"No matter our circumstances, no matter our challenges or trials, there is something in each day to embrace and cherish. There is something in each day that can bring gratitude and joy if only we will see and appreciate it."
- President Dieter F. Uchtdorf
Three words: Lee's Avocado Smoothie. Oh yeeeeeaaah.
Lots of stress the last two days as I prepared for a potentially VERY difficult meeting today. I put at least five hours into a report (typically they take one hour each), and analyzed that thing to death. I decided my post-meeting reward would be one of my favorite treats: an avocado smoothie (though I did get mine sans boba today). I get these maybe twice a year, and they are SO good. Most definitely an extraordinary part of my day. :-D
1. Colored paper in the copier made for a bright surprise. It was even yellow - how's that for cheery?
2. Unexpected conversation with the always-lovely Shawn Kirchner. It's impossible to talk with him and not feel better. He was even struggling through a composing challenge and was STILL upbeat and positive. I need to take some lessons.
(Speaking of Shawn, in case you didn't know, he's an über talented choral composer and is currently the composer in residence for the Los Angeles Master Chorale. Go here and listen to the preview for track 15. Better yet, buy it at iTunes!) :-)
3. Feedback from my husband on some work-related stuff. I needed someone to be a thought partner and he did a stellar job.
It's late, and I'm tired and sick and ready for bed - but it's been a good day. I hope your day had some extraordinary moments and if you didn't catch any today, I hope you do so tomorrow!
"I was just grateful I could be an instrument in her orchestra."
Isn't that beautiful? I want to be an instrument in others' orchestras! I'm grateful for this woman's eloquence because it made me think differently of the many ways we can influence other people. Sometimes it's big, sometimes it's small, sometimes we are just a part of a harmonious, multi-person work of art.
But a ton of people are giving it their best shot today! ;-)
Happy St. Patrick's Day everyone. I hope you all had a great day. Some highlights from my day:
- a fourth grade student in an intervention class (typically for students who are two to three years behind grade level in reading and writing) knowing and being able to correctly use the word "smelting" even when his teacher didn't know the word. Way to go, dude!
- having cough drops to share with another sick teacher. Anything I can do to ease the load, you can count on me.
- naps! Because (in case it wasn't clear above), I'm sick, so sleeping is GREAT.
Okay, a whole week with no posting is just sad, I know - but work has been INSANE. I'm talking up- until-at-least-midnight-every-night insane. Throw in at least an e-mail a day about the lawsuit, a toddler with pink eye, and a husband who hasn't been able to sleep and things get a little...intense.
HOWEVER, I have been taking note of the marvelous things that happen each day, so here we go:
Right Now: listening to this. It's my theme song this year, and gets me going every time.
Today: I finished my work by 9:40 pm and am totally caught up! This is amazing - I can't even tell you how excited I am and how GREAT I feel. It's definitely motivation to keep up the fabulous work, that's for sure.
Wednesday: I observed a teacher at my old school and some of my former students are in her class. First, she's amazing, and it's always a pleasure to watch a master at work. Second, those kids have made SO much progress! It makes my heart happy to see them succeed.
Tuesday: Met with the Director of HR for the district and received repeated reassurance about the whole lawsuit issue. What an immeasurably HUGE weight off my shoulders.
Monday: Observed one of my favorite teachers. I love visiting her class; the energy is so great and, to be honest, there's always something smile-inducing in a kinder classroom!
Sunday: Sweet two year old Claire in my nursery class at church. She doesn't talk much but she certainly loves to sing. We had fun, even if the other two munchkins preferred running around to music time!
Also, Spring!
I was walking around outside of church, talking to the advice nurse about Farren's eye situation, and it was such a beautiful, peaceful afternoon. Shining sun, cool and gentle breeze, softly drifting blossoms and all. Definitely a balm to my soul. (Happy sigh...)
So there you have it folks, although I haven't written every day, I'm at least making the mental effort, and that counts for something, right?
How about you? Has spring started to show its face? Are you feeling well? I hope so!
I got a phone call from my union president this evening, informing me that one of my participating teachers had just filed a lawsuit against the district, the union, and myself and that I will be served with papers sometime in the very near future.
The silver lining?
My union supports me.
My supervisors support me.
The district leadership supports me.
My union president is awesome enough to call and give me a heads up so I won't be blindsided.
The joys of being a professional performance evaluator!
I had a rough day today and pretty much felt like crying at least half the time. This is why I decided to visit the classroom of one of my favorite teachers (and favorite people): because spending time around her is always uplifting.
Off I went, to the haven of happiness that is her kindergarden classroom - and it didn't disappoint! She gave me a hug, a couple of her students read to me (which is a big accomplishment on their part), and then I got to join them on the carpet for a review of their journal entries.
One little girl wrote about her day and included a mention of going to Zumba class with her mom. This, of course, led to other students sharing their Zumba experiences, which led to a few children dancing while seated. When the teacher commented that they were showing some nice Zumba moves one little boy said "No way. It's like this." and he then proceeded to stand up and give a 15 second demonstration of his Zumba skills.
I was laughing so hard (and trying so hard to keep it contained), that I hid my head, because I knew I was bright red and crying a little bit, too. Ain't no party like a Kinder dance party!
It's been a really difficult week and an exceptionally trying day, so I'm going to post several of the things I meant to post earlier this week but didn't. I really need to focus on positive thoughts right now.
Tuesday afternoon I was looking for help with writing a difficult evaluation. I sent a message to my two colleagues and two supervisors who work out of the district office to see if any of them had time to be a thought partner. All four of them were running around like crazy, but one of my colleagues finally stopped by to help me out.
As we were discussing my concerns my very eloquent and thoughtful coworker gave me one of the kindest (and most unexpected) compliments I've ever received. He shared that, in his opinion, making sure others feel my appreciation for them is something that is of major importance to me. He went so far as to say that my actions and words have inspired him to try and show appreciation for others more regularly.
I was taken by surprise by our conversation, and I have to say that while I was flattered I didn't necessarily agree with his praise...until a few hours later when I was running an errand and reminded myself that I want to buy flowers for someone in the district office to tell her thank you. That was when I remembered my colleague's compliment from earlier and I had to smile to myself - at least a little.
