No, I didn't die...

Hey all....so sorry I've been out of it of late. My life is so very interesting, and I have neglected to share my adventures with you.

Life has gotten much more routine, and with meeting new people and new experiences it has only become more and more busy.

I am now in a Hebrew class at a local Jewish Community Center. I have taken two semesters of Hebrew, but going into this class I felt like I knew next to nothing. The teacher is tough--in the best sense of the word. She likes to speak to us in Hebrew rather than English; altough, she will use English when our eyes start to glaze over;) The Lord has been gracious, and I am catching on.

Learning Hebrew creates all manner of interesting experiences. Take yesterday for example: I went into D.C. with my sister who is interviewing for jobs. I had the day off because Mr Wichterman is home this week. Anyhow, while Jeanetee interviewed, I went and sat in the park located next door to the White House. I amused myself with many things: studying Hebrew, playing with the overly tame wildlife, reading, and observing the many people around me.

As I was studying a police officer came up to me. I didn't feel cause for alarm...I wasn't even feeding the wildlife:)

He asked about the Hebrew I was studying. (I had my book out, and I'll admit, a red headed young person studying Hebrew is rather random.) He was amazed at my interest in the Middle East. His father is from Iraq, (believe you me, I would never have guessed this guy to be his son, with blond hair and all). But, as he pointed out, he has a middle eastern nose--unlike my stubby, non-middle eastern nose, and he also jokingly pointed out, *wink* His mother from the states. His wife is a Jew, he is Muslim. Yeah, that was my reaction too. I even asked about how that worked exactly. They just had their first child, and he explained that it was becoming a bit more of an issue, but that because neither really seriously practiced their faith it wasn't too bad.
We talked for 40 minutes. We talked about our families, we talked about how he was one of the police officers walking next to President Bush during the inauguration, *sniff*, we talked about the war in Iraq especially concerning his father, and we also talked about his job patroling the park.

Julie, "Any protests today?"
Policeman: (don't remember his name), "No, but we arrested over 300 people yesterday during the anti-war protest. Today, I'm just watching that guy with the big white cross."
Julie: "What?"
Policeman: "Yeah look over there by the White House."
Julie: "What is his issue?"
Policeman: "Well, his signs say that the CIA kidnapped his daughter, and that President Bush is keeping her locked up in the White House."

My straight face was gone, and gales of laughter followed. All in a day's work, hehe.


For the homeschoolers out there, we are socialized!! hehe, just had to say that. He seemed amazed at my, zeal? for life. I think zeal is a good word. We didn't get into the discussion of my religion yesterday because I had to leave, (amazingly he didn't want me to go--I think he was enjoying the conversation 'cause walking around a park all day can get dull.)
After discovering that his family lives about two blocks from me, we decided to keep in touch--babysitter, you know?:)

So, I do ask for your prayers. He even talked about how random our meeting up was. I see it as an opportunity. It does seem that he and his wife are searching for something.

So, if you think of it, pray for him, k?


My work as a nanny is swell. The kids are more and more at ease with me, and I am really enjoying them too.

I've gotten involved in a church out here. It's big, but I am starting to meet people, which is always good for a people lovin' person such as myself.

So, that is a quick summary of my life so far. I know I've left much out, but that will have to suffice for now.

Later.

Julie

Oh to be a kid again...

Where your latest "ego crisis" concerns which bike is better, and who can ride faster....
When the latest emotional crisis is deciding who will show daddy the recording feature on the barbie toy--which is cleared up in a matter of moments when a video tape causes a distraction...
And when local "girl gossip" centers around the latest toys, sea shells, and homework. Ahhh, yes, the simple life.

I do love the way kids look at life. They enjoy it, and more importantly, they live it to the fullest.



Life here has settled into it's own D.C. like pace. I'm actually really enjoying life here, and the kids are really precious. They all look like me--red heads, *wink*

For instance: at the gocery store this morning...

Checker, "She is such a cute little girl." (talking about the youngest girl I watch.)
Customer in front of me, "Yes, she is" (looking at me), "Do you have more?"
Me, "Oh, she's not mine--I'm her nanny."
Customer, "Oh, good I wondered because you look like such a baby yourself."

hehe, some things will never change.

I've met many new people around the neighborhood already. Many are from other countries. It's fun to chat about their countries, and their lives here. I have always been amazed by all the creativity God put into humanity. So different, and yet so alike.

Gotta run for now.

God bless.

J

My new title....Nanny

Well, here I sit in Fairfax Virginia. My new job has begun...I am now officially a Nanny. It's been really great so far. The nanny that I am replacing is an absolute blast. We are continually amazed at how much we have in common. From personality traits, to the kind of food we like to eat.
She's especially happy-go-lucky because she got engaged over the weekend. I guess that happy, giddy stuff happens to people in love;) As one of my friends and I would often say while observing new couples..."They are in the ooohhh, ahhhh stage." The happy-go-lucky, ummm, happy state of being. You all know what I'm talking about.
Anyhow, I think I will like this change. I was a bit of a blubbering mess last night, with the whole getting used to a new way of life. Thank the Lord for moms that take the time to cry and listen to their kids. Guys generally don't understand the emotional craziness that comes with the female gender, but sometimes we just need to cry, and then we feel much better. Don't ask me to explain, I don't get it myself, *wink*

I think I will really like my location once I get used to it. I'm about a five minute walk from the metro into DC. That I can get used to. I'm able to get out in the afternoons to take a run on the trail. So, for those who have memories of the lunchtime HSLDA workout girl, it hasn't stopped;)

Sigh....I still miss my life at HSLDA...the PA callers and the like hehe, but I also do sense that God has me here for this season, so I'm going to make the most of it.

Anyhow...I'll keep you all updated as I continue to get settled in. Keep in touch!

Jules.


Oh, FYI....the Cards won the third of their three games against the Nats. Just had to, ahem share. And did I mention it was 6 to 0 again? Nuf said. This gloating is going to come back and bite. Let the series from last year be my humble reminder, *wink* Later.

They did it!!

What can I say, my midwest boys came through, and I was there to see it! The Cardinals played the Nats today, and I was there watching. They won 6 to nothing with the Nats not getting beyond first base all night. It was a sweet victory especially considering their loss last night. Anyhow, it was fun.
The people watcher in me loves baseball games. From the Cardinals fan behind us who had his young sons worked up over every play to the point of screaming, to the guy next to me who filled out every detail of the score card and left at the bottom of the 7th with a humph of disgust. (He was a Nats fan.) Then there was the rather large man who wanted to excite the Cardinals fans in my row by doing...jumping jacks??? He made it to 20 before desolving into a laughing fit.--Or the young couple who got the attention they must have felt they needed by skipping down the isle. People--gotta love 'em.

After the game we got off the metro and explored the Kennedy Center. I'd never been there, but now I know I have to go back and see something. I had no idea it was that big or that grand. Oh to be a dancer on that stage...sigh...

After dinner and a much needed sip of water...more like gulps of water, we headed home.

Now here I sit still loving the sweet taste of victory. Last home game I saw my boys play, they lost...bad, and the one lone Royals fan hiding in the back until the Royals began to win, rubbed it in my nose...so now, I guess it is my turn;)


Good night and go Cardinals!!!

I've joined this...world

So-I too have now joined the blog world. I love to read my sister's blog, so I figured I'd return the favor, *wink*

I also think that with my new adventure as a nanny, (starts Monday) a blog would be ideal to describe the new and different, ummm...happenings in my life.

What you may expect from me should you decide to continue to read....

Random thought much of the time.

Drum roll please....I just wrote my first, deep, thoughful, and otherwise boring blog post, enjoy!