Singles Conference

Many people ask how I meet people to date. They know finding someone of the same faith is very important to me and that it's a little harder since I don't hang out in many of the places people meet, such as bars or clubs. I have to say that my church does work hard to provide opportunities for us "singletons" to meet one another. I attend church every Sunday during a time where singles, ages between 21-31 attend. So far, this hasn't been successful, but I have met some great friends. Every so often, they put on singles conferences for people to meet. Vanessa and I decided to attend one of these events last weekend for people between the ages of 27-45 from California to Canada. I was a little weirded out about the over 40 crowd but was ready to branch out and meet new people.

Vanessa and I walked in the first night and saw a sea of females. There were about 10 women to every man. It was ridiculous and ended up being a joke the whole weekend. Friday was supposed to be a "speed dating" night. Since there was so few men, women were lined up and down the halls waiting to be in the "Asian Room" to chat with the opposite sex. We decided (very quickly) not to do that and played Guitar Hero instead. But don't worry, we did make sure to go in the room before it started and take pictures. There were roses on the piano and we couldn't help making fun of the whole situation by doing a little Bachelor style posing. I do have to say they decorated the "Asian Room" very well. There were little fish bowls on each table with beta fish. I would have been happy to just sit and talk with the fish...and possibly take him home with me afterwards.

Saturday was a Seattle day. We split into groups depending on what our interest was. Vanessa and I signed up to Ride the Ducks. We have never done it and were so excited. It was such a beautiful day which made the tour that much better. I recommend doing the ducks if you haven't had a chance. The driver was hilarious and kept the 90 minute ride (60 minutes on land, 30 minutes in water) entertaining.

The weekend turned into a great women's conference and I met some really nice girls. Vanessa even got a few of their numbers so we're hoping to keep in touch. :) So after reading all of this, you may still wonder where I meet people to date. Good question. When it happens, I'll let you know.

Two Months Later....

I finished teaching 1st grade at Shelton View yesterday. It was a nice school and I enjoyed my time there. I am back to the daily grind of substituting. Luckily I have had some jobs set up with teachers and classes I know which makes it easier to go back and be a sub. This afternoon, I was in my Dual Language Kindergarten class. They were very excited to see me and it was fun to see how they have grown.

Right in the middle of me explaining an assignment, one little girl raised her hand and asked in all seriousness, "Miss Fife, are you married yet?" There were a couple parents in the room and they chuckled. I started laughing and looked at the girl and said, "Sweetie, I haven't even been on a date." It is amazing how concerned the kids look when they hear I'm not married. My favorite comment from this class is when they very first found out I wasn't married. A different little girl looked shocked, with HUGE eyes, and said, "AND YOU'RE ALLOWED TO TEACH!" I know...it's shocking that they would allow a "singleton" to teach children, but I'm glad they do because they make me laugh!

Welcome to the World!

I became an aunt again. On Thursday, Brandon (my brother) and Tami had their second daughter, Tabitha. They went into the hospital early in the morning and I had my phone in my pocket all day. It was hard focusing on teaching because I wanted more than anything to be with them and share in the experience. (not in the delivery room of course) We were there for the birth of Gabrielle and it meant so much to me to share in the joy of the precious miracle. I am very grateful both Tami and Tabitha are doing well. From what I hear, Gabrielle was adorable when she came to meet her little sister. She brought a little stuffed animal for her and kept saying "hi". She is a proud big sister and I am excited to see how they interact when we go down for Tabitha's blessing and Gabrielle's 2nd birthday at the end of June. I can't wait!

Blog Depression

Sorry I haven't been posting. I'm still alive. Still teaching (first grade at Shelton View). Still living life to its fullest. I just haven't had anything exciting to write about. I search other blogs and see how great other people's lives are and how cute their kids are and how they are pregnant AGAIN, how their new house is coming right along, etc. The Life of Fife has nothing fun to share. Not too much to write home about but when something comes along....I'll be back.

Miss Guided - Taco Loco

I just finished watching the first epidsode of Miss Guided. I wasn't expecting much, but I ended up thinking it was pretty funny. I love the story line of the Spanish teacher. I was going to explain it all, but then I found the perfect video!! Yeah! I kind of feel his pain..."plus, there was nobody else available."

Show Overview: Now that Becky has finally put all her high school insecurities behind, she returns to her alma mater as a guidance counselor. However, she soon finds that her high school nemesis, Lisa, is a teacher in the school as well. Soon, Becky finds herself competing with Lisa for the eye of Tim, the attractive Spanish teacher, among other things.

Charlie Bit My Finger!

I can't stop watching this video. EVERYTHING about it makes me laugh.

Adios Woodin

Today I am MUY TRISTE (very sad). The day eventually came where I had to say goodbye to my students in the Dual Language Kindergarten at Woodin Elementary. Since the real teacher's return date kept getting extended, I didn't think this day would come, nor did I want it to. Of course in the beginning when it was pure craziness, I had different feelings! What was supposed to be 2 months turned into 5 and I only wish it was longer.

The parents planned a good-bye party for me on Thursday afternoon (Friday was a teacher work day) and I was overwhelmed by the generosity of the parents. I knew I was supposed to save "the last 30 minutes of the day" but I wasn't sure what was going to happen. I didn't know that almost EVERY parent would be coming in to say thank you and wish me good luck. At first I was completely overwhelmed having all the kids and parents in the room, but it was wonderful to say goodbye to everyone in person.

I have grown to love all of my 24 ninos and am struggling with the thought they are not mine anymore. I had the kids write/draw about their feelings and most were very conflicted. They were happy to have Mrs. Williams back, but they were very sad I was leaving. I do have to say that I am extremely happy that they are excited to have Mrs. Williams back or else it would have been harder to leave.

Not only did I have to say goodbye to all my students and families, I had to say goodbye to a school and faculty that I admire and love so much. They are an amazing staff and have been so strong with the school closure proposal. I have felt very connected to them as we have been at meeting after board meeting after meeting together figuring out how to save our school. I hope I will be on a staff like Woodin's next year. They have been extremely supportive and friendly since the day I started in November.

One of the hardest people I had to say goodbye to is my new amiga Christy. She is the other Dual Language Kindergarten teacher. Our rooms are kind of connected so we see each other all the time which I loved. She has been so much fun to work with! I know it had to be hard working with a teacher who didn't speak Spanish and couldn't give feedback to what we should teach and always having to translate things for me. Despite her extra work load that was added when I arrived, she was only super supportive and went the extra mile to help. I only wish I could learn Spanish over the summer to have a chance to work with her again. We've shared many memories together and I will have to post the song she wrote me later. It makes me smile every time I read it.

Here's a few pictures of the party.