Doot de doo...soooo...those last 27 blogs were mind-blowing, eh? Maybe they were so good that you forgot what they were? No, you say? Ok. fine. busted.
There really isn't a good excuse for me not blogging..just as busy as always...I suppose that once I fall behind on one day it leads to the next and becomes a vicious cycle of not blogging because I feel I need to get that first skipped blog done first. (But, I don't really know what to write for that one and then I put off yet another day until...wow it's April 6th!)
The past month has been filled with a whole lotta nothing exciting with a few joyfully wonderful moments thrown in here and there...
Some highlights:
3/12: Took my students to the Boulder Dinner Theater on a field trip and was plesantly surprised to find that Bryan, or as they call him, Nishi, was working the sound! My kids were pretty impressed that I knew someone behind the scenes. :)
3/14: Went out to dinner to celebrate Matt's birthday. He still likes to try to make us think he is sooo old, but we aren't buying it...even if the only reason the theme for his 1st birthday party was dinosaurs was because they were still alive.
3/17: What kind of Irish gal would I be if I didn't make some of my traditional Irish stew and have friends over to share laughs and green wine (yes, wine) and beer? Kelly was the official beer dyer of the night and made sure no glass went without a little green additive. I tried my hand at corned beef and cabbage this year, and though it was not my favorite, it wasn't too bad! I love St. Patrick's Day! And if you were wondering-yes, that naughty O'Reily visited my classroom again this year and left a trail of green footprints and destruction throughout all of Kindergarten. Good thing I have me own wee lil' helpers to clean me room!
3/19-21: I went to party for a friend of Lindsey's in Denver and then spent the rest of the weekend house sitting in Broomfield for a coworker. Last time I house sat for her the dog was just a puppy, now she is a BIG puppy who loves to go for walks and cuddle. It was fun hanging out for the weekend and I laughed every time I took her for a walk because I always ended up seeing a student or family from school who would wave through tinted glass as they sped past. I'm told that teachers are like local celebrities to their students...they are always amazed to see that we live outside of school! (I've had several tell me I was wrong and that I do in fact live at school...I suppose they aren't too far off!)
3/22-29: Michigan! Back in December I found pretty cheap flights into Grand Rapids so my mom, Grandpa and I decided to take advantage of the deal and bought tickets for Spring Break. Obviously I love my family so very much, so I was very excited to visit! We arrived on Monday and settled in to our second home right away. I both love and hate how I feel like both Michigan and Colorado are my home...love because I love the people in both places so very much and hate because it always breaks my heart a little when I have to leave one place to go back to the other. It's such a helpless feeling knowing that the two states are so far apart and that there is nothing you can do about it! I'm still SO very thankful that I went to Western so that I had the chance to live there for the 4 and a half years that I did! I have a feeling that it is only going to get harder and harder to part ways at the end of visits as I am growing more and more attached to my newest cousins out there!
I had such a wonderful visit! It's still hard to go to my aunt and uncle's house and not see my uncle walk into the kitchen and greet me with a big hug and kiss, but his spirit is definitely still alive and his love continues to grow and blossom through my family. (Love them SO much!) Going into this trip I knew I wanted to spend as much time as possible with each kid, and that is exactly what I did.
On Tuesday, I made a surprise visit to have lunch with Kobe at his school. He saw me walking down the hall and got very excited. He introduced me to his class as "Bethy, my cousin who lives in Colorado. She is staying and my grandma's hotel." Hehe I loved that. We ate lunch in the cafeteria and then I went outside to play with him and his buddies. I could tell that I wasn't the only one who thinks he is a pretty amazing kid-he had so many friends running up to him and playing with him! His school has a pretty cool playground, but for some reason they wouldn't let them play with any balls that day, so Kobe and his friends decided to play imaginary baseball. That was just about the most precious thing I have ever seen a group of 1st graders do! They had all the bases covered, a pitcher, catcher and batters. The batter would step up to home plate, the pitcher would throw the "ball" and the batter would swing and then yell and point a-la Babe Ruth to tell the rest of the kids where he had hit the ball. Another kid in that general direction would jump up for the catch and throw it towards the closest base. The batter would then try to run towards home while the kid with the "ball" chased after him to try to tag him out. It was so cool to see the cooperation and group effort at pretending!
After hanging out with Kobe for lunch and recess Tami picked me up and we went back to my aunt's house to play with Jackson and Kaeli. Kobe joined us after school and we played until I went to guitar lessons with Jurien at 5:30. It's so amazing to see how much Jurien and Kobe have grown up! I feel so blessed that I was living in Michigan when they were both born-the process of watching them grow has been beautiful and makes me think of them more as nephews than cousins. :) They have the most amazing hearts-so proud of them and love them so so much!
On Wednesday, Jackson came over early in the morning and we played for quite a while. The imagination of a 4 year old is magical and reminds me of how much fun it is to be a kid. Jackson made up a game where he would poke me with a "shot" and shout out if it was a cold shot, hot shot, regular shot, better shot, or hurt shot. He usually gave me a cold shot first which meant that I would chatter my teeth and shake until he gave me a hot shot-which would make me instantly jump around trying to avoid the burning floor or bed. We giggled for about 45 minutes playing this game. (I know this doesn't sound like a joyfully wonderful moment to some of you, but to me, there could be no better way to spend a morning). We soon turned into our beloved and departed dogs Murf and Jessie and pretended we were playing up in Heaven. We visited 'Boppa' and Aunt Wendy and all the other people and pets we love and miss so dearly. We were happy to discover that they were all very well and happy to be celebrating in Heaven with God. (Who, by the way, has a beard and shoes like Moses, only His are blue, not brown).
Once "Aunt Ciny" and grandma interrupted our playtime we switched to playing trains and then transformers. Jackson and I tried to explain the story of Transformers (the movie) to my aunt, but she just couldn't quite get it all, so Jackson made sure to tell her every detail...this somehow led to making Bon Jovi music videos...
That afternoon I drove over to Jurien's school and surprised him in his classroom. His teacher seems really great and it was fun to see him in his school setting as well (I CAN'T BELIEVE HE IS IN 2ND GRADE!) I went to PE with his class and watched as they all attempted to play dance-dance revolution...pretty funny sight. After PE we went back to class for some reading and math time. They were working on writing story problems. Jurien's problem for 12-5 was: Jackson had 12 cookies, I took 5. How many were left? Hehe...yep that sounds about right. I took him to my aunt's house after school and all the kids played up until dinner.
I made plans with Ashleigh on Wednesday night, so I borrowed the truck and drove up to Grand Rapids for dinner at the Gage's house. I had so much fun just hanging out with Ashleigh and Nathan and was surprised by how normal it felt. I kinda forget that I had only really met Nathan when I came out for their wedding reception last May! I'm so glad that so much time can pass between visits and yet Ashleigh and I can still carry on as if we had seen each other just the other day. I value her friendship so much and am so thankful for all the fun memories we have together! Yet another reason why leaving Michigan can be so hard! (Btw- Nathan got a new Camero and took us out for a ride-that is one sweet car! He pulled out of their street and it felt like a roller coaster as we hit 80 in like one second...okay maybe a few more, but it felt like one!)
On Thursday it was Kaeli's turn for a little 1:1 time! She got all dressed up and came over with her leopard print purse to take me out to coffee. We took her mom's mini (at her insistance) to Barnes and Noble, where we sat and drank coffee (hot chocolate). After finishing our drinks we wandered over to the children's books at picked out a few to read. We spent a good hour or two browsing and reading and then finally settled on a book that I could buy each kid. After coffee and books we headed over to the mall for lunch. We sat by the carousel in the food court and discussed which animals we liked best-her's was the gorilla on that particular afternoon. After lunch we decided to surprise Kobe and go pick him up from school. It's amazing to think that I have only been around Kaeli for a total of about 4 weeks! That made our day together all the more precious and perfect! When it comes to my family I fall fast and hard! :) Kobe, Kaeli and I made our way back to their house and I ended up spending the rest of the evening and the night with them. We watched a movie and laughed as Kynzie went totally crazy and got hyper right before bed. Kobe fell asleep on the couch with me which reminded me of all the Tuesdays I spent watching him when he was a baby. I ended up sleeping with Kaeli in her room and found myself waking up several times during the night to her either kicking me or cuddling into me. Yet another day filled with a hundred joyfully wonderful moments that I would not trade for the world!
Friday was the start of Kobe's Spring Break, so my aunt, Tami, all the kids (except Jurien-he still had school), my mom and I all went to the park. We played on a huge playground and then went off on an adventure to explore drainpipes and the echos that can be heard through them. After a few hours of play we returned to my aunt's house for some cookies and more play. After dinner we went out to Heidi and Ben's house for a campfire and dessert. Jackson had asked me to spend the night months in advance, so I spent the night at his house on Friday. Ben had a poker game out in the barn, so Jurien spent most of the night off with the boys while Heidi, Jackson and I cozied up in bed to watch some Scoobie Doo. (Btw- why are there laugh tracks in a cartoon? Is is supposed to be preformed before a live studio audience?) :) I found myself once again waking up several times during the night to either kicks or covers being thrown off me. (Jackson gets hot when he sleeps so he kicks the covers off). Eventually he sleep-walked? into his parents room and stayed the rest of the night with them. In the morning Jackson and I played inside while Jurien explored outside and helped their neighbor Bob with chores. It was another great day spent with Jackson and Jurien.
Saturday night Heidi, Tami and I got to spend some alone time together while my mom and aunt took the kids to a movie and Ben took my Grandpa to dinner (Kyle had to work). When the girls came out to Colorado in August for Grandpa's 90th birthday we had a chance to go shopping and to dinner together and had so much fun that we wanted to do it again. I love getting a chance to spend time with my cousins without the kids just as much as I love spending time with them with the kids! It's so much fun to have this new "grownup" relationship with my cousins. I have ALWAYS looked up to and admired them! I can remember being little and wanting to try things just because Heidi and Tami, my cool older cousins did it. (Probably the only reason I decided to try soccer!) It's funny how they seemed like they were so much older than me when I was younger. Now it doesn't seem like we are that far apart in our ages. I love this new phase of our relationship! It's great to be a friend and not just a little cousin anymore. (Yet another reason why I am so thankful that I went to WMU- provided me with an opportunity to get to know them as an adult and not just a kid!) We went shopping and then to sushi and laughed a lot (much like we were still kids). Those joyfully wonderful moments were just as precious to me as the ones spent with their kids.
Sunday morning we went to church with my aunt and then to Kobe's soccer games. The whole family came over for dinner and we spent one last night together. Just sitting in a room with all of them fills my heart with so much joy and love. Sometimes it is all I can do to keep from bursting out in song...ok, well maybe that is a bit of an exaggeration, but I definitely have a perma-smile on my face. :)
Monday was the dreaded departure day. Spent the morning watching my mom and aunt cut out patterns and material for my aunt to make the girls some dresses. We headed to Grand Rapids around 1:00 with a heavy heart and boarded our plane around 6:20. It's always so hard to say goodbye, but this time it was even harder. My Uncle's Birthday was two days later and I wanted nothing more then to stay there...I only hope that all the fun we had and the happiness it brought filled my aunt's house all week long so that she would be reminded of how much love and laughter has been shared because of the two of them.
After a very long delay for our connecting flight, I made it home at about 2am with the usual torn heart I get when I leave Michigan. I suppose it is only natural after all, when you have two homes, your heart is always going to be in two places. :)
Powered by the week full of joyfully wonderful moments I made it through moving back into my classroom that they remodeled while I was gone, and through Easter- which was spent with my family at Grandpa's, and up to today.
I won't lie, I get teary-eyed and sad when I think about how hard it is to be so far from loved ones. But I am also thankful, because I know that my tears are only a sign that I live a blessed life that is filled with amazing people that bring me so much love and joy. And that makes all the moments of love and happiness all the more joyful and wonderful and precious.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Monday, March 8, 2010
March 2-5
It seems that this "daily blog" might be turning into a weekly blog. Ah well...I suppose I should be happy with the fact that I am at least doing that!
What a busy and wonderful week it was! I guess there was a lot that happened, because I can't even remember what went on on Tuesday and Wednesday...I know I had something after work both nights, but it escapes me for the time being.
Thursday began the Hannah and Simon wedding weekend festivities! After school I had a diversity book club meeting but had to leave early to head to Hannah's Bridal Shower. The shower was hosted by her family friend in a beautiful house overlooking Boulder Valley. The food was delicious and the company was very fun and entertaining! It was nice to be able to meet Simon's mom and sisters as well as some of the other Brits who were i
n town for the wedding. I always like when I have the opportunity to meet some of the wedding guests before the big day- it makes it all the more fun when you know more people! It was a late evening, but a lot of fun. Perhaps someday Kelly will allow me to share a rather hilarious story she shared with me that night... For the time being, just know that I probably laughed the hardest I have in a long time and grew to love our friendship all the more. :)
Friday was Hannah's Bachelorette Party (or as they say it in England, her 'Hen Do')! The plan was to go to Cinzetti's in Thornton at 6pm and then head to Denver for a night on the town. Since the restaurant is on my way home I decided to stay later at school and go straight there. (Since they are remodeling part of my classroom over Spring Break I have to pack up pretty much my entire room. I used the few hours between the end of school and dinner to pack up some things and start taking things off the walls...it's looking kind of sad in there now.)
Kelly and I got to Cinzetti's around 6:00 and waited for our party of 20 to arrive. Apparently there was some mix-ups on transportation (not all the out-of-towners had cars) and bad traffic because most of the party didn't show up until closer to 7:00. When everyone did arrive we wasted no time celebrating the bride-to-be! We ate a big, yummy meal and then around 9:00 headed to Denver.
We went to Sing Sing first (after a parking garage adventure filled with lots of u-turns and laughter) and then headed to Fado's after that. Danny, Hannah's brother, created a bunch of dares that we were given to pass out to Hannah throughout the night. We had fun bombarding her with silly, and sometimes embarrassing tasks to complete. She was such a great sport and completed almost every one--including one where she had to call her dad and tell him she was pregnant. :) (I don't think there was any way he would have ever believed it was true considering all the laughter in the background). After a while we decided to walk over to the Tavern for some dancing. On the way there Hannah somehow managed to break off her heel and Kelly ended up trading her shoes and walking in the broken heels for the rest of the night-what a bridesmaid! As we were walking through the bar area of the Tavern to find a table I heard a male British accent and turned to find Simon and all the boys! We accidentally ran into the Bachelor party! Even though we weren't supposed to see them I was glad we did because I hadn't had a chance to see Simon yet. It was fun to get to know the British boys as well...they are an alright group. (I keep hearing 'you alright?' in their British accents...it was said quite often).
Danny got the Bachelorette party back on track after he finally rounded up all the boys and kicked them out. (Apparently this is how it went down: Hannah to Danny, "Make them leave!" Danny to best man, "You guys gotta leave" Best man, "Alright." 10 minutes later...b
oys still there. Danny to boys, "You guys gotta leave!" Boys, "But we were here first." Girls, "But we are girls so we get to stay, boys have to leave." Danny to Hannah, "Ok, say goodbye to Simon." Hannah, "But why does he have to leave? But I love him!"--poor Danny). We ended the night out with more dares that somehow morphed into Hannah introducing me to single boys...hum I don't think that is what the card said to do. :) At 2am the lights came on and the bouncers ushered us out into the chaos that is the streets of LoDo at closing time. We somehow managed to keep all the Brits contained and even found some leftover boys from the Bachelor party. The few of us who were sober enough to try to organize transportation home headed to the cars and after some great confusion and cramming of people into cars succeeded in getting everyone where they were supposed to be (with a few detours to 'use the toilet'). It was another great night filled with laughter and confusion. :)
What a busy and wonderful week it was! I guess there was a lot that happened, because I can't even remember what went on on Tuesday and Wednesday...I know I had something after work both nights, but it escapes me for the time being.
Thursday began the Hannah and Simon wedding weekend festivities! After school I had a diversity book club meeting but had to leave early to head to Hannah's Bridal Shower. The shower was hosted by her family friend in a beautiful house overlooking Boulder Valley. The food was delicious and the company was very fun and entertaining! It was nice to be able to meet Simon's mom and sisters as well as some of the other Brits who were i
n town for the wedding. I always like when I have the opportunity to meet some of the wedding guests before the big day- it makes it all the more fun when you know more people! It was a late evening, but a lot of fun. Perhaps someday Kelly will allow me to share a rather hilarious story she shared with me that night... For the time being, just know that I probably laughed the hardest I have in a long time and grew to love our friendship all the more. :)Friday was Hannah's Bachelorette Party (or as they say it in England, her 'Hen Do')! The plan was to go to Cinzetti's in Thornton at 6pm and then head to Denver for a night on the town. Since the restaurant is on my way home I decided to stay later at school and go straight there. (Since they are remodeling part of my classroom over Spring Break I have to pack up pretty much my entire room. I used the few hours between the end of school and dinner to pack up some things and start taking things off the walls...it's looking kind of sad in there now.)
Kelly and I got to Cinzetti's around 6:00 and waited for our party of 20 to arrive. Apparently there was some mix-ups on transportation (not all the out-of-towners had cars) and bad traffic because most of the party didn't show up until closer to 7:00. When everyone did arrive we wasted no time celebrating the bride-to-be! We ate a big, yummy meal and then around 9:00 headed to Denver.
We went to Sing Sing first (after a parking garage adventure filled with lots of u-turns and laughter) and then headed to Fado's after that. Danny, Hannah's brother, created a bunch of dares that we were given to pass out to Hannah throughout the night. We had fun bombarding her with silly, and sometimes embarrassing tasks to complete. She was such a great sport and completed almost every one--including one where she had to call her dad and tell him she was pregnant. :) (I don't think there was any way he would have ever believed it was true considering all the laughter in the background). After a while we decided to walk over to the Tavern for some dancing. On the way there Hannah somehow managed to break off her heel and Kelly ended up trading her shoes and walking in the broken heels for the rest of the night-what a bridesmaid! As we were walking through the bar area of the Tavern to find a table I heard a male British accent and turned to find Simon and all the boys! We accidentally ran into the Bachelor party! Even though we weren't supposed to see them I was glad we did because I hadn't had a chance to see Simon yet. It was fun to get to know the British boys as well...they are an alright group. (I keep hearing 'you alright?' in their British accents...it was said quite often).Danny got the Bachelorette party back on track after he finally rounded up all the boys and kicked them out. (Apparently this is how it went down: Hannah to Danny, "Make them leave!" Danny to best man, "You guys gotta leave" Best man, "Alright." 10 minutes later...b
oys still there. Danny to boys, "You guys gotta leave!" Boys, "But we were here first." Girls, "But we are girls so we get to stay, boys have to leave." Danny to Hannah, "Ok, say goodbye to Simon." Hannah, "But why does he have to leave? But I love him!"--poor Danny). We ended the night out with more dares that somehow morphed into Hannah introducing me to single boys...hum I don't think that is what the card said to do. :) At 2am the lights came on and the bouncers ushered us out into the chaos that is the streets of LoDo at closing time. We somehow managed to keep all the Brits contained and even found some leftover boys from the Bachelor party. The few of us who were sober enough to try to organize transportation home headed to the cars and after some great confusion and cramming of people into cars succeeded in getting everyone where they were supposed to be (with a few detours to 'use the toilet'). It was another great night filled with laughter and confusion. :)
Saturday, February 27, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Wednesday, February 24, 2010
Night three of conferences. I love that I am to the point in my career where I actually really enjoy them. It makes the very long nights much more tolerable (even if I do have I sinus infection and I am losing my voice)!
One of my favorite moments tonight was when I told a family that their child has missed a LOT of school and that she is not progressing as well as a result. (She missed 12 days 1st trimester and 20 so far this trimester). They said she had been sick and that they had car troubles...and then casually ended the conferences with, "Oh, and she will miss two weeks of school-we're going to Florida." Ummm....so you didn't get any of what I just said then? And isn't that what Spring Break is for?
One of my favorite moments tonight was when I told a family that their child has missed a LOT of school and that she is not progressing as well as a result. (She missed 12 days 1st trimester and 20 so far this trimester). They said she had been sick and that they had car troubles...and then casually ended the conferences with, "Oh, and she will miss two weeks of school-we're going to Florida." Ummm....so you didn't get any of what I just said then? And isn't that what Spring Break is for?
Monday, February 22, 2010
10 days
Monday, February 22, 2010
Tonight I realized that I have not posted to my blog in 10 days...
Tonight I realized that I should probably catch up on lost days...
Tonight I realized that it is conference week and that I have zero energy...
So, tonight I decided to give you the top ten of the past ten days...
1. I bought a guitar! Matt went shopping with me on Saturday (2/13) and helped me find a pretty one that sounds great! (It does, I don't yet).
2. I learned Ode to Joy and serenaded my parents after they made a yummy Valentine's Lunch for us on Sunday.
3. President's Day + No school= teaching myself how to play guitar almost all day.
4. (2.16.10) I walked into my classroom to find a GIANT portion of my floor taped off with blue tape...apparently my classroom will be 1/4 of it's current size after Spring Break.
5. (2.17.10) On a crazy day of whacked-out students who can't handle a change in their schedule (which included a Valentine's Party on Friday, no school on Monday, and blue tape on the floor on Wednesday) I was somehow able to FINALLY make a meaningful connection with a student who I have been trying to connect with since August. (It's amazing how important a relationship with a student is! She now loves coming to school and talks to me every single morning. I could hardly get a word out of her before and now she constantly smiles and is engaged in everything we do!)
6. (2.18.10) Today I had surprise visitors to my classroom! Kelly called and said she was in the neighborhood and asked if she could stop by. To my surprise she had Nathan in tow! I was so excited because I rarely get to share my teaching world with my friends. Even if it was just for a few minutes it means a lot to me to share such an important part of my life. :)
7. (2.19.10) We went out to Sushi Hai and Fado's tonight to celebrate Nathan and Emily being in town from D.C. We witnessed impressive coverage (and cheesiness) from "That Eighties Band" and then headed to Opal to see Brian spin.
8. (2.20.10) Kelly, Mike, Nathan, Emily and I met up with Carter and Lynette in Evergreen. We spent the morning pretending we were better ice skaters then we actually were and laughing at our skills. It was a beautifully frosted morning followed by a wonderfully filling lunch at Beau Jo's. Perfection...and sore feet.
9. (2.21.10) Snowy day, warm bed, cozy Beth.
10. (2.22.10) I leave for Michigan in exactly one month! Can't wait to fill my heart with the laughter of cousins and the love of my most precious family!
Tonight I realized that I have not posted to my blog in 10 days...
Tonight I realized that I should probably catch up on lost days...
Tonight I realized that it is conference week and that I have zero energy...
So, tonight I decided to give you the top ten of the past ten days...
1. I bought a guitar! Matt went shopping with me on Saturday (2/13) and helped me find a pretty one that sounds great! (It does, I don't yet).
2. I learned Ode to Joy and serenaded my parents after they made a yummy Valentine's Lunch for us on Sunday.
3. President's Day + No school= teaching myself how to play guitar almost all day.
4. (2.16.10) I walked into my classroom to find a GIANT portion of my floor taped off with blue tape...apparently my classroom will be 1/4 of it's current size after Spring Break.
5. (2.17.10) On a crazy day of whacked-out students who can't handle a change in their schedule (which included a Valentine's Party on Friday, no school on Monday, and blue tape on the floor on Wednesday) I was somehow able to FINALLY make a meaningful connection with a student who I have been trying to connect with since August. (It's amazing how important a relationship with a student is! She now loves coming to school and talks to me every single morning. I could hardly get a word out of her before and now she constantly smiles and is engaged in everything we do!)
6. (2.18.10) Today I had surprise visitors to my classroom! Kelly called and said she was in the neighborhood and asked if she could stop by. To my surprise she had Nathan in tow! I was so excited because I rarely get to share my teaching world with my friends. Even if it was just for a few minutes it means a lot to me to share such an important part of my life. :)
7. (2.19.10) We went out to Sushi Hai and Fado's tonight to celebrate Nathan and Emily being in town from D.C. We witnessed impressive coverage (and cheesiness) from "That Eighties Band" and then headed to Opal to see Brian spin.
8. (2.20.10) Kelly, Mike, Nathan, Emily and I met up with Carter and Lynette in Evergreen. We spent the morning pretending we were better ice skaters then we actually were and laughing at our skills. It was a beautifully frosted morning followed by a wonderfully filling lunch at Beau Jo's. Perfection...and sore feet.
9. (2.21.10) Snowy day, warm bed, cozy Beth.
10. (2.22.10) I leave for Michigan in exactly one month! Can't wait to fill my heart with the laughter of cousins and the love of my most precious family!
Friday, February 12
"Happy Valentimes Day Ms. Mrphy. LOVE LOVE LOVE Ainsley"
This Valentine (and many others like it), a white teddy bear and a bouquet of flowers from my class is all I really need. Feeling oh so loved and blessed.
This Valentine (and many others like it), a white teddy bear and a bouquet of flowers from my class is all I really need. Feeling oh so loved and blessed.
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Thursday, February 11, 2010
I went to the Impact on Education awards dinner tonight. Take My Teacher Home is funded by Impact, so they invited us all to attend the dinner and present our project. It was fun to see all the "big wigs" in the district and to share the success we have had in our project with people who stopped by our table to find out more. After dinner and the exhibit they presented the awards to the 5 teachers in BVSD who received the Impact on Education award this year. It is so inspiring to see such amazing teachers and administrators and it makes me want to be more like them. Here's to hoping that one day I could be that great and maybe even get an award. (Ha!) :)
Wednesday, February 10, 2010
February 5-9
Friday, Feb. 5:
100th Day! I can't believe it is already the 100th day of school. Wow, it seems as though every year flies by faster and faster. It wasn't my favorite 100s Day celebration I've thrown...I was a bit grumpy due to the fact that we had another 7:30am staff meeting and I found it to be a complete waste of time. I've enjoyed some of the formative assessment stuff we have been doing, but lately the things we have been talking about are annoying me because I already do 95% of it and I feel like if you are a good teacher who is with it, you should be doing it anyway. I was also grumpy because the giant fabric 100 that I made and hung over our classroom door was torn down when I came in this morning. Not happy about that especially since I specifically asked if it would be in the way for construction and they told me no. So yeah, I wasn't quite my peppy self and our celebration was interrupted by vision and hearing screening, so my poor kids didn't get the full experience I usually give. (Not that they know the difference!)
I went from grumpy to giddy by the end of the night though. Kelly and I drove up to Ft. Collins to go see Dear John (sigh) with Anna, her friend, Amy and her sister, and our friend Lindsey. I have never seen so many girls in line before! It was insane. I felt really bad for the 5 guys who got suckered into going on the opening weekend...especially since the theater was filled with giggling girls. Kelly and I really liked the movie but the rest didn't seem to enjoy it quite as much. I guess Kelly and I really had no other expectations then Channing Tatum would be hot and the movie would be a cheesy Nicolas Sparks story. Done and done.
Saturday, Feb. 6
I spent the night at Kelly and Mike's last night. (By the way, they have the BEST couch to sleep on! I love spending the night there!) Kelly, Mike and I were going to go see the ice sculptures in Breckenridge today, but we woke up later then planned to clouds and decided it probably wasn't worth the long drive and the bad ski traffic through the tunnel on the way back down. Some year I want to go though! We decided to go to lunch at Red Robin and then go see Avatar instead. I really liked the movie, but found the 3-D glasses annoying and yet, totally hilarious! (As were some of the people sitting around us).
Sunday, Feb. 7
Super Bowl Sunday...was supposed to go to a Super Bowl party at the Vinson's, but I woke up feeling icky. Anna and I decided to just stay home and watch movies and the commercials online. (I'm not going to even pretend that I cared about the game this year. I most definitely did not).
Monday, Feb. 8
Only got 3 hours of sleep last night... being sick is no fun. Had a curriculum council meeting at the Ed Center after school. It was no fun. BUT Lis is fun and since I rarely get to see her anymore I was happy to sit by her and not pay attention. :)
Tuesday, Feb. 9
Jamila and I watched My Sister's Keeper tonight. I read the book a long time ago and had really liked it. I thought the movie was pretty well done, but you can never really get to know the characters in a movie the way you can in a book. I had a hard time with some of the movie because it made me miss my uncle all the more. It doesn't seem to get much easier with time...Love and miss him dearly.
100th Day! I can't believe it is already the 100th day of school. Wow, it seems as though every year flies by faster and faster. It wasn't my favorite 100s Day celebration I've thrown...I was a bit grumpy due to the fact that we had another 7:30am staff meeting and I found it to be a complete waste of time. I've enjoyed some of the formative assessment stuff we have been doing, but lately the things we have been talking about are annoying me because I already do 95% of it and I feel like if you are a good teacher who is with it, you should be doing it anyway. I was also grumpy because the giant fabric 100 that I made and hung over our classroom door was torn down when I came in this morning. Not happy about that especially since I specifically asked if it would be in the way for construction and they told me no. So yeah, I wasn't quite my peppy self and our celebration was interrupted by vision and hearing screening, so my poor kids didn't get the full experience I usually give. (Not that they know the difference!)
I went from grumpy to giddy by the end of the night though. Kelly and I drove up to Ft. Collins to go see Dear John (sigh) with Anna, her friend, Amy and her sister, and our friend Lindsey. I have never seen so many girls in line before! It was insane. I felt really bad for the 5 guys who got suckered into going on the opening weekend...especially since the theater was filled with giggling girls. Kelly and I really liked the movie but the rest didn't seem to enjoy it quite as much. I guess Kelly and I really had no other expectations then Channing Tatum would be hot and the movie would be a cheesy Nicolas Sparks story. Done and done.
Saturday, Feb. 6
I spent the night at Kelly and Mike's last night. (By the way, they have the BEST couch to sleep on! I love spending the night there!) Kelly, Mike and I were going to go see the ice sculptures in Breckenridge today, but we woke up later then planned to clouds and decided it probably wasn't worth the long drive and the bad ski traffic through the tunnel on the way back down. Some year I want to go though! We decided to go to lunch at Red Robin and then go see Avatar instead. I really liked the movie, but found the 3-D glasses annoying and yet, totally hilarious! (As were some of the people sitting around us).
Sunday, Feb. 7
Super Bowl Sunday...was supposed to go to a Super Bowl party at the Vinson's, but I woke up feeling icky. Anna and I decided to just stay home and watch movies and the commercials online. (I'm not going to even pretend that I cared about the game this year. I most definitely did not).
Monday, Feb. 8
Only got 3 hours of sleep last night... being sick is no fun. Had a curriculum council meeting at the Ed Center after school. It was no fun. BUT Lis is fun and since I rarely get to see her anymore I was happy to sit by her and not pay attention. :)
Tuesday, Feb. 9
Jamila and I watched My Sister's Keeper tonight. I read the book a long time ago and had really liked it. I thought the movie was pretty well done, but you can never really get to know the characters in a movie the way you can in a book. I had a hard time with some of the movie because it made me miss my uncle all the more. It doesn't seem to get much easier with time...Love and miss him dearly.
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Aging in the Anti-Aging Aisle
I tried to buy moisturizer at Target tonight. Wow. Did you know that there are about 30 different ones made by Oil of Olay alone? Illuminating, firming, repairing, hydrating, restoring, smoothing, lifting, pore-minimizing, fast absorbing, discoloration fighting, micro-sculpting, anti-wrinkle, anti-aging, anti-spot, anti-oxidant, SPF 15, tinted, fragrance free, DNA superstructure, + concealer, night recovery, night, day, self repair serum, roller, lotion, cream, gel, foam...and the list goes on.
It took me so long to figure out what one to buy that I think I may have developed some new wrinkles... finally settled on the total effects daily fragrance-free one...it claims to have 7-in-1 anti-aging something or others...it was the simplest one I could find. Seriously? I just want my face to not be dry. Can't they make it simple (and a heck of a lot cheaper)?
It took me so long to figure out what one to buy that I think I may have developed some new wrinkles... finally settled on the total effects daily fragrance-free one...it claims to have 7-in-1 anti-aging something or others...it was the simplest one I could find. Seriously? I just want my face to not be dry. Can't they make it simple (and a heck of a lot cheaper)?
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
In the morning I will sing of your love.
I love how God knows me so well...I am not a morning person, so when I have more than one 7:30am meeting in a week, I am less than thrilled to roll out of bed and start my day. Let's face it, when I am tired and it is early, I am downright grumpy. On meeting mornings I usually grumble all the way to work and get annoyed by just about everything. I usually shake it off by the time I get to work, but the old bumper sticker my mom had always flashes in my head "I may rise, but I refuse to shine."
This morning I woke up early to the most wonderful gift. My entire drive to work was bathed in the warm, welcoming, glow of the rising sun. The silhouette of downtown Denver was incredible and by the time I merged onto I-25 I was singing praises of God's love. So many times I forget that in life there is beauty in the pain. I know waking up early isn't really painful (for most), but it is not pleasant for me. This morning God reminded me that he always has something amazing waiting for me, and all I have to do is open my eyes and appreciate it.
This morning I woke up early to the most wonderful gift. My entire drive to work was bathed in the warm, welcoming, glow of the rising sun. The silhouette of downtown Denver was incredible and by the time I merged onto I-25 I was singing praises of God's love. So many times I forget that in life there is beauty in the pain. I know waking up early isn't really painful (for most), but it is not pleasant for me. This morning God reminded me that he always has something amazing waiting for me, and all I have to do is open my eyes and appreciate it.
I will sing of your strength, in the morning I will sing of your love. --Psalm 59:16
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
It's February! (2/1 and 2/2/10)
I can hardly believe it is already February! I guess the groundhog saw his shadow today...more winter. I kinda like the winter though, and it's not like Colorado plays by the weather rules anyway, so no complaints here.
In other news... a facebook update encouraged me to look up my name on urbandictionary.com, and since I often cave to these silly demands, I did. Here is what I found:
Beth
2. Beth
A popular nickname of Elizabeth or Bethany. Made famous by the KISS song. One of the nicest people I have ever met.
3. Beth
a person who is fun and makes you feel all "fuzzy" inside. i think mine is the specialist ....... may have a small pirate fetish.
4. Beth
That girl who you just cant find anything to bitch about. Always really nice, but never too nice. Generally quite smart and can be blushingly nerdy, but the type of nerd that everyone loves. Has an awesomely wicked sense of humour that's so witty and can burn people to the ground. Someone everyone wants to be friends with.
Also the famous kiss song
and the name of the sickly beth in little women.
Often the shortened name of Elizabeth or Bethany but Beth's loathe being called anything but Beth (especially Elizabeth nicknames like Lizzie and Betty)
5. Beth
1. A 1976 hit from the Kiss album Detroit Rock City,
2. The "Little Women" sister who croaks,
3. A name usually belonging to sweet, sexy girls who keep their edge hidden (but it's there)
So true, so true... :)
In other news... a facebook update encouraged me to look up my name on urbandictionary.com, and since I often cave to these silly demands, I did. Here is what I found:
Beth
1. beth
gem like, shim-shimmering like a precious stone, awe-inspiring and captivating.
adjec; to bling, or razzle dazzle.gem like, shim-shimmering like a precious stone, awe-inspiring and captivating.
2. Beth
A popular nickname of Elizabeth or Bethany. Made famous by the KISS song. One of the nicest people I have ever met.
3. Beth
a person who is fun and makes you feel all "fuzzy" inside. i think mine is the specialist ....... may have a small pirate fetish.
4. Beth
That girl who you just cant find anything to bitch about. Always really nice, but never too nice. Generally quite smart and can be blushingly nerdy, but the type of nerd that everyone loves. Has an awesomely wicked sense of humour that's so witty and can burn people to the ground. Someone everyone wants to be friends with.
Also the famous kiss song
and the name of the sickly beth in little women.
Often the shortened name of Elizabeth or Bethany but Beth's loathe being called anything but Beth (especially Elizabeth nicknames like Lizzie and Betty)
5. Beth
1. A 1976 hit from the Kiss album Detroit Rock City,
2. The "Little Women" sister who croaks,
3. A name usually belonging to sweet, sexy girls who keep their edge hidden (but it's there)
So true, so true... :)
Friday, January 29, 2010
A week behind (1/23-1/29/10)
So, I have pretty much let a week slip by without posting anything. Oops! I started them but never published them, so I guess I will have to give you the whole week in one big shebang!
Saturday (1/23)
We w
ent out for Zuikerpalooza to celebrate Zuiker's re-release into the wild! I drank a very large Blue Moon and marveled at the size of the Afro on the man promoting the disco night next week. After dinner and hanging out at the bar with the boys for a while, Kelly, Mike and I went to Andrew's on 11th to watch J.P's band.
Sunday (1/26) Brunch Sunday! Once a month a group of us tries to get together for brunch. Our humble group of 6 grew to 14 today! It was fun to have more friends join the laughter and conversations. I love Sunday brunch and the yummy mimosas!
Monday (1/25)
I had a meeting after school at the district. Our school had a table at the PBS (Positive Behavior Support) fair, so we displayed many of our PAWS stuff and shared with others in the district about how we got our program up and running and what has been successful for us. It was pretty exciting to have so many people come up to us and say that they have heard such good things about our school and program. I am quite proud considering all the hard work I've put into it over the past 3 years. It's so exciting to have a team, principal and staff who are so supportive of what we have created! My student teacher decided to join us at the fair tonight too--I hope that visiting with the other schools gives her a leg up when it comes to future interviews! After the fair Tracy took us all out to dinner at Hurley's in Boulder. Mmm, they have great food, and the company was wonderful too! I love when we get to share stories over meals together!
Tuesday (1/26)
After school/meetings today I met up with Jamila, Anna and Kelly for round 2 of Jamila's dress shopping. I think we were successful and that she found "the one"! How exciting! In case you were wondering- Jamila is pretty much the fastest wedding dress shopper I have ever met! She could probably try on 5 wedding dresses and decide if they were a yes or no faster then a pit crew can change tires at the Indy 500. She's THAT good. After the quick dress trip we decided to go to dinner at one of my new favorite Mexican restaurants near my house, La Loma.
Other exciting news today! I am finally settling with the other guy's insurance for the medical side of my car accident. The agent (who, by the way, has been so aweseome and helpful through this whole thing) called me and made me an offer that was very generous. So without going into too many details- my bills will be covered with enough left over for me to get caught up on some other car payments! (and buy a guitar) Woohoo!
Wednesday (1/27)
Today a former student of mine (who is now in 2nd grade) walked by me in the hall while I was getting some books. She stopped, looked at me and said, "Do you remember that I was in your class?" I told her yes. A few seconds wait then, "Those are big earrings. Why do you have big earrings?" "Because I like them." A few more seconds wait then, "How young are you anyway?" I love it....
After school I met up with Kelly, Mike, Ben, Nicole, Trevor, and two other couples at Buffalo Wild Wings to eat dinner as part of a fundraiser for Abby's Voice. My throat was a little sore so I stuck to the mild wings which were delicious! I love when eating out is for a good cause! I was even able to recruit about 10 people from work to eat at BWW to help support Abby's Voice too. :) I hope the fundraiser was successful!
Thursday (1/28)
I joined a diversity book/movie club (that is actually a class I get credit for) that my principal, Tracy, organized this year. I really enjoy it because we get to talk about fascinating books and movies once a month. We always meet after school at a local restaurant/bar--tonight was at Old Chicago (hummmm that is 4 nights out for dinner so far this week!) I love attending these meetings because 1. I enjoy my colleagues and love having the opportunity to talk to them outside of school, 2. I love reading about diversity and trying to find ways to make myself a better teacher by applying what I have learned, and 3. because I love to share my ideas and opinions and I usually have A LOT of them to share at things like this. There can be times when I am quiet around larger groups, but when you put me in a group where I get to talk about things I am passionate about and that I know a lot about, I can hardly shut up! :) I do restrain myself, but it is so great to share that side of myself with people who don't always see it. It's great to hear colleagues tell me they thought a lot about what I said and are trying to apply some of it to their teaching too (and to try some of the things they suggest too).
On a side note, I got an email today inviting me to attend the Impact on Education Awards Dinner Feb. 11. Take My Teacher Home (TMTH), the podcast lesson grant I am a part of is sponsored by Impact on Education, so they want us to all come and be a part of the dinner and share our success. Woohoo! (Maybe one day I can actually be one of those lucky few who get the award for having such an amazing impact on children).
Friday (1/29)
Our Student Council put on a movie night fundraiser tonight. I'm not sure how much profit we made, but it was a huge community building success! It was so much fun to see all the kids in their PJs with pillow, blankets and stuffed animals in tow. (It was fun to see the parents too). We sold pizza, popcorn and water and then everyone piled into the gym to watch Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs projected on the wall. In the past we have had fairs and other events that cost money, so I was really happy that we held an event that allowed EVERYONE to join in (the movie was free). After helping with the food I was able to find a spot sitting with a coworker and his daughter and watch the movie. It's pretty cute, and not surprisingly, very little like the book. :)
Oh, and I am a Rory training master! Before the movie I went to my parents house and while there I decided I wanted to train Rory how to shake. She had it down within 15 minutes! I suppose I can't take all the credit...she is a VERY smart dog! Now I just have to teach her to stay and roll over. Speak is still a little confusing to her too. She just gets annoyed and starts to bite you. :) But you know, I did teach her how to sit and lay down the first day she was home, so I have 3 big accomplishments under my dog-training belt. Do dog trainers wear belts? Hum, maybe they wear fanny packs to hold all their treats in. I refuse to wear a fanny pack...so I guess I am one of those rebellious, non-fanny pack wearing part-time dog trainers. Yeah...that sounds accurate.
Saturday (1/23)
We w
ent out for Zuikerpalooza to celebrate Zuiker's re-release into the wild! I drank a very large Blue Moon and marveled at the size of the Afro on the man promoting the disco night next week. After dinner and hanging out at the bar with the boys for a while, Kelly, Mike and I went to Andrew's on 11th to watch J.P's band.Sunday (1/26) Brunch Sunday! Once a month a group of us tries to get together for brunch. Our humble group of 6 grew to 14 today! It was fun to have more friends join the laughter and conversations. I love Sunday brunch and the yummy mimosas!
Monday (1/25)
I had a meeting after school at the district. Our school had a table at the PBS (Positive Behavior Support) fair, so we displayed many of our PAWS stuff and shared with others in the district about how we got our program up and running and what has been successful for us. It was pretty exciting to have so many people come up to us and say that they have heard such good things about our school and program. I am quite proud considering all the hard work I've put into it over the past 3 years. It's so exciting to have a team, principal and staff who are so supportive of what we have created! My student teacher decided to join us at the fair tonight too--I hope that visiting with the other schools gives her a leg up when it comes to future interviews! After the fair Tracy took us all out to dinner at Hurley's in Boulder. Mmm, they have great food, and the company was wonderful too! I love when we get to share stories over meals together!
Tuesday (1/26)
After school/meetings today I met up with Jamila, Anna and Kelly for round 2 of Jamila's dress shopping. I think we were successful and that she found "the one"! How exciting! In case you were wondering- Jamila is pretty much the fastest wedding dress shopper I have ever met! She could probably try on 5 wedding dresses and decide if they were a yes or no faster then a pit crew can change tires at the Indy 500. She's THAT good. After the quick dress trip we decided to go to dinner at one of my new favorite Mexican restaurants near my house, La Loma.
Other exciting news today! I am finally settling with the other guy's insurance for the medical side of my car accident. The agent (who, by the way, has been so aweseome and helpful through this whole thing) called me and made me an offer that was very generous. So without going into too many details- my bills will be covered with enough left over for me to get caught up on some other car payments! (and buy a guitar) Woohoo!
Wednesday (1/27)
Today a former student of mine (who is now in 2nd grade) walked by me in the hall while I was getting some books. She stopped, looked at me and said, "Do you remember that I was in your class?" I told her yes. A few seconds wait then, "Those are big earrings. Why do you have big earrings?" "Because I like them." A few more seconds wait then, "How young are you anyway?" I love it....
After school I met up with Kelly, Mike, Ben, Nicole, Trevor, and two other couples at Buffalo Wild Wings to eat dinner as part of a fundraiser for Abby's Voice. My throat was a little sore so I stuck to the mild wings which were delicious! I love when eating out is for a good cause! I was even able to recruit about 10 people from work to eat at BWW to help support Abby's Voice too. :) I hope the fundraiser was successful!
Thursday (1/28)
I joined a diversity book/movie club (that is actually a class I get credit for) that my principal, Tracy, organized this year. I really enjoy it because we get to talk about fascinating books and movies once a month. We always meet after school at a local restaurant/bar--tonight was at Old Chicago (hummmm that is 4 nights out for dinner so far this week!) I love attending these meetings because 1. I enjoy my colleagues and love having the opportunity to talk to them outside of school, 2. I love reading about diversity and trying to find ways to make myself a better teacher by applying what I have learned, and 3. because I love to share my ideas and opinions and I usually have A LOT of them to share at things like this. There can be times when I am quiet around larger groups, but when you put me in a group where I get to talk about things I am passionate about and that I know a lot about, I can hardly shut up! :) I do restrain myself, but it is so great to share that side of myself with people who don't always see it. It's great to hear colleagues tell me they thought a lot about what I said and are trying to apply some of it to their teaching too (and to try some of the things they suggest too).
On a side note, I got an email today inviting me to attend the Impact on Education Awards Dinner Feb. 11. Take My Teacher Home (TMTH), the podcast lesson grant I am a part of is sponsored by Impact on Education, so they want us to all come and be a part of the dinner and share our success. Woohoo! (Maybe one day I can actually be one of those lucky few who get the award for having such an amazing impact on children).
Friday (1/29)
Our Student Council put on a movie night fundraiser tonight. I'm not sure how much profit we made, but it was a huge community building success! It was so much fun to see all the kids in their PJs with pillow, blankets and stuffed animals in tow. (It was fun to see the parents too). We sold pizza, popcorn and water and then everyone piled into the gym to watch Cloudy With a Chance of Meatballs projected on the wall. In the past we have had fairs and other events that cost money, so I was really happy that we held an event that allowed EVERYONE to join in (the movie was free). After helping with the food I was able to find a spot sitting with a coworker and his daughter and watch the movie. It's pretty cute, and not surprisingly, very little like the book. :)
Oh, and I am a Rory training master! Before the movie I went to my parents house and while there I decided I wanted to train Rory how to shake. She had it down within 15 minutes! I suppose I can't take all the credit...she is a VERY smart dog! Now I just have to teach her to stay and roll over. Speak is still a little confusing to her too. She just gets annoyed and starts to bite you. :) But you know, I did teach her how to sit and lay down the first day she was home, so I have 3 big accomplishments under my dog-training belt. Do dog trainers wear belts? Hum, maybe they wear fanny packs to hold all their treats in. I refuse to wear a fanny pack...so I guess I am one of those rebellious, non-fanny pack wearing part-time dog trainers. Yeah...that sounds accurate.
Saturday, January 23, 2010
January 22, 2010
I found this old memoir I wrote while in college today...makes me laugh.
When I was younger (ok, ok, now too) I used to do strange things to find entertainment. I think I need to blame my dad for this trait, because after all, he is the one who will break into some form of babble song and shuffle around the house making strange faces. Yes, he is definitely to blame. Anyway, with my dad as my mentor, my sister by my side, and my friends laughing at me, I found entertainment in some of the strangest places and objects.
One of my pastimes that was a little on the odd side was fishing. Well, fishing isn't strange, but fishing with floss probably is. I used to love to sit on my top bunk and dangle my feet and "fishing" line over the edge. I'm not sure if I ever thought that I would actually catch anything, but I sure had fun trying. Sometimes I would vary my floss uses, don't act too surprised, what kid actually uses floss to FLOSS? There are so many other uses for it: suspending toys from the ceiling, tying objects together and of course my favorite, getting in floss wars with your sister.
I'm sure you're wondering what floss wars are, well, there really isn't much to them. Actually they started out as elastic wars, but apparently moms frown upon pulling the tiny bands of elastic out of socks and undergarments. Go figure. Anyway, the floss wars started out when my sister taped a piece of elastic from one wall to the other in the bathroom. I walked in to go to the bathroom, and snap! The elastic snapped against my skin forming a welt, and thus started the placement of elastic and floss webs around the house. We would plan our sneak attacks, and place the floss where the other wouldn't think to look, and when they least expected it. I'm not really sure what the point of these wars was. The only thing that really happened was you walked into the floss and it surprised you a little. It's not like floss is a big threat or anything, well, unless you are plaque or little bits of food stuck in someone's teeth. Whatever the reason for our dental hygiene product battles, one thing was certain: we were entertained.
Thursday, January 21, 2010
January 21, 2010
Tonight I am too tired to really put much effort into this...so, here we go.
There are exactly 5 months until my birthday.
Olive Garden's soup, salad, and bread sticks meal is one of my favorites. (And I had it for dinner tonight).
Dress shopping with Jamila is a lot of fun- watching crazy brides-to-be try on dresses and scream about "the bow! look at the bow!" is not.
I'm going to be the Project Move Manager for my building this spring and summer. That means that I will actually get paid for all my obsessive compulsive organizing and labeling at school!
Anna bought soap that makes my hands smell like red hots.
This post is scattered and random much like my brain at the moment....
I'm going to bed. Night.
There are exactly 5 months until my birthday.
Olive Garden's soup, salad, and bread sticks meal is one of my favorites. (And I had it for dinner tonight).
Dress shopping with Jamila is a lot of fun- watching crazy brides-to-be try on dresses and scream about "the bow! look at the bow!" is not.
I'm going to be the Project Move Manager for my building this spring and summer. That means that I will actually get paid for all my obsessive compulsive organizing and labeling at school!
Anna bought soap that makes my hands smell like red hots.
This post is scattered and random much like my brain at the moment....
I'm going to bed. Night.
January 20, 2010
It's hard to believe that it has already been 1 year since inauguration! I'm still so happy that I had a chance to be there for such a major moment in history!
On another, completely different note-- tonight I made playdough for a map lesson I am going to do with my students tomorrow. I remembered that someone once told me to use a dry packet of Kool-Aid to give it a good smell and color. I thought I would give it a try. After I finished mixing all the ingredients I started to think it was a little odd to put Jell-O mix into the dough. It didn't really turn the dough a very bright green or blue. And then I realized what was wrong...I used Jell-O, not Kool-Aid and that is NOT what the recipes called for. I have no clue why I kept reading Kool-Aid and yet I still bought and used Jell-O. If I were blonde, this would be my moment.
On another, completely different note-- tonight I made playdough for a map lesson I am going to do with my students tomorrow. I remembered that someone once told me to use a dry packet of Kool-Aid to give it a good smell and color. I thought I would give it a try. After I finished mixing all the ingredients I started to think it was a little odd to put Jell-O mix into the dough. It didn't really turn the dough a very bright green or blue. And then I realized what was wrong...I used Jell-O, not Kool-Aid and that is NOT what the recipes called for. I have no clue why I kept reading Kool-Aid and yet I still bought and used Jell-O. If I were blonde, this would be my moment.
Tuesday, January 19, 2010
Have I mentioned that I LOVE Ingrid Michaelson? (This is a trick question because the answer is clearly YES I have. And if you didn't know this clearly you have not been listening to me rave about her for the past 5 years.)
She is amazing and I highly recommend her latest album, Everybody. I think this album is a little less quirky than her previous ones, but still great!
Ok, I'm done with my gushing...for now.
She is amazing and I highly recommend her latest album, Everybody. I think this album is a little less quirky than her previous ones, but still great!
Ok, I'm done with my gushing...for now.
Monday, January 18, 2010
I've decided there are three things that I would really like to do this year. Okay, well there are A LOT more than just these three, but these are no small (or cheap) tasks.
1. Learn how to play the guitar.
Anna also wants to do this so we are going to try to buy one together- they make some smaller ones for those of us with smaller hands so I am excited that I no longer have the excuse of small hands!
2. Take a photography class or two, or three.
I took black and white photography for three years in high school, but that was quite a while ago and now I want to learn more about digital photography. I really really want to do this before my next Europe trip. (Hopefully summer 2011). The good news is I have two co-workers who also expressed interest in classes, so hopefully I can get them to take classes with me!
3. Take cooking classes.
I have gotten back into cooking more lately and have wanted to take a few classes for some time now. After watching Julie and Julia the other night I'm excited to look for classes again. It would be fun to take a series of classes, but they can be pretty expensive, so maybe just a few to start.
So, the first hurdle is to find these classes, the second is to figure out a way to afford them, and the third is to actually do them. :)
Any advise, tips, suggestions or expertise in any of these three areas would be greatly appreciated! And let me know if you or anyone you know wants to join me in any of these endeavors!
1. Learn how to play the guitar.
Anna also wants to do this so we are going to try to buy one together- they make some smaller ones for those of us with smaller hands so I am excited that I no longer have the excuse of small hands!
2. Take a photography class or two, or three.
I took black and white photography for three years in high school, but that was quite a while ago and now I want to learn more about digital photography. I really really want to do this before my next Europe trip. (Hopefully summer 2011). The good news is I have two co-workers who also expressed interest in classes, so hopefully I can get them to take classes with me!
3. Take cooking classes.
I have gotten back into cooking more lately and have wanted to take a few classes for some time now. After watching Julie and Julia the other night I'm excited to look for classes again. It would be fun to take a series of classes, but they can be pretty expensive, so maybe just a few to start.
So, the first hurdle is to find these classes, the second is to figure out a way to afford them, and the third is to actually do them. :)
Any advise, tips, suggestions or expertise in any of these three areas would be greatly appreciated! And let me know if you or anyone you know wants to join me in any of these endeavors!
Sunday, January 17, 2010
An emotional paper cut
January 16 &17
For some time now I have been using the excuse that I need to sleep in on Sunday mornings, and as a result I have not consistently been to church in quite a while. I've also used the excuse that I don't really have a church home anymore, so 'I will wait until I find one.' (Umm, I'm pretty sure you need to actually take some action and GO to a church, any church, to find one!)
Last night I went to bed at midnight and this morning I woke up at exactly 8:00. Supposedly you need at least 8 hours of sleep-you can't get more precise then that. I got up, went to the bathroom and was about to crawl back into bed when I had this tugging on my heart. The tugging was followed by thoughts that popped in and out of my head.
"You slept 8 hours."
"You are standing right next to the shower...don't go back to bed, just get in!"
"You could make the Highlands service at 10:00 with plenty of time to spare..."
"You could make the 10:30 service right next door."
Being the stubborn, selfish person I am, I responded to these thoughts with a few of my own...
"Yeah, but I don't HAVE to go. I can sleep in for as long as I want. I only get two days a week to sleep in and I should, no, NEED to take advantage of that! Okay, I will take a shower, but only so I can be ready to do whatever I want today. Maybe that will be going to church, maybe not... Maybe I will go shopping or work on my pictures. Oh, there is still some laundry to be done."
To which the thoughts responded,
"You should go. Just go."
I knew those thoughts were right, so I made my bed and got into the shower. (To be sure that those thoughts knew who was 'boss' I made sure to take an extra long shower and dragged my feet getting ready--I may be compliant, but it doesn't mean that I am not still stubborn).
I'm stubborn, but I am also honest. I'm glad I listened. I'm glad I went. Apparently, I have a few emotional paper cuts.
Mark spoke on Jonah today and a lot of what he said hit those paper cuts like lemon juice.
Jonah ran from God and found himself in trouble, deep trouble. He prayed to God and was answered.
Jonah's not the only one in trouble. As Mark said (and much of this is based on notes I took from his sermon with my own reflections added in), some people refer to natural disasters as Acts of God, 'if only the weatherman would say the same of a beautiful day.' When our lives are going well it is all too easy to dismiss that God is behind it and so, we sometimes go without prayer, without praise, without God constantly on our mind and heart. But as soon as we get a paper cut, real or emotional, we curse God or start begging for help. We make promises in search of that instant fix, "I will...if you could only..." We find ourselves thrown overboard and cry out "Help me!" To which God responds, "You're already in my hands."
We fail to realize that sometimes the thing we think is our punishment, might actually be our salvation. "The worst thing opened the way for the best." The problem is, we don't indwell the deep places. We just move along. We run, much like Jonah, or we expect it to just fix itself. At least that's what I've done with my paper cuts. I've put a band-aid over them to protect them from the sting and move on. I don't always ask for help (I'm stubborn and selfish, remember?). I don't always feel the hands that hold me and so I try to carry myself, ignoring the support that is right beside me. Sometimes it seems to work and I praise myself for being strong, for being smart, and for being able to take care of myself. But, eventually that band-aid always seems to fall off and the sting is still there, sometimes intensified. It is usually then that I realize I may need some help.
I've heard before that prayer is basically two parts. The first part is "Help me, help me, help me." and the second is, "Thank you, thank you, thank you."
I'm REAL good at the help me part and when I'm not being stubborn use it often. It's the thank you part that I tend to forget. Well, I guess I'm pretty good at the "Thank you" when it directly follows the "Help me," but it's the daily thank yous, the ones for the beautiful day and the abundant blessings that I sometimes forget to say.
So, here is only a fraction of what deserves thanks from yesterday and today...
I'm thankful for the sunshine.
I'm thankful for the conversation I had with Heidi and Jackson.
I'm thankful that I have a cousin who will sing Bon Jovi on the phone to me and who thinks I should become a pro-wrestler by the name of "Bethhead"
I'm thankful that I did not run into the dryer that was sitting in the middle of my lane on I-25.
I'm thankful that my student's baby brother got to come home after 3 very scary weeks in the hospital.
I'm thankful that I was able to drop off dinner from all the teachers of the children in this family and that I was able to share in their joy that he was home.
I'm thankful that the lady driving around the parking lot with her minivan car door open did not loose any of the kids who were walking around in the back seat. (And that she closed the door). :)
I'm thankful for friends who make dinner and invite me to join in.
I'm thankful for laughter and even more thankful for sharing it with those I love.
I'm thankful for talented musicians whose music and lyrics comfort and accompany me in all situations of life.
I'm thankful for living in Denver.
I'm thankful for the times when my faults aren't brought to my attention and I gain a little more confidence. (Cause lets face it, we all know there are faults and sometimes it's just not necessary to point them all out-I know they are there). :)
I'm thankful for parents who love me and that I never have to wonder if they do.
I'm thankful for the tugging on my heart and the whispers that gently guide me on my way.
I'm thankful to God for taking the band-aid off my wounds so that we can start and continue the healing together.
I'm thankful that God reminded me that I have emotional paper cuts.
I'm thankful for the appreciation and hug I received today.
I'm thankful for healing I didn't know I needed.
I'm thankful I felt a peace of 'home' today.
I'm just plain thankful.
For some time now I have been using the excuse that I need to sleep in on Sunday mornings, and as a result I have not consistently been to church in quite a while. I've also used the excuse that I don't really have a church home anymore, so 'I will wait until I find one.' (Umm, I'm pretty sure you need to actually take some action and GO to a church, any church, to find one!)
Last night I went to bed at midnight and this morning I woke up at exactly 8:00. Supposedly you need at least 8 hours of sleep-you can't get more precise then that. I got up, went to the bathroom and was about to crawl back into bed when I had this tugging on my heart. The tugging was followed by thoughts that popped in and out of my head.
"You slept 8 hours."
"You are standing right next to the shower...don't go back to bed, just get in!"
"You could make the Highlands service at 10:00 with plenty of time to spare..."
"You could make the 10:30 service right next door."
Being the stubborn, selfish person I am, I responded to these thoughts with a few of my own...
"Yeah, but I don't HAVE to go. I can sleep in for as long as I want. I only get two days a week to sleep in and I should, no, NEED to take advantage of that! Okay, I will take a shower, but only so I can be ready to do whatever I want today. Maybe that will be going to church, maybe not... Maybe I will go shopping or work on my pictures. Oh, there is still some laundry to be done."
To which the thoughts responded,
"You should go. Just go."
I knew those thoughts were right, so I made my bed and got into the shower. (To be sure that those thoughts knew who was 'boss' I made sure to take an extra long shower and dragged my feet getting ready--I may be compliant, but it doesn't mean that I am not still stubborn).
I'm stubborn, but I am also honest. I'm glad I listened. I'm glad I went. Apparently, I have a few emotional paper cuts.
Mark spoke on Jonah today and a lot of what he said hit those paper cuts like lemon juice.
Jonah ran from God and found himself in trouble, deep trouble. He prayed to God and was answered.
Jonah's not the only one in trouble. As Mark said (and much of this is based on notes I took from his sermon with my own reflections added in), some people refer to natural disasters as Acts of God, 'if only the weatherman would say the same of a beautiful day.' When our lives are going well it is all too easy to dismiss that God is behind it and so, we sometimes go without prayer, without praise, without God constantly on our mind and heart. But as soon as we get a paper cut, real or emotional, we curse God or start begging for help. We make promises in search of that instant fix, "I will...if you could only..." We find ourselves thrown overboard and cry out "Help me!" To which God responds, "You're already in my hands."
We fail to realize that sometimes the thing we think is our punishment, might actually be our salvation. "The worst thing opened the way for the best." The problem is, we don't indwell the deep places. We just move along. We run, much like Jonah, or we expect it to just fix itself. At least that's what I've done with my paper cuts. I've put a band-aid over them to protect them from the sting and move on. I don't always ask for help (I'm stubborn and selfish, remember?). I don't always feel the hands that hold me and so I try to carry myself, ignoring the support that is right beside me. Sometimes it seems to work and I praise myself for being strong, for being smart, and for being able to take care of myself. But, eventually that band-aid always seems to fall off and the sting is still there, sometimes intensified. It is usually then that I realize I may need some help.
I've heard before that prayer is basically two parts. The first part is "Help me, help me, help me." and the second is, "Thank you, thank you, thank you."
I'm REAL good at the help me part and when I'm not being stubborn use it often. It's the thank you part that I tend to forget. Well, I guess I'm pretty good at the "Thank you" when it directly follows the "Help me," but it's the daily thank yous, the ones for the beautiful day and the abundant blessings that I sometimes forget to say.
So, here is only a fraction of what deserves thanks from yesterday and today...
I'm thankful for the sunshine.
I'm thankful for the conversation I had with Heidi and Jackson.
I'm thankful that I have a cousin who will sing Bon Jovi on the phone to me and who thinks I should become a pro-wrestler by the name of "Bethhead"
I'm thankful that I did not run into the dryer that was sitting in the middle of my lane on I-25.
I'm thankful that my student's baby brother got to come home after 3 very scary weeks in the hospital.
I'm thankful that I was able to drop off dinner from all the teachers of the children in this family and that I was able to share in their joy that he was home.
I'm thankful that the lady driving around the parking lot with her minivan car door open did not loose any of the kids who were walking around in the back seat. (And that she closed the door). :)
I'm thankful for friends who make dinner and invite me to join in.
I'm thankful for laughter and even more thankful for sharing it with those I love.
I'm thankful for talented musicians whose music and lyrics comfort and accompany me in all situations of life.
I'm thankful for living in Denver.
I'm thankful for the times when my faults aren't brought to my attention and I gain a little more confidence. (Cause lets face it, we all know there are faults and sometimes it's just not necessary to point them all out-I know they are there). :)
I'm thankful for parents who love me and that I never have to wonder if they do.
I'm thankful for the tugging on my heart and the whispers that gently guide me on my way.
I'm thankful to God for taking the band-aid off my wounds so that we can start and continue the healing together.
I'm thankful that God reminded me that I have emotional paper cuts.
I'm thankful for the appreciation and hug I received today.
I'm thankful for healing I didn't know I needed.
I'm thankful I felt a peace of 'home' today.
I'm just plain thankful.
Saturday, January 16, 2010
January 15, 2010
I think it 
is kind of amazing how you can be drawn to things without really knowing why. Ever since I was little I have always been drawn to Ireland. I finally made my life dream of visiting come true in June last year. I think I was more excited to board that plane from Brussels to Dublin then I have ever been excited about anything else. I was giddy the whole flight and was not disappointed when I set foot onto Irish soil (which was actually concrete). I spent 4 days exploring the Dublin area and was sad when I had to leave.
For girls night tonight, Kelly, Katey, Anna and I went to see Leap Year. It was a cute movie about a ginger-haired girl who traveled from Boston to propose to her boyfriend in Dublin on Leap Day (apparently an Irish tradition that says it is the one day that the girl can purpose). Her trip gets complicated after bad weather reroutes her flight. The rest of the movie follows her adventu
res through the Irish Countryside accompanied by a cute Irishmen that she has hired to get her to Dublin. The movie only made my desire to return to Ireland and explore more of the countryside intensify. I'm still drawn there and suspect I always will be. It's one of those places that feels like home...maybe on my next trip I too will meet a cute Irish man. :)
is kind of amazing how you can be drawn to things without really knowing why. Ever since I was little I have always been drawn to Ireland. I finally made my life dream of visiting come true in June last year. I think I was more excited to board that plane from Brussels to Dublin then I have ever been excited about anything else. I was giddy the whole flight and was not disappointed when I set foot onto Irish soil (which was actually concrete). I spent 4 days exploring the Dublin area and was sad when I had to leave.
For girls night tonight, Kelly, Katey, Anna and I went to see Leap Year. It was a cute movie about a ginger-haired girl who traveled from Boston to propose to her boyfriend in Dublin on Leap Day (apparently an Irish tradition that says it is the one day that the girl can purpose). Her trip gets complicated after bad weather reroutes her flight. The rest of the movie follows her adventu
res through the Irish Countryside accompanied by a cute Irishmen that she has hired to get her to Dublin. The movie only made my desire to return to Ireland and explore more of the countryside intensify. I'm still drawn there and suspect I always will be. It's one of those places that feels like home...maybe on my next trip I too will meet a cute Irish man. :)
Thursday, January 14, 2010
Public Service Announcement about old graham crakers
Quite possibly one of the nastiest tastes in the world is an old graham cracker. A graham cracker you ask? I can hear you mocking me and saying "whatever, how bad could a graham cracker be?" Mock if you must, but don't say I didn't warn you!
I first became suspicious of the dangers of expired graham crackers two months ago when I received a free box from the local food bank to give to my students who can't afford snacks. I opened the box and was overwhelmed by the toxic smell of plastic and cardboard. At first I thought it was just the packaging, but then I tasted a small piece of one of the graham crackers only to find they tasted just as bad as they smelled. I passed it off as a bad box that maybe had been left in the sun or something and threw it away. That was until tonight...
My mom innocently made a cheesecake from one of those Jell-O box mixes for our "un-Christmas" dinner with my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jerry tonight. I put the cherries on top, passed the plates and serving utensils to my mom and we all sat around the table in anticipation of the yummy-ness we were about to consume. As my mom cut into the cheesecake a icky familiar smell was released. I couldn't place it at first, but once it was sitting on the plate before me I had a sneaking suspicion it was coming from the graham cracker crust. A taste of a crumb confirmed it. I warned the table that it smelled bad. They too mocked me and did not believe that graham crackers could make such a smell. So, wanting to taste for themselves, I watched as each person in turn put a forkful in their mouth and immediately spit it out in disgust. (I told you so). We checked the box, and it appears that my dad's long habit of stocking our basement for the second coming has finally proved that buying 2 tons of canned corn and cheesecake when it is on sale for 49 cents is not really a good idea. It turns out you don't really eat canned corn or cheesecake that often, so by the time you finally get around to eating the cheesecake you bought in 2007 it is waaaayyy expired and the graham crackers now taste and smell like toxic plastic flavored cardboard.
Yuck.
I first became suspicious of the dangers of expired graham crackers two months ago when I received a free box from the local food bank to give to my students who can't afford snacks. I opened the box and was overwhelmed by the toxic smell of plastic and cardboard. At first I thought it was just the packaging, but then I tasted a small piece of one of the graham crackers only to find they tasted just as bad as they smelled. I passed it off as a bad box that maybe had been left in the sun or something and threw it away. That was until tonight...
My mom innocently made a cheesecake from one of those Jell-O box mixes for our "un-Christmas" dinner with my Aunt Nancy and Uncle Jerry tonight. I put the cherries on top, passed the plates and serving utensils to my mom and we all sat around the table in anticipation of the yummy-ness we were about to consume. As my mom cut into the cheesecake a icky familiar smell was released. I couldn't place it at first, but once it was sitting on the plate before me I had a sneaking suspicion it was coming from the graham cracker crust. A taste of a crumb confirmed it. I warned the table that it smelled bad. They too mocked me and did not believe that graham crackers could make such a smell. So, wanting to taste for themselves, I watched as each person in turn put a forkful in their mouth and immediately spit it out in disgust. (I told you so). We checked the box, and it appears that my dad's long habit of stocking our basement for the second coming has finally proved that buying 2 tons of canned corn and cheesecake when it is on sale for 49 cents is not really a good idea. It turns out you don't really eat canned corn or cheesecake that often, so by the time you finally get around to eating the cheesecake you bought in 2007 it is waaaayyy expired and the graham crackers now taste and smell like toxic plastic flavored cardboard.
Yuck.
January 13, 2010
Tonight I will go to bed with a roof over my head and with the knowledge that my family is safe and well. For that, I am blessed. I will also go to bed with a heavy heart for Haiti. I can't even begin to imagine what it must be like to be there right now.
I just read this in an online article:
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in..”
http://www.worldvision.org/
http://www.redcross.org/
I just read this in an online article:
Small groups appeared to be gathering around the city to sing and pray in their hour of despair.
"The praying and singing is getting louder..more and more people are gathering..so much suffering..so much destruction," said US musician Richard Morse based in Haiti in a message posted on his Twitter account.
"People have remained very calm and helpful..once more, as the sun sets, the singing begins, the night brings uncertainty," he said.
"I hear help is coming....tomorrow."
“For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in..”
http://www.worldvision.org/
http://www.redcross.org/
January 12, 2010
I think my parents need to enroll Rory in agility training. I stopped by their house tonight to visit since my Uncle Jerry is in town, and while there she decided it would be fun to jump on and over me. She will do just about anything for food too- including stand and sit on my back. I'm so glad I bought her for my dad, now that her biting has started to subside she is such a great dog and smart too!
Wednesday, January 13, 2010
January 11, 2010
Today is Monday.
I'm do not really like Mondays.
I do, however, like this quote from the Big Bang Theory tonight:
"What do you say?"
"I don't say anything. I merely offer you a facial expression that suggests you've gone insane. [Makes ridiculous facial expression.]"
Hehehe...Sheldon makes me laugh.
I'm do not really like Mondays.
I do, however, like this quote from the Big Bang Theory tonight:
"What do you say?"
"I don't say anything. I merely offer you a facial expression that suggests you've gone insane. [Makes ridiculous facial expression.]"
Hehehe...Sheldon makes me laugh.
Sunday, January 10, 2010
January 8-10
Winter Park Weekend!
Friday after school and a party, I hitched a ride up to Winter Park with Anna, Justin and Amy. We met up with the rest of our group (Kelly, Mike, Carter, James, Jamila, Matt, Linnea, Jacob and his friend Mike) for a weekend of fun in a HUGE house right in the heart of WP.
On Saturday the majority of the group went skiing on Mary Jane. Kelly and I had every intention of going cross-country skiing, but after walking around the shops and finally eating lunch we decided to just relax back at the house instead. I tried to brush up on my pool skills for most of the afternoon, but my illusions of being good and of becoming a pool shark quickly came to an end once I had an opponent. I did have some pretty amazing (lucky) shots though! (We will ignore the two balls that flew off the table). Once everyone made it back we ate a great lasagna dinner made by Matt and Linnea. After playing a few games and having a few drinks some of us decided to go in the hot tub.
The hot tub was pretty much one of the most fun hot tub experiences I have had to date. It was a beautiful, clear night and we shared many laughs. I don't quite recall how or why we decided it would be fun to make snow angles and then jump back in the hot tub, but almost all of us did it- I even did it twice! I guess that is something I can check off the "things to experience" list. This weekend I found myself showing some of my true silliness that is usually reserved for a select few, which tells me that I have definitely found a group of friends that I can be myself with. (This may have included dancing in front of others...on elevated surfaces...to no music).
Sunday mo
rning we had to be out of the house by 10:00, so after packing and cleaning up we headed out to go tubing. I must admit I was absolutely terrified at first. I stood at the top of the steep hill and stared down at the hard-packed slippery snow and thought to myself, "there is NO way I'm doing that". I've discovered that now that I am older I am much much more aware of the risk of injury. Oh how I long for the days when I was naive and fearless! My usual partner in crime, Kelly, was also a little (or a lot) hesitant to start down that hill on a tube of air, so thankfully we were able to take the plunge together. Our first run was a flash of screams, laughter and snow in the face. As soon as the laughter subsided at the bottom we decided it was way more fun then scary and immediately took the lift back up to go on another run. My favorite runs where the ones we did as a big group because we went so fast. When our 45 minutes were up I was sad to have to leave!
After tubing we headed down the mountain, stopped at Beau Jo's for lunch and then drove back home. I'm so thankful for such a wonderful weekend with wonderful friends!
Friday after school and a party, I hitched a ride up to Winter Park with Anna, Justin and Amy. We met up with the rest of our group (Kelly, Mike, Carter, James, Jamila, Matt, Linnea, Jacob and his friend Mike) for a weekend of fun in a HUGE house right in the heart of WP.
On Saturday the majority of the group went skiing on Mary Jane. Kelly and I had every intention of going cross-country skiing, but after walking around the shops and finally eating lunch we decided to just relax back at the house instead. I tried to brush up on my pool skills for most of the afternoon, but my illusions of being good and of becoming a pool shark quickly came to an end once I had an opponent. I did have some pretty amazing (lucky) shots though! (We will ignore the two balls that flew off the table). Once everyone made it back we ate a great lasagna dinner made by Matt and Linnea. After playing a few games and having a few drinks some of us decided to go in the hot tub.
The hot tub was pretty much one of the most fun hot tub experiences I have had to date. It was a beautiful, clear night and we shared many laughs. I don't quite recall how or why we decided it would be fun to make snow angles and then jump back in the hot tub, but almost all of us did it- I even did it twice! I guess that is something I can check off the "things to experience" list. This weekend I found myself showing some of my true silliness that is usually reserved for a select few, which tells me that I have definitely found a group of friends that I can be myself with. (This may have included dancing in front of others...on elevated surfaces...to no music).
Sunday mo
rning we had to be out of the house by 10:00, so after packing and cleaning up we headed out to go tubing. I must admit I was absolutely terrified at first. I stood at the top of the steep hill and stared down at the hard-packed slippery snow and thought to myself, "there is NO way I'm doing that". I've discovered that now that I am older I am much much more aware of the risk of injury. Oh how I long for the days when I was naive and fearless! My usual partner in crime, Kelly, was also a little (or a lot) hesitant to start down that hill on a tube of air, so thankfully we were able to take the plunge together. Our first run was a flash of screams, laughter and snow in the face. As soon as the laughter subsided at the bottom we decided it was way more fun then scary and immediately took the lift back up to go on another run. My favorite runs where the ones we did as a big group because we went so fast. When our 45 minutes were up I was sad to have to leave!
After tubing we headed down the mountain, stopped at Beau Jo's for lunch and then drove back home. I'm so thankful for such a wonderful weekend with wonderful friends!
Thursday, January 7, 2010
Today the Assistant superintendent visited my classroom and watched me teach a writing lesson (wasn't expecting him). When I went to talk to my principal later in the day about something else she told me he thinks I rock. I kinda doubt those were his exact words, but still made me feel good. :) VERY thankful for my awesome teammate- we've developed some great things in Kindergarten this year and apparently it shows!
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
January 6, 2010
Dear tires on my car,
You suck. I expect better out of you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Your white knuckled driver
You suck. I expect better out of you tomorrow.
Sincerely,
Your white knuckled driver
Tuesday, January 5, 2010
January 5, 2010
To Love January
By Davi Walders
I clasp January to me giddy
with hope for its newborn
cry that clears away the worn
out year like so much tinsel
carted off to storage. I love
January’s uncluttered room, its
freshly laundered calendar innocent
and white beneath a pure blue sky
grazed by bone-clean trees. To love
January is an acquired taste,
like learning to let the tongue
curl around the slow, sweet burn
Of Tuaca’s golden fire.
I do not want to wait for April
to fall in love, July to run with
a salty sea, October to be crowned
in color. I want to drink it all
in now when everything is possible
and I and the world are infants again
babbling, listening for birdsong.
By Davi Walders
I clasp January to me giddy
with hope for its newborn
cry that clears away the worn
out year like so much tinsel
carted off to storage. I love
January’s uncluttered room, its
freshly laundered calendar innocent
and white beneath a pure blue sky
grazed by bone-clean trees. To love
January is an acquired taste,
like learning to let the tongue
curl around the slow, sweet burn
Of Tuaca’s golden fire.
I do not want to wait for April
to fall in love, July to run with
a salty sea, October to be crowned
in color. I want to drink it all
in now when everything is possible
and I and the world are infants again
babbling, listening for birdsong.
January 4, 2010
Some days it seems as though when things are going wonderfully and happily in my life there is always someone who says or does something that brings me down. I think it is usually good intentioned, but sometimes I just want to say, "I've got this" and carry on. I know not everything is always perfect in life, in fact, it is usually far from it, but if we focus so much on the "rules" and things that need improvement or caution we tend to lose sight of the really great things. So, today, in an effort to combat my own and other's "yeah but..."s I am only focusing on the good I saw and felt today...
Hooray! It was a good day! I actually woke up on time (1st alarm-that's amazing for me), I had enough time to eat breakfast and get ready without feeling rushed, and I made it to work in record time (I made the first green light on 120th which meant that I made ALL the other green lights too- quite possibly one of the greatest feelings at 7:40AM).
It was the first day back and I was happy to see my colleagues and catch up on the past two weeks. Even though it is hard to transition back to work after a break, I always enjoy that first few hours- everyone is so happy and cheerful and full of hellos and hugs and "how was your break?s" It's a happy time of reconnecting and sharing life outside of school.
It was my student teacher's first day with me today too. I enjoyed getting to know her and am excited for all that I will learn from teaching her how to be a teacher. A few of the best feel good moments of the day came from other teachers who paid me great compliments about my teaching abilities while I was introducing her to them. (Thanks!)
I got a call from my Dad letting me know that the book and shirt I had ordered had finally arrived- I LOVE getting real mail! I decided to go pick them up from their house after school and was enthusiastically greeted by their puppy, Rory. Despite all of her bites(I choose to believe they are love bites) I enjoyed my time playing with and petting her. I shared giggles and laughter with my mom as we watched Rory run frantically around the house in a blur of teeth and barks. In my book, any day that includes giggles is a good day.
On my drive back to Denver I got a phone call from Ashleigh and spent about 25 minutes laughing at her stories. Rush hour traffic is much less important when you are laughing with a friend...
Today, I am thankful for these simple things that made me laugh and smile. And for just today, I am going ignore the "yeah but"s and go to bed feeling good and blessed. :)
Hooray! It was a good day! I actually woke up on time (1st alarm-that's amazing for me), I had enough time to eat breakfast and get ready without feeling rushed, and I made it to work in record time (I made the first green light on 120th which meant that I made ALL the other green lights too- quite possibly one of the greatest feelings at 7:40AM).
It was the first day back and I was happy to see my colleagues and catch up on the past two weeks. Even though it is hard to transition back to work after a break, I always enjoy that first few hours- everyone is so happy and cheerful and full of hellos and hugs and "how was your break?s" It's a happy time of reconnecting and sharing life outside of school.
It was my student teacher's first day with me today too. I enjoyed getting to know her and am excited for all that I will learn from teaching her how to be a teacher. A few of the best feel good moments of the day came from other teachers who paid me great compliments about my teaching abilities while I was introducing her to them. (Thanks!)
I got a call from my Dad letting me know that the book and shirt I had ordered had finally arrived- I LOVE getting real mail! I decided to go pick them up from their house after school and was enthusiastically greeted by their puppy, Rory. Despite all of her bites(I choose to believe they are love bites) I enjoyed my time playing with and petting her. I shared giggles and laughter with my mom as we watched Rory run frantically around the house in a blur of teeth and barks. In my book, any day that includes giggles is a good day.
On my drive back to Denver I got a phone call from Ashleigh and spent about 25 minutes laughing at her stories. Rush hour traffic is much less important when you are laughing with a friend...
Today, I am thankful for these simple things that made me laugh and smile. And for just today, I am going ignore the "yeah but"s and go to bed feeling good and blessed. :)
Sunday, January 3, 2010
January 3, 2010
Today I...
Got an invitation that made me feel special.
Got a phone call that made me rush.
Got a free lunch in exchange for giving friends a ride to the Broncos game.
Got a headache from eating too many PEZ.
Got annoyed by a news report about banning bake sales.
Got a kick out of watching "The Rock" on Family Guy.
Got to bed early for the first time in...a long time.
Today I...
Got an invitation that made me feel special.
Got a phone call that made me rush.
Got a free lunch in exchange for giving friends a ride to the Broncos game.
Got a headache from eating too many PEZ.
Got annoyed by a news report about banning bake sales.
Got a kick out of watching "The Rock" on Family Guy.
Got to bed early for the first time in...a long time.
January 2, 2010
January 2, 2010
Today I discovered that I may be allergic to plastic Christmas trees and all their pokey, scratchy, won't-fit-back-in-the-box madness. I also discovered that I am no better at playing Mario now then I was 20 years ago and that my friends still want to take the remote away and just play for me. ("Just get back in the bubble, Beth." -Mike and Jamila)
Today I discovered that I may be allergic to plastic Christmas trees and all their pokey, scratchy, won't-fit-back-in-the-box madness. I also discovered that I am no better at playing Mario now then I was 20 years ago and that my friends still want to take the remote away and just play for me. ("Just get back in the bubble, Beth." -Mike and Jamila)
A New Year, A New Idea
January 1, 2010
I don't believe in New Years Resolutions. Don't get me wrong, I think they are a wonderful idea, and I wholeheartedly believe in setting goals, but I always feel as though the goals set on New Years are lacking something...
I was talking with my good friend, Donald Miller, (ok, so maybe I was reading his blog, but I have met him and do feel as though I know him so I like to consider him my good friend, even if only in my head). Anyway, Don (that's what those who know him call him) brought up a really good point, he said:
"I’ve written my goals for the year: to eat healthy and exercise, to pay down my home, and to dig deeper into the friendships I already have. Those are great ambitions, but the truth is they aren’t enough. People who set goals like this almost never achieve them. But it’s not because they lack the resolve. It’s because their goals aren’t embedded in the context of a narrative."
To which I said, "Yes, I agree, please go on."
So Don went on to say, "I’ve discovered something better than resolutions. If you’ve read A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, (Oh Don, you know I have! Remember, I even had you sign it?) you know I’ve reorganized my life into stories rather than goals. I don’t have any problem with goals. I like goals and still set them. But without an overarching plot, goals don’t make sense and are hard to achieve. A story gives a goal a narrative context that forces you to engage and follow through. People who are in great shape and have their finances in order probably don’t set goals to be in good shape or get their finances in order. They probably set goals of running a marathon or paying off their house. In other words, they think in narrative rather than goals. The goals get met in the journey of the story."
Isn't Don great? I just love his advice and insights. We have plans to get together to talk more about Searching for God Knows What later this week...
So I left my conversation with Don feeling a bit better about past goals that I never could seem to reach...they were never a part of a story with a narrative context. So when I sat down to think of some goals I may have for this year I tried to keeps Don's words in mind. I started out with a whole list goals that I have since categorized into different stories. Maybe I will share them all later, but at this point the stories are still being written and so the only thing you need to know are some of the events in them. :)
For example...
I've always been incredibly jealous of people who are able to consistently journal or blog, I don't know how they do it. I would love to be one of those people, but I always seem to forget or run out of time, or quite frankly, have absolutely nothing of interest to write about. I like the idea of documenting your life for a full year. I toyed with the idea of taking a picture of myself each day for a year like some people do, but honestly, I don't want to see that many pictures of myself and I'm pretty sure neither does anyone else. My solution is to, as they say, 'microblog.' So for the next 364 days of 2010 I will attempt to document my life...each day I will post something new. It might be something as simple as one sentence, a quote, or a picture, and if you are lucky (?) it could even be a proper blog!
Here is today's:
January 1, 2010
There are days that I absolutely love having time all to myself and enjoy the stillness of a empty house. I don't think that the first day of the year should be one of those days. This morning I woke myself up laughing at the absurdity of the dream I was having (I was racing bicycle-wheelchair hybrids down a steep dirt path) and as I came out of my slumber into the reality of my bedroom I was instantly reminded of how blessed I am to be surrounded by friends-quiet literally- Kelly and Mike were sleeping on my floor, Anna, Amy, her sister, Heidi, Sara, Carter, James and Jamila were all deep in slumber on couches, air mattresses and sleeping bags throughout the house too. I can't think of a better way to start a new year then being surrounded by friends.
I don't believe in New Years Resolutions. Don't get me wrong, I think they are a wonderful idea, and I wholeheartedly believe in setting goals, but I always feel as though the goals set on New Years are lacking something...
I was talking with my good friend, Donald Miller, (ok, so maybe I was reading his blog, but I have met him and do feel as though I know him so I like to consider him my good friend, even if only in my head). Anyway, Don (that's what those who know him call him) brought up a really good point, he said:
"I’ve written my goals for the year: to eat healthy and exercise, to pay down my home, and to dig deeper into the friendships I already have. Those are great ambitions, but the truth is they aren’t enough. People who set goals like this almost never achieve them. But it’s not because they lack the resolve. It’s because their goals aren’t embedded in the context of a narrative."
To which I said, "Yes, I agree, please go on."
So Don went on to say, "I’ve discovered something better than resolutions. If you’ve read A Million Miles in a Thousand Years, (Oh Don, you know I have! Remember, I even had you sign it?) you know I’ve reorganized my life into stories rather than goals. I don’t have any problem with goals. I like goals and still set them. But without an overarching plot, goals don’t make sense and are hard to achieve. A story gives a goal a narrative context that forces you to engage and follow through. People who are in great shape and have their finances in order probably don’t set goals to be in good shape or get their finances in order. They probably set goals of running a marathon or paying off their house. In other words, they think in narrative rather than goals. The goals get met in the journey of the story."
Isn't Don great? I just love his advice and insights. We have plans to get together to talk more about Searching for God Knows What later this week...
So I left my conversation with Don feeling a bit better about past goals that I never could seem to reach...they were never a part of a story with a narrative context. So when I sat down to think of some goals I may have for this year I tried to keeps Don's words in mind. I started out with a whole list goals that I have since categorized into different stories. Maybe I will share them all later, but at this point the stories are still being written and so the only thing you need to know are some of the events in them. :)
For example...
I've always been incredibly jealous of people who are able to consistently journal or blog, I don't know how they do it. I would love to be one of those people, but I always seem to forget or run out of time, or quite frankly, have absolutely nothing of interest to write about. I like the idea of documenting your life for a full year. I toyed with the idea of taking a picture of myself each day for a year like some people do, but honestly, I don't want to see that many pictures of myself and I'm pretty sure neither does anyone else. My solution is to, as they say, 'microblog.' So for the next 364 days of 2010 I will attempt to document my life...each day I will post something new. It might be something as simple as one sentence, a quote, or a picture, and if you are lucky (?) it could even be a proper blog!
Here is today's:
January 1, 2010
There are days that I absolutely love having time all to myself and enjoy the stillness of a empty house. I don't think that the first day of the year should be one of those days. This morning I woke myself up laughing at the absurdity of the dream I was having (I was racing bicycle-wheelchair hybrids down a steep dirt path) and as I came out of my slumber into the reality of my bedroom I was instantly reminded of how blessed I am to be surrounded by friends-quiet literally- Kelly and Mike were sleeping on my floor, Anna, Amy, her sister, Heidi, Sara, Carter, James and Jamila were all deep in slumber on couches, air mattresses and sleeping bags throughout the house too. I can't think of a better way to start a new year then being surrounded by friends.
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