Yup, it’s ME!!! Guess my hubby was tired of me yakking his ear off so he gave me an anniversary gift of a blog— I love it! Now you can all read my dirty thoughts!!! HEHEHEHE! (to be read in a seething tone…)

Sam has always been sensitive to my ties back home in Kansas and knows how much my family means to me, so this is a perfect way to cut down on phone bills and increase traffic on the web. Much has happened since the big weddin’ this past October… which was the social event of century, if you didn’t know…

I currently just changed jobs and now work downtown for a company called The Council for International Educational Exchange. In a nutshell, the company is in the business of conscience labor. We work to find seasonal work for international students to come to the states on J1 visas. Our main clients are employers like resorts, fast food retailers, and now we’re venturing into casinos. I manage a database that uploads all of the jobs for the students and help to work out the bugs with those who interface with the system. I’m in no way a techie, which is why I only recreate the problems and report them, at the same time work assuring folks that they are just minor glitches. I also manage a team, which is my first shot at actual supervising, which has been an interesting challenge. I’ve always assumed managing would be easy, but I have to admit “easier said than done”. But, I’m enjoying the challenge!

Other than work, which has been very consuming of my time, I’ve been teaching ESL to Haitian immigrants with a group of friends in Somerville. Although challenging, as none of us have taught ESL or are certified to, we’re actively searching for resources to help us and have tried our hand at writing a grant to one of the local banks for financial help. Those that we teach are on average 55 years old and many of them have lived in Boston for many years, but have yet to grasp the English language or become citizens. Many are also not literate in their own language, which makes our job that much more difficult. BUT, we’re in for the long haul and are always encouraged by their thankful regards and yummy dinners. Having graduated with a degree all encompassing of the ‘theory’ of Intercultural Relations, I find that my volunteer work has gone beyond teaching me what it really means to cross lines of culture and learn from others that are not like me.

Well, speaking of culture, I’m gonna log off for now and watch the oscars…a favorite past-time of our sensational culture…

I’m going with Reese Witherspoon for best actress, Joaquin Phoenix for best actor, and CRASH for best movie!

Oh, Sam and I did see Capote this afternoon and having grown up 7 miles from Holcomb, KS, I was shocked to find out about the story of “In Cold Blood” and the infamous murders and executions… I think we’ll be picking up that book soon…. also, interested, but not surprised, that the movie has yet to be shown in Garden City, KS, the town where the court case played out…

Well, dear family and friends, I do hope you’re well and I hope you’ll send comments and messages soon! LOVE YA!