Well, it's done. Every last one of my exams is graded. I have worked on them all day, and I feel a bit cross eyed. But, it is a great feeling to put a fork in the school year. Just a few days of post planning to go and it will be summer time.
The real miracle is that I accomplished all of this while my husband was busy catching up on his continuing education. My children were such great sports about hanging out in my classroom for 6 hours while I graded furiously. They even seemed to enjoy writing on the board, drawing pictures, and watching movies.
And it isn't lost on me that today is Memorial Day. I am free to work in a career I choose, parent how I see fit, choose my leaders and voice my opinions.
Blessing #34, May 31, 2009
The blessings today are freedom and a feeling of accomplishment that comes from finishing a job that I love.
Monday, May 31, 2010
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Just Pick Right Up
I just got home from a whirlwind day. This morning, Chip and I taught the youth Sunday School class at our church. We shared photos and experiences from our most recent trip to Haiti. Then we were off to Alpharetta to my cousin Scott's home for my Grandmommy's 90th birthday party. That's right, 90. There was a houseful. Her 2 children (my Dad and Aunt), her 7 grandchildren, and 12 of her almost 20 great grandchildren. When the family is that big, that's about as close to perfect attendance as you can get.
What amazes me is that the last time I saw my cousins on my Dad's side was 7 years ago at my Granddad's funeral. We're pretty spread out, we all work hard, and we are busy having and raising children. It's just not easy to get together often. The kids wasted no time in finding and crashing the play room. Chip and Katie had played with 2 of their second cousins for an hour before they even learned their names. We swapped stories about siblings tormenting one another, we reminisced about camping trips with Grandmommy and Granddaddy, and we oohed and aahed over each other's children. The newest arrival, 3 weeks old on Thursday, was there, and we all fought over who would get to hold him next. It felt like we do this every Sunday.
Just after cake and ice cream, my Aunt Lynda presented Grandmommy with a scrapbook that we all contributed to. There were photos of babies from my Dad and Lynda all the way to the newest arrival. There were pictures of me at 5 at ballet recitals, artwork from the great grandchildren, and countless other moments captured on film. We all cried as we turned the pages, and saw so many happy memories.
Blessing #33, May 30, 2010
It is priceless that we share so many memories with our family. It doesn't matter how long it's been, we can just always pick right up, and move back into a wonderful familiarity. And to think, all of us owe our existence to the love my Grandparents shared. Those two people deciding to love each other and build a life together has forever altered the future. Looking around today it is pretty clear that their love for each other has grown exponentially and is coursing through all of us. I know Granddad is smiling today.
What amazes me is that the last time I saw my cousins on my Dad's side was 7 years ago at my Granddad's funeral. We're pretty spread out, we all work hard, and we are busy having and raising children. It's just not easy to get together often. The kids wasted no time in finding and crashing the play room. Chip and Katie had played with 2 of their second cousins for an hour before they even learned their names. We swapped stories about siblings tormenting one another, we reminisced about camping trips with Grandmommy and Granddaddy, and we oohed and aahed over each other's children. The newest arrival, 3 weeks old on Thursday, was there, and we all fought over who would get to hold him next. It felt like we do this every Sunday.
Just after cake and ice cream, my Aunt Lynda presented Grandmommy with a scrapbook that we all contributed to. There were photos of babies from my Dad and Lynda all the way to the newest arrival. There were pictures of me at 5 at ballet recitals, artwork from the great grandchildren, and countless other moments captured on film. We all cried as we turned the pages, and saw so many happy memories.
Blessing #33, May 30, 2010
It is priceless that we share so many memories with our family. It doesn't matter how long it's been, we can just always pick right up, and move back into a wonderful familiarity. And to think, all of us owe our existence to the love my Grandparents shared. Those two people deciding to love each other and build a life together has forever altered the future. Looking around today it is pretty clear that their love for each other has grown exponentially and is coursing through all of us. I know Granddad is smiling today.
Saturday, May 29, 2010
Paved Roads and Chocolate Syrup
I am at a loss tonight. There are plenty of things I am thankful for, but I can't seem to focus my mind on just one of them. I sat down at the computer 10 minutes ago to think about my blessings, and since then, I've reflected on paved roads, Ibuprofen, and chocolate syrup. I can offer no rhyme or reason for this sequence of thoughts. Sometimes, my mind races and I can't quiet it.
So, taking my frantic mind into my 32nd blessing before the deadline of 11:59pm is a bit of a challenge. But then again, the very idea that when I began to consider blessings, my mind overflowed with them may be all I need to get started.
It is true that since I've begun this exercise I am so much more aware of all for which I can be grateful. I never used to consider the roads I drive on as a luxury item. In Haiti, the transport of people and everyday materials can be a logistical nightmare. The lack of roads makes it nearly impossible to provide emergency transport-and even if you could drive somewhere fast, you wouldn't have the luxury of an ambulance when you needed one. We get angry in this country if the ambulance arrives more than 5 minutes after the phone call.
It seems silly to be thankful for Advil, but in Haiti it isn't easy to come by. I wouldn't know how to make it through a headache, back ache, or fever, without it. And I can get it with just a simple trip to Kroger, in bottles of 1000 caplets.
In rural Haiti children aren't sure what to do with a lollipop because they've never seen one. Today my children had ice cream sundaes,and enjoyed them until they had chocolate syrup mustaches.
I am seeing blessings in the most everyday, bland occurrences. That is a gift.
Blessing #32, May 29, 2010
I am blessed that this gratitude journey is bringing all these blessings to the surface. I am not sure what possessed me to say that I would do this for 365 days, but I am thankful for whatever it was. I have a feeling I won't ever look at the world the same way again.
So, taking my frantic mind into my 32nd blessing before the deadline of 11:59pm is a bit of a challenge. But then again, the very idea that when I began to consider blessings, my mind overflowed with them may be all I need to get started.
It is true that since I've begun this exercise I am so much more aware of all for which I can be grateful. I never used to consider the roads I drive on as a luxury item. In Haiti, the transport of people and everyday materials can be a logistical nightmare. The lack of roads makes it nearly impossible to provide emergency transport-and even if you could drive somewhere fast, you wouldn't have the luxury of an ambulance when you needed one. We get angry in this country if the ambulance arrives more than 5 minutes after the phone call.
It seems silly to be thankful for Advil, but in Haiti it isn't easy to come by. I wouldn't know how to make it through a headache, back ache, or fever, without it. And I can get it with just a simple trip to Kroger, in bottles of 1000 caplets.
In rural Haiti children aren't sure what to do with a lollipop because they've never seen one. Today my children had ice cream sundaes,and enjoyed them until they had chocolate syrup mustaches.
I am seeing blessings in the most everyday, bland occurrences. That is a gift.
Blessing #32, May 29, 2010
I am blessed that this gratitude journey is bringing all these blessings to the surface. I am not sure what possessed me to say that I would do this for 365 days, but I am thankful for whatever it was. I have a feeling I won't ever look at the world the same way again.
Friday, May 28, 2010
Simple Life
I sing in the car. This isn't a new development. I've been a dashboard diva as long as I can remember. I love singing along to the radio with my windows down, and I sing loud. I get strange looks at stoplights, but that doesn't deter me. I can't help it, it is like my happiness spills out with the music. My children love to sing too, and their favorite "morning song" for the way to school is Simple Life sung by Carolyn Dawn Johnson. It is adorable when Katie says, "Mom, can we listen the morning song now?"
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The song describes days in the sunshine, naps by babbling brooks, and tending the garden. The overarching message is about loving home, and that message resonates with me and my family. (side note, the song is written by Hillary Lindsey from Washington, GA which is where my parents' farm is--I think the song means even more to us b/c we can picture the place the song writer is writing about).
Anyway, today was the last day of school, and on the way we listened to Simple Life and sang at the top of our lungs. The song seemed to come to life, even more than normal, I think because we are all looking so forward to some simpler days together at home.
Blessing #31, May 28, 2010
I am blessed that I get a break from school to focus on my husband, children, and home. I love my work, but I am on stage everyday, which drains me after a while. Having this time to rejuvenate is a gift. This summer, I intend keep it simple, keep it relaxed, and keep me and my children singing.
.
The song describes days in the sunshine, naps by babbling brooks, and tending the garden. The overarching message is about loving home, and that message resonates with me and my family. (side note, the song is written by Hillary Lindsey from Washington, GA which is where my parents' farm is--I think the song means even more to us b/c we can picture the place the song writer is writing about).
Anyway, today was the last day of school, and on the way we listened to Simple Life and sang at the top of our lungs. The song seemed to come to life, even more than normal, I think because we are all looking so forward to some simpler days together at home.
Blessing #31, May 28, 2010
I am blessed that I get a break from school to focus on my husband, children, and home. I love my work, but I am on stage everyday, which drains me after a while. Having this time to rejuvenate is a gift. This summer, I intend keep it simple, keep it relaxed, and keep me and my children singing.
Thursday, May 27, 2010
A Good Laugh
I think I have made it clear in my entries that I have Type A, perfectionist issues. I would love to have the time and money to visit with a therapist and work through these issues, but Blogger has flexible hours and is much less expensive. This exercise of finding blessings and reporting on them is my own brand of therapy, and it is working fabulously.
But tonight I remembered that laughter is another powerful remedy for whatevery ails me. I met some of my girlfriends to see the new Sex and the City movie, and we laughed out loud for the duration. It was a scream, and with each laugh I found that I breathed a little easier. I guess I've grown weary, which is pretty typical at the end of the year. Weary from waking my exhausted children, performing for the students, planning, grading, conferencing, packing lunches, and keeping the household in order (to be fair, my husband helps a ton with this, as does Sarah, our wonder part-time Nanny). Each laugh lifted that burden a little higher off my shoulders and I felt free and relaxed for the first time in weeks.
Blessing # 30, May 27, 2010
Laughter in my life is a blessing. I actually have taken a Laugh-a-Yoga class (if you've never done this you must try it! It is so much fun and, again, it's cheaper than a shrink!), and I learned there that laughter is just plain good for you. The instructor also talked about loooking for reasons to laugh. She said that we often say during rough times, "One day we'll look back on this and laugh." Why wait? If it will be funny later on some level it is funny now. I am going to make a concerted effort to find the funny around me and laugh out loud.
But tonight I remembered that laughter is another powerful remedy for whatevery ails me. I met some of my girlfriends to see the new Sex and the City movie, and we laughed out loud for the duration. It was a scream, and with each laugh I found that I breathed a little easier. I guess I've grown weary, which is pretty typical at the end of the year. Weary from waking my exhausted children, performing for the students, planning, grading, conferencing, packing lunches, and keeping the household in order (to be fair, my husband helps a ton with this, as does Sarah, our wonder part-time Nanny). Each laugh lifted that burden a little higher off my shoulders and I felt free and relaxed for the first time in weeks.
Blessing # 30, May 27, 2010
Laughter in my life is a blessing. I actually have taken a Laugh-a-Yoga class (if you've never done this you must try it! It is so much fun and, again, it's cheaper than a shrink!), and I learned there that laughter is just plain good for you. The instructor also talked about loooking for reasons to laugh. She said that we often say during rough times, "One day we'll look back on this and laugh." Why wait? If it will be funny later on some level it is funny now. I am going to make a concerted effort to find the funny around me and laugh out loud.
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
The Smart Goods
I just walked in the door from a study session at the coffee house with my students, and I almost forgot to log my blessing. The science exams are tomorrow, so the questions were coming pretty fast, and I am worn out! I was headed to bed, passed the computer, and remembered. The good news is that finding the blessing is easy today.
My students have quality textbooks and paper and pencils. I can show animations using my LCD projector. I have microscopes, posters, and models. These types of aid are invaluable to my teaching effort. If my explanation is lost on a student they can turn to another resource and understand. Even if they understand, often the supplementary materials take their understanding to a new level.
On my most recent trip to Haiti, the teachers begged me to bring them visual aids and science materials. They wanted to learn and be able to teach their students about the earthquake, and had no materials to help them. It is sobering to see teachers so committed to helping their students get educated with virtually none of the resources I take for granted. Tonight, I watched my students study their power point notes, highlight in their textbooks, and review animations of the photosynthesis. They've really got it good.
Blessing #29, May 26, 2010
After teaching in Haiti for a week, I came back to my classroom with a whole new appreciation for the materials I can use to augment instruction. I am thankful that most people in this country have access to at least some of these materials. The focus in the US on developing curricular materials means we have enough food, we have shelter, and we have time to focus on teaching the next generation. What a blessing.
My students have quality textbooks and paper and pencils. I can show animations using my LCD projector. I have microscopes, posters, and models. These types of aid are invaluable to my teaching effort. If my explanation is lost on a student they can turn to another resource and understand. Even if they understand, often the supplementary materials take their understanding to a new level.
On my most recent trip to Haiti, the teachers begged me to bring them visual aids and science materials. They wanted to learn and be able to teach their students about the earthquake, and had no materials to help them. It is sobering to see teachers so committed to helping their students get educated with virtually none of the resources I take for granted. Tonight, I watched my students study their power point notes, highlight in their textbooks, and review animations of the photosynthesis. They've really got it good.
Blessing #29, May 26, 2010
After teaching in Haiti for a week, I came back to my classroom with a whole new appreciation for the materials I can use to augment instruction. I am thankful that most people in this country have access to at least some of these materials. The focus in the US on developing curricular materials means we have enough food, we have shelter, and we have time to focus on teaching the next generation. What a blessing.
Tuesday, May 25, 2010
I'm Good for At least a Year
The year is winding down at school. It is a welcome change of pace, even if the students do get stressed about exams and I struggle to get the final grades in on time. The kids have started bringing by end of the year thank you presents, and I am always surprised and touched by this act of appreciation from teenagers.
I, and I'd wager most teachers, don't teach for the thank yous, the money, or the prestige. We, or at least I, teach because I love my content area and I love helping young people learn. It really is magic when I get to watch, and even help, the lightbulbs go off! The gifts are great, but they pale in comparison to a single, sincere thank you. Yesterday, I got hand written notes and cards from a few students thanking me for my effort, my time, and my support. When I get a thank you like that my fatigue and stress just melt away. I am reminded how important my work is, how much I love it, and how it puts me in a place to minister to others. I am granted a few moments of peace, wherein I know I am doing just what I am supposed to be doing. It is the best end of year gift of all.
Blessing #28, May 25, 2010
I am thankful for my work. I am blessed that just often enough a student reminds me that my work matters and that it is appreciated. That little bit of gratitude will get me through at least another year.
I, and I'd wager most teachers, don't teach for the thank yous, the money, or the prestige. We, or at least I, teach because I love my content area and I love helping young people learn. It really is magic when I get to watch, and even help, the lightbulbs go off! The gifts are great, but they pale in comparison to a single, sincere thank you. Yesterday, I got hand written notes and cards from a few students thanking me for my effort, my time, and my support. When I get a thank you like that my fatigue and stress just melt away. I am reminded how important my work is, how much I love it, and how it puts me in a place to minister to others. I am granted a few moments of peace, wherein I know I am doing just what I am supposed to be doing. It is the best end of year gift of all.
Blessing #28, May 25, 2010
I am thankful for my work. I am blessed that just often enough a student reminds me that my work matters and that it is appreciated. That little bit of gratitude will get me through at least another year.
Monday, May 24, 2010
Paycheck to Paycheck
It is hard for me to believe I can have a wonderful job, a Ph.D., a successful husband, and still feel stuck in a paycheck to paycheck grind. While it may be hard for to me believe, it is not hard for me to understand.
Shortly after we married, 9 years ago, I enrolled in a Masters Program at UGA. I had Chip a semester before graduating, almost 2 years later. 3 days after graduation I began work on a Ph.D. and had Katie 3 months before I began collecting data for my dissertation. My mom had to walk the halls with Katie in a stroller while I defended my prospectus. I had to pay for child care so I could attend class, analyze data, and write chapter after chapter. After my dissertation defense, my committee congratulated me and asked if they could take me to lunch. I could only offer my regrets, as it happened to be Chip's 4th birthday, and I had promised we would go shopping for his first real bike. Something about that interchange speaks volumes about the whole of my time in the doctoral program. Looking back, the entire experience seems surreal. I think I must have been more than a little crazy to take on all that I did. A new marriage, a new mortgage, 2 new degrees, and 2 children....maybe my WonderWoman complex got a bit ahead of me.
I had a wonderful major professor, committee, department, and a supportive husband. But the truth remained that graduate school was not designed with a family in mind. Even though I was funded with assistantships throughout, it wasn't enough money to cover babysitters and convenience foods that I required to get my family through that insane time.
So, I left graduate school with a terminal degree, a hefty student loan, an unfortunate amount of consumer debt, and a serious case of writer fatigue. I wouldn't change a thing though. My graduate experience transformed my thinking in ways I couldn't have fathomed beforehand, and launched me into a lifetime of learning. And, as the saying goes, no one can take it away from me.
Blessing #27, May 24, 2010
I am blessed to have finished my Ph.D. It was a family accomplishment, and I know that I couldn't have made it without a husband who supported me. Even though I will be paying for it for a while, I know that I am fortunate to be employed at all, much less at a job I love. Come to think of it "paycheck to paycheck" isn't so bad--I know there are folks with no paycheck at all. I am thrilled that we are now headed back to the black as opposed to farther into the red. It was a full 5 years of craziness, and I'll be paying for it well into the future. But the transformation in my thinking will be paying me, my children, and their children long after the student loan is paid off.
Shortly after we married, 9 years ago, I enrolled in a Masters Program at UGA. I had Chip a semester before graduating, almost 2 years later. 3 days after graduation I began work on a Ph.D. and had Katie 3 months before I began collecting data for my dissertation. My mom had to walk the halls with Katie in a stroller while I defended my prospectus. I had to pay for child care so I could attend class, analyze data, and write chapter after chapter. After my dissertation defense, my committee congratulated me and asked if they could take me to lunch. I could only offer my regrets, as it happened to be Chip's 4th birthday, and I had promised we would go shopping for his first real bike. Something about that interchange speaks volumes about the whole of my time in the doctoral program. Looking back, the entire experience seems surreal. I think I must have been more than a little crazy to take on all that I did. A new marriage, a new mortgage, 2 new degrees, and 2 children....maybe my WonderWoman complex got a bit ahead of me.
I had a wonderful major professor, committee, department, and a supportive husband. But the truth remained that graduate school was not designed with a family in mind. Even though I was funded with assistantships throughout, it wasn't enough money to cover babysitters and convenience foods that I required to get my family through that insane time.
So, I left graduate school with a terminal degree, a hefty student loan, an unfortunate amount of consumer debt, and a serious case of writer fatigue. I wouldn't change a thing though. My graduate experience transformed my thinking in ways I couldn't have fathomed beforehand, and launched me into a lifetime of learning. And, as the saying goes, no one can take it away from me.
Blessing #27, May 24, 2010
I am blessed to have finished my Ph.D. It was a family accomplishment, and I know that I couldn't have made it without a husband who supported me. Even though I will be paying for it for a while, I know that I am fortunate to be employed at all, much less at a job I love. Come to think of it "paycheck to paycheck" isn't so bad--I know there are folks with no paycheck at all. I am thrilled that we are now headed back to the black as opposed to farther into the red. It was a full 5 years of craziness, and I'll be paying for it well into the future. But the transformation in my thinking will be paying me, my children, and their children long after the student loan is paid off.
Sunday, May 23, 2010
The Best One we've Ever Had!
Our neighborhood "Kick off the Summer" pool party was this afternoon. We had a bounce house, hamburgers and hot dogs, and a pool full of kids. Chip and Katie were so excited, and we stayed at least 3 hours. It was great to reconnect with our neighbors and watch the children play.
When we got home, Daddy had already grilled the chicken, cooked the veggies, and set the table. We were all famished. It was the kind of hunger that only comes with playing in the sun and water. Chip took two or three bites of his chicken and said to Trey in his most emphatic voice, "Daddy, this is the best supper we have EVER had." Don't get me wrong, the dinner was great, but the best we've ever had? What I love about this moment is that Chip was so wrapped up in the sheer joy of filling his tummy that he didn't feel the need to compare one meal to another, think about what his friends might be having for supper, or wish for something more grand. He was focusing on blessings in a way that I am trying to train myself to do. Sometimes, I think I learn more from my children than I teach them.
Blessing #26, May 23, 2010
I am thankful for the lessons my children teach me. I am going to stop looking forward and backward for things to worry over, and I am going to start seeing the blessing in the moment.
When we got home, Daddy had already grilled the chicken, cooked the veggies, and set the table. We were all famished. It was the kind of hunger that only comes with playing in the sun and water. Chip took two or three bites of his chicken and said to Trey in his most emphatic voice, "Daddy, this is the best supper we have EVER had." Don't get me wrong, the dinner was great, but the best we've ever had? What I love about this moment is that Chip was so wrapped up in the sheer joy of filling his tummy that he didn't feel the need to compare one meal to another, think about what his friends might be having for supper, or wish for something more grand. He was focusing on blessings in a way that I am trying to train myself to do. Sometimes, I think I learn more from my children than I teach them.
Blessing #26, May 23, 2010
I am thankful for the lessons my children teach me. I am going to stop looking forward and backward for things to worry over, and I am going to start seeing the blessing in the moment.
Saturday, May 22, 2010
Down Home
Some days it is just easier to find the blessing than others. Today is my Grandmommy's 90th birthday, and I got to spend it with her.
Blessing #25, May 22, 2010
My family headed out to my parents' farm, to meet my Mom and Dad, my younger sister, and Grandmommy. We fed the chickens, ate grass fed beef burgers, and sat in the new swing (Grandmommy's birthday present). I rocked on the front porch with Grandmommy, and watched my Mom and Katie try to catch butterflies and find interesting rocks. My husband, sister, Dad and Chip shot baskets on the dirt court, and I reflected on how much life there is in the world because of my Grandmother. She is healthy, wise, and happy, and I know that I am lucky, and my children are lucky, to have her. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of spending nights with her or camping with her. It seems too good to be true that I am still making them. What a blessing!
On a side note, it is worth mentioning how fabulous this exericse has been for my outlook. I don't know what I was thinking promising to do this everyday, but I am glad I did it. Looking for the blessing everyday, even on the bad ones, has proven to be a wonderful discipline. I am so much more aware of the riches in my life.
Blessing #25, May 22, 2010
My family headed out to my parents' farm, to meet my Mom and Dad, my younger sister, and Grandmommy. We fed the chickens, ate grass fed beef burgers, and sat in the new swing (Grandmommy's birthday present). I rocked on the front porch with Grandmommy, and watched my Mom and Katie try to catch butterflies and find interesting rocks. My husband, sister, Dad and Chip shot baskets on the dirt court, and I reflected on how much life there is in the world because of my Grandmother. She is healthy, wise, and happy, and I know that I am lucky, and my children are lucky, to have her. I have so many wonderful childhood memories of spending nights with her or camping with her. It seems too good to be true that I am still making them. What a blessing!
On a side note, it is worth mentioning how fabulous this exericse has been for my outlook. I don't know what I was thinking promising to do this everyday, but I am glad I did it. Looking for the blessing everyday, even on the bad ones, has proven to be a wonderful discipline. I am so much more aware of the riches in my life.
Friday, May 21, 2010
Honors Day
I have only got a few minutes to write. I just got home from school, am headed to dinner, and then back to school to chaperon the movie night benifitting Relay for Life. I figure I won't get home until midnight, so if I'm to stick to my pledge I'd better do it now.
It is the time of year where I work frantically to get the papers graded and exams written, so I'm a little more tired than usual. Everyone in the school community gets a bit on edge at the end of the school. Fatigue, stress, and deadlines all contribute to our frayedness (hmm, is this a word? If not, it should be!).
Today there was a brightspot, a moment when all of the hard work from the year felt worth it. We held our annual Honors Day, and students were recognized for their acheivements in academics, service, athletics, and the fine arts. I work with incredible young people, and this ceremony reminds me each year just how lucky I am. It is so rewarding and so precious to be able to watch your students grow into leaders and scholars.
Blessing #24, May 21, 2010
I am thankful that my students and children have access to education. I am thankful that I had that same access, and realize that countless good things in my life are present because of it. I am grateful for the amazing students with whom I work, and I feel blessed beyond measure to work in this profession.
It is the time of year where I work frantically to get the papers graded and exams written, so I'm a little more tired than usual. Everyone in the school community gets a bit on edge at the end of the school. Fatigue, stress, and deadlines all contribute to our frayedness (hmm, is this a word? If not, it should be!).
Today there was a brightspot, a moment when all of the hard work from the year felt worth it. We held our annual Honors Day, and students were recognized for their acheivements in academics, service, athletics, and the fine arts. I work with incredible young people, and this ceremony reminds me each year just how lucky I am. It is so rewarding and so precious to be able to watch your students grow into leaders and scholars.
Blessing #24, May 21, 2010
I am thankful that my students and children have access to education. I am thankful that I had that same access, and realize that countless good things in my life are present because of it. I am grateful for the amazing students with whom I work, and I feel blessed beyond measure to work in this profession.
Thursday, May 20, 2010
Home
Today I am thankful for shelter. It is hard for me to fathom that right here in Athens there are people with no home. I have been grieving for years about the poverty in Haiti, and since the earthquake in January, even more people are left with no shelter in that devastated country. Homelessness is a tragedy all over the world.
Blessing #23, May 20, 2010
This evening I am tired, and I could complain about my papers to grade, or the ants in my kitchen, or Katie's fever, or Chip's homework. But those things are small--and my job is to remember blessings everyday. A big blessing in my life is my home. It is a place where my family feels comfortable, relaxed, and safe. It it is cool in summer, and warm in winter, and dry in the rain. It is a big blessing and the goodness of it makes the small stuff seem smaller.
Blessing #23, May 20, 2010
This evening I am tired, and I could complain about my papers to grade, or the ants in my kitchen, or Katie's fever, or Chip's homework. But those things are small--and my job is to remember blessings everyday. A big blessing in my life is my home. It is a place where my family feels comfortable, relaxed, and safe. It it is cool in summer, and warm in winter, and dry in the rain. It is a big blessing and the goodness of it makes the small stuff seem smaller.
Wednesday, May 19, 2010
Leave the Tube and Shut the Box!
I think most Moms and Dads struggle with managing childrens' attraction to "screens". Chip, and increasingly Katie, always want to play Wii, watch Cartoon Network, or play a computer game. They have to ask first, and they only get to play 15 to 20 minutes at a time. This everything in moderation approach works for the most part, but we do have an issue with Chip begging for more time in between Wii sessions. It's as if when he isn't parked in front of a screen he isn't sure what to do.
Lately, I have begun to hear from him the dreaded words, "I'm bored", especially when I have said no to cartoons or a video game. It would be hard to find two words that make me as upset as these do. My parents used to tell me that "Only boring people get bored," and I hated the comment everytime. And now, cliche I know, but I am using it myself. Usually, when my children are begging for TV, I tell them to go dress up, imagine something, write a song, count things, etc. Sometimes I will stop and play a board game or do a puzzle with them, but I can't do that always. Sometimes I have to call in reinforcements. Today I am especially thankful for one in particular.
Santa brought this game, Double Shutter, to our house last Christmas, and even 5 months later it is a huge hit. It is a game the kids can play solo, and they love it. There are no buttons, batteries, or flashing lights. It is just tiles with numbers and a pair of die. Chip and Katie will sit alone or together and play this game for hours. As a bonus, Chip is practicing his math facts the whole time. Trey and I love it, too. I think it might be the perfect game because of its simplicity and versatility. And did I mention, I don't have to buy batteries? I am lucky Santa found this for our family. He's reminded all 4 of us that there is plenty of fun to be had away from the Tube.
Blessing #22, May 19, 2001
Today I am thankful for simple games and activities that remind us that there is fun to be had away from the screen. I am blessed with all the laughs we've shared working puzzles, playing games, and really focusing on one another.
Lately, I have begun to hear from him the dreaded words, "I'm bored", especially when I have said no to cartoons or a video game. It would be hard to find two words that make me as upset as these do. My parents used to tell me that "Only boring people get bored," and I hated the comment everytime. And now, cliche I know, but I am using it myself. Usually, when my children are begging for TV, I tell them to go dress up, imagine something, write a song, count things, etc. Sometimes I will stop and play a board game or do a puzzle with them, but I can't do that always. Sometimes I have to call in reinforcements. Today I am especially thankful for one in particular.
Santa brought this game, Double Shutter, to our house last Christmas, and even 5 months later it is a huge hit. It is a game the kids can play solo, and they love it. There are no buttons, batteries, or flashing lights. It is just tiles with numbers and a pair of die. Chip and Katie will sit alone or together and play this game for hours. As a bonus, Chip is practicing his math facts the whole time. Trey and I love it, too. I think it might be the perfect game because of its simplicity and versatility. And did I mention, I don't have to buy batteries? I am lucky Santa found this for our family. He's reminded all 4 of us that there is plenty of fun to be had away from the Tube.
Blessing #22, May 19, 2001
Today I am thankful for simple games and activities that remind us that there is fun to be had away from the screen. I am blessed with all the laughs we've shared working puzzles, playing games, and really focusing on one another.
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
Truth in Crisis
When Katie was upstairs brushing her teeth, we heard a terrible thud. It is a noise that parents dread, because we are terrified about the severity of the injury we are about to encounter. Indeed, Katie began to cry-and it was the silent sobbing (as opposed to the theatrical crying when she just wants to get Brother in trouble) that is indicative of real injury.
We rushed upstairs to find that she had been climbing on the vanity, had fallen and split her chin on the counter. She was hurting, and when she saw the blood, she became a bit hysterical. We got her downstairs, laid her on top of towel on the sofa and began assessing the damage. My husband is a physical therapist and athletic trainer, so he is prepared to respond to injuries like this on the athletic field. He brought in his training bag and had her doctored up before long, with no stitches necessary. She was whimpering, sore, and scared for the duration of the first aid treatment. I looked over and saw Chip sit down at her head and began to rub her hair. He was being so tender with her, trying to comfort her and distract her from the trauma. It was special to see him reach out to her and it was special that she was receptive to his caretaking. They fight all the time, but in this moment I saw the truth. He adores his sister, and she looks up to him. It was a clear, special, remember forever kind of moment.
Blessing #21, May 18, 2010
I am grateful that she wasn't hurt more seriously. I am blessed to have children who care for one another in times of crisis. They spent all afternoon tattling, fighting, and competing, but when there was a crisis, one wasted no time in ministering to other.
We rushed upstairs to find that she had been climbing on the vanity, had fallen and split her chin on the counter. She was hurting, and when she saw the blood, she became a bit hysterical. We got her downstairs, laid her on top of towel on the sofa and began assessing the damage. My husband is a physical therapist and athletic trainer, so he is prepared to respond to injuries like this on the athletic field. He brought in his training bag and had her doctored up before long, with no stitches necessary. She was whimpering, sore, and scared for the duration of the first aid treatment. I looked over and saw Chip sit down at her head and began to rub her hair. He was being so tender with her, trying to comfort her and distract her from the trauma. It was special to see him reach out to her and it was special that she was receptive to his caretaking. They fight all the time, but in this moment I saw the truth. He adores his sister, and she looks up to him. It was a clear, special, remember forever kind of moment.
Blessing #21, May 18, 2010
I am grateful that she wasn't hurt more seriously. I am blessed to have children who care for one another in times of crisis. They spent all afternoon tattling, fighting, and competing, but when there was a crisis, one wasted no time in ministering to other.
Monday, May 17, 2010
Wonder Woman--And Can you Believe I am still Going!!?? I am doing the #20 Dance :-)
When I was a little girl, adults would ask me, "What do you want to be when you grow up?" I would reply, without flinching, "Wonder Woman." Imagine how tricky it became to navigate my career path when I realized that becoming a super hero wasn't actually an option.
I am grown up (well most of the time), but I am still impressed and inspired by strong, honest heroines. My favorite TV show, by far, is Bones. It comes on FOX, and the heroine doesn't wear a red, white and blue leotard (well, there is one episode) but she and her team of scientists solve murders using emperical evidence. She is fiercely committed to the truth (think Golden Lasso) and always gets the culprit.
She is a forensic anthropologist, and uses the bones to identify victims and reconstruct crimes. The show is like a marraige between two of my favorite things; super hero ideals and science.
Well, this week, I get to play forensic anthropologist in my classroom with a University of Georgia Professor, Dr. Norm Thomson. He has brought his collection of ~35 skulls from extant and extinct organisms, including many of our hominid relatives (Lucy, Hobbit man, etc) to teach me and my students about using skeletal remains to draw inferences about an individual's sex, size, diet, and habitat.
It is such a treat for this teacher to be a student. Science teaching is a blast, but it also requires me to learn all the time. What we know in science is constantly changing, and when you teach full time, it is nearly impossible to stay up to date on current news in the field. When professors and experts loan themselves to science classrooms, it is not just the students that benefit, but also the teacher. Getting to be the student refreshes me, reminds me why I chose to study and teach in this field, and gives me ideas for revamping my curriculum in the coming years.
Blessing #20, May 17, 2010
I am thankful to be in a career that demands that I keep learning and growing. I am thankful there are professors and experts who are passionate about science education and willing to give of their time and expertise to teach students and teachers about recent developments in science. And I'm thankful that my imagination allows me to believe, on some level, that being a science teacher translates to living up to my childhood superhero fantasy.
I am grown up (well most of the time), but I am still impressed and inspired by strong, honest heroines. My favorite TV show, by far, is Bones. It comes on FOX, and the heroine doesn't wear a red, white and blue leotard (well, there is one episode) but she and her team of scientists solve murders using emperical evidence. She is fiercely committed to the truth (think Golden Lasso) and always gets the culprit.
She is a forensic anthropologist, and uses the bones to identify victims and reconstruct crimes. The show is like a marraige between two of my favorite things; super hero ideals and science.
Well, this week, I get to play forensic anthropologist in my classroom with a University of Georgia Professor, Dr. Norm Thomson. He has brought his collection of ~35 skulls from extant and extinct organisms, including many of our hominid relatives (Lucy, Hobbit man, etc) to teach me and my students about using skeletal remains to draw inferences about an individual's sex, size, diet, and habitat.
It is such a treat for this teacher to be a student. Science teaching is a blast, but it also requires me to learn all the time. What we know in science is constantly changing, and when you teach full time, it is nearly impossible to stay up to date on current news in the field. When professors and experts loan themselves to science classrooms, it is not just the students that benefit, but also the teacher. Getting to be the student refreshes me, reminds me why I chose to study and teach in this field, and gives me ideas for revamping my curriculum in the coming years.
Blessing #20, May 17, 2010
I am thankful to be in a career that demands that I keep learning and growing. I am thankful there are professors and experts who are passionate about science education and willing to give of their time and expertise to teach students and teachers about recent developments in science. And I'm thankful that my imagination allows me to believe, on some level, that being a science teacher translates to living up to my childhood superhero fantasy.
Sunday, May 16, 2010
Slowing Down, Finding Gold
There is something fabulously lazy about a hot Sunday afternoon. I'm surprised at how leisurely we've been today, since we should be getting ready for the week ahead. I need to have lunches made, clothes folded and put away, groceries bought, the trash bagged up, and the last stack of essays graded. It would make sense for me to be moving 90 miles an hour to get it all accomplished, but sometimes my body and my mind just refuse to move that fast.
Today all 4 of us took a nap, and I'm not talking about a 20 minute power nap. I'm talking about a snoring, wake up and think it should be breakfast time, nap. It was amazing! We woke rested enough to enjoy each other. We had a delicious meal from the grill, heard Chip's piano practice, admired Katie's fashion show of zebra striped and sequined dresses, and shared icecream cones. Now I can hear the kids giggling upstairs, and I realize it might be hard to get them settled tonight. And, I know my husband and I have to stay up late to get everything ready for tomorrow. But it was worth it to slow down, rest, and spend the lionshare of my afternoon noticing the blessings of an afternoon at home.
Blessing 19, May 16, 2010
Today I am thankful that sometimes no matter the pressure I put on myself to "get it all done" I don't cooperate. When I am rested I can focus on my children, and all the things that used to seem urgent disappear. Against a backdrop of Katie singing Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer, Chip making star wars battle noises, and the smell of good food from the grill, it is hard to notice the out of date kitchen, the hideous wall paper in the bathroom, or the piles of laundry on the sofa. I am blessed today to feel rested and to be able to focus on what really matters.
Today all 4 of us took a nap, and I'm not talking about a 20 minute power nap. I'm talking about a snoring, wake up and think it should be breakfast time, nap. It was amazing! We woke rested enough to enjoy each other. We had a delicious meal from the grill, heard Chip's piano practice, admired Katie's fashion show of zebra striped and sequined dresses, and shared icecream cones. Now I can hear the kids giggling upstairs, and I realize it might be hard to get them settled tonight. And, I know my husband and I have to stay up late to get everything ready for tomorrow. But it was worth it to slow down, rest, and spend the lionshare of my afternoon noticing the blessings of an afternoon at home.
Blessing 19, May 16, 2010
Today I am thankful that sometimes no matter the pressure I put on myself to "get it all done" I don't cooperate. When I am rested I can focus on my children, and all the things that used to seem urgent disappear. Against a backdrop of Katie singing Rudolph the Red nosed reindeer, Chip making star wars battle noises, and the smell of good food from the grill, it is hard to notice the out of date kitchen, the hideous wall paper in the bathroom, or the piles of laundry on the sofa. I am blessed today to feel rested and to be able to focus on what really matters.
Isn't it early for empty nest syndrome?
The kids are spending the night away. At 7 and 4, sleep away play dates have really just begun, and they don't happen very often, especially during the school year.
It is so quiet, which I thought would be great, and in a way it is. But it is also a bit disconcerting. I miss their footsteps, their giggles, and their out of no-where hugs. I miss being able to walk into their rooms and give them that last kiss on the forehead before I turn in. I'm surprised I miss those things since I often complain about the noise, the messes, the interuptions, and the rigidity of our bedtime routine on school nights. Sometimes I think all I want is a night off. Here I am with one, and all I can do is think of my children. Ha!
Blessing 18, May 15, 2010
I am blessed to have children and all the chaos that comes along with them. I am thankful for the ordinary, happy moments we share at bedtime and for the way their laughter fills our home.
It is so quiet, which I thought would be great, and in a way it is. But it is also a bit disconcerting. I miss their footsteps, their giggles, and their out of no-where hugs. I miss being able to walk into their rooms and give them that last kiss on the forehead before I turn in. I'm surprised I miss those things since I often complain about the noise, the messes, the interuptions, and the rigidity of our bedtime routine on school nights. Sometimes I think all I want is a night off. Here I am with one, and all I can do is think of my children. Ha!
Blessing 18, May 15, 2010
I am blessed to have children and all the chaos that comes along with them. I am thankful for the ordinary, happy moments we share at bedtime and for the way their laughter fills our home.
Friday, May 14, 2010
The Friday Night Syndrome
When I was a teenager, I remember hearing kids talk during school about plans for the weekend. By Thursday, we had passed enough notes (pre-texting, obviously) for the events to get worked out. What were we going to do? Who was invited? Where would we hang out? Before the weekend rolled around we had answered all these questions. Looking back, I'm not sure how I managed to learn anything other than the rules for navigating the social order.
So, with my weekend agenda cemented, I would head home and start working on my parents. Of course, they didn't really listen until I had mowed the front yard, vacuumed the pool, and cleaned the kitchen (Boy did I hate that, but it will show up as a blessing of its own later). But when they did listen, my Dad would shake his head and say, "Don't you know you don't have to go somewhere just because it is Friday night? We are not falling into that pattern." I bucked him all through high school on this issue, and I won sometimes. When I didn't, I ended up having a fabulous time playing Scrabble, Pictionary or Trivial Pursuit with my parents and siblings. Or, I just curled up with a book and enjoyed some quiet time. Now, I have to admit my Dad was right. I have found that Friday nights at home with my family are almost as good as it gets.
That's right, I said almost. Tonight, I saw something even better. I served as one of the chaperons at the local homeless shelter where a group of our students gathered to prepare and serve food. For many of them, this is an activity they engage in nearly every Friday night. It is amazing how they have taken ownership of the project. They knew where all the utensils were, how to work the oven, and which residents used which dishes. They had gathered all the ingredients, prepared the meal, and cleaned up after themselves. I work with teenagers all day, and I can assure you that just that much is a miracle. When I tell you that they did all this because they wanted to and they were smiling and laughing all the while, it becomes too good to be true. But it was true. And it will be true again next Friday. That's a Friday night pattern worth falling into.
Blessing #17, May 14, 2010
Today I am thankful that there are young people who are givers. These kids see a hurt or a wrong and don't just want to fix it, but work to fix it. What a fabulous example for the rest of us-who are often too busy, too tired, or too disillusioned to serve.
So, with my weekend agenda cemented, I would head home and start working on my parents. Of course, they didn't really listen until I had mowed the front yard, vacuumed the pool, and cleaned the kitchen (Boy did I hate that, but it will show up as a blessing of its own later). But when they did listen, my Dad would shake his head and say, "Don't you know you don't have to go somewhere just because it is Friday night? We are not falling into that pattern." I bucked him all through high school on this issue, and I won sometimes. When I didn't, I ended up having a fabulous time playing Scrabble, Pictionary or Trivial Pursuit with my parents and siblings. Or, I just curled up with a book and enjoyed some quiet time. Now, I have to admit my Dad was right. I have found that Friday nights at home with my family are almost as good as it gets.
That's right, I said almost. Tonight, I saw something even better. I served as one of the chaperons at the local homeless shelter where a group of our students gathered to prepare and serve food. For many of them, this is an activity they engage in nearly every Friday night. It is amazing how they have taken ownership of the project. They knew where all the utensils were, how to work the oven, and which residents used which dishes. They had gathered all the ingredients, prepared the meal, and cleaned up after themselves. I work with teenagers all day, and I can assure you that just that much is a miracle. When I tell you that they did all this because they wanted to and they were smiling and laughing all the while, it becomes too good to be true. But it was true. And it will be true again next Friday. That's a Friday night pattern worth falling into.
Blessing #17, May 14, 2010
Today I am thankful that there are young people who are givers. These kids see a hurt or a wrong and don't just want to fix it, but work to fix it. What a fabulous example for the rest of us-who are often too busy, too tired, or too disillusioned to serve.
Thursday, May 13, 2010
The Greatest Expression of Optimism
Today I have a new nephew! At 8 pounds 13 ounces and 22 inches long, I think it is safe to say he knows how to make an entrance. I see this, and any new life, as unbridled optimism about the future of the world. What an obvious blessing! No searching required today.
It's new life that makes Spring so special. There is nothing like the first bloom of the daffodils, the songs of the birds, and the greening of the trees to remind us of the good in the world we sometimes forget to notice.
Blessing #16, May 13, 2010
Today I am thankful for babies and springtime. Both represent starting fresh and remind me to look toward a better future.
It's new life that makes Spring so special. There is nothing like the first bloom of the daffodils, the songs of the birds, and the greening of the trees to remind us of the good in the world we sometimes forget to notice.
Blessing #16, May 13, 2010
Today I am thankful for babies and springtime. Both represent starting fresh and remind me to look toward a better future.
Wednesday, May 12, 2010
Focusing on the Task
I've hit a wall tonight. I had a fabulous day, but nonetheless I am battling writers block this evening. It's the first time during this lofty endeavor that I've feared sitting at the computer and staring at the screen without being able to produce a single coherent, much less inspired, sentence. I think when I started this exercise over 2 weeks ago, I had avoided writing for so long that the words just poured out of me. In fact, this has been a very cathartic process for me, and I feel better in so many ways. However I should have known the words wouldn't flow so easily forever, so now the real work begins.
To overcome this hopefully temporary drought, I am going to focus on the task. While it may be hard to write, it is most certainly not hard to find a blessing. Today I got to see light bulbs go off in my students. In my 9th grade biology classes we are doing a fairly tedious lab investigating evolution. The exercise takes a couple of days, and the students get a bit frustrated in the beginning. But, today we were wrapping it up, and sure enough, one after another I saw the students making the "Aha" face. It is a face that as a teacher I work so hard for, and when I see it I feel fabulous. There is something magic about seeing young people learn, and that magic keeps me excited to go to work everyday.
The Blessing, #15, May 12, 2010
I am blessed with a career that is rewarding. It feels more like a calling than a job, in that I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else. I feel like I am in a position to make an impact on the world everyday, and that my work really matters to the future of my world. Thank God for my work.
To overcome this hopefully temporary drought, I am going to focus on the task. While it may be hard to write, it is most certainly not hard to find a blessing. Today I got to see light bulbs go off in my students. In my 9th grade biology classes we are doing a fairly tedious lab investigating evolution. The exercise takes a couple of days, and the students get a bit frustrated in the beginning. But, today we were wrapping it up, and sure enough, one after another I saw the students making the "Aha" face. It is a face that as a teacher I work so hard for, and when I see it I feel fabulous. There is something magic about seeing young people learn, and that magic keeps me excited to go to work everyday.
The Blessing, #15, May 12, 2010
I am blessed with a career that is rewarding. It feels more like a calling than a job, in that I couldn't imagine myself doing anything else. I feel like I am in a position to make an impact on the world everyday, and that my work really matters to the future of my world. Thank God for my work.
Tuesday, May 11, 2010
A Mother's Gratitude for this Fleeting Life
Some of my readers know this story, but post homemade Mother's Day gifts and special hugs from my children, I am reminded about how lucky I am to be with them. I can't believe that I often forget how close I came to missing out on raising them.
When my youngest, Katie, was born, it seemed like a relatively easy, non eventful delivery. It was definitely faster and easier than my first delivery, and I felt fabulous cuddling with my new baby girl. Our whole family, even Chip, was euphoric about meeting this little person.
48 hours later, as I was supposed to be getting ready to go home, I became very sick. My fever shot up to 103 degrees, I began to tremble all over, almost as if I was convulsing, and every part of my body hurt. The doctors were frantically trying to learn what was wrong with me. My red blood cell count was dropping. I was held down so they could cath me (just see how that feels after giving birth) to get a clean urine sample. I was force fed some dye and rushed to an emergency cat scan. Vials and vials of blood were drawn, and I just got sicker every minute. The doctor asked me, "What do you think is wrong? Where does it hurt?" and I replied "I am dying. That is what is wrong." I can remember looking at my parents and asking, "Who is going to take care of my family?"
24 hours later the preliminary results came back that I was sick with puerperal fever, or child bed fever. I was septic, meaning my bloodstream was infected with a bacterium, that was lysing my red blood cells at light speed. The bacteria was a group A strep-the same germ that causes strep throat. How it got into my bloodstream is a frightening mystery. Thankfully I was started on IV antibiotics and began to improve after the 1st dose. I still felt terrible, but no longer like death was imminent. I was hospitalized for a full week, and even after I was released I had to go back every day to get IV antibiotics.
There were a few hours when I stared death in the face. I knew that the most important thing was getting well so I could care for my children. Now, I realize that this was freak incident-this happens so rarely in industrialized nations that it has been omitted from lots of the Pregnancy Books. (However, in underdeveloped nations it is all too frequent, incidence in Haiti is the highest of countries in our hemisphere) What this horrific experience provided me with was perspective. True, I got sick in the hospital, but when I did I was immediately offered life saving medication. Had the germ that infected me been resistant to antibiotics, I wouldn't be here right now, so that is another instance of blessing. I survived to come home and mother my children, be a wife to my husband, and try to impact the world one more day. Each of those days is a gift.
Blessing #14, May 11, 2010
I am grateful that I am here to mother my children, love my husband and extended family, and teach my students. I acknowledge that each day that I get to stay is a gift from God.
When my youngest, Katie, was born, it seemed like a relatively easy, non eventful delivery. It was definitely faster and easier than my first delivery, and I felt fabulous cuddling with my new baby girl. Our whole family, even Chip, was euphoric about meeting this little person.
48 hours later, as I was supposed to be getting ready to go home, I became very sick. My fever shot up to 103 degrees, I began to tremble all over, almost as if I was convulsing, and every part of my body hurt. The doctors were frantically trying to learn what was wrong with me. My red blood cell count was dropping. I was held down so they could cath me (just see how that feels after giving birth) to get a clean urine sample. I was force fed some dye and rushed to an emergency cat scan. Vials and vials of blood were drawn, and I just got sicker every minute. The doctor asked me, "What do you think is wrong? Where does it hurt?" and I replied "I am dying. That is what is wrong." I can remember looking at my parents and asking, "Who is going to take care of my family?"
24 hours later the preliminary results came back that I was sick with puerperal fever, or child bed fever. I was septic, meaning my bloodstream was infected with a bacterium, that was lysing my red blood cells at light speed. The bacteria was a group A strep-the same germ that causes strep throat. How it got into my bloodstream is a frightening mystery. Thankfully I was started on IV antibiotics and began to improve after the 1st dose. I still felt terrible, but no longer like death was imminent. I was hospitalized for a full week, and even after I was released I had to go back every day to get IV antibiotics.
There were a few hours when I stared death in the face. I knew that the most important thing was getting well so I could care for my children. Now, I realize that this was freak incident-this happens so rarely in industrialized nations that it has been omitted from lots of the Pregnancy Books. (However, in underdeveloped nations it is all too frequent, incidence in Haiti is the highest of countries in our hemisphere) What this horrific experience provided me with was perspective. True, I got sick in the hospital, but when I did I was immediately offered life saving medication. Had the germ that infected me been resistant to antibiotics, I wouldn't be here right now, so that is another instance of blessing. I survived to come home and mother my children, be a wife to my husband, and try to impact the world one more day. Each of those days is a gift.
Blessing #14, May 11, 2010
I am grateful that I am here to mother my children, love my husband and extended family, and teach my students. I acknowledge that each day that I get to stay is a gift from God.
Monday, May 10, 2010
Squeaky Clean
This has been a typical, perhaps slightly extra chaotic, day-I lost a planning period, went in to work early to make up for missing time last week (when Chip was swollen all over from poison ivy), graded papers every spare second, and rushed to pick up the kids and get Chip to piano. Then my sister (I have 4, this one is local) called to tell me that she was taking her youngest to the hospital with breathing difficulty. His brother is upstairs asleep, and my kids were up well past their bedtime. I could, and maybe should, write about how wonderful it is to have family close so we can support one another. My sister has helped me countless times, and I love that I can help her too. But, oddly, my thoughts are somewhere else tonight.
When the kids were all in bed, I decided to go ahead and take a shower. Children who haven't had enough sleep could spell disaster in the morning, so it seemed wise to get my shower out of the way while I had the opportunity.
A nice, hot, shower. I suppose it is my level of fatigue that has caused me to be swept away in the magic of our sophisticated plumbing. What a luxury that at my beck and call I have clean water to drink, much less warm water to bathe in. If you've been following this blog, you know that my husband and I are very attached to Haiti, and work there with and for an organization called Bethlehem Ministry. Tonight in my exhaustion, I think of the families in Haiti who must bathe in the dirty river in Terrier Rouge; I think of the mothers' broken hearts when they cannot offer their sick, dehydrated children clean drinking water; and I think of the doctors who would love to be able to administer bags of IV fluids to sick patients and are too often ill equipped.
I have had a warm bath, my nephew will get IV fluids if he needs them-as well as any medication he requires, the dishes in my dishwasher have been thoroughly disinfected, and we've had a nice spring shower to top off our reservoir. Weirdly, with the water slant and my fatigue, I'm remembering the song that Daddy and I danced to at my wedding. "My Cup Runneth Over" sung by Ed Ames, while a love song, the title seems to fit very nicely here.
Blessing #13 May 10, 2010
Today I am grateful for clean water. I understand that my life would not be recognizable without it. I pray that all people will have access to this most basic necessity.
When the kids were all in bed, I decided to go ahead and take a shower. Children who haven't had enough sleep could spell disaster in the morning, so it seemed wise to get my shower out of the way while I had the opportunity.
A nice, hot, shower. I suppose it is my level of fatigue that has caused me to be swept away in the magic of our sophisticated plumbing. What a luxury that at my beck and call I have clean water to drink, much less warm water to bathe in. If you've been following this blog, you know that my husband and I are very attached to Haiti, and work there with and for an organization called Bethlehem Ministry. Tonight in my exhaustion, I think of the families in Haiti who must bathe in the dirty river in Terrier Rouge; I think of the mothers' broken hearts when they cannot offer their sick, dehydrated children clean drinking water; and I think of the doctors who would love to be able to administer bags of IV fluids to sick patients and are too often ill equipped.
I have had a warm bath, my nephew will get IV fluids if he needs them-as well as any medication he requires, the dishes in my dishwasher have been thoroughly disinfected, and we've had a nice spring shower to top off our reservoir. Weirdly, with the water slant and my fatigue, I'm remembering the song that Daddy and I danced to at my wedding. "My Cup Runneth Over" sung by Ed Ames, while a love song, the title seems to fit very nicely here.
Blessing #13 May 10, 2010
Today I am grateful for clean water. I understand that my life would not be recognizable without it. I pray that all people will have access to this most basic necessity.
Sunday, May 9, 2010
I am a Promise, I am a Possibility
When I was about 5 years old, the minister of music at our church convinced my parents that I should sing a solo in front of the congregation. They still talk about it, and comment that the microphone was bigger than I was. I sang "I am a Promise"
Part of the chorus went like this:
"I am a promise, I am a possibility. I am a promise, with a capital P. I am a great big bundle of potentialilty."
I can still sing that song, and I know it has had a tremendous impact on my life. Now, I've found it again, and I'm going to teach it to my kids. I realize that the real power of the song was that my parents, especially my brilliant and accomplished mother, taught me to believe the words. I do struggle with self-doubt, but deep inside I believe, just as my Mom did, that I can do anything.
Blessing #12, May 8, 2010 Mother's Day
Today I am grateful that my Mother believed in me and loved me. I am grateful that she taught me that I can do and be anything I put my mind to, and I promise to never forget her faith in me. Her belief in me created countless possibilities for my life. God willing, I will give my children the same gift.
Part of the chorus went like this:
"I am a promise, I am a possibility. I am a promise, with a capital P. I am a great big bundle of potentialilty."
I can still sing that song, and I know it has had a tremendous impact on my life. Now, I've found it again, and I'm going to teach it to my kids. I realize that the real power of the song was that my parents, especially my brilliant and accomplished mother, taught me to believe the words. I do struggle with self-doubt, but deep inside I believe, just as my Mom did, that I can do anything.
Blessing #12, May 8, 2010 Mother's Day
Today I am grateful that my Mother believed in me and loved me. I am grateful that she taught me that I can do and be anything I put my mind to, and I promise to never forget her faith in me. Her belief in me created countless possibilities for my life. God willing, I will give my children the same gift.
Saturday, May 8, 2010
Stamina Sometimes Required for Finding the Blessing
This is a tough night to write! In fact, it is the first time I have really considered putting this entry off until tomorrow. A soccer game this morning, a mother's day lunch at noon, and then preparation for a ballet recital. I was the room mother for Katie's class, which means I spent the recital corralling 12 4 year olds, keeping them quiet in the backstage area, adjusting butterfly hair clips, and touching up lipstick. And now, I am exhausted. My feet and back hurt, and I feel fatigued deep in my bones. I just want to curl up and fall asleep, but I have made a commitment, announced it to the world, and now I have to follow through.
At least now I am relaxed at my girlfriend's house, listening to the children play, and enjoying reminiscing about the stellar performances of our daughters today. While we have been busy, we have been busy exulting in the love of our friends and family and in the accomplishments of our children. It is good to stay awake just long enough to reflect on all the good in my life.
So May 8, 2010 Blessing #11
Today I am thankful for my extended family-Grandparents, Aunts, and Great-grandparents, who spent their Saturday morning cheering Chip on from the sidelines and their evening giving Katie a standing ovation. I am thankful that my children have opportunities to shine and that they have a blast doing it! What a full, rich, blessed day. And yea for me, for staying awake long enough to remember how lucky I am!
At least now I am relaxed at my girlfriend's house, listening to the children play, and enjoying reminiscing about the stellar performances of our daughters today. While we have been busy, we have been busy exulting in the love of our friends and family and in the accomplishments of our children. It is good to stay awake just long enough to reflect on all the good in my life.
So May 8, 2010 Blessing #11
Today I am thankful for my extended family-Grandparents, Aunts, and Great-grandparents, who spent their Saturday morning cheering Chip on from the sidelines and their evening giving Katie a standing ovation. I am thankful that my children have opportunities to shine and that they have a blast doing it! What a full, rich, blessed day. And yea for me, for staying awake long enough to remember how lucky I am!
Friday, May 7, 2010
The Summer List
This is a tired time of year for my family. The end of school may be around the corner, but it is also up a big hill. Class performances and projects in the kids' classes and final exams and grading in mine make reaching the finish line tough. The sunny, warm weather seems to bring sleepiness in the afternoons, and I wonder how we will get it all done through our heavy eyelids.
It is probably not helping us with our productivity at home that we have refused to turn on the AC, partly to save money, but also because we are trying to minimize excess and needless environmental impact after our most recent trip to Haiti. It's really fairly comfortable, but it is warm enough inside so as not to be conducive to frenzied activity.
So, what gets us moving and excited during sleepy afternoons and evenings? The summer list-what has become one of my favorite traditions in our family. Being a teacher and a mom can be tough. Often during the school year, I fear that I'm spending too much energy worrying over other folks' children and not enough time enjoying my own. I have been late to dance or soccer because of a long, albeit necessary, parent conference. I have naysayed weekend playdates and even some family activities, because I feel it is the only time I can wash the clothes, straighten the house, and grocery shop.
But summer is our time, and the kids and I begin making our list of things we want to accomplish during the break about this point every year. This summer is particlularly exciting (well, maybe not for my bank account), because I am not teaching at the University, and the kids know Mommy will really be off. I am thrilled that they are still at an age where relaxing with Mommy seems fabulous. They are more into the summer list than ever, because they know I will be fully present during our time together, as opposed to previous summers where I was trying to work out sitters or prepare for my class at the University.
On our list we always include our vacation to Brunswick and the Golden Isles, Vacation Bible School, and maybe a soccer camp. Other than that, the list varies each year. The trips and big events are fabulous, but this year my children and I are just as excited about taking peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the neighborhood pool, sleeping an hour later, and re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia. We've got board games, puzzles, and resting to do, and we can't wait!
Blessing #10, May 7, 2010
I am fortunate that this summer my children want to and will be able to spend time with me. It is marvelous that the very act of talking about our break brings us out of our fog of exhaustion and into a place where we are excited to look ahead toward the blessings coming our way. Even my husband, who isn't lucky enough to have such a long holiday, feels the stress level in the home recede as we plan and eventually enjoy our weeks of leisure. It is a restorative time for our entire family. So, here's to cresting the end of the year hill and enjoying coasting down the other side!
It is probably not helping us with our productivity at home that we have refused to turn on the AC, partly to save money, but also because we are trying to minimize excess and needless environmental impact after our most recent trip to Haiti. It's really fairly comfortable, but it is warm enough inside so as not to be conducive to frenzied activity.
So, what gets us moving and excited during sleepy afternoons and evenings? The summer list-what has become one of my favorite traditions in our family. Being a teacher and a mom can be tough. Often during the school year, I fear that I'm spending too much energy worrying over other folks' children and not enough time enjoying my own. I have been late to dance or soccer because of a long, albeit necessary, parent conference. I have naysayed weekend playdates and even some family activities, because I feel it is the only time I can wash the clothes, straighten the house, and grocery shop.
But summer is our time, and the kids and I begin making our list of things we want to accomplish during the break about this point every year. This summer is particlularly exciting (well, maybe not for my bank account), because I am not teaching at the University, and the kids know Mommy will really be off. I am thrilled that they are still at an age where relaxing with Mommy seems fabulous. They are more into the summer list than ever, because they know I will be fully present during our time together, as opposed to previous summers where I was trying to work out sitters or prepare for my class at the University.
On our list we always include our vacation to Brunswick and the Golden Isles, Vacation Bible School, and maybe a soccer camp. Other than that, the list varies each year. The trips and big events are fabulous, but this year my children and I are just as excited about taking peanut butter and jelly sandwiches to the neighborhood pool, sleeping an hour later, and re-reading the Chronicles of Narnia. We've got board games, puzzles, and resting to do, and we can't wait!
Blessing #10, May 7, 2010
I am fortunate that this summer my children want to and will be able to spend time with me. It is marvelous that the very act of talking about our break brings us out of our fog of exhaustion and into a place where we are excited to look ahead toward the blessings coming our way. Even my husband, who isn't lucky enough to have such a long holiday, feels the stress level in the home recede as we plan and eventually enjoy our weeks of leisure. It is a restorative time for our entire family. So, here's to cresting the end of the year hill and enjoying coasting down the other side!
Thursday, May 6, 2010
Thanks for the Appleseed
Blessing #9, May 6, 2010 (and it is a literal blessing)
I know it is a cliche, but there is a lot of truth to the old saying that great things come in small packages. Tonight was a great example. Katie had dress rehearal for her upcoming recital. The name of her class is fairytale princesses, and tonight they really looked the part dancing to "What a Wonderful World" sung by Louis Armstrong, wearing full stage makeup. Chip was in the audience watching sis through an eye that is nearly swollen shut from poison ivy, and trying his best not to climb out of his itchy skin.
After the practice performance, I took my children, plus one of Katie's best little girl friends, to meet my husband, Trey, at our favorite Mexican Restuarant. We had really been craving enchiladas since yesterday, but we didn't want to brave the crowds on Cinco de Mayo. Lots of folks must have had the same idea, because the place was packed. The children had the sillies and were 1/2 playing and 1/2 fighting with one another, and we were easily the loudest table in the restaruant. When the food came, Katie's little girl friend said, "Oh, no! we forgot to say Grace!" Katie immediately piped up with, "I'll do it! Everybody make prayer hands." Then she began to sing and her friend, Kinsey, and Chip joined in the song. The prayer went like this:
"Oh the Lord's been good to me, and so I thank the Lord, for giving me the things I need. The sun and the rain and the appleseed. Oh the Lord's been good to me."
Everyone stopped and noticed this sweet gesture of gratitude. There were audible "Awwwws" and for a moment we, as well as those sitting around us, were looking at all that is good in the world. I don't think an enchilada has ever tasted so good!
I know it is a cliche, but there is a lot of truth to the old saying that great things come in small packages. Tonight was a great example. Katie had dress rehearal for her upcoming recital. The name of her class is fairytale princesses, and tonight they really looked the part dancing to "What a Wonderful World" sung by Louis Armstrong, wearing full stage makeup. Chip was in the audience watching sis through an eye that is nearly swollen shut from poison ivy, and trying his best not to climb out of his itchy skin.
After the practice performance, I took my children, plus one of Katie's best little girl friends, to meet my husband, Trey, at our favorite Mexican Restuarant. We had really been craving enchiladas since yesterday, but we didn't want to brave the crowds on Cinco de Mayo. Lots of folks must have had the same idea, because the place was packed. The children had the sillies and were 1/2 playing and 1/2 fighting with one another, and we were easily the loudest table in the restaruant. When the food came, Katie's little girl friend said, "Oh, no! we forgot to say Grace!" Katie immediately piped up with, "I'll do it! Everybody make prayer hands." Then she began to sing and her friend, Kinsey, and Chip joined in the song. The prayer went like this:
"Oh the Lord's been good to me, and so I thank the Lord, for giving me the things I need. The sun and the rain and the appleseed. Oh the Lord's been good to me."
Everyone stopped and noticed this sweet gesture of gratitude. There were audible "Awwwws" and for a moment we, as well as those sitting around us, were looking at all that is good in the world. I don't think an enchilada has ever tasted so good!
Wednesday, May 5, 2010
Exericise and Human Inventiveness
I love to exercise outside. I really don't enjoy gyms because they seem dirty and they are big on contracts. Leaving my last gym, I ended up having to pay for 2 months I didn't use because of some fine print about the day of notice. Also, in a college town, gyms are full of young adults with model perfect bodies, so it's not exactly a boost for this Mom's self-image. Meanwhile, being outside on a walk has the added bonus of providing time in the sunshine and making me feel great about myself and my place in the world. It is fabulous for my mood. I don't see how anything could be better than exercising outside on a beautiful day.
But when the weather is bad, or when I just can't get out for a walk because of the kids' schedules, this Wii fit is perfection. I've never had so much fun working out. In fact, I am convinced that this was invented by a busy mom who didn't want to hang out at the dirty gym with college girls in sports bras.
So, where's the blessing?
Blessing #8, May 5, 2010
Well, it is true that we create a lot of problems for ourselves as compulsive, work-a-holic, spend-a-holic, sit-a-holic folks, but I have to admire the inventiveness of our species. The Wii fit makes it easier for me to exercise and is more fun than I could have ever imagined. Some brilliant person has outdone themselves with this invention. This technology is engaging, novel, easy to navigate and a genuine good time. It can be a great workout, and I have found that it is a great supplement to my walks. I love how it tracks my progress and encourages me to keep up my activity level. At one point, I was a pretty competitive athlete, but those days are behind me, and the Wii allows me to compete with myself. My balance, posture, and my awareness of my body in space have improved as a result of the balance games, so I've gotten even more than just a cardio workout. My personal favorites on this--super hula hoop, the obstacle course, and the Advanced Step while I watch TV. So, today I am thankful that I have found this technology that allows me to be more flexible with my exercise schedule, and to genuinely look forward to it! So, to whoever invented it--thanks for keeping this mom active! If you have a Wii at your house, you might want to think about giving it a try!
But when the weather is bad, or when I just can't get out for a walk because of the kids' schedules, this Wii fit is perfection. I've never had so much fun working out. In fact, I am convinced that this was invented by a busy mom who didn't want to hang out at the dirty gym with college girls in sports bras.
So, where's the blessing?
Blessing #8, May 5, 2010
Well, it is true that we create a lot of problems for ourselves as compulsive, work-a-holic, spend-a-holic, sit-a-holic folks, but I have to admire the inventiveness of our species. The Wii fit makes it easier for me to exercise and is more fun than I could have ever imagined. Some brilliant person has outdone themselves with this invention. This technology is engaging, novel, easy to navigate and a genuine good time. It can be a great workout, and I have found that it is a great supplement to my walks. I love how it tracks my progress and encourages me to keep up my activity level. At one point, I was a pretty competitive athlete, but those days are behind me, and the Wii allows me to compete with myself. My balance, posture, and my awareness of my body in space have improved as a result of the balance games, so I've gotten even more than just a cardio workout. My personal favorites on this--super hula hoop, the obstacle course, and the Advanced Step while I watch TV. So, today I am thankful that I have found this technology that allows me to be more flexible with my exercise schedule, and to genuinely look forward to it! So, to whoever invented it--thanks for keeping this mom active! If you have a Wii at your house, you might want to think about giving it a try!
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
Healthy, Happy Children
My children, Chip, 7 and Katie, 4, are a constant source of joy and worry. Last night, Chip matter-of-factly stated that he was the only 1st grade boy in his whole school who had not had the stomach virus. Katie chimed in with, "Oh, me too. I'm the only one in the preschool who hasn't had the throw-ups." This was clearly a point of pride for them, and neither wanted to be outdone by the other.
I said, "Great Job," and tried to stifle a foreboding groan. I hadn't realized that the stomach virus was going around at their school and promptly found myself with a new thing to worry over. Also, while I am a science teacher, I am not above feeling slightly superstitious that my children have just uttered the famous last words.
So, Blessing #7, on May 4, 2010 is two fold. #1, so far this school year, my children have not had the "throwups". #2, While I fear it is imminent given that they have bragged about being the only kids not to have had it, I realize that I will be able to seek treatment for them, and that it will not be an emergency. In Haiti, where I love to spend time, a bout with a stomach virus can, and often does, lead to dehydration and death. Here, we are a sterile needle and a bag of fluids away from helping our sick children feel better. So, I'm not going to let my fear about their contracting the stomach virus take up any more of my day. I am lucky to have healthy children, and I am lucky that when they are ill, I can get them what they need. That takes a big load off a mom.
I said, "Great Job," and tried to stifle a foreboding groan. I hadn't realized that the stomach virus was going around at their school and promptly found myself with a new thing to worry over. Also, while I am a science teacher, I am not above feeling slightly superstitious that my children have just uttered the famous last words.
So, Blessing #7, on May 4, 2010 is two fold. #1, so far this school year, my children have not had the "throwups". #2, While I fear it is imminent given that they have bragged about being the only kids not to have had it, I realize that I will be able to seek treatment for them, and that it will not be an emergency. In Haiti, where I love to spend time, a bout with a stomach virus can, and often does, lead to dehydration and death. Here, we are a sterile needle and a bag of fluids away from helping our sick children feel better. So, I'm not going to let my fear about their contracting the stomach virus take up any more of my day. I am lucky to have healthy children, and I am lucky that when they are ill, I can get them what they need. That takes a big load off a mom.
Monday, May 3, 2010
Getting Thankful and Staying that Way
I can't tell a lie! I'm worried I've bitten off more than I can chew here. 365 days in a row of counting blessings? On great days, I can see it, but today I am feeling behind on my grading, planning, and exam writing. I have students who are refusing to turn in assignments, and it is pouring down rain, which means I will not be getting a walk in today. That little bit of exercise really is a mood booster for me. As if that wasn't enough to stress me out, we are trying to figure out how to pay the bills, keep gas in the tank of our ridiculous SUV (which is paid for, other wise I'd be all about something more economical), and afford gluten free groceries.
Yep, this is one of those days I feel like selling out and deciding to stay grumpy. But, I promised myself, so I have worked to find the blessing. The odd thing is it wasn't the finding it that was hard. It was the clinging to it. It's one thing to have an aha moment about a happy circumstance, but it is another thing entirely to keep that positive energy at the forefront of my thoughts and actions. Let me see if I can explain.
I picked the kids up at school, and hurried out to dinner so I could get my oldest, Chip, (who was in Haiti with me over spring break--see my earlier post) to his piano lesson. He loves piano, and his excitement before his lesson is almost tangible. We don't eat out often, so both the kids get pumped about dinner out on Mondays. Today, we went to my favorite burrito place, and the positive energy was fabulous. The kids weren't fighting; they were playing, singing, and dancing. In fact, they went to "pick out the table" while I was paying the bill, and they were singing B-I-N-G-O at the top of their lungs. It was early, so the place wasn't crowded, but the folks who were in there were thoroughly enjoying the performance. It was one of those fabulous mommy moments, when I was thrilled that my children were happy and healthy enough to sing regardless of their ability to stay in tune. It was an obvious blessing.
So what happened? I stopped by the house to grab the check book to pay for piano. Doing this required walking through my dirty kitchen which is chronically infested with ants (help, please!), passing the "bill basket" which is overflowing, nearly slipping on a melted icecube that got left on the floor, and just like that, my positive outlook evaporated. But, in keeping with my assignment I have turned even that downer into a blessing...so here we go!
Blessing #6, May 3, 2010
Because I am human I have the phenomenal ability to be aware of my own thoughts, and to direct them. Sure the blessing of happy, healthy children is priceless. The reality of life, though, is that it doesn't always feel like a series of precious moments like the one I had in the Burrito place. I do believe there are more of those moments than most folks realize, but even so, the minutia and drudgery of life can get in the way. Enter our power of metacognition. I can think about my own thinking, and when I see that I am having difficulty focusing on the gifts in my life, I can stop, about face, and redirect my attention in a more productive direction. And so, today, I am especially grateful that even when I feel like being grumpy and miserable, I have the capacity to convince myself to notice and count the blessings.
Yep, this is one of those days I feel like selling out and deciding to stay grumpy. But, I promised myself, so I have worked to find the blessing. The odd thing is it wasn't the finding it that was hard. It was the clinging to it. It's one thing to have an aha moment about a happy circumstance, but it is another thing entirely to keep that positive energy at the forefront of my thoughts and actions. Let me see if I can explain.
I picked the kids up at school, and hurried out to dinner so I could get my oldest, Chip, (who was in Haiti with me over spring break--see my earlier post) to his piano lesson. He loves piano, and his excitement before his lesson is almost tangible. We don't eat out often, so both the kids get pumped about dinner out on Mondays. Today, we went to my favorite burrito place, and the positive energy was fabulous. The kids weren't fighting; they were playing, singing, and dancing. In fact, they went to "pick out the table" while I was paying the bill, and they were singing B-I-N-G-O at the top of their lungs. It was early, so the place wasn't crowded, but the folks who were in there were thoroughly enjoying the performance. It was one of those fabulous mommy moments, when I was thrilled that my children were happy and healthy enough to sing regardless of their ability to stay in tune. It was an obvious blessing.
So what happened? I stopped by the house to grab the check book to pay for piano. Doing this required walking through my dirty kitchen which is chronically infested with ants (help, please!), passing the "bill basket" which is overflowing, nearly slipping on a melted icecube that got left on the floor, and just like that, my positive outlook evaporated. But, in keeping with my assignment I have turned even that downer into a blessing...so here we go!
Blessing #6, May 3, 2010
Because I am human I have the phenomenal ability to be aware of my own thoughts, and to direct them. Sure the blessing of happy, healthy children is priceless. The reality of life, though, is that it doesn't always feel like a series of precious moments like the one I had in the Burrito place. I do believe there are more of those moments than most folks realize, but even so, the minutia and drudgery of life can get in the way. Enter our power of metacognition. I can think about my own thinking, and when I see that I am having difficulty focusing on the gifts in my life, I can stop, about face, and redirect my attention in a more productive direction. And so, today, I am especially grateful that even when I feel like being grumpy and miserable, I have the capacity to convince myself to notice and count the blessings.
Sunday, May 2, 2010
A book that is really making me think
I can't believe I have done this 5 days in a row! Even more special is the way this exercise has me approaching each day, each interaction, and each task. I am seeing blessings I never stopped to notice before. So, on to day 5.....
My mom, a new organic farmer, bought me this book for my birthday. It is really making me think about my life of consumption. Working all the time and for what? To spend more money on childcare, convenience foods, fuel? It isn't good for me and it isn't good for the planet either. Now, I am a committed teacher. I can't imagine not teaching science or not working with high school students, but this book has me thinking about spending and consuming less. I'm not saying I agree with Shannon Hayes or the folks she profiles in her text on everything, but it is a great read and has my family doing things differently. I keep waking my husband up at night to read excerpts--there have only been a few books that were good enough to force me to brave waking him.
Blessing #5, May 2, 2010--It is wonderful to be able to read-a mystery, a romance, a journal article or magazine, but especially a potentially life changing book. I seem to remember a book mark I got as a kid from the school library that read "A book is a present you can open again and again." What a true statement! I am grateful to my parents, teachers, librarains, and even my older siblings for teaching me how to read. I can seek information, I can vote, and I can advocate for myself, because I am able to read. What a blessing!
My mom, a new organic farmer, bought me this book for my birthday. It is really making me think about my life of consumption. Working all the time and for what? To spend more money on childcare, convenience foods, fuel? It isn't good for me and it isn't good for the planet either. Now, I am a committed teacher. I can't imagine not teaching science or not working with high school students, but this book has me thinking about spending and consuming less. I'm not saying I agree with Shannon Hayes or the folks she profiles in her text on everything, but it is a great read and has my family doing things differently. I keep waking my husband up at night to read excerpts--there have only been a few books that were good enough to force me to brave waking him.
Blessing #5, May 2, 2010--It is wonderful to be able to read-a mystery, a romance, a journal article or magazine, but especially a potentially life changing book. I seem to remember a book mark I got as a kid from the school library that read "A book is a present you can open again and again." What a true statement! I am grateful to my parents, teachers, librarains, and even my older siblings for teaching me how to read. I can seek information, I can vote, and I can advocate for myself, because I am able to read. What a blessing!
Saturday, May 1, 2010
Fast Horses and Great Friends
We just walked in the door from a party at my friend Angela's house. This party was for our supper club that meets monthly. The host handles the entree and everyone else brings a side to share. We've been so slammed lately, that we've missed the last few. Tonight reminded me how important it is, and enjoyable, to make time for my community and my friends. Parents and kids ate fried chicken, cheese grits, cheese biscuits, and bourban balls, and then they played a round of bocce ball in the front yard. We stopped to cheer on the horses racing in the Derby. The kids even got to race on their own stick ponies!
There was a moment near dusk, when I was rocking on the front porch, that I wished I could freeze time. Friends were laughing, children playing, the breeze blowing--and the world felt right. What a gift that I can have this leisure time with my friends and family, and what a shame that my life is so crowded that I have missed some of these opportunities.
So, blessing #4, May 1, 2010
I am blessed by with my friends and community in Athens. It is wonderful that we can gather, laugh, and hear our children laughing in the background. It fills me with a sense of optimism and joy, and I am going to make more time for this blessing in my life-what could be more important?
There was a moment near dusk, when I was rocking on the front porch, that I wished I could freeze time. Friends were laughing, children playing, the breeze blowing--and the world felt right. What a gift that I can have this leisure time with my friends and family, and what a shame that my life is so crowded that I have missed some of these opportunities.
So, blessing #4, May 1, 2010
I am blessed by with my friends and community in Athens. It is wonderful that we can gather, laugh, and hear our children laughing in the background. It fills me with a sense of optimism and joy, and I am going to make more time for this blessing in my life-what could be more important?
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