Read this today and thought it was something that I not only forget about others but also need to remember about my own life. Everything is art...
"i think everything in life is art. what you do, how you dress, the way you love someone, and how you talk. your smile and your personality. what you believe in, and all your dreams. the way you drink your tea. how you decorate your home. your grocery list. the food you make. how your writing looks, and the way you feel."
As I head to another week in first grade I will look at these young people with this in mind. What about them is art? How can I help them see this in life?
....ahhh Life is beautiful :)
Monday, February 27, 2012
Friday, February 24, 2012
The SUN
Even
After
All this time
The Sun never says
To the Earth
"You owe me."
Look
What happens
With a love like that.
It lights the
Whole
Sky
Giving selflessly is one thing that we recently discussed. I saw this quote and thought that it was just too good to pass up. What would happen if we forgot about what people owed us? What if we focused far more on giving than on what we get in return. I think that living would be so much more worth while. Who cares if you held the door open for 15 people and none of them said thank you. (Yes they were being quite rude) But what its really about is the fact that you had the chance to affect 15 peoples' days within the matter of two minutes. What a blessing!
I should make a list of everything that first grade has taught me so far! Kids are such a great example of this. They make pictures as gifts and expect no picture in return. They stand and wait to give you a hug and will be patient until you are able to give them one. We even take at least twenty minutes a day to discuss how its a new day, a new beginning and another chance to work together!
Oh those 6 year olds are so tender!
Thursday, February 23, 2012
Athens
However many warnings and news casts we watched about the rioting in Athens we still decided it was a good choice to head down there. Now I would have said this wasn't before we went but while we were there we felt totally safe and didn't go near the town square the day it was scheduled for. Yes, scheduled. These people are so much more intelligent than us Americans! Anywhoooo....Athens was just fabulous. We saw all of the typical land marks and ate Gyros. Over there they put french fries in them. Sounds weird however, it is the best combo ever! As we rounded out our Saturday we headed to the highest point in Athens just after sunset to see the city at night. It was so wonderful up there! They keep the Parthenon lit up at night so you could see it up there all a-glow.
To avoid the episodia (riot in Greek!) on Sunday we took a ferry out to the island of Ageina. It was exactly what I was hoping for. 55 degree weather, blue water and traditional Greek music playing in the streets. We walked over the ENTIRE island and took the evening ferry home. It was relaxing...well most of the day. As we were getting to what we thought was the end of the island we saw a sign for a grocery store. Now they really should include a distance marker on these sorts of signs. If we had knows it was going to be about 6 kilometers away we probably wouldn't have attended. As we were FINALLY rounding the last corner Michael stopped in his tracks. "Did anyone think that since its Sunday the store might be closed?" Of those dreaded words. Of course we didn't! We were in Greece who has time to think of foolish things like that?? So naturally, the darn store was closed. So we walked on past and kept heading down the road, to what Michael was certain was the way back to the port. Now, let me enlighten you on why we wanted a grocery store in the first place! We had been walking for two hours already and I wanted a dang Fanta! So I was not in the best moods by this point. However, I had to keep reminded myself that I was on a Grecian island so I needed to get over it. So, we kept straight on this road, which wound around and became a dirt road, which in turn became a drive way, which theennn lead us to an olive orchard.
So here we are, three dumb college kids scampering along through some ones fields. We don't speak a lick of Greek and I am just praying that it is not legal to shoot for trespassing!
After sliding, running and almost getting caught we made it back to the main road. It was a great adventure and I think my feet are finally not sore! Note to self--don't weary TOMS when hiking on an island!
To avoid the episodia (riot in Greek!) on Sunday we took a ferry out to the island of Ageina. It was exactly what I was hoping for. 55 degree weather, blue water and traditional Greek music playing in the streets. We walked over the ENTIRE island and took the evening ferry home. It was relaxing...well most of the day. As we were getting to what we thought was the end of the island we saw a sign for a grocery store. Now they really should include a distance marker on these sorts of signs. If we had knows it was going to be about 6 kilometers away we probably wouldn't have attended. As we were FINALLY rounding the last corner Michael stopped in his tracks. "Did anyone think that since its Sunday the store might be closed?" Of those dreaded words. Of course we didn't! We were in Greece who has time to think of foolish things like that?? So naturally, the darn store was closed. So we walked on past and kept heading down the road, to what Michael was certain was the way back to the port. Now, let me enlighten you on why we wanted a grocery store in the first place! We had been walking for two hours already and I wanted a dang Fanta! So I was not in the best moods by this point. However, I had to keep reminded myself that I was on a Grecian island so I needed to get over it. So, we kept straight on this road, which wound around and became a dirt road, which in turn became a drive way, which theennn lead us to an olive orchard.
So here we are, three dumb college kids scampering along through some ones fields. We don't speak a lick of Greek and I am just praying that it is not legal to shoot for trespassing!
After sliding, running and almost getting caught we made it back to the main road. It was a great adventure and I think my feet are finally not sore! Note to self--don't weary TOMS when hiking on an island!
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Valentine's Day in First Grade
I was really unsure what the day would bring as we approached Valentines at Patrick Henry. We have been preparing since last Friday. We made GIANT hearts that would hold our Valentines. We handed out a class list so that everyone was ensured to get their full allotment of Valentines. And we decided who would bring the treats to our class party.
The day was finally here. I had my Valentines attached to glowsticks all ready to go. The room was decorated and all we needed were 15 bright faces and arm loads of glitter and candy filled Valentines to make our day complete.
The previous aspects of the day...I was prepared for. I vividly remember the Valentines parties from my youth. They were so fun and so sugary. However, that word has become a cuss word in my vocabulary...SUGAR.
Who knew a cookie, juice box and a little frosting would turn normally (almost all of them) well behaved children in to flailing, screaming crazies! Our room broke in to utter chaos around 10 am. At that point I knew that not much could be done. We would just have to grin and bare it.
My attempt to math was almost a complete flop the moment one of the moms brought cupcakes through the door.
But in the end it was all worth it. Watching those little people slip their special cards in to their classmates envelopes with love was beyond tender. They each take every card so seriously...and believe that Jack really does think, "You ROCK Valentine."
The excitement in their eyes, or sugar comma, as they left yesterday afternoon was precious.
There really is love all around us. We just too often forget to look for it. Some days, like Valentines Day, its easier to see. But on those days that it isn't just spend a day in first grade. The hugs are just as ample around here as snotty noses are.
So here is to the day after Valentines day! Hopefully they got TONS of sleep last night.
The day was finally here. I had my Valentines attached to glowsticks all ready to go. The room was decorated and all we needed were 15 bright faces and arm loads of glitter and candy filled Valentines to make our day complete.
The previous aspects of the day...I was prepared for. I vividly remember the Valentines parties from my youth. They were so fun and so sugary. However, that word has become a cuss word in my vocabulary...SUGAR.
Who knew a cookie, juice box and a little frosting would turn normally (almost all of them) well behaved children in to flailing, screaming crazies! Our room broke in to utter chaos around 10 am. At that point I knew that not much could be done. We would just have to grin and bare it.
My attempt to math was almost a complete flop the moment one of the moms brought cupcakes through the door.
But in the end it was all worth it. Watching those little people slip their special cards in to their classmates envelopes with love was beyond tender. They each take every card so seriously...and believe that Jack really does think, "You ROCK Valentine."
The excitement in their eyes, or sugar comma, as they left yesterday afternoon was precious.
There really is love all around us. We just too often forget to look for it. Some days, like Valentines Day, its easier to see. But on those days that it isn't just spend a day in first grade. The hugs are just as ample around here as snotty noses are.
So here is to the day after Valentines day! Hopefully they got TONS of sleep last night.
Sunday, February 12, 2012
Brittany Spears, Fiber One Bars and Monica Lewinsky???
This has been quite the week!!! It was our first five day school day week since we got here...we've been spoiled!
I was getting sick and not sleeping very well so it made the days a struggle at some points. Exhaustion doesn't even begin to describe the way I felt.
I had mentioned a while back, to Carol, that I would need to get my hair done soon. She quickly scheduled me an appointment with her hair guy...RICHARD. She told me it would be a cultural experience but nothing more. Oh was it ever! He is one of the funniest men I've ever met. As I first sat down there was a boy about my age helping him, Enda was his name. He told him in that if the girls are cute Enda can put the cape on them, if the boys are cute he will. Then he offered me alcohol...I just love this place!! He was sitting there coloring my hair when he suddenly said, "You know who you look like?" And I just looked at him because I had no idea who he was going to say!! "Brittany Spears," he said. I just burst in to laughter and wasn't sure if I should take that as a compliment or not. After quite a few laughs and a few glasses of champagne I had a new hairdo and LOVED is haha.
Also to end the long week some teachers and interns went out to dinner on Friday and then to a musical on the post here in Heidelberg. Dinner was fun and the musical was entertaining to say the least.
Early Saturday morning my boys and the girls across the hall got up to head, by bus, to Koln (pronounced Cologne in English). ***FYI the next part may cause you to think I am weird or very forward with my information. Thats me...Sorry :)*** On the way there I was hungry so I decided to eat a Fiber One bar. I'd always heard Quincy talking about them but didn't ever take her too seriously. But, let me tell you--those puppies run through you faster than I ran in Target that one dreadful day. (Yes, I know what you're thinking...She doesn't have very good luck. Trust me, it isn't pleasant!!) So any who, we saw beautiful Koln, went shopping, learned about the history, ate a wonderful German restaurant and went to the bakery! I really need to keep practicing my German...the man at the restaurant wasn't too thrilled that we weren't fluent. As we were about to wrap up our day we headed to a little Chocolate store. We got to talking to the owner, who is quite wealthy, and it was his birthday! He started giving us tons of chocolate and champagne. He gave us some kids phone number that he knows from Heidelberg and told us to call him...Just imagine how that conversation would go. Awkward! As we were about to end the day he says, "You know who you look like?" I couldn't wait to see who he came up with!...Bill Clinton's Girlfriend. I just stared at him. He thought I looked like Monica Lewinsky?? Ahh oh well hopefully he doesn't really know what she looks like. He did thankfully say that I am much smaller, or less fat in his words haha.
It was quite the eventful weekend here! Today I'm attempting to do some damage on this TPA and tiger snooze a few times.
Smile!
I was getting sick and not sleeping very well so it made the days a struggle at some points. Exhaustion doesn't even begin to describe the way I felt.
I had mentioned a while back, to Carol, that I would need to get my hair done soon. She quickly scheduled me an appointment with her hair guy...RICHARD. She told me it would be a cultural experience but nothing more. Oh was it ever! He is one of the funniest men I've ever met. As I first sat down there was a boy about my age helping him, Enda was his name. He told him in that if the girls are cute Enda can put the cape on them, if the boys are cute he will. Then he offered me alcohol...I just love this place!! He was sitting there coloring my hair when he suddenly said, "You know who you look like?" And I just looked at him because I had no idea who he was going to say!! "Brittany Spears," he said. I just burst in to laughter and wasn't sure if I should take that as a compliment or not. After quite a few laughs and a few glasses of champagne I had a new hairdo and LOVED is haha.
Also to end the long week some teachers and interns went out to dinner on Friday and then to a musical on the post here in Heidelberg. Dinner was fun and the musical was entertaining to say the least.
Early Saturday morning my boys and the girls across the hall got up to head, by bus, to Koln (pronounced Cologne in English). ***FYI the next part may cause you to think I am weird or very forward with my information. Thats me...Sorry :)*** On the way there I was hungry so I decided to eat a Fiber One bar. I'd always heard Quincy talking about them but didn't ever take her too seriously. But, let me tell you--those puppies run through you faster than I ran in Target that one dreadful day. (Yes, I know what you're thinking...She doesn't have very good luck. Trust me, it isn't pleasant!!) So any who, we saw beautiful Koln, went shopping, learned about the history, ate a wonderful German restaurant and went to the bakery! I really need to keep practicing my German...the man at the restaurant wasn't too thrilled that we weren't fluent. As we were about to wrap up our day we headed to a little Chocolate store. We got to talking to the owner, who is quite wealthy, and it was his birthday! He started giving us tons of chocolate and champagne. He gave us some kids phone number that he knows from Heidelberg and told us to call him...Just imagine how that conversation would go. Awkward! As we were about to end the day he says, "You know who you look like?" I couldn't wait to see who he came up with!...Bill Clinton's Girlfriend. I just stared at him. He thought I looked like Monica Lewinsky?? Ahh oh well hopefully he doesn't really know what she looks like. He did thankfully say that I am much smaller, or less fat in his words haha.
It was quite the eventful weekend here! Today I'm attempting to do some damage on this TPA and tiger snooze a few times.
Smile!
Wednesday, February 8, 2012
Obviously I have a lot to say but am never given enough time to speak!!
Love you Mrs I...oh and our date too!! He is a doll
Castles, Haupstrasses, and Long Champ... oh my!
Fortune Cookie
So today Carol pulled some fortune cookies out from our Chinese New Year party for another first grade teacher and I to eat. They instantly cracked open their cookies and began to read their fortune. Carols was about how she is going to make it big in show business one day. If you knew her you know that this will probably occur because she is so hilarious! Danielle (the other first grade teacher) read hers and it was something that was extremely fitting to her as well. Then came mine...or lack there of.
I just pause the story to tell you that I wasn't having a very good day to begin with. I was tired because I hadn't slept well. A few of our kids were acting like zoo animals that morning. Literally we were in the middle of a monkey exhibit. And I was a little homesick--just enough that a chat with Lori makes it go away but none the less...homesick.
So there I sit, no fortune. My cookie is completely empty. Carol turns to me and asks what mine says. I said, "nothing." She instantly started laughing, "You mean it the paper literally says nothing." She didn't quite understand. There was NO paper!
I was a little upset. Which normally something like this wouldn't upset me but I was looking for some sort of guidance to get me through the rest of my day even if it came from a cookie!
As we walked up the stair to pickup our kids from art I was munching on my fortune cookie I realized something. This was the exact guidance that I needed.
I didn't need to listen to a cookie! I needed to create my own fortune. I need to work hard and develop extreme patience in my job. I need to be thankful for the amazing friends and family who I left back home. I need to tell my new friends here how much I appreciate our friendships. I need to be the best person I can be at all times...and before I know it I will have exactly what I want. PEACE.
Everyone should find an empty fortune cookie...or use mine as your example. We are set on this earth with a plan laid before us however we have the option to mold our experience to fit our personality completely. It really is in our hands!
Here's to rocking the rest of this semester!
Tchuss
I just pause the story to tell you that I wasn't having a very good day to begin with. I was tired because I hadn't slept well. A few of our kids were acting like zoo animals that morning. Literally we were in the middle of a monkey exhibit. And I was a little homesick--just enough that a chat with Lori makes it go away but none the less...homesick.
So there I sit, no fortune. My cookie is completely empty. Carol turns to me and asks what mine says. I said, "nothing." She instantly started laughing, "You mean it the paper literally says nothing." She didn't quite understand. There was NO paper!
I was a little upset. Which normally something like this wouldn't upset me but I was looking for some sort of guidance to get me through the rest of my day even if it came from a cookie!
As we walked up the stair to pickup our kids from art I was munching on my fortune cookie I realized something. This was the exact guidance that I needed.
I didn't need to listen to a cookie! I needed to create my own fortune. I need to work hard and develop extreme patience in my job. I need to be thankful for the amazing friends and family who I left back home. I need to tell my new friends here how much I appreciate our friendships. I need to be the best person I can be at all times...and before I know it I will have exactly what I want. PEACE.
Everyone should find an empty fortune cookie...or use mine as your example. We are set on this earth with a plan laid before us however we have the option to mold our experience to fit our personality completely. It really is in our hands!
Here's to rocking the rest of this semester!
Tchuss
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