Before I spent time telling you about SB5 that is being debated in Ohio. But this time I want to talk a little bit about why I love what I do. There are days that I feel like I want to get out of it. There are days when I come home saying I NEVER want to go back to school. But, when it comes right down to it, I don't know what else I would do (besides athletic admin). Besides, who loves what they do 100% of the time? Right, that's what I thought. :) So as I was digging through my professional portfolio to find license information, I found a page with quotes that was titled "Teaching Inspiration". I put this page together a few years ago and after reading through them I felt like I wanted to share what really inspires me to be a teacher. Of course I will be using quotes because that's what I do. Bear with me.
1. "I touch the future. I teach." -Christa McAuliffe
A profession that matters, teaching. Most successful people and maybe even unsuccessful people can look back and remember one person that touched their lives. That is who I strive to be. I want to touch lives and therefore touch the future.
2. "Every student can learn; just not on the same day and the same way." -George Evans
I understand more than ever how tough some kids have it at home. Some students come in after very few hours of sleep and can barely keep their eyes open. Is the only place they get to rest at school? Sounds absurd. It's true sometimes, and sad. Also, in a perfect world, every student learns with only one teaching method. But of course that is not the case, and I love to mix it up!
3. "I hear, and I forget. I see, and I remember. I do, and I understand." -Chinese Proverb
I love this. Students will never forget something they actually get to DO!
4. "Among teacher variables, enthusiasm has the most powerful and positive impact on student learning." -Toni Kempler
I love to be enthusiastic and make a kid smile who comes in frowning. It is soooo hard some days to pretend like I am the enthusiastic to teach. I try my hardest to make my students think that the possibility of them learning something new enthuses me! :)
5. "The deepest urge in human nature is the desire to feel important." -John Dewey
All it takes is a conversation, kind word, smile, or compliment to make someone feel important. I like to pick a few a day. Then, throughout the year, I hopefully make each student feel important.
6. "If you can reach 'em, you can teach 'em." -Educational Proverb
HOW TRUE!
7. "Set high standards, have high expectations, and watch your students perform at high levels." - Dr. Robert Cazenave
8. "Kids of all ages and all cultural backgrounds love to act silly, say funny things, and laugh. Teachers need to understand that they need to be able to do this in school, too. - Professor Joseph Napier
It is more fun to have humor in school. This is easy to forget and something I would like to improve on.
So you can see that amongst all of the turmoil going on in the state of Ohio with teachers, there is still inspiration. I don't want to forget this. It is always a good reminder!
Wednesday, February 23, 2011
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Puppies
Growing up we had a Springer Spaniel who I thought smelled. I never really liked her much. I have to admit that when I got the call that she was put to sleep, though, I cried....just for a second. She was my childhood dog and I had so many memories of her growing up. She let us sit on her, paint her toenails, dress her up, and she never hurt a soul. She was so good and so tolerant.
When I was a freshman in college, my mother brought home a dachshund. Sara and my mother called him Joey. First question: Whose dog are we watching? Answer (mom): No one's dog, he's ours. Second and third question: Seriously? Does dad know? Answer (mom): Umm not really. RIGHT. Hilarious. That is my mother for you. My dad knows her even better than I do and so I am sure he wasn't surprised. Anyways, it didn't take long until we fell in love. Dachshunds aren't always known as the sweetest dogs, but Joey had a temperment like a golden retriever.
I WANT ONE! No one can argue that she is not the cutest thing ever. Look how big her bowl is. Sara bought the smallest she could find. Makes me chuckle. The most recent story I have heard is that she takes her toys and hides them behind the couch. So cute!
Believe it or not I am not typically a dog person! I just like mine :)
The best quote I have heard relating to dogs is, "I wish I was as great as my dog thinks I am." HOW TRUE!! Have a good evening and I am glad you met my puppies!
***Updates to come as I get them about the puppy and of course my other sweet dogs!
When I was a freshman in college, my mother brought home a dachshund. Sara and my mother called him Joey. First question: Whose dog are we watching? Answer (mom): No one's dog, he's ours. Second and third question: Seriously? Does dad know? Answer (mom): Umm not really. RIGHT. Hilarious. That is my mother for you. My dad knows her even better than I do and so I am sure he wasn't surprised. Anyways, it didn't take long until we fell in love. Dachshunds aren't always known as the sweetest dogs, but Joey had a temperment like a golden retriever.
Then, my mom agrees to let Joey and another Dachshund breed. The mommy, Lily, gave birth to two beautiful puppies, a boy and a girl. We took the little girl. Turns out that she has a similar temperment to Joey but can still be a little devil, like a puppy. She is such a bundle of joy. We love her and now Joey lives with his daughter.
The most recent addition to the family is sweet, little Annabelle! Sara and Matt move out to St. Louis and I guess since Sara got some sprouts on the plants she is growing she has decided to try to raise a pet. (Just kidding, Sara, haha) So anways, they found her, fell in love, and brought her home. Although I have not met my neice I know I will soon! Meanwhile, I will just get to see pictures! :)
Believe it or not I am not typically a dog person! I just like mine :)
The best quote I have heard relating to dogs is, "I wish I was as great as my dog thinks I am." HOW TRUE!! Have a good evening and I am glad you met my puppies!
***Updates to come as I get them about the puppy and of course my other sweet dogs!
Teachers
Many have heard about the bill that the government is trying to pass effecting public employees (teachers, police officers, fireman, etc) Many are worried about losing money on retirement and I can't blame them. They have put in years upon years only to get money taken from them right at the end of their careers. I, on the other hand, am far from retirement. (33 years-at least right now) I cannot even fathom how this is effecting me in this aspect of things. I also know that there is way more to it and retirement is only one thing on the bill. I am not writing this to go against the union and I am not saying this isn't effecting me. However, I was taught, by two brilliant people, to deal with things a bit differently.
Here is my reality: I am 24 years old and started my career a year ago this past August. I was a VERY lucky person. My first interview was my first job. Does that ever happen in this economy? NO! So I have definitely counted my lucky stars. Anyways, I love Wooster and all of the things it has brought me, mostly a career and great people. Now, the important part. Our economy is worse than it has been in awhile and everyone is going through such tough times. Ya, ya, I hear it. What some people do not realize is this is my reality and to be honest, it really isn't that bad to me. I don't know any different. My generation is learning to survive and make ends meet in a time where our country is struggling. I do not truly know what it is like to work a full time job when the economy is "good". In a way I feel lucky that I am learning to survive in the tough times so when it gets better (because I am confident and hopeful it will) I will be overly prepared and better off than most. But most importantly, my parents taught me that it is not OK to just survive off of what other people give me. They have always taught me that even if my teaching job falls through (because of budget cuts) I will and have to find a way to make it work. I don't have the "you owe me" attitude. I am an extremely hard worker and I believe in being the best I can possibly be at my job. In some way, shape, or form that should pay off for me. In the meantime, I pray that things work out and know that God will put me where I am supposed to be. Since these changes are coming, I am preparing for it. It is early in my career and I can still do something about it. I am going to buckle down and change my attitude so if collective bargaining and all the things included in the state senate bill 5 is voted in, I am ready. This is my reality and I have been told by people far wiser than myself to prepare. That is exactly what I am doing.
So, am I curious to see what happens? Absolutely. But whatever happens, I will be prepared!
Here is my reality: I am 24 years old and started my career a year ago this past August. I was a VERY lucky person. My first interview was my first job. Does that ever happen in this economy? NO! So I have definitely counted my lucky stars. Anyways, I love Wooster and all of the things it has brought me, mostly a career and great people. Now, the important part. Our economy is worse than it has been in awhile and everyone is going through such tough times. Ya, ya, I hear it. What some people do not realize is this is my reality and to be honest, it really isn't that bad to me. I don't know any different. My generation is learning to survive and make ends meet in a time where our country is struggling. I do not truly know what it is like to work a full time job when the economy is "good". In a way I feel lucky that I am learning to survive in the tough times so when it gets better (because I am confident and hopeful it will) I will be overly prepared and better off than most. But most importantly, my parents taught me that it is not OK to just survive off of what other people give me. They have always taught me that even if my teaching job falls through (because of budget cuts) I will and have to find a way to make it work. I don't have the "you owe me" attitude. I am an extremely hard worker and I believe in being the best I can possibly be at my job. In some way, shape, or form that should pay off for me. In the meantime, I pray that things work out and know that God will put me where I am supposed to be. Since these changes are coming, I am preparing for it. It is early in my career and I can still do something about it. I am going to buckle down and change my attitude so if collective bargaining and all the things included in the state senate bill 5 is voted in, I am ready. This is my reality and I have been told by people far wiser than myself to prepare. That is exactly what I am doing.
So, am I curious to see what happens? Absolutely. But whatever happens, I will be prepared!
Friday, February 11, 2011
Happy Birthday
The question is: Do you feel older? I really don't, however, life is flying! But I do want to say this. I am very blessed to have the support system that I do. Of couse, my mom, my dad, and both of my sisters called/text me today to wish me a happy birthday. Jonathan wanted to be the first to call me last night at midnight, and was. The only reason I have special birthdays year after year, no matter how old I get, is because of the people I love making it that way. I don't like to make a huge deal of my birthday because it truly is just another day. But it is fun to spend time with people I care about and birthdays are a GREAT way to do that. So do I feel older, no, but do I feel blessed? Absolutely! Thank you to everyone on this special day.
Thursday, February 3, 2011
Advice
I don't think I am great at giving advice. Sometimes I sit and listen and then don't know what to say. I find myself sitting next to or on the phone with a person in tears silent because I don't know what to say next. This one time, however, I think I gave good advice and it was because I cared about the person and I could relate. So I am going to tell you a story about me and then I will get back to the point. So sit back and relax while I tell you my story.
Every teenager experiences the dating world in one way or another, right? Well so did I while I was in high school. I dated a guy for over a year and, like any other young girl, I think that it can't get better. I am surely going to marry this person, that's it, I've decided. I remember when I visited Ohio Northern for the first time and this love doctor (I don't remember what he really was) talked to us about high school relationships and the extremely low percentage that they ever work out. As a girl in the audience, I was for sure that would never be me. In fact, I think I even rolled my eyes once. :) You all know where this is going. We broke up! It took about 2 months into the year to realize that we were both taking different paths and it needed to be over. After it was over I realized there were so many things about this person that weren't right for me. But there were things that I saw that I would take with me. It was like a note to self: remember this quality because I want my soul mate to have it! Again, my sophomore year in college I met someone else that I dated for about a year. This person took my mind completely off of the last guy and again, you guessed it, I thought there was no one else better than this guy. That's it, I've decided. HA. When it was finally over (and my family cheered-not literally) I began to think that everyone else has a soul mate but not me. But again, note to self: good qualities I need to remember. I thought I was not cut out for this love business. Everyone says that when you meet someone that you are meant to spend the rest of your life with, you will know. I was convinced that that was a great idea that sounded fairy tale like but it wasn't for me, I lost hope. After a few silly little "dating" adventures that didn't work and didn't matter my senior year of college snuck up on me. Now, let me set you up with a scenario. I was going out with friends, single, cared only about getting my degree and having some fun in the meantime. I mean there is nothing like college. Then, it hit me. When I least expected it, wasn't looking for a relationship, and could care less if I had a boyfriend there he was. Four months later, I found myself spending so much time with this guy that I hadn't known that long. He had every note to self quality that I needed. The best part was that it came when I was least expecting it and that is how it has to happen. I am going to save you the lovey dovey details because that is not my point. But I now realize that it is possible. I am cut out for this. I believe, with all my heart, that everyone has a soul mate (some may not agree but that's OK). He is mine. And it came when I had completely let my guard down and wasn't looking for anything of the sort.
So, now that you know my story, back to my good advice that I gave this very important person in my life. She had had a rough break up and was having a hard time getting over it. I went through some of the same struggles with one of my boyfriends that she was going through with hers. While she was crying to me on the phone and I sat there not speaking, it came to me. I told her that she will know what things are right. It will hit her. I never thought I was going to find that perfect person for me and I did, when I least expected it. I told her that she has learned from everyone else what you want in that person. Although it didn't seem like it worked at the time, it did. I am glad that I was able to give that advice and it helped because I could relate. It meant a lot to me that I could help someone else out like that.
Lastly, I have a quote that is appropriate for this post. (Of course) It's one that I love!
"Someday, someone will walk into your life and make you realize why it never worked with anyone else."
AMEN!
Every teenager experiences the dating world in one way or another, right? Well so did I while I was in high school. I dated a guy for over a year and, like any other young girl, I think that it can't get better. I am surely going to marry this person, that's it, I've decided. I remember when I visited Ohio Northern for the first time and this love doctor (I don't remember what he really was) talked to us about high school relationships and the extremely low percentage that they ever work out. As a girl in the audience, I was for sure that would never be me. In fact, I think I even rolled my eyes once. :) You all know where this is going. We broke up! It took about 2 months into the year to realize that we were both taking different paths and it needed to be over. After it was over I realized there were so many things about this person that weren't right for me. But there were things that I saw that I would take with me. It was like a note to self: remember this quality because I want my soul mate to have it! Again, my sophomore year in college I met someone else that I dated for about a year. This person took my mind completely off of the last guy and again, you guessed it, I thought there was no one else better than this guy. That's it, I've decided. HA. When it was finally over (and my family cheered-not literally) I began to think that everyone else has a soul mate but not me. But again, note to self: good qualities I need to remember. I thought I was not cut out for this love business. Everyone says that when you meet someone that you are meant to spend the rest of your life with, you will know. I was convinced that that was a great idea that sounded fairy tale like but it wasn't for me, I lost hope. After a few silly little "dating" adventures that didn't work and didn't matter my senior year of college snuck up on me. Now, let me set you up with a scenario. I was going out with friends, single, cared only about getting my degree and having some fun in the meantime. I mean there is nothing like college. Then, it hit me. When I least expected it, wasn't looking for a relationship, and could care less if I had a boyfriend there he was. Four months later, I found myself spending so much time with this guy that I hadn't known that long. He had every note to self quality that I needed. The best part was that it came when I was least expecting it and that is how it has to happen. I am going to save you the lovey dovey details because that is not my point. But I now realize that it is possible. I am cut out for this. I believe, with all my heart, that everyone has a soul mate (some may not agree but that's OK). He is mine. And it came when I had completely let my guard down and wasn't looking for anything of the sort.
So, now that you know my story, back to my good advice that I gave this very important person in my life. She had had a rough break up and was having a hard time getting over it. I went through some of the same struggles with one of my boyfriends that she was going through with hers. While she was crying to me on the phone and I sat there not speaking, it came to me. I told her that she will know what things are right. It will hit her. I never thought I was going to find that perfect person for me and I did, when I least expected it. I told her that she has learned from everyone else what you want in that person. Although it didn't seem like it worked at the time, it did. I am glad that I was able to give that advice and it helped because I could relate. It meant a lot to me that I could help someone else out like that.
Lastly, I have a quote that is appropriate for this post. (Of course) It's one that I love!
"Someday, someone will walk into your life and make you realize why it never worked with anyone else."
AMEN!
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Things said only 55 years ago
This is fascinating to me! I received an email from my Opa today. Opa means grandpa in German. Anyways, Opa came to the United States from Germany 55 years ago and these were some things that were quoted the year he came to the country. These things made me smile because, of course, things are VERY different now. It really put some things in perspective. Thanks so much Opa!
I have referred to the fact that I love quotes. Here are some quotes that were said only 55 years ago. Read and enjoy...hopefully they make you smile like they did me (even though I wasn't even thought of yet!)
"I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a weeks groceries for $10.00."
"Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long until $1000 will only buy a used one."
"If cigarettes keep going up in price, I am going to quit. 20 cents a pack is ridiculous."
"Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging 7 cents to mail a letter?"
"If they raise minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able outside help at the store."
"When I started driving, who would have known gas would be 25 cents a gallon? Guess we'd be better off leaving it in the garage."
"I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies anymore. Ever since they let Clark Gable get away with saying damn in Gone with the Wind it seems like every new movie has either hell or damn in it."
"I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows called astronauts preparing for it in Texas."
"Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $50,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they were making more than the president."
"I never thought I would see the day that all our kitchen appliances were electric. They are even making electric typewriters now."
"It's too bad things are tough nowadays. I see where a few married women have to work to make ends meet."
"It won't be long before young couples will have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work."
"I'm afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business."
"Thank goodness I won't live to see the day when the government takes half of our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to government."
"The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on."
"There is no sense in going on short trips anymore for a weekend. It costs nearly $2.00 a night to stay in a hotel."
"No one can afford to be sick anymore. At $15.00 a night in a hospital, it's too rich for my blood."
"If they think I will pay 30 cents for a haircut, forget it!"
Again, hopefully these made you smile! Opa thanks for sharing! Loved this.
Another country song (I know) but this song entered my mind when I thought about what was said 55 years ago and what we have today. This song would represent the exact opposite. Funny how things have changed! It's called Welcome to the Future by Brad Paisley. If you like this stuff, take time to listen, it's good for this topic!
I have referred to the fact that I love quotes. Here are some quotes that were said only 55 years ago. Read and enjoy...hopefully they make you smile like they did me (even though I wasn't even thought of yet!)
"I'll tell you one thing, if things keep going the way they are, it's going to be impossible to buy a weeks groceries for $10.00."
"Have you seen the new cars coming out next year? It won't be long until $1000 will only buy a used one."
"If cigarettes keep going up in price, I am going to quit. 20 cents a pack is ridiculous."
"Did you hear the post office is thinking about charging 7 cents to mail a letter?"
"If they raise minimum wage to $1.00, nobody will be able outside help at the store."
"When I started driving, who would have known gas would be 25 cents a gallon? Guess we'd be better off leaving it in the garage."
"I'm afraid to send my kids to the movies anymore. Ever since they let Clark Gable get away with saying damn in Gone with the Wind it seems like every new movie has either hell or damn in it."
"I read the other day where some scientist thinks it's possible to put a man on the moon by the end of the century. They even have some fellows called astronauts preparing for it in Texas."
"Did you see where some baseball player just signed a contract for $50,000 a year just to play ball? It wouldn't surprise me if someday they were making more than the president."
"I never thought I would see the day that all our kitchen appliances were electric. They are even making electric typewriters now."
"It's too bad things are tough nowadays. I see where a few married women have to work to make ends meet."
"It won't be long before young couples will have to hire someone to watch their kids so they can both work."
"I'm afraid the Volkswagen car is going to open the door to a whole lot of foreign business."
"Thank goodness I won't live to see the day when the government takes half of our income in taxes. I sometimes wonder if we are electing the best people to government."
"The drive-in restaurant is convenient in nice weather but I seriously doubt they will ever catch on."
"There is no sense in going on short trips anymore for a weekend. It costs nearly $2.00 a night to stay in a hotel."
"No one can afford to be sick anymore. At $15.00 a night in a hospital, it's too rich for my blood."
"If they think I will pay 30 cents for a haircut, forget it!"
Again, hopefully these made you smile! Opa thanks for sharing! Loved this.
Another country song (I know) but this song entered my mind when I thought about what was said 55 years ago and what we have today. This song would represent the exact opposite. Funny how things have changed! It's called Welcome to the Future by Brad Paisley. If you like this stuff, take time to listen, it's good for this topic!
Ice Storm
Anyone who knows me knows that winter is not my favorite season. Aside from being born in California and living there for about a year of my life, I have lived in Ohio for as long as I can remember. I have always joked about not being cut out for the winter, but it is true- I'm not. My mood changes when I have to scrape my windshield, or even when I go outside for the first time to find snow on the ground.
So, what does Wooster, OH do to bring in February with a bang? The answer is an ice storm. I didn't really believe it would truly bring ice. Wooster did not get much snow; we got maybe an inch or two. But we got about two inches of pure ICE! I walked outside and was literally hitting my windshield as hard as I could to break the ice. (This was after the heat had been on for 30 minutes!) It was truly unbelievable and again I was not cut out for it. I belong in a warm place where the sun shines 85% or more of the time! :) I guess I will keep dreaming!!!
Here are some pictures I took of my car of the storm. ENJOY!
You can see my car completely iced over!
My poor car! This was after I had the heat on for 30 minutes! (Left) I am standing on the snow...not sinking! Pure ice! Next to me was where someone had sunk in.
WISHFUL THINKING!
Got my car all cleaned off... Only for another wintry mix to attack it! I even got a shot of the sleet in the picture! This time I am saving my windshield wipers.
Positives: Wooster City School District closed today 2/1 and there is a good chance we will get another snow/ice day tomorrow. I enjoyed my day off and made it productive by making a grammar powerpoint for my 7th graders to review for their test. Tomorrow's schedule (with no school): Clean my apartment and run.
Good night!
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