Like those friends that I have blogged about in the past, I have recently been reminded exactly how blessed I am. This past weekend, I was able to spend Friday night with two of my favorite people in the world. I have written about Todd but I have yet to mention my dear friend Clayton. Shame on me!
When I think about a friend, I think about someone who is trustworthy, follows through on what they say, there for you in a heartbeat, fun, and honest about who they are. By those standards, Clayton is one of the best friends anyone could ask for. He tells it like it is but is a huge teddy bear. After spending time with Clayton, I know that I was with someone who cares about me. He has been there for me every time I have needed him to laugh or cry. Unfortunately, I'm sure he couldn't say the same about me. Then again, that is something wonderful about him - His friendship is constant even when I am not. It really speaks so much about him. He is driven and sure of not only who he is but what he wants. He is a rock!
Unlike the others I have posted about, I don't have my picture with Clayton. In fact, I found that I don't even have a recent picture of him. That will have to change! Even though you don't know what he looks like, you can know that if you ever get to count him as a friend, you will be blessed!
Tuesday, August 28, 2007
Thursday, August 23, 2007
Debating the Comment
Blogging is a very funny thing. Just like the email, it is a tricky thing to navigate. You cannot always tell the writer's tone or mood by them. If they are a good writer, you can but sometimes, not so much. I guess I say all of this more about the comments that people write in response than the actual blog entry. For example, I have read entries that I have REALLY wanted to respond to but have refrained from doing so because I'm not sure how they would be received. Not knowing the full story of what is going on or what that person is going through, I've learned to hold back from saying what I really think about the thoughts expressed in writing. Am I the only one who feels that way or has done that?
If I ever write anything and you want to respond but are not sure how it will be taken, please respond anyway. I want to know how I come across and don't ever want anyone to feel like they can't express what they think to me. I hope that I never come across as someone you dread being open and honest with. I don't bite - I promise!
If I ever write anything and you want to respond but are not sure how it will be taken, please respond anyway. I want to know how I come across and don't ever want anyone to feel like they can't express what they think to me. I hope that I never come across as someone you dread being open and honest with. I don't bite - I promise!
Wednesday, August 22, 2007
Our Deepest Fear
I was in a PLC Summit today and I heard this quote. I found it very empowering and wanted to share it with you. I actually only heard a part of it but I found the rest online. It is by a woman named Marianne Williamson. What do you think?
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to make manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
Sunday, August 19, 2007
Random Observations and Embarrassing Confessions
Just to appease those of you with curious minds, here are two things that I have come to notice over the past week. Neither are earth shattering but one day, this knowledge may come in handy. You never know....
First, I have observed that my current breakfast cereal looks like cat food. Now, having never tasted cat food, I have no idea how the two compare. The cereal tastes much better than cat food smells so that may be some indicator. Still, my cereal looks like cat food.
Secondly, I have learned that I am an obsessive packer. While getting ready to move and now setting up the classroom, I feel the need to use every cubic inch of a box or container. I used to joke that I could make a shoe box weight 50 pounds. Now, it isn't so much a joke. I've been trying to organize and get the cabinets/room in order at school. Rubbermaid and Sterilite are my newest friends. I found myself repacking boxes just to get that one extra supply in. No wonder it is taking so long to get the room unpacked! My sweet friend Bonnie can attest to this. She saw me do it while packing the apartment. It's sick.
Now for the embarrassing confession. I told myself that it was "research". I told myself that I was doing this to have something in common with my students. I've seen High School Musical. I LOVED Hairspray. On Friday night, my DVR recorded High School Musical 2. I've already watched it. No matter what I may say about my selfless act "for the kids", it was not. I must admit today, openly and honestly, that I am a fan of Zac Efron. He has talent and some beautiful eyes. I am REALLY embarrassed about this fact. I am a sad, sad 27 year old!
First, I have observed that my current breakfast cereal looks like cat food. Now, having never tasted cat food, I have no idea how the two compare. The cereal tastes much better than cat food smells so that may be some indicator. Still, my cereal looks like cat food.
Secondly, I have learned that I am an obsessive packer. While getting ready to move and now setting up the classroom, I feel the need to use every cubic inch of a box or container. I used to joke that I could make a shoe box weight 50 pounds. Now, it isn't so much a joke. I've been trying to organize and get the cabinets/room in order at school. Rubbermaid and Sterilite are my newest friends. I found myself repacking boxes just to get that one extra supply in. No wonder it is taking so long to get the room unpacked! My sweet friend Bonnie can attest to this. She saw me do it while packing the apartment. It's sick.
Now for the embarrassing confession. I told myself that it was "research". I told myself that I was doing this to have something in common with my students. I've seen High School Musical. I LOVED Hairspray. On Friday night, my DVR recorded High School Musical 2. I've already watched it. No matter what I may say about my selfless act "for the kids", it was not. I must admit today, openly and honestly, that I am a fan of Zac Efron. He has talent and some beautiful eyes. I am REALLY embarrassed about this fact. I am a sad, sad 27 year old!
Tuesday, August 14, 2007
If I Weren't a Teacher.....
I was going to do a more serious type of blog but I can't make my words work. I guess I need to get that fixed in the next week and a half! Here is something a bit more light hearted until my hands can make sense of my thoughts.
I have always hated the question, "What would you be if you weren't a __________?" I have always wanted to be a teacher. As stressful and time consuming as it is, it is all that I have ever thought about or known. However, I have discovered something that I would like to do if the teaching thing ever fell through.
Lately, I have grown an intense interest in the brain. How does it work? What makes people act and react the way that they do? What is stimulating to the brain? What affects it and how so? How does the brain respond to aesthetics around us? How does our diet affect our brains? How can we best activate and expand our minds? Why are different people wired different ways? Really light stuff, right!? I noticed this interest when I read The Female Brain this summer. I couldn't put it down. It was SO interesting to see how finely tuned we are and how our minds can be affected by the slightest things. AMAZING! Then, in a workshop last week, we had some bilingual teachers in our group. The presenter asked which language they dream in: English or Spanish? My attention was caught and they said they couldn't remember. She shared resent research that is finding that that the mind dreams and thinks in pictures. She went into what this means for our students. I couldn't help but notice some people bored out of their minds but I was so caught up in the discussion.
So...if I weren't a teacher, I think that I would be a brain researcher. I don't have any background for any kind of masters in that but I'm may look into educational psychology or something along those lines. I don't know. It may stay an interest that I read about and then get my masters in library sciences. I could be Marion the Librarian who happens to read about brains.
What a weirdo!
I have always hated the question, "What would you be if you weren't a __________?" I have always wanted to be a teacher. As stressful and time consuming as it is, it is all that I have ever thought about or known. However, I have discovered something that I would like to do if the teaching thing ever fell through.
Lately, I have grown an intense interest in the brain. How does it work? What makes people act and react the way that they do? What is stimulating to the brain? What affects it and how so? How does the brain respond to aesthetics around us? How does our diet affect our brains? How can we best activate and expand our minds? Why are different people wired different ways? Really light stuff, right!? I noticed this interest when I read The Female Brain this summer. I couldn't put it down. It was SO interesting to see how finely tuned we are and how our minds can be affected by the slightest things. AMAZING! Then, in a workshop last week, we had some bilingual teachers in our group. The presenter asked which language they dream in: English or Spanish? My attention was caught and they said they couldn't remember. She shared resent research that is finding that that the mind dreams and thinks in pictures. She went into what this means for our students. I couldn't help but notice some people bored out of their minds but I was so caught up in the discussion.
So...if I weren't a teacher, I think that I would be a brain researcher. I don't have any background for any kind of masters in that but I'm may look into educational psychology or something along those lines. I don't know. It may stay an interest that I read about and then get my masters in library sciences. I could be Marion the Librarian who happens to read about brains.
What a weirdo!
Friday, August 10, 2007
Woo Hoo for Internet!
After two weeks with no internet, I got it back! I cannot tell you how excited I am! It is really ridiculous it is that I have come to need it. Insane! The good thing about no internet is that you can get so much done! Here are the pictures of the new apartment! It is really spacious and has high vaulted ceilings. Not sure if the pictures show either of those very well but there it is! Hope you are all doing well and I'll be blogging more (starting tomorrow!). Love and miss you all (except for Erin and Gregg who I get to see more)!
Wednesday, August 01, 2007
Houston
Well, I've made the move to Houston and we have all survived! Thanks to everyone who helped! Just letting everyone know that I am without internet until the 9th so I'll be off of blogs until then. I'll let you know when I get it back up and I'll have pictures of the new place. Hope you are all doing well. Love you all!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
