2014....oops.......2015

Where did 2014 go?  Did I really miss it?  Well, I choose to say I LIVED IT!!!!  Not to say that if you are blogging, you are not living.  I just mean there was SO much going on, I just kind of forgot about blogging.

The 2013-14 school year was one of comfort and irritation.  My classroom was becoming comfortable, but my department was not working well.  Over the summer, we had the opportunity to "shake things up" big time!  We re-vamped and basically, I was the only person to return.  We hired 2 new people, and the other 2 worked in math, but not in the same capacity as they would be in 14-15. You would think this would be a scary, bad thing.  However, I was excited!  I had a new, old assignment, but I was thrilled with the people I would be working with.  Then, the other shoe exploded dropped.  Our Principal took another job, and our new person was hired less than a week before in-service week.  Our Assistant was new as well. So, my summer ended with a TON of changes.

*New Curriculum
*New Teaching Assignment (including Athletics for a few weeks!!!!)
*New Principal
*New Assistant Principal
*2 Classrooms
*New Curriculum Coordinator
*4 new teachers in the department
*New bell schedule
*New team members
*New Textbooks
*New Fiance!!!!!!!!  (This also brought about a giant move that isn't completed!)

All of those changes have settled down, and I'm getting into a rhythm.  However, there was one more change.....the new fiance changed into.....THE NEW HUSBAND!  And, true to my blog from July 20, 2013, those that are important to me received a post-card.  T and I went to Vegas!  It was a great trip and wonderful time.  I'm happy with the way it turned out.  I ♥ T !!!!!!!

New Places to Visit

If you have read my blog before, or if you are new, I want to introduce you to some items I have on the right side of my page. Before you read on, I must put a disclaimer.  I know that everyone has a cause that is important to them.  I understand that.  I value that.  I honor that.  I am sharing my current ones with you.  If you can donate, GREAT.  If you can't or don't want to, GREAT.  I will not judge you, talk about you, be annoyed by you or have any other emotion toward you.  That being said, please do not judge me, talk about me or be annoyed by me.  I just think these are worthy of a mention.

The first is the MS Society.  My brother-in-law and a great mentor both have MS.  They are important people to me, and I would love for the world to be rid of this horrible condition.  In order for that to happen, we need people to make donations to science research.  If you would like to be one of those people, click the link and head that way.

The next is Rainbow Connection Camp.  This is a camp for children, and siblings, with cancer or blood borne diseases.  A good friend was a camper and is now a volunteer each summer.  Through her, I have met several of the wonderful people responsible for this camp.  This also hits near to me as my brother passed away from childhood cancer.  I never had the opportunity to meet him, but if I can help others because of him, I will.

Third is Camp Compass.  This is a very new and exciting adventure that a former co-worker's sister has started with others.  The goal is to be up and running soon.  Their goal is to be a residential summer camp for kids and young adults with special needs.  This is super exciting....to be involved from the beginning!

Next, I have the Liz Logelin Foundation.  This foundation was started by the husband of Liz after her death.  I have followed his blog and just became caught up in the life of Matt and Maddy.  I have since heard of several stories just like this.  I have recommended this foundation to those in need.  But, it can not survive without assistance.

Last, I have the ALS Association.  I've known several people who have passed from this.  It is heartbreaking to watch someone who was once healthy just deteriorate before you--all the while being mentally there.

Again, please do not feel obligated, guilted, or anything else by this post.  I am just in a place at the moment where I felt the need to spotlight some special pages.  If you have other suggestions, I would love to hear them.  I might even spotlight them!

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Major Life Events

Recently, I have attended a wedding and a funeral.  Both events were VERY, VERY nice, but they reinforced the fact that I must not be average.  Both reminded me of what I don't want for myself.

Let's start with the wedding.  It was an outdoor wedding, and it was so pretty.  The bridal party was 8 on each side.  There were 2 flower girls, and a young man carrying a sign announcing the bride.  It was so cute!  And, the flowers....lots of pink roses!  The bride was BEAUTIFUL!!!!!!!  But, that is NOT what I want.  I want a simple ceremony.....inviting no one.  I'll send postcards!  So, if you are one of my personal friends, you'll get a postcard.  Please do not feel offended.

Now, the funeral.  It was your standard funeral.  But, it reminded me what I don't want.  I am going to list the don'ts....
1.  No Tears.
2.  No one talking about me that doesn't know me.
3.  No sad music.
4.  No Black!!!


If I think of more....I'll post again!

Blog.....

Over the last few days, I have gone back and read my blog from beginning to "end"....I don't think it is the end end....because I'm adding to it now.  It was really interesting to read what I wrote.  In the past, I've tried to keep a diary, but it never worked.  I didn't know what to write, and I never really thought it was worth re-reading.  However, it was really nice to read what I wrote.  I think a blog is better than a diary....I can write with another audience in mind.  With a diary, it seemed like I was only writing for myself.  Because of this difference, I enjoy writing the blog.  Yeah, I haven't really kept up like I used to, but it is still fun.  After reading it, I really laughed at some things I wrote.  Then, there were the posts that I had NO CLUE what I was referring to!  Those were even funnier!  And, the typos!!! OMG.  I'm embarrassed at those!!!

There are a lot of happenings in the world right now--quick update.

1) There was an airplane crash in San Francisco.  One of the victims was run over by a fire truck.  The fire truck didn't see her because she was covered in the foam that was being used on the fire.  Personally, I want to believe she had already passed.  I feel for all of the families of the passengers, but also for the rescue personnel.  It has to be horrible to think you may have killed someone when you were trying to save them.

2) George Zimmerman was found not guilty in the death of Trayvon Martin.  This is another sad case.  However, I don't think anyone will ever really know what happened that night.  All I know is a young man is dead, and another man's life has changed forever.  I did not follow the trial because I don't think the truth will ever be known, and I don't want to have to judge for myself knowing our news is biased.

3)  Paula Deen is being crucified in the media as well.  Some people think it is about her using the "n-word" in a deposition...she referred to a comment she made over 25 years ago.  Others are opposing her idea for her brother's wedding....a plantation theme....yup, exactly like it.  If it is the first--REALLY?!?!?!?  What was she supposed to do?  Lie under oath?  If it is the second--REALLY?!?!?!?!?!?  Who would even think about that????  I have thought about living back in Scarlett O'Hara times...but I could never have slaves, never treat people like that.  I just like the clothing and houses.  (And, I'd have to have indoor plumbing!)

4) MLB All-Star Game!  WHOO HOO!!!  But, it kind of doesn't mean anything any more. There are so many guys who are voted in or chosen that don't play.

My personal world.....

I'm getting ready for a whirlwind of workshops and other events.  I don't think there are more than 5 days between now and the beginning of school that I don't have something planned.  But, I'm not complaining.  I enjoy being busy.  And, the rewards of those workshops are priceless!  I just hope that some pieces fall into place the way I want them to!

Well, blog world....I'm off.  Until we meet again!  ♥

Soap Box....

I can't take it any longer!  I have to say something somewhere.  I am not sure where the correct location should be...I can't say it in 140 characters or less, so Twitter is out.  I don't want to put it on Facebook--you get a lot of unwanted comments.  But, I have to say it or I will burst!!!!

Currently, there is a trial going on in Ohio that is causing a national debate.  However, the "two-sides" are both wrong in my opinion.  Here is the back-story....On an August evening, a bunch of teenagers were partying at three different locations.  One girl (I'm calling her Sue...just to keep things straight!) was there to hang out with all the football players.  She proceeded to drink way too much and ignore her friends pleas.  She traveled from one party to the next with 5 boys--2 of which would be accused of rape (T and M).  According to reports, T raped Sue in the backseat of the car with his hands.  At house number 2, Sue threw up and a picture of T and M carrying her was posted on social media.  At house number 2 or 3, Sue was on the floor with T and M while they again raped her with their hands.  Sue has no recollection of the evening.  Several videos and tweets and other postings of the happenings were put out on the internet.  They were taken down and deleted from phones.  T and M were arrested and charged with rape.  The other boys were not charged.

Here are my thoughts--there are many, so I am numbering them for clarity...well, for me.

1.  If she was so drunk that she does not know if it happened, she is in the wrong.  Does that mean she deserved to be raped.  NEGATIVE!!!!  It just means that she should not be drinking!  Let's not forget that she is only 16....where in the U.S. is that legal??  Yeah, it's not.
2.  If she was drinking that much, chances are that the boys were as well.  Could they have been thinking clearly if they were drinking?  I don't think so.  Does that mean they are innocent?  NO...it just means that their judgement was impaired.
3.  Where are the parents?  Not just of the girl or these two boys...but of all of these kids!!  My parents must have been strict with me or I was not in the "in crowd".
4.  Where is the conscience of this generation?  Who can sit by and watch this happen??  Where were the people looking out for the young lady?  Where were the people looking out for the young men?
5.  Why do we have different rules for athletes?  Why do we put them on a pedestal?  If this was the Chess Club President, would it have happened? Would the public outcry be there?

Where is our country headed???  These young men who are treated as gods face a life-time of registering as sex offenders because they acted crazy in a drunken haze promoted by their friends.  A young lady faces a life-time of emotional and psychological issues, and possibly physical issues, because she wanted to hang out with some popular boys.  She may or may not have given them reason to believe she was willing.

No matter what happened, several lives have forever been changed.  Could it all have been prevented if alcohol was not involved?

Been a while.....

So, it has been a long time.  I've been thinking about this blog recently, but I just haven't had the time to sit and do.  Work is taking a lot of my time, and then, there is the personal life to attend to.  It's crazy trying to balance a personal and professional life after only really having one for so long.  I'm not complaining. I'm glad to have everything....and everyone....that I have in my life.  So...I'm coming back as often as I can.  Miss me!

1989, 1993

Both of those years were special to me for different reasons.  I just noticed that I am at 1984 visitors (this was a great year as well...it was the first time the Cubs made it to the playoffs since 1945!!!.  So, if you are visitor 1989 or visitor 1993, leave me a message, and I'll send you something that is "me".

On a Roll......

I must be getting old.  Yes, just yesterday the calendar told me I was another year older, but I feel like I'm 50 years older!  I'm starting to sound like my parents and grandparents did when I was young.  WHERE IN THE WORLD IS THE COMMON DECENCY AND JUST. PLAIN. RESPECT. FOR. OTHERS?????????

I went to a local dance recital yesterday (Am I that creepy lurker person?  Or is it acceptable to just enjoy culture?).  Anyway...during the recital a CRAP-TON of people wandered free and used their cell phones--when they were directly asked not to.  I totally understand the moms who need to hop up and go change their young kids' costumes and hair.  I get it.  What I don't get is when the ENTIRE family gets up after a dance.  Really???  You know those other people sitting around you...they have kids dancing, too!  This is what I would do if I were in charge--and most of you will be thankful that I'm not.

1.  Have a section at the back of the theater roped off for moms and dancers.  This is a place where people can sit and pop in and out and not bother others.
2.  Have different seating areas for different groups of people--the front will be the "No distraction section".  Any one sitting here will be guaranteed to have no one walking in front of them, talking on phones etc.  If any one sitting there does not follow the guidelines--FINE THEM.  Do not let them back in. EVER if necessary.  Another section could be set up for those who might need to leave for a restroom break.  The show wasn't even 2 hours long.  If you can't hold it that long--sit where you don't bother others.
3.  AND, DO NOT BRING BALLOONS!!!!!!  I do not want to bob and weave because you wanted to bring a balloon.  Keep it in the car!!!
4.  Cell phones should implode immediately when used in a theater--of any kind!!!  I am not talking about those who would use the light to read the program during the transitions--they want to know who they are looking for.  I'm not even including those moms and dads who are video taping their son/daughter dancing.  I'm talking about the ones who play games, text and talk during the performance.  Really????  Your child is the only one who deserves respect on stage.  I. DON'T. THINK.SO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
5.  Yelling out is NEVER acceptable.  How would you like to be on stage and hear 3 names being yelled over and over and over--and it's never yours????  How does that make you feel????  All of the dancers worked their tails off to do well.  That is why you applaud for them!!!!!

Ok....My ranting is over for now.  I have to get ready to finish off my birthday weekend celebrations....I'll try not to be in bed by 8:00 and will resist the urge to yell at children playing in my yard.  But, I can't promise not to go on the warpath again.

GET IT TOGETHER, PEOPLE!  YOU ARE NOT SPECIAL!!!!!!!!

Thoughts....

A good friend often says "Feelings aren't right or wrong....they just are."  Is this true for thoughts?  When someone says they feel good or they feel bad, people inquire as to why.  If someone it upset by something, we try to fix it, but we let them feel upset.  We don't tell them they are wrong for feeling upset.  But, when people have thoughts, we do tell them if they are good or bad.  And, sometimes, we seek help for them if they have bad thoughts.  Or, we even put them in prison.  (Think people who want to murder someone.)  But can we have bad thoughts that are ok?  Recently, I thought something and really didn't like myself for thinking it.  When I shared with a close friend, she didn't think it was bad.  When I shared with my mom, she shared that she had a dream about the same thing.  I shared with another friend (I so wanted to be reprimanded for my thoughts!!!), and she thought it was funny.  So, I am totally confused about thoughts.  When do they cross that line to become so bad that you need treatment for them????