I am anticipating the close of this week, the warmer temperatures and the golden orb of light and heat returning with such ardor I can hardly stand it. For nine days, no more jolting out of slumber in a stupor. No more hall monitoring (for a week). No more hearing my name said repeatedly. No more doo-dads.
Instead, more sleeping until my body is good and ready to awake. More staying up when I do my best thinking, writing and being still. More getting things done and actually having a sense of accomplishment. More writing. More time with my family. More long stretches in the sun on the deck. More.
To the 'more of life'.
May you have more of all that you wished or dreamed.
March 30, 2011
Could Not Be Prouder
I don't have much time to spend any length on this right now. It has been an extremely full last week and a half in a week two years long. I can not go any longer, however, without sharing two extremely proud moments for me this past weekend.
This is MY Mom:
You have to understand, THIS is so out of her comfort zone, so 'out of the box' for her, to use a worn cliche'. She was an incredible sport and laughed and actually seemed to really get into it. She was comical to watch her launch herself off each platform so I would stay back and be one of the last to go each time just so I could watch her and see her face. She joked and laughed with the zip guide, Casey, and I couldn't have been prouder than I was this day.
Then there's Dad:
Mr. Pink Floyd's 'Learning to Fly'. Mr. "Once You've Jumped Out of An Airplane, You're Fearless". Mr. "Hang.Upside.Down". Get a load a' this:
Yep. That's my Dad. Coolest guy you'll ever meet, I promise.
This is MY Mom:
Then there's Dad:
Mr. Pink Floyd's 'Learning to Fly'. Mr. "Once You've Jumped Out of An Airplane, You're Fearless". Mr. "Hang.Upside.Down". Get a load a' this:
March 29, 2011
Late Night Alumni- Meant To Be [HQ]
You tell me love is standing next to you
There's not much about love that I understand
And here you are again despite
The imposable.. improbable
That's how I know this love is more than usual
This is just what I need
And here you are again to take my hand
You stay with me
And take another chance
This is what was meant to be
Took so long for you and me
I figured out the way to go
Yes I know you told me so
Now I have the eyes to see
Some things make sense more than others
Things of the heart seldom do
But here you are again
And now I understand
I'll take this gift you've given me
This is what was meant to be
Took so long for you and me
I figured out the way to go
Yes I know you told me so
Now I have the eyes to see
The Boy Who Couldn't Stop Dreaming - Club 8
When I'm with you baby
I can close my eyes
And when I hear you
Maybe I can put my thoughts aside
*This is the safest way
Cause you were the boy
Who couldn't stop dreaming
And I was just like you
So why not admit to me
It's the only way for you*
You have a word of comfort
When I'm feeling down
And I have words of comfort
When you feel so down
All you wanted to say was goodbye
You had to get on with your life
All you wanted to say was goodbye
Goodbye
March 24, 2011
Spooning and Zipping
Typing on my little grains of oats again so this will be very short. I just had to say, I love my friends that we have lengthy and in-depth conversations on the merits, pros/cons and nuances of spooning. I love my friends.
In other news, our family entourage zipline excursion is this weekend. My Mom is participating. Expect a post to follow. And pictures. Lots of pictures. I love her like crazy.
Good night.
Sweet dreams.
Until we meet again....
In other news, our family entourage zipline excursion is this weekend. My Mom is participating. Expect a post to follow. And pictures. Lots of pictures. I love her like crazy.
Good night.
Sweet dreams.
Until we meet again....
One more thing...
One more quirk of mine that occurred to me on my way home.
- I am religious about keeping my hands out of the sun while I'm driving. I chase the shade around my steering wheel and use sunscreen on them while in the car.
March 23, 2011
The Green Children - Dragons (Part 2)
I have taken a liking to this group. Creative video with a story. Incredible voice.
So This Is It
Day Thirty - Where do you think you will be in five years?
I am not sure at what angle to tackle this question. I could say where I would like to be or I could detail what possibilities are available. I can not know the future. Not in any detailed specific way, anyway.
The overwhelming thought is this: when my parents were sitting at this point where I am now with a in senior in high school, they had no idea that in five years I would be married, graduating college and having their first grandchild. We had put our life on super speed. There is a reason for everything.
The absolutes:
I am not sure at what angle to tackle this question. I could say where I would like to be or I could detail what possibilities are available. I can not know the future. Not in any detailed specific way, anyway.
The overwhelming thought is this: when my parents were sitting at this point where I am now with a in senior in high school, they had no idea that in five years I would be married, graduating college and having their first grandchild. We had put our life on super speed. There is a reason for everything.
The absolutes:
- Both children will be out of high school with one either finished with college or nearly done and the other half way through.
- Empty nest for at least two years or longer.
The truly viable possibilities:
- One or both of my children could be engaged. It isn't out of the reach that this could be a reality.
- A new career teaching at the college level.
- A shift completely away from teaching at all and writing both my own things as well as articles for Greg's growing business.
- Living full-time overseas in Nicaragua.
The hopefuls:
- That both of my kids are fully surrendered and following the unique journey God has for each one.
- Regardless of where I am, that I am living much more simply with less but giving so much more - time, money, energy to things that truly matter.
- If not debt-free and not relying on banks/credit/etc. then almost there.
- Out from under this house/mortgage - one way or another. Both houses, actually.
- Doing what I was created to do. Fulfilling my purpose, whatever that may be.
Endings are Just a Door to New Beginnings
I don't have much to say here except: Tomorrow is the last 'day' of this thirty day challenge I have put on myself as a way to be more intentional about doing what I love deeply. It is said a habit is formed if the task can be repeated for twenty-one days. I will have succeeded in that by tomorrow. Other than skipping one day to vent, I have consistently made it a point to be here every day. Even the vent counted in conveying words I needed to say.
I am hopeful that I will continue to be regular with thoughts and stories here. I have several 'in the works' already. These next couple of months will prove to be very interesting but the pace will also prove daunting as it escalates at the school year's end and as graduation approaches. However, summer and stretches of time await and I look forward to getting to exist in my natural circadian rhythm.
I will 'see' you tomorrow.
Sweet dreams.
I am hopeful that I will continue to be regular with thoughts and stories here. I have several 'in the works' already. These next couple of months will prove to be very interesting but the pace will also prove daunting as it escalates at the school year's end and as graduation approaches. However, summer and stretches of time await and I look forward to getting to exist in my natural circadian rhythm.
I will 'see' you tomorrow.
Sweet dreams.
Minding your Propensities and Quirks
Day Twenty-nine - Write about any particular habits/mannerisms you have.
#1 Mannerism of mine: Twirling my hair
I have done this, according to my Mom, since I had enough hair to do so. By the age of two I was twirling my hair to go to sleep. I have done this all my life-when I am sleepy/tired, bored, 'zoning', stressed, thinking a lot (there, I just did it) or listening intently to someone. There was a time I twirled it so much my wrists would ache in the morning. I don't think I do it so much to go to sleep anymore. It generally occurs more often during the day for any of the above mentioned reasons. There have been times that I have gotten two twirls going if I am riveted in some sort of cerebral calisthenics.
There is a bit of an art to it, really. It starts with a gathering of the right thickness of strand and shaking a it through my fingers. Then I rapidly weave the strand through each finger and back again. I loop, tie it in a knot and rub the strand. Finally at one point I will probably pull my fingers to the very end and tap on the ends.
At one point I told myself that a grown woman looked silly twirling her hair. I have since dismissed that notion. It is a part of me and has been from the beginning. If I am 80 and twirling a silver white bundle of wispy hair, I will be glad that it shows evidence I am still an intense thinker. So be it.
Habits:
#1 Mannerism of mine: Twirling my hair
I have done this, according to my Mom, since I had enough hair to do so. By the age of two I was twirling my hair to go to sleep. I have done this all my life-when I am sleepy/tired, bored, 'zoning', stressed, thinking a lot (there, I just did it) or listening intently to someone. There was a time I twirled it so much my wrists would ache in the morning. I don't think I do it so much to go to sleep anymore. It generally occurs more often during the day for any of the above mentioned reasons. There have been times that I have gotten two twirls going if I am riveted in some sort of cerebral calisthenics.
There is a bit of an art to it, really. It starts with a gathering of the right thickness of strand and shaking a it through my fingers. Then I rapidly weave the strand through each finger and back again. I loop, tie it in a knot and rub the strand. Finally at one point I will probably pull my fingers to the very end and tap on the ends.
At one point I told myself that a grown woman looked silly twirling her hair. I have since dismissed that notion. It is a part of me and has been from the beginning. If I am 80 and twirling a silver white bundle of wispy hair, I will be glad that it shows evidence I am still an intense thinker. So be it.
Habits:
- I drive barefoot most of the time.
- If I get a mint, I have to eat two consecutively.
- I was raised NOT to smack food or gum. EVER. So on rare occasions, I completely enjoy letting loose on a piece of gum in the car. I will pop and blow bubbles so loud it is ridiculous.
- I will generally set all paper currency going in the same direction and face up before I hand it to a cashier.
- I will attempt to match the color of a clothes hanger (the plastic variety) to the shade of the shirt.
- I sleep with white noise and a body pillow wrapped around me.
March 21, 2011
The Green Children - Skies On Fire (Album Preview)
What a song...newly found group. Will explore further.
Dropping Pennies Down an Endless Well
Day Twenty-eight - If you had three wishes, what would they be?
It is interesting that the blog where I got this 30-challenge is written by a person much younger than myself. Her three wishes had to do with finishing college, marrying the man of her dreams and being happy. It would be an interesting task to do a 'Three Wishes' every year to see how they evolved over time. Her wishes could have very well been mine when I was eighteen or nineteen. Mine look very different now.
In this world today, I can not bring myself to really wish for anything. Not when there are thousands of people around the globe without water, their homes flattened, their life washed out to sea. Effects of a crumbling economy are seen everywhere in this nation. Closer still, just this weekend friends of ours lost their home to a fire.
So my wishes are different.
1. That all those going without right now would be given what they need - water, food, warmth, a place to rest.
2. That ALL human trafficking would end.
3. That I could be given a million other wishes so that I could give them all away.
It is interesting that the blog where I got this 30-challenge is written by a person much younger than myself. Her three wishes had to do with finishing college, marrying the man of her dreams and being happy. It would be an interesting task to do a 'Three Wishes' every year to see how they evolved over time. Her wishes could have very well been mine when I was eighteen or nineteen. Mine look very different now.
In this world today, I can not bring myself to really wish for anything. Not when there are thousands of people around the globe without water, their homes flattened, their life washed out to sea. Effects of a crumbling economy are seen everywhere in this nation. Closer still, just this weekend friends of ours lost their home to a fire.
So my wishes are different.
1. That all those going without right now would be given what they need - water, food, warmth, a place to rest.
2. That ALL human trafficking would end.
3. That I could be given a million other wishes so that I could give them all away.
March 20, 2011
A Girl's Top Ten List
Day Twenty-six - Write about your best/favorite kiss.
A girl does not kiss and tell. Not a proper one raised in the South anyway. To write about my favorite kiss? You're talking to a girl that can not decide on just one of anything and can not pinpoint a favorite song or book, for that matter. There are merits to all kinds. So I shall list my top ten 'kinds', given and received:
10. Kisses to the bottoms of baby feet
9. Morning/goodnight/goodbye/hello kisses - if you take these for granted, stop.
8. Fingertip kisses - one-by-one
7. Boo-boo kisses - they always make anything feel better.
6. A kiss given or received after not seeing that person for a long time.
5. Blown kisses
4. Upside down kisses.
3. Back of the neck kisses.
2. Forehead kisses. Sweetest kisses ever.
1. Cloud kisses. Can't get any better than a 'kiss' from God, shaped in a cloud.
A girl does not kiss and tell. Not a proper one raised in the South anyway. To write about my favorite kiss? You're talking to a girl that can not decide on just one of anything and can not pinpoint a favorite song or book, for that matter. There are merits to all kinds. So I shall list my top ten 'kinds', given and received:
10. Kisses to the bottoms of baby feet
9. Morning/goodnight/goodbye/hello kisses - if you take these for granted, stop.
8. Fingertip kisses - one-by-one
7. Boo-boo kisses - they always make anything feel better.
6. A kiss given or received after not seeing that person for a long time.
5. Blown kisses
4. Upside down kisses.
3. Back of the neck kisses.
2. Forehead kisses. Sweetest kisses ever.
1. Cloud kisses. Can't get any better than a 'kiss' from God, shaped in a cloud.
Trespassers William - Fragment
Have heard this a million times on my Ambient Chill channel while writing. Love it squared.
Glimpses of summer
This Just Got Juicy
Day Twenty-five - Write about your first kiss.
I meant that pun with every bone in my body. Of course you were waiting for THIS day to come along. Everyone wants to hear a good 'first kiss' horror story. Sit back and prepare to be 'grossed out'. (I just had to throw an 80's phrase in there - this story couldn't be more 80's cliche'!) Please note: All names have been changed. No one wants to be remembered for decades beyond as the guy that repulsed a girl for days upon receiving her first kiss.
I was twelve - fifth grade. Go ahead. Gasp. I completely concur. I have fifth graders in my ELE-MEN-TARY school. So how did I end up being kissed - my first, in 5th grade?
I was 'going' with a boy - I'll call him Dexter. Got the note - check yes or no. I checked yes. Not sure I had even held hands with anyone at this point. I don't think I was even allowed to talk to boys on the phone either. So it was strictly a homeroom romance.
As it turns out, I was invited to a birthday party by a girl I didn't know too well but apparently she was having her first 'big' party and it was a boy/girl party. Yes, Dexter was also invited. I was set to go.
I don't remember much about the party itself. I don't even remember whose it was. Trauma can do that to a person, you know. I do remember wearing a lavender shirt and jeans and my suede ankle boots that everyone was wearing at the time. I remember my hair, carefully coiffed in the 'feathered' look - two carefully placed 'wings' on either side of my face.
I also remember sitting on the couch in the living room, Dexter beside me, his arm draped awkwardly across my shoulder and his groping hand every time people left the room. I felt frozen and embarrassed. I couldn't move although I did try to scoot as far towards the arm of the couch, pressing against it.
Later, after the festivities were over, we were given free time to hang out and someone got the bright idea to go walking on the trail near the host's house. We tromped through the greenery, Dexter's sweaty hand clamped on mine, pulling me fast to put distance between us and the others. We ended up at a picnic table and everyone else had continued on as I heard their voices fade into the foliage.
Perched on the top of the picnic table, Dexter sat beside me and leaned in close. Um, I am not sure how to describe this next part. You have to understand, I had not heard of nor witnessed a kiss of the french variety up to this point. Dexter had, and he was cutting to the chase.
Please bear with me. To recount the kiss I am just going to have to be creative in portraying it. Let's see.....oh yes. Have you ever had raw oysters? At the age of 12 I had not. I have since. I think at the time I remember thinking...ick...slimy.....worm.....Today I might illustrate the sensation by telling you it was like having a hyper oyster loose and trying to break free from the confines of my mouth.....I told you - bear with me. It was horrible and I was frozen. Mortified.
I don't remember how it ended. I have a distinct memory of the following day, walking in a parking lot with my Mom but I was a million miles away. I felt disgusting, violated. The thought kept replaying in my mind like a bad movie. The sensation of that kiss plastered itself against my lips, much like garish lipstick that I could not rub away.
So there you have it in all its awful glory. I hope the poor boy learned a thing or two since then. He'd be glad to know I have not told a soul until now, and I've protected his name out of pity. Bless his heart. I am southern, after all.
I meant that pun with every bone in my body. Of course you were waiting for THIS day to come along. Everyone wants to hear a good 'first kiss' horror story. Sit back and prepare to be 'grossed out'. (I just had to throw an 80's phrase in there - this story couldn't be more 80's cliche'!) Please note: All names have been changed. No one wants to be remembered for decades beyond as the guy that repulsed a girl for days upon receiving her first kiss.
I was twelve - fifth grade. Go ahead. Gasp. I completely concur. I have fifth graders in my ELE-MEN-TARY school. So how did I end up being kissed - my first, in 5th grade?
I was 'going' with a boy - I'll call him Dexter. Got the note - check yes or no. I checked yes. Not sure I had even held hands with anyone at this point. I don't think I was even allowed to talk to boys on the phone either. So it was strictly a homeroom romance.
As it turns out, I was invited to a birthday party by a girl I didn't know too well but apparently she was having her first 'big' party and it was a boy/girl party. Yes, Dexter was also invited. I was set to go.
I don't remember much about the party itself. I don't even remember whose it was. Trauma can do that to a person, you know. I do remember wearing a lavender shirt and jeans and my suede ankle boots that everyone was wearing at the time. I remember my hair, carefully coiffed in the 'feathered' look - two carefully placed 'wings' on either side of my face.
I also remember sitting on the couch in the living room, Dexter beside me, his arm draped awkwardly across my shoulder and his groping hand every time people left the room. I felt frozen and embarrassed. I couldn't move although I did try to scoot as far towards the arm of the couch, pressing against it.
Later, after the festivities were over, we were given free time to hang out and someone got the bright idea to go walking on the trail near the host's house. We tromped through the greenery, Dexter's sweaty hand clamped on mine, pulling me fast to put distance between us and the others. We ended up at a picnic table and everyone else had continued on as I heard their voices fade into the foliage.
Perched on the top of the picnic table, Dexter sat beside me and leaned in close. Um, I am not sure how to describe this next part. You have to understand, I had not heard of nor witnessed a kiss of the french variety up to this point. Dexter had, and he was cutting to the chase.
Please bear with me. To recount the kiss I am just going to have to be creative in portraying it. Let's see.....oh yes. Have you ever had raw oysters? At the age of 12 I had not. I have since. I think at the time I remember thinking...ick...slimy.....worm.....Today I might illustrate the sensation by telling you it was like having a hyper oyster loose and trying to break free from the confines of my mouth.....I told you - bear with me. It was horrible and I was frozen. Mortified.
I don't remember how it ended. I have a distinct memory of the following day, walking in a parking lot with my Mom but I was a million miles away. I felt disgusting, violated. The thought kept replaying in my mind like a bad movie. The sensation of that kiss plastered itself against my lips, much like garish lipstick that I could not rub away.
So there you have it in all its awful glory. I hope the poor boy learned a thing or two since then. He'd be glad to know I have not told a soul until now, and I've protected his name out of pity. Bless his heart. I am southern, after all.
March 19, 2011
"Thank you sir, may I have another."
Day Twenty- five (or six...I'm off) - How has your week been?
Enduring a beating for a fraternity initiation, Kevin Bacon utters these words in the 1978 classic "Animal House".
This expression on his face says it all about my week - 'Grit and bear it.'
Words to describe each day so far:
Sunday - mellow, unsettled, anxious
Monday - unglued, resignation, acceptance
Tuesday - long, drawn out, slow
Wednesday - spinning, protracted, frazzled
Thursday - relief, sublime, flying, agitated, crash...(yes, that's four...)
Friday - beat, HOPE, lengthy
That about does it. I put in another extended day-15 hours, with still yet more to do. This gorgeous weekend full of promise and Supermoons will keep me from it, however. Gladly.
Enduring a beating for a fraternity initiation, Kevin Bacon utters these words in the 1978 classic "Animal House".
Words to describe each day so far:
Sunday - mellow, unsettled, anxious
Monday - unglued, resignation, acceptance
Tuesday - long, drawn out, slow
Wednesday - spinning, protracted, frazzled
Thursday - relief, sublime, flying, agitated, crash...(yes, that's four...)
Friday - beat, HOPE, lengthy
That about does it. I put in another extended day-15 hours, with still yet more to do. This gorgeous weekend full of promise and Supermoons will keep me from it, however. Gladly.
Hope and Butterflies Come in Threes
It started like most nondescript Fridays. I awoke exhausted and skirted into the school building in the nick of time. I was glad for jeans and new running shoes today.
I am acutely aware, from other experiences in my life that things I am supposed to pay attention to come in threes. Usually consecutively, although not always back-to-back. Today it happened, and almost one right after the other.
First this:
Then just a few minutes later I was moving something on my shelf and a little devotional calendar that I have had for over 12 years fell and landed - smack - face up on this (and note the date...it is obviously not April 29, and yes, I have actually flipped the pages since last April...)
"The butterfly counts not months, but moments, and yet has time enough.
Time - oh Lord, how swiftly it seems to fly. Thank You for reminding me that there is time enough for what You have planned for my life. Amen
That's reference number 2.
Now for the third instance, in just another half hour or so from the calendar. I was scrounging down into a crate I had not touched in about a month to see if I had anything worthy and useable in it to pull out for next week. Lifting my notebook of standards up to dig under it, this fell out at my feet...I thought this 'sticky note' pad had been lost. It is found.
My friend Natalie had given this to me months ago because she knew of my fondness for butterflies.
Hope. And Butterflies.
I am overwhelmed and overcome. I am grateful beyond words. Infinitely thankful.
Hopeful.
I am acutely aware, from other experiences in my life that things I am supposed to pay attention to come in threes. Usually consecutively, although not always back-to-back. Today it happened, and almost one right after the other.
First this:
Then just a few minutes later I was moving something on my shelf and a little devotional calendar that I have had for over 12 years fell and landed - smack - face up on this (and note the date...it is obviously not April 29, and yes, I have actually flipped the pages since last April...)
"The butterfly counts not months, but moments, and yet has time enough.
Time - oh Lord, how swiftly it seems to fly. Thank You for reminding me that there is time enough for what You have planned for my life. Amen
That's reference number 2.
Now for the third instance, in just another half hour or so from the calendar. I was scrounging down into a crate I had not touched in about a month to see if I had anything worthy and useable in it to pull out for next week. Lifting my notebook of standards up to dig under it, this fell out at my feet...I thought this 'sticky note' pad had been lost. It is found.
Hope. And Butterflies.
I am overwhelmed and overcome. I am grateful beyond words. Infinitely thankful.
Hopeful.
"Watch me. I'm making a cocoon.
"It looks like I'm hiding, I know,
but a cocoon is no escape.
"It's an in-between house where
the change takes place.
"It's a big step since you can
never return to caterpillar life.
"During the change
it will seem
to you or to anyone who might
peek that nothing is happening -
but the butterfly is already
becoming.
"It just takes time!"
March 17, 2011
Gypsy Heart
This was supposed to be "How's your week been?" but I switched a couple around. It is only Wednesday. Check back on that one Friday and let's see if I have all my faculties.
This didn't get posted last night either...I was doing some much needed venting. So it's not Wednesday, it's Thursday. Life goes on.
Day Twenty- four - Where is somewhere you would like to visit?
traveler - n person who journeys
I like this definition. It is simple. Concise. It leaves the interpretation wide open to the reader. It is not technical and too directing.
I am one who journeys. That can be so broad in its meaning. It is far more than just moving from point A to point B in a pursuit of a destination. I tend to believe it is more about the journey than anything.
To ask me where I would like to 'visit' right now?
My very first inclination is to say - send me to Japan. Send me to Haiti. I want to be there to help and actually feel like I am doing something purposeful. My second inclination would be - back to Nicaragua, but not for a visit. It may very well become home.
To visit....hmmmm.....that really is hard to choose (like music and books...). There are still so many places here in this country alone that I have yet to see but would love to. Then there's this great big world with so many exciting cultures and unique beauties to behold.
If I could pick just one place right now, this moment, it would be Fiji, Bora Bora or the Maldives where they have villas that are perched directly above the water. They have glass floors in the villas. Yes. I'd go there.
This didn't get posted last night either...I was doing some much needed venting. So it's not Wednesday, it's Thursday. Life goes on.
Day Twenty- four - Where is somewhere you would like to visit?
traveler - n person who journeys
I like this definition. It is simple. Concise. It leaves the interpretation wide open to the reader. It is not technical and too directing.
I am one who journeys. That can be so broad in its meaning. It is far more than just moving from point A to point B in a pursuit of a destination. I tend to believe it is more about the journey than anything.
To ask me where I would like to 'visit' right now?
My very first inclination is to say - send me to Japan. Send me to Haiti. I want to be there to help and actually feel like I am doing something purposeful. My second inclination would be - back to Nicaragua, but not for a visit. It may very well become home.
To visit....hmmmm.....that really is hard to choose (like music and books...). There are still so many places here in this country alone that I have yet to see but would love to. Then there's this great big world with so many exciting cultures and unique beauties to behold.
If I could pick just one place right now, this moment, it would be Fiji, Bora Bora or the Maldives where they have villas that are perched directly above the water. They have glass floors in the villas. Yes. I'd go there.
Stunning.
Skip a Beat to Vent a Rant
I just put in a 16-hour day. I am only here because it is my one place to decompress. It is my way to continue to claim complete triumph over losing myself again.
I'll say it again. I just put in a 16-hour day. So I DON'T want to hear all the wackos in the media squawking about it being 'teachers fault' schools and kids are failing.
I am not particularly interested in hearing someone's resolution for fixing a very broken system UNLESS they have worked in a classroom in the last three years, one year of that being spent in an elementary school classroom, and they have the extra hours logged to prove it.
I don't want to hear from those at the higher levels of education - Federal, State, Local - the ones easily making six figures, to explain to me, with feigned concern smeared on their faces, that budget cuts are necessary to get out of the mess 'we' are in. Last I checked, my budget is balanced and fine, and getting better by the day because I know how to cut back and keep things simple. I was not a part of that 'we' that got 'us' into the mess. If my salary is the burden and we're considering furloughs and cut backs and supplements disappearing, how about if I add up all the endless hours I have spent over my years in 'overtime' and see if that doesn't just about even things out? But you're right. Teachers do this for the love of the children. It is the ONLY reason. That and sheer survival. I think it's time those that are out of touch with the realities of the classroom a) stop expecting that this is what teachers will do 'out of the goodness' of their hearts, and b) start looking at other areas to trim down the budget BEFORE going after the very ones that are on the front lines and putting in more hours than most other professions I know. How about starting with your own pocketbooks/checkbooks? Besides, I have decided that my TIME is far more precious than money and since we are talking cutbacks and 'furloughs', I am going to conduct my own - cutback on all the extra time I spend after hours, and furlough my afternoons/weekends and claim them back as 'my' time. What can't get done between 7:30-4:00 will just have to wait.
I've said my piece. I am done. Literally and figuratively. I feel better. I am going to bed.
I'll say it again. I just put in a 16-hour day. So I DON'T want to hear all the wackos in the media squawking about it being 'teachers fault' schools and kids are failing.
I am not particularly interested in hearing someone's resolution for fixing a very broken system UNLESS they have worked in a classroom in the last three years, one year of that being spent in an elementary school classroom, and they have the extra hours logged to prove it.
I don't want to hear from those at the higher levels of education - Federal, State, Local - the ones easily making six figures, to explain to me, with feigned concern smeared on their faces, that budget cuts are necessary to get out of the mess 'we' are in. Last I checked, my budget is balanced and fine, and getting better by the day because I know how to cut back and keep things simple. I was not a part of that 'we' that got 'us' into the mess. If my salary is the burden and we're considering furloughs and cut backs and supplements disappearing, how about if I add up all the endless hours I have spent over my years in 'overtime' and see if that doesn't just about even things out? But you're right. Teachers do this for the love of the children. It is the ONLY reason. That and sheer survival. I think it's time those that are out of touch with the realities of the classroom a) stop expecting that this is what teachers will do 'out of the goodness' of their hearts, and b) start looking at other areas to trim down the budget BEFORE going after the very ones that are on the front lines and putting in more hours than most other professions I know. How about starting with your own pocketbooks/checkbooks? Besides, I have decided that my TIME is far more precious than money and since we are talking cutbacks and 'furloughs', I am going to conduct my own - cutback on all the extra time I spend after hours, and furlough my afternoons/weekends and claim them back as 'my' time. What can't get done between 7:30-4:00 will just have to wait.
I've said my piece. I am done. Literally and figuratively. I feel better. I am going to bed.
March 15, 2011
Tupelo Honey by Van Morrison
All I can say is 'Mmmmm mmmmm mmmmm.' Can you say 'slow dance'? The reeeeeally slow kind? I have this one on repeat at the moment. I picture swaying under a big oak, draped with moss and ropes of luminescent paper lanterns on a grassy hill out in a field. Surreal.
Van Morrison - Steal my heart away
At the present moment, I am in a Van Morrison frame of mind. Lovely...
Will You Still Love Me Tomorrow.( Amy Winehouse)
Not a fan of Miss Winehouse usually, but I heard this today and instantly loved her version. So heartfelt.
All in Good Fun
When I was eight? I was going to marry Luke Skywalker.
For his intelligence, goofy humor and smile - Spencer Reid/Matthew Grey Gubler.
Amos Lee
Harry Connick Jr.
Bono
Combine those voices and song lyric writing ability? Sheer perfection.
Odd. I am detecting a pattern here with the hair...interesting...
Johnny Depp
Some may say he is skanky and unkempt, but I don't think so. I love his characters in movies.
Post of the original 'bad boy' that adorned my freshman college dorm.
James Dean
And finally...
Jerry Trainor as Spencer on icarly.
Because when all else fails, you just have to laugh.
March 14, 2011
Promises and Hope
I am craving spring and warmth and color so intently I can taste it. I do believe it is almost here.
The Ol' Switcheroo
Day Twenty-two - Find a horoscope site and post yours.
Previous New
So which is it? Good thing I don't pay any attention to this at all anymore.
That is interesting. The 'new' zodiac sign shifts actually suggests a change in personal qualities, and honestly, these ring more true for me now than Capricorn's characteristics. Not that I'm buyin' it, though. Just so you know.
There was a time, a very long time ago, that I followed my 'horoscope' faithfully, reading it in the paper every single day, truly believing it had some sort of nugget of 'truth' in it for me for the day, or that period of my life. Then I came to a place of awareness, long before my profession of faith, or my knowledge of God at work in my life, that this (horoscopes) had no place in my life. I literally laid it down, and daily fought the desire to check mine in the paper, when finally it was conquered. So here it is and I am quietly, happily moving right along.
Previous New
| Capricorn: Dec. 22-Jan. 19 | Sagittarius: Dec. 17-Jan. 20 |
| Your previous qualities: willingness to work hard and determination to succeed | Your new qualities: philosophical, wide-open and curious nature |
That is interesting. The 'new' zodiac sign shifts actually suggests a change in personal qualities, and honestly, these ring more true for me now than Capricorn's characteristics. Not that I'm buyin' it, though. Just so you know.
There was a time, a very long time ago, that I followed my 'horoscope' faithfully, reading it in the paper every single day, truly believing it had some sort of nugget of 'truth' in it for me for the day, or that period of my life. Then I came to a place of awareness, long before my profession of faith, or my knowledge of God at work in my life, that this (horoscopes) had no place in my life. I literally laid it down, and daily fought the desire to check mine in the paper, when finally it was conquered. So here it is and I am quietly, happily moving right along.
Refiner's Fire
Day Twenty-one - How has your life changed over the last year?
My life, from all appearances, is exactly the same as it was this time last year. Still in the classroom. Everyone is still doing the same things we did last year. Same house, same car, same routine, same everything.
The change that I have undergone this year has been the internal inferno within. I believe I have endured the Refiner's fire. It hasn't been the first time to 'pass through the flames' so to speak, but it has been the most intense, a fire hot enough to melt the hardest of metals. At one point, I sensed a physical igniting, a flash of white flame searing through my being, nearly melting me into a puddle.
What is the change that is a result of such purging of the dross in my life?
A joy that is not a result of external circumstances.
Peace amidst so much unknown.
Realization that there are just things that aren't very important at all in the grander scheme of things. I choose the 'better part'.
Clarity.
Perspective.
I recognize more so now, that all of this, every bit of it is preparing me for 'what's next' and for that, I would go through it all again if God asked me to. In a heartbeat.
My life, from all appearances, is exactly the same as it was this time last year. Still in the classroom. Everyone is still doing the same things we did last year. Same house, same car, same routine, same everything.
The change that I have undergone this year has been the internal inferno within. I believe I have endured the Refiner's fire. It hasn't been the first time to 'pass through the flames' so to speak, but it has been the most intense, a fire hot enough to melt the hardest of metals. At one point, I sensed a physical igniting, a flash of white flame searing through my being, nearly melting me into a puddle.
What is the change that is a result of such purging of the dross in my life?
A joy that is not a result of external circumstances.
Peace amidst so much unknown.
Realization that there are just things that aren't very important at all in the grander scheme of things. I choose the 'better part'.
Clarity.
Perspective.
I recognize more so now, that all of this, every bit of it is preparing me for 'what's next' and for that, I would go through it all again if God asked me to. In a heartbeat.
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