Big Changes...

Well, it's been awhile and a lot has changed. As I type, I'm sitting in a computer lab at Chaska High School, learning about the technology we'll be using this coming school year.

Big Change #1: I got a wonderful new job! I will be teaching Language Arts and Theater at Pioneer Ridge Freshmen Center in Chaska. I've met my new colleagues and they are wonderful. Also, my room is so big and pretty and has windows to the outside! :)

Big Change #2: I moved! I'm now living in Minneapolis, off of Loring Park, with a girlfriend from college. The apartment is very nice and I'm enjoying accomodating to city life after three years of suburban life. I'm starting to get the hang of the bus system, and I've discovered the quickest way to get to Chaska.

Other than that, life is just zipping along. I took two grad classes this summer, so I'm now halfway through my Masters program, which is super exciting. I've gone to several weddings of family and friends and I've made it up to the cabin several times.

Also, I have two book recommendations to share:

The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-time Indian by Sherman Alexie: Hilarious and moving story about a young Indian boy who leaves his reservation each day to attend the local White high school.

A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier by Ishmael Beah: Incredible story about a young boy who loses his family during the civil war in Sierra Leone and is recruited into the government army at age 13. Absolutely mesmerizing and heartbreaking and full of hope.