"Wake Laughing"- Day 25, Month 4...late but still here!

There are two things I can count on in my job- constant urgency & that no matter what mood I might be in, usually due to the stress of not enough time to meet the needs if all how I would like to, someone there will make me laugh within the first 45 minutes of the day. Right about them the coffee is kicking in & I am waking up...laughing,  It helps get me going in the morning!

"It Was a Dream"- Day 9

People seem surprised when I tell them I passed my FACS (Family and Consumer Sciences) Praxis...I guess that is not what they see me teaching. People seem surprised I want to go "back to the classroom,"  but I never left the the classroom to get out of the classroom- I left because I loved mentoring teachers and a position was created that sounded fascinating. For a while there I considered administration, and completed the certification, but didn't want it bad enough to pursue any and all openings and in our county that is what is expected; I also am not trying to work 12 hour days.  It never happened for me and that was ok.
For the past four years I kept telling my daughter, "I want to be Mrs. X when I grow up," speaking of her FACS/CD teacher in high school.  The more I read about passion, hope, and engagement I realized I can be that, and went the Praxis route only because I have a Master's and an additional certification, I don't need more degrees to do a great job.  Finding a job, even with some great recommendations, is going to be near impossible because of the fact I am coming from elementary, but it won't stop me from trying.  Teaching Child Development at the high school level has always been a dream,so this year I decided to add the certification, and it would be such a great way to find a change and do something I am passionate about as I finish out my career.  At the high school level there aren't many FACS positions open, as many are moving toward more STEM related courses.  I agree and disagree- I think we have so many kids growing up in households that lack someone teaching them all of the basic skills for cooking, caring for others and themselves, managing money...I am just not sure how that will work out.  Maybe we will have a STEM successful generation that eats out and has housekeepers and accountants.  Doesn't mean I won't keep pursuing it, there are a few left out there.

"Look Up"- Day 20

"Look Up"

This group probably has no idea how I look up to each of them and the challenges they have endured or overcome to land where they are today.  They are my incredible siblings and cousins.  Divorces, special needs children,  teenagers, medical and law schools and the subsequent loans, psychological issues, gay and lesbian acceptance, master's degrees, marriages, miscarriages, layoffs, furloughs, 15 children and four stepchildren, a life ending and changing car accident, the absence of one of us from a tragic death, successful businesses, political activists, caring for aging and ailing parents, waking up and going forward on days when you just don't think you can.  Never settling, always reflecting, always growing.  Looking up to our own parents for advice and models, realizing we need to be that for our own children.

I have to say that Facebook has been great if for no other reason than to see my "NC family," regardless of where they live now, every day.  It lessens the miles and grows the connections and has helped us to get to to know each other as adults.  I look up to each of them for the challenges they have faced, whether by choice or not, and the ways they have grown and endured.  It will be up to us to carry on Grandma's dream...I know we can do it! Peace and love xoxo.

Day 18- Just Enough

...because sometimes my patience is tested and I have learned that at times I get paid to say "just enough," then smile and walk away...learning to filter and edit yourself~it is just part of life...

Day 11- "Life Is..."

...a day late and a dollar short?  Ok, this time I am just a day late, but I will be a dollar short soon because I am getting ready to pay for college- so busy with that financial stuff then chilling with "him" that I forgot to update here.  Ok...so life is...

meant to be slowed down and enjoyed.  There will never be enough hours in the day.  There will never be enough time with those you love.  There will rarely be things that can't wait until tomorrow.    I am going back to a book I read a while ago...it really is so true!  Sometimes I forget, and it is something I am trying to be more true to; I do well with the fourth one; the third one I try hard to do, especially at home, but I am not sure they see it, but that is ok- I have confidence the kids will look back and think that is just what you are supposed to do as a parent because it is what they saw.  I've gotten better with number one- hard at work because I am a 1:50ish ratio, and everyone's needs are usually of the moment and important, but I am trying; have definitely gotten better at home.  We work hard to meet each of the six where they are, so if it means devour NFL to spend time and have something to talk about with one, I do it.  If it means, "Can you help unload the dishwasher?"  while I happen to be in the kitchen, just so we can chit chat, I do it.  Two hour texting sessions?  Do those too.  Arranging family afternoons then cooking my brains out so it is choreographed in such a way they can all just hang out- done!  Where am I lacking?  That #2- PLAY.  Fabulous at home with it, but am gonna have to ponder how to make it work at home.  My BFF in the picture above doesn't know it but she is a master of all in her personal life, and I am pretty sure she is at work as well.  

What is The FISH! Philosophy?

The FISH! Philosophy includes four simple, interconnected practices:

Be There: When people need you, they need all of you. Setting aside distractions and judgments to be fully present is a sign of respect. It improves communication and strengthens relationships.

Play: You can be serious about your work without taking yourself so seriously. Play is a mindset more than a specific activity. It allows you to throw yourself with enthusiasm and creativity into whatever you are doing, in a way that is natural, not forced. "Playing” with ideas helps you find solutions to everyday challenges.

Make Their Day: Simple gestures of thoughtfulness, thanks and recognition make people feel appreciated and valued. When you make someone else feel good, you feel good too.

Choose Your Attitude: To actually choose how you respond to life, not just react, you must be intentional. When you get up, decide who you want to "be" today. Moment-to-moment awareness is key. Ask yourself throughout the day, "What is my attitude right now? Is it helping the people who depend on me? Is it helping me to be most effective?"

Through The FISH! Philosophy, we build stronger relationships with the team members we work with, the customers we serve, the students we teach and the people we love.

http://www.charthouse.com/content.aspx?nodeid=22610

I hope at the end of 2014 that I can say life is simplified, for many reasons, from clutter to navigating college to sending  my baby off on her own to cancer being that much closer to gone...peace xoxo.