CAROLIE

- my little QT

Moments like these make it all worth it in the end.

);

I’m still utterly exhausted.

I have chapters upon chapters of architecture, graphic design, archaeology, and art history to read. I have my first quiz next week, and I have yet to look over the study guide and study images. I have my first group exercise, individual paper, and synthesis paper due in two weeks. 

I am going all sorts of crazy. 

And yet, I still find time to rush to the store at 11:30 PM. To buy JELLO. Rushing, because I forgot to do it earlier (being so caught up in FNO) and because I have much work to do at home. I was so tempted to not go to the store at all, having already settled down in my study mode. But then I thought of my kids and how I promised them. And even though it’s been a hectic/crazy/chaotic week at work, my kids deserve it. 
So. I’ll probably finish writing notes + reading for anthropology (I’m a week behind!), take a break and make some jello, and start reading for graphic design.

STAY FOCUSED. 

MONDAY/WEDNESDAY/FRIDAY: 
3:00-6:30 Agape
7:00-9:00 tutoring

TUESDAY/THURSDAY:
9:00-2:45 four classes, back to back
3:00-6:30 Agape

It might not seem like a lot, but it’s quite a bit overwhelming to me. This doesn’t take into consideration my homework/studying time, chapter meetings, upcoming committee meetings, service hours, the time that I spend making lesson plans for the kids, shopping for the kids, etc. 

All in all, I’m expecting a busy semester. At least I’m making good use of my time.

I’m sad that Ladybug had its last day today ): I’m going to miss all of my boys + girl. 

On the other hand, I’m super excited to be teaching at Butterfly everyday! Wendy and I formed so many plans for this upcoming fall. I’m going to be spending this weekend and the days before school starts to write out a schedule and pick up any supplies I’ll be needing.

Oh, my lovely Butterfly kids, your afternoons with me are going to be amazing :)

I’m definitely enjoying my last two weeks with the Ladybug kids. I’m going to miss Ladybug when it closes ): 

One of the things I’m really going to miss is coming in at 8:45 in the morning to an empty classroom. I go in, turn on the lights, and start on my breakfast while preparing my lesson plan for the day. It sounds so simple, but it never fails to excite me. Oh, my adorable kids. I can’t wait for our party next Friday. I’m already planning out what goodies I’m going to be bringing them :)

DINNER last night at my boss’s house. Most of the co-workers made it, and I brought Connie with me, but Kathy had to leave early ): ): ): We didn’t even get a pictureee. I’m sure she had a lovely time at the wedding though!

We had ourselves a Vietnamese dinnerrr. Good food all around. Bea’s Hello Kitty waffle maker made me die a little inside. My Hello Kitty sandwich maker would like some company, thanks. The pandan waffles were a hugeee hit with the girls. And the chocolate fudge cake pops were favorites of 小小 and 点点. Cuties.

It was so nice getting to hang out with the co-workers and our boss. We definitely need more of these nights! 

I LOVE MY JOB.

As of this week, I’m on afternoon shifts. Every day. 

MEH. I liked my morning shifts better, but it’s not like I have much to do anyway. It was just more convenient to make plans with people if I had my afternoons + nights off. I really miss teaching at Ladybug though. I guess I grew pretty attached to it and thought of it as my haven. It was small and our kids didn’t get to go outside and play (not that it matters right now since they’d all probably get heat stroke or something in this weather…), but it was my own and I felt comfortable there. Butterfly is definitely second choice for me though. I love most of the kids there most of the time, haha. And of course, Maya’s there. I’ve been at Agape almost as long as she has. I remember when she and her parents first came to check the place out. Loved her from the moment I saw her. Yeah, I know I shouldn’t have any favorites, but I really can’t help it with her. She never ceases to amaze me. She’s the youngest one at Butterfly, but seems so much more advanced than some of the other kids. It’s amazing how much she’s growing. I remember when I could barely understand anything she was saying, and how she used to be super aggressive with the other kids. Now she can speak pretty fluently in both Chinese and English, and she’s getting along so much better with the other kids now. Her parents definitely play some part in this. I love how they encourage her to speak in all THREE languages and how supportive they seem to be. It must be hard taking care of such a hyperactive little girl, but her parents seem wonderful. I especially love chatting with her mom when she comes by in the mornings/afternoons. She treats me differently than the other parents and makes conversation with me, which I enjoy. I can’t wait to see Maya’s future brother :) Oh Maya. I’ve always thought of her as my little girl at Agape. Haha. I can’t wait to continue watching her grow.