Lake Tahoe Trip!

Dear Family and Friends, February 14, 2008

Happy Valentine’s Day to my family and friends on this fine Thursday morning as my students at the local high school take a World History test. I wanted to write everyone another letter that would let you know how I was doing and tell you about my recent trip to Lake Tahoe. As I reflect on the trip, I realize how truly blessed I am to be able to take time off of work and travel through the beautiful Sierra Mountains with family to see family. My brother’s wife Joanna flew out from North Carolina and the three of us drove up the large state of California to Reno, where we met our Pops, who flew in from Oklahoma. After some gambling and fun in Reno, the next day we drove to the gorgeous Lake Tahoe to meet our three sisters, who only live a few hours away in Sacramento. The whole trip was planned by Randy and I and for two of our sisters, the twins, and their birthday, which was the following Wednesday. Thank you Lord for the opportunity to spend time with family and for providing such a beautiful atmosphere for us to enjoy, you never cease to amaze me with the creations you create, in Jesus name, amen.
Some of the highlights of my trip: Driving through the Sierra Mountains, seeing the snow capped mountains in the distance at first and then eventually driving right up on them; Seeing Pops and my sisters again and being there when Randy met our three sisters for the first time; Seeing Randy ski for the first time, definitely a highlight; Turning $20 into $60 at a penny slot machine in Reno; Hearing Kristina call me Sis, wow, thanks Kristina, it meant a lot; Playing poker with Jennifer and Kristina and watching Jennifer take out Randy in both Texas Holdem tournaments, Randy usually can’t be beat, Go Jenn; Seeing the breathtaking views of Lake Tahoe in the winter; And for the last highlight of my trip, being able to be in 30 degree weather with lots of snow on the ground to 75 degree weather and on the beach within a day of each other, thank you Lord for the trip that included many highlights and will bring lasting memories.
Obviously I am still working for the local school district as a substitute along with my many other part time jobs. The tutoring business has been slow, but my other jobs, working for the Boys and Girls Club, officiating, and teaching traffic school have been keeping me busy. Since starting to teach traffic school, I have realized that I found my niche, I truly love teaching adults and they actually listen. The comedy part has been fun, showing that sarcasm and a sense of humor have never been a problem for me. My students evaluate me every class and they find me funny and amazing, go figure. I have had more than one student say it was the best traffic school class that they have ever attended, I think I deserve a raise.
The Boys and Girls Club has increased my workload putting me in charge of a new program called RealCare Parenting. With the program my students will receive a computerized Baby for a simulation period, so they can see what it is truly like to have a newborn baby that cries and needs to be fed, burped, changed, and loved. The program is a full course, taught by me, to our middle school students, which teaches about parenting and what to expect. I found this kind of ironic, being that I don’t have any kids myself, but I am the oldest of many siblings and I plan on putting myself through the four day Baby simulation period, to get my own taste. Of course my Mom is excited about having a computerized newborn around, which she could babysit, and I look forward to the experience.
I am excited about my upcoming trips, my baby brother will be getting married this summer in Virginia, and I wouldn’t miss it for the world. What an awesome opportunity to again see and spend time with family in both Virginia and Maryland. I am also planning on going to see my Pops again out at the Lake House we worked on this last summer. This summer will be all fun though, fishing, water skiing, and swimming in and on the lake in Canton, Oklahoma. Jezebel and I will meet you at the Lake Pops!!
Thanks to everyone who read this far, may the Lord bless those who enjoy my ramblings. Thank you Lord for my family and friends and for the opportunity to share my experiences through writing, may the joy of the Lord be our strength in both the good times and bad times. I say all of this in your heavenly precious name, Jesus Christ, amen. I am going to send this via email with pictures of Tahoe, since I have been so busy and because I am the worst procrastinator, sorry Pops. I love you all and God Bless.

Sincerely,

Tonya
http://www.flywithchrist.blogspot.com/
http://www.bigsistertutoring.com/