Life Lesson Plans

Twenty five.  The number of teaching days left in this school year.  I am counting down, as is every kid  at my school.  I know this by their actions.  The end is in sight and they are checking out.

Many of my upper grade classes have recently decided the following: they don't have to do what they are told; my instructions are negotiable; and that they are too cool for our music lessons.  I undersand this attitude, to a degree, but it is contagious and if I don't nip it in the bud quickly, pretty soon I'm going to have a coup d'état take place in my classroom.  As dramatic as that may sound, step into a fifth grade class full of peer pressure, insecurity and strong personalities with attitude and you'll quickly realize that I'm outnumbered! ☺

Week in Review 4.27

CURRENTS

Feeling: I'm still feeling a little worn out these days.  Working two jobs, trying to fit everything into my schedule, and having a personality that demands downtime is keeping me feeling exhausted.  My current bad eating habits are making it worse.  The weather changes are keeping the arthritis in my back flared up. And, this week has brought with it feelings of loneliness (not to be confused with feelings of "aloneness"). But, I have still felt happy in spite of the above.

Home Team

As I've sat here on my lunch break thinking about what I should write today, only one thing has come to mind: relationships.  Now before you get all excited about the possibility of a post about romantic relationships, don't!  At thirty-one and single, I would be safer writing about how to care for your twenty cats than about how to relate to the opposite sex, and I don't even own any cats. (see yesterday's post)  No, this is a post about people.

Present Day Bridget Jones

If the title of this post is confusing, then you were, obviously, not a young adult in 2001.  "Bridget Jones's Diary" is a movie starring Renee Zellweger,  Colin Firth and Hugh Grant, about the escapades of a single woman named Bridget.  IMBD's description reads, "A British woman is determined to improve herself while she looks for love in a year in which she keeps a personal diary."  Yep, that about sums my life up.  Well, minus the whole British thing- a minor detail. 

Only the Lonely

Sometimes it's just a fleeting thought.

It is often a sudden jab in the gut.  

There are moments that it is a physical ripping in the chest.  

And, on rare occasion it is a crippling emotion that overtakes the senses.

You're Gonna Miss This

The days left before my parents head back to Africa are getting fewer.  For me, this means as much weekend family time as possible.  

If you've noticed how often my hair style and length changes, then you will not be surprised to find out that I like change.  A few years ago when my mom was visiting the states, she and I gave my apartment a complete make-over.  That was about six years ago and I have the itch to do it again.  Next month we are going to completely redecorate my apartment and I can't wait!!!  I'm changing motifs, colors and furniture.  

Week in Review 4.19

CURRENTS THIS WEEK

  

Feeling

Happy

No Greater Love

Wow! What a heavy week this has turned out to be.  So much pain and suffering in such bold print across our nation these last few days.  As I have tried to shake the heaviness of it all, I am continually reminded of Christ and His love for us.

Cookie Monster

I have spent the days since my last post with people I love.  Five sets of people in five days- I am blessed...and tired.  My time has been full, so writing has gotten pushed to the back burner.  Tonight I cheat and post one of my favorite chocolate chip cookie recipes from one of my favorite Amy's.  :)

Come to the Table

Thanks to my friend, Kristina, I read a blog post today written by one of my favorite modern authors. After multiple conversations over dinner with dear friends these past few weeks, this post puts words to how my heart feels.

The following is taken from Storyline Blog and was written by Shauna Niequist.  Click the links to read more from her!

A New Approach to the Table

Week in Review 4.12

CURRENTS THIS WEEK

  

Feeling

Stressed.

Cleaning House

I was able to see my childhood pen-pal last month when she and I both ended up in LA at the same time (Head in the Clouds).  She and her husband are both musicians and are conducting workshops in Fort Worth this weekend and lucky for me, they opted to stay at my place!  As a result, this evening has consisted of preparations for company this weekend.  

Crash and Burn

Tonight I have no deep thoughts.

There are no analogies on my mind.

I'm not in the mood to write about favorites in my life.

Drawing a Blank

I set out blogging with the intention of disciplining myself to writing something everyday, whether it be good or bad, interesting or boring.  My purpose was to turn my thoughts into words on a daily basis.  This goal makes me really focus on the people, thoughts, words, events, etc. of my daily life.  Having a desire to write about life helps me to actually FOCUS on MY life.  With that said, I was reminded today at school that it has been a couple of days since I’ve blogged.

Clear the Stage

They played this at my church this morning.

"Anything I put before my God is an idol

Anything I want with all my heart is an idol

And anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol

And anything that I give all my love is an idol"

Week in Review 4.5

CURRENTS THIS WEEK

  

Feeling

I'm feeling like this has been a particularly long week.

Book Bombing

Ok, before you avid readers think this is a post about burning books, Ray Bradbury style, let me put your mind at ease and simply say, it is not.  You're safe to continue reading.  :)

Hidden In Sight

“So I say to you, ask, and it will be given to you; seek, and you will find; knock, and it will be opened to you. 

For everyone who asks, receives; and he who seeks, finds; and to him who knocks, it will be opened." -Luke 11:9-10

My kindergarteners have this music game they love called, "Turtle, Turtle".  One student hides a stuffed turtle somewhere in the room and another student looks for it.  The clues are given by which dynamic the class sings.  If they sing the little song loudly (forte), the searcher is close to the hidden turtle, but if they sing quietly (piano), the searcher is far away.

Note to Email Subscribers

I am working to get my subscriber email settings where I want them.  I am hoping to have everything the way I want it by the end of the week, please bear with me.  I apologize if you get repeat posts in your inbox, multiple posts, or uncompleted posts today.  I've changed a few settings, but the email generator is automatic, so it may seem a little confusing today.

Picking Thorns

A few weeks ago I went hiking in CA with my brother and sister-in-law (Head In the Clouds).  At one point, while crossing a stream, I slipped.  I quickly put my hands in front of me to break my fall.  My ego was a little hurt, but that seemed to be all...at the time.