I know why the birds are angry...

Is it wrong to want an iPad just so you can play Angry Birds?

We have an iPad 1 and an iPad 2 at work that we're testing to see how they work with the online components of course work. Part of that testing is making sure that we can help students that may have trouble. Part of that included downloading apps. Now, when I download apps I try to find something free and "educational." While I was at lunch yesterday, someone was testing out the new Apple Cloud app store downloading and downloaded a bunch of games. When I came back, I was told to download a free app to try it out. With everyone watching, I chose the first free thing at hand... Angry Birds. Well, I actually looked around for awhile for something more... ahem... "educational" but alas, nothing could be found. Ahem.

I had heard about it... the "addictive" properties, the fun. I had even had someone show me the app on their phone. So during a quick break, I decided to give it a whirl. It was the hardest thing to put it down and go back to work. Now, I want to play it at home. I'm pathetic; I know.

Besides Angry Birds, I've become relatively proficient in all things iPad related. I've spent more time on Apple products in the last 3 weeks than I have since we used to play games on an old Apple IIc.

The iPad has such awesome capabilities for being a tool in the classroom. Need to demonstrate the piano/scales to your students? There's an app for that! :) There are so many great programs that allow you to enhance the classroom environment with very little output (money/time) on the part of the teacher.

I'm really hoping to get to play with Doceri someday soon. It gives you an interactive whiteboard (some schools have those now!) but with the ability to move around the room while "writing" on the board or pre-arrange a presentation.

I'm totally jazzed about some of what I'm doing. It's nice to feel invested in something and part of a team. There are days where I'd rather be working with kids or outside and not in my concrete cave but I like my job. I've tried hard to keep a good attitude about it. In the beginning, it was rather frustrating. I would come to work and there wasn't a set list of responsibilities as the work ebbed and flowed. It was frustrating, I wanted to feel productive and all I could do was clean out my inbox. I missed the freedom and responsibilities I had in my previous jobs. I still feel that way sometimes. But then I can pick up the iPad and work on my "testing." ;) Actually, (sadly :P ) I usually end up filing or shredding when I finish my work but at least I'm productive with my time.

Things I've learned...

Things I've learned from my new job as an agricultural assistant:

• That numb feeling in my lips? Sunburn.
• Your hair looks lighter as your skin gets darker.
• Don't hit the clutch in the county vehicle; it's not there.
• Don't forget the clutch when you get back in your own car.
• I now understand how the pioneers felt walking all day everyday.
  
• Parking a Porsche under a sticky trap; not a good idea.
• People go out in the oddest states: no shirts (men only, thank goodness), old fashioned pajamas or smoking an old fashioned pipe while shirtless and driving a red scooter.
• College textbooks can be used as a platform for changing a tire.

Of all of the unusual and interesting things I've discovered at my new job, the best is that I really enjoy my work and am really blessed by it. You can't ask for more than that!

Reality

Tap tap tappity tap… tap tap tap. My fingers move reluctantly over the keys. Tappity, tap. This is never easy. Tap. I play with words. “Due to budget cuts.” “stepping down, leaving?, no longer on staff.” The words don’t make it easier. I finally get it done; proof read and make the final changes. There it is: “Due to leadership vision for children’s ministry (talk to ____ for more details) which will help our current budget needs, as well as my desire to complete my education, I will no longer be on staff here at church after June 30^th.”

So much is summed up in that one sentence. It contains hints of what’s to come and the bold truth of the present.