Leftover Thankfulness

November is a time of thanks. We pause to be thankful for our family, friends, jobs...some even take the time to be publicly thankful each day for a different blessing.  I am ridiculously blessed.  God placed me in the arms of parents who loved me from the moment they knew I existed.  They nurtured me, disciplined me, provided for me, encouraged me to learn something new whenever possible, lavished love on me in more ways than I could ever count, and pointed me to Jesus each and every day.  With those parents came extended families that joined with them in raising me to love big, laugh much, learn always and seek God. When I went to college I got to experience a whole new kind of blessing...education.  I got to choose what I wanted to study.  I got to dig deep into beautiful pieces of literature, both the good and bad parts of our history, examine how things work, and establish my own beliefs, opinions and identity.  After graduation I was blessed to find a job in the field that I love  and to be able to work in the same place for six years.  God blessed me beyond measure when he brought the man who was to be husband back into my life after so many years.  With that amazing husband came a remarkable family that has shown me a whole new kind of love and acceptance.  I could go on and on about all the ways that God has chosen to bless my life.  I am thankful every single day.

December is a time of giving.  I pray that this holiday season, as you are busy shopping for family friends...desperately seeking out those perfect gifts for those you love...you would continue to be thankful.  I ask that you remember your blessings and think about those who are less fortunate.  Let your thankfulness and blessings pour out onto others in the same manner that they were poured out onto you.  Truly be cheerful this season...don't let crowded parking lots, busy stores, long lines, or last minute shopping rob you of your joy. 

Let us not allow ourselves to put thankfulness on the shelf until next November.  Thankfulness does not have an expiration date...or calories...so feel free indulge in the richness it will bring to your life.

Faith like a...

How would you finish that statement? Child? Mustard seed? It has been completed many different ways over the years.  Sunday, I worshipped in a church that has a thriving ministry for adults with special needs.  Those who most of society has cast aside.  Those that make many stare, cringe, or change seats in a movie theater.  Here, they are welcomed, embraced, & encouraged.  They sit among the rest of the congregation as one united body of believers...no judgement, no running away.  One man in particular caught my eye this week.  He sat on the very front row...you know, the one that most of us avoid like the plague. As praise songs were sung, he clapped and danced and smiled and sang wholeheartedly.  Some might consider that a distraction...inappropriate for Sunday morning worship.  I found it humbling.  His faith is so genuine and pure that he cannot keep still...it pours out of him without shame or concern of what others might think.  How freeing! I want THAT faith.

Real.Absolute.Joyous.

R-E-S-P-E-C-T

This week in Room 34 we learned about respect.  Respecting our school.  Respecting adults.  Respecting our freedoms. Respecting each other. Respecting "the process."  Respecting our leaders.  From the first minute election results started coming in, the news feed on my "social media page of choice" began to explode with comments from all sides. Some were simple reactions to the way things work...electoral college vs popular vote, types of ballots, recounts, etc. Others were comments about the candidates themselves...I hope my candidate wins, I hope the other candidate loses, I don't care for either candidate, etc.  Then, the winner was called, the concession speech was given...and people got nasty.  I went to bed. I have no interest in mean-spirited comments. The next morning I got up, looked up the most recent/final results, and went to work.  My students have been studying both candidates, making their own decisions about who they felt was the better choice, and some got to vote for the very first time. Those who voted for the winning candidate were ecstatic.  Those who voted for the losing candidate were devastated. These are normal reactions.  Both candidates couldn't come out winners.  We had discussed for weeks that this would be an extremely close election, and that it truthfully could go either way.  Those who were "victorious" calmed down and were gracious.  Those who were "defeated" took a deep breath and began talking about how everything starts over again in four years.  I encouraged all of them to take pride in their vote...no matter the candidate...and to not become so discouraged that they stop participating in "the process."  They were mature and honest and respectful...and I was extremely proud.  My younger students...those who are not old enough to vote, those who did not spend as much time learning about both sides, those who are affected by but not responsible for the outcome of the election...were a different story.  The things that they were saying to each other...the comments made about the President, the comments made about Gov. Romney, the comments made about the outcome of the election...were the opposite of respectful.  So...we had a chat.  We learned that one of the many beauties of voting by secret ballot is that...it's a secret.  You do not have to tell anyone who got your vote.  Your vote can be as personal and private as you wish it to be.  We learned that it is always important to be gracious...whether you win or lose.  We learned that the office of President is an important one...and even if you do not care for the candidate chosen to fill it you MUST respect the office itself.  We learned that hate in the form of words is the worst kind of hate...because you can never take your words back...words are forever.  We learned that if you don't like something and you want it changed, there are ways to respectfully request that change...you may not always get what you ask for, but you can be proud you went about asking for it the right way.  When my room was empty, and those conversations were over, I asked myself these questions: Where do children learn disrespect? Where do children learn hate? What kind of example are we setting for the young people in our lives?  Do we, as adults, realize that those children for whom we are so incredibly responsible are the future leaders of our nation?  Do we, as adults, realize that the hate, disrespect, and negativity that we are modeling for those young people will be forever burned in their minds as the "right" way to approach things? What will that mean for our country in 10, 15, 20 years time?  Do we want to be forever known as a nation that handles disagreements, conflict, and challenges with hateful, disrespectful words and actions?  What can I do to prepare our future generations for leadership?

The responsibility is great.

Brushing off the Cobwebs

It's been quite a while since I posted. I thought I would get myself back in the saddle and share some of what is on my mind lately. 

I love teaching.  I love teaching what matters.  I love teaching kids how to use their words instead of their fists. I love teaching kids how to take the brilliant things inside their minds (yes...there are brilliant teenagers all around us) and put them into action.  I love teaching kids to examine all sides of a situation before they make a decision one way or the other.  I love teaching kids about how history, science, literature, and, yes, even math all work together to make the foundation of our lives, cultures, and world.  I love teaching kids to push themselves beyond every limit they thought they had.  I love teaching kids that basic things like respect, kindness, humility, and understanding can move mountains. I love teaching kids that they can and will change the world...and that they have a choice about what that change will look like.  I even love teaching kids the difference between action and linking verbs, that adjectives modify nouns and pronouns, that a lot is two words, sentences are puzzles and every word has its place, and the difference between their/there/they're. I am thankful that my profession (like most) has checks and balances. I am very aware of the fact that I have weaknesses.  I am happy that I am encouraged to strengthen those weak areas and excel in my areas of strength.  I agree that the children in our state and nation deserve the best education we can provide them. I agree that ineffective teachers need to be given the support/tools to become effective...whatever they may be.  I believe that if my kids are not successful, it is at least in part because I have not been successful.  I believe that the success of my students is bigger than a test and that neither one of us should be judged only on the outcome of one stressful exam.  I believe that teachers should be consulted when making laws and regulations regarding education.  I believe that we, as adults, set the example for younger generations....and we need to step up our game. I believe in telling kids the truth...even (if not especially) when the truth is "I don't know"....because they sooooo know when we're lying.  I believe that when make decisions about who our elected officials should be, what laws should be in place, and how we should be involved in the affairs of other countries we should keep those younger generations in mind. 

Next week we have the opportunity to set that example. Whatever way your votes fall...vote.

A Sad State of Affairs

I often have to make an early morning trip to WalMart.  Usually it is because I need to purchase some sort of supply/supplies for my classroom.  (That's right...teachers spend money out of their own pockets to provide supplies for their students.)  Today, was a WalMart morning...and I left with my supplies...as well as a broken heart.  I arrived just before 7am...right as the new shift of workers was clocking in and the night crew was clocking out.  As I pulled into the parking lot alongside the employees, I was deeply saddened by what I saw.  Each and every one of the employees coming to work was a senior adult. One in particular had to park in a handicapped space and was so hunched over that she could hardly walk...lunchbox  and pocketbook in tow.  We both entered the store at the same time, and she immediately got a cart, placed her items inside, and held on to it as she walked to the back of the store so that she could punch in.  I am heartbroken by the fact that a woman in her stage of life has to work at all.  The senior adults in our country have fought in wars, worked for decades, rasied families, paid taxes, and contributed to social security.  The very least we can do is make sure that their basic needs are met.  Perhaps she is working because she wants to...more power to her...but I seriously doubt that is the case.  There must come a day in this nation where we acknowledge the financial mistakes we have made, determine to correct them, and commit to righting those wrongs.  Do I know how to do that? Not really...but I believe that there are people in Washington who can and will figure it out.  However, I can't imagine that the same principles each of us are called to live by would not apply there as well: don't spend more than you have, and pay your debts.

Snapshots of a blogger

Just for fun...I wanted to post a few pictures.  I am not an overly abundant picture post-er...but I thought a few fun photos might let you get a better picture of who I am.  So...fasten your seatbelts. :)

One of my favorite pastimes is playing dress-up in the toy aisle at my local Wal-Mart.  I happen to feel I missed my calling to be a superhero.

     Dress-up is also fun in antique stores. :)

    Thankfully, I have an equally playful husband...who is also cute. :)

  I also come by that playfulness honestly...just your average family photo. :)

That is me in a nutshell...silly, blessed, and easily entertained. :)  Hope you enjoy!!

                         

Responsibility is not a dirty word

As I have shared before...I spend my day with young people.  I work every single day to help educate them and help to shape their character.  I am also a sports fan...especially basketball and football (primarily college football...though I will watch the NFL from time to time).  On a regular basis, my students come into class asking "Mrs S! Did you see the __________ game last night?!?! It was awesome!" "Mrs S, who is your favorite team/player/coach? Mine is ______."  I happily spend what little, if any, free time before the tardy bell rings/at lunch discussing these things with them.  Many of those same kids call those athletes their heroes.  When I ask them "What makes someone a hero?" they reply "It has to be someone you look up to because of the cool things they do...or what their job is...or how much money they make...or someone you just want to be like."  Fair enough.  Based on that definition of hero, it is logical that 13/14 year-olds with dreams of being professional athletes would select current athletes as their heroes.  Some of the players they talk about are excellent heroes...others are not.  When I think about what I want "my kids" to be, one of the biggest things that comes to mind is responsible...I want them to be responsible teens that grow into responsible adults...both in their actions and in their character.  This is why I spend so much time teaching the things that others consider "unimportant."  So, here I am trying to teach my students to be responsible for their words and actions....and those that they admire so much do not always paint a good picture of that responsibility...and often seem to be rewarded for that lack of responsibility.  Whether their heroes are athletes, movie stars, musicians, teachers (no pressure here...yikes!), or their parents it is important for those people to be good examples of responsibility.  That does not mean you won't ever make mistakes...we're human and hopelessly flawed...mistakes are to be expected.  It means that when you do make a mistake, own it...apologize when appropriate...and do your best not to make the same mistake twice.  Don't make excuses or blame others for your actions...that is the opposite of responsible.  Responsibility is not a dirty word...it is perfectly acceptable for use with all ages...so feel free to not only use it but demonsrate it whenever possible.

Tests Schmests

I have been showing a group of my students the recent PBS special about the Freedom Riders.  We were reading the Inaugural Address from JFK and a piece of the "Letter from the Birmingham County Jail" by MLK Jr.  I was attempting to draw parallels between these two men and my students had no knowledge of the significant connection these two men shared.  I am supposed to be in the final push toward our state mandated testing--the tests that determine the success not only of my students but also the public school they attend--reviewing what we have learned and making sure they are prepared for the exams.  I chose, instead, to try and get them ready for the world.  I stopped what I was doing, changed the plans, and spent two days discussing the remarkable individuals...many of whom were students...who risked their lives for equality.  We talked about how inhuman it was for law enforcement to stand by while people were brutally beaten...one bus was even set on fire with Freedom Riders and innocent passengers alike trapped inside.  We talked about how government officials refused to intervene in the midst of complete and total chaos.  Of course, since we were in English class, we wrote about what we saw and heard from the people who lived it.  History took on flesh and blood, and, because they watched those brave souls have their flesh torn and their blood shed, it took root.  THAT is what I get up every morning to do.  I don't just teach academics...I teach life.  It is the most difficult and rewarding profession that I can imagine...and I cannot fathom doing anything else. 

Put your happy pants on

Life is difficult...all by itself.  I do not need to add to that difficulty with a sour and unfortunate disposition.  Believe me, I have faced many, MANY challenges in my life...some that would prompt others to adopt the life of a hermit in a fallout shelter somewhere deep in the earth.  I just refuse to let things get me down...at least not for long.  Don't get me wrong, I certainly feel sad or angry or lonely from time to time...but I don't dwell in those emotions. When we allow ourselves to become bitter and negative, the world around us will also become bitter and negative.  Negativity is one of the most contagious illnesses that exists in our world today.  Allow me to give you an example from my everyday life.

I get up and the day automatically starts out badly.  I stub my toe on the way to the bathroom...can't find anything to wear...burn myself with the curling iron...spill my coffee...car won't start...you name it.  I get to school and there are kids lined up at my door needing me for one thing or another and they are all talking at once.  I can barely get my things put away...getting ready for 1st hour is not even on the radar.  The first bell rings and I am flustered because the morning has been so crazy.  My class is rowdy and won't cooperate...so I snap at them.  They were in perfectly fine moods...until I came along.  Now, each of them is having (at the very least) a terrible 1st hour.  They take their upset attitudes that I gave them to their 2nd hour class...thus sharing my negative attitude with other faculty...and so on and so on throughout the day.  I get home and I am just as unhappy as I was when I left at 7:00am.  My husband then begins to feel the impact of my stinky attitude.  I could go on and on and on. 

When things started to go all wonky, I had a choice.  I chose to let those little instances influence my entire day.  I chose to take my frustrations out on others instead of choosing to be as positive as possible.  I recently rewatched the movie Pollyanna.  In this movie, the title character takes a negative town and turns it upside down with gladness.  She plays the "Glad Game."  I think we all would benefit from playing the "Glad Game" every now and again.  When something negative happens, think of something to be glad of.  For example, when I stubbed my toe I could have stopped and been glad that I didn't break my foot...or that I was even blessed to wake up in the first place. 

Life is all about choices. Choose to put your happy pants on. :)

Class Is In Session

I absolutely detest disrespect....in any form or fashion.  I do not tolerate disrepsect from my students...between my students...towards those in public service...for my country, its flag, its leaders, or its military.  Disrespectful language, attitudes, and behavior are at the core of what is wrong with our society at present.  Here are some scenerios to illustrate my point.

1) When you are in the check-out line of any kind (Wal-Mart, grocery store, bank, etc.) it is disrespectful to be on your cell phone.  By continuing a conversation, that I am sure the person at the register and people behind you do not need to hear...see previous post, you are telling the person  helping you that he or she is not worthy of your time and attention.  They work long hours to provide the public a service.  Put the phone down. Smile at them. Say hello.  Chat about the weather or the new flavor of gum you just picked out. Something...anything...just don't disrespect them.

2) It is never, for any reason, acceptable to put someone down...that goes triple for things that are outside of their control.  It is never ok to disrespect someone because they have a handicap or other disability.  They did not choose their dislexia, paralysis, or speech impediment.  Instead of being disrespectful, start by being thankful for your blessings.  Then, be amazed at the courage it takes for folks with any form of impairment to go out into a world full of hateful, disrespectful people and attempt to live their lives as normally as possible.  Shame on us for ever thinking that looking down on another person was acceptable.  We are ALL fearfully and wonderfully made.

3) It is not ok be disrespectful of our nation....in any way shape or form.  Is ok to be unhappy with the way things are? Absolutely.  Is ok to desire someone else to be in a certain position? Absolutely.  Is it ok to write to your political leaders and share your opinions about what needs to change? Absolutely.  However, it is not acceptable to disrespect the office they hold nor the person who holds it.  If you think that it is such an easy job--run for office...or at the very least vote. I am thankful for the people in my life who, instead of disrespecting those who were in charge, put their money where their mouth is and are doing something to make our state and nation better.  I cannot imagine the stress that comes with knowing that there is an entire nation of people...from all different backgrounds...with different kinds of needs/desires...looking to you to make it better.  It almost makes me sick thinking about it. The Bible says that I am to pray for my leaders.  I don't have to like them...but I should not disrespect them.

4) It is never ok for children to disrespect their parents/caregivers.  I realize that there are a lot of children in situations that are far less than ideal.  For the record, I also believe it is disrespectful and never ok to abuse, neglect, or demean your children.  Parenthood is a gift.  There are many people in the world who desperately want to have children but are unable to do so who would tell you what a gift children are.  Having parents is also a gift. There are many people in the world who lost their parent(s) far too soon and had to experience life without them who will tell you what a blessing it is to have your parents. However, children, discipline is not disrespect...it would be disrespectful not to correct you when it is warranted. 


I feel as though my soap box is beginning to weaken because I have stood on it too long.  So, all of that can be summed up in these few words: Be kind. 

My sentences don't need "@*#$"

I have discovered that I am becoming less and less tolerant of certain things.  An example--I am frequently annoyed by the use of profane language.  It is ignorant and offensive.  There are a plethora of other options that impart the same sentiment without violating the minds/ears of those in proximity with filth. There is little worse than being trapped in a public place, the checkout line at Walmart for example, and being assulted by nasty language.  I used to turn the other cheek and ignore things that I could not control.  I would keep my opinions to myself.  I have officially gotten over that.  I do not seek to involve myself in others' conversations, nor do I aim to offend. However, should you choose to loudly have a conversation in my presence that includes crass terminology, be prepared.  If you are having trouble finding just the right word or phrase, scan a thesaurus.  It is a wonderful tool.  Inside you will find words in abundance. There are even "apps for that."  In case you are wondering, here are a few current pet peeves:

Sucks--If used to describe the function of a vaccum cleaner...ok.  If used to describe the negativity of a   situation...no.

Retarded--If used to describe how you feel a situation is inadequate...unacceptable.

Holy Hell--I assure you, hell is by no means holy.

Gay--If used to describe a light-hearted, happy mood...ok.  If used to describe how you feel a situation is inadequate...unaccetable.  Inanimate objects have no sexual preference.

Call me antique

 There was a time when we raised little girls to be ladies and little boys to be men.  Young women were taught etiquette, dressed fashionably but modestly, were courted by young men, and respected themselves.  Young men were taught manners, learned to work hard in order to provide for their family, and treated young ladies with respect.  When in mixed company, certain topics were off limits....and some topics were simply off limits regardless of the company.  People used common sense.  Families went to church together. People were not perfect...nor was society/the world perfect...but it was polite.  I am not entirely certain when it happened, but things changed.  Not only do boys and girls talk about things that should not be discussed with the opposite sex, they see it all over TV and hear it in the lyrics of music.  They are bombarded with unbridled sensuality and see nothing wrong with acting out what they see and hear.  They hear offensive, ignorant language and make it part of their everyday conversation.  They do not respect the personal boundaries of others...limited as those boundaries might be.  They speak disrespectfully to their parents and other adults.  They dress in a way that exposes parts of themselves that are not meant to be seen in public.  They make messes and leave them for someone else to clean up.  When did this become acceptable?   I don't believe that being a well-spoken, well-behaved, and well-mannered individual is old-fashioned...I believe it is appropriate and necessary. I would like to be able to go out in public, both now and with my children in the future, and not be accosted by offensive sights and sounds.  Frequently, I hear people complain about the state of things...society, country, world, etc.  Perhaps, if we returned to some of those "old-fashioned" values we would see an improvement.  Just an idea.