Trying My Patience

The last week or so, the boys have been trying my patience. I knew this time would come; I guess I just didn't suspect so soon. Many of the decisions the higher ups are making about their freedoms are being pinned on me and my immediate house staff, when we really have no control over it, and the boys are rebelling. Not to mention the general boneheaded decisions that middle schoolers make. For instance, we had 6 kids try to escape in the middle of the night over the fence, and they were swiftly caught. They were trying to go to the closed gas station for microwave noodles.

One of my kids discovered the n-word in a rap song and doesn't seem to realize the implications of the word, so that's been fun. Another kid tried to pass the argument with me that "all boys our age watch porn. You know we need to be able to." That was hard not to laugh through. He legitimately thought that would change the IT department's mind about their policies on porn.

It's been a long week, but I'm off tomorrow and the next day, and I can't wait. Last off days, we hiked up the famous Sunrise Peak, which was beautiful. My birthday was Wednesday, and the love shown to me from friends far and near was really revitalizing as far as the bad week I was having and the homesickness. It felt really good. My roommates from college sent me a book about bourbon which was awesome, and I received cards from several family members including both sets of grandparents and my dear Aunt Sue. Thanks so much, everyone! You made the week much better!

Wednesday night I went out with two friends to a local pub that had a decent beer or two on tap, and we turned in early since I had to work the next morning. It was a great birthday overall. Tuesday, we're planning on going transparent kayaking if the weather holds up, and I can't wait. I'm looking forward to Skyping with my sister and my parents, and I had wonderful Skype sessions earlier this week with several friends. Fingers crossed that grandma and grandpa Bedell can get it up and running soon!

I've been surprisingly discovering a ton of music since I got here. Some of the albums I'm growing to love:
Former Lives - Benjamin Gibbard
This Is All Yours - alt-J
They Want My Soul - Spoon
In The Lonely Hour - Sam Smith
Caustic Love - Paolo Nuttini
Wish I Was Here (Soundtrack) - Various Artists
Story Of My Life - Shakey Graves

All worth your time. I am starting to crave American foods and drinks. I'm compiling a large list of must-haves for December. My friend Mandaline is in Saint Louis this weekend, and I'm jealous of the Ted Drewes and other things she's having. December is soon! I had Quizno's today, which felt really dirty and like cheating for some reason. But it was delicious, and I regret nothing.

Another highlight of the week was hearing from my good pal Michael Meyer, who I hope to be conversing more with soon. Such a gem! Besides that, life's going overall well, and I hope to hear from anyone and everyone soon. Have a good one!