Here, have some time

Hello friends,
Heavenly Father, bless all eyes reading this blog. Special intentions and prayers for the sick, the ailing, homeless, hungry, all those who have no one to pray for them, and for the unemployed. Prayers for atheists, agnostics, and the oppressed. For peace in our world, and in our families. For two personal prayers. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

There are those rare moments in life where we are "given" time. Not like the time we purchase at a parking meter, or a long--awaited vacation day; nor is this free time due to inclement weather, or a flat tire.
No, this "blocked off time" is jury duty.
Or jury doodie, if you like puns, or bathroom humor.

It's like having a complimentary day off - a welcome distraction. The "lucky chance," to do something good for society.
I think I'm one of those rare people who enjoys doing her civil obligation, but I bet there are others like me. The time provides me with the opportunity to write a blog, people watch, and read.
Even though I am way too liberal to do anyone any good, more's the pity. But I still show up because maybe I'll be needed this time...

People watching in a courthouse is interesting and entertaining, though a bit bland.
I mean bland in that you can categorize people fairly easily.
There are basically five different kinds of people in a courthouse.
The lawyers, plantiff(s), defendant(s), judge and jurors.
Guys with baggy pants, tats, and a bit of a swagger, are usually the plantiffs, possibly defendants. The gals aren't well-dressed, but they are presentable. Men with ties, ladies in nice dresses with high heels, are lawyers, conceivably judges. Then there's 'us' the ordinary, everyday dressed people, the peers for the innocent, or accused, with badges that say 'juror'.

When I mentioned my observations of the five people you'll find in a courthouse to my brother, he brought up a good point. All of us, ie society, are one of the people in the five groups, at different times in our days, if not in our lives; metaphorically, and literally, if you think about it.
I wasn't chosen for a jury, along with 65 other people, and at around 11:15 in the morning, we were allowed to leave.

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa

Kids are kids

Hello friends,
Heavenly Father, bless all eyes reading this blog. Special intentions and prayers for the sick, the ailing, homeless, hungry, all those who have no one to pray for them, and for the unemployed. Prayers for atheists, agnostics, and the oppressed. For peace in our world, and in our families. For two personal prayers. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Drive to work
Even though I am traveling further, I enjoy the drive. At my previous job, I listened/prayed my rosary CD, get to the beginning of the fifth mystery, and have to stop because I'd arrive at school. When I pull up to my new school, the rosary is finished. It's a great way to start the day! =)
This is Lake Ray Hubbard, but it almost looks like a beach (I wish!).

Staff
I started my new job at a Professional development day, Thursday, of last week. The staff is extremely friendly and welcoming. I did my best to move from table to table to introduce myself and speak to everyone.



Highlight
I sang the A-B-C song with the cutest first grader on the first day of school. I was sitting on the stage in the auditorium (which is a story in itself, but not worth telling), when he asked if he could sit next to me. Since he is too short to reach the stage, I put a chair up against the stage for him to crawl on, which  he clumsily did, looking proud as he settled himself. I asked him to say his ABC's to me. He kept skipping J, K, L, so I wrote the letters down for him, pointing to them as we sang the song together. He did better after a few tries. =)

Moms

I know mom's are attached to their children, but wow, please just drop off your kindergartner, or pre-k sweet 'um at the teacher's door with a kiss and a hug, and then please walk away quickly. The children will be better adjusted than if you stand there and coo, or try to hold on to them. Your anxiety creates anxiety in your children. There were a couple of mom's that created an unnecessary scene. It took some time to calm the kids, and separate the mom, but that so could have been avoided.
Kids are kids
I was asked during my interview if I thought a child in an urban setting, was different from a child in a country setting. No, there is no difference. Children are the same. Parents and teachers make the difference.

The school district of Dallas
Unlike the media in the area, I refuse to join in the criticism of the district. Just like many teachers, Dallas has some highly talented professionals in the classroom, where students are loved and pushed to reach beyond their potential. Keep in mind: this district is HUGE; there are 150,000 students entering their doors every day school is in session. The district does the best it can, with what it has, and I applaud it's effort. Teachers are the heroes in any school district; Dallas is no different.
Support
I am enjoying my new job. I delight in helping others, and this position gives me the opportunity to assist many children, parents, and others in various levels of administration. I pray God bless me with all I need, so that I reflect Christ in everything, and everyone sees Christ in me.
Jesus, bless teachers with a great year!!!

"I am a little pencil in the hand of a writing God who is sending a love letter to the world." Mother Theresa