NASA

This past year has made me question if teaching was the right path for me. The stress teachers deal with isn’t worth the pay they receive. They take on twenty + kids and have to bring them up to grade level. It isn’t an easy job. I have been praying lately and have been asking if this is really the career path I should be on. I have been on a health kick, which has made me question if I should be a dietician. This past summer has shown me that teaching is where I need to be right now. I know this because of two reasons:
1. NASA PSTI Program
2. Paid internship
I had to apply for these two opportunities and I was accepted by both! When this happened all I could think was, “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” This is from my favorite book, The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho. I realized then that this is where I am meant to be.

My experience at the Johnson Space Center in Houston, Texas:
#1 This is what you see when you first walk in the space center.
#2 It was like Disneyland here! This is the Space Center Star. He was funny. There was a moon, but I didn't get a picture. :(
#3 This was a robotic hand made out of cardboard. It was so cool to see. The cute old man who showed us this spent time cutting all the cardboard for us. I haven't made mine yet but it's on my to-do list!
#4 This is what I would look like if I was an Astronaut :)
#5 Owlbert and I with a space suit.
#6 Owlbert on a rocket. Sam was worried I was sending him to space and Coll thought I was going to blow him up. I am happy to say he is safe on earth :)
#7 I learned how how they go to the bathroom on the ISS. It was especially funny to hear Clay Anderson tell us his experience!
#8 Owlbert with a rocket
#9 Christopher Kraft was so cute! I wanted to take him home with me. He really expressed how important it is to inspire future generations to participate in NASA programs.
#10 This is Clay Anderson and he is a real astronaut!! He was freaking hilarious!

I am also certified to handle lunar and meteorite samples! This means I can borrow these samples for two weeks and show my class :)

I’m thankful for…..

Dads

My dad is Mr. Fix It. He can pretty much do anything and if he can’t he’ll figure it out. He was kind enough to fix my car, as well as, drive up to my house to put in an air conditioner. He didn’t get home till late, but was willing to help us out. I’m proud to say he is my dad. He sets an example of how we should be. He works hard all day and still finds the time to help those around him.

Air Conditioning

We have air conditioning, but our room gets soooooo hot. My parent’s neighbor was nice enough to give us an air conditioning unit. I must say it is heaven to sleep now J

My Health

I was talking to a friend from high school and she was telling me about the health problems she has been having. I feel bad for the pain she has to go through, but she is getting better (we just need to put her in a bubble for the future.) This made me start to realize how lucky I am for my health. I do have a thyroid problem that is easily fixed by taking a pill, which I hate taking, but I would much rather have that then multiple surgeries involving needles. I hate needles!!

Nephews

I was able to hang out with my three crazy nephews this week. They have me laughing over crazy things they say. I love when they give me hugs and kisses and tell me they love me. I know they mean it because kids tell you what they are thinking. It was nice to spend some time with them since I don’t get to see them as often as I would like. I thought it was funny that they had me flustered over ice cream. How can a five year old like mint ice cream? Why did the guy at Culver’s lie to me about not having any mint ice cream? Luckily we found an Oreo that was filled with mint ice cream.

July!

Thank the Lord July is here! This month will be crazy for me, but it will be fun. I go to Houston next week and I’m SO excited. I get to tour the NASA center and learn about incorporating science into my classroom. It will be so much fun. This will be the first time I ride on an airplane, which I’m nervous about. I go to Yellowstone the week after I get home from Houston. I am going camping the weekend after Yellowstone. AND……I’m QUITING!!!! Goodbye graveyards!! I am so excited to start sleeping like a normal person. Coll told me maybe I will go back to normal, but have I ever been normal?

A little bit about graveyards…

• I don’t sleep. I get like three hours of sleep then have to pull a twelve hour shift.
• I don’t eat regularly because my body is use to eating at 3 A.M.
• I’m sick a lot! I don’t think I’ve ever been this sick in my life. I am easily prone to the flu and colds, but maybe this will help me fight of germs from school.
• I never see my husband. I’m generally asleep before he gets home from work.
• The stress on my body has caused serious pain in my knees and shoulders. I am hoping that it will go away when I quit.
• I am exhausted all the time. Even if I sleep twelve hours on my nights off I still am so tired the next day.
• I almost cried when I was offered my internship because it was a relief to know I don’t have to work through my student teaching.