Five days a week, 9+ hours a day, we spend at our jobs. These jobs are things we have chosen as our passion, career, or way to make a living. Yet even though we chose these jobs, we inevitably go through good times and bad, times we love and times we don't.
This year is one of those times where I am often thinking,"There is nowhere I'd rather be than working with these people at this school." When you are genuinely happy to see the people you work with everyday, when you learn from and listen to each other, and when you have each other's backs no matter what, you know you're in a good place. You're in a place where you are better at your job because of the people around you. A place where others support and build you up. You're in a place that makes you appreciate the responsibilities that you possess as a teacher. A place that feels like a family.
I am in that place, and lucky for me this has been the case through ALL my years in the teaching profession. I've taught at two of the greatest schools with the neatest kids, coolest teachers, and best bosses. I consider this to be some of my greatest opportunities and most enjoyable periods of my life thus far. I'm so blessed that those unfamiliar faces from the early days have turned into beautiful friends who I truly respect, cherish, and love.
That's a pretty great place to be.
Wednesday, February 26, 2014
Monday, January 20, 2014
Appreciation
While using my time wisely last week and browsing Facebook, I read a status that said, "If you appreciate someone, tell them today. They might not be here tomorrow." I thought two things: first, that is one of the most true statements I've ever heard and two, I guess I need to step up my Facebook statuses. "Go Broncos!" doesn't seem to have such a motivational punch. :)
So I started thinking about it and there are so many stories of gunshots, freak accidents, and sicknesses, that make it seem more true now than ever, that you have no idea when your time on Earth will be over. So how are we showing appreciation to all those around us? I feel like it's somewhat easy to show appreciation to a spouse or your parents or your best friends, because they are around more often in your daily lives (not saying we do it enough, but it's "easier.") So I started thinking about the others that I'd show appreciation to and so many people started flooding my mind.
What about the friends you've had for over 20 years who have seen you through many of life's ups and down, but that you don't talk to as much anymore? How about your cousins who were your first friends and are always there to laugh about your family's disfunction? Or the person who was the first to teach you what love feels like? A coach or teacher who taught you lessons that you still use everyday? Or a child who has taught you much more than they'd ever know? I know it made me sit back and think of all those people in my own life and how truly special they are to me. Some I told, regrettably some I didn't.
So here's the question, who are the people you appreciate and have you told them lately?
So I started thinking about it and there are so many stories of gunshots, freak accidents, and sicknesses, that make it seem more true now than ever, that you have no idea when your time on Earth will be over. So how are we showing appreciation to all those around us? I feel like it's somewhat easy to show appreciation to a spouse or your parents or your best friends, because they are around more often in your daily lives (not saying we do it enough, but it's "easier.") So I started thinking about the others that I'd show appreciation to and so many people started flooding my mind.
What about the friends you've had for over 20 years who have seen you through many of life's ups and down, but that you don't talk to as much anymore? How about your cousins who were your first friends and are always there to laugh about your family's disfunction? Or the person who was the first to teach you what love feels like? A coach or teacher who taught you lessons that you still use everyday? Or a child who has taught you much more than they'd ever know? I know it made me sit back and think of all those people in my own life and how truly special they are to me. Some I told, regrettably some I didn't.
So here's the question, who are the people you appreciate and have you told them lately?
Wednesday, January 8, 2014
Time
As I sat back and thought about the new year, I realized I needed a resolution. A good resolution. One that would actually inspire and change me. As I thought, I stumbled upon an article that posed the idea of picking a single word for yourself for the year as your "resolution." There were words like patience, kindness, grace, and so on. This word, the article suggested, was supposed to mean something to you and obviously help you achieve different goals throughout the year.
I liked this idea, but what word could I use that would mean something to me and help me enjoy this year? I came up with the word "time," and it just seemed to work the more I thought about it.
So in my 30th year of life, to celebrate all the time that has passed and the times yet to come, I'm focusing myself on the word "time." Here are some of my ideas of how I am planning on using "time" this year. I'm sure some will happen and some won't, just as I'm sure the word "time" will take on its own meaning in my life throughout the year.
Time to try something new.
Time praying and growing closer to God.
Time to continue dating my husband.
Time spent with my girlfriends.
Time to laugh and act silly.
Time to reconnect with old friends.
Time to plant a garden in my new backyard.
Time to go on trips and travel to new places.
Time volunteering and giving back.
Time to actually be with my family.
Time to think about the future.
Time to become a better teacher.
Time having long conversations on the phone with friends.
Time to send real mail!
Time to get to know my parents more while they are young and vibrant.
Time to try a new form of exercise.
Time hanging out with my brother.
Time putting down the cell phone and technology and look around at this beautiful world.
Time to take pictures.
I liked this idea, but what word could I use that would mean something to me and help me enjoy this year? I came up with the word "time," and it just seemed to work the more I thought about it.
So in my 30th year of life, to celebrate all the time that has passed and the times yet to come, I'm focusing myself on the word "time." Here are some of my ideas of how I am planning on using "time" this year. I'm sure some will happen and some won't, just as I'm sure the word "time" will take on its own meaning in my life throughout the year.
Time to try something new.
Time praying and growing closer to God.
Time to continue dating my husband.
Time spent with my girlfriends.
Time to laugh and act silly.
Time to reconnect with old friends.
Time to plant a garden in my new backyard.
Time to go on trips and travel to new places.
Time volunteering and giving back.
Time to actually be with my family.
Time to think about the future.
Time to become a better teacher.
Time having long conversations on the phone with friends.
Time to send real mail!
Time to get to know my parents more while they are young and vibrant.
Time to try a new form of exercise.
Time hanging out with my brother.
Time putting down the cell phone and technology and look around at this beautiful world.
Time to take pictures.
Time to blog (so I can actually realize and remember all the things that the year will bring.)
Time to celebrate 30 great years that have shaped me into the person that I am today!
Here's to all the great things that "time" will bring. :)
Wednesday, July 11, 2012
Food for Thought
I said I was going to keep the entries shorter and today I'm going to do just that.
Today as I easily walked into the grocery store, got all my groceries, and came home to make dinner, I realized that it's so easy to forget about the gift of food. It gathers people together, it gives you a glimpse into different cultures, and fills our stomachs. It is in our refrigerators and cabinets, it is at restaurants around every corner, and I don't know about you, but I really enjoy it!
But there are people all around our country and world that have no food. Children who have no idea where they will get their next meals and people who go days on end without any food or water. I don't write all this to make us feel guilty, because I don't necessarily think we should. Instead, I write it so that as you sit down to dinner tonight or walk to the cabinet without thinking, you take a moment to appreciate the gift that you have and the nourishment that it provides for your body. It is truly a gift that many humans don't have and we should just be grateful that we do.
If this makes you think and want to do more, then do more. If it just makes you think how lucky you are, then I'd say I've done my job for today! :)
Today as I easily walked into the grocery store, got all my groceries, and came home to make dinner, I realized that it's so easy to forget about the gift of food. It gathers people together, it gives you a glimpse into different cultures, and fills our stomachs. It is in our refrigerators and cabinets, it is at restaurants around every corner, and I don't know about you, but I really enjoy it!But there are people all around our country and world that have no food. Children who have no idea where they will get their next meals and people who go days on end without any food or water. I don't write all this to make us feel guilty, because I don't necessarily think we should. Instead, I write it so that as you sit down to dinner tonight or walk to the cabinet without thinking, you take a moment to appreciate the gift that you have and the nourishment that it provides for your body. It is truly a gift that many humans don't have and we should just be grateful that we do.
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| A Haitian child named Shelley, who changed my life forever. She came to the church to ask for food. We filled her bucket with spaghetti and gave her shoes, clothes, paper, and crayons. It seemed so small to us, but meant the world to her. |
Friday, July 6, 2012
Man's Best Friend
(I'm bringing the blog back! I'm going to make a better effort to add more posts. They may be shorter, but I am wanting to make sure I do more.)
It's been awhile and I have so many things to be thankful for and appreciate. I decided to start back with something that was surprisingly rewarding over the last couple of weeks. Some of you may know that when we moved to Washington, Pat promised to get me a dog. Well, almost three years later we decided to give it a try. I wouldn't say that we're huge animal activists, but we do love dogs and feel like they should be part of the family. We have always had our eyes on a Weimaraner, so when we decided to adopt a dog, it was a very easy choice. We arranged a meeting with the D.C. Weimaraner Rescue and found a wonderful, friendly dog named Jäger. His owner had given him up because he was moving and didn't want him anymore. :( The lady told us that she was happy to allow us to foster him to make sure that he would adjust well. So we went to Petsmart, spent hundreds of dollars, and got everything we "needed."
It was the last day of school and I went to pick up the furry guy. It was a little challenging getting him home by myself, but we made it and we all instantly fell in love. He was a lover and thought he was a lap dog (a 65 pound lap dog!). The next couple of days were definitely a learning experience, but his sweetness made it very easy to look past the challenging parts. Long story short, he had a lot of stomach issues and wasn't adjusting very well. After a few vet appointments, we found that he had a double ear infection and thought he must have a parasite due to his very lean appearance and stomach issues. We started a variety of antibiotics and hoped for things to get better. Over the next week, things didn't really improve as quickly as we wanted. We tried to still get him to the dog park and take him on long walks, but it was evident that he still wasn't feeling well. After many more vet calls and another visit, he gave us one more antibiotic and told us that since we were fostering we needed to decide if we were going to be willing to run some expensive blood work if his conditions didn't improve.
There was so much going on with him and we felt like we hadn't really had a nice opportunity to spend time with him without worrying about him being sick, etc. After lots of deliberation and communication with the rescue leader, we decided it might just not be the best fit for him. Possibly, he was a dog who needed other dogs around or needed someone who would be home all day. So we decided to take him back to the rescue. There were plenty of tears to go around, especially because he was such a wonderful, sweet dog. I'm sure that some people may not think favorably of us for taking him back, but we thought it was in his best interest to give him a better home.
With the disappointment of having to take him back, I did learn a few things. I learned how nice it is to have something so excited to see you when you come home (besides Pat). I learned that no matter what, they really do love you unconditionally. I learned that vets are expensive (totally worth it though). I learned that a dog's sweet little face can make your heart melt. I learned, after having him for only 2 1/2 weeks, it was really sad to say goodbye. Mostly, I learned that I can't wait for a house with a backyard and another opportunity to adopt a Weimaraner.....I just hope he's as great as Jäger.
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| Just hanging with my friend Duck. Duck doesn't love the friendship as much as me! ;) |
It's been awhile and I have so many things to be thankful for and appreciate. I decided to start back with something that was surprisingly rewarding over the last couple of weeks. Some of you may know that when we moved to Washington, Pat promised to get me a dog. Well, almost three years later we decided to give it a try. I wouldn't say that we're huge animal activists, but we do love dogs and feel like they should be part of the family. We have always had our eyes on a Weimaraner, so when we decided to adopt a dog, it was a very easy choice. We arranged a meeting with the D.C. Weimaraner Rescue and found a wonderful, friendly dog named Jäger. His owner had given him up because he was moving and didn't want him anymore. :( The lady told us that she was happy to allow us to foster him to make sure that he would adjust well. So we went to Petsmart, spent hundreds of dollars, and got everything we "needed."
It was the last day of school and I went to pick up the furry guy. It was a little challenging getting him home by myself, but we made it and we all instantly fell in love. He was a lover and thought he was a lap dog (a 65 pound lap dog!). The next couple of days were definitely a learning experience, but his sweetness made it very easy to look past the challenging parts. Long story short, he had a lot of stomach issues and wasn't adjusting very well. After a few vet appointments, we found that he had a double ear infection and thought he must have a parasite due to his very lean appearance and stomach issues. We started a variety of antibiotics and hoped for things to get better. Over the next week, things didn't really improve as quickly as we wanted. We tried to still get him to the dog park and take him on long walks, but it was evident that he still wasn't feeling well. After many more vet calls and another visit, he gave us one more antibiotic and told us that since we were fostering we needed to decide if we were going to be willing to run some expensive blood work if his conditions didn't improve.
 |
| Where's my dessert? |
There was so much going on with him and we felt like we hadn't really had a nice opportunity to spend time with him without worrying about him being sick, etc. After lots of deliberation and communication with the rescue leader, we decided it might just not be the best fit for him. Possibly, he was a dog who needed other dogs around or needed someone who would be home all day. So we decided to take him back to the rescue. There were plenty of tears to go around, especially because he was such a wonderful, sweet dog. I'm sure that some people may not think favorably of us for taking him back, but we thought it was in his best interest to give him a better home.
 |
| Yeah, I'm a lap dog... what?! |
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| Anyone want to rub my belly? |
Sunday, November 13, 2011
Guilty Pleasures
**Again I've been bad about updating my blog, but there have been so many wonderful things happening over the last couple weeks that I haven't had much time to sit and write. There have been pumpkins, mugs of chai tea, a weekend at home, a baby shower for my new niece, a classroom of respectful, fun students (some days), and a lot of laughter and good times among friends. I hope you've been appreciating all your favorite things, as much as I have my own, and have been taking some time to sit back and enjoy this beautiful time of the year. **
The leaves have changed and are starting to fall, pumpkin scents have begun to spew out of my oven, and I've been switching my tank tops for warm, woolly sweaters. The months of October, November, and December, have to be my favorite times in the year! They are filled with my favorite people, foods, colors, and weather. It's a beautiful time to really enjoy the beauty of Mother Nature; a time to love God's amazing Earth; a time to be thankful of the beauty that is all around us.
It's also a time of the year when we shouldn't feel bad about indulging in a guilty pleasure (or two.)
For example, these might be things I should feel guilty about, but absolutely don't:
It's a time of the year when you can indulge in all things that make your holiday season cheery and bright; a time to enjoy the people and things that bring you joy. I hope you get to cherish this time of the year, and all your favorite things, by removing the guilt and replacing it with utter joy and bliss.
As my grandma used to say, "Ice cream for breakfast never hurt anyone!" and I know if she was here, she'd be enjoying all of the holidays' guilty pleasures, as much as me.
It's also a time of the year when we shouldn't feel bad about indulging in a guilty pleasure (or two.)
For example, these might be things I should feel guilty about, but absolutely don't:
 |
- I watched "Charlie Brown's The Great Pumpkin" four times.
- I wanted to pick out the perfect pumpkin, but felt bad for the loop-sided one, so got that one instead.
- I hoped my students brought me the "good" Halloween candy instead of tootsie rolls and smarties.
- I bought a bag of candy in case any trick-or-treaters came, but none did, nor have they ever the last two years.
- I decided to put my pajamas on at 5, because that's when it gets dark, and watch movies instead of going to the gym.
- I giggled like a school-girl when I heard the first Christmas song advertisement on the radio.
- I stared out the window as the first snowflakes fell and thought, "I hope I have a lot of snow days this year."
- I started a countdown in my head (don't tell Patrick) for how many more days I have to wait until I can put the Christmas Tree up. 14 days....
It's a time of the year when you can indulge in all things that make your holiday season cheery and bright; a time to enjoy the people and things that bring you joy. I hope you get to cherish this time of the year, and all your favorite things, by removing the guilt and replacing it with utter joy and bliss.
As my grandma used to say, "Ice cream for breakfast never hurt anyone!" and I know if she was here, she'd be enjoying all of the holidays' guilty pleasures, as much as me.
Sunday, October 2, 2011
A Weekend Getaway!
Marathon training, busy weekends, and leaving all my energy in my classroom are all the reasons that I'm going to blame not updating my blog for a month! Not great reasons, but my vow is to try to get back to updating and blogging about my favorite things at least a couple times a week. Here's to hoping it works out.
Today's favorite was easy considering Patrick and I just got back from a great weekend getaway to Charlottesville, Virginia. It's a beautiful college town located about 2 1/2 hours from D.C. and it was a well-needed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. Our weekend was perfect with beautiful fall weather and all the quaintness of this great town.
We went to wineries, a UVA football game, dinner and drinks, an apple orchard, and just enjoyed each other's company. It's amazing how easy it is to get caught up by the mundane routines during the work week and not actually make the most of your time together as a couple. This weekend we laughed, acted goofy (with the help of some wine), and reconnected on the things that have been happening in our lives lately. We made goals and plans for our next adventures. We just relaxed.
I really hope every couple, married or not, gets a chance to getaway or just vary the normal routine to reconnect with each other. It was such a beneficial weekend for us to spend time together and fall in love a little bit more. As my grandma use to say,"Marriage is hard work. Make sure you're in it with someone who you can have fun, laugh, and continue to fall in love with as you go." I definitely have to agree with her and say that this weekend and my husband are two of my favorite things.
**Note: I don't mean for this to be too mushy or gag-me-like, but I felt like it'd be good to refer to Patrick in one of my daily favorites. ;) **
Today's favorite was easy considering Patrick and I just got back from a great weekend getaway to Charlottesville, Virginia. It's a beautiful college town located about 2 1/2 hours from D.C. and it was a well-needed reprieve from the hustle and bustle of the city. Our weekend was perfect with beautiful fall weather and all the quaintness of this great town.
We went to wineries, a UVA football game, dinner and drinks, an apple orchard, and just enjoyed each other's company. It's amazing how easy it is to get caught up by the mundane routines during the work week and not actually make the most of your time together as a couple. This weekend we laughed, acted goofy (with the help of some wine), and reconnected on the things that have been happening in our lives lately. We made goals and plans for our next adventures. We just relaxed.
I really hope every couple, married or not, gets a chance to getaway or just vary the normal routine to reconnect with each other. It was such a beneficial weekend for us to spend time together and fall in love a little bit more. As my grandma use to say,"Marriage is hard work. Make sure you're in it with someone who you can have fun, laugh, and continue to fall in love with as you go." I definitely have to agree with her and say that this weekend and my husband are two of my favorite things.
**Note: I don't mean for this to be too mushy or gag-me-like, but I felt like it'd be good to refer to Patrick in one of my daily favorites. ;) **
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