Thursday, November 28, 2013

A Thankful List

Are you familiar with HuffPost Good News? As it says on their Facebook page, HuffPost is "a section from the editors of The Huffington Post that [shines] a much-needed spotlight on what's inspiring, what's positive, what's working." I recommend you check it out; it's certainly way more uplifting than the 5:00 News.

At any rate, I read an article on HuffPost the other day about how to start your day off on a positive note. As opposed to hitting the snooze button 7 times or worrying about what awaits you at the office, it suggested that you begin your day by thinking about what you are thankful for.

I liked the idea. Simple, but I could see how it could quickly have a profound positive impact on one's outlook. So on Tuesday morning, when Justin Timberlake's "Suit and Tie" stirred me from my slumber (Is there a better way to start the day?), I rubbed my eyes, grabbed my phone, fired up the Notes app, and just started listing all the things I am thankful for. Here is what came to mind:

family
friends
sunshine
my warm bed
music
travel
Louisville
my condo
cheeseburgers
my iPhone
health
my team
my sense of humor
Coke
my independence
sleep
chocolate
my car

I could have gone on, but it was time to get ready for work, and besides, I felt like I'd hit the highlights. I listed them in no particular order, though I find it hilarious (and par for the course) that "cheeseburgers" came to my mind before "health". Also, I'd like to note that I have a love/hate relationship with Coke, in that I hate that I love it so much. 

Anyways, I think this is a practice I'd like to keep up. Reflecting about what I'm thankful for everyday, not just on Thanksgiving, seems like the best way to start, and for that matter, end my day. 

I hope you have a Happy Thanksgiving and I want you to know how thankful I am to you for reading my little blog! In fact, I'll be sure to add that to my next list.




























Monday, November 18, 2013

8 Random Things

So have you all seen the "[Insert number here] Things About Me" on Facebook? I had seen several of my friends post lists like these over the past week, but didn't know what it was all about. Then I saw that my friend Jenny had posted one, and after it made me laugh out loud, I "liked" it. A few minutes later, she told me I had the number 8. 
Ah, now I see how this works.

Well, I'm certainly not one to pass up a writing opportunity. Here's what I came up with:

1. I love solitude, but hate to go places by myself.
2. I find out what is going on in the world from Twitter & Late Night with Jimmy Fallon because I think the real news is too depressing.
3. I have never eaten a salad. In fact, anyone who says they like lettuce is questionable to me.
4. I despise when people try to tell me what to do.
5. I'm pretty sure my computer and phone both hate me for the amount of music & photos I have on them. 
6. I am an extrovert, but I turn into the queen of awkwardness around any guy I deem cute.
7. I tend to think of funny things whenever it's silent and I'm not supposed to laugh, causing my shoulders to shake uncontrollably, which inevitably makes me laugh even more.
8. I am happiest when my immediate family is all together.


A random list, a fun exercise. Go ahead and give it a shot. You have my permission to write as many things as you want.

Sunday, November 17, 2013

Teaching Is...


Today I came across a blogpost called "The Hardest Job Everyone Thinks They Can Do" by Dennis Hong. Before I even read it, I knew it was about teaching. After I read it, I thought, this guy gets it. 
Considering I've spent this entire rainy Sunday in my sweatpants, still recovering from 2 weeks of conferences and report cards, I needed to read this today.
Teacher or not, I suggest you read the entire piece. These are the lines that really resonated with me:
"Teaching is understanding how the human brain processes information and preparing lessons with this understanding in mind.
Teaching is simultaneously instilling in a child the belief that she can accomplish anything she wants while admonishing her for producing shoddy work.
Teaching is offering a sympathetic ear while maintaining a stern voice.
Teaching is being both a role model and a mentor to someone who may have neither at home, and may not be looking for either.
You can’t measure inspiration by a child’s test scores. You can’t measure inspiration by a child’s grades. You measure inspiration 25 years later when that hot-shot doctor, or lawyer, or entrepreneur thanks her fourth-grade teacher for having faith in her and encouraging her to pursue her dreams."
Amen!
And don't even get me started on test scores. 
It's late, and I need to get to bed so that I can get up at 5:45 and get ready to inspire my students.