Wednesday: 27-6-12
10:57 pm
Quote of the day: Dude, all I want to do is lay in a hammock and listen to 90`s music. (Quote inspired by listening to Real McCoy on Pandora) The problem is I won´t have an internet connection in the hammock.
The fastest way to earn entry into my journal-blog is to forget that tonight is the night you are supposed to take Jason and I to the airport. I arrived at my sister´s house in the early evening. She greeted me with a mojito and conversation on the deck. It was the perfect way to unwind and relax, to begin my mental preparations for the long night ahead. She prepared us a feast of fish tacos, chips, salsa, guacamole and...more mojitos. It was a nice, fun way to get us into the Costa Rican mood. Before we knew it, it was time to load up and head into teh city to catch our ride to the airport. Jason had arranged for one of his friends to take us to the airport around 9:30. We arrived a bit early to his house, around 8:30, to find no one was home. There was no sign of life, yet we rang the doorbell anyway. Nothing. I assured Jason it was okay because we were so early. I suggested we get some ice cream at this delicious place around the corner called Salt & Straw. Jason agreed to this proposition so we made our way towards the ice cream shop. As we neared the store, it was plain to see everyone else that lived in Portland also had decided that a Wednesday evening at 8:44 would be a great time to get ice cream. Clearly, we were not going to wait in that line. I mean we had time, but not that much time. We decided to park and walk to a promising sounding place called Tonelli´s Donuts and Cream. Afterall, if their selection of ice cream was substandard, they, at least, had donuts. The ice cream selection was just fine. After our sweet treat, we returned to the Jason´s friend´s house and Jason tried to call him. Again, nothing. Jason was quickly approaching panic mode. I made futile attempts at help since I didn´t know anyone´s phone number except for Nicki´s and I´m sure she was working. Oh well, she got a frantic message from me anyway. She never called back though. Rude. Jason quickly thought of a new plan and called another friend as we were quickly approaching 9:30 and had decided we must try to be to the airport at 10:00, for our midnight flight. The new friend was more than willing to oblige Jason and was on his way when Jason thought he saw a light on in the house and thought, I´m going to try the doorball one more time. Lo and behold, who answered the door but his friend that was supposed to take us! Here´s how THAT convo went:
Jake: Oh, hey man what´s up?
Jason: (Casually glances at watch) Oh, nothing much, I guess we´ve got some time before we head to the airport...
Jake: Oh...today´s Wednesday isnt it?
HAHA, Jason quickly called his other friend back to tell him we no longer needed his services.
-Sidenote: I am writing this via the airplane, as we are waiting to take off. They just dimmed the lights and I´m seriously considering how much longer I will be able to keep my peepers open. Not long is my guess. We are nearing midnight....
Okay, back to the story at hand. We finally arrive at the airport and step up to get our boarding passes. Of course, silly me, I booked my ticket under Judy and my passport, is, of course, under Judith. So, we have to have a United representative confirm my identity. I greatly look forward to getting hassled about that at every airport between here and there. Then, came security. What a special little treat that is, right? My security stop actually wasn´t so bad and yes, I got a trip through the full-body scanner! Woohoo. The real intriguing part of this miracle of flight is the people. Let me paint you a picture of the guy in front of me. Male. Young, probably early 20`s. Blond, tussled hair. Red plaid shirt, unbuttoned just enough to give us a sneak peek of his tribal chest tattoo. Overalls, tucked into his cowboy boots. His luggage consists of a green, military style backpack and a trumpet. A trumpet? I want to know his story, instantly. I´m so fascinated. As we are passing through security, however, he gets stopped, because in that green Army backpack he had, you´ll never guess it, too much organic peanut butter. Of course he did. It turns out, this is not an acceptable carry on item. The security officials sadly inform him that they have to take it, but they do offer for him to check it. He considers this momentarily then decides he can do without.
Jason and I know not what to do withourselves until we board, so we head to Laurelwood Brewery. Here, more interesting people. This was a people-watching paradise. In the span of about 15 minutes, we watched two strangers converse, laugh and make their newfound ¨friendship¨official by becoming Facebook friends. They made unofficial plans to meet up at Bonnaroo next year, and exchanged email addresses. Wow. Then, we watched a guy get cut-off as he apparently kept ordering more drinks and then denying that he did so when the bartender showed up with his drink. Then, came the time, we had been eagerly awaiting, boarding. Naturally, I´m still irrationally concerned about my carry on not being accepted even though Jason´s pack is clearly larger than mine and he´s not worried about it at all. We measured mine before we left my sister´s and it met requirements but still, I worry. As we are waiting to board, we get approached by a United official. Of course, I´m thinking that they are going to check my bag. But, no, instead they want to know if we´d be willing to sit in the emergency aisle. After about 10 seconds of deliberation and realizing we will have more leg room, we agree. As I sit here and write, yes, we´re still on the runway, I´m fairly certain we just heard drilling on the underside of the plane. The pilot just announced that one of the lavatories isn´t working except Jason, nor I, know what direction ¨fore¨or äft¨is so hopefully I fall asleep soon and can make it through the 3.5 hour flight to Houston.
I can´t believe it. We´re on our way to Costa Rica!!!
Things I learned today:
1. Peanut butter is considered a liquid, or must adhere to the same regulations as a liguid, when flying. Keep your peanut butter at home. It really is best.
2. Always call-text-email your friend who is responsible for your transportation to the airport on the day, or morning of needed transportation.
12 hours to San Jose! EEK!
Night yàll.
Judy
Friday, June 29, 2012
Por Fin!
Hey all,
Just a quick note to let you know, we are safe and sound. I have tons to write but do not have the time now as we are on our way to Manuel Antonio. Many a good stories exists, so please stay tuned. This note is mainly so my mom will be able to sleep tonight. I know she has been awake for probably 48 hours by now! Go to sleep, mama!
Abrazos,
Judy & Jason
Just a quick note to let you know, we are safe and sound. I have tons to write but do not have the time now as we are on our way to Manuel Antonio. Many a good stories exists, so please stay tuned. This note is mainly so my mom will be able to sleep tonight. I know she has been awake for probably 48 hours by now! Go to sleep, mama!
Abrazos,
Judy & Jason
Monday, June 25, 2012
Tico Time 2012
So, probably the most exciting thing I’ve done since
December is happening. It’s going
down. Like in two days. My cousin, Jason, and I are headed to
Costa Rica, for not 5, 6, or even 8 days.
We are going for 14 days.
Yes, count them. 14! This is by far the longest trip I’ve
ever taken, and here’s how it came to be.
Right around the time of spring break, I was overcome with a
serious case of wanderlust. I was
going stir crazy at work and had dealt with numerous changes throughout the
school year, from my career, to my personal life, to my family, everything was
changing, but yet felt completely the same. I knew I was going crazy and that I had to do something to
mix it up a bit. So, one night
while taking a bath at my parent’s house in Klamath Falls, I began dreaming. Klamath Falls is a great place for
dreaming, especially when you want to dream about going somewhere else! I began thinking about possible options
for travel. I had really wanted to
make it to Australia to see one of my good friends, but the airfare was
outrageous, and it seemed like something I probably should have been planning
for about a year in advance.
Unfortunately, as much as I love planning, I never really have the
foresight to plan that far in advance, especially where money is
concerned! (Read: Worst budgeter
ever! I’m getting better though…I
think..) So, then I began thinking about South/Central America. I had heard from other traveling
friends that these countries could be relatively inexpensive. Right away, I thought, who could go with
me? And, the answer, of course,
was my cousin Jason. What makes
Jason great, is that he is the very opposite of me. He is completely logical, rational, and very ruled by the
“left brain.” I’m completely
illogical, irrational, and strongly ruled by the “right brain.” Now, that said, I don’t think being
illogical or irrational are necessarily bad things. That’s for another blog. The point is, Jason is my balance. Where he worries, I do not, where I worry, he is not. See, Jason thinks about things like
malaria medicine, and vaccinations, currency exchange, and transportation,
whereas I think about beaches, and swimsuits, hiking, tree houses and
sloths! It’s a great combination,
if you ask me. Also, Jason’s
riotously funny, so that helps.
I decided I had to ask him to see if there was even the
possibility of being able to go.
So, I shot him a text, asking him if there was any chance that he’d
consider going to South/Central America with me for two weeks. His response, in a typical logical
fashion, was, “When?...but OF COURSE!”
I don’t think he anticipated me responding with, “I’m thinking July.” Somehow, he acquiesced to this, I
think, in part, because he didn’t believe it would happen in a million years,
at the very least it would not happen this summer. I spent the rest of my Spring break looking up places and
activities to do in Costa Rica, and texting Jason what I had found. It wasn’t until about three days of
these texts that Jason asked, “Wait, are we seriously doing this?” I was appalled, of course we are! And, thus, a dream of Costa Rica was
born.
Now, I’ve been incredibly diligent about not using the word
“plan.” Because, you see, we have
in all actuality done very little “planning.” I have a real issue with the idea of having a strict
itinerary with specific activities because that ties me down. It’s like having to commit to something
and well, I think we all know how I deal with that! But, then, there’s the stress of not having anything planned
out which almost forces one to want to join one of those tour groups where
everything is set up for you and you just pay some exorbitant amount of money
to have other people stress for you.
That sounds lovely, in theory, but I’ve traveled outside of the country
with groups before, and I know what happens when I don’t get to go do, or see,
what I want to go do and see. My
reaction to being restricted in these types of environments have manifested in
sneaking out, leaving the group, and taking “risks” to get whatever I was
after. I wanted something
different for this trip. You know, I wanted it to be very Eat, Pray, Love…and
all of that. Now, Jason, being the
opposite of me, I think is wondering half the time why we don’t have more
details pinned down. But, in the
end, I think we are both at a place where we can agree, in not having things
planned to the nth degree will make it that much more of an adventure!
In regards to our “plans,” we have bought plane
tickets. Yup, that’s the
plan. And, our passports aren’t
outdated. And, we both have Hep A
shots. That’s pretty much the
extent of it. Jason has been a
fiend about reading information on Costa Rica via the interweb. I’m not sure how many hours a day he
spends but I get lots of ridiculous, random texts throughout the day about all of the interesting tid-bits and
trivia about Costa Rica. According to the internet if you go to Costa Rica you
will get held up at knife point, eaten alive by malaria
carrying mosquitoes, pick up ear parasites (that actually came from Karen
Liska), contract flesh eating bacteria, fall off a zip line, or get gobbled up
by sharks. Also, beach towns are
highly promiscuous places and we should definitely, at all costs, stay out of
hotels/motels. Jason and I,
through various friends, have been put in touch with mutual friends that live
in Costa Rica, though we’ve had some difficulty in actually communicating with
said mutual friends. See, in Costa
Rica, the people are known as Ticos.
Ticos basically operate on their own time. Jason has wondered, if the people in Costa Rica actually own
watches (or calendars) there. We
had emailed several places asking questions about travel, and/or room rates,
etc, and still, to this day have not heard back. Jason was trying to get in touch with one guy, who responded
minimally to his first email and said something like, “give me a week and I’ll
get back to you” and I think Jason finally heard back from him at the end of
last week. (It was longer than a
week, in US time) Once Jason
finally connected with this surf-dude named Kevin, he assured Jason that “Everything
will be chill…” It’s likely Kevin
spends some time being high. No
judgment. He’s on, what J and I
now call, “Tico Time.” Our trip
has officially been dubbed, “Tico Time 2012.” I’m just hoping there isn’t much lag time in switching from
US time to Tico Time…
We have eagerly counted down the days since purchasing our
flights, and we are closing in on the 48 hour mark! It’s been a crazy time just thinking, and researching, and
dreaming, but it’s all about to collide with reality. So weird! I’m
pretty sure it’s not really going to hit me until I’m sitting on that United
plane at midnight on Wednesday. It
is my aim to bring our travels to my friends and family, as much as I can (as
much as I have internet access) and hope you’ll leave us your comments, or just
enjoy the read. I have a feeling
this trip will be one to commemorate!
Let the great adventure begin!!!
Pura Vida!
Wednesday, February 29, 2012
"Leapin' Lizards!" (Quote not taken from the Bible)
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)
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)
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!
Thursday, January 19, 2012
"Come Hell or High Water"
The time is here. It's time to build our arks. I honestly cannot believe the rain here...and, please, I've lived in the "valley" for almost ten years by now. (I'm rounding up here.) This rain just does not stop. It's no light drizzle either. It's a constant downpour. I'm pretty sure when people started the expression "it's raining cats and dogs" this is what they were talking about. In fact, they very well may have been residents of the greater Eugene area. In the past week, we have had one snow day, due to a light dusting of snow, and a "flood day" where students were unable to make it to school because of flooding in their areas. One student's family had to evacuate their home. I know what you're thinking, "Is she seriously going to write an entire blog about the weather?" No, I'm not. But, it does bring me to my next topic...
Social work. (Did ya follow that transition?) For those of us called to social work, we know it can be incredibly challenging. It's hard. It's rough. It's difficult. How many more synonyms are there? I won't push the point, because at the end of the day, we all still love what we do. Is it because we are masochists and love to put ourselves through emotional strain everyday? Possibly. Is it because we are addicted to the chaos, poor government decisions, and drama that surrounds our profession? Maybe. Is it the thrill of never knowing if we will have a job next year or not? Um, ok, it's definitely not that. But, more so, I think it's because we so strongly believe in what we are doing. We have to believe that we make a difference everyday. This is so tough to remember sometimes. It's difficult to remember when you have a student refusing to do their work. It's difficult to remember when we are working late into the night, night after night, lesson planning, correcting, and grading. It's difficult to remember when our social lives suffer the consequences of these late nights. It's difficult to remember when everywhere we look we see our political leaders cutting away at education. It's difficult to remember when the homework doesn't get returned, or parents don't make the time to see that their child's homework gets signed. The obstacles are everywhere. Literally, I could go on and on and on. But, lest this post turns into wallowing, I must move on.
Yes, teachers, and social workers, in general, wade through an unbearable amount of $#!t everyday. I suspect most of us do in any of our chosen professions. But the point is, no matter what we have chosen to do, we are valuable. We do matter. Each profession, job, career, etc, is a contribution to our world. We do make a difference and it's important to remember those moments. I must admit, I'm feeling quite optimistic today because two students got sent home today due to flooding, and they were almost in tears because they didn't want to go home. Seriously, we were having to convince them that THEY were the lucky ones! This situation does not occur very often. It's important to me to know that at least SOME of my students would rather be here than at their chaotic homes. Now, if someone had come into our class and told me I had to go home at 10:30 a.m. I wouldn't be able to get my belongings together quick enough! But, alas, I got to spend the last half of the day with two students who were able to capitalize on staff attention. It's really quite something to connect with your students. There is no feeling like it. It is those moments that we must hold on to, and that we do hold on to. If we couldn't remember anything good about doing this job then why would we do it? The truth is, there are numerous moments that good, that are great even! These moments far outweigh all the obstacles that riddle the profession.
A teacher friend of mine gave me a poem to remind me of the value of our job the other day...I think it's a good reminder for all of us, in whatever type of work we have chosen. There will be challenges. The challenges help us grow. There will be bad days. Those days help us to appreciate the good days. And, this poem sort of encapsulates the feelings of doing hard work, and not necessarily always being able to see the value in the hard work that we do. If you need a reminder, here it is...
Today's list - Classroom successes
1. One student figured out a scramble squares puzzle after working on it for several days!
2. Remembering our library books
3. 100% homework completion!
4. 100% daily work completion!
5. Respectful listeners during a guest presentation
6. Mostly appropriate participation during said guest presentation
7. A student said "thank you" to me unprompted (HUGE success)
8. 0 reminders for calling out
9. I got caught up on reports ;o)
10. Our fish are still alive (a success and a disappointment for staff)
Social work. (Did ya follow that transition?) For those of us called to social work, we know it can be incredibly challenging. It's hard. It's rough. It's difficult. How many more synonyms are there? I won't push the point, because at the end of the day, we all still love what we do. Is it because we are masochists and love to put ourselves through emotional strain everyday? Possibly. Is it because we are addicted to the chaos, poor government decisions, and drama that surrounds our profession? Maybe. Is it the thrill of never knowing if we will have a job next year or not? Um, ok, it's definitely not that. But, more so, I think it's because we so strongly believe in what we are doing. We have to believe that we make a difference everyday. This is so tough to remember sometimes. It's difficult to remember when you have a student refusing to do their work. It's difficult to remember when we are working late into the night, night after night, lesson planning, correcting, and grading. It's difficult to remember when our social lives suffer the consequences of these late nights. It's difficult to remember when everywhere we look we see our political leaders cutting away at education. It's difficult to remember when the homework doesn't get returned, or parents don't make the time to see that their child's homework gets signed. The obstacles are everywhere. Literally, I could go on and on and on. But, lest this post turns into wallowing, I must move on.
Yes, teachers, and social workers, in general, wade through an unbearable amount of $#!t everyday. I suspect most of us do in any of our chosen professions. But the point is, no matter what we have chosen to do, we are valuable. We do matter. Each profession, job, career, etc, is a contribution to our world. We do make a difference and it's important to remember those moments. I must admit, I'm feeling quite optimistic today because two students got sent home today due to flooding, and they were almost in tears because they didn't want to go home. Seriously, we were having to convince them that THEY were the lucky ones! This situation does not occur very often. It's important to me to know that at least SOME of my students would rather be here than at their chaotic homes. Now, if someone had come into our class and told me I had to go home at 10:30 a.m. I wouldn't be able to get my belongings together quick enough! But, alas, I got to spend the last half of the day with two students who were able to capitalize on staff attention. It's really quite something to connect with your students. There is no feeling like it. It is those moments that we must hold on to, and that we do hold on to. If we couldn't remember anything good about doing this job then why would we do it? The truth is, there are numerous moments that good, that are great even! These moments far outweigh all the obstacles that riddle the profession.
A teacher friend of mine gave me a poem to remind me of the value of our job the other day...I think it's a good reminder for all of us, in whatever type of work we have chosen. There will be challenges. The challenges help us grow. There will be bad days. Those days help us to appreciate the good days. And, this poem sort of encapsulates the feelings of doing hard work, and not necessarily always being able to see the value in the hard work that we do. If you need a reminder, here it is...
Starfish Poem
Once upon a time there was a wise man
who used to go to the ocean
to do his writing.
He had a habit of walking on the beach before he began his work.
One day he was walking along the shore.
As he looked down the beach, he saw a human figure moving like a dancer.
He smiled to himself to think of someone who would dance to the day.
So he began to walk faster to catch up.
As he got closer, he saw that it was a young man and the young man wasn't dancing,
but instead he was reaching down to the shore,
picking up something and very gently throwing it into the ocean.
As he got closer he called out,
"Good morning! What are you doing?"
The young man paused,
looked up and replied,
"Throwing starfish in the ocean."
"I guess I should have asked, why are you throwing starfish in the ocean?"
"The sun is up and the tide is going out. And if I don't throw them in they'll die."
"But, young man, don't you realize that there are miles and miles of beach and starfish all along it.
You can't possibly make a difference!"
The young man listened politely.
Then bent down, picked up another starfish and threw it into the sea,
past the breaking waves and said -
"It made a difference for that one."
1. One student figured out a scramble squares puzzle after working on it for several days!
2. Remembering our library books
3. 100% homework completion!
4. 100% daily work completion!
5. Respectful listeners during a guest presentation
6. Mostly appropriate participation during said guest presentation
7. A student said "thank you" to me unprompted (HUGE success)
8. 0 reminders for calling out
9. I got caught up on reports ;o)
10. Our fish are still alive (a success and a disappointment for staff)
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