Friday, January 6, 2012
New Year, New Twitch?
New year is here, 2012. Am I the only one who thinks it sounds like something out of a science fiction book? Seriously, folks, 20-12? I guess I’ll just have to accept it, can’t really fight it. So here it is, another year. It’s hard not to look back at the past year and think, what the freak did I do this past year? Thank god for pictures on iPhoto. That’s when I realized, oh yeah, I did do some stuff.
I guess it was a “good” year. Nothing majorly bad happened to me personally, but there were some tragic events to people close to me and to others around the world. It’s not really necessary to label a year good or bad, is it? It simply IS, or WAS a time when events took place. There was the very sad event of my niece dying. Very, very sad passing for my family. She was young and just getting her feet under her. There is never an answer to the question, “Why?” We simply learn to live with it and do our best to live our lives honorably since others cannot.
What does it mean to live “honorably”? That’s for another post.
Was actually sick yesterday for the first time in years. Could, not, get, out, of, bed and when I finally managed to drag myself to bathroom I nearly fell down with dizziness. Suddenly, I simply wanted to die. That is how, weak, I, am. Of course I didn’t really want to die, but I did in some weird, pathetic way. So I went back to bed, sent some emails, and proceeded to sleep for a good part of the day.
Upon waking I felt guilty for being home during the day. Yes, guilty. Sick and tired, yet still I felt guilty. Guilt is such a waste of time and emotion. I thought about doing some work, reading a book, but was completely unable to do anything productive or even entertaining. Instead I sat around in my robe and worked on a puzzle for a bit. And went on facebook, of course.
I woke up today feeling much better, BUT I have had a eye twitch all day! This is not funny and I it better go away soon!
Saturday, November 5, 2011
Farts Don't Just Happen
Nearly two months into my new job as “Student Manager” I can honestly say I actually said, “Farts don’t just happen” when I meant to say “Fights don’t just happen.”
Somehow that quote just captures the past two months in a nutshell. Farts do actually just happen and so do fights in middle school. One between girls and one boys, though two of the fighters were related. That was not a happy dad who had to come twice to school to take his children home. I did mention they were the same day, didn’t I?
I have also learned, much to my surprise, that kids lie. With a straight face no less. This is new to me because I have never been a good liar and find it unethical actually. Of course I can tell a decent white lie, “Yes, that meeting was very informative,” but could I ever lie about something I did to an authority figure, no way.
However, kids will say others did this or that to them, that they bullied someone because they were bullied first, or they didn’t have time to do their work. Sometimes it is actually true, but more often than not these are half-truths. Usually, they did something to the other person, they initiated bullying, and they didn’t have time because they wasted all their class work time and were busy playing soccer or video games at home.
Amazingly, I am enjoying what I am doing. I like it because every day is different. I appreciate the fact that I am learning and hopefully my brain is growing. The myelin in my brain is being stretched and is expanding. My hope is someday I will be a good administrator, but for now I feel like a rookie, eager with illusions constantly being shown for what they are, yet remaining optimistic and hopeful for the chance to actually make a difference. We all know farts do just happen and it’s a normal part of life, not unlike middle school fights.
Somehow that quote just captures the past two months in a nutshell. Farts do actually just happen and so do fights in middle school. One between girls and one boys, though two of the fighters were related. That was not a happy dad who had to come twice to school to take his children home. I did mention they were the same day, didn’t I?
I have also learned, much to my surprise, that kids lie. With a straight face no less. This is new to me because I have never been a good liar and find it unethical actually. Of course I can tell a decent white lie, “Yes, that meeting was very informative,” but could I ever lie about something I did to an authority figure, no way.
However, kids will say others did this or that to them, that they bullied someone because they were bullied first, or they didn’t have time to do their work. Sometimes it is actually true, but more often than not these are half-truths. Usually, they did something to the other person, they initiated bullying, and they didn’t have time because they wasted all their class work time and were busy playing soccer or video games at home.
Amazingly, I am enjoying what I am doing. I like it because every day is different. I appreciate the fact that I am learning and hopefully my brain is growing. The myelin in my brain is being stretched and is expanding. My hope is someday I will be a good administrator, but for now I feel like a rookie, eager with illusions constantly being shown for what they are, yet remaining optimistic and hopeful for the chance to actually make a difference. We all know farts do just happen and it’s a normal part of life, not unlike middle school fights.
Monday, August 8, 2011
Finally Summer
It’s finally, truly, sunny in Beaverton, so I thought I should blog. I have had some time to read, reflect, and relax. Wow, what a combination and what a blessing. I am truly grateful to have the luxury of downtime.
Summer started in Las Vegas. Lucky for us, Dave had a conference, and I tagged along. Hey, he had a free, super sweet room at the Cosmopolitan. Las Vegas is so weird! It’s like you are in some alternative universe for adults. That aside, I loved the sun and view of the water show at the Bellagio from our room’s patio. The highlight was seeing “Love,” the Cirque de Soliel Beatles show. The Beatles music was great and I cried at the end. Why do all the peacemakers die violent deaths? Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., John Lennon. Makes me sad to be a human.
I measure my life in books, so here goes:
“Born To Run” (Christopher McDougall)
While in Vegas I read “Born to Run” on my Kindle. Yes, I’m sorry to admit, I now have a Kindle. I feel little guilty - sorry publishing companies - but I LOVE IT! When I realized I could download the textbook I needed or the on-line class I’m taking, I took the plunge and yes, I love it. If I had more money, I would download tons and tons of books, but I am still reading actual books because I’m not going to spend hundreds of dollars on books.
Back to “Born to Run. “ What a great story. It starts off slow, but once you get into it, you’ll be hooked. You’ll also want to throw your running shoes in the garbage and move to Mexico and run ultra-marathons. So I went barefoot running soon after, just a few strides, and got something in my foot that was rather painful.
I’m back to wearing shoes, but the latest research I’ve read (http://peakperformance.runnersworld.com/2011/07/if-grass-and-shoe-cushioning-cant-prevent-running-injuries-what-can.html), says stride length is all that matters anyway. I’m trying to wear shoes less often. That was an interesting story and kind of gives you inspiration to run and just be a better, more balanced person. And find out where to get corn beer.
“Cultural Proficiency”
I decided to take a class on-line as part of my continuing administrator’s license requirement. The class is titled, “Education and Society,” or something like that. Our text is titled, “Cultural Proficiency”. This is my passion. To put it simply, “Can’t we all just get along?” No, we can’t. Many people, usually white or from an impoverished childhood, will not admit that minorities deal with barriers to success.
The book is OK. I’m still waiting for details on how EXACTLY to help these families. I’ll let you know if I find out.
“For Love” (Sue Miller)
My mom had this book waiting for me to read when I got to Vermont. I really didn’t like it very much at first. I didn’t empathize with the main character, but it had a good hook so I kept reading because I like to do what my mom says and I wanted to know how the conflict was resolved.
The ending was incredible. The main character, a writer, decides to go back to her estranged husband and try to work out their problems, which are not insignificant. She ruminates about love and how love can seem random and that sometimes we just pretend, so we just keep doing what we are doing.
Wow, who hasn’t felt, in those lows of a long-term relationship, that momentum is the only thing keeping the relationship going? I am approaching my 24th anniversary – yes, scary, isn’t it? – and I am truly amazed we have kept our marriage together through children, many moves, financial losses, geographic separation, etc. It has not been easy and there have been rough patches, but we are determined and goal oriented so it has endured. And we love each other, I can’t forget. There are definitely times I stay committed even though I feel as if I am playing a role. I mean seriously, how am I the mom of two adults and supposed to know what is right all the time?
“Uncoupling” (Meg Wolitzer)
This is a fun little satire about a high school in suburban New Jersey producing a Greek play, “Lysistrata.” In the play the women withhold sex in an attempt to convince their husbands to stop fighting a long war. The women in the town of the high school find themselves under a spell and they have to no desire to have sexual relations. It was a witty enjoyable story, especially for a teacher. It made me think about sex, power, and war. Somehow, they are entwined, and it is mysterious and worth pondering. Great writing, good beach read.
“Teach Like A Champion” (Doug Lemov)
I’ve been reading this off and on for almost a year now. For me, it was life changing professionally. I realized I have a huge responsibility to prepare children for college and there are expectations my students need to learn. Truly the best teaching book I have ever read. A DVD with examples of strategies is included. It should be required for all teacher education programs.
“The Heart and the Fist” (Eric Greitens)
This book was total winner for me. First of all, I have never seem my personal philosophy in writing and basically, Eric’s philosophy mirrors mine.
He first talks about formative experiences in his life – boxing, traveling to various impoverished areas of the world, and being a Rhodes Scholar. At 26 he decided to become a Navy SEAL. He describes the training in great detail, including “Hell Week,” which I personally found fascinating. The last part includes some of his experiences as a SEAL and then he describes the foundation he now runs to help wounded veterans get back on their feet by serving their community. I was totally inspired and cried at the end. Greitens is a true hero and leader that is sorely needed in our military and government today. This is how he defines courage, “(When) You do what has to be done day after day, and you never quit.”
“Flow” (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi)
I’m about halfway through this and the author is describing what optimal or happy experiences really are. They are times we are fully engaged and completely focused. The main point so far is there are many ways to experience the “flow” state – sports, play, sex, music, food, etc. – and we can learn to control our consciousness to experience more happiness. The elements of a flow experience include challenge, skills, reachable goals, feedback, and a couple of other things I don’t remember. As I am reading this it makes me think about education and how we need to provide these elements to have students engaged. Students must learn skills they can use to reach challenging goals with constructive feedback!
Re-reading my list of books can tell you what I am thinking about...learning, love, courage, cultural barriers, and running. Somehow they all tie together: It takes courage to learn, love, and run without cultural barriers. Ha.
Summer started in Las Vegas. Lucky for us, Dave had a conference, and I tagged along. Hey, he had a free, super sweet room at the Cosmopolitan. Las Vegas is so weird! It’s like you are in some alternative universe for adults. That aside, I loved the sun and view of the water show at the Bellagio from our room’s patio. The highlight was seeing “Love,” the Cirque de Soliel Beatles show. The Beatles music was great and I cried at the end. Why do all the peacemakers die violent deaths? Gandhi, Martin Luther King Jr., John Lennon. Makes me sad to be a human.
I measure my life in books, so here goes:
“Born To Run” (Christopher McDougall)
While in Vegas I read “Born to Run” on my Kindle. Yes, I’m sorry to admit, I now have a Kindle. I feel little guilty - sorry publishing companies - but I LOVE IT! When I realized I could download the textbook I needed or the on-line class I’m taking, I took the plunge and yes, I love it. If I had more money, I would download tons and tons of books, but I am still reading actual books because I’m not going to spend hundreds of dollars on books.
Back to “Born to Run. “ What a great story. It starts off slow, but once you get into it, you’ll be hooked. You’ll also want to throw your running shoes in the garbage and move to Mexico and run ultra-marathons. So I went barefoot running soon after, just a few strides, and got something in my foot that was rather painful.
I’m back to wearing shoes, but the latest research I’ve read (http://peakperformance.runnersworld.com/2011/07/if-grass-and-shoe-cushioning-cant-prevent-running-injuries-what-can.html), says stride length is all that matters anyway. I’m trying to wear shoes less often. That was an interesting story and kind of gives you inspiration to run and just be a better, more balanced person. And find out where to get corn beer.
“Cultural Proficiency”
I decided to take a class on-line as part of my continuing administrator’s license requirement. The class is titled, “Education and Society,” or something like that. Our text is titled, “Cultural Proficiency”. This is my passion. To put it simply, “Can’t we all just get along?” No, we can’t. Many people, usually white or from an impoverished childhood, will not admit that minorities deal with barriers to success.
The book is OK. I’m still waiting for details on how EXACTLY to help these families. I’ll let you know if I find out.
“For Love” (Sue Miller)
My mom had this book waiting for me to read when I got to Vermont. I really didn’t like it very much at first. I didn’t empathize with the main character, but it had a good hook so I kept reading because I like to do what my mom says and I wanted to know how the conflict was resolved.
The ending was incredible. The main character, a writer, decides to go back to her estranged husband and try to work out their problems, which are not insignificant. She ruminates about love and how love can seem random and that sometimes we just pretend, so we just keep doing what we are doing.
Wow, who hasn’t felt, in those lows of a long-term relationship, that momentum is the only thing keeping the relationship going? I am approaching my 24th anniversary – yes, scary, isn’t it? – and I am truly amazed we have kept our marriage together through children, many moves, financial losses, geographic separation, etc. It has not been easy and there have been rough patches, but we are determined and goal oriented so it has endured. And we love each other, I can’t forget. There are definitely times I stay committed even though I feel as if I am playing a role. I mean seriously, how am I the mom of two adults and supposed to know what is right all the time?
“Uncoupling” (Meg Wolitzer)
This is a fun little satire about a high school in suburban New Jersey producing a Greek play, “Lysistrata.” In the play the women withhold sex in an attempt to convince their husbands to stop fighting a long war. The women in the town of the high school find themselves under a spell and they have to no desire to have sexual relations. It was a witty enjoyable story, especially for a teacher. It made me think about sex, power, and war. Somehow, they are entwined, and it is mysterious and worth pondering. Great writing, good beach read.
“Teach Like A Champion” (Doug Lemov)
I’ve been reading this off and on for almost a year now. For me, it was life changing professionally. I realized I have a huge responsibility to prepare children for college and there are expectations my students need to learn. Truly the best teaching book I have ever read. A DVD with examples of strategies is included. It should be required for all teacher education programs.
“The Heart and the Fist” (Eric Greitens)
This book was total winner for me. First of all, I have never seem my personal philosophy in writing and basically, Eric’s philosophy mirrors mine.
He first talks about formative experiences in his life – boxing, traveling to various impoverished areas of the world, and being a Rhodes Scholar. At 26 he decided to become a Navy SEAL. He describes the training in great detail, including “Hell Week,” which I personally found fascinating. The last part includes some of his experiences as a SEAL and then he describes the foundation he now runs to help wounded veterans get back on their feet by serving their community. I was totally inspired and cried at the end. Greitens is a true hero and leader that is sorely needed in our military and government today. This is how he defines courage, “(When) You do what has to be done day after day, and you never quit.”
“Flow” (Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi)
I’m about halfway through this and the author is describing what optimal or happy experiences really are. They are times we are fully engaged and completely focused. The main point so far is there are many ways to experience the “flow” state – sports, play, sex, music, food, etc. – and we can learn to control our consciousness to experience more happiness. The elements of a flow experience include challenge, skills, reachable goals, feedback, and a couple of other things I don’t remember. As I am reading this it makes me think about education and how we need to provide these elements to have students engaged. Students must learn skills they can use to reach challenging goals with constructive feedback!
Re-reading my list of books can tell you what I am thinking about...learning, love, courage, cultural barriers, and running. Somehow they all tie together: It takes courage to learn, love, and run without cultural barriers. Ha.
Friday, July 29, 2011
Thursday, March 31, 2011
Zen and the Art of Dogwalking
Parenting, teaching, bike commuting, cooking, dog walking, internet-surfing. Just a typical day. However, the thing I enjoyed most was walking my dogs. This troubles me because it occurs to me often.
When I first murmur the word, "walk", the dogs are excited and eager to go. They even get their leashes and bring them to me. There is no complaining, maybe a little tugging and yes, I do have to pick up their poop. But it is often the most enjoyable part of my day. I just go where I feel like going, no big purpose.
Today it was especially nice. It felt like spring. The air was balmy, the sun was poking out and the cherry and plum blossoms were fragrant. I was propelled along by the dogs who are very focused on simply walking and smelling with tails wagging happily. When I'm walking there is no goal, objective, or agenda. It is simple. My mind wanders, notices the clouds, blooming trees, and soggy grass. No whiny teenager or disrespectful students!
There have been studies claiming dog owners are healthier than non-dog owners and it is often attributed to exercise. Maybe it is also a zen-type of relaxation as well, similar to meditating. Whatever the reason, all I know is after a walk I feel centered and ready to deal with my teenagers.
So this is no "dis" to my husband, besties, children, or students, but I love my wieners!
When I first murmur the word, "walk", the dogs are excited and eager to go. They even get their leashes and bring them to me. There is no complaining, maybe a little tugging and yes, I do have to pick up their poop. But it is often the most enjoyable part of my day. I just go where I feel like going, no big purpose.
Today it was especially nice. It felt like spring. The air was balmy, the sun was poking out and the cherry and plum blossoms were fragrant. I was propelled along by the dogs who are very focused on simply walking and smelling with tails wagging happily. When I'm walking there is no goal, objective, or agenda. It is simple. My mind wanders, notices the clouds, blooming trees, and soggy grass. No whiny teenager or disrespectful students!
There have been studies claiming dog owners are healthier than non-dog owners and it is often attributed to exercise. Maybe it is also a zen-type of relaxation as well, similar to meditating. Whatever the reason, all I know is after a walk I feel centered and ready to deal with my teenagers.
So this is no "dis" to my husband, besties, children, or students, but I love my wieners!
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Great Blog for Students
This blog is helping me understand why people like blogs. He is bringing together lots of sources and information in one place.
Study Hacks has so much information to help students be successful, in college, HS, and LIFE. It wasn't until grad school that I had learned the lessons of mapping my time, setting up specific times for specific tasks and organizing papers!
I have a gift card from Barnes and Nobles so I bought one of his books. I let you know how it is!
Study Hacks has so much information to help students be successful, in college, HS, and LIFE. It wasn't until grad school that I had learned the lessons of mapping my time, setting up specific times for specific tasks and organizing papers!
I have a gift card from Barnes and Nobles so I bought one of his books. I let you know how it is!
Friday, January 29, 2010
Clean Floors
It's Friday night and I just finished cleaning the kitchen. I'm embarrassed to admit it, but this makes me feel so satisfied and content. The best part was cleaning the floor. Now this was not your Swifer cleaning. No, this was down on my knees with a rag and bucket scrubbing the floors, molding, and of course cabinets, since down that low I could see how gross they were. Why does this make me happy?!?!
Is it the satisfaction of having a goal, breaking it down, doing it and actually being able to SEE the results? How much of our work in life leaves is with results we can see? This is where white collar jobs lose their appeal. Yes, we get paid more, thank god, but there is a price. We lose ourselves because we can't really have our own thoughts with the concentration needed. We hardly ever have tangible results of our work, not on a daily or even weekly basis.(And teaching ESL, I seem to never get positive feedback. If we are ever based on how our kids do on tests, I will quit). Back to my point.
Jesus was a carpenter. Who doesn't know a spiritual carpenter? Somebody who enjoys their work? It must be satisfying to build something you can touch and then eventually use. My stepfather was a trauma surgeon and he constructed planes in his spare time. My dad was an engineer and on weekends he loved to work on the house, even built an addition. He still renovates apartments.
Back to the floors...I know there is a metaphor there somewhere. Sweeping out the old thoughts that clog our minds? About nine years ago I had an epiphany as I was scrubbing floors and I even wrote an inspired story about it, but then promptly left the story in a rental car. Maybe it will come back to me someday.
Today I did not have any sort of epiphany but I was able to clean, really clean - even the cabinet shelves! - and it gave me a purpose and now I have a shiny kitchen.
I am a simple person I guess. My mom would be proud!
Is it the satisfaction of having a goal, breaking it down, doing it and actually being able to SEE the results? How much of our work in life leaves is with results we can see? This is where white collar jobs lose their appeal. Yes, we get paid more, thank god, but there is a price. We lose ourselves because we can't really have our own thoughts with the concentration needed. We hardly ever have tangible results of our work, not on a daily or even weekly basis.(And teaching ESL, I seem to never get positive feedback. If we are ever based on how our kids do on tests, I will quit). Back to my point.
Jesus was a carpenter. Who doesn't know a spiritual carpenter? Somebody who enjoys their work? It must be satisfying to build something you can touch and then eventually use. My stepfather was a trauma surgeon and he constructed planes in his spare time. My dad was an engineer and on weekends he loved to work on the house, even built an addition. He still renovates apartments.
Back to the floors...I know there is a metaphor there somewhere. Sweeping out the old thoughts that clog our minds? About nine years ago I had an epiphany as I was scrubbing floors and I even wrote an inspired story about it, but then promptly left the story in a rental car. Maybe it will come back to me someday.
Today I did not have any sort of epiphany but I was able to clean, really clean - even the cabinet shelves! - and it gave me a purpose and now I have a shiny kitchen.
I am a simple person I guess. My mom would be proud!
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