On the Cusp of a New Era

Giving Abbey her first bath at home this evening (couldn't have done it without "Auntie Sharon" on back up) is just the first of history making in the next few hours!
The first time I heard Martin Luther King, Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" speech was the day it was given. It was given the summer before my freshman year of high school. Although I was completely clueless about most things, that speech made an impression. I truly hoped to see the day in his vision.
In college, I saw some very scary moments (I was in college from 1967 through 1972 - went straight through and got my Masters' Degree), and, again, I was pretty clueless. In my graduate year, my roommate and I were the ONLY mixed-racial roommates who had REQUESTED each other as roommates at Indiana State University (we were the poster-children for diversity - and got away with A LOT!) At the time, I didn't realize how amazing this was.
Four years ago, when I had my first freshman English class, I taught the Martin Luther King, Jr. speech, Maya Angelou, and Rosa Parks. Again, I was reminded how the "dream" had guided so much of my teaching.
This year, I had the pleasure of teaching a high-ability gifted and talented class. One of the first projects they wanted to work with was politics as many would be voting for the first time. As clueless as I was at that age, THEY didn't want to vote blindly.
On Tuesday, I get to share the history-making inauguration with the class. They won't know how important the moment will be for me; I hope it will be for them.

Happy Epiphany! (or Wise Guys Rule!)

I've always been a fan of Epiphany (the day the Magi - Wise Men - brought gifts to the baby Jesus) and when I first moved to Hobart, my best friend's (Cynthia Lach) mom gave me a set of Wise Guy candlesticks. I cherished those candlesticks until they finally crumbled. I never put up a tree - just the creche, camels, and Wise Men. (When I was a "new" teacher, I would travel to family over the holidays and never wanted to take down a tree when I returned; we were usually back in school when Epiphany rolled around, so it wasn't depressing to leave the camels and Wise Guys up.) And then Cyndi "clinched" the day for me - she had Leanne on January 6th - making HER the best Epiphany gift! I've always been blessed with enjoying other people's children and Leanne has a special place in my heart. So I send the GIFT of LOVE to all today! Happy Epiphany - share the present!

Joyful New Year!

May the new year bring joy, happiness, success, blessings, and love every moment of every day!

I must be the luckiest (or most spoiled) person ever!

I have been in panic mode again about finishing "The Move" to the new building. Today, Bryan unloaded the scooter I had at the old building and reloaded the things thrown in on the last Thursday. (We thought we'd have Friday to finish packing and sending things over - Mother Nature took that day away.) Knowing that I'd have trouble unloading the car, I threw a quick note on Facebook and Myspace. In less than 17 minutes, Kriste, Meghan, Crissy, Cynthia, Rosanne, and Nathan answered that they'd be there for me. I don't know if I'm lucky or spoiled, but I DO know that I am SOOOOOOOOOOO relieved! My guardian angels are so working overtime!

Special Presents

The past month has been extremely hectic, but it is now time to take a moment and reflect.

The move to the new school seemed insurmountable, but with a HUGE amount of help, my things are there. Over the holidays, hope to finish settling in (Sharon is helping me!)

Both Sharon and I are feeling pretty good - have avoided the "yuks" pretty well.

Although TERRIFIED of the ice, Bryan's pictures highlighted the absolute beauty God painted for us.

Especially enjoyed the little bit of "shopping" we got to do. Jackie told us about a site that lets you supply a third-world village with animals to teach how to help the economy. If you donate, say a goat (Jackie's choice!), the family is taught how to milk the goat, use the product, sell things made, mate the goat, give the "goatling" (what do you call a baby goat?) to another family to continue the process. I gave bee hives (of course!) and Sharon gave ducks!

Megan's angels gave us another opportunity. Cyndi (our "personal shopper") had a field day finding things the kids needed and wanted.

We're very fortunate that our friends and family LOVE these kinds of experiences. Bryan, Amy, and the kids (and one of Bryan's co-workers) helped us with a student at school who desperately needed baby things. From, "Do you have any extra diapers?" came many special things - especially the blanket that Amy and the kids made. ("Every baby needs a hand-made blankie.")

Lin (who helps us keep things up at home) has been working double-time with the new school, but made a point of helping us get groceries in and things cleaned up before the dangerous cold hit.

THESE ARE THE PRESENTS THAT MEAN THE MOST TO US.

Have a blessed, happy Christmas and enjoy the "gifts" you have around you!

STILL teaching

Thought I was all ready for the open house after dedication of the new Hobart High School building - boxes unpacked; few "toys" out; desks rearranged; posters set; power points hooked together and looped. Test run on Saturday - NO POWER POINT!!! Technology worked overtime and Sunday, I'm set - except it still won't open! A little more fussing, visting with former students, helping current students, and it finally runs. BUT, no one really cared! Almost everyone who came was a former student or parent of former student, and my name was one of the few they recognized! Most asked question, "How long HAVE you been teaching???" (37th year!)

It sure was nice seeing four decades of students and parents!

St. Nicholas Day Gift

St. Nicholas Day is a gift-giving day, and Abbey-Abigail gave me a wonderful one!

I usually have to wake Abbey up in the morning to take (send) her outside to do the doggie thing. She has had "issues" in the past - refusing to go out in the rain; not leaving the porch; whining and barking. TODAY, Abbey actually woke me up! She never licks me in the face, but went for my uncovered ear until I finally got up. She RAN for the door, pranced until I opened it, dashed out and down the steps, jumped in the snow, and did BOTH doggie duties. She must be learning! (Since she'll be 4 on the 13th, I'd hope she would be potty trained by now!)