Thursday, December 18, 2009

There is a storm warning out today. Yesterday there was talk that Friday would be yet another snow day. I hope that doesn't pan out - for several reasons. I always worry about - oooops, pray for - the people out on the road. The other is that Friday is my last day at the school. There was a cake for me yesterday and people came and went to wish me well and have a piece of cake. I never got to know many of these people very well because my position doesn't give me an opportunity for that. I am a para pro, and as such, not part of any of the sub groups in the school system. There are other para pros here, but not in the high school. My replacement for the time being is one I could have hand-picked. She has made the effort to learn the job - coming in during planning hours when she was subbing for other teachers, and generally trying to learn as much as she can. I have worked with her when she subbed for my boss and have grown to love her. I have left her a survival kit consisting of a mug, some cocoa, chocolate (gotta have that), a candle, and room spray. She has been wanting this job ever since she heard that I was leaving. I am thrilled for her and wish her all the best. sniff
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I spent last night getting all of my school gifts and goodies ready. I'm bringing them today. It is may tradition to bring them early lest we have a snow day on the last day. That has happened often over the years.
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Tonight I have our Advent reconcilliation service. I am hoping that the storm will hold off until I get home.
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Tomorrow night we're supposed to go out for a Sodbusters meeting. The Sodbusters consists of Harold, his former boss, and a co-worker who bought a business rental together. We meet every year for dinner on the Sodbuster dime. That reminds me that I need to make a Christmas packet for the ladies. We always have a great time at the Sodbusters meetings.
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Thursday of the Third Week of Advent
Mt 1:18-25

This is how the birth of Jesus Christ came about.
When his mother Mary was betrothed to Joseph,
but before they lived together,
she was found with child through the Holy Spirit.
Joseph her husband, since he was a righteous man,
yet unwilling to expose her to shame,
decided to divorce her quietly.
Such was his intention when, behold,
the angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said,
“Joseph, son of David,
do not be afraid to take Mary your wife into your home.
For it is through the Holy Spirit
that this child has been conceived in her.
She will bear a son and you are to name him Jesus,
because he will save his people from their sins.”
All this took place to fulfill
what the Lord had said through the prophet:

Behold, the virgin shall be with child and bear a son,
and they shall name him Emmanuel,

which means “God is with us.”
When Joseph awoke,
he did as the angel of the Lord had commanded him
and took his wife into his home.
He had no relations with her until she bore a son,
and he named him Jesus.

God bless our troops!