Cleaning, Exercise, Skits, and Exercise

Another rainy day on Thursday, but started off the morning with a ride to school with the same ladies who picked us up Wednesday. Really nice family. The little girl who I sit in the back with is really cute, and her mom is very friendly. Turns out they are related to one of my students.

Took some notes in Earth Science before giving them time to work on a skit in groups dealing with scientific communication - how we share information. In Marine Science we spent some time going into detail with the scientific method. The notes went faster than I had planned for, so I made up a little experiment as I was up there to do together with the last part of class. We ran an experiment to see who could do the most push-ups in 30 seconds. At first, I only had one volunteer to come up and do push-ups. I decided they needed a little encouragement. I told my students if we had five volunteers, I would get down and do ONE push-up for them. That got a few more to come up. So, I followed through and got down and did my ONE push-up. Yes, one. I think I've gained pretty decent respect with my senior class. Can't believe I just did a push-up in class, but I have to admit it was pretty awesome.

I also had a talk with all of my classes today about leaving trash on the floor. It's not simply a disrespectful behavior for them solely in my classroom. Littering is a rather evident problem on the island, so the kids are just used to it. I explained that if it continues to happen everyone will come after school and help me clean up my entire floor. Turns out later that day, two boys showed up offering to help me clean. haha. "Really?" Well... I grabbed a broom, they moved all of the desks, swept the entire floor (which it really needed), and then lined my desks up for me in nice rows. Thanks, boys.

Stopped at the bank before heading home, and I ran into Hannah. She decided she was going to stick the hitchhiker thumb out and see what happens. We ended up getting a ride. I was so proud of her. haha. Usually it's me sticking the hitchhiker thumb out. We asked if they would just drop us off at the main road, but then they decided they wanted to take us all the way home. Nice couple from Nu'uuli. Got home rather early, then. I worked on a few things before my workout "date" with Melanie and the guys (Florida guys that live up the hill). The guys have acquired the Insanity videos, and 6pm almost every night is the current plan. I had done this workout once before, and knew it was great cardio that burns a lot and makes you sweat.

Melanie convinced me to jog up the hill with her. Mind you this is a really steep hill. If you all saw it, you would think I'm crazy. I honestly couldn't believe I was doing it. ha Then, 40 minutes of sweating with Insanity. We were all sliding in our own sweat on the tile floor before the end of it. haha. Felt really good though, parts of it were tiring, but it was great. Think I woke up Friday morning to find my shirt still slightly damp with sweat. haha

The clouds and moon looked really nice after we finished the workout, so I ran back down the hill quick, grabbed my camera, and then ran most of the way back up. Yes, I ran up it again. Boy, lots of exercise today. Here's my favorite shot from that set.

Woke up Friday morning morning and noticed lots of clouds off toward the ocean, but there was some nice sunshine coming through toward the south with pink and orange tones. Obviously had to take my camera out for a bit.

Headed to school, got a ride with the same ladies again. The one told us her daughter started crying yesterday when we got out and asked where the girls went. Aww cute. She said good-bye to us today. She's only 3 years old.

Spent most of Earth and Space science presenting skits. I had some really great ones, some that were slapped together, but most of them covered the bases I asked for. They all actually got up there and presented, as well. Successful, but might be a while before I do something like this again or better organize it. Needed something. My really good students did a phenomenal job, and some even surprised me. We also reviewed some information that I will be asking for on a quiz Friday.

As my seniors were leaving Marine Science class, today one comes up to me and asks "Miss Boschen, are you going to come to our softball game today?" "Today? Okay, sure. I'll stay as long as I can." I wanted to be home before 6, which allows me to get on a bus in decent time, be able to workout with the group again, and work on some stuff. I walked over to the softball field, which is pretty close to campus and watched a few innings before making my trek back home. Immediately changed and headed up the hill with Melanie for Insanity day #2. We walked up the hill, but this was the first time I've walked up that thing and NOT felt short of breath at the top. Exciting feeling! haha. Remember, this is a really (I mean really) steep hill. Another nice sweaty workout. By the way, Zumba class is starting up on campus 3 days a week after school at a really low price. Definitely going to join that, I believe. Zumba is one of my favorite workouts. I usually enjoy it so much that I don't even realize I'm exercising although I sweat a bunch. Will be a great addition to the Insanity workout for now.

Photos, Hammock, Surprises, and Rain

Sunday was a productive and relaxing day. I went to church in the morning. Van was full in the morning as it was raining a bit. I do love the van experience. The little sisters were on again, and they're always fun. After church, I was one of the last ones to be dropped off and Richard bought me and some of the boys ice cream again. He asked what I was having for lunch, and I told him I don't really think about it ahead of time. He said I should start because people will ask here in Samoa. haha He's the only one that keeps asking me that so far. Made it back home about 1pm and worked on some stuff for school.

After taking football photos on Saturday, I found myself wanting to get my Nikon D70 out some more. Taking a break and taking some photos was my reward for getting lesson plans for the week done. Took some photos of the foliage that is right around where I live. I'm pretty happy with some of them.

Some of the roommates were in town today and they picked up our packages. That means my hammock is here from home! The hammock I purchased in the Amazon Rainforest of Ecuador has found its way back to the rainforest. Good feeling. One of my most vivid memories includes sitting in one of these at our rainforest cabins.

I finished some more school work before letting myself sit in for a while.

Then, I watched the bats for a while. I continue to be amazed by these flying foxes. I filmed them a bit, so you can attempt to get a feel for how many of them just start flying about as dusks begins to fall where I am currently living.

Still in a photographing mood and decided I'd try my luck with some shots at night again. They really aren't my forte, but I'm enjoying playing around with them. Didn't bring a tripod along for nothing.

I headed up the hill from where I live. There were more red tones than I imagined when I left the shutter open with my lens more level with the ground. I think the red was coming from some surrounding street lights, but I liked it. These first two have an eerie feel about them. The first one I did tweak a bit just for fun.

There's something about this one that I really like...

The moon was really bright, and you'll notice a hazy surrounding. It was rather cloudy, but they kept moving.

First thing Monday morning I have some football players in my room wanting to look through the photos I took at the game. It was fun to watch them go through them and light up when they say themselves and their friends.

Another thing that came in my package from home was this little teddy bear with a Husker t-shirt. He has found his new home on my desk at school. You'll also notice I have a new flower on my desk - one with red. A senior brought it in and was just going to throw it out, but I asked to put it on my desk. I used to buy flowers every now and then in my apartment at Morningside to have on the table and my desk.

My ula still smelled nice on Monday morning, which is why I decided to leave it on my desk over the weekend. The flowers were starting to dry up, though. I ended up throwing it out Tuesday.

Surprise on Monday... The vice principal comes into my room telling me to send two boys to his office next period. What on earth could they be bringing back? More desks? Books?... They come back with this huge narrow box. What is that? "A white board," they say. "A white board? Well that's exciting." It's been receiving some compliments from the students. haha

I also received some brand new dictionaries on Tuesday morning. 3 to be exact. They are really nice and will come in handy from time to time.

Went to the mens' volleyball games on campus, but I decided to go home before the end of the JV game. I had some things I needed to work on for school. It was already getting late for a bus, but I planned on trying to catch a ride anyway. This nice family picked me up - Noah, his wife, and their two little girls They lived in the opposite direction of where I was heading, and I would have been more than happy with just a ride to the main road, but then he said "I'm going to take you all the way home." Above and beyond. We had a nice little chat, and I hope I see him again. As we pulled in to Pava'ia'i, we actually came in on a little back road, which was cool. I didn't explain well the first time where exactly I lived in the village. haha Then, Noah insisted I take some McDonald's home with me. Too nice.

I spent some time making some rulers on Monday night. Yes, I did just say "making some rulers". I wasn't sure how many students had them, and I wanted to do an activity using rulers on Tuesday. I wasn't going to go buy any for a couple of reasons, and I had this perfect piece of cardboard. Made 10 rulers that worked just fine for our classwork. Some of the kids laughed at them, and others understood exactly why I just made them. No complaints. Glad I made them.

Rain, rain, rain, and some more rain on Tuesday. First, as I was in photo mood lately I decided I should wake up and try to take some sunrise shots from the top of the hill. Of course the first morning I try from up here, it's way too cloudy. haha Many mornings when we were living down at Vo Tech High School, I would take photos of the sunrise, as it was different every day. But hey there's always tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow. I've got months to get some sunrise shots ove the bay :) On my walk back down the hill, I did get some cool shots of the clouds. They were clearing up a bit in this direction.

Got a ride this morning with some ladies that live up the road from where we do. They said they see us standing waiting often in the morning, so might be picking us up more if they see us. So, the days the guys go into work at a different time, we may have another option. I don't really mind the bus, but these other rides get us to school earlier, which it's nice to get a little ahead sometimes. Plus, it's much easier to chat with people in vehicles than on the bus. Both great forms of transportation.

It rained throughout the day. Just a rainy day. Walked down the Tafuna road in some rain. Yes, I could have gotten on the bus, but I figured it would be good for me, and I like walking. Made it just fine. My skirt was a bit wet, but no biggie. Picked up some groceris, came home, started to do some exercise and it began raining again. It's actually raining still right now as I write this post at 9pm my time. Rainy day. I sat in my hammock for a while as it rained, which brings me back to Ecuador.  One of my vivid memories is of sitting in one of the hammocks there in the rainforest as it peacefully poured. The epitome of the rainforest experience I dreamed. Every time I sit in my hammock, I find myself thinking about that experience. Here I am truly reliving it now in a different rainforest. The rainforest hammock back in the rainforest. "Back in its natural habitat!" commented my advisor on Facebook :-)

I've really been into this HDR photo I took of one of the flower pot islands (either Fatu or Futi). I received some compliments on Facebook, I have it as my current desktop background, and I figured I might as well post it here, as well. You'll notice the highlights are stronger (that's the HDR). One thing I really liked about this one was how I tilted the angle. Usually get in trouble for not having straight horizons, but this was intentional and artistic. Photography is the extent of my artistic ability. haha. On a photography kick. One of my hobbies and relaxing activities.

Th-S

So I thought this title was fitting for two reasons. 1. This is a post for Thursday through Saturday. 2. THS stands for Tafuna High School. 

Thursday morning spent a little time writing down a few notes on the table on our porch. So peaceful in the morning. Hannah and I got on a bus and then the guys (Florida friends) picked us up on the Tafuna road. We missed them at the bottom of their hill only by a few minutes. Oh well.

So a few of my football players leave some of their gear in the corner of my room throughout the day. It doesn't bother me, and it saves them from having to carry it all around all day. They don't have any locker rooms on campus for them to use.

Did a little intro lesson into Astronomy as the fourth branch of Earth and Space Science, which consisted of us discussing how big the solar system is and how far away planets are from one another. We made a scale and I found comparisons on driving and flying time if it were possible. Millions and millions of miles between the planets. Got some of the students to come up and help with the model, so it was an interactive lesson. It was fun to look through some of their notes and see how detailed some are, like this one with the little drawings of planets. It's great!

This student commented that Pluto would always be a planet to him since it has a name :-)

In Marine Science class with my seniors, I gave them the first 15 minutes to practice their raps about the light zones of the oceans before performing. There were some really good ones, and I even had a group of 3 boys volunteer to go first. I was impresse with some of them, and it was fun. Nice break from all the notes we took earlier in the week.

Walked and took the bus home and saw a few of my students on the way, took my walk up the steep hill to finish my exercise, and then the guys invited us up for Mexican night. Headed up there where we had some chicken enchiladas, guacamole, rice, and veggies. Mexican food on the island cooked by our awesome field director. Was also fun to just hang out for the evening.

Friday morning four of us rode all the way to school with the guys. I rode with them 4 out of the 5 days this week. Really nice of them to let us come along, but they do go right by our school on their way to work, so it works out well when they go in at normal time. Left a little earlier today so got to school about 7:30. As I actually was caught up on grading, I spent some time working on my lessons for the next week, which was nice.

Knew there was going to be some sort of assembly but also knew I wouldn't know what our schedule looked like until we arrived Friday morning. The guys thought that was crazy. Just how it is. No 6th and 7th period today for our official Welcome Back Assembly and Pep Rally combo. Sort of wish that we would have just had all shortened periods as I lost my prep period for the day and didn't get to teach my students from 6th period, but it will work out. Sucessful lesson and activities in Earth and Space Science on Environmental Science, the final branch of our intro week. Marine Science we took some notes on oceans, and then I had them work on a brochure in groups. They were getting restless as this was our last learning period of the day before heading to lunch and the assembly.

2.5 hours. Repeat 2.5 hours. This is how long the assembly and pep rally lasted on Friday. Wowza. The welcome back portion included recognizing faculty and staff and reminders of school policy and some performances from the Show Choir. Then, there were introductions of all the football players, softball players, and volleyball players. Lots of names. Finally, there were a few entertainment performances by small groups of students. Rather interesting. Way different than what we did back home at these events, but entertaining and an interesting experience.

This is the Varsity football team sitting in the back together. They all wore ties with their school uniform today (similar to dressing up before/on game day back home).

This is the JV team:

Gym was full with students. I was getting tired of sitting up on bleachers for that long, I don't know how the students managed sitting on the floor like this the whole time. My foot or leg would have definitely fallen asleep. haha

This is a photo of the football players doing some sort of traditional warrior dance/chant, which was culturally intriguing for me. They did this same thing after the game on Saturday. They all partake in it with such power.

All faculty and staff were presented with ulas made out of real flowers. Boy did they smell florally too. haha

Headed home, exercised a bit, showered, and laid and watched the bats as dusk fell. Bat watching. Woo! Then, we had a little girls' night with the 5 of us who live in Pava'ia'i before heading into town to do a little dancing, where the guys joined us for a while. Had a good time. I had been itching to dance after that pep rally with all the song and dance on stage. Talented kids.

Saturday morning heading to the one and only football field on island for the JV and Varisty football games today. The Battle of the Toas (warriors) - the Warrios vs. the Vikings. Hannah and I went in at 8am and watched both games. I brought my nice camera along and was anxious to take some football photos. Haven't in a year, and I had a great time. The band literally was making noise the entire time, and there were students constantly cheering. I enjoyed taking photos again. Have 416 from the two games.

The varsity team was all sitting together for the JV game, and several of my students and some other players said hi to me as I walked in. I made sure each of my students knew I was there.

The JV game ended up a tie at 20-20. Didn't know we could end in ties in football. I wonder if that is just a JV thing. The Varsity game began 5 minutes after the JV game ended, as the boys had been warming up on the side.

This ist he JV team walking out together at the beginning:

Here are some action shots from the Varsity game:

I am looking forward to sharing the photos with the boys. Varsity ended up winning by a lot. Demolished the Vikings.

After the game, I headed down to the field and Uncle Tye stops me. Yeah, the uncle I met on the bus, whose nephew is in my class. He gave me a big hug, asked how things were going, and said from what Malo tells him sounds like I'm doing a good job. It was so great to see him, he's such a fun guy to talk with.

Here's two of my students - Aisa and Jipo with Jipo's dad after the game.

Here's a few players I hadn't met before but wanted their picture taken, but I do know Fred in the white on the right.

Fun football filled morning. It's also cool that Tafuna has maroon as on of their colors, so I was reminiscing taking photos at the Morningside games. Today, we played against the Fagatua Vikings, who wear red. Made me think of Husker red. Both made me feel at home today.

Went to lunch with some friends afterwards at the Deluxe Cafe before heading home a different route than I usually take. A bus driver offered me a ride to shorten my walk to Pava'ia'i free of charge. I was the only one on the bus, and we had a nice little chat. I thanked him and started walking again, when the next thing I hear is "Jessica, get in. It's too hot to be walking." haha. Guess who... it was my principal. She and her family then dropped me off at home. She had seen us at the game, was glad we came, and asked me what I thought of it and the pep rally. A little different from home I said but I enjoyed it. Although every day is an adventure, Saturday is designated adventure day.

I finally got to Skype my friend Cassie after doing my laundry quick, then I took a nap on the porch, relaxed, chatted with Hannah, and finally caught up on my blog and looked through my football photos. I also went on a run outside. I'm not usually a big fan of running, but wasn't sure what else to do so I did it. Came back dripping in sweat and red in the face. haha Also a little out of breath for my power walk up the steep hill to finish the workout.

I'm off to bed now as I finish this. Hope you all had a nice weekend :-)

Notes, Outfits, Rides, and Walks

Tuesday morning got a ride all the way to work with the Florida friends. Frank had asked once what time we usually get on the bus in the morning. I said about 7:15, and he suggested we should wait at the bottom of the hill as they usually leave between 7 and 7:15 (some days earlier). Figured I'd give it a shot, and if they didn't come down by 7:15 I would get on a bus. I saw so many white vehicles come down that hill that were teasing me, as the guys drive a white SUV. As 7:15 rolled around I decided I would get on the next bus, but then here they came. Life saved. haha. They literally go right by the high school on their way to work, so it's a win win :)

Before school started, David stopped in my room. David was one of the students that came for our teaching practicums. It was nice to see him. Great kid. I also see Tauesi around; he and David were in my first photo with Samoan students.

Talked about the second branch of Earth Science today with my Junior classes - oceanography. We discussed some basics and worked on an ocean exploration map. In Marine Science class with my Seniors, we basically took notes all day working on a timeline on the history of oceanography. They handled it well. Gotta have a few days where all we do is take notes. They need the practice.

Received several compliments on my outfit today - from security, to office ladies, to other teachers, to students. I had this black and white top made by the sew shop right in front of our apartment to wear with my Tafuna uniform skirt. The students wear white shirts with theirs all the time, but I wanted mine to be different. So many compliments on it, it was exhausting. haha

Walked down the Tafuna road and then got on a getting close to full bus. A group gets off, and then here comes Vimoto, one of my students, and sits in front of me. One of my really good students, always helping hand notebooks back out. He says "I thought you walk home." Yeah, I walk part of the way home. Usually 20 minutes before the bus ride.

Did some exercise when I came home again finishing by heading up Kenko Hill again. One of the little neighbor boys, JJ, asked me where I was going. I told him I was walking to the top of the hill and back down. "All the way to the top of that hill?" Yes, sir. Saw the Florida guys at the bottom, as they were on their way to run/walk 2 miles up a hill. I'd walk up, but no running up the hill for this girl (at least not as of now haha).

Saw JJ when I came back. "You're back already?!" Yep. I even stood at the top for a while. I noticed he had a football in his hands, and I ended up playing catch with him for a bit. I miss having my football. It was fun :-)

Then, got some ice cream with the roommates, sat under one of our fales (little roofed shelters), and watched the flying foxes for a while before heading in. This sleepy head worked on lessons for a bit and then just fell asleep.

Woke up Wednesday and went over my plans for the day before catching a ride with Frank and the guys again. Two days in a row. Woot!

Topic in Earth Science today was an Intro into Meteorology and Climatology. Took a lot of notes because I figured it would be good for the Juniors, as well. Took a few notes in Marine Science, and then I decided to break them into groups to see how they handled a little music project. Their task is to make a rap song about the information we discussed today - the three light zones of the ocean - Sunlit, Twilight, and Midnight. Some of them look like they have some great stuff in the mix, so I am looking forward to their performances Thursday.

A few of my classes needed a little break among the many notes we were taking, so I showed them the sun salutation from yoga. Some thought it was funny, some enjoyed it, and most of my boys even did it. I threatened one class if they talked any more during class that we would do this on stage at the pep rally in front of everyone on Friday. That silenced 2nd period pretty quickly. haha

Received compliments on my skirt again today. The one I wore today is the one item I received from the giveaway at orientation - donations from previous volunteers. Must be the design. Sam says to me, "where are you getting all of these nice outfits?" This one was free, my friend. haha.

He also liked my turtle necklace, which I said one of my best friends brought back for me from Mexico.

Then, I realized I was wearing items from various countries today. So far we have a skirt from Samoa, a necklace from Mexico...

Here is a bracelet from Ecuador...

and here is a bracelet from Colombia (another gift from a friend).

Top this all of with a plain old American white t-shirt. I didn't really think much of my outfit today, but then realized it says something about me. I like traveling.

"Traveling - it leaves you speechless then turns you into a storyteller." -Ibn Batulla

After work today I was on a mission to walk all the way home for once. Walked rather quickly the first stretch and then slowed down some. Was about 5 minutes away from home, when Robert pulled over. I met Robert a few weeks ago at the Koko Bean. He works at the airport, we had a nice chat, and he said if I ever need a ride to give him a call. He asked if I had been walking the whole way, and today yes I was. He reminded me if I ever really need a ride just to let him know. Don't worry, I will. I told him it was great to see him again. He's been reading my blog some and is enjoying it.

The walk took me about an hour, and my feet are tired. haha. It was nice though. Not very often that I ever would just walk for 30 minutes, let alone an hour. Walking is nice; it's good for the soul. Not sure how often I'll make the whole trek, but it was good for today :-)

Fa'afetai!

Fa'afetai means thank you, and you will read some things I said thanks for on my 2nd Monday as a volunteer teacher.

Woke up and went in to work early this morning. Rode the bus, walked most of the way down the road, and then one of the administrators picked me up. He's the one with the keys for the office. There were others waiting outside the office when we arrived. Started hanging up some of the art pieces my students had done last Friday, but I didn't get them all finished before class as I wanted to look over a few things for my lessons.

I learn things every day, but today I have a few lessons I want to share with you. I'll mention them throughout this post. I'm also going to share a few quotes that I enjoy and have written in my quote book.

"You learn something every day if you pay attention." -Ray LeBland

Lesson #1: Don't pick up rocks on your way to work in American Samoa and leave them in the classroom. They tend to bring ants in with them. Whoops. haha. Oh well, I think I removed most of them. These are the culprit rocks:

For Earth and Space Science I came up with a slightly different idea this morning, so I tweaked my lesson a bit for the day. The plan for this week is an intro into each of the five branches of Earth Science this week, and I started with Geology today. The new intro activity I came up with involved going outside, taking a survey of where rocks are located on campus, and making a geologic map. It worked smoothly for the most part, except second period. They're the class I need to work on, but only one for now :-)

For marine science, we did an introduction into how things float and discussed buoyancy. We also discussed what happened with the Titanic. This story I pulled from our class textbook. After some intro material I split the students into groups and we had a little boat making competition. Each group received the same amount of aluminum foil. Had some different designs. You can see one in the bottom left corner of this photo below. I brought a pan from home to use for our lake and pulled clothespins and erasers out of my desk for weights. It was a fun activity. Most of them built pretty decent boats, too.

After lunch, those three football players hung back for a bit again and helped me finish hanging up the artwork. Those boys... but it was nice to have some help with all these sheets. Also nice to hide some of that big ugly wall in the back with some great artwork.

Here's some close up shots of some of my favorite ones. They're all great, but a few tend to stand out.

Lesson #2: Don't tell the Samoan students that you like chocolate milk unless you want a handful of cartons after lunch. haha. Not such a bad thing. I brought the four of them home. Been a while since I've had chocolate milk, and it was good.

Lesson #3: Pay attention if you want to know who leaves a flower on your desk to be able to thank them. I feel like I may have seen a student with this flower in 1st or 2nd period, but I'm not really sure. Next thing I know during my lunch period, I look at my desk and there is a nice flower in my pencil holder. Nice touch of brightness to my boring desk for a while. Wish I could thank whoever did it, but a silent thank you will have to do. I got flowers today. Wow.
"Don't ever put anything past kids. They will surprise you in the best ways." -James Van der Beek

Lesson #4: It never hurts to ask. This is why "Always ask" is one of my classroom rules. I want my students to ask me questions. "Sometimes all you have to do is ask." -Randy Pausch, author of The Last Lecture. (A great quick read, by the way.)

Anyways, what was I asking for you may wonder after a great day in school. Left work about 4:10, stopped at the bank, and made my walk back up the Tafuna road. A couple guys waved and honked as they went by (and I was getting close to the big main road). I saw them waiting in the turning lane as I approached and figured might as well ask where they're headed. My way, and they were willing to drop me off in Pava'ia'i. One of them is from Fiji and just moved here 4 weeks ago and repairs AC, refrigerators, etc. Turns out he came and worked on the AC apparently in the home of my landlord. Small world :) They were fun to talk to, and I was appreciative of the ride home, not that I really mind the bus.

I had a great day at school and a great ride home, but great things continued to happen. Came home and checked my Facebook. Found this written on my page written by a friend from Morningside:

~President Reynders mentioned you in his speech at convocation today. He said that you were "one of his favorite students" and that you had made a difference on campus and were doing so by teaching. I felt so proud to say that I knew you and thought I would let you know the good things people are saying about you! :) Hope you're having a stellar time teaching!~

Wow... Crazy! I don't ever expect to hear people say things like that about me. I love the work that I do and all the things I did at Morningside. It was weird to think that a new year is starting there, and I no longer live at my second home -Morningsie College. I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for some of the people I met and my experiences there. I wrote my friend a message back and saying thanks and telling her that I'm glad to know her, too. My fellow SERVE friends and I dreamed of leaving a legacy with what we started and looks like it could be on track.

"Understand and be confident that each of us can make a difference by caring and acting in small as well as big ways." -Marian Wright Edelman

I was already in a super good mood and now I was even more energized. Decided to go do a workout in our yard, which was nice. After sweating it up a bit, I decided to power walk up Kenko Hill before the cooling off on my walk down. Made it all the way to the top, admired the view for a moment, and made my way back down. Exercise feels good.

Finally came home, showered, ate some stewed tomatoes and a corned beef sandwich, checked some emails, and hung a few things on my wall at home.

I am full of thanks today. Fa'afetai! Hope you all have a great day! Hope you can feel my exuberance from wherever you are :-)