It's been a long fight between these two - Romney and Obama. America is desperate for better leadership than it has known for a good long while now, and while there are five on the ballot, only two are considered potential presidents of the United States.
I didn't vote for Obama the last time around, and I didn't vote for him again today. He's not getting the job done that he promised four years ago, so why in the hell would anybody vote for him again?
Yes, I voted for Romney, but this was a lesser of two evils vote. I'm not thrilled with Romney as a presidential possibility, but he's better than Obama. I wonder how many people really feel that way about this election? Honestly, I think Obama needs to be stripped of the power of the office, but I can't say that Romney will do much better - except he seems to have a better grasp on economics that Obama does. I worry that a Mormon (Latter Day Saint who thinks he's something special) might do something crazy in office, but we can elect him out in four years, so that's what I did and why I voted the way I did.
The handouts have to stop. Bank bailouts, businesses with no real rhyme or reason to justify getting government help got it and others didn't. I don't understand it all, but what I do know is that there's nothing to show for the trillions of dollars spent in the last four years.
A bunch of Americans could have used that money to have a better life - heard the figure $50K per household or some such - really? In the last four years, I couldn't have replaced my furnace if it hadn't been for my parents helping me financially. My one splurge was my kitchen granite countertop - and as much time as I spend cooking, that didn't feel like a huge splurge, just a small one.
Health care initiative has to go away and Americans need to get a grip on spending recklessly. I say this facing the rest of my life minimally or unemployed and living off the fruits of my labors for another 30 or so years. Fortunately, my family has done well so far, and I almost have enough retirement to live off of on my own - but not with 100% certainty. It scares me to a degree, but I have faith that medical expenses will level off in time, that Judy and I will be able to have a comfortable lifestyle and do some traveling.
I still believe that America is the best place on earth to be. That with hard work and moderation, it will continue to thrive, as will I as one of it's citizens. I have to believe that Mitt Romney is the one to carry forward that faithful thinking.
But in as few as five hours, that might all change. We shall see what the rest of America has to say about that.
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
Saturday, September 29, 2012
Smoke.
So, HCPS made the decision to make all schools smoke free, but did they consider the consequences?
Having been a smoker since I was 15 - when it was legal, encouraged, allowed in pretty much every venue on the planet - there is NO WAY I can accept this decision with absolutely no notice, no alternative, no remedy. In high school, we had a smoking lounge for students. In college, we could smoke in class and ashtrays were provided. When I started teaching, students still had a smoking area, and teachers were allowed to smoke in the teacher's lounge adjacent to the office where we made copies and drank coffee. We could smoke in our classrooms after school. Then at some time in the 1980s, we were relegated to another teachers' lounge further from our classrooms, then outside where a lean-to was built to shield us from the rain. Then to the loading dock. I didn't like it, but I complied with the directives.
For 42 years I have smoked cigarettes. What used to cost 25 cents a pack is now almost $5.00. I have known for quite a while that it is not healthy for me and I didn't care. I still don't - only because I have tried on numerous occasions to quit for other people, and I have been unsuccessful at quitting. I have been hypnotized, patched, gummed, electrified, taxed, and drugged. None of these methods have worked for me. I find smoking to be cathartic and calming. It may stink, be expensive, and now that it is unfashionable, I still don't care.
Everybody needs a vice. Mine are wine and cigarettes and attitude, not necessarily in that order. So there.
Adults drink and drive, choose not to do the right thing, and a litany of other bad deeds - for which they may or may not be punished. But none of them cost them their job when they are really good at it.
I happen to be really good at being a teacher of newspaper and yearbook, and I have my successes at being an English teacher too. But my chosen profession has been stressful, as have my life experiences been equally stressful. I find smoking cigarettes to level the stress, to make it possible to carry on despite the unusual circumstances I find myself. And it makes it possible and tolerable to fulfill the objectives - for myself and for my students.
So in my final days and hours of being a teacher, they want to tell me I can't be the person that I am - and I won't accept that.
I will continue to be a smoker until I decide not to.
I will fight the inevitable fight.
I will win.
Don't argue with me about this - I know what I know, and it is wrong to tell someone AFTER they signed a contract under certain terms that they can't do something they have been encouraged to do for 42 years.
Get real.
Having been a smoker since I was 15 - when it was legal, encouraged, allowed in pretty much every venue on the planet - there is NO WAY I can accept this decision with absolutely no notice, no alternative, no remedy. In high school, we had a smoking lounge for students. In college, we could smoke in class and ashtrays were provided. When I started teaching, students still had a smoking area, and teachers were allowed to smoke in the teacher's lounge adjacent to the office where we made copies and drank coffee. We could smoke in our classrooms after school. Then at some time in the 1980s, we were relegated to another teachers' lounge further from our classrooms, then outside where a lean-to was built to shield us from the rain. Then to the loading dock. I didn't like it, but I complied with the directives.
For 42 years I have smoked cigarettes. What used to cost 25 cents a pack is now almost $5.00. I have known for quite a while that it is not healthy for me and I didn't care. I still don't - only because I have tried on numerous occasions to quit for other people, and I have been unsuccessful at quitting. I have been hypnotized, patched, gummed, electrified, taxed, and drugged. None of these methods have worked for me. I find smoking to be cathartic and calming. It may stink, be expensive, and now that it is unfashionable, I still don't care.
Everybody needs a vice. Mine are wine and cigarettes and attitude, not necessarily in that order. So there.
Adults drink and drive, choose not to do the right thing, and a litany of other bad deeds - for which they may or may not be punished. But none of them cost them their job when they are really good at it.
I happen to be really good at being a teacher of newspaper and yearbook, and I have my successes at being an English teacher too. But my chosen profession has been stressful, as have my life experiences been equally stressful. I find smoking cigarettes to level the stress, to make it possible to carry on despite the unusual circumstances I find myself. And it makes it possible and tolerable to fulfill the objectives - for myself and for my students.
So in my final days and hours of being a teacher, they want to tell me I can't be the person that I am - and I won't accept that.
I will continue to be a smoker until I decide not to.
I will fight the inevitable fight.
I will win.
Don't argue with me about this - I know what I know, and it is wrong to tell someone AFTER they signed a contract under certain terms that they can't do something they have been encouraged to do for 42 years.
Get real.
Friday, August 3, 2012
Summer 2012
24 more days of freedom.
Hard to believe the summer is speeding by, and I have so little to show for the down time except lots of sleep and miles added to the CRV. Heat has prevented me from doing the outdoor chores I wanted to do; lethargy the indoor ones.
My first 24 hours of vacation in my own house was greeted with a power outage, so nothing accomplished that weekend. I've hesitated to start projects, mainly because I don't know how much time I'll have to work on them. Not the right way to approach the days - but I keep wondering when the other shoe is going to drop and I'll have to head off to NN...
I think I might just start this bathroom paint project today. I've got all the stuff together now - towels and rug; cute accessories to spiff it up a notch. Yep. Time to get crackin'!
Hard to believe the summer is speeding by, and I have so little to show for the down time except lots of sleep and miles added to the CRV. Heat has prevented me from doing the outdoor chores I wanted to do; lethargy the indoor ones.
My first 24 hours of vacation in my own house was greeted with a power outage, so nothing accomplished that weekend. I've hesitated to start projects, mainly because I don't know how much time I'll have to work on them. Not the right way to approach the days - but I keep wondering when the other shoe is going to drop and I'll have to head off to NN...
I think I might just start this bathroom paint project today. I've got all the stuff together now - towels and rug; cute accessories to spiff it up a notch. Yep. Time to get crackin'!
Monday, June 18, 2012
Outrage and tears
Months ago I started this blog entry about outrage and tears, but whatever I said has disappeared. I think I am glad it's gone.
It probably had something to do with my mother's care at the nursing home, or my father's sadness that my mom has Alzheimers, or my sister has a bum knee and needs surgery, or that I was sexually harrassed by a student who masterbated during an exam with 29 other students in the room and nothing was done about it.
Yes, this has been a year of outrage and tears. And it took me six months to realize that I was depressed and needed drugs to manage the thoughts, the feelings, the sadness, the rage I had for this past year. I finally made an appointment with myself to go to the doctor and get an anti-depressant, which worked wonders relatively quickly.
"You are so chill, Ms. Lyons" one of my students said after a particularly obnoxious English class (with my masterbater still enrolled in my class). "Must be spring break" I said. Ten days off and nobody else to manage besides myself.
Yes, it was not a good year for Trish - Patricia Ann Howland Hall Lyons - aka Patty, Trish, mommy (to three adorable critters), teacher, adviser, editor, manager, daughter, sister, homeowner, friend, gardener, cook, former wife, 56 year old almost retired person who somehow manages to get up every day and do what needs to be done - well, almost every day. But my body was screaming at me - gout, shingles, depression.
It's been 35 years since I graduated from Longwood College - and I'm proud to say I have been a dynamic teacher most of that time. I've learned more about the publishing business than I ever thought possible and taught a few kids what it means to write like you mean it and make it look good at the same time. I don't feel completely responsible for that - I attribute most of my success to my parents, my sister, Dr. Lockwood, George Crutchfield, Bill Turpin, Tom Stavredes, Vicki Ford and Jane Selden. A little bit of that I attribute to KD (Karen Dillon, but she likely would never acknowledge that).
And last but not least is Dr. Aaron Spence. I think he believed in me more than I believed in myself. I know I introduced myself to him in an overly confident manner and that was my ticket to the success I have had these last eight years. He endorsed my confidence and if he ever reads this, I want him to know that he gave me more than any professional I've ever known. He let me know that even when we make a mistake, we have to own it and get past it with our head held high. I never judged him and I don't think he ever judged me.
So, yes, I have outrage for the wrongdoings that I endured this past school year - which may very well have been my last. And, yes, I have tears for the sadness I have felt on so many levels. I loved being a teacher this past year - with the best group of seniors who knew who I was, what I stand for, and how I felt mixed emotions about my daily life. I taught them that no matter what "that which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger." They loved me and I loved them more.
I don't want to leave teaching - the good parts with wonderful young people who respect me, my peers who know I bust my ass every day to give my kids confidence the way my parents and Aaron Spence gave it to me. I'd like to think that is my legacy. But it's time for me to refocus on my parents and my sister - and I've come to the realization that one cannot do it all well.
It's been real, HCPS. Thanks for the memories.
It probably had something to do with my mother's care at the nursing home, or my father's sadness that my mom has Alzheimers, or my sister has a bum knee and needs surgery, or that I was sexually harrassed by a student who masterbated during an exam with 29 other students in the room and nothing was done about it.
Yes, this has been a year of outrage and tears. And it took me six months to realize that I was depressed and needed drugs to manage the thoughts, the feelings, the sadness, the rage I had for this past year. I finally made an appointment with myself to go to the doctor and get an anti-depressant, which worked wonders relatively quickly.
"You are so chill, Ms. Lyons" one of my students said after a particularly obnoxious English class (with my masterbater still enrolled in my class). "Must be spring break" I said. Ten days off and nobody else to manage besides myself.
Yes, it was not a good year for Trish - Patricia Ann Howland Hall Lyons - aka Patty, Trish, mommy (to three adorable critters), teacher, adviser, editor, manager, daughter, sister, homeowner, friend, gardener, cook, former wife, 56 year old almost retired person who somehow manages to get up every day and do what needs to be done - well, almost every day. But my body was screaming at me - gout, shingles, depression.
It's been 35 years since I graduated from Longwood College - and I'm proud to say I have been a dynamic teacher most of that time. I've learned more about the publishing business than I ever thought possible and taught a few kids what it means to write like you mean it and make it look good at the same time. I don't feel completely responsible for that - I attribute most of my success to my parents, my sister, Dr. Lockwood, George Crutchfield, Bill Turpin, Tom Stavredes, Vicki Ford and Jane Selden. A little bit of that I attribute to KD (Karen Dillon, but she likely would never acknowledge that).
And last but not least is Dr. Aaron Spence. I think he believed in me more than I believed in myself. I know I introduced myself to him in an overly confident manner and that was my ticket to the success I have had these last eight years. He endorsed my confidence and if he ever reads this, I want him to know that he gave me more than any professional I've ever known. He let me know that even when we make a mistake, we have to own it and get past it with our head held high. I never judged him and I don't think he ever judged me.
So, yes, I have outrage for the wrongdoings that I endured this past school year - which may very well have been my last. And, yes, I have tears for the sadness I have felt on so many levels. I loved being a teacher this past year - with the best group of seniors who knew who I was, what I stand for, and how I felt mixed emotions about my daily life. I taught them that no matter what "that which doesn't kill us only makes us stronger." They loved me and I loved them more.
I don't want to leave teaching - the good parts with wonderful young people who respect me, my peers who know I bust my ass every day to give my kids confidence the way my parents and Aaron Spence gave it to me. I'd like to think that is my legacy. But it's time for me to refocus on my parents and my sister - and I've come to the realization that one cannot do it all well.
It's been real, HCPS. Thanks for the memories.
First day of summer break!
So, it's official! It's summer break Monday, June 18, 2012.
After a quick weekend trip to NN for Father's Day, I'm at home all day cleaning my house. Put my new Swiffer wet-jet to work, stripped the bed, doing the laundry and getting ready to go back to NN for about a week/ten days or so - so Daddy can go to the family reunion and visit his home place one more time. He's feeling reminiscent these days and checking things off his "bucket list" - even though he probably doesn't know that's what he's doing.
My bucket list is to help him with his bucket list, so that's what I'm going to do this summer. I'm also going to clean out the clutter from my life. I've got an awful lot of clutter - not just stuff but moments when I feel unfulfilled because of the clutter of things undone. So, my plan is to eliminate as many of the to-dos so I can focus on "want tos" rather than need tos, should dos, would dos.
Closets, drawers, garage, attic, office, boxes, hideaways - you name it, I got it. So does my dad (well, mostly mom), but we Howlands all have a bad case of clutter. Today, I'm focused on cleaning and getting ready not to be here for the rest of June, but July is MY time. I will do one closet per day until they are all done. I will do every drawer before the summer is over. And it is all going to Goodwill.
I'd like to think I will plant $5 worth of flowers every day once I get back from NN. And paint my fence, but maybe not. Cottage garden may be just a pipe dream.
It's okay. I can want it all I want - and maybe one day I will have one, but I don't think it's going to happen this year.
In the meantime, Maryann says we have 72 days of vacation. And today is just day three. 69 more to go. We can do a lot with those 69 days, and I intend to make the most of them!
After a quick weekend trip to NN for Father's Day, I'm at home all day cleaning my house. Put my new Swiffer wet-jet to work, stripped the bed, doing the laundry and getting ready to go back to NN for about a week/ten days or so - so Daddy can go to the family reunion and visit his home place one more time. He's feeling reminiscent these days and checking things off his "bucket list" - even though he probably doesn't know that's what he's doing.
My bucket list is to help him with his bucket list, so that's what I'm going to do this summer. I'm also going to clean out the clutter from my life. I've got an awful lot of clutter - not just stuff but moments when I feel unfulfilled because of the clutter of things undone. So, my plan is to eliminate as many of the to-dos so I can focus on "want tos" rather than need tos, should dos, would dos.
Closets, drawers, garage, attic, office, boxes, hideaways - you name it, I got it. So does my dad (well, mostly mom), but we Howlands all have a bad case of clutter. Today, I'm focused on cleaning and getting ready not to be here for the rest of June, but July is MY time. I will do one closet per day until they are all done. I will do every drawer before the summer is over. And it is all going to Goodwill.
I'd like to think I will plant $5 worth of flowers every day once I get back from NN. And paint my fence, but maybe not. Cottage garden may be just a pipe dream.
It's okay. I can want it all I want - and maybe one day I will have one, but I don't think it's going to happen this year.
In the meantime, Maryann says we have 72 days of vacation. And today is just day three. 69 more to go. We can do a lot with those 69 days, and I intend to make the most of them!
Saturday, May 12, 2012
Whoa.
I have a yard guy.
Not just any yard guy. I have Sebastian - a Hungarian immigrant who loves living and working in America. He works with a landscaping company during the week, and now that he knows what to do, he's branching out on his own during the evenings and on weekends to build his own following.
He's got my business for sure. This guy is amazing. He did my leaves before Easter - what would have taken me all summer to finish he did in three hours. Right tools, right attitude. I paid him extra.
Today, he arrived at exactly 8:30 am - when he said he would - and started working immediately - with a hoe to get the weeds out of the beds; hand clippers to prune the small shrubs, an extension pruner to do the taller ones, and an edger to edge every inch of the front and back yards. He even got down on his knees to pull the weeds from the liriope.
All done in less than three hours. And now he is mulching the front yard. He'll get it done today. Just as he said he would. And he gets to keep all the money for himself instead of having to share it with "the boss" because he is his own boss today.
This is how people are supposed to be. He is happy doing what he is doing and he is good at it. And the best part is my yard is going to look fantastic (it already does after just the pruning and weeding), and I can feel really good about paying someone for a job well done.
For so many years, I have busted my ass to do my own yard work because people have taken advantage of me - done inadequate work for excessive pay, and most of the time, not finished the job they promised. I could list just about every worker I've ever had who I never rehired because of it. But it feels good to have Sebastian here. Nice man, happy, full of energy, and loves his life. It doesn't get better than this.
Today is probably the best day of 2012 - and of years to come having someone else take care of my lawn and making me feel good about my home and the people around me.
Thank you, Linda, for sending Sebastian my way. :)
Not just any yard guy. I have Sebastian - a Hungarian immigrant who loves living and working in America. He works with a landscaping company during the week, and now that he knows what to do, he's branching out on his own during the evenings and on weekends to build his own following.
He's got my business for sure. This guy is amazing. He did my leaves before Easter - what would have taken me all summer to finish he did in three hours. Right tools, right attitude. I paid him extra.
Today, he arrived at exactly 8:30 am - when he said he would - and started working immediately - with a hoe to get the weeds out of the beds; hand clippers to prune the small shrubs, an extension pruner to do the taller ones, and an edger to edge every inch of the front and back yards. He even got down on his knees to pull the weeds from the liriope.
All done in less than three hours. And now he is mulching the front yard. He'll get it done today. Just as he said he would. And he gets to keep all the money for himself instead of having to share it with "the boss" because he is his own boss today.
This is how people are supposed to be. He is happy doing what he is doing and he is good at it. And the best part is my yard is going to look fantastic (it already does after just the pruning and weeding), and I can feel really good about paying someone for a job well done.
For so many years, I have busted my ass to do my own yard work because people have taken advantage of me - done inadequate work for excessive pay, and most of the time, not finished the job they promised. I could list just about every worker I've ever had who I never rehired because of it. But it feels good to have Sebastian here. Nice man, happy, full of energy, and loves his life. It doesn't get better than this.
Today is probably the best day of 2012 - and of years to come having someone else take care of my lawn and making me feel good about my home and the people around me.
Thank you, Linda, for sending Sebastian my way. :)
Tuesday, April 24, 2012
Thanksgiving Week
It's finally here. The first week of a few days off from teaching. I'm not sure who - in their infinite wisdom - decided the teaching schedule for the last several years, but they have really done a number on teacher "down" time. Since school started, we haven't had one single day off. And then we teach for three weeks and have two weeks off. Then we go four months - well, three and 1/2 months with only one day off (MLK Day).
I'm looking forward to not teaching on Thursday and Friday, but to be honest, this is going to be a difficult week. Mom's first "holiday" in the nursing home - and we have no idea how we are going to cope with it. The "easy" part will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner - thought I've never done it before. Yes, I've cooked for Christmas, but then I had a couple three days to prepare for that. This year, I have 1/2 day off - well, by the time I hit NN it will be dinner time on Wed, if I am lucky, and then I will cook a Thanksgiving dinner for five people. It might as well be for one or for 20, by the time you do all the stuff for the meal, the easy part is setting the table.
This year, however, will not be easy without Mom. I miss her. I know Dad and Judy do too, and that is harder than anything.
Maybe - just maybe - we can bring her home one day for a meal. Wouldn't that be lovely?
I'm looking forward to not teaching on Thursday and Friday, but to be honest, this is going to be a difficult week. Mom's first "holiday" in the nursing home - and we have no idea how we are going to cope with it. The "easy" part will be cooking Thanksgiving dinner - thought I've never done it before. Yes, I've cooked for Christmas, but then I had a couple three days to prepare for that. This year, I have 1/2 day off - well, by the time I hit NN it will be dinner time on Wed, if I am lucky, and then I will cook a Thanksgiving dinner for five people. It might as well be for one or for 20, by the time you do all the stuff for the meal, the easy part is setting the table.
This year, however, will not be easy without Mom. I miss her. I know Dad and Judy do too, and that is harder than anything.
Maybe - just maybe - we can bring her home one day for a meal. Wouldn't that be lovely?
Did you ever know that you are my heroes?
At almost 57 years old, I don't think I've ever told my parents this, but it's true. They are 86 and 88 years old, and they have been role models to so many people - including all of us "kids" but to many, many others as well. And my sister, Judy, is a hero beyond measure. She is better equipped than any of us to deal with life's circumstances, even more than my parents.
When they learned that Judy was "mentally retarded" and that she had Downs Syndrome, they began a life-long passion to improve the circumstances of not only their daughter, but all others in that situation. My parents were forerunners in the field, so to speak. My mom was an avid parent advocate and mentor to so many other parents who found themselves with a disabled child; my father gave his time, money, expertise, and soul to improving the centers where Judy went to school, work, and play. As parents, of course they wanted the best for their children in all ways, but Judy was/is special in more ways than I can count.
Together, my parents spoke, attended, gave, debated, founded, purchased, drove, donated, fretted, loved whatever they could for or to causes on behalf of the educationally, mentally and physically challenged - and as a result, they have been rewarded with a daughter who understands more and better what is happening in her world. Judy is better equipped than all of us to deal with our mother's Alzheimer's. Judy has been surrounded by people all her life whose disabilities are greater than her own. Judy has never felt disabled - because she isn't. She may not be able to drive a car or pay her own bills, but she understands the human spirit better than all of us.
I love them all more than I can say. My Judy, my Mom, my Dad - they are my reason for living. They give me strength beyond measure. They make me want to be a better person. What better reasons to idolize them and call them heroes?
When they learned that Judy was "mentally retarded" and that she had Downs Syndrome, they began a life-long passion to improve the circumstances of not only their daughter, but all others in that situation. My parents were forerunners in the field, so to speak. My mom was an avid parent advocate and mentor to so many other parents who found themselves with a disabled child; my father gave his time, money, expertise, and soul to improving the centers where Judy went to school, work, and play. As parents, of course they wanted the best for their children in all ways, but Judy was/is special in more ways than I can count.
Together, my parents spoke, attended, gave, debated, founded, purchased, drove, donated, fretted, loved whatever they could for or to causes on behalf of the educationally, mentally and physically challenged - and as a result, they have been rewarded with a daughter who understands more and better what is happening in her world. Judy is better equipped than all of us to deal with our mother's Alzheimer's. Judy has been surrounded by people all her life whose disabilities are greater than her own. Judy has never felt disabled - because she isn't. She may not be able to drive a car or pay her own bills, but she understands the human spirit better than all of us.
I love them all more than I can say. My Judy, my Mom, my Dad - they are my reason for living. They give me strength beyond measure. They make me want to be a better person. What better reasons to idolize them and call them heroes?
Monday, April 16, 2012
Kind young people
First day back from Spring Break. Dreaded it since 2 am when I awoke the first time, at 3:30, at 4:30, 5:30, then 6:15 am when the alarm finally sounded - and finally arrived at school at my usual 8:07 am in ordinary teacher attire. I was already tired when I arrived at school this morning. But something was very different.
Several students walked in and said "you did something to your hair." I wondered is that a good thing or just an observation. "You look 20 years younger." OMG. They made my day. One kid after another walked in to my room and made a comment about my appearance today.
The grey was gone. I have new glasses that sparkle in the light. I have a cute haircut (had that before break but nobody really noticed before the hair color job that I did myself the first day of vacation). So, it was an uplifting sort of day, considering how I was dreading it before I actually got here.
Then, instead of having to teach my English classes today, Sheryl Gibson - the best drama teacher on the planet - scheduled today as "preview day" for the musical. What was she thinking creating that kind of work for herself on the first day back from vacation? But it was good - actually, as the day went on, it was great. Considering the kids have been working on the show for three months, but had a week off (with only two rehearsals to prepare for their peers today), it was darn good! What a gift to the whole school. Loved it.
And the newspaper kids stepped it up today and got cracking on their 4th edition of the paper; yearbook kids realized 42 days, 30 for seniors, and we'll be done for the year.
So yep. Dread turned out okay. Better than okay. I just might be able to pull this year off with some positive vibes before it's all said and done, and that, my cyber friends, is a really good thing.
Several students walked in and said "you did something to your hair." I wondered is that a good thing or just an observation. "You look 20 years younger." OMG. They made my day. One kid after another walked in to my room and made a comment about my appearance today.
The grey was gone. I have new glasses that sparkle in the light. I have a cute haircut (had that before break but nobody really noticed before the hair color job that I did myself the first day of vacation). So, it was an uplifting sort of day, considering how I was dreading it before I actually got here.
Then, instead of having to teach my English classes today, Sheryl Gibson - the best drama teacher on the planet - scheduled today as "preview day" for the musical. What was she thinking creating that kind of work for herself on the first day back from vacation? But it was good - actually, as the day went on, it was great. Considering the kids have been working on the show for three months, but had a week off (with only two rehearsals to prepare for their peers today), it was darn good! What a gift to the whole school. Loved it.
And the newspaper kids stepped it up today and got cracking on their 4th edition of the paper; yearbook kids realized 42 days, 30 for seniors, and we'll be done for the year.
So yep. Dread turned out okay. Better than okay. I just might be able to pull this year off with some positive vibes before it's all said and done, and that, my cyber friends, is a really good thing.
Saturday, April 14, 2012
Countdown... one more day
One more day of freedom from burdensome thoughts. One more day of life as a sister, daughter, mommy of three pets, homeowner, gardener, cook, shopper, housekeeper, attic organizer, garage assembly person, toilet scrubber, fridge manager, trash putter outer. Yep.
Almost time to put on the teacher hat again - and figure out how to make the next nine weeks special for 147 young people. Make that 1676 young people, their parents, the faculty - a school awaiting an anniversary edition of the yearbook and two more issues of the newspaper. And grades. For the 3rd nine weeks, the 4th nine weeks, the semester and year. And 37 Quill and Scroll-eligible young people and their parents. Gifts and awards. Lesson plans and days of upside down schedules.
Too much to do.
Almost time to put on the teacher hat again - and figure out how to make the next nine weeks special for 147 young people. Make that 1676 young people, their parents, the faculty - a school awaiting an anniversary edition of the yearbook and two more issues of the newspaper. And grades. For the 3rd nine weeks, the 4th nine weeks, the semester and year. And 37 Quill and Scroll-eligible young people and their parents. Gifts and awards. Lesson plans and days of upside down schedules.
Too much to do.
Friday, April 13, 2012
Spring Break 2012
Whoa. Almost over. Bummer. Not as productive as I would have preferred, but very relaxing, just the same. I've been trying to find my "center" again, but I don't know that it will ever be the same as it once was.
I think I'm coming to the realization that my parents have been my center all of my life, and now that Mom is declining and Dad is lonely, I have to find a new "center" - the place where I go in my mind to find peace and motivation.
These two things are must-haves in my world, and they are eluding me this year. Just when I think I've found the place, I can't seem to stay there long enough to accomplish my goals. Oh, I am still making the lists - just not checking them off as fast as I would like.
One day, maybe, I can reconnect, but for now, it's just brief moments of energy. Otherwise, it's mostly sadness for my parents, whose lives have been so full of giving and now there's not much left.
I think I'm coming to the realization that my parents have been my center all of my life, and now that Mom is declining and Dad is lonely, I have to find a new "center" - the place where I go in my mind to find peace and motivation.
These two things are must-haves in my world, and they are eluding me this year. Just when I think I've found the place, I can't seem to stay there long enough to accomplish my goals. Oh, I am still making the lists - just not checking them off as fast as I would like.
One day, maybe, I can reconnect, but for now, it's just brief moments of energy. Otherwise, it's mostly sadness for my parents, whose lives have been so full of giving and now there's not much left.
Sunday, January 1, 2012
Happy New Year - 2012
"Another one bites the dust." 2011 wasn't such a great year for me or my family. Too much illness, too much change, too much aging.
I'm hoping that 2012 will be a better year for all of us. It is an absolutely - and unusually - beautiful day for January 1. Sun is shining, a wee breeze, and supposed to get up to the 60s again today, as it has been for most of this winter break. Two weeks of down time from school stuff, my very appreciative dad and sister well fed and well stocked for a few weeks have been so worth the time I spent in Newport News this Christmas.
I won't be making any New Year's resolutions this year - again. "Survive" seems to be working for me. But I sure would like to spend more time with friends and doing things around my house. Maybe I can do just ONE thing each day to improve my world each day. Not just the mandatory chores like taking out the trash, doing yard work or eating, but sorting through one pile of papers, cleaning off one surface ... like getting control of all of this stuff. That would really be something to get a handle on it all.
I'd like to spend less time dreading tasks and more time enjoying them and feeling like I've accomplished something at the end of the day.
Who am I kidding? These are resolutions - and I guess I've just made some. And to that end, I will do more, be more, and live more. Sounds like a plan!
I'm hoping that 2012 will be a better year for all of us. It is an absolutely - and unusually - beautiful day for January 1. Sun is shining, a wee breeze, and supposed to get up to the 60s again today, as it has been for most of this winter break. Two weeks of down time from school stuff, my very appreciative dad and sister well fed and well stocked for a few weeks have been so worth the time I spent in Newport News this Christmas.
I won't be making any New Year's resolutions this year - again. "Survive" seems to be working for me. But I sure would like to spend more time with friends and doing things around my house. Maybe I can do just ONE thing each day to improve my world each day. Not just the mandatory chores like taking out the trash, doing yard work or eating, but sorting through one pile of papers, cleaning off one surface ... like getting control of all of this stuff. That would really be something to get a handle on it all.
I'd like to spend less time dreading tasks and more time enjoying them and feeling like I've accomplished something at the end of the day.
Who am I kidding? These are resolutions - and I guess I've just made some. And to that end, I will do more, be more, and live more. Sounds like a plan!
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