"May" I have this collage???

Hello HF,

Please bless all those seeking employment with positions worthy of their time and talent, all to give You greater glory! Thank you for all your blessings in our lives. In Jesus' name. Amen. 

 

This collage has more drawings than my other collages, but this isn't intentional - the "nature" of the collage itself created this design.

I'm hoping I'm "invoking" a feeling with these portrayals rather than writing a script for the reader to follow.

The brown bluffs I have drawn (look super close and you'll see them) represent obstacles God's grace helped me overcome.

Just like the apostles were showered with the HS (depicted in the effigy to the left and in the replica above this one of the apostles gathered together) and Christ returning to His Father's side (portrait on the right), so too, I asked for the HS to rain/reign over me and for Christ to be by my side; gratefully, both answered my cries.

God is good. All the time.

I mean the term 'bluff'  as a pun, as in the idiom "calling your bluff"; i.e. I can realize the reality of the bluff for the challenge it is - which is a growth opportunity - and sharpen my character in positive ways on its edges, or allow myself to fall from the borders and lay beaten at the base. I choose the former.

The lack of space between the hills represents God's persistent nudging for me to stay faithful in Him; He did not allow the valleys to be very wide before I reached the top of the mountain once again.

The delineation of two women in the middle of the collage represent Mary and Elizabeth.

The HS works for us through the support of good friends.

I love the bible story of how Mary, after she was blessed with Jesus in her womb, hurries to help her cousin Elizabeth; this after Mary learns of her cousin's pregnancy. The baby leaps in the womb of Elizabeth when Mary's greeting is heard. The HS filled the baby's heart with joy.

My ACTS sisters in general, and ACTS sisters R and S specifically, along with my friends~colleagues V, J  & M were Marys & Elizabeths to me. With all of these wonderful friend's prayers of encouragement and gentle instruction, I made it through various hardships.

I am the child in Elizabeth's womb, and my friend's words filled me with courage.

God has blessed me with the opportunity to apply what I've learned on a new campus.

My current school doesn't have the registration numbers at this moment in time to warrant a full-time school counselor for the 2013-2014 school year; and even though principals can use money from their budget to fund a counselor, my principal didn't want to allocate money for my position.

He thinks the enrollment numbers will rise in August/September and that the district will provide the cash for a full-time counselor, without him having to raid school funds.

So God has blessed me with a different school.

At the top of the collage is one of many psalms which gave me the vim to endure a few iniquities that occurred this past year.

Once these offenses were corrected - yet another example of God's perfect timing - I was given the freedom to interview at another school.

I interviewed and was offered the position the next day.

How good God is, all the time!

On the collage you will also notice the black and white typed words on the piece of paper next to the psalm. This is a prayer for mothers, who are specifically celebrated in May.

My mom has had to endure my complaining - God bless her for listening too!

And then of course, my favorite 'thing,' a brightly shining Sun/Son.

I colored the sky a dark blue, but if I'd had a light blue marker, I would have used that color instead.

However, the dark blue fits perfectly with how miserable this month was; happily though, the thirty days ended on an excellent change of venue for me.

PTL

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

April's collage

 Heavenly Father,

Thank you for all tests of character and for helping me pass those tests. In Jesus'name. Amen.

 

I think this collage has more pictures in it than previous collages.

Probably because this month has been more of a visual mental ride, rather than words seeping inside my head and leaking out onto the 'canvas.'

The picture at bottom of the collage is one of my favorites: the story of Jesus telling his apostles, then just fishermen, to put their nets into the water because they are going to catch some fish.

The men had been on the boat all night long fishing and hadn't caught anything, so of course they are skeptical. But when they follow Jesus' guidance, wow! The nets are filled with fish - almost to the point of breaking the net - but it holds. How easy life would be if we too just followed Jesus' guidance!

Although the word is cut-off, the words at the bottom say, "Radiating tension." Work this year has been radiating tension. I purposely put these words at the bottom, though, because I feel they are going to 'slip off the page,' and new, positive words, are going to take their place. Can I get an AMEN? Amen! Thanks. *wink*

The words in another phrase that got cut-off are "Voyage of discovery." meaning: my first year as a school counselor. I am praying for many voyages of discovery! And not just in my career.

ARE YOU READY - boldly placed in the middle of this collage - is a question I ask myself everyday. Am I ready to do God's will? Am I ready to be the child of God I am asked to be, every day, and in all situations? Am I ready...the questions are endless, but with God all questions, bold or otherwise, are easier to bear.

The two dark question marks, which I added in marker, symbolize some questions I'm specifically having about staying at my current school, or seeking a new school as a school counselor...among other questions, of course.

At the very top of my collage 'priority list,' are the words, Honoring the kids, Hello, Spring, Asian. Other words at the utmost of the collage are: Festive Finale, and "A Monument of good deeds," Irresistible, and "go & do."

Yes, this collage represents my April 2013 nicely.

 

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

How do you like your new job?

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for blessing me with such wonderful and caring colleagues. You know who to bring into our lives & when. Glory and praise to you always, Lord! In Jesus' name. Amen.
I ask myself sometimes, "Is school counseling what I thought it would be?"
Yes.
And no.
My brother told me he didn't think my job was worth the pay (but when do we ever think we're paid enough for what we do?!) because he saw me 'getting squeezed from the top as well as from the bottom.'

Meaning, of course, that I 'have to' deal with administration (i.e. my principal, 'the top'), and staff (i.e. teachers, 'the bottom').
One of the many functions of being a capable school counselor, is to create a bridge between positions loftier than mine, and positions secondary to mine, all of which demand things from me.
Sometimes those demands are completely opposite each other, and sometimes they are the same components, but they all wanted their stuff yesterday. LOL

Because of the 'upper' and 'lower' stresses of my job, I am hugely grateful for the amazing support of my assistant principal and our testing coordinator; if it weren't for their friendship, as well as a loving, merciful & mentoring attitude, I would be flying haphazardly, learning moment-to-moment how to navigate the elevated expanses and the baser domains.
My God-send of an AP always reminds me/us, "We are family."

Then there are the students.
The real and only reason I became a school counselor was for them.
The students make the tug-of-war between administration, staff and me, worth it.
As long as I keep my eye on the student's benefit, all else aligns itself, and the world is an adventuresome place.

SO, to answer the question I started this blog with, "Yes, the job is what I thought it would be - I do get to counsel with students one-on-one and in small groups, and yes, we talk about academics, but we also talk about family and friends; topics Í didn't have time to explore in a classroom setting. I also appreciate being in the classrooms and discussing various themes whole group. I pray I am doing my best by them too- encouraging them and giving them positive feedback, as well as reality checks.
And no, it isn't what I thought it would be, only because I didn't really understand the magnitude and depth of the Principal's power over a guidance program. Who knew?!"

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

I couldn't make these titles up if I wanted to...!

Heavenly Father,
Thank you for the many blessings in my life. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Yesterday I was perusing a singles website;  these are just the first ten captions I read:

1. "Caution! All around man here!"

2. "I don't pretend to be someone I am not"

3. "No women from Oklahoma please"

4. "Trabajo" (work)

5. "Well here I am come and see"

6. "Do women's check their message on here"

7. "Get to know someone before you judge"

8. "I'm done. going to see where life takes me now"

9. "A sucker for your pucker; click to add to cart"

and lastly,

10. "keeping 100 at all times" ???

And these are my choices? I don't think so. I'm happily single, thanks.

This information comes to you courtesy of an USA survey, on Feb 5, 2013.
I thought the men's list would be more sex and physical related; the women's list deal more with money.
I'm glad I'm wrong - it's good to know that both sexes seek something more substantial in their mates than just physical and material.

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

March's collage

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your Resurrected Son. In Your name, King of Kings and Lord of Lords! Amen.



March's collage is the biggest one I've made yet.

I didn't do this intentionally; a box arrived in my office, I nabbed it and broke it down. :)

Reflecting on the size of the box now, though, the size makes sense.

Lent is a behemoth time for Catholics and the size of the collage should imitate that.

Most of the images at top represent what Lent means to me.

Off to the left are the weeks of Spring Break, but I should have put the week before Easter. This is the holiest of weeks, afterall.

Although my brother did have a stroke during this week. He's better now, thanks be to God. But it was a scary time - my brother is way too young.

But God is as close to us as Hello and he's constantly, "Sculpting in clay," if only we would allow his hands to sculpt us.

Dr. Seuss books were read for a day throughout the district.

The slogans "Resting easy," & "Ït's not that bad," fell to the bottom of the collage unconsciously, but here's what I think it signifies; we're to put our faith in God. Only when God is fully in charge of our lives are we able to "Rest Easy,"and know things aren't that bad.

Even when we have terrible fights with our loved ones.

Envisioning Christ taking care of our most difficult relationships, humbly placing our problems at Jesus' feet, is when the real work in ourselves, and in the other person, can begin.

He is Risen!

February's collage

 

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for all your blessings, even the blessings of and in sorrowful times. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

 



February's collage found me musing on Lent, as it started in February. The middle picture you see here is an artist's rendition of Christ in the desert. Note the devil's hand in the picture, at the bottom left side where Christ is crouching. The woman who is blowing hearts to Christ is my way of telling Jesus thank you for the great sacrifice of crucifixion he made for all of us.

Some of the other things you'll find are the words Aware and Awakenings. I'm reading a book on Self-esteem and the author has some interesting 'sentence stem' exercises he offers as a way to increase awareness, consciousness, really, and that's always a good thing. These words highlight what I'm learning from the book. (more on the book later)

You can kind of see the words "Marriage Success." I posted this because marriages hold a special place in my heart. I pray for the strength of marriages, as they are extremely important to society. I find myself quoting Clinton's book, "It takes a village."

I also posted "Marriage Success,"as a way of opening myself to God, and asking Him to find a mate for me.

The man standing on the stones, with the tree behind him, off to the right, the words underneath him say, "Away with you Satan." Again, referring to Christ's time in the desert, but I think it's also appropriate we remember to tell Satan this when he's luring us away from Christ's path for our lives. Jesus was tempted by the enemy, why shouldn't we be? We need to be asking for God's help in those times of stress, from those alluring things the devil shows us. I often forget to call on Jesus in those crucial moments, and I think it's mostly because I'm in the 'fight or flight' mode with anxiety. I'm getting better though! Becoming much more aware! AMEN

Overall, I'm pleased with the way this collage turned out and I'm learning to use larger words and pictures, as this saves me time, especially when I don't have a lot of time to spend on the collage, and also because larger words get my point across. :)

I haven't found a palette for March yet, but I know I'll be coloring the background green.

Oh, I don't think I've told you this dear reader: I've been coloring the backgrounds with markers; the backgrounds I use are mostly white, but I color them because in my minds eye, the months have colors to them.*wink*

January's was blue, in case you were wondering. :) 

 

 

 

"If you are what you should be, you will set the whole world ablaze!" St. Catherine of Sienna

 

The Brief Wonderous ... a book review

I was given this book as a Christmas gift and read it off/on for the last few months. I was intrigued with the title, and a little sad too, because you know the main character is probably not going to 'make it.'
I finally finished reading it today.
It dragged toward the end, and I was actually hoping the character would die soon because it was enough already! LOL
The main character, Oscar, is a bit of a dork - he even says this about himself, not just me - and a HUGE nerd. King of nerds. Nerdiest of nerds. Oscar is overweight and the author attributes these two issues as reasons why he can't get laid. Which, to the writer, is the 'heaviest'of Oscar's problems.
Oscar is extremely depressed, but doesn't seek help, nor does his family try to abet his pain. I guess they think he'll 'snap out of it'. He snaps, but to take his life; he survives his attempt, but his family still doesn't do anything to remedy his situation.
Oscar has a close relationship with his older sister, Lola, though they hung out more before they go to college. Their friendship reminded me of my brother's and my relationship, but only in the closeness. Lola's character fades as the novel unravels.
Interlaced throughout the novel is background information on the history of the Dominican Republic; specifically when Trujillo is in charge of the country.

The author does an excellent job of telling the reader all the diabolical things that happened during Trujillo's reign. Trujillo was an atrocious and obnoxious man, same as all dictators, and at times I felt the information added to the story, and other times I just ignored the footnotes. Once I hear about tortures, I don't need to be told several times, or to whom he did them, how often, etc.
I think the author was piecing together his own past, and that's a noble mission, but it's important to keep in mind that the reader may not understand all the references, nor will the reader understand the references as you want them to...and that's where a good editor is needed.
The narrator talks about grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc., to give a broad picture of the setting. A heavy undertaking, and he navigates it well,even if there are "major explosions in his telling and confusion in finding where the bodies are..." (literary speak for confusion, craziness, and general mayhem)
There is lots of sex in this novel. Well, they use the term f---ing', and that's what sex appears to be to Dominicans. There are moments of tenderness, but the f-ing is the point.

I enjoyed the writer's references to comics, the Marvel universe, Watchmen, and other obscurities that I didn't recognize, but appreciated nonetheless.
The author handles matter of the Spiritual realm without any respect, which annoyed me, even though it is ascribed to creating a miracle.
Oscar is due a romantic soliloquy, and he's given his moment. The author's view of romance is evident in Oscar's words; although minimal assaugement for all the men in the book who cheat, beat, and treat the women in the book as if they were toilet paper.

January's collage

 

 

Heavenly Father,

Thank you for your many blessings, and please continue to let your grace fall upon us. In Jesus' Name. Amen.

I've decided to create collage's to commemorate each month this year.

Below is January's collage.

I'm using various types of cardboard - recycling shoe boxes or any kind of discarded cardboard I find in/around the house.

Most of the pictures and words are taken from "Give us this Day';"a Catholic religious magazine. Some of the words are from the ASCA counseling magazine; the 'material'I used were from things that said "January,"on them.

I worked on this one throughout the month, frequently inspired by words or pictures I wanted to add.

A few of the words are inspirational, and others are "Holy Spirit," led. By this I mean the HS wanted me to have a word of encouragement, or focus on a particular word, or meditate on the meaning of the word/picture, or incorporate the word into my spirit, etc.

For example,  the word "Shine," and "bright/brightly," showed up often, and in a cluster, but from different places.

I've always enjoyed the collage medium - mostly because I feel it is a good outlet for my type of personality, which is abstract random. (If you'd like to find out what your personality style is, go to Check your personal thinking.)

I haven't decided if I'm going to get the pieces framed. Mostly because I haven't decided where I want them to hang. One idea I had was hanging them up in my room, or in the garage. In the meantime, they will be in my office.

I'm already working on February's. In fact, words and phrases for February came at the end of January, lol. I feel like this means that February is ready to get going!

 

 

This collage is actually longer than this, but it wouldn't all fit in my camera phone's frame. Oh well, you get the vibe...I think. *wink* 

***new kind of blogging***

Heavenly Father,
Bless my words as I write this blog; to give You greater glory. In Jesus' name. Amen.

Conversation between Carlton & I Friday night @ dinner:
"Did you read my blog?"
"Yes."
"And?"
"It was okay."
"Why doesn't my blog appeal to you?"
"The things you write about don't interest me. I don't need to read about mom's bday, I was there. You sound like a fourteen year old girl. Bff & all that other stuff."
"?!!! So what would you like me to write about?"
"You're an insightful person. When I read your blogs I don't hear that insightful person."
"You know, some people take 'insightful' for being judgmental."
"That's not what I mean. You reflect on things. You think about things deeply."
"There's a vulnerability that comes with that and I'm not sure I'm comfortable writing about those things, but I guess that's what makes a good blog. No fluff."
"Who are you writing for?"
"Myself, mostly."
What I didn't say to him was, 'Like you, I don't think most people read what I write, but if I had an audience, I think it would be my Facebook friends.'
"Well then, write about what you think about."
"Well ok then. I'll start with a blog about this conversation."

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

Positive notes



 

Heavenly Father,
Bless all eyes reading this blog.
Prayers for special intentions;
-hope for family and friends who have entrusted me to pray for them;
-prayers for the ailing;
-homeless;
-hungry,
-all those who have no one to pray for them;
-for the unemployed;
and for the spirits of souls locked here on earth, that we may all be allowed to see the light of your face.
Lord, I know you hear my continual pleas of mercy for
-atheists;
-agnostics;
and the oppressed, and I am truly grateful.
I thank you for
-all prayers answered;
and unanswered.
For peace;
-in our world;
-in our families;
and in all our relationships.
Bless us to keep our eyes on You, always. In Jesus' Name. Amen.
Dearest reader,

 

LOL

 

In case you can't see the words written on the paper, I have made mom and I "Good Things Happen 2013," jars.
 

I got the idea from FB.

Mom and I have already put in notes, and plan to read them this NYE, so we can remember all the wonderful things that happened this year. :)

Happy New Year, everyone, may it be our most sanctified yet!

 

I found this quote from JPII when I was looking for a replacement quote of Mother Theresa's words I have at the end of each blog entry.

(Too long to put at the end of every post, me thinks, but certainly worth posting. I really like what JPII says, so I may re-think not posting it.)

It is Jesus that you seek when you dream of happiness; He is waiting for you when nothing else you find satisfies you; He is the beauty to which you are so attracted; it is He who provoked you with that thirst for fullness that will not let you settle for compromise; it is He who urges you to shed the masks of a false life; it is He who reads in your heart your most genuine choices, the choices that others try to stifle.

It is Jesus who stirs in you the desire to do something great with your lives, the will to follow an ideal, the refusal to allow yourselves to be ground down by mediocrity, the courage to commit yourselves humbly and patiently to improving yourselves and society, making the world more human and more fraternal.”
― Pope John Paul II

Amen! PTL!

 

Speech! Speech! What speech?!

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.
Carlton and I were extremely pleased with mom's celebration. Many people complimented us, and it sounded like they had a good time. So PTL on how well things turned out, and that everyone was happy, especially nuestra mama. :)

I didn't have time to give the speech I prepared, so I'll write it here instead.
First & foremost, I want to thank Mom for introducing me to her bff, Jesus Christ, who is now my bff too. This is such a powerful, on-going, grace-filled relationship and I am most grateful to my mom for the introduction.
It is such a pleasure, an honor, and a love to pray with my mom - at daily/weekend masses.  Mom and I have grown closer to each other/God in our faith journey. And we pray about Everything! When we have a technician coming to our house, or when bills arrive, for any and all worries we have. It is awesome to have such a wonderful prayer partner. Thank you Jesus!

As many would agree, my mom is a giving person. I remember being 10 or 11 and riding around with mom as she took welfare recipients to their doctor's appointments. I can only hope to be as caring as she is.

On a lighter note, mom has two major likes in her life:

-getting her hair done;

- eating sweet potato;

 

My nickname for Mom is Sweet Potato. Sometimes Mom jokes that her hair looks like George Washington's. So now I've been calling her, "Sweet Potato Washington."

 

Thank you, again, Lord, for blessing me with such a great Mom!

 



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

Mom turns 80 soon

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.
Carlton and I are getting ready to celebrate mom's big 8 - 0 bday in a couple of weeks.
Carlton had the wonderful idea of putting lights around the trees in my backyard, where we'll be having the dinner for mom, and they look great. :)

We'll have tables and chairs arranged nicely and welcoming.
We're looking forward to at least 30 - 50 celebrants; mom's friends from church, friends from when she/we lived in Denton, and friends from any other area of her life.
My friend's and my brother's friends who know my mom on a more personal basis than just a hello/good-bye, will also be in attendance.
We're also hoping my mom's two remaining sisters will come and join us in the festivities, as well as cousins. I have sent invitations to my dad's side of the family, but I know they live far and air travel is expensive. They'll be with us in our hearts.

 

Mariachí's äre hired. Not a full band, but two musicians who will play for about a half hour, 45 minutes max.Can't wait to see mom's face when they play!

 



What celebration is complete without sweets? Besides the people attending - I mean desserts! We decided to go with cupcakes from our all-time new fav of a place:

 



I'll be calling the people who have already RSVPéd and ask them to be prepared to tell us how they know mom, and what their favorite memory with/about mom is and share with us. Can't wait to hear all the stories! :) Love you mom!!! And here's to 80 more years! :) :) :)

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

This is "A Muse ing."

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 definition for. Muse is this. Associated with artistic. Inspiration; I have. been fortunate, or. unfortunate to have. Several muses throughout. My life and. This is about. My latest muse. He is someone. I enjoy talking. to and sharing. A good laugh. Mostly I like. Filling in his. Outline with traits. I admire in. Men; so its. An interesting interaction. He is highly. Intelligent, of course. He is funny. I accept him. For who he. Is and not. Expect too much. From our interplay. Every now and. Then I Get. Frustrated with our. Stunted conversations, and. Our texts are. like this blog. We text and. have a frenzy. Of great synergy. And then it. will stop, mostly. He won't initiate. Texts, or ask. Questions, about me. But I do. Like that I. Can text him. And pretty much. Always get a. Response from him. Not a quick. Response, but a. Reply, nonethe. Less...

A little background on the nine muses of Greek Mythology,and a few comments.
"At one time, the goddesses of prophetic springs, the Muses became the representatives of poetry, the arts and science. Today we generally refer to the nine muses, although their number has varied. The nine are Calliope, Muse of epic song, Clio, Muse of history, Euterpe, Muse of lyric song, Thalia, Muse of comedy and bucolic poetry, Melpomene, Muse of tragedy, Terpsichore, Muse of dance, Erato, Muse of erotic poetry, Polyhymnia, Muse of sacred song, and Urania, Muse of astronomy."
I like the number 9, and it is a highly spiritual number in the bible. Most of us prolly have at least nine muses. *wink*

One other thing, before I'm done writing this blog, for some odd reason, I imagine my muse singing the Alex Clare song to me. You know the one, "Too close." (words that are bolded are my "contribution")

You know I'm not one to break promises (yeah right)
I don't want to hurt you (but you're going to anyway) but I need to breathe
At the end of it all, you're still my best friend (!?what?! how can this possibly be?)
But there's something inside that I need to release (I hope it isn't gas, LOL)
Which way is right, which way is wrong (do I look like some sort of GPS device?!)
How do I say that I need to move on (like you just did)
You know we're headed separate ways (yes, this is true)

And it feels like I am just too close to love you (I understand...this is 'artist speak' for something like 'too close, faraway', isn't it)
There's nothing I can really say (oh you've said plenty already, and I get it)
I can't lie no more, I can't hide no more (you've been lying AND hiding! Geez!)
Got to be true to myself (yes, and so do I)
And it feels like I am just too close to love you (& you're too far for me to love you)
So I'll be on my way (here, let me help you pack)

You gave me more that I can return (you got that right!)

Yet there's so much that you deserve (yes, go on...)
Nothing to say, nothing to do, (again, you've said plenty)
I've nothing to give (that was actually ok for a very brief time)
I must leave without you (here's where I got these lyrics from:[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/too-close-lyrics-alex-clare.html ]

(the song repeats & I think you get the idea)
Believe it or not, I do immensely enjoy this song! :)

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

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