Update

Okay, okay... I apologize for not writing in a while. Here are our updates:


Ross
Sept. 25 was Ross' 31st birthday! We celebrated by going out to eat at an Indian restaurant, Balbir's. Unfortunately, some issues with the bank prevented me from being able to buy him any gifts or even a card, but I made up for that by baking him a huge batch of cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting- all made from scratch. (FYI- challah dough makes tasty cinnamon rolls.)

With classes in full swing, Ross' days are now very full. He teaches a course of research methods, which is required for all the second year students in his department. The course is done in two parts- a big lecture (with all the students in one room) and seminar groups (where the students are broken up into smaller groups to do practical work). This term, Ross has 120 students. Thankfully, he loves his job because teaching for 4-7 hours a day sure is tiring.


Planty Guy
Our wee cilantro plant is still alive and thriving. After weeks of surviving in his original container, Planty Guy was looking a bit grim, so I decided he needed a change of venue. The previous tenants left several clay pots sitting around in the garden- most complete with dead plants. Transplanting him proved a bit more complicated than I expected as we didn't have any gardening tools or proper soil. But it all worked out for the best and he appears to be pleased with his new accomodations. I am proud that I've managed to keep him alive this long!


Release the Word
We have gotten involved in the student ministry at our church, Release the Word. This year the focus is a bible overview, designed to help students develop good bible skills and to understand how the bible fits together and points to Jesus. Ross and I are helping to lead small groups. It was exciting that at our first study we had over 50 students show up! This week my small group grew from 3 girls to 10!

Jennie
After months of applications, I finally have a job! The position is as a secretary in the Dept. of Educational Studies at Glasgow University. It is only a 6 month post, but there is chance for the contract to be extended. And if nothing else, it is a great place to start. October 5 was my first day. So far I am enjoying it and I can't even tell you how good it is to be back at work. It is also really nice to start building relationships with people outside of church again.

Of course, working full-time has presented a new challenge to my time management skills and I am still figuring out how to stay balanced. The new job is the main reason that I haven't been on-line updating as much. Working means lots of little changes- Doing chores on the weekends, having less energy for socializing, and planning out meals in advance (I finally starting using our slow cooker- I love it!). I think I am actually starting to feel like an adult... maybe.