5 Things I Have Taught My STudents
1. That I love them.
2. Mistakes are necessary to advance your learning.
3. How to find patterns in words, stories, math, writing ,etc.
4. Hard work results in success. Sucess results in more sucess.
5. "If you complain about the snacks they will be gone for like 5 weeks." - Shawnacey to Monasha
5 Things I Have Learned From My Students
1. They love me.
2. If at first you don't succeed, try, try again.
3. Consistent application of rules = feeling safe.
4. Being silly makes learning fun for everyone.
5. If I don't pay attention to what is important to them, they won't pay attention to me.
Tuesday, February 9, 2010
Monday, February 8, 2010
Day 100 - Red Eye
My father taught me about red eye. Anger that so consumes you that you do and say things that are way past any boundary that is close to appropriate.
I used to have it in spades. But I read my Bible and believed in Jesus and he taught the opposite of red eye. Loving people who are hard to love. Giving forgiveness that is undeserved. Turning the other cheek. So as a young girl, I prayed and prayed for God to irradicate red eye from my life.
Around the age of 29 it was pretty much gone with only an occasional flare-up that lacked the fury or consequence of my previous spew. People who know me now and didn't know me then really don't believe me when I tell them I used to have an anger management problem.
I see it in our kids all of the time. I say things like "I can see that you are angry. You have the power to make this situation better or worse. What will you choose?" or "If you don't like what someone does, then don't do the same thing. If you act just like them, then you are no different than them." or "Why are you giving so-and-so all of your power? They did this and you responded to them which means they have control over you and you don't have control over yourself." This usually works to calm them down and make them think.
Today, I needed my own advice. I haven't felt that anger rising up, inflaming my blood, rushing blood to my head in a LONG time. I felt it today. Things needed to be said, but not in anger. I can make the situation better or worse. I can act like that person or act like Jesus. I can hand over my self-discipline on a silver platter or keep it and treat it like the prized possession it is.
I don't want to be a person that seeks revenge over forgiveness. That says things in reaction to other people. That gives up precious time being angry because people are selfish or flawed or both. That calls everyone and tells them how right I am and how wrong the other person is.
I want to be at peace. And anger and loathing cannot coexist with peace.
So tonight, once again, I will pray that God will irradicate red-eye from my life. Would you please pray for me too?
I used to have it in spades. But I read my Bible and believed in Jesus and he taught the opposite of red eye. Loving people who are hard to love. Giving forgiveness that is undeserved. Turning the other cheek. So as a young girl, I prayed and prayed for God to irradicate red eye from my life.
Around the age of 29 it was pretty much gone with only an occasional flare-up that lacked the fury or consequence of my previous spew. People who know me now and didn't know me then really don't believe me when I tell them I used to have an anger management problem.
I see it in our kids all of the time. I say things like "I can see that you are angry. You have the power to make this situation better or worse. What will you choose?" or "If you don't like what someone does, then don't do the same thing. If you act just like them, then you are no different than them." or "Why are you giving so-and-so all of your power? They did this and you responded to them which means they have control over you and you don't have control over yourself." This usually works to calm them down and make them think.
Today, I needed my own advice. I haven't felt that anger rising up, inflaming my blood, rushing blood to my head in a LONG time. I felt it today. Things needed to be said, but not in anger. I can make the situation better or worse. I can act like that person or act like Jesus. I can hand over my self-discipline on a silver platter or keep it and treat it like the prized possession it is.
I don't want to be a person that seeks revenge over forgiveness. That says things in reaction to other people. That gives up precious time being angry because people are selfish or flawed or both. That calls everyone and tells them how right I am and how wrong the other person is.
I want to be at peace. And anger and loathing cannot coexist with peace.
So tonight, once again, I will pray that God will irradicate red-eye from my life. Would you please pray for me too?
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Day 99 - I'm married to a weirdo
I'm married to a weirdo and I LOVE it. We got up at 5am and drove to LaPorte, Tx to a deserted industrial park to look at a 1989 Vogue deisel motorhome. The original plan was Dallas, but a bad bad cold put a damper on that.
All of the characters of the books I will write one day, when I am ready, will come from our many road trips to look at vehicles. Or from our adventures on the road. How many of you have lived out of a van for a month trekking through Alaska? I told you. Weirdo.
I also plan to include the chain smoking, hacking cough, NyQuil swilling black haired old lady from H.E.B. How could you not put her in a book? She kind of reminded me of my aunt Marge who spent some time in the Terrell State Hospital because she thought she was crazy (until she actually got there and realized she was rather sane.)
These are the people that appeal to me. People that don't fit the mold. You can't make these people up. They defy explanation. My brother would say I fit in this category as well.
Did I tell you my husband is also married to a weirdo? And yes, he LOVES it.
All of the characters of the books I will write one day, when I am ready, will come from our many road trips to look at vehicles. Or from our adventures on the road. How many of you have lived out of a van for a month trekking through Alaska? I told you. Weirdo.
I also plan to include the chain smoking, hacking cough, NyQuil swilling black haired old lady from H.E.B. How could you not put her in a book? She kind of reminded me of my aunt Marge who spent some time in the Terrell State Hospital because she thought she was crazy (until she actually got there and realized she was rather sane.)
These are the people that appeal to me. People that don't fit the mold. You can't make these people up. They defy explanation. My brother would say I fit in this category as well.
Did I tell you my husband is also married to a weirdo? And yes, he LOVES it.
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Day 98 - Random Thoughts
"I would rather try and fail than not try at all." Taking risks is, well, risky. Too often we want a guaranteed outcome for an unproven risk. I'm not a fan of Donald Trump but I do admire that his willingness to lose money has helped him make money. That's inspirational. I hope that when people around me take that initiative to try something new that I am a support rather than a naysayer.
My uncle has called in Hospice. This has been weighing on my heart all day. He has fought hard against Cancer. But pain of that magnitude takes the fight right out of you. My aunt has never in her 67 years lived alone. Soon, she will know the magnitude of that pain.
"The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray." Brandon, that one is for you. I love that you love the book that gave me the quote of my life. Control freaks don't like for plans to go astray.
Prevention is the best medicine. I'm sure this applies to education as well. I keep thinking that we need to start being more proactive than reactive. I'm just not sure what that looks like.
I had the wonderful opportunity to see pure joy on the faces of our 5th graders this week. We went to Pine Cove and despite cold and rainy weather they had the time of their lives. It was a reminder of how unspoiled they are. How grateful for an opportunity to experience a different slice of life. Priceless memories.
Thankful for my "homey girlfriends."
It is clear that I will have to keep my job for a while. My neice, who apparantly already weighs 5.25 pounds in utero although her due date is 7 weeks away, will just have to be dressed in all the amazingly cute clothes that just wouldn't have looked right on Alex. It seems ridiculous to spend $60 on an outfit for a baby girl, but at the same time it seems ridiculous not to.
Chunk deuce.
My uncle has called in Hospice. This has been weighing on my heart all day. He has fought hard against Cancer. But pain of that magnitude takes the fight right out of you. My aunt has never in her 67 years lived alone. Soon, she will know the magnitude of that pain.
"The best laid plans of mice and men often go astray." Brandon, that one is for you. I love that you love the book that gave me the quote of my life. Control freaks don't like for plans to go astray.
Prevention is the best medicine. I'm sure this applies to education as well. I keep thinking that we need to start being more proactive than reactive. I'm just not sure what that looks like.
I had the wonderful opportunity to see pure joy on the faces of our 5th graders this week. We went to Pine Cove and despite cold and rainy weather they had the time of their lives. It was a reminder of how unspoiled they are. How grateful for an opportunity to experience a different slice of life. Priceless memories.
Thankful for my "homey girlfriends."
It is clear that I will have to keep my job for a while. My neice, who apparantly already weighs 5.25 pounds in utero although her due date is 7 weeks away, will just have to be dressed in all the amazingly cute clothes that just wouldn't have looked right on Alex. It seems ridiculous to spend $60 on an outfit for a baby girl, but at the same time it seems ridiculous not to.
Chunk deuce.
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
Day 95 - Creeping back in
Not soda. I have wanted a soda about 250 times since I quit. But I have not crossed that threshold.
Giving up soda is not enough. I have to do that and other stuff to be healthy.
Bad habits like to creep in.
Like the Blob.
They start off small and innocuous and then they start to take over until they own your life.
I haven't walked the dogs in a week and a half.
I have had tea everyday this week and several days more than once.
I have traded my daily bowl of soup at lunch for school cafeteria food.
I ate half a bag of caramels and at least 10 small apricot pies.
I feel like crap.
I'm tired.
My energy is zapped.
My stomach hurts.
Refocus girl. You can do it.
Giving up soda is not enough. I have to do that and other stuff to be healthy.
Bad habits like to creep in.
Like the Blob.
They start off small and innocuous and then they start to take over until they own your life.
I haven't walked the dogs in a week and a half.
I have had tea everyday this week and several days more than once.
I have traded my daily bowl of soup at lunch for school cafeteria food.
I ate half a bag of caramels and at least 10 small apricot pies.
I feel like crap.
I'm tired.
My energy is zapped.
My stomach hurts.
Refocus girl. You can do it.
Tuesday, February 2, 2010
Day 94 - Encouragement
Everyone feels inadequate
From time to time
Sometimes we fan the flame
Cause we like to see the fire
Burning someone besides ourself
But when we are at our best
We desire misery for no one
We fight the flame
And light the path
For our friends to see
That they are enough
From time to time
Sometimes we fan the flame
Cause we like to see the fire
Burning someone besides ourself
But when we are at our best
We desire misery for no one
We fight the flame
And light the path
For our friends to see
That they are enough
Monday, February 1, 2010
Day 93 - Consequences
Consequences were established in the beginning. Failing grades = no media priveleges.
Consequences delivered.
Nasty name calling ensued.
Refusal to argue.
On the brink of being physical.
Calm words of warning.
Left to walk the dogs.
Shaking. Knowing if he crosses that line he will have to leave.
Where will he go?
Hopefully that bridge will never have to be crossed.
Consequences delivered.
Nasty name calling ensued.
Refusal to argue.
On the brink of being physical.
Calm words of warning.
Left to walk the dogs.
Shaking. Knowing if he crosses that line he will have to leave.
Where will he go?
Hopefully that bridge will never have to be crossed.
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