My Vanity

I bought my vanity about 10 years ago online for $199.00. It’s cherry wood and I chose it because of the necklace holder drawer that is on the left side of the vanity. It’s great to hang long chains on so they don’t get tangled.

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Thank you for your prayers!

Edit: Good news came – thank you for all of your prayers! The company is trying to keep their employees.

My best friend, Karen told me that her company called everyone in and they will be downsizing. Karen is worried about her job, but they were told that some people would be let go next week and that they would be offered packages. Again. I pray that their uncomfortable time is minimized and that they are all able to find good jobs.

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Karen’s birthday

My best friend, Karen is celebrating her birthday today. I am so grateful that God made us friends.

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House we bid on is no longer for sale

Lee & I have been searching for a house for a VERY LONG time (years). We are looking for a house that is beautiful, has parking and a great backyard. In Brooklyn, those three things are very hard to find. Many houses in Brooklyn are gorgeous, but most of the ones for sale are in poor condition. I am not really worried about buying a home that needs repair because Lee can fix everything. Many houses in Brooklyn don’t have a private driveway and garage.  Some houses have one or the other; some houses have a community driveway.

This house was singing out to me. It’s huge backyard (for Brooklyn) which called out for parties and barbecues. I could see a future of repairs on the house – a coat of paint, new awning, a fence for the dogs and that long coveted pool. Although it  wasn’t perfect, we were ready to buy it and start that next chapter of life. I know God must have some really good plans for us, but the waiting is killing me. He will provide and I am sure that it will be more amazing than I could ever imagine.

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Sunday Sunrise

I haven’t seen a Sunday Sunrise in about 9 months. I stayed up all night doing fun things with Lee. He even helped me sew on the machine! It’s just been a fantastic day.

Don’t forget out my giveaway!

Happy Father’s Day to all of the Father’s out there.

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Feeling peace

It’s been awhile since I have felt such peace. I think everything is lined up in the world right for me now.

Most days, I hear the voices in my head list what I have to do, but not today. Today I feel peace.

I  can’t explain how blessed and thankful I am.

Mostly, this message was for God just to let Him know that I am so grateful for Lee. He makes so many days so awesome.

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Our Backyard

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Our Tree in the Backyard

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Book Giveaway – The Last Lecture

 Update: Winner – Nicole!

This is my first giveaway! It will end on Thursday, June 19th

This book giveaway is for Randy Pausch’s Last Lecture. It is amazing and inspirational book that you must read! If you are interested in winning, please leave a comment below. If you want an extra entry, post a link for this giveaway on your site and let me know.
Randy Pausch, a computer science professor at Carnegie Mellon has been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer at age 46. Although his prognosis is not favorable, he is living his life to the fullest http://download.srv.cs.cmu.edu/~pausch/news/index.html and hoping to slow the disease down. Randy shares his story of life with his college students and really for his greatest audience, his three beautiful children.
“We cannot change the cards we are dealt, just how we play the hand.”
–Randy Pausch

Everyone loves a free book/book giveaway so enter now! US only please.

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No Tomatoes

I have to admit that I miss the tomatoes on my hamburgers. I know they could be lethal right now, but I really miss them.

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Being a teacher…I have the best job in the world

 I love being a teacher.

Sure sometimes the middle school drama which leads to tears stresses me out, but I love my job.

Some nights, I am totally defeated and want to quit. But not tonight. Tonight, I realize that I impact so many lives and there are so many students who I have had the pleasure of knowing.

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RIP Dr. Garcia

In 1991 and 1992, I was blessed to be taught by a terrific Spanish teacher at St. Francis College. Dr. Enildo Garcia was a tough professor, but he really cared about his students.  He loved opening up college students eyes to the world around them. The first semester I had him for Spanish 1. I was interested in working diligently to do well and score an A. In his classroom, I felt comfortable making mistakes and learning from them. He was a kind and gentle man who wanted me to do well.  He also noted that I was a harder worker than my lazy brother who had him the same semester I did.  At the end of the semester, both classes went to the restaurant Tio Pepe in The Village in Manhattan.  We ate paella, flan and everyone toasted Dr. Garcia.  We had a good time.

For Spanish II, Dr. Garcia knew me and I him. He had little tolerance for laziness and wanted all of the students in the class to do well. After this semester, I had to take Spanish 3 and another professor taught that class. On one of the first days of classes, Dr. Garcia stopped and spoke to my professor for Spanish 3.  He said, “Marlene works very hard. She will impress you with her Spanish.” Because Dr. Garcia believed in me, I had to believe in myself.

Dr. Garcia published a lot of his research. I googled his name and found many of his research articles on culture. Dr. Garcia loved culture and he took the time to learn about his student’s culture.

Dr. Garcia, you were everything a teacher should be.  I wish I had a chance to tell you that I taught Spanish for two years. I will never forget your warm smile or hearty laugh.  God rest your soul – Dr. Garcia, you will be missed by the St. Francis College Community.

UPDATE: 9/17/08 I’ve been teaching computer skills at the same school for over ten years. This year, a Spanish teacher went on sabbatical and I was given a chance to teach Spanish again. Ironic? I don’t think so. Dr. Garcia’s spirit is alive and well in Brooklyn.

In case you didn’t know on Thursday, October 16th at 6:00 pm there will be a dinner at Tio Pepe in Dr. Garcia’s honor (see the pics from the event). Contact Dennis McDermott, Director of Alumni Relations at St. Francis College 718-489-5362   The cost of the dinner (appetizer, entree, dessert, sangria, wine, beer, soda) is $50 a person.

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