2008 Stabs of Joy
1. Jesus Christ
My faith has been tested many a times throughout this year, but no matter what, Jesus has brought me through trials and made me a stronger follower because of them. The Son of God will always top my list.
2. Anna Kate
Here's to the last year that I can call this beautiful lady my fiancee. In a mere six months, she will become Anna Kate Ballinger. That alone will make 2009 the best year ever. I love you, sweetheart!
3. My family - Mom, Dad, Susannah, Baxter, and Izzy
It's been tough to maintain a stable relationship with the ones closest to me thanks to work (even though I still live with them). But my family deserves thanks for all that they've done for me this past year and every year prior. My Dad for his wisdom & faith, and my Mom for her patience and understanding. I've grown much closer to my two siblings as well. I hope to see that continue even after the time arrives for me to "leave the nest."
4. Reading my students' short stories
I'm a teacher of writing. Some might call it English, but that's only the official title. So it follows that as I enjoy my own writing, I like to read others' as well, especially my students. Some of my fondest memories from this past year are taking a folder-load of my 7th and 8th grade short stories to a late-night snack-supper over at Firehouse and reading through them one by one.
5. Clemson basketball
Normally, Clemson football would occupy this spot. Sadly, football has been nothing short of a disappointment this year. However, Oliver Purnell's basketball team made 2008 a year to remember. They only finished with a winning ACC record, including a rousing 73-70 comeback win over Maryland on the road - that game taught me to never count out OP's boys. They only made it all the way to the ACC title game last year & upended mighty Duke along the way. They only gained an NCAA berth for the first time in nearly a decade and finished ranked #22 in the final polls. Can we look for even greater heights this year? I think so.
6. Playing volleyball with BCM at Herdklotz Park
The school year was ending, and Anna Kate and I were both quite exhausted and ready for a break. What better way to kick it off than to spend an evening at Herdklotz Park with my old BCM group? Lots of fun climbing on playground equipment, fellowship with BCMers - some old, some new - chasing stray balls down a long, sloping hill and pine needles, and playing sand volleyball for the first time in forever. We liked it so much that we made a return trip to Herdklotz later in the summer. The weather did not turn out so well, but there's always next time :)
7. Finishing my first year as a teacher
I won't lie and say I didn't like teaching my first year. I did. Lots of good things happened at Hillcrest Middle. But I'll always think of it as my shakedown cruise, so to speak. More bumps than smooth sailing. It always felt like I had someone nearby breathing down my neck. But bumps have their place in God's plan; it's all going to make me into a better teacher. I'm already seeing evidence of that. Still, nothing made me happier than to turn in my master key, store my floater cart, and close the door on year one.
8. HMS Field Day
This was fun. After the long, ardorous weeks of testing, we got to let loose and go outside for some old-fashioned field fun. I remember taking pictures of 4th period decked out in field day attire. Best of all, not having a homeroom meant I could go about freely from class to class, cheering different students on. I even got to make a contribution to the environment by cleaning up trash from the concession stand.
9. Year Two - Ralph Chandler Middle
My second year as a teacher is a far cry from the first. I don't know if it was just the feeling of accomplishment I took from making it through year one as a floater, or an extra spurt of enthusiasm I got from another summer of graduate school. Either way, I entered the 2008-09 academic year with something like a chip on my shoulder. I wanted to prove myself. Whether it's been getting my own room at last, teaching a group of 6th grade kids that have been joys to have, or a terrific support group in my faculty, I've felt so much more confident, steady, and sure of myself this year. I still have one more semester of ADEPT to pass, but the bottom line is, I already know I'm a teacher. I just have to prove it.
10. Swimming at Hollytree with Anna Kate
I don't really like swimming that much. Not sure why, but water and I haven't ever gotten along well. Anna Kate's different. She takes to water like chewed gum to a desk. I call her my guppy. But this year, it was more fun. Maybe because we did it together, or maybe part of me is growing used to it. I don't know. But I'll remember the rocket toss underwater, "running" laps, and her trying unsuccessfully to dunk me.
11. Writing a song for Anna Kate (after five minutes in the shower)
Here's the deal: I'd wanted to write a song or a poem for Anna for a long time; the idea itself didn't just strike me as the shower water cascaded down my face. But up until then, I had just that: an idea. It wasn't until we left the pool and returned to my house to change for dinner that the words hit me. I scrambled to get dressed and type it up before Anna finished getting ready. I haven't put a tune with it yet, but I'm working on it (by the way, she later wrote one for me. It's beautiful).
12. VBS '08: Outrigger Island
Leading the music for Vacation Bible School is a staple on my stabs list. What made it stand out this year? Well, I got to work with my friend Lynn again (Anna Kate was out of town with family). And we ended up handling grades 1-5 rather than splitting them in half. But by God's grace, it worked out just fine. I'll always enjoy doing the songs and the motions with the kids - we even brought "The Word" back last month to perform in a Sunday morning service. But the best thought is how many kids' lives were changed for Christ that fun-filled week. That's what keeps me coming back for more. I can't help but be a part of God's work.
13. Road trips to Atlanta and Charleston
The summer was punctuated by two road trips we took (we'd been wanting to do it for quite some time). We took a Saturday trip to Charleston where we went through a flea market, took pictures by the battery (with me perched on a cannon like a cowboy and Anna crouched like a tiger), and saw the beautiful beach house that Anna's dad had acquired for the week. Earlier, we went to Atlanta for a night and day to visit my aunt, uncle, and three cousins. Speaking of whom...
14. Overnight in Clemson with Maddie, Lucibeth, and Emma Kate
This came up randomly at the time; it started out as just another regular evening trip to Clemson. But my three little cousins were present, and they are adorable and fun to hang out with. I'm sure Anna remembers them doing her hair on occasion. :) But we ended up staying overnight, and the next day we went out for breakfast, then came back and had the pillow fight to end all pillow fights.
15. Morning Bible Studies
Anna and I started this in October. We would get together at her house early in the mornings twice a week and read Scripture together. We'd talked about doing it for a while, and it has been incredibly uplifting to encourage each other on work days and draw more insight from God's Word. We've recently started a devotional book called Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by Max Lucado. It's been a very insightful read thus far.
Other Stabs That Make the List, But I Don't Have Time to Describe...
16. Our second kitten, Leo
17. Wearing a Dracula cape to work on Halloween
18. Playing in the faculty/student volleyball game...and winning
19. Going to the beach for three days with Anna and family (taking engagement pics)
20. Going out to Applebee's for drinks on Susannah's birthday
21. Barnes 'N Noble. 'Nuff said :)
22. Wedding planning
23. Lakeside concerts at Furman
24. Singing with Anna and her Mom playing piano
25. Brad Paisley concert in Atlanta
26. Tailgating in the RV at Clemson football games with Anna & her Dad
27. 2008 Christmas cantata (for the first time, Anna and I both sang)
28. Concoxions Cornerstone Christmas dinner theater
29. Going bowling with Anna, Sus & Bax, then watching scary movies
30. Black Friday (when was the last time you heard of a couple getting up early on Black Friday and successfully completing their shopping before breakfast? And as an added bonus, we even had the time to work on Anna's house, take stuff to her storage shed, and decorate for Christmas.)
That's my stabs. Where's yours? :)
My faith has been tested many a times throughout this year, but no matter what, Jesus has brought me through trials and made me a stronger follower because of them. The Son of God will always top my list.
2. Anna Kate
Here's to the last year that I can call this beautiful lady my fiancee. In a mere six months, she will become Anna Kate Ballinger. That alone will make 2009 the best year ever. I love you, sweetheart!
3. My family - Mom, Dad, Susannah, Baxter, and Izzy
It's been tough to maintain a stable relationship with the ones closest to me thanks to work (even though I still live with them). But my family deserves thanks for all that they've done for me this past year and every year prior. My Dad for his wisdom & faith, and my Mom for her patience and understanding. I've grown much closer to my two siblings as well. I hope to see that continue even after the time arrives for me to "leave the nest."
4. Reading my students' short stories
I'm a teacher of writing. Some might call it English, but that's only the official title. So it follows that as I enjoy my own writing, I like to read others' as well, especially my students. Some of my fondest memories from this past year are taking a folder-load of my 7th and 8th grade short stories to a late-night snack-supper over at Firehouse and reading through them one by one.
5. Clemson basketball
Normally, Clemson football would occupy this spot. Sadly, football has been nothing short of a disappointment this year. However, Oliver Purnell's basketball team made 2008 a year to remember. They only finished with a winning ACC record, including a rousing 73-70 comeback win over Maryland on the road - that game taught me to never count out OP's boys. They only made it all the way to the ACC title game last year & upended mighty Duke along the way. They only gained an NCAA berth for the first time in nearly a decade and finished ranked #22 in the final polls. Can we look for even greater heights this year? I think so.
6. Playing volleyball with BCM at Herdklotz Park
The school year was ending, and Anna Kate and I were both quite exhausted and ready for a break. What better way to kick it off than to spend an evening at Herdklotz Park with my old BCM group? Lots of fun climbing on playground equipment, fellowship with BCMers - some old, some new - chasing stray balls down a long, sloping hill and pine needles, and playing sand volleyball for the first time in forever. We liked it so much that we made a return trip to Herdklotz later in the summer. The weather did not turn out so well, but there's always next time :)
7. Finishing my first year as a teacher
I won't lie and say I didn't like teaching my first year. I did. Lots of good things happened at Hillcrest Middle. But I'll always think of it as my shakedown cruise, so to speak. More bumps than smooth sailing. It always felt like I had someone nearby breathing down my neck. But bumps have their place in God's plan; it's all going to make me into a better teacher. I'm already seeing evidence of that. Still, nothing made me happier than to turn in my master key, store my floater cart, and close the door on year one.
8. HMS Field Day
This was fun. After the long, ardorous weeks of testing, we got to let loose and go outside for some old-fashioned field fun. I remember taking pictures of 4th period decked out in field day attire. Best of all, not having a homeroom meant I could go about freely from class to class, cheering different students on. I even got to make a contribution to the environment by cleaning up trash from the concession stand.
9. Year Two - Ralph Chandler Middle
My second year as a teacher is a far cry from the first. I don't know if it was just the feeling of accomplishment I took from making it through year one as a floater, or an extra spurt of enthusiasm I got from another summer of graduate school. Either way, I entered the 2008-09 academic year with something like a chip on my shoulder. I wanted to prove myself. Whether it's been getting my own room at last, teaching a group of 6th grade kids that have been joys to have, or a terrific support group in my faculty, I've felt so much more confident, steady, and sure of myself this year. I still have one more semester of ADEPT to pass, but the bottom line is, I already know I'm a teacher. I just have to prove it.
10. Swimming at Hollytree with Anna Kate
I don't really like swimming that much. Not sure why, but water and I haven't ever gotten along well. Anna Kate's different. She takes to water like chewed gum to a desk. I call her my guppy. But this year, it was more fun. Maybe because we did it together, or maybe part of me is growing used to it. I don't know. But I'll remember the rocket toss underwater, "running" laps, and her trying unsuccessfully to dunk me.
11. Writing a song for Anna Kate (after five minutes in the shower)
Here's the deal: I'd wanted to write a song or a poem for Anna for a long time; the idea itself didn't just strike me as the shower water cascaded down my face. But up until then, I had just that: an idea. It wasn't until we left the pool and returned to my house to change for dinner that the words hit me. I scrambled to get dressed and type it up before Anna finished getting ready. I haven't put a tune with it yet, but I'm working on it (by the way, she later wrote one for me. It's beautiful).
12. VBS '08: Outrigger Island
Leading the music for Vacation Bible School is a staple on my stabs list. What made it stand out this year? Well, I got to work with my friend Lynn again (Anna Kate was out of town with family). And we ended up handling grades 1-5 rather than splitting them in half. But by God's grace, it worked out just fine. I'll always enjoy doing the songs and the motions with the kids - we even brought "The Word" back last month to perform in a Sunday morning service. But the best thought is how many kids' lives were changed for Christ that fun-filled week. That's what keeps me coming back for more. I can't help but be a part of God's work.
13. Road trips to Atlanta and Charleston
The summer was punctuated by two road trips we took (we'd been wanting to do it for quite some time). We took a Saturday trip to Charleston where we went through a flea market, took pictures by the battery (with me perched on a cannon like a cowboy and Anna crouched like a tiger), and saw the beautiful beach house that Anna's dad had acquired for the week. Earlier, we went to Atlanta for a night and day to visit my aunt, uncle, and three cousins. Speaking of whom...
14. Overnight in Clemson with Maddie, Lucibeth, and Emma Kate
This came up randomly at the time; it started out as just another regular evening trip to Clemson. But my three little cousins were present, and they are adorable and fun to hang out with. I'm sure Anna remembers them doing her hair on occasion. :) But we ended up staying overnight, and the next day we went out for breakfast, then came back and had the pillow fight to end all pillow fights.
15. Morning Bible Studies
Anna and I started this in October. We would get together at her house early in the mornings twice a week and read Scripture together. We'd talked about doing it for a while, and it has been incredibly uplifting to encourage each other on work days and draw more insight from God's Word. We've recently started a devotional book called Experiencing the Heart of Jesus by Max Lucado. It's been a very insightful read thus far.
Other Stabs That Make the List, But I Don't Have Time to Describe...
16. Our second kitten, Leo
17. Wearing a Dracula cape to work on Halloween
18. Playing in the faculty/student volleyball game...and winning
19. Going to the beach for three days with Anna and family (taking engagement pics)
20. Going out to Applebee's for drinks on Susannah's birthday
21. Barnes 'N Noble. 'Nuff said :)
22. Wedding planning
23. Lakeside concerts at Furman
24. Singing with Anna and her Mom playing piano
25. Brad Paisley concert in Atlanta
26. Tailgating in the RV at Clemson football games with Anna & her Dad
27. 2008 Christmas cantata (for the first time, Anna and I both sang)
28. Concoxions Cornerstone Christmas dinner theater
29. Going bowling with Anna, Sus & Bax, then watching scary movies
30. Black Friday (when was the last time you heard of a couple getting up early on Black Friday and successfully completing their shopping before breakfast? And as an added bonus, we even had the time to work on Anna's house, take stuff to her storage shed, and decorate for Christmas.)
That's my stabs. Where's yours? :)
posted by david @ 7:53 AM
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