A time of hope?

Wow. I haven't blogged in a long while, but you can count on the fact that my mind is always going. I've just chosen to talk about what's on my mind rather than sit and write about it. I've had some great conversations with my husband (gosh I love saying that!) because of it. He's such a good listener (even if he's just "{uh-huh-ing}" to make me feel better) hehe.

So alot of things have happened lately that have got my heart reaching out and my thoughts heavy. I'm very saddened by the ridiculously outrageous murders that occured on sunday. I know everyone knows what happened, so I don't need to explain it. It frightened me at first, knowing how close that was to where I used to live a short time ago (same for you- Jen, Allison, Jamie, Dan, Keenan, Julie, etc.). It came pretty close to home. I haven't been glued to a tv like that on the verge (if not in a little bit) of tears. How could you ever expect in your life to not welcome your loved one back home after work? Would you ever imagine not being able to spend the holidays with your mom or dad because of this? It's unimaginable, and so awful. My prayers and thoughts are truly with the families, and I truly wish they knew that.

Whenever something bad, or remarkable happens, I'm always fascinated by the response of my students. Since I don't have kids yet, I live vicariously through them! :0) But their sensitivity and shock is humbling. Its fascinating to me how the media plays such a role in their reaction to the worldly events! Media is a great tool of information BUT it's also a poor tool of a needless sense of anxiety. I had students respond both full of anxiety and worry as well as full of concern for the families. I guess I have also seen adults respond likewise. I just try to avoid the 'hype' of the media, yet use it to stay informed. I truly think I'm getting a little older 'cause I buy the sunday paper every sunday and I watch the news every night when I'm cooking dinner. That's just staying informed right? right???? hehe

With all that I see in my life and all the events that happen in the world, everything comes down to HOPE. Do we have it? How do we restore it? How to we maintain it? How do we seek it? I had some great conversations today with my coworkers and other district employees at my Response to Intervention summit today. We discussed how to make sure that we meet every students' need- all meaning all. During our discussions we consistently came back to the idea that it truly is our job to encourage hope in our schools and classrooms in an era that makes it ok to settle with not having hope and just getting by. Every individual is great at something. Our job is to dedicate our time and efforts to truly helping them discover their success. All in all, having hope in all they do so they will succeed and be successful. They CAN get through it. It's just they need to learn how.

I take on the honor of having the opportunity to sustain, regain and establish hope in the individuals that will be running our country in the future. As Barack says best: WE CAN DO IT!!!!

SO--- RIP Lakewood Officers. You're our heroes. You will not be forgotten.
To all-- Let's remain hopeful in our future and be at peace with today!

Writing with no real purpose.

.. so here are some random thoughts with no real direction. So i've been intending to do some blogging. I think I have intentionally stopped beau and told him that i needed to blog about something- chatted it out with him, and then lost motivation to write my thoughts and feelings out. poof. idea gone. well this is going to be my attempt to relinquish my previous thoughts and expand, reflect and delve into my thinking. (not like its prophetic or anything, just has been resting in my synaptic mind).

First, my drive. My drives this week have been entertaining, heart thrilling at times, and routine. Driving forty to forty five minutes each way to work, takes a toll on me. I realized this last week that I spend an extra ten hours a week just getting too and from work. It made me question the worth of it. Well it really is worth it, but I am excited to seek the possibilities closer to home. I want my heart to be in my community. I look forward to coaching, mentoring and maybe even leading a little bit more when I'm closer to home. I could honestly write a blog just about my drives every day. But I'll let that be my own entertainment ... unless..... there has been some quite lame blogs turn famous. Hmmmmm. hehe. I am not set up to be a professional writer. I'll stick with teaching.

Second, my shopping adventure. So, I had friday off last week because I worked fifteen hours on top of the regular 7.5 for two days so I didn't have to come in on friday. It was conference week, which is a whole other blog entry. So on friday I went to the kitsap mall and went cruising around macy's looking for some sweaters, pants and other things on sale. Found a couple things- and paid with my debit card! (trust me- it feels good). But I did encounter a couple women that I didn't expect to encounter in silverdale. Maybe in bellevue, but not here. At 11 in the morning, I had a woman actually brush up against me and pretty much shoulder butted me out of her way so she could look in my size section of the clearance rack. When I said 'excuse me' she gave me the 'what?' look and kept doing her thing. REally?!? wow. The mall was dead- go look somewhere else till its your turn. I didn't want to look in that section that bad anyways. Have your so called territory woman. Sheesh.I love to shop, but I hate that kinda stuff. Bleh.

Third, my weekend! I had the greatest weekend this weekend! It was so well balanced! I went on a great date with my hubby friday night- did some costume shopping, had dinner at red robin(yum!), carved our pumpkins and then watched a scary movie! I then had a wonderful saturday spending it with my lovely neighbors for their beautiful daughter, paige's 7th birthday at the pizza factory in port orchard. And celebrated our halloween next door at the rogers' house with the fam, friends and some wonderful neighbors!!! Played some fun flippy cup and took some fun pictures! It truly was one of the best halloween's I've ever had. Beau and I had so much fun being dressed up as Mr. and Mrs. Smith! :0)

And lastly, I found out that my great friend (and now cousin) is pregnant! I am soo excited for Tiffany! I know that they're going to be great parents and that they're ready for the big, rewarding life change ahead. It always makes me excited and happy to see and hear about my close friends and family going through something exciting for them. It never hurts to be happy! :0) So I'm HAPPY! :0)

Well, I think I did it. Not the greatest blog, but it works. I've put my thoughts together (well out there) and we'll see what happens for my next inspiration!

Till then, have a great week!

So I've gotten...

OPINIONATED! Ok... maybe just for the moment. It better not be a start of an unwanted character trait. Wait. I think my opinion has always been strong but infused with positiveness. At least I try.

BUT, at this moment, I'm worried, and that's what makes me a little more opinionated than normal. It could ALSO be that it has to do with something in education.
So.... Check this story out: http://www.king5.com/topstories/stories/NW_102309WAB-coffee-suspension-TP.24634432b.html. I even commented on it online. I NEVER do stuff like that. I'm not a political guru or anything like that, but this brought that same sense of worry about the future of our children.

This event bewilders me. I understand in my job that realllllllly I know that the moment a kid said something or the parent accused something, they win. I am always confident in my actions and my practices BUT the reality of it is- if a kid hates me, he/she can have a loud voice. I have no worries but there is a fragileness about being employed in education.

This "EVENT," peppermint schnapps or not, the administration didn't RESEARCH, or TEST or more importantly support the claim with EVIDENCE. And so once again, our career is under attack and the kids are listening. How else are they going to push the envelope? or whatever you call it. I am not a person trying to gain power, but it's difficult to have our power always under a fight. We're here to serve, not be served.

Ug. Nonetheless, just wanted to write it out. :0) Thanks for listening (reading!)

So... I decided...

...to start doing this! Blogs have always been something that I've always enjoyed READING by others, BUT doing it? That means I needed to write. I feel like I've written my share. And for it to be recreation? hmmm..

After long diliberated thought, I've decided to sit and write my first blog post. We'll see how it goes. I know I am not choosing to do this for others' entertainment. Am I doing it for me then? Am I trying to 'show off'? or what? Nah, I simply think I'm motivated to do this to share my wonders, thoughts, experiences and the things that are making me happy.

At work we've had this motto for the year and it's really stuck with me. I feel like I'm able to use it in different ways and this has become a new avenue of use. It goes like this, "Where are you now? Where do you want to be? How are you going to get there?" Sounds simple right? Well, I love to set goals, I am encouraged by others to achieve them, and when I get there- I can't help but celebrate.

This blog thing might be a way for me to share what i'm reaching for as well as where I am on that road, and then to share in the celebration of reaching the goals in my life.
Lol. I guess I can drop all the purpose setting mumble jumble. I am obviously back to work and back to the mindset of being an educator. I guess I ask for patience. Hehe.

I am watching Trauma the show right now. First time, probably like the second or third episode. WOW! Quite the intense show. I know its far from realistic but it really takes you back for a moment to think. Things, and life, could really change in a moment. It makes you appreciate the many moments you have. Not to a ZEN level, but definitely provides a little awareness to the reality of LIFE and what it is. It also makes me wish that I would be keeping in contact with people that I care about that I don't see, or haven't talked to in a lonnnng while. Why do I get caught up in the daily life thing? It's not fair to the ones that I love and care about that I don't have the convienence and opportunity to see on a regular basis. Thus, I must find a way to make that time. When I make that time, I am happier. I ALWAYS walk away feeling encouraged, inspired and enthusiastic!!! There's not alot of investments of time that gives you those feelings.

I miss those friends that I don't see. I hope they don't flee. They mean too much to me. I must put forth the effort to reconcile and enjoy their company. They bring me joy. Always. Let my goal be this.

I am going to be honest. I miss Danielle and Jeff with dear Corabelle, Emily and Chris NOW Brooks!, haven't met cute little Bay with dear Allison, and Megan and Heather! Megan- I want to get to know your hubby and get to know how YOU are, Heather and Grant and beautiful Amelia, I have sooo much joy for you and I often reminisce about our long-back game night. You're GREAT! Oh and dearest Jen- sis- I love you dearly, I'm so happy for your happy. I can't help but wish you were closer to home, but I always smile with the thought of you being my sis. I miss you. All of you- I miss you- DEARLY.

Nonetheless, I hope I was successful in a little bit of reflection. Who reads it? It doesn't matter, but to me, I got a chance to reflect, which gives me a chance to act. Till next time...