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

Back to work, eh?

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.

     The kiddies will return this Monday, and I begin my new position as an Elementary School Counselor, where I, along with all the staff, have 600 plus students in our care.

      I am a bit anxious, as anyone who is starting a new appointment will be, but I remain positive and pray to the Lord for guidance, showing me ways to give Him greater glory through this new career.
     It was a bumpy ride getting here.
     I accepted the job offer on the Saturday before the week of  professional development at my old school-district. When I informed my old principal I had obtained employment elsewhere, she told me that I was still under contract with my old district, and that she needed to find a replacement before I could be released from my obligations.

     That Monday at my old school, I thought about the things I could be doing if I were in my office, but I did manage to keep myself in the present. At one point I just had to say, "God's will be done," and accept that I might be in my old assignment for a minimum of two weeks, possibly longer.
     My new principal assured me the job was still mine, but I was tense; I was unsure how this delay was going to affect me in performing my new duties.
     I sympathized with my old principal; she was doing what she thought was best for the students.
I think when she realized she might not find the exact person she was looking for, and needed to change her strategy in finding an alternate, she released me fairly quickly Wednesday morning. Wednesday afternoon I was in an orientation for new school counselors in my new district. God blessed me with a couple of days in my office for organizing, organizing, and even more organizing. I was also 'officially' introduced to the staff, students and parents, so things worked out just fine, PTL.

      I pray that all teachers and students, everywhere, have a most blessed academic 2012-2013 school year. In Jesus' name, Amen.

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

Guy-Girl-Friends

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.
     Recently, I hung out with my brother and a couple of his friends, both male. I usually have a good time with my brother's friends, and we have lots to talk about while enjoying each other's company. There was a great reason for our gathering, too: making sandwiches for the homeless.
     The organization hosting the event asked that volunteers bring certain items to the venue. I picked up the items on the morning of the adventure.
     All of us met at a central area, and then we drove to the place together.
     My bro's friends didn't bring anything*, and we were more than willing to share.
     I've been with my brother and his friends before, and sometimes they are 'on the prowl,' {for women} which is fine, because I can amuse myself while their nonsense happens, lol.

     I quickly realized, though, I shouldn't be with 'the guys,' on this particular outing, even though it was for an altruistic purpose. As I've already mentioned, guys on the prowl don't bother me, but disrespect for the woman in their group does bother me.
     After we were done making sandwiches, we went to a restaurant where one of the guys had a former gf. I jokingly remarked, "If we avoided all the places where you have a former gf, we might as well eat at home." Zing. The guy laughed good-naturally, but I knew he was a little embarrassed by my observation.
    My brother thought I was disrespectful to the guys also, so I'm acknowledging this may have been the case, and not make it seem like the guys were the only ones being untoward. However, I don't appreciate f bombs said in my presence, or the spelling out of women's body parts. When I spoke up about the words I didn't like, I was given an apology by, "...it would be ok if I were drinking and I said it." To which I still disagreed. Then it dawned on me: these guys didn't have a clue how to interact with me. I wasn't someone they were going to pick up, and they had no interest in being friends with me. I felt like they wanted to treat me like 'one of the guys,' especially with the foul language, but when I wasn't 'grateful' for being included in the 'boy's club,' the tone of the conversation changed.

     I also noted that these guys wanted to talk about the women in their lives, or the lack of women. It was fun to listen to their women woes; it's a rarity for a woman to hear men speak about their sorrows regarding relationships. I listened and gave advice, but didn't glean much else from the exchange, except that these men are pretty obvious about looking for sex. Now, I know some of you may say that is all men are looking for, and this is probably true, but as my friend Sherry Argov says, and I'm paraphrasing, "We {women} have to turn it into something else."

      I came to the conclusion that I can't hang out with these particular men again. I'm sad knowing this, because I feel like such a snob. But I'm not, I just expect respect.
     * I allude to this because I know the guys thought about bringing some things, but didn't. Nor did they thank my brother and me for our contribution. I get the impression these guys want to know what they can get, or are going to get, from any given situation; as opposed to seeing how they can add, or what they are bringing to the table. This 'taking' attitude isn't a good look for men. These aren't the kinds of men I'd consider dating, and I'm sure I'm 'too high maintance' for them, lol. Ladies, pay attention to these 'small details,' they tell a lot about a guy's character.



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

Seeking a job in the big city

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.
     My job search has taken me all over the 'big city'.***
     I've been interviewed by at least six different principals, all in public schools, in the last two or three weeks. Not that I'm complaining. Having interviews is a tremendous blessing; my hope is with the Lord. I pray He will guide me, and the interviewer, to a magnificent fit, beneficial to the students, staff, parents, and community at large. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
     The first interview I had was for two schools. A dear friend of mine worked at one of the schools, and asked her principal to speak with me. Her principal obliged her, but once I realized I was going to be in charge of two schools, I politely declined. I want to have some experience before undertaking such a huge endeavor.

     The second school was close to a Catholic church; I could attend church once my work day was done. I was really hoping for this school. I felt like I could make a difference here, as I've felt with all the schools where I applied. In addition, it wasn't far from my house, and the mascot was cool. Seriously, the school was about three minutes from a place of worship. Alas, though, within a few days I was notified by the secretary saying the position was filled.

     The third interview I had was for a school comprised of mostly homeless children. A truly special place, where a person with a compassionate heart was needed. I felt immediately protective of these young ones, and just knew I could empower them. It was the principal's interaction with one of the teachers,who was moving to another school, that made me hesitant. Hmm, could I work for her? School counseling isn't the same as being a teacher. My position is to support principal, staff, and above all, the students; along with an affirmative reciprocity with the community at large. But there was no need for me to worry - I wasn't offered the position.

     The fourth school had a principal I quickly liked, and knew we'd make a great team. She and I had the same ideas for school activities, and we spoke for at least an hour, maybe more. This school was a bit of a drive, but the principal inspired me enough to want to be on her team, regardless of the distance. She told me she'd call me on Monday; Monday became Tuesday. The following Monday I called her, but her secretary said she had already hired a school counselor. I cried about the loss of this opportunity. I just felt so comfortable with the principal, and the surroundings.

     The next interview I had was in the district I currently work for, and for a school where I had been a teacher. I knew I wasn't going to take the position, but I wanted the exposure of the interview. It was a growing experience. I wasn't happy at this school, which made going back to it kind of surreal. The dialogue was fine; no tension. I gladly received the email saying the principal went with someone else.

     The sixth interview was not in the safest of areas; as my mom and I perused the campus together, the day before my appointment. Mom seemed fairly worried, which I didn't like, because I don't need my mom worrying about me, but someone needed to attend to these children too. The conference was smooth going, but I was concerned about a couple of things. The two counselors that were employed, were no longer working there. Why were both of them gone? I didn't ask, but I was wondering. The VP mentioned long hours after the school day was done, not a completely bad thing, but then he added that one or two days out of the weekend might also be needed. This alarmed me, especially with there being two counselors. I was also told that I was to act like a kind of 'snitch' for administration. If there were teachers not compling with school/district 'rules and regulations,' I had to tell the principal, the VP, or both. Hmm...thankfully, I was not chosen for this situation either.

     I know God is with me, and He has my best interests at heart. I am 'expectantly hopeful' in the Lord! I also have an 'army of prayer warriors,' and I ask that God especially bless these people, as they have been angels to me in my search. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

As this post is being published, I have an interview today with a middle School...PTL!

*** I do have a job in the Fall, it's just not a counseling job.

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

Give it to God

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank you for all answered prayers, and for always opening my eyes to new ways of looking at situations. Prayers for all those who have asked me to pray for them; for the health of a very special friend, and for two very special intentions. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

      People make poor decisions, and then they ask God why He's not helping them. As if doing things in our own egotistical and selfish way has ever worked out for us. LOL

     God makes it pretty clear that we've got to sincerely, truly, with all our hearts, minds, and souls, believe in Him, and that He is going to take care of us, but we have to do our part too.

     For example, I probably know on some level, conscious or not, that living with a guy before marriage is not living a Godly life. But I do it anyway. Then I ask God why the relationship ended. Or maybe I'm asking God why He brought this person into my life, if things weren't going to work out for us? God brings all kinds of people into our lives, and sometimes we just need to know it's not always about us, and our lessons.

     If we are open to God working in our lives, He can bring about extraordinary change(s)! Here's the marvelous conversion He brought to me.
     I've always thought my mom and I didn't get along because she and I are so different. I realize now that my attitude, as well as my skewed view of mom's behavior - I was always on the defensive - has caused more of a rift between the two of us than anything else! WOW! But you know, this paradigm shift has been extremely beneficial to the connection between us. I can now see the love my mom has for me in how she responds to me.

     An instance where mom and I usually had tension was with our housekeeper. I felt sorry for my domestic help, because my mom can be somewhat cantankerous and demanding in what she expects. Usually, I end up firing various 'employees', because mom is so criticizing of the work they do.
     I used to tell my mother, "Hey, you aren't paying these workers, I am. Please don't tell them anything." Now I understand that mom was irate because I wasn't getting my money's worth from them. She was fighting for excellence! I now thank my mom for speaking up against shoddy done chores, and pray that I have her courage to complain when she's not there.

     God woke me up to this new reality. I began acting in a more loving, calming, and patient way toward my mother. You might be wondering, you're just now thinking about God's love for all of us and acting in this way? But what was lacking, was my genuine effort to change my behavior. Whereas before I was content with 'unpleasant togetherness,' with my mom, now, with God's energy and purpose alive in me, love is flowing and joining us closer than ever.

     The HS is guiding me, and cascading through me, helping me discern the truth behind mom's actions. I wouldn't be able to do any of this by myself. I'd just make things worse! LOL I can't do anything without God in my life. I can't fully appreciate my mom's care for me, if I don't allow Christ to open my eyes. I want the best possible relationship I can have with my mom; she's 80. If not now, then when?

     I remember a priest telling the story of clashes between his brother and his father. When it came time for the father to pass, the brother exited the hospital room and asked the other brother, "What were all those fights for?"
     Allowing God to create a  precedent is a powerful thing. Let Him change your thinking, won't you? Only then can you fully live and love the life God has in store for you. Do your part today, and I guarantee you, God will do His part. Amen, Lord!

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

Why, God?

Dear Heavenly Father,
Special prayers and thoughts for the families of Aurora, Colorado. Continue teaching us about mercy and forgiveness, Lord, we haven't quite got it yet. In Jesus' name. Amen.

      When tragedies happen, like they did this past weekend in Aurora, Colorado, I'm sure there are people wondering where God was, and why didn't He prevent this from occurring?

      But God was there. He was in the heroes who protected the people around them, loved ones, and strangers. I heard the story of one 19-year-old who used himself as a shield so that no harm would come to the children sitting near him. Or the people who escaped and then returned to the auditorium to help the others. God arrived quickly with the police. These were God's ordinary people showing courage; they inspire me to be a hero everyday. We never know what a kindness can mean to a stranger.

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

Somebody that I used to know...

Heavenly Father,
Please bless everyone with safe travels, Lord. Prayers for those who have asked me to pray for them; for a couple of Special Intentions. Jesus, guide my words so that they bring you greater glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.
MUSIC
"Somebody that I used to know," by the artist "Goyte."

     I'm going to analyze this particular song, because it is incredibly haunting. This is not an attempt to saying anything untoward about Mr. Goyte himself, this is merely one woman's commentary on the behavior described in a song.
     I don't even particularly like the song, but I can't ever seem to change the channel on the radio when it's playing. I even sing along! LOL I heard from a friend that Goyte wrote this song as a compilation of his relationships. Are you familiar with the lyrics? No? Here they are, courtesy of a google search entitled, "Lyrics to Goyte's song 'Somebody that I used to know."(feat. Kimbra)

[Gotye:]

Now and then I think of when we were together

Like when you said you felt so happy you could die

Told myself that you were right for me

But felt so lonely in your company

But that was love and it's an ache I still remember

You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness

Like resignation to the end, always the end

So when we found that we could not make sense

Well you said that we would still be friends

But I'll admit that I was glad it was over

But you didn't have to cut me off

Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing

And I don't even need your love

But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough

No you didn't have to stoop so low

Have your friends collect your records and then change your number

I guess that I don't need that though

Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Now you're just somebody that I used to know

Now you're just somebody that I used to know

[Kimbra:]

Now and then I think of all the times you screwed me over

Part of me believing it was always something that I'd done

But I don't wanna live that way

Reading into every word you say

You said that you could let it go

And I wouldn't catch you hung up on somebody that you used to know

[Gotye:]

But you didn't have to cut me off

Make out like it never happened and that we were nothing

And I don't even need your love

But you treat me like a stranger and that feels so rough

No you didn't have to stoop so low

Have your friends collect your records and then change your number

I guess that I don't need that though

Now you're just somebody that I used to know

[x2]

Somebody

(I used to know)

Somebody

(Now you're just somebody that I used to know)

(I used to know)

(That I used to know)

(I used to know)

Somebody

     Let's start with the first stanza's, um, issues: 'told himself she was right for him'; why did he need to 'tell himself'? Was he 'convincing' himself? Ew. As Tiny Fey's 30Rock Liz Lemon character says, "Deal breaker. Shut it down." In the next sentence he says he was 'lonely in her company.' Well that is just plain wrong, for everyone involved.
     'That was love and it's an ache he can still remember.' In his mind, love aches. I'm a romantic too, but this thinking seems amiss. In love, longing is good, pain is not.

     'The lonely, tortured artist' shines forth brilliantly in the second stanza."You can get addicted to a certain kind of sadness." He's feeling disappointed that his 'object of love,' was not  the 'perfect person for him,' as he hoped. This probably happens a lot to him; his disappointment transforms into anguish, and he knows the despondency so well, he's become addicted to it. Almost as if he's saying, "Oh yes, this isn't working...there's the familiar 'rush' of feeling grief."
     This line is kind of sweet, "When we found we could not make sense." He's justifying the loss of connection. The woman is allowed her say, and she tells him,  'We'll still be friends." Unfortunately, the 'friends' route doesn't work quite like either party thinks. Even though this guy is a lover of love, he goes on to say, "He was glad it was over." If you put this in a song, all your past lovers will wonder if you felt that way about them. No one likes to have 'we're done,' spelled out for them so cruelly. Note to self: try not to be too mean when writing an anthology 'love' song.

     But wait, then he gets affronted when she 'cuts it off,' and 'acts like it never happened, and that we were nothing.' But he just said he was relieved it was over. Such a guy response; only if the guy breaks it off is it okay to say barbarous things. But she wasn't merely talking: she knew something had to be done to make things 'final,' and she did them.
    So which is it? Is he sad or angry?  More than likely, he's both. He does seem genuinely flabbergasted by her behavior, poor guy, but let's hear what she thinks of their lost affinity.

     They both start off saying that they think of each other, 'every now and then,' and she remembers how 'he screwed her over,' but she isn't obsessing about it.
     When people say things like 'every now and then,' or 'I'm not someone who always needs to be in a relationship,' what they are really saying is 'I think about you constantly,' and 'I've had girlfriends since high school ..." The people in this song are just verbally jabbing at each other. They're both hurt, and they want the other to know it and feel it.
     She's like the 'universal woman,' when she says it was something she did. Many women have this notion. Take heart, though, when two people are involved, each person had something to do with the break-up.
     She's a strong woman too, as we can attest to when she affirms, "But I don't wanna live that way, reading into every word you say." What I find interesting is when she mentions, "You said you could let it go; and I wouldn't catch you hung up on someone you used to know." Was this the reason why this alliance wasn't going to work? Did he accuse her of feeling this way, but it was really him projecting his own hurt from a past relationship ... hmm.

         He is feeling spurned, but doesn't respond to her venting; he continues blowing out his pain, anger, and sadness. He repeats again, 'it wasn't necessary for her to make it seem like they never happened, and they are nothing'; but he has no 'counteroffer' for how they should behave. He says this twice, must be important. Which I think let's her and the listeners  know he felt more for her than he thought he did. Maybe. He's not happy they aren't 'one flame' anymore, and reluctantly acknowledges this is just how things go...what is the alternative? Being friends?... That doesn't work. Another approach might be committing to working on the complicated affair.

     If you've ever seen the video, you'll notice they are nude. Lots of vulnerability between them.

     Overall, I think this song is a win-win for everyone involved. His former gf has a song about his feelings on their break-up, and she has her say. The rest of us can relate to the purging of this couple, while enjoying the funky music.

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

Becoming Jane

Heavenly Father,
     Please bless everyone with safe travels, Lord. Prayers for those who have asked me to pray for them; and for two Special Intentions. Jesus, guide my words so that they bring you greater glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.
       I watched Becoming Jane for the 'nth' time this past weekend. I've wanted to write about this movie for some time, so here goes. Spoiler alert.

      Jane Austen chooses to marry for love, not money. Even though she lives in poverty, she will not be swayed to marry without emotion. She remains true to her craft, and made a living by it. In the 18th Century, for a woman to make a living by writing was unheard of, and often ridiculed. I'm saying this from the information garnered through the movie; her mom maliciously tells her in one poignant scene, after Jane refuses the offer of marriage from a wealthy gentleman named Wisley. Her mom tells her, "How will you live, Jane? By what...your pen?! You'll die a penniless, old spinster!" But Jane is a courageous woman and doesn't care what 'society' thinks of her, or her passion; in fact, she uses her writing to mock the thoughts of the day. She is who she is, and doesn't apologize for it.

     Then Jane meets the handsome Londoner named Tom LeFroy, portrayed beautifully by James MacAvoy, and they fall in love. Tom relies on his uncle, a judge in London, for his livelihood, and his education. They decide to see Tom's uncle, so that Tom can ask for his uncle's blessing; which would mean that Jane and Tom can be together, and not live in poverty.
     But alas, a letter arrives anonymously to Tom's uncle, just seconds before Tom is about to speak to him. In the letter, Jane is described as a desperate woman, vying for Tom's money (this is conjecture on my part; we're never told exactly what's in the letter.).  We do, however, see the uncle furiously storm out of the study, and refusing to give Tom any kind of blessing whatsoever.

     It is so terribly sad to see Tom's face when Jane enters the room, asking what happened. Tom is too stunned for words, but does manage to explain to Jane that they can't get married; his family relies on the money from his uncle. To see Tom this way contradicts his masculinity shown in the first hour of the film and it's heartbreaking. Jane tries to persuade him otherwise, saying they'll survive on her writing, but Tom doesn't believe it. When Jane comprehends the depth of what Tom is saying, she, her brother and her cousin leave London.
     I like that the movie allows the audience to see that Tom is love-stricken, and in such pain by the loss of Jane; it's cathartic. He still goes to 'houses of ill-repute,' but with much less vigor then was shown in the beginning. Jane is hurting too. The images of her pulling away from a conversation with her sister, to walk alone on the beach, emanates a profound sense of loss.

      But all hope is not lost! Tom returns a few weeks later, and asks Jane to elope with him. She quickly agrees. The wagon that is carrying them to Scotland gets stuck in the mud, and Jane is given Tom's things to hold while he helps push the wagon.  This is when she 'finds' a letter from Tom's mother, thanking him for the money he sent.When the wagon stops at a resting point, Jane asks Tom about his family; how many brothers and sisters he has, what their names are...Tom gets a little defensive because he knows where this questioning is leading. Jane is now fully cognizant of the repercussions of their actions. She comes to the same conclusions Tom came to when they were in London with his uncle. Jane leaves him there, at the rest stop. Tom is beside himself, but sees her resolve and doesn't run after her.

     Turns out that the letter sent to Tom's uncle was from another suitor of Jane's. This suitor was intent on disrupting any kind of union between Jane and Tom. Unfortunately, I've known men like this, and the anger you feel when you realize how selfish this person is, cannot be described easily.

     Jane and Tom see each other many, many, many years later, at an opera. Tom is a lawyer and married. Jane is a successful writer. Tom has his daughter with him, who he's named Jane, and Jane Austen does a private reading of one of her story's to Tom's daughter.

     Bitter sweet ending. Sigh.

     Reader, you can probably see why I wrote about this movie. Yes, I identify with Jane Austen's character in Becoming Jane. I've read on wiki that this relationship between Jane and Tom didn't actually happen, but it certainly made for a great movie.

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

A peek into one teacher's June, 2012

Hello friends,
Heavenly Father, grant my words give you greater glory and praise. For everyone who has asked for my prayers, Lord, this is a prayer for them. For all marriages and single people, Lord, may they keep their focus on You. For two special intentions. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Since most ppl wonder what teachers do during summer.
I thought I'd share what I'm doing/did this summer.

Career-wise
Since I'm looking for a school counseling job, I searched the surrounding districts for the names and phone numbers of folks I wanted to speak with; mostly the heads of the counseling departments.
Various paperwork was exchanged. I highlight the fact that I speak/read/write Spanish fluently, so as to separate myself from the rest of the applicants.
Thank the Lord, he granted me an interview with the larger district in the area.
Principals won't return to work until July 16th, so that's when I'll call schools again.

Domestic-wise

I've begun in my bedroom, by cleaning out all the clutter. I donated many clothes and shoes.

(I have this "policy" about my clothes and shoes; if I buy a pair a shoes, I've got to get rid of a pair; if I buy a couple of blouses, a couple of blouses get donated...)

My clothes are now hanging in the order of the rainbow. From left to right, dark to light. It's really pretty awesome! (I know, I'm a dork, and I'm okay with that.)

But, ahem, to get back to the topic: I am making my way to the other side of the house. I've finished my room, the linen closet, my bathroom. Next I'll do the spare bedroom - so many Christmas things to be donated and arranged! - plus my classroom things that need to be moved to my front office room. Then it's on to the front room, living room, kitchen, and lastly, the laundry room. Hopefully to be finished before August arrives. This is a huge undertaking and will probably take me most of July.

Spiritual-wise

I've gone to mass and prayed the rosary every day. Always make time for Jesus! :) He makes time for us.

Pet-wise

Toby has hayfever! Mom paid for his meds for the allergies, thanks Mom, and I paid for his nails to be trimmed, and heartworm/tick/flea meds. (Fortunately, they were having a sale on the Frontline Plus. PTL) I've bathed him twice in the last two months. He and I both dread the baths equally, but he feels so much better afterwards! He loves the 'drying off blanket' time the best.

Travel-wise

I've made it out of town. Not out of the state, yet, but out of town, certainly. It's something, PTL. I'd like to go to Fl and hit the beach, if it be God's will. That's one of my goals besides finding a job.

Friends-wise

What would summer be without gathering together with friends? Bor-ing. I've hung out with friends I wouldn't normally see during the school year, and a few I haven't seen in at least a year! Friends are a blessing! Thanks, Lord, for blessing me with such loving, kind, caring, and respectful friends.

Book-wise

My goal was to read at least ten books, some professional, and some just for fun, by August. I am no where near completing this one, but it's fun to try! I am reading 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, Manifesting God, and a few other ones...Reading is always a part of summer for me.

Exercise-wise

I'm proud to say that for the whole month of June I exercised for an hour, five times a week, on the treadmill. The last week of June and going into July, I'm doing six times a week.  I've also added an app to track my calories. Gettin' into a shape other than 'round'.

God bless you!

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

Proud to be Catholic!

Hello friends,
Heavenly Father, thank you for all answered prayers. In Jesus' name. Amen.
A friend of mine sent me the following email.

THE CATHOLIC CHURCH
Excerpts of an article written by non-Catholic Sam Miller - a prominent Cleveland Jewish businessman:

"Why would newspapers carry on a vendetta on one of the most important institutions that

we have today in the United States, namely the Catholic Church?

Do you know - the Catholic Church educates 2.6 million students everyday at the cost to that Church of 10 billion dollars, and a savings on the other hand to the American taxpayer of 18 billion dollars. The graduates go on to graduate studies at the rate of 92%.

The Church has 230 colleges and universities in the U.S. with an enrollment of 700,000 students.

The Catholic Church has a non-profit hospital system of 637 hospitals, which account for hospital treatment of 1 out of every 5 people - not just Catholics - in the United States today.

But the press is vindictive and trying to totally denigrate in every way the Catholic Church in this country. They have blamed the disease of pedophilia on the Catholic Church, which is as irresponsible as blaming adultery on the institution of marriage.

Let me give you some figures that Catholics should know and remember. For example, 12% of the 300 Protestant clergy surveyed admitted to sexual intercourse with a parishioner; 38% acknowledged other inappropriate sexual contact in a study by the United Methodist Church , 41.8% of clergy women reported unwanted sexual behavior; 17% of laywomen have been sexually harassed.

Meanwhile, 1.7% of the Catholic clergy has been found guilty of pedophilia. 10% of the Protestant ministers have been found guilty of pedophilia. This is not a Catholic problem.

A study of American priests showed that most are happy in the priesthood and find it even better than they had expected, and that most, if given the choice, would choose to be priests again in face of all this obnoxious PR the church has been receiving.

The Catholic Church is bleeding from self-inflicted wounds. The agony that Catholics have felt and suffered is not necessarily the fault of the Church. You have been hurt by a small number of wayward priests that have probably been totally weeded out by now.

Walk with your shoulders high and your head higher. Be a proud member of the most important non-governmental agency in the United States.

Be proud to speak up for your faith with pride and reverence and learn what your Church does for all other religions.

Please pass this on to every Catholic on your e-mail list
And those that are not!        

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

Best.Team. Ever.

Hello friends,
Heavenly Father, thank you for the family and friends you've brought into my life. I am truly blessed. Prayers for all who have asked me to pray for them, and for a special intention. Lord, we ask you to draw us ever nearer to you. We thank you Lord, for all answered prayers. In Jesus' Name, Amen.

I don't believe in coincidences.

So when I was asked for the second time in two years to change grade levels, I knew God had something wonderful in store for me, and He did. (*see previous blog for teaching fifth graders)
I'm glad I didn't realize at the time I was about to meet and make some fabulous friends, as well as work with, highly professional individuals. I think if I had known, I would have taken the situation for granted.
The six of us, four women, and two men, blend personalities beautifully. All of the women married, save one; of the men, one is engaged.

It is a luxury to have 'the boys' in our lineup, because the students need a good mixture of men and women teachers; besides the obvious fact that there are not many male teachers in elementary schools, more's the pity.
We have similar senses of humor, which has helped in many stressful situations.
Our positive interaction feeds on itself and grows exponentially.
Whenever there is an opportunity for all of us to have lunch, dinner, or social time, to coalesce, we do; although things really solidified between us when we took the students to camp in December. We stayed up until at least 11p each night, which is not a norm time for most teachers; we played games, talked, and of course took care of our students.

I stayed up because I didn't want to be the first one to go to bed, lol. The four women stayed in a room with four beds; two bunk beds on either side of the room. I had one of the top bunks.
Random conversation in the morning:
(after everyone has said their good mornings and it's still dark)
Me: Wow, what a name for a camp; Hostendorfer (name has been changed on purpose).
Top bunk, other side of room: That is my mom's maiden name!
Voice from the bottom bunk, opposite of mine: Then it's the most beautiful moniker she's ever heard!
Me: Yes it is!
And so the banter for the day began...

It was about three in the morning and I had to go to the restroom. I knew I didn't want to wake anyone, but wasn't sure how quiet I could be, especially climbing up and down the stairs of the bed.

I made it to the restroom, okay; making my way back to the bed, not so successful.
I couldn't find the steps!
Geez, I was thinking, I don't want to wake everyone when I step on my colleague's head and she screams!
Finally, after a little more fumbling around, I clamored back into bed.
As expected, I was teased about this the next morning.

The boys had a room to themselves. There was a common area in the cabin where we'd end up after a long day of hiking, canoeing, or making smore's at a campfire.
It's such an amazing feeling thinking we'll be a part of our student's memories. I hope they remember having fun, learning about themselves, and growing a greater self-esteem.

We've complained, worried, and discussed our student's strengths and weaknesses at length throughout the past year.
We have a high degree of empathy and sympathy amongst us, for the foibles of our students, because we all have that 'one student,' or several, whom we've done our best to reach, and change for the better, wondering if we're making a difference.

"June one," as the party is being coined, is the last hoorah I'll have with this team, because of a couple of things happening: I will either find a school counseling job and leave the building entirely; or I will be teaching fourth graders next year, at the same school, but not with this dynamic group.
I'm sad about both options, but happy I've met these friends. May God bless us as we continue meeting for a long, long time.

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