Don't Sweat the Small Stuff - ProTeacher Community

Don't Sweat the Small Stuff

One of my personal faults is not being able to release or let go of the “small stuff.” But one of the daily delights I have is discovering the minute snapshot in life that makes me smile. It’s a balancing act to release the minor irritants, but still pay attention to the moments that give me pleasure. “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff” will allow me to let go of the negative experiences in life and share the pleasure of that small moment that brings a smile to my face.

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	Long time, no blog! by: Combow, 11-01-2009 Seven weeks into the school year and I think I haven't caught my breath yet. I don't know where I found time to teach when I had a husband and 3 sons in this house. They are all gone and I still don't have a spare minute. I had the opportunity to go to a professional development this week that was amazing and sparked several dendrites in this overwhelmed brain. It reminded me how much better of a teacher I was when I made the time to cruise PT and glean ideas from others. I've spent the last few nights cruising around and getting re-acquainted. There's a few changes, some of which I have yet to figure out, but it's still a great site. There's a few new names, but some of the regulars from years past remain. An update with me~ my divorce is final. I'm happy. One less appointment (with my attorney) to take time away from my week. My youngest son left 2 weeks ago for basic school as a Marine officer. Following 6 months of this training he has 2 years of flight school. I'm praying and crossing my fingers that by some miracle there will be peace in the world before he actively gets involved. My middle son just took me shopping with him to help pick out the diamond engagement ring for his girlfriend; he asks for her parents' blessing tomorrow and then pops THE question in 2 weeks when they travel to one of their favorite "up north" spots in our state. He just stopped by today to drop off enough money for me to take her to get a pedicure and manicure (and myself) following the propsal so that she can have beautiful hands to show it off. My oldest son and his wife are still not providing grandchildren. You would think 3 years married would be long enough. I'm growing impatient. I have a great group of 21 students in my 4th grade classroom. I'm busy with a district curriculum project, teacher leadership academy, and a state formative assessment project. (Hence, not being able to catch my breath! ) You would think that in my 25th year of teaching that I would know what I'm doing, but classrooms are not the same today as they were when I first started. (Thank goodness!) Since my divorce I don't seem to sweat the small stuff anymore. I seem much happier and more content. My career and my sons are my life. I have so much to smile about! Today's smile: Halloween night~ Put on silly scarecrow costume that I wore at yesterday's classroom party, raked leaves from my front yard, and passed candy out to all of the neighborhood trick-or-treaters! What a delightful way to multi-task! 1 Comments
	Focus! by: Combow, 07-19-2009 Not one of my strengths, but a necessary piece in my life at this point. This past week at the seminar was very overwhelming, only because of the amount of work our district has ahead of it. The potential of the growth is exhilarating! I am ashamed to say that our district does not have a curriculum. It has been the elephant in the room that everyone has been frightened to mention; in spite of the fact it was so obvious. Our state grade level expectations are not our curriculum, neither are our textbooks. Nothing across the district or even across the classrooms within a building has been consistent. An educational experience for each student has been a lottery. No wonder our state test scores have been so poor. No wonder our secondary teachers complain about the lack of knowledge that the students are coming to them with. But, with this new 3 year commitment we will be able to remedy this problem! It will take a financial commitment from our district, a time commitment from the staff, a paradigm shift for many, and a missing piece of accountability to finally move our district forward. I am curious how many other districts are also struggling with a lack of focused curriculum. How many of you are satisfied with your curriculum? What are the missing components? What are the strengths of your curriculum? Please share your opinions of your curriculums with me. Focus is necessary in all aspects of my life right now. I am buried with the re-organization of my personal life with the prospect of the task of re-organizing my professional life. I must focus and take care of the home front so I can start the school year as clutter free at home. Unfortunately, the list is longer than the available days, but I will tackle it step by step. Smile for the day: It is an unusually cool summer day today, but at least the sun is out. I like cool! It is my ideal temperature. (I don't like sweating!) So my jobs for the day of working in the garden and mowing the lawn will be sweat-free! 1 Comments
	Focused Learning by: Combow, 07-14-2009 Currently I am attending a conference in North Carolina to help our district focus our curriculum, assessment, & accountability. Right now, I am attending a session on scaffolding with technology. Very interesting, but some of the information is not new to me so therefore I am off task writing this blog. I am fortunate that my principal asked me to attend this. I was amazed that he wanted me to attend an out of state conference. I am excited because this looks like an opportunity to finally focus our curriculum which has been so random for so many years. Unfortunately, a child's educational experience in our district has been a lottery. Depending on the building, teachers, and academic needs the experience is hit and miss. The focused curriculum is the most basic need we must develop. I realize the fact that we are missing such a critical piece displays how archaic things are in my district. My passion is assessment. It is difficult to have consistent assessment without a developed curriculum. This conference is a preview of the deeper involvement our district will step into in August. So far I am very excited about the possibilities. I do feel overwhelmed by the about of work that is ahead of us. Only time will tell is this whole process will bring our district out of the dark ages and into the 21st century. Wish us luck! My smile for the day: Today is a great day! The weather is warm and sunny! On the flip side, it makes it difficult to not play hookie! (sp) 0 Comments
	Independence Day! by: Combow, 07-05-2009 Yesterday was a great day of celebration! Independence Day! Picnics, parties, parades, fireworks all in honor of independence! I took the day to celebrate and reflect on my own independence. First off, my youngest son was commissioned as a 2nd Lt. in the Marines. It was a great moment of pride. It's amazing to see that little boy that came to me at 9 years of age completely dressed in the Marine uniform and taking that solemn oath. It was also bittersweet since his dad and I are going through a divorce, but the divorce does not negate the fact that I raised him and love him like he is my own. His older brother and my own son are successfully all on their own which frees me from custodial mothering, although I will always be their parent! The divorce has prompted me to sort and purge the household. It's a big undertaking since I have lived here 26 years- that's 26 years of collecting and practicing my habit of "I might be able to use this someday- somehow." It is my goal to touch every object in this house and sort into keep, sell, or toss piles. My garage sale is set for the end of July and I still have more objects to touch than have been touched. It is somewhat liberating to get rid of the years worth of accumulation, but it is difficult. The Teacher Leadership Academy project which just started and will continue for two years will transform my life, both personally and professionally. It is allowing me to take a hard look of my habits and re-develop them into more positive ones. It will be an excellent opportunity to develop as a more effective human being! Yesterday after the commissioning picnic, I went to my middle son's friend's house for another picnic. It was a mixture of 20-somethings and then our generation: parents of the 20 somethings, neighbors of the host, and family members of the host. I watched these 20 somethings all grow up. Their growth rate over the last 20 years has certainly been much quicker than our generation in the same span of years. The future is very hopeful if these are the young adults that will lead us into our twilight years. I finished the day with a walk in the park with my 2 dogs. It was dark and the neighborhood families were shooting off their fireworks to end the day of celebrations. It was a perfect ending to MY independence day, where people all over the United Sates had picnics, parades, and fireworks to celebrate my independence! 0 Comments
	Another learning adventure by: Combow, 06-22-2009 Today I am off for another learning adventure. I am part of a 2 year long teacher leadership academy. We have a 3 day retreat. I am excited about the possibilities. So far after completing the homework required of us I can see that this will be beneficial to all aspects of my life. I guess it's time to teach an old dog new tricks. 0 Comments
	Three Good Reasons for being a teacher... by: Combow, 06-18-2009 June, July, and August. Everyone of us have heard this old joke. And in some ways it's true, and in some ways it's wrong! June is half over. Today was my last day with students and officially the last day of work, but I have not finished in my classroom. I'll be done within the next few days. It was just impossible to finish up the last few days with this group of students, complete report cards, infused with a family crisis, and work in my garden that needs much attention at this time of year. It will take me until the end of the month to finish my planting, catch up on much neglected housework, pull together the paperwork that I need to do for my impending divorce, and catch my breath. I have been honored to be selected to be part of a special project for teacher leadership which started last night (Yes, the night before report cards! ) This is a 2 year project and we get to go on a 3 day retreat on June 22nd. I'll have a few more days left of June, but basically not enough to really call it a "good reason" to be a teacher. Already planned for July is a a week long training in North Carolina to help our district focus on learning. And in August I will be working on a curriculum project for a week, and attending two 2 day workshops on assessments. I imagine that the joke originally came from someone not in the educational world. They do not realize that many of us still do much work during the summer months. They do not realize that we need time away from our students so that we can love the new bunch all over again in the Fall. They do not realize that many of us spend hours cruising the PT site and gathering great ideas from our PT friends or reading professional books that will make us better teachers the following year. So I'll take June, July, and August to work at my own pace, and make my own schedule. I will sit for hours on the computer, some of which will be mindless game playing, but most will enhance my teaching. I will enjoy the celebration on July 4th when my youngest son gets pinned as an officer in the Marines. I will have a "Pack Rat Re-organization sale after sifting through all of the junk in my house. I will read- some of which will even be non- professional books. I will finalize my divorce. I will visit all of the doctors to take care of the annual visits that I save for every summer. I will walk long morning walks before it gets too warm. I will play in the dirt and feed my soul in my flower and vegetable garden. I will finish the room that I started redecorating over Spring Break. I will visit friends and family and even take one week vacation all by myself. I will catch my breath, and be very eager to get back to work in August. These three months are all mine! I guess they are three good reasons to be a teacher! 3 Comments
	All in a Day's work by: Combow, 06-12-2009 Up at 5:00 am, shower, coffee, computer games, await soon to be ex husband (not soon enough!) to arrive to pick up mail, get dressed, call husband, he's not coming, whatever, rush off to work. Caught by the parent that is needier for attention than daughter who needs at least 27 hugs every day, finally get to classroom to barely have time to settle in before bell rings. Reading comprehension quiz with highest score of 60%- I am sooo proud- Students have shut down and we still have 3 weeks to go. Rush around during plan hour trying to get everything accomplished but not enough time- who's crazy idea was it to paint the stencil of the US today? Of course I'll help, but it would have been nice to have some advance warning and not wear one of the nicest outfits I own. Why do they call it plan hour when I don't ever get around to planning? Hand back reading quizes and discuss the importance of using every minute of available time to cram 3 months worth of curriculum into weeks. Disciplining this group has sucked valuable learning time out of our school year. Lunch- Oh no- left packed lunch in fridge at home- run out and grab unhealthy but fast vanilla malt to tide me over. Sub walks into room as I am bringing students back to classroom after lunch - I didn't know I had an IEP today? ! Disicipline Jay for missing assignment, he talks back, then when asked to move his magnet on the behavior management chart- he replies with "I'll move the stupid magnet'- and throws it across the room. Pull simple plans together for the simple sub and run out to meeting. Mom ranting about "See I told you he was stupid and I don't get why you won't hold him back?" Could it possibly because he has been held back 2 years already and we're worried about his self esteem when she constantly browbeats him?! Come back to horrible sub report- can't they just fake good behavior for 45 minutes- finally get a chance to deal with Jay and his flying magnet. Math- fractions! They still don't know their multiplication facts! Computer lab to finish up research on states report, short recess, although it was raining by then so it was inside, plus what about the freshly painted map on the blacktop. Hope it's still there, know it's still on my shoes! Discipline Jordan now. It's hard to keep an evil eye on him while getting after a student who has taken it upon himself to shave one and one half of his eyebrows off. Trying to wrap up the day when Katie throws her two year old tantrum because someone looked at her wrong. Then the principal decides to get on PA and make that all important announcement about student council ice cream sale tomorrow at lunch- who cares?! Attempt to leave on time but get caught by principal who wasn't happy that I didn't send Jay home for throwing the magnet. Finally got home to face a letter from Ex's attorney that requests that I pull together every piece of paper that has enter this household during the years of our marriage. I should feel good about my organization system because he thinks that I am organized enough that I can pull this together in one week, while trying to wrap up the final three weeks of a 4th grade classroom. Then ex finally decided it was time to pick up his mail. Then it's time to grade, plan, eat, let's ee if I can find sleep? First I have to shut down this brain which is spinning from thsi ordinary day! All in a day's work. Smile for the day (actually smile for my life!) Friends- they are my free therapists that let me talk and process life! I am so blessed! 2 Comments
	Wanted: Time Machine by: Combow, 04-13-2009 Is it just me or has life accelerated to a point where it is hard to catch your breath? My list of things to do is longer than my day. My Mom says, "You just have to make the time to do..." My reply was, "Do you have a time machine I could borrow, because there are not enough hours in the day?!" I am not complaining. My life is brighter than it has been in a long time. I love my job, in spite of having a class that talks incessantly! There are some wonderful opportunities in the future for some great, positive things in our district. For once I am proud to be a teacher of our district. My new-found freedom in my personal life is exhilarating! My divorce is proceeding without a hitch (so far) and I am enjoying living alone for the very first time in my life. I am consumed by complete household re-organization. Currently things look worst than it ever, but there is a method to my madness. The Garage Sale is scheduled for the second weekend after we get out of school for the summer. At which point I will sell or give away every un-needed thing that is cluttering up my home. Plus it is Spring, which normally is VERY busy. End of the year stuff, plus new garden season. I love to play in the dirt. It feeds my soul. Last Fall I planned on re-configuring my flower beds so I moved stuff into temporary spots to get ready for my new plans. Little did I know that I would be re-configuring every aspect of my life. So, I am looking for that time machine. Smile for the Day: Celebrating Easter with my grown sons last night, and celebrating Easter with my best friends today! 2 Comments
	Enjoying the Ride! by: Combow, 02-20-2009 Week long Mid-winter break/ Have soooo much to do... clean, organize, paint extra room, lesson plan, entering class library into database, 2 1/2 days at work session working on state test, go into classroom one day ... too little time, huff! puff! Wise friend suggested "Take it easy. Enjoy the ride!" Long SIGH! Okay... I think I will! What a great suggestion!!! Clean & organize household: Eventually it will get done. It didn't get this way in a week and it won't get organized in a week. Plus middle son is finally moving from temporary housing into his apartment this weekend and will no longer need my garage and basement as a storage unit. I'll wait until all of his stuff is gone. Extra room: I thought I would slap some paint up, move some furniture in and be done, but... as projects usually go it has grown into a much bigger project. And I am having great fun planning each step and creating a space that will be an enjoyable work room with storage and space for me to sew and be creative filled with color and energy. Lesson plans & class library: Of course they will be done by Monday- But not today- I'm going to enjoy the ride! Work Session for state test: It was more enjoyable than I thought it would be. I guess I was jealous of my peers who traveled to exotic places while I volunteered to work for 2 days. It was stimulating to work with educators outside of my district. I learned some insight that I need to use in my classroom. (Not actually test items- more like strategies.) I met my old college roommate for dinner. We haven't spent an evening together in years! I got to spend 2 nights in a motel all by myself, went swimming, sat in the hot tub, and pretended I was in an exotic place. Plus my 2 hour ride home took me 7 hours because I took the back roads and stopped and shopped along the way. (I bought stuff for my new room. ) I was enjoying the ride both literally and figuratively! Classroom: It can wait until Monday! Today I will paint some more. Tomorrow I am taking a class at the local Home Depot on "How to re-finish wood floors." It will either talk me into tackling that or talk me out of it. We'll see! In the meantime- I'm just enjoying the ride! Today's smile is a quote I found online: "... open one's mind without filter and see the ordinary as extraordinary." WB4ALL 1 Comments
	Ewww-www! by: Combow, 02-11-2009 Whenever you say this word in my classroom of 4th graders they respond with "ewwww-www!" (Somehow making a one syllable word into two.) LOVE-ewww-www! At this time of the year when Valentine's Day is all around us in the commercialized world, combined with the fact that my husband moved out less than a month ago, making this two failed marriages, you can appreciate my need to question this word! What exactly is love? In trying to define love, I have thought about many of its synonyms. I adore my sons; I worship God; I care for my two dogs and all of my students (past & present); I am attracted to the idea of marriage; I am passionate about my students, learning, and being the best teacher I can be; I am devoted to my profession, my boys, and that light bulb moment;(Commercial Break: Time out for a brief moment of bragging: I have been nominated for Elementary Teacher of the Year at the ISD level. I am somewhat embarrassed, but proud to be acknowledged by the nomination. I will find out the results in May. I guess my passion and devotion are paying off!) I am partial to the underdog; I am fond of Lemon Meringue Pie; I have a thing about dishes and chaos; I have a weakness for a great deal; I enjoy my family, my friends, the changing of the four seasons in Michigan, and my career; I care about both of my former husbands. But I am not in love. Is there a difference between love and being in love? Smile for the Day I was cutting paper with the old paper cutter in the teachers' lounge. With every strike of the blade there was a familiar squeak. It took me awhile to place the sound. It took me back to my grandparents' home during my childhood. They had a brick well house at the back of the three acres they owned. On one end of the structure was a porch swing. The well house was covered in Wisteria, beautiful clumps of purple flowers. The swing would squeak every time my grandma and I would push off with our feet. It was one of my favorite spots to sit and talk with my grandma. It's amazing how sounds can take you back through time. 0 Comments
	Oreo Cookies by: Combow, 04-20-2009 Today I am proud to call myself an American. Watching the inauguration of our 44th president with a classroom of 4th graders today was uplifting. We celebrated the day with a rather symbolic treat of Oreo cookies and milk. The symbolism only came to me in hindsight as I sit here and polish off the final 6 with cold glass of milk. The cookies were actually leftover packages from our Christmas party. I had decided it would be a great opportunity to consume the leftover treats to celebrate. I dashed out during my plan hour to purchase the milk. We ate lunch, which normally takes place in the gym, in our classroom today so that we could be in front of the television during Obama's oath. As we ate our cookies we observed and discussed the different ways we all ate our cookies. It's amazing how a group of people eating the same kind of cookie, all have their own personal method. One student connected how eating Oreos is just like the diversity we have in our country. We're all different, but man we taste good! It does my teaching heart good when a 4th grader can take something so simple and yet connect deeper meaning to it. Tonight as I savored a cold glass of milk and dunked my Oreo cookies, I realized the color of the cookie. I realized without the black outside pieces and the creamy white filling, an Oreo cookie wouldn't taste as delicious. Aren't we lucky to live in this country where hope and change are in the horizon and we're all free to eat an Oreo cookie any way we want! 3 Comments
	Gratitude Attitude by: Combow, 01-19-2009 I could easily be negative about life while going through my transition but I refuse! Being positive and appreciative about life will paint a beautiful picture to store away in my memory bank. Friends: I am fortunate to have collected an eclectic group of friends, all who have been there for me. From my best friend in Texas, whom I talk with daily, to my best friend & soul mate gay male teacher (from another district) who arrived at my classroom door on my birthday with a dozen roses and the most beautiful card, (just my luck my soul mate is gay- but at least I have a soul mate!), to my dear friend and teaching partner that gave me a lemon meringue pie for my birthday because it is my favorite birthday treat and I haven't had one since my 18th birthday, to my neighbor who listens and advises me along this journey, to my good friend and decorating buddy who helps me brainstorm and dream the changes that I am going to make in my home, ... Kind colleagues: All who have been understanding throughout this situation. It has been difficult to be the teacher that I expect myself to be lately and I have received much support. Family: My parents have been extremely supportive throughout this whole ordeal. I am especially grateful for the fact that my mother hasn't said "I tried to warn you, but you wouldn't listen." They didn't appreciate the fact that my 2 stepsons and husband took time away from my only biological son. My middle son and biological son: He has just returned from finishing his Master's degree and has started his first "adult" job. He and his girlfriend live nearby. It has been a joy to watch them together and I hope that someday they will get married. They came over Sunday and fixed me a delicious homemade meal. I have never been treated like that! My 2 stepsons: who are struggling right now between showing feelings for me and showing their father allegiance. They know that this situation does not change the feelings I have for them and in time will be accepting of this separation. My 2 dogs: Jessie: 13 years old, mellow, and loyal. And Mo- 2 years old, full of life, thinks he's a lap dog at 90 lbs. My students: 27 very sweet 4th graders- very chatty but a good bunch of kids. I get to laugh, learn, and live right along side of them. My house: mortgaged for more that its worth, but it's a roof over my head and I'll just keep paying for it until it's actually mine. It's gone from having 5 people living here to now just me. Finally I get to spread out all of my junk and do what I want. Living in Michigan: I love the change of seasons! Even with the brutal cold we are experiencing currently, it just makes you appreciate every single season. I even love shoveling snow. A day off from work: the brutal cold has given us a "gift day" today. It's a day full of possibilities to catch up on things, and curl up with a book (and a huge lapdog) and read. And my PT friends: I appreciate having a spot to visit in the warmness of my home and share teaching ideas, and communicate, and the support that I have received from complete strangers. Life is GOOD! 5 Comments
	Re-birthday! by: Combow, 01-16-2009 January 13th is my re-birthday. I will be 50 years old. I am starting the second half of my life. In preparation for my better half of living I am unpacking some “baggage” I’ve collected in the first half. I am sorting it out, keeping what is worthwhile and disposing of unnecessary items both figuratively and literally. Husband will be moving out today to go find his “happiness”. It is for the best; this marriage has been quite a rollercoaster ride that I need to get off from. (Although his timing stinks!) This separation will either make us or break us, but whatever the outcome it is necessary. My 3 sons are all successfully out working on their own lives. For the first time in my life that I will be living independently. I’m frightened. I’m excited. (Oh, the possibilities….) I’ve always been a giver and collect people in my life who are takers. I am going to learn how to give to myself. Happy Re-birthday to me! Possibilities 6 Comments
	Olw by: Combow, 01-03-2009 One Little Word: I first came across this concept on a scrapbooking blog; one who believes in the power of words. It surfaced again on a blog about writing, then again here on PT in the form of new year's resolutions. As a logophile (a lover of words) I have taken days collecting possibilities of my new year's "one little word". Although I feel it's a misnomer to declare it "little", this one word choice must be powerful. It has to fit all aspects of my life. It must express my goal for the year. It is "the" word. Making the choice was a difficult one. There were many other strong contenders. For example, believe: a very positive word, with the concept of trust embedded. Due to recent circumstances in my life the most important thing I need to believe in is myself. Another one was change; A quote from Ghandi has spoken to me more than once this past year, "You must be the change you want to see in the world." I have many changes in my life which have opened up a whole new world to me. I now have the opportunity to structure my life just the way I want it. It is very scary and exciting at the same time. I must be cautious so that I don't repeat some similar mistakes I have made in the past. The other option was the word focus. I am an adult with ADHD, who is the queen of procrastination, who spends hours on PT, and a classroom of 27 4th grade students. Do I need to say more? My ultimate word choice was: resolution. It is a passionate commitment to resolve aspects of my life, with determination, steadfastness, tenacity, and thoroughness until I am satisfied and content. One little word: one huge impact in my life. Smile for the day! After reading about a great sale at Penney's from a poster on PT I went out shopping today. I have lost 40 pounds since the middle of July and am still wearing the same clothes. I put my jeans on this morning and decided that I deserved a new pair of jeans that fit. I came home with one pair of jeans, and 5 new tops all for the price of $47. And my jeans are 3 sizes smaller! You should have seen me dancing in the dressing room once I zipped them up! 1 Comments
	My life is like cleaning up after the dogs by: Combow, 01-01-2009 Today, in anticipation of an upcoming snowfall I was in the backyard cleaning up all of the piles of doggie doo-doo that 2 dogs leave behind when you haven't gotten around to it in a month. In the process of the chore I was being reflective and realized how symbolic the job was to my own life. After thirteen years with husband number two our marriage is coming to an end. It's been a rough year. When we married we blended our families. He brought 10 & 13 yo sons, and I supplied the 12 yo son. We both had gone through previous divorces so I vowed to show these boys how to work through a marriage and make it work. We raised all 3 boys. It wasn't easy, but I proudly say that I am the parent of 3 young men. And fortunately they call each other brothers and appreciate and love their step-parents. All 3 have bright futures ahead of them. The youngest just graduated with his bachelor's degree and is a Marine Reservist with a delightful fiance. He will be commissioned as an officer in July and starts flight school shortly thereafter. The middle son just completed his Master's in Geographic Information Systems and will start his new job in one week. (GIS is a relatively new field that combines the technology of GPS, map-making, and planning; my son dislikes his mother's elementary explanation of this degree- what can I say- I had never heard of it before 4 years ago.) He has a sweet girlfriend who has the same degree. Our oldest is married and has a house just blocks from us, and in spite of being the one who gave us the most gray hairs has turned into a fine young adult. We went through many bumps along the way. Many were in blending the families. Some were in raising 3 boys. Some were dealing with his back issues (4 surgeries in 7 years.) You would think that now that the boys are all out and on their own, that it would be time for us to enjoy life. I sometimes wonder if my husband will be able to ever be happy. Don't get me wrong we had happy times, but he never seemed to be satisfied with himself. Originally he jumped from job to job, tried to start his own business, then finally went after a lifetime dream of working in the medical field by getting his emt, then paramedic training. He is one year away from getting his bachelor's degree because it's something he always wanted. With this degree he will be able to teach paramedic courses, which will be ideal for him. During this time I also earned my educational specialist degree in administration. In addition to his constant back pain (not too conducive to his new career choice), he also suffers from Seasonal Affective Disorder. I've come to recognize the patterns and around November through March I try everything to help counteract the winter depressions. We have full spectrum lights. We spend lots of time outside and soak up any available rays of sun. And I patiently await Spring. There have been times that the marriage has been rocky because of this but he always comes around in the Spring. Well, night before Thanksgiving he announced that he is not happy. He knows that his unhappiness is affecting me as well so he is going to leave me and attempt to find happiness and if he fails, then at least he's not bring me down. At first I chalked it up to another one of his cycles. The past month has proven me wrong. Yesterday he found an apartment and will be moving out soon. I am a bit numb right now. I still love the man, but I can't make him be happy. I'm scared. I'm irritated that I am going down the divorce path AGAIN! I'm worried about handling my house expenses without his income. Because of his job hopping and depressions, and college expenses for the whole family we have accrued quite a big pile of debt. We haven't made the best of financial decisions. His answer is bankruptcy. I refuse to even entertain that as a possibility. I'll manage somehow. I've done it before. To top it all off, I will be turning 50 two weeks from today. Prior to this episode it was just another year to add to my age. Now- it's "Oh $#&* !" Today I decided that I need a whole new outlook on the situation so: In two weeks I will begin the second half of my life. I will be in control of my very own destiny. I will scoop all of the piles of doo-doo in my life, bag them up and throw them out. I was not able to keep my vow to show my sons how to make a marriage work, but I will show them how a person pulls them self through tough times. I will reorganize my life. I will celebrate the lives of my sons and their significant others. I will continue to enjoy my classroom and my students. I will let my husband find his own happiness (or not.) I will take care of me! It will be a clean fresh start! P.S. I will keep the 2 dogs. They like me better anyway. 8 Comments
	Earl, the Elf by: Combow, 12-19-2008 The letter started out with "Good news; I'm back! I have been assigned to your classroom again this year per Santa's reqest. He recognizes that you have been a great help in keeping him informed about the "naughty and nice" students. In recognition of your years of service, I am at your service again." I have to admit that I am the cause to some of the chaos in our classroom. I come up with silly ideas that stir up the student excitement. Did I really have to increase the stimulation at this time of the year? The idea actually started brewing from PT. Someone posted a link to a site that led me to another side that introduced me to the commercial version of "Elf on a Shelf" idea. I decided to be cheap and adapt the idea to my 4th grade classroom but use one of my garden gnomres that looks like an elf. Earl arrived in a big read package with a huge bow with his opening letter. "I will meet with you on a regular basis to compare notes and discuss the data that I will collect. This information will assist you when you compile the Annual Report for Santa. Enclosed you will find the preliminary report that has been compiled on each of the students. Some have once again made the good list so far, some are on the naught list, but they are not a lost cause yet. They still have time before Christmas. Lots of your students are on the limbo list- not good enough to have earned a spot on the good list, and not bad enough to be on the naughty list. I sure hope they make wise choices between now and Christmas to earn a spot on that good list." I know what you're thinking- 4th graders don't still believe in Santa, but I find that it's about 50-50. And the ones who claim they don't, still want to believe. Around Thanksgiving when the question first comes up whe have a discussion about "beliefs" and how because we are a public shool it is the law that we don't push our beliefs on each other, just respect and honor the differences. Plus, I still believe in Santa and I will ALWAYS believe! So Earl has been writing us letters daily. It was great while I was out for three days for professional development but still stopping by daily to gather information and drop off the letter. The guest teacher was amazed at how the students bought into the elf letters and really thought he was the one who was monitoring their behavior. The students have been writing individual letters to Earl. (We just finished a friendly letter unit, so this was a perfect continuation.) Earl writes them personal letters back withpersonal comments about successes and hints to do better. They run into the classroom to check their desks to see if they have a note and then they share it with the class. Earl's brother Elvis, came to visit the classroom Thursday night. Earl had warned us all about Elvis. He is full of the dickens and often creates problems. Thursday night he tore through the game cupboard looking for a game. We found all of our games dumped in the center of our classroom. "I am soooooooo SORRY! I told him to stop but he didn't listen. Elvis stopped by last night. I knew there would be trouble. He wanted to play some game and he was sure you had it. PLINKO? He seen it on the TV show The Price is Right. He just kept pulling all the games out and throwing them all over the place I told him to stop. At one point there were game pieces and cards and boards flying throught the air and I had to hide under the desks for my own saftety. I did pick it up a little bit. At least now the game stuff is centrally located. Just leave the mess and I'll get to it this weekend. But it's going to be very difficult (because of my short, little legs and arms) but I'll manage somehow. After all he is my brother. Hey, any of you want a brother? I won't even charge you! He's free! Just let me know!" My sweet students decided to help poor Earl out and sort all of the mess and put it away. While we did this we repaired boxes, got rid of the old games, and organized the game cupboard. It is all ready for the new games that will arrive after Christmas with the annual $30 gift that the PTA gives to each classroom to buy inside recess games. Elvis' shenanigans helped me do something I needed to do. How advantageous! Earl travels around the classroom and tries to find hiding spots that give him the best vantage points to watch the kids, usually it's his red pointy hat that gives him away. At night he plays checkers with Gned, our classroom guard gnome, or reads books that the sudents have recommended to him in their letters. This weekend he's even coming over on Sunday to have dinner with my husband and me. He likes my husband; they talk about nature and the outdoors. Even though it has created some additional excitement in the classroom, it definitely has put a smile in me. I can't expose the giggles and smiles that I have about observing my students buy into Earl, the elf. Plus, I am a believer! Smiles: My students, my sanctuary, my life, my passion! I am blessed to be in the classroom with my kids! My personal life is in total upheaval right now. It is wonderful to throw myself into teaching to escaped the reality of my home life. With them I get to laugh, love, learn, live, and smile! 2 Comments
	Simplicity, Patience, Compassion by: Combow, 11-29-2008 "I have just three things to teach: simplicity, patience, compassion. These three are your greatest treasures. Simple in actions and in thoughts, you return to the source of being. Patient with both friends and enemies, you accord with the way things are. Compassionate toward yourself, you reconcile all beings in the world." Lao-Tzu Tao Te Ching No. 67 Translation by S. Mitchell I came upon this while doing some web searching for a totally different concept. I was first drawn to it because I feel it describes my teaching partner and friend perfectly. She is the one I turn to when I need balance in my life. She is simplicity; I am fragments, flitting from one tangent to another, creating more work and responsibilities, and complications, all of which ignite more fragments, tangents, work, responsibilities, and complications, ... She is seeking her source of being; I am just more confused. She is my patient, “Kumbaya” friend; I am not even patient with myself, let alone others. She has harmony; I create my own disharmony. She epitomizes compassion for all living creatures; I am compassionate with my students, but that is where it ends. I definitely do not have compassion for my own self. I am very hard on myself! She unites all who are around her; I am too independent to unify. Above and beyond all of the educational standards, Simplicity, patience, and compassion are THE greatest treasures in life. Isn’t that what I would want for my own children, for all children? How can I teach it when I don’t even have it? First, I have to teach it to myself. Smile for the day: Finding the time to ponder and reflect on the big things; life has been filled with "the small stuff." Today was wonderful! Pajamas until noon, breakfast with son and his girlfriend, husband at work, house and computer all to myself, and then a visit with a friend, topped off with a turkey sandwich made from leftovers. 0 Comments
	Simplicity, patience, compassion by: Combow, 11-29-2008 Another duplicate- How do I keep doing this? It has to do when I edit it.? 0 Comments
	23 year veteran teacher Still don’t know what by: Combow, 11-02-2008 Two months into the school year and it’s time to reflect. Report cards go home in a week, with Parent-Teacher conferences following. What am I doing that is working? What’s not working? What do I need to focus on? What do I have to let go of? How do I pull it all together? You would think after 20 some years of teaching I would figure it out?! What is working? I know this group of students better than I have ever known a group. And it’s only November. I credit it to Reading and Writing workshop. And spending time with pre-assessment. It’s very time consuming but worth it. What is not working? I have spent so much time on Reading and Writing that Science and Social Studies has suffered. It didn’t help that we got brand new Social Studies and Science curriculums while I was implementing workshop for the first time. I have gathered so few grades in Science and Social Studies that I am embarrassed to put a grade on the card. I’m contemplating not putting one. As a parent I would question if a teacher placed a grade for those two subjects considering how little my child spent studying those subjects. Also, I am three weeks behind in grading papers and here I sit writing out a blog. My excuses are the silly MEAP test, I threw my back out, and I hate grading papers. I am disappointed that the class website that I spent hours on this summer is not being used. I have only about 5 (out of 27) parents who even shared their email addresses with me to forward updates to them. I haven’t posted anything new in the last 3 weeks and no one commented on the lack of updates. (I figure if I don’t have papers graded then I don’t have time for the website.) Focus: This week it will be grades, report cards, and getting ready for P-T conferences. Then I have to focus on Science and Social Studies. Focusing is not one of my strengths. “Hello, my name is Combow and I am an Adult with ADHD!” I get distracted VERY easily. (PT feeds into my habit!) What can I let go of? It’s not a matter of letting go; it’s a matter of FOCUS! I must not follow my distractions. I must somehow get tunnel vision (like my DH) and accomplish one thing at a time. Do they sell “Blinders” for people like me? How do I pull it all together? I think the better question is- Will I ever pull it all together? Smile for the day: The time change: Fall Back- an extra hour- sigh- now the big question is- Do I spend it being focused or being distracted? 3 Comments
	Working harder and its hardly working! by: Combow, 10-12-2008 This isn’t a complaining blog, it’s just my opportunity to release to peers who can empathize. I have never put so much work into my classroom, attempting to keep it clean and organized, lesson plans that balance grade level content expectations with different learning styles with different learning levels, paying attention to students’ interests, plus making learning “real” and authentic, AND tuning into the emotional needs of my kids. Throw into the day administrative demands, “I need this survey, and I need it yesterday!” PLUS the parents- “Susie didn’t get that assignment you gave everyone else.” Susie didn’t like her lunch choice so she didn’t eat.” “Susie didn’t tell you she was mad about not getting recess so she brought her anger home and I had to deal with it all night long.” (This was all from only one of my parents, all phone calls to my cell phone- she got the number from another parent- and all on one day!) I have parents who think nothing of signing a signature on homework that reveals that the students have read 0 minutes of the 100 required minutes of At-Home reading! I have many more parent stories, but probably just the same as you have in your classrooms. Even though I teach 4th grade I am teaching one student how to tie his shoes. I really thought those cool star shoelaces that I paid $2.50 would encourage him to work on it. Probably should have waited to give them to him until he actually learned how to tie the shoes. They lasted 20 hours. They came back the next day shredded. Something about a skateboard wheel and the shoelace? I feel like I’m putting more work into these students than anyone else-the students themselves, the parents, everyone! This week I came home on Wednesday, exhausted, laid down for a nap and slept from 4:30- 3:30am. I did get up to change into my pajamas, but nothing else. Don’t get me wrong- I love my students and teaching. Fortunately, I am in a time in my life where my family is grown and out of the household, and my husband is taking classes and consumed with that so being this busy is filling a void, but I want to see a pay-off with my students. I am not a very patient person. I want to see the pay-off NOW! Time will tell! Smile for the day- Proteacher! It is wonderful to have a place to share and learn from friends. 3 Comments
	Working harder and it’s hardly working! by: Combow, 10-10-2008 Duplicate posting on my blog- I went to advanced editing the first time, this is the second time this has done this to me. I bet I'm doing something wrong. 0 Comments
	Workshop: A new journey for me by: Combow, 09-23-2008 It’s been a long time since I have last blogged. This new school year has kept me very busy! I am attempting to implement Reading and Writing Workshop in our classroom. Even though I have read about it for years, this is the first year that I am using it in the classroom. I have one other teacher taking the workshop journey with me in my building and we the minority in our district. I know this is the right way to go, but it hasn’t been easy. I am trying to take it slow and get to know my students. I am trying to slowly teach routines and expectations. I do have to admit that one night this week I called my workshop partner and told her that I am going to quit workshop and pull out the stupid basals to use. It was easier. But I know in my heart it wasn’t effective for most of my students. It was only effective with that small percentage of students that succeed in spite of us teachers. I am thankful that my friend listened to me, reasoned with me and got me back on the right path. It doesn’t help that my class of 27 4th graders have very poor listening skills. They take transition times and stretch the few minutes out to 10-15 minutes. It takes many reminders, re-directions, evil glances, minutes off recess, until we can move on. It doesn’t help that I live in a state that feels our annual test should be in October. I am trying to balance establishing rapport and routines with review and test taking strategies. I know that Reading & Writing Workshop is the best way for me to reach and teach my students. I know that this is going to be a difficult year for a “mature” teacher. I am blessed with my teaching partner who is taking on this adventure with me! I am also excited about watching my kids take this journey with me! Today’s smile came to me tonight while I was mowing the lawn. It is a beautiful fall day. I haven’t had much opportunity to be outside and enjoy it. It was invigorating to push the mower around and soak up the crisp evening air with my dog one step behind me following me while I cut the lawn. Fall is definitely my favorite season. 5 Comments
	I see a pattern! by: Combow, 09-02-2008 It’s been 3 weeks since I last posted on my blog. I have been sooooooooo busy these last few weeks of the summer. Today is officially the first day back to work, with the students starting in two days. I have been in my classroom organizing 23 years of acquired stuff. It’s amazing how much of it is junk! I have thrown out 9 garbage cans of stuff, plus filled the teacher’s lounge full of “one teacher’s trash is another teacher’s treasure”-free to a good home stuff. It has been interesting sorting through my teaching history. I am proud to say that I have grown over the years. Some of the stupid workbooks filled with worksheets have been passed on because they do not fill a need in my workshop classroom. I am no where near ready for the students. Will I ever be completely ready? I have attempted my very first website. It has been far more effort than I anticipated, especially for this “mature” teacher who has had to teach herself step by step along the way. My son gave me a compliment, at least I think it’s a compliment, “Mom, I’m impressed with your website, especially since you really don’t know anything about computers.” My website is ready for the start of the year but I still have more to do. Will it ever really be finished? I am still working on my literacy curriculum. I am bound and determined to follow my heart and embrace the workshop format even though my district is stuck in the 70’s with basal readers. It’s a lonely path to take but it’s the right path. Literacy is on its way but it will take a full year of trial and error while I merge all of this researching I have done into “my” curriculum that fits my teaching style. Plus I still have Math, Science, Social Studies… I see a pattern here! Even though as teachers we have the luxury of packing up and ending a school year in the Spring and starting fresh every Fall we are never really finished. We are constantly evolving into the best teacher we could possibly be. Talk about the ultimate model of a life-long learner for our own students! My smile of the day isn’t really a moment but that feeling of rebirth that I feel with every new school year. I love the chaos of starting a new year, and the promise of a whole new bunch of students! It’s going to be a great year!! 0 Comments
	Inchworm, Inchworm by: Combow, 08-12-2008 Today’s smile of the day came to me during our morning walk. I was a few houses away from my own house when we spotted an inchworm making his way across the sidewalk. It was amazing to see the worm shuffle his body across the concrete with his little legs. It reminded me that this little inchworm and I had a lot in common. ♫ “Inchworm, inchworm” ♪ It’s been almost two weeks since I blogged. I attempted to stay away from PT for a whole week, hoping to spend the time synthesizing all of the ideas popping around my head in regards to RW and WW. I found myself at the computer wanting to hit my favorites spot to go to that familiar place to gather more ideas. (I have to admit I looked at it a few times in the beginning- I couldn’t help myself!) “Measuring the marigold” ♫ Since I was at the computer looking at my favorites that I had bookmarked, I decided to re-organize it. For a year now I have bookmarked, and bookmarked, and bookmarked. Sometimes with thought of placement, but more often just randomly placing them. It took me 5 days to clean it up, plus clean up my saved files. “You and your arithmetic”♫ ♪“You'll probably go far” Then I organized all of the paper copies I have made this summer into subject piles. Then I concentrated on the Reading stuff, and then the Writing stuff. I have begun to sort out my Reading/ Writing routines and curriculum. It was then that I allowed myself back on PT and came across Bookmuncher’s blog, which reinforced my thought process but added more popping noises in my brain. I have stepped away from that for a while because I need to ponder about it a bit more. ♫ “Inchworm, inchworm” “Measuring the marigold” ♪ I then moved on to setting up my classroom website. Quite an undertaking for a digital immigrant like my self! I have two pages done, and the skeleton of the rest. I would love to have one with all of the bells & whistles, but I have to remind myself that starting out simple, but complete is the best way. In time it will develop into one of those fancy, schmancy ones these young digital natives are developing. ♫♫“Seems to me you'd stop and see” I have three more weeks left of my summer. In the next three weeks I have to cram finishing the Literacy curriculum, Math, Science, Social Studies, and my website. I have yet to set up my classroom. Plus go visit my parents and do some of the many things on my household list that never got even started because I spent way too much time on PT. (Did I mention I’m babysitting my friend’s daughter for 5 days too??) “How beautiful they are.” ♪ Sigh!!!!!!! 1 Comments
	Inchworm, Inchworm by: Combow, 08-11-2008 deleted because it was a duplicate entry 0 Comments
	Help! Pop! Pop! Pop! by: Combow, 07-27-2008 How do I take all of the great ideas I have gathered this summer and merge them into a system that works for me? I have collected ideas from Lucy Calkins, The sisters, Franki Sibberson & Karen Szymusiak, Frank Serafini, Debbie Diller, and the Experts from PT through professional reading and internet cruising. Plus, I want to combine this summer’s gathering of information with the Differentiated Instruction and 6 Traits that I focused on last year. My brain feels like a popcorn popper. It simmers for a while, then pop- “Oh, look at that great idea.” It simmers some more. POP! Another great kernel of information! POP! I could do that! POP! That would fill a huge void in my teaching! POP! That would help me…POP! Wow!...POP! POP! POP! POP! POP! Until I find myself with an abundance of information and no way to incorporate in all into the 6 hours I have will my little darlings. I have to take the time to assimilate the ideas into my teaching. Here’s the overwhelming part- I have only been focusing on Reading and Writing. I still want to look at Math, Science, and Social Studies. So… this is what I am going to do… Drastic measures- I hope I can do this… But I am weak…. I really don’t have much of a choice, POP! Oh %#$ another great idea just popped into my head- But what if I miss some great ideas?! POP!POP! POP! I’ve got to do this before it gets any further out of control!!!!!! I am going to step away from PT for one whole week. I know a bold step from someone who is so obsessed with this site. “Hello, my name is Combow and I am a PT addict!” The hours I usually spend at PT will be spent blending all of the amazing ideas that are popping around in my head. Wish me luck and see you in a week! Smile for the day: My teaching partner and friend- Margaret! In the midst of writing this blog, the phone rang and it was her. As I described my blog- she exclaimed, “OMG! I am spending today sorting out everything and figuring out exactly what I am going to do!” I am blessed to have Margaret in my life! Even though we are opposites, our teaching styles parallel: we make a great ying/yang team. 5 Comments*
	Living in the real world vs. my ideal world by: Combow, 07-20-2008 In my mind I live in the ideal world. I often call it “The Land of Good Intentions.” It’s the world where all of the grandiose ideas brew. Many of my professional ideas started from the great minds and ideas of other PT members. Read this book, make this bulletin board, organize this way, implement the curriculum in this fashion, and bookmark this great website. I take the ideas and mull them over, tweak them, start to develop them to work in my classroom, until another great idea catches my attention. I then move on. I have a whole collection of great semi-developed ideas in my ideal world. It’s even worse during the summer because I have more time to dream of implementing All of these great ideas. But… I don’t move them into the real world. I lack follow thru! Sometimes the Real world interferes with these ideas. It doesn’t make room for them. Other “real” issues pop up and force me to put these ideas on the back burner. My “to do” list is longer than my available hours. Added to my list of ideal professional ideas, I also have a list of ideal household ideas, and a list of personal dreams. Plus add to the mix, I am the “Queen” of procrastination. Plus, I don’t know how to do anything small. I take a simple idea and develop it to the nth degree, never quite finishing it. There is no way that I can succeed without bringing my ideal world and real world together. At times, I feel somewhat paralyzed by my thinking/planning style. Somehow I have to find a happy medium. How? Where do I start? I’m feeling a bit panicked because my summer is half over and I really haven’t accomplished much. I’ve read some great professional books, spent way too much time on the computer cruising the PT site, and started a few household projects. I have been sick for the last few days, a good old fashioned summer cold. I've had too much time to think, and not enough energy to do anything! I have to find a way to merge my ideal world and the real world. Can “The Land of Good Intentions” become my reality? My smile of the day came to me when I woke up. I think I am going to feel better today. I am not quite as stuffed up and achy. Maybe I might even get out of the house for a minor excursion to the mall. 2 Comments
	I have returned by: Combow, 07-17-2008 I have returned from my “best friend birthday adventure” in Texas! They were the fastest, most jam-packed, eight days of my life. My friend and I talked non-stop. I got to explore Houston, San Antonio, and Galveston. Even though I had a great time, it is great to be home here in Michigan. Back to reality- laundry, dried up vegetable and flower gardens (DH was “supposed” to water them! ), housework, completing my summer goals of house projects, and serious planning for the new school year. I missed my addictive habit of PT so between my naps, I’ve been on the computer. My reality awaits me, haunts me, nags at me to get started and still I put it off. (I am the Queen of Procrastination! That's a whole other blog, maybe I'll get to it some day!) When I first opened the door of my house, I was greeted by my dog, Mo, who came rushing at me. He jumped up on me, sniffed every square inch and stayed at my side as I unpacked my bags. He woke me up from my afternoon nap by licking my face. The 75 pound dog thinks he is a lap dog and crawls up to cuddle. You just have to love that unconditional love you get from a dog. 0 Comments
	Thunderstorms and best friends by: Combow, 07-07-2008 Once upon a time many, many, many years ago a young me traveled nine hours away from home to complete the last two years of her college experience. She was in one of her favorite places of the world, the Upper Peninsula of Michigan and she finally decided what she wanted to be when she grew up. Northern Michigan University was going to be the place where she finally completed her educational journey so that she could become a Speech Therapist. She knew no one. She did a short stretch with one room mate, but that didn’t quite work out. (The original room mate desired a single room to entertain possible male prospects for future husbands.) She was alone in her room sitting out a thunderstorm that was brewing outside. The storm was getting worse by the minute. All of a sudden there was a knock at the door. Standing there was the girl from next door that she only recognized by sight. “I was wondering if I could sit with you; I’m terribly frightened of thunderstorms and I don’t want to be alone.” They talked for hours, well past the storm. By the end of the conversation, they decided to be room mates. That thunderstorm started my best friendship. Fast forward many years, many miles, many hours on the telephone, many life experiences shared and you have arrived at this summer. This is the summer between our 50th birthdays. The original plan was to meet in Kentucky or Tennessee (somewhere halfway between Houston and Michigan) and spend a week alone, just two best friends, but life interrupted that plan. I leave on Wednesday for Plan B. I will be travelling to Houston to spend a week with my best friend at her home. We are like those giddy college girls again, so excited about spending days together. I hope her husband and two daughters know what they are going to have to put up with. I have always loved thunderstorms. I love to watch the intensity build, the flashes of unpredicted light, the booms of thunder, and the gentle rain that follows. I love the comfort of being inside a safe haven of my home to watch the unfolding storm. I love the fact that it was a thunderstorm that gave me my best friend. Today's smile blessed me on the way to my neighbor's house for our morning walk. Just shy of her house I crossed paths with a neighborhood squirrel as he scurried up a tree. He was a very friendly squirrel and sat in the crook of the tree chatting with me. His name was "Scratch." (It must have been because that is what he did when I asked him his name.) He tilted his head back and forth, scratched at that itch and chitchatted with me. I was only about three feet away from him standing at the foot of the tree, checking him out when I heard my neighbor say “What are you doing?” I left Scratch to go on with his daily business. 1 Comments
	What made you smile today? by: Combow, 07-06-2008 I have learned many valuable lessons through the wisdom of all of the PT members since I first discovered this wonderful site a year ago. I have learned how to become a better teacher, and a better person. I have received support from my peers. It takes a teacher to understand the complicated, educational world. At times, I curse this site because it is a “productive” form of procrastination which diverts my attention from other responsibilities, but the benefits are immeasurable. I am so excited about having the opportunity to blog. I just hope that I am capable of doing it justice. I have been impressed with the writing talents and the eloquent words of the other bloggers. Writing doesn’t come easy for me. I struggle with it and therefore, I also struggle with teaching Writing. One of my goals of the summer is becoming a better writer, so I can become a better teacher. So be patient with me, as I put my thoughts into written form. I also have a difficult time in releasing the minor details in life that bother me. I feel so much better when I release them, and let them go. I am hoping that blogging will be somewhat cathartic for me. Once again, I ask for your patience. Last fall, a second grade teacher in my building posted these words out in the hall, “What made you smile today?” At that point, I made it a personal daily mission to take notice of the little things that made me smile. Then when I’m having a difficult moment, I go back and re-visit my smile. I’ve often thought that I should keep a journal recording those moments. I am going to use this blog as a smile journal. One final time, I request your patience. This blog will allow me to both release and smile. I will share moments about my life. Since teaching is such a significant part of my life it will include moments in my classroom. But teaching is not my only life, family and my friends will also be included. Today’s smile happened on my way to the Physical Therapist’s. (Definitely not one of my favorite things to do!) It has been raining excessively here in Michigan this season. I was driving through a scenic stretch of road that winds through the parkway right next to a river. The surroundings are one of those picture perfect views. The plants are thriving with all of the rain. The sun was shining, the skies were blue. It was glorious. The river is so high that it had flooded over the cemented bike trail almost to the shoulder of the road. I spotted two boys around the age of 11 or 12, who had ridden their bikes along the bike trail until they found the water’s edge. My mind immediately went to my childhood and imagined what I would have done in that situation. Out with a friend, exploring the park on a glorious summer day, of course, you have to play in the water. One of the boys was in the process of dumping the water out of his shoe. Can you imagine the interaction between parent and child when he arrives at home later? Oh, to be young again! 7 Comments

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