis

It rained tonight, a lot...

Is it weird that I want to be a rabbi? I think it's weird.

Temple Beth El

Let's just say that Friday night service was fabulous. Larry, the flamboyantly gay (irrelevant) one-man-show opera, prayer singing, tambourine slamming, cantor, was on vacation. The new 24 year old student Rabbi, Lisa, led the beautiful service. She was so sincere about the prayers and adorable when apologizing for a mispronunciation. When we said the prayer for healing, I almost cried because Nelly is in recovery for hip surgery. I was a little emotional tonight, probably because I was alone and no one would have judged me. If I was with friends, that would have never happened.

Everyone was so welcoming and overjoyed that I'm going to be the liaison for Hillel. I think it's going to be a great semester. Right when I'm actually making some real connections with people in the community, it will be time to go to a different country. At least I'll be more prepared when I'm abroad. On September 10th, we're going to help clean up outside the temple to get ready for the High Holidays. I finally feel that the temple really wants the students to be involved. It's only taken four years!

I talked to my parents and aunt on my way home, everyone is happy and healthy. Life is good. =)

Finally Friday!

The week really flew. Being back on a schedule is a beautiful thing. I workout everyday at two after my classes. Go home, do some homework, go to whatever meetings, shower, go to bed. It's exciting, obviously, but I love it this way.

There are way too many non-traditional students in my classes and I want to shoot them already. I love when they tell a joke that isn't funny and they're the only ones that laugh. Although, I usually laugh after that, at how ridiculous they are.

My president's class will be all right. I'm the only history student in the class, which is rather disappointing. I don't want to be the asshole student that knows more than everyone else. But they did enjoy the George Washington cookies I made. I'm going to make Thomas Jefferson one's next! YUM! My teacher said we'd get extra credit if we named all the presidents in order and the years they served. I think I could name them all, but definitely not the years, not yet at least.

My mom received the bridesmaid's dresses in the mail! That's a whole lotta pink! But for how bring the pink is, they're very beautiful dresses. I'm sure we'll all look gorgeous. Katie couldn't have picked more attractive bridal party. (I'm clearly biased, haha)

I'm going to temple tonight. I'm going to be the Hillel/Temple liaison for the fall semester. I have to go the first Tuesday of every month, which is not a big commitment at all. It'll be nice to get to know some more members and be an advocate for Hillel. Jessica is doing a great job as president and I'm excited to see where Hillel is headed.

Tomorrow, Holly, Jena, Mik, and I are going to the Farmer's Market, then I'll bake a little, go to crochet class, then DeAnna and I are going to hang out until she works the desk. It'll be a good day!

THE 100 MOST ANNOYING THINGS (according to the British)

THE 100 MOST ANNOYING THINGS (compliments of Rick, I thought it was funny.)
1. Cold callers
2. Caravans
3. Queue jumpers
4. James Blunt
5. Traffic wardens
6. Tailgaters
7. Brown nosers
8. Chantelle and Preston
9. Ex-smokers
10. Noisy neighbours
11. Hangovers
12. Carol Vorderman (above)
13. Loud mobile users
14. Men in flip-flops
15. Paper cuts
16. Bad hair days
17. Breaking wind
18. Abi Titmuss (right)
19. Off milk
20. Being put on hold
21. Motorcyclists who weave through traffic
22. Drivers who park in disabled bays
23. Rude shop assistants
24. People who read over your shoulder
25. Skinny people who complain they are fat
26. Stepping in dog poo
27. Big Brother 5
28. Noisy eaters
29. People who don't clear up after their dog
30. Slow drivers in the outside lane
31. Junk mail
32. Bossiness
33. Novelty ring tones
34. Somebody nicking your parking spot
35. Diahorrea
36. Debt companies
37. Snobs
38. Jehovah's Witnesses
39. Running out of loo roll
40. People who have their phone turned off when you call them
41. Mosquitoes (right)
42. Buses not arriving on time
43. Children who cough in your face
44. Being bloated
45. Leaving your mobile at home
46. Americans
47. David Blane
48. Spots
49. Stepping in chewing gum
50. Running out of hot water
51. Wasps
52. Headaches
53. Crazy Frog
54. London Tube
55. Losing your glasses
56. Warm beer
57. CDs that skip
58. Paper jam
59. Bottled water
60. Sunburn
61. Running out .. of change
62. People who .. text in capitals
63. Estate agents
64. Stubbing your toe
65. Rubbish printers
66. Flat tyres
67. People who write 'text back' in texts
68. Breaking a nail
69. Russell Brand
70. The Teletubbies
71. A pen which has run out of ink
72. Cat hair that sticks to your clothes
73. Running out of petrol
74. Flatmates who don't clean
75. Heat rash
76. Losing your passport
77. Natasha Kaplinsky
78. Being hungry
79. Tax returns
80. Road works
81. Cramp
82. Shoppers hitting your heels with their trolley
83. Failing your driving test
84. Burning toast
85. Cold showers
86. Scientology
87. Not being able to find a matching pair of socks
88. Missing the last post
89. Chihuahuas
90. Karaoke
91. Stomach ache
92. PDA (public displays of affection)
93. Craig David
94. Secret workers before exams
95. Socialists
96. Pimped up cars
97. Getting something in your eye
98. Out-of-tune singers
99. Hollyoaks
100. Fake fingernails

First day...

Let's just say, my classes are awesome. I have Middle East history with Dr. Argo, who happens to be quite attractive. He's also funny and intelligent. I have no doubt I'll thoroughly enjoy the class. He also happened to have spent 4 months are the university in Turkey that I would like to attend next year. But I'm also looking at Sabanci University in Istanbul, based on his suggestion. So, we'll see...

My class of Modern Britain class is already fabulous. My teacher is really excited about the topic and spent the summer in London. She already brought in some cute artifacts. Neither class has a research paper, only four five page response things. Very easy.

I'm going to play tennis tonight with Katie and her RAs. I love being on a schedule again!!!!

My one roommate keeps getting louder and more annoying everyday. =) The other is the opposite though, we're getting along really well and I find her less obnoxious (I never disliked her though) the more we live together. I really really like her, and her boyfriend.

Parents

I love my parents. I really do. I know I complain a lot and I'm selfish on many levels, but they are truly amazing people. I'm clueless to how they actually ended up together, but if it works for them, then it doesn't matter to me.

The whole time I was home they went out of their way to make sure I had everything I needed. I know I get aggravated with them, but everything they do is out of love. I feel like no matter what I do, I'll never have as much patience with them as I'd like. I'll snap back at them, but no apparent reason and then feel horribly about it afterwards. I'm better about it now, than when I was younger, but even if I keep improving, I'm sure I'll never feel like I love them enough.

On a side note, my new Rotary choices are as follows:

Istanbul, Turkey
Cairo, Egypt
Hungry
Australia
England

Chicago (Day 2), Redamak, and Oinks!

Today was great again. We went to Lincoln Park Zoo, Navy Pier, rode our bikes along the lake front, and enjoyed the beautiful Chicago breeze. When we got home (on our completely traffic-free drive) we went to Nelly's for her wonderful baking. Then we went to Redamak's and Oinks with a stop at the Michigan beach in between!!

Chicago!!! Day 1!

We went to Millennium Park, in the fountains and by the bean!! We went to the Museum of Science and Industry and saw the DaVinci Exhibit and we saw the trains (which Matt loved) and the chicks hatching!! We had a blast, the South Shore always comes through!! We ate Ghirardelli's, which was as wonderful as ever!! We're going up today to bike on the lake front and go to Navy Pier. We're going to dinner in Michigan tonight!! It will be a blast! I can't wait!!

Rachel, Matt and Andrea in INDIANA!!

The sunset in the dunes was one of the best ever!! You can see the city in the background!! We're having a great time so far, hopefully we'll get enough sleep!!

Israel - No more...

"Dear Andrea,
We have received your application and noticed that your first and second choices of study institution are in Israel. We regret that we cannot assign scholars to or allow Rotary staff to travel to Israel because of the current political situatation there. The Rotary Trustees made this decision to protect Rotary scholars and staff. We therefore request that you send us two alternate choices. If you wish, you may rearrange your current choices to make the University of Sydney your first choice, etc. In any case, please send us two alternate choices to make a complete list of five. Other countries in the region to which we cannot send scholars now are Lebanon, Iraq, Iran, Liberia, Sudan and Yemen.

You can just respond to this email to finalize your list. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation. "

So now I'm thinking Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam; Fukuoka, Japan; or Osaka, Japan. All cultural or international studies.

What do you think?

http://www.kyushu-u.ac.jp/english/data/2004//social_cultural.html Kyushu University

http://www.osaka-u.ac.jp/eng/academics/human.html Osaka - Japan

http://www.vnuhcm.edu.vn/en/index.htm - Vietnam National University

Media

http://www.aish.com/movies/JP/PhotoFraud.asp

I think this link has it's own bias, but it's interesting nonetheless.