Leap day!
I figured since I made my students write a letter to themselves today, so that they could reopen it and read it on the next leap year, that I may as well commemorate the day with my own writing. Not that I have much to say on this particular leap year, but I'm confident I can come up with something...
I will start by updating on my Lenten resolution. Life without Facebook turns out to be absolutely wonderful. I knew I was having some real attachment problems with the site, but I never realized just how much I relied on it. The thing was, every time I got on there, something would rub me the wrong way. Yes, I realize that's a 'me' problem. But, I also know I feel incredibly liberated without it in my life. Everything was just too noisy. I mean, the Facebook, the Twitter, the Droid, the Thrive, the laptop, the tv, the iPod's, there's just too much technology for me! I need some quiet. I need the devices to be off. I can't power down when all of this technology is buzzing around me. I have learned I don't like the feeling of people knowing what I'm doing and where I'm going and who I'm with all the time. Where's the mystery? The intrigue? I feel like I'm living that now. I have my phone, and my music, and this laptop on which I write (which isn't even mine, it's my roommates). I've reacquainted myself with books! Books! Do you know what I love about them? When I sit down to read, all around me is quiet. The sound of silence is so powerful for me. I can do so much listening. I can pray. I can THINK. I can meditate. It's fantastic. Really. I'm starting to remember just who I am. She's pretty neat. I'd like to spend more time with her! Yes, I'm basically dating myself these days. I've found I am pretty good company. I suggest everyone liberate themselves from Facebook! :o)
I went to Trader Joe's tonight and got a lengthy story from the checker about his fabulous lunch date with his girlfriend. I'll have you know this was completely unsolicited information, but, lucky me, I got it nonetheless. It was one of those moments, where I wondered if this was karma for purchasing so many items. Would I still have gotten this fairytale if I had purchased only three items? This, I will never know.
I believe that I have pulled a calf muscle.
Today's List: Prayer list
1. For the safety, health and protection of my family and myself.
2. For the safety, health and protection of my friends; near and far away.
3. For all those suffering that they may find peace
4. For my students to work hard and overcome their challenges
5. For my friends studying in school, that they may find strength and perseverance to make it through their studies
6. For a snow day (Please!?)
Oh, remember Dr. Seuss' birthday on Friday March 2.
"Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You!"
Doesn't that quote just bring you unending joy and reassurance!? How great, I just have to be me! ;o)
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
Tuesday, February 21, 2012
My Lent Vent
Happy Fat Tuesday everyone! Tomorrow begins the Lenten season. I found it appropriate to write and commemorate the occasion on my highly religious blogging site that I have here. It wouldn't be right to leave it out.
Some of you may recall that last year I set a slew of New Year's Resolutions. I mean, a slew. I think it's because a very brilliant friend of mine once told me, instead of waiting for the perfect person to come into your life, why don't you work on being the perfect person? This wasn't actually a direct suggestion towards myself...as an aquarius, I would have been left befuddled and confused. But, aren't I already a perfect person? I suspect that is up for debate. I did fairly well on last year's New Year's resolutions and felt that I was on a really good path....and then....somewhere along the way...I got really lost.
I'm not sure how it happened, or when. But, I do know that I lost track of really important things. I got caught up in things that just didn't feel good and I spent way too long in messes I had no business being in in the first place. I forgot how to be kind to myself. I forgot how to believe in the good things in life. I put distance between myself and important people in my life. Then, I just sort of started to become numb. And, you know, those times when you'll fight stupid fights with people, just so you can feel something...because anything is better than feeling nothing. Guilty! That's not the girl I am, or had ever been, but that's been the state of affairs for much of the past year. That is about to change. It's time for this chick to get back on her sassy horse and go to town!
Lent really couldn't have come at a better time for me this year. I have a hard time writing on such a public forum about anything too personal, i.e, dating, etc. because I'm terrified that *He (He being any guy that I'm interested in, or have ever been interested in that might have actually been interested in me too) might read it somehow, someday. But, I'm at the point where caution is being thrown to the wind, because it's time my mental health takes precedence (gasp!) and writing is my therapy. So, after an incredible weekend in S.F. (you may recall the blog about that trip) I experienced an incredible high. Something that I hadn't felt in a very, very, very long time. It was an awakening of sorts and I have constantly been craving that same sort of happiness since then. I've always been a strong advocate of finding your own happiness, and not letting others dictate that (my friends can attest to this one!) and I completely forgot what I was doing when I was in *his* presence. Consequently, I have had some big time struggles trying to find this level of happiness, but that is what I am devoting this Lenten season to. I need to clear out the clutter, get back to basics, hm, let's see what other cliches I can throw in here....bust this funk, okay, I made that one up totally. But, the point is, I have some major changes to make and I need some quiet to do it in. I cannot think with all of this modern day technology, so bye bye Facebook. I cannot think when my body is not healthy so hello gym time! These are but two of the changes that I will be making during this season. I'm hoping and trusting that through some quiet reflection, meditation, yoga, and drawing closer with the things that are important to me God, family, friends, career, that I'll once again be able to get myself aligned enough to find that happiness I'm longing for.
So come along, and join me on my journey through Lent...here, here, here we go!
Today's list: Step 1 of my journey...
1. Just be.
Some of you may recall that last year I set a slew of New Year's Resolutions. I mean, a slew. I think it's because a very brilliant friend of mine once told me, instead of waiting for the perfect person to come into your life, why don't you work on being the perfect person? This wasn't actually a direct suggestion towards myself...as an aquarius, I would have been left befuddled and confused. But, aren't I already a perfect person? I suspect that is up for debate. I did fairly well on last year's New Year's resolutions and felt that I was on a really good path....and then....somewhere along the way...I got really lost.
I'm not sure how it happened, or when. But, I do know that I lost track of really important things. I got caught up in things that just didn't feel good and I spent way too long in messes I had no business being in in the first place. I forgot how to be kind to myself. I forgot how to believe in the good things in life. I put distance between myself and important people in my life. Then, I just sort of started to become numb. And, you know, those times when you'll fight stupid fights with people, just so you can feel something...because anything is better than feeling nothing. Guilty! That's not the girl I am, or had ever been, but that's been the state of affairs for much of the past year. That is about to change. It's time for this chick to get back on her sassy horse and go to town!
Lent really couldn't have come at a better time for me this year. I have a hard time writing on such a public forum about anything too personal, i.e, dating, etc. because I'm terrified that *He (He being any guy that I'm interested in, or have ever been interested in that might have actually been interested in me too) might read it somehow, someday. But, I'm at the point where caution is being thrown to the wind, because it's time my mental health takes precedence (gasp!) and writing is my therapy. So, after an incredible weekend in S.F. (you may recall the blog about that trip) I experienced an incredible high. Something that I hadn't felt in a very, very, very long time. It was an awakening of sorts and I have constantly been craving that same sort of happiness since then. I've always been a strong advocate of finding your own happiness, and not letting others dictate that (my friends can attest to this one!) and I completely forgot what I was doing when I was in *his* presence. Consequently, I have had some big time struggles trying to find this level of happiness, but that is what I am devoting this Lenten season to. I need to clear out the clutter, get back to basics, hm, let's see what other cliches I can throw in here....bust this funk, okay, I made that one up totally. But, the point is, I have some major changes to make and I need some quiet to do it in. I cannot think with all of this modern day technology, so bye bye Facebook. I cannot think when my body is not healthy so hello gym time! These are but two of the changes that I will be making during this season. I'm hoping and trusting that through some quiet reflection, meditation, yoga, and drawing closer with the things that are important to me God, family, friends, career, that I'll once again be able to get myself aligned enough to find that happiness I'm longing for.
So come along, and join me on my journey through Lent...here, here, here we go!
Today's list: Step 1 of my journey...
1. Just be.
Wednesday, February 1, 2012
"However many years a man (woman) may live, let him (her) enjoy them all"
The big 2-8. Wow. Scary. Exciting. 28 has kind of been my 'scary year' for awhile. I remember turning 27 and thinking, "God, at least I'm not 28 yet!" And, now here it is. One year later. The time has come.
I'm not sure why 28 seems to horrifying. My guess is, it's because I'm on a downhill slide to 30, which everyone assures me is so much better than my 20's. You know, it's funny, for so many years, I wished to hurry up and get to my 30's and now, now, that I have only 2 years left in my 20's I suddenly don't seem so ready anymore. What's that saying about the grass always being greener? So, here I am, 28, and I'm not quite sure where the time has gone, but the future sure looks bright.
I had to calm my nerves this morning as I got up and realized I was no longer 27 and a year closer to the dreaded dirty 30, but then I remembered my friends before me who have taken this age and date in stride. I didn't spontaneously combust or anything. I'm still one whole Judy who does all of her Judy things.
In fact, it turned out to be a great, fantastic, fabulous day. Of course, I love any day that is specifically centered around me, I am a true Aquarius, after all. My students and staff spoiled me like they usually do and had a little celebration. One student, in particular, gave me about 27 hugs and they all said Happy Birthday about a million times. Another student even pointed out how she simply could not believe I was 28 because I did not look that old at all! YES! Ego boost! And, my students all wrote me very genuine, thoughtful cards (see below).
This evening brought an even better bash, as my dear friend, Sarah, once again out did herself with planning my birthday party! She is incredible. She assures me she looks forward to planning and organizing my birthday, even though I simply can't understand how anyone could like doing such a thing. She had flowers, card, chocolate and balloons sent to me at school today. Organized a dinner with all of my closest pals, and took many a celebratory photo for me. She made a delicious candy-cake per my request (are you getting why one would not want to be my party planner? I want this, I want that, blah blah blah) She is amazing and I'm so blessed to have her in my life! Then! Don't forget the numerous people that showered me with gifts and meaningful, humorous cards. I can't even believe how well people treat me. I'm sure I don't deserve it. Gifts came pouring in from Australia, to Klamath Falls, to Corvallis, to Forest Grove, to Eugene. If only you all knew your friendship, love and support, were all the gifts I need!
Birthday Cards from students:
Cover art: A talking cat
Inside: I wish you a happy birthday. I like that you are nice. I also like how you are helpful. I like that you are good at math, with your students! Happy birthday.
Cover art: 2 koalas in trees
Inside: I wish you a happy birthday! I like that you eat lots of vegetables, you're good at yoga, and you're nice. I wish that you may have a special birthday. You seem to be very friendly, caring and helpful. In yoga you do stuff that I think is impossible. I think you are a super person.
Cover art: Me walking down a sidewalk where I find a bag of gold, in the bag there's a key to a Mustang GT 500 (does that even exist?) and inside the Mustang there are keys to a speed boat and inside the speed boat are keys to a brand new four-bedroom, four-bathroom house that is two stories! (student explained this to me)
Inside: Happy birthday to you. I like that you're nice. I like that you're friendly. I like that you're helpful. A wish for you is you get a bag of gold.
Cover art: Birthday cake with 3 candles (????)
Inside: You are a great and patient teacher. More important you love kids. I like that you have a great sense of humor (sidenote: this kid never smiles). I wish you have a great birthday and have a fun time.
Cover art: Party hat
Inside: Happy birthday. I like you because you are good at knowing China. And you are good at yoga. Also you are good at teaching. I wish you have the best birthday ever.
Cover art: Go ducks!
Inside: I wish you will be a teacher forever. I think you are a good artist because you can come up with these really amazing things. I think you have a good sense of humor. And you will have the best birthday you have ever had in your life. Happy birthday Judy.
You know....that last student may have been right....it was one of the very best birthdays....ever....
No list today. Living in the moment.
Goodnight!
I'm not sure why 28 seems to horrifying. My guess is, it's because I'm on a downhill slide to 30, which everyone assures me is so much better than my 20's. You know, it's funny, for so many years, I wished to hurry up and get to my 30's and now, now, that I have only 2 years left in my 20's I suddenly don't seem so ready anymore. What's that saying about the grass always being greener? So, here I am, 28, and I'm not quite sure where the time has gone, but the future sure looks bright.
I had to calm my nerves this morning as I got up and realized I was no longer 27 and a year closer to the dreaded dirty 30, but then I remembered my friends before me who have taken this age and date in stride. I didn't spontaneously combust or anything. I'm still one whole Judy who does all of her Judy things.
In fact, it turned out to be a great, fantastic, fabulous day. Of course, I love any day that is specifically centered around me, I am a true Aquarius, after all. My students and staff spoiled me like they usually do and had a little celebration. One student, in particular, gave me about 27 hugs and they all said Happy Birthday about a million times. Another student even pointed out how she simply could not believe I was 28 because I did not look that old at all! YES! Ego boost! And, my students all wrote me very genuine, thoughtful cards (see below).
This evening brought an even better bash, as my dear friend, Sarah, once again out did herself with planning my birthday party! She is incredible. She assures me she looks forward to planning and organizing my birthday, even though I simply can't understand how anyone could like doing such a thing. She had flowers, card, chocolate and balloons sent to me at school today. Organized a dinner with all of my closest pals, and took many a celebratory photo for me. She made a delicious candy-cake per my request (are you getting why one would not want to be my party planner? I want this, I want that, blah blah blah) She is amazing and I'm so blessed to have her in my life! Then! Don't forget the numerous people that showered me with gifts and meaningful, humorous cards. I can't even believe how well people treat me. I'm sure I don't deserve it. Gifts came pouring in from Australia, to Klamath Falls, to Corvallis, to Forest Grove, to Eugene. If only you all knew your friendship, love and support, were all the gifts I need!
Birthday Cards from students:
Cover art: A talking cat
Inside: I wish you a happy birthday. I like that you are nice. I also like how you are helpful. I like that you are good at math, with your students! Happy birthday.
Cover art: 2 koalas in trees
Inside: I wish you a happy birthday! I like that you eat lots of vegetables, you're good at yoga, and you're nice. I wish that you may have a special birthday. You seem to be very friendly, caring and helpful. In yoga you do stuff that I think is impossible. I think you are a super person.
Cover art: Me walking down a sidewalk where I find a bag of gold, in the bag there's a key to a Mustang GT 500 (does that even exist?) and inside the Mustang there are keys to a speed boat and inside the speed boat are keys to a brand new four-bedroom, four-bathroom house that is two stories! (student explained this to me)
Inside: Happy birthday to you. I like that you're nice. I like that you're friendly. I like that you're helpful. A wish for you is you get a bag of gold.
Cover art: Birthday cake with 3 candles (????)
Inside: You are a great and patient teacher. More important you love kids. I like that you have a great sense of humor (sidenote: this kid never smiles). I wish you have a great birthday and have a fun time.
Cover art: Party hat
Inside: Happy birthday. I like you because you are good at knowing China. And you are good at yoga. Also you are good at teaching. I wish you have the best birthday ever.
Cover art: Go ducks!
Inside: I wish you will be a teacher forever. I think you are a good artist because you can come up with these really amazing things. I think you have a good sense of humor. And you will have the best birthday you have ever had in your life. Happy birthday Judy.
You know....that last student may have been right....it was one of the very best birthdays....ever....
No list today. Living in the moment.
Goodnight!
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