Just had my 54th birthday. Tried to skip it but it happened anyway. Birthdays don't usually bother me too much but this one did, I think because I am feeling so restricted with sciatica and it makes me feel old. Identifying getting older with being in pain and seeing the coming years as a downhill slide into feeling worse and worse does not exactly put me in a celebratory mood! So maybe I need to change my outlook. I do have things to look forward to - hopefully becoming a grandparent one of these days,
eventually having more time (and money?) to travel and garden and read, things like that. But I can't just sit around (or lie around is more like it for now - can't sit really at all with this sciatica) and wait for those days to come. So here is my list (in no particular order) of things I intend to get started on NOW-
1) Experiment with cooking new things - I enjoy cooking when I have time and am not exhausted. I know the food is better for us. Well I should have the time, just need to work on not being exhausted!
2) Spend more time interacting with my husband, not just being in the same place at the same time.
Also a side effect of not having the energy to want to go out and do things. I think I should do things
(like the Bot. Gardens social stuff, games or performances at UNC, etc.) even if I am exhausted and maybe it will turn out to be energizing.
3) Spend more time with friends even if it involves traveling and money. I would love to get out
to CO to see Jane while she is still there, and get to NH more than once this year. I would also love to get to one of Caitln's track meets this year!
4) Keep working on open water swimming - on my own or with the masters, and sign up for races.
5) Not let work take over my whole life - find a way to change gears when I get home, and do
other things. I often just eat, nap and then do more work stuff on the computer. I intend to find a way to not be so exhausted by work (sleeping and eating better? New shoes?). I want to feel more energetic, for working outside or walking the dog, or going out to something in the evening.
I feel like number 5 is really the big challenge since we have a somewhat more needy class this year than some years. But my co-teacher and I are going to need to make it more simple and streamlined, really set priorities and ditch things that are not worth the time they take. It is easy to go overboard but we must think about what the kids need most and focus on that.
I guess it all boils down to balance in my life. And that reminds me, I need to go do those exercises for stabilizing my back!
Sunday, September 1, 2013
Saturday, June 22, 2013
Things are going swimmingly this summer!
I have just completed teaching 3 sessions of swim lessons, 2 classes in each session working with my daughter Caitlin. I have mixed feelings about teaching swim lessons, mainly because they start before I finish my regular teaching job when I am really ready for a break, and although it doesn't take a lot of time it is an everyday obligation, and they have to be in the morning before the pool opens, which would be prime gardening time for me, while my garden is shady and cool.
But it is nice to make a bit of money quickly, and I do love working with children, and it is really special that it is something I do with my daughter. This year was tough because it was never really very warm, and the poor kids were always so cold. Most of them were pretty good sports, shivering and purple, but still trying their best.
While teaching swimming I decided that swim lessons are a good metaphor for life. Some kids plunge right in with no regard for the consequences - like the 2 little boys I was constantly guiding back to the steps when they got in over their heads. Some kids are extremely tentative and cautious, or even fearful. Some are overly dependent on the artificial buoyancy of being held up by floats or adults. I do enjoy the challenge of working with all these types. It is very similar to raising children.
~First thing is to teach them some safety skills and boundaries - no going in the pool without an adult - stay on the steps until it is your turn.
~Develop a good rapport with them, make it personal. Use eye contact. Yes, you have to get down in the cold water too!
~Give them enough support to gain some skills and confidence, and then gradually have them rely more on their own power.
~Intuit when they need a little extra support and encouragement
~Don't get upset over mistakes and mishaps, just calmly remind them how to spit and blow water out of their mouths and noses, and to inhale only above the surface!
~Try again.
~Keep learning fun with games and props and jokes
~Applaud acts of bravery and effort but with an "I knew you could do it" attitude.
~Challenge them to push themselves to new levels and to try new things even if it is scary
~You can give them advice but don't flip out if they don't take it (put some goggles on, pull your hair back). Some kids may do things in a way you don't expect but that works for them.
~When they are ready, let them do it all on their own. You have to let go of them.
I am very hard on myself with the teaching. I am always wondering if I could do something better or something more. Is there a better technique I could be using? Would this child do better in that group?
Did I push this one too hard or this one not hard enough?
In the end though I know we were very successful. Every beginner swimmer that came through our lessons this year was putting their face in the water and making some kind of swimming progress through the water by the end of their session. Some learned to float or to swim underwater, or to really swim a beginner freestyle or elementary backstroke. Some of the more advanced swimmers learned to breathe to the side during freestyle. Some learned to dive. Some learned backstroke or breaststroke for the first time, or how to push off properly from the side for these strokes. Every one of them gained some confidence, some safety skills and learned that swimming lessons can be enjoyable.
We had a lot of happy parents, and one parent in particular, who last year had said something about our lessons being too expensive but then after trying lessons in a couple of other places over the winter, and signing up for our classes this year, declared to another parent at the end of her second session with us that our lessons are "the best swim lessons in Chapel Hill". I am really glad that the other parent told us about that comment. Swim instructors need positive feedback too!
Every year I remind myself of how much I wish I just had free time in June with no lessons, but then I think about how satisfying it is when we see the kids learn to swim. I am pretty sure I will be back in the pool next summer on those chilly mornings, exhorting the kids to "kick kick kick! Little fast flutters!" and "reach and pull!"
But it is nice to make a bit of money quickly, and I do love working with children, and it is really special that it is something I do with my daughter. This year was tough because it was never really very warm, and the poor kids were always so cold. Most of them were pretty good sports, shivering and purple, but still trying their best.
While teaching swimming I decided that swim lessons are a good metaphor for life. Some kids plunge right in with no regard for the consequences - like the 2 little boys I was constantly guiding back to the steps when they got in over their heads. Some kids are extremely tentative and cautious, or even fearful. Some are overly dependent on the artificial buoyancy of being held up by floats or adults. I do enjoy the challenge of working with all these types. It is very similar to raising children.
~First thing is to teach them some safety skills and boundaries - no going in the pool without an adult - stay on the steps until it is your turn.
~Develop a good rapport with them, make it personal. Use eye contact. Yes, you have to get down in the cold water too!
~Give them enough support to gain some skills and confidence, and then gradually have them rely more on their own power.
~Intuit when they need a little extra support and encouragement
~Don't get upset over mistakes and mishaps, just calmly remind them how to spit and blow water out of their mouths and noses, and to inhale only above the surface!
~Try again.
~Keep learning fun with games and props and jokes
~Applaud acts of bravery and effort but with an "I knew you could do it" attitude.
~Challenge them to push themselves to new levels and to try new things even if it is scary
~You can give them advice but don't flip out if they don't take it (put some goggles on, pull your hair back). Some kids may do things in a way you don't expect but that works for them.
~When they are ready, let them do it all on their own. You have to let go of them.
I am very hard on myself with the teaching. I am always wondering if I could do something better or something more. Is there a better technique I could be using? Would this child do better in that group?
Did I push this one too hard or this one not hard enough?
In the end though I know we were very successful. Every beginner swimmer that came through our lessons this year was putting their face in the water and making some kind of swimming progress through the water by the end of their session. Some learned to float or to swim underwater, or to really swim a beginner freestyle or elementary backstroke. Some of the more advanced swimmers learned to breathe to the side during freestyle. Some learned to dive. Some learned backstroke or breaststroke for the first time, or how to push off properly from the side for these strokes. Every one of them gained some confidence, some safety skills and learned that swimming lessons can be enjoyable.
We had a lot of happy parents, and one parent in particular, who last year had said something about our lessons being too expensive but then after trying lessons in a couple of other places over the winter, and signing up for our classes this year, declared to another parent at the end of her second session with us that our lessons are "the best swim lessons in Chapel Hill". I am really glad that the other parent told us about that comment. Swim instructors need positive feedback too!
Every year I remind myself of how much I wish I just had free time in June with no lessons, but then I think about how satisfying it is when we see the kids learn to swim. I am pretty sure I will be back in the pool next summer on those chilly mornings, exhorting the kids to "kick kick kick! Little fast flutters!" and "reach and pull!"
Wednesday, June 5, 2013
My Hairy Situation
You just never know what you are going to get. This is true with children, and gardens, and lately my hair. I seem to be having a bad hair season. And the thing is I just don't really care that much about my hair. I just want some kind of cut and style where I don't have to think about it, and definitely don't get frustrated by it.
My first choice would be to cut it off pretty short so I can just run my fingers through it after swimming and not have to dry or style it, and it would always be up off my neck and out of my face.
How it was last July, just a plain old bob.
For the past year I have had it a bit longer in an above-the-shoulders-bob that HAS to be blow dried, preferably with some kind of styling product, and then touched up with the curling iron to get it to behave.
How it was for the past year until this April -
It only takes me about 10 minutes, but still, that's 10 minutes out of my life I will never get back, spent on my HAIR! But I guess I must have some vanity because I will say I get a lot of compliments on this style (see above photo). I had my last cut a couple days before our trip to St. John. I had scheduled an appointment with my usual stylist, for a highlight and cut so it would look nice on our trip. But she ended up canceling the appointment and I was stuck so had to go to someone else at the last minute. Well it was a nightmare. She had to try twice to do the highlighting, wrong product the first time, and then spent over an hour cutting. Panda usually has my color and cut done and styled in just an hour and 15. This time took over 2 1/2 hours! I should have known something was wrong when she put OIL on my hair . . . I have never had to do that. Turns out the double highlight process really fried my hair and it was crisp and frizzy. She also cut my layers way too short so now they just curl out away from my head in unruly waves . . . it now takes me more time and more product to get it even close to how it was. Plus the layers are too short to pull back for gardening, running, etc.
Note how frizzy it is and sticking out half way up the side . . . and this is with a LOT of product and no shampoo . . . and felt like straw!
I used to wear it longer, which was nice because no real styling involved and I could pull it back.
But my husband would say I should get a cut so it would look styled . . . not really sure what he means but he has not complimented my hair since . . . wow it has been a long time, I think since 2005 when I came home from a cut and my hair was still poofy from the stylist. He seems to like poofy styled hair. And when I have it long it usually just ends up looking sloppy like this
Hmmm, maybe that is what my husband is objecting to when he says it doesn't look
"styled".
So it has been driving me crazy and I was about to schedule an appointment to cut it all off, but then I looked at the photos from my son's wedding (happy third anniversary today!) when it was pretty short and I have to say I am a bit shocked at how matronly it looks. I mean I accept that I am in my fifties but I don't think I really look as old as I do in this photo:I
Ick! Luckily no one looking at me that day . . . and that dress, what was I thinking? It was short at Kristen's wedding too though I like the cut a bit better - this is right after it was cut, taken at her bridal luncheon - so I hadn't tried to style it - never came out quite this nice for me. But I didn't like it how it was suddenly longer in the back.
The thing is I really actually like my hair. Usually it is soft and shiny and manageable and IF there are any gray hairs in there they don't really show up (yet).
But I wish I could cut it super short like this pic of my sister
only have it be my color, not her gray - although it looks fabulous on her! But I am afraid that looks close enough to the previous photo to not come out right. Plus I still remembering my mom telling my my head looks too small for my body when it is really short. What to do?? I suppose I can work on shrinking my body . . . and then if that goes well maybe I can get it cut so I look like this
Don't you think I could look like this?? (I deleted the photo as it was showing up in my facebook blog share and I can't figure out how to change it)
My first choice would be to cut it off pretty short so I can just run my fingers through it after swimming and not have to dry or style it, and it would always be up off my neck and out of my face.
How it was last July, just a plain old bob.
How it was for the past year until this April -
It only takes me about 10 minutes, but still, that's 10 minutes out of my life I will never get back, spent on my HAIR! But I guess I must have some vanity because I will say I get a lot of compliments on this style (see above photo). I had my last cut a couple days before our trip to St. John. I had scheduled an appointment with my usual stylist, for a highlight and cut so it would look nice on our trip. But she ended up canceling the appointment and I was stuck so had to go to someone else at the last minute. Well it was a nightmare. She had to try twice to do the highlighting, wrong product the first time, and then spent over an hour cutting. Panda usually has my color and cut done and styled in just an hour and 15. This time took over 2 1/2 hours! I should have known something was wrong when she put OIL on my hair . . . I have never had to do that. Turns out the double highlight process really fried my hair and it was crisp and frizzy. She also cut my layers way too short so now they just curl out away from my head in unruly waves . . . it now takes me more time and more product to get it even close to how it was. Plus the layers are too short to pull back for gardening, running, etc.
Note how frizzy it is and sticking out half way up the side . . . and this is with a LOT of product and no shampoo . . . and felt like straw!
I used to wear it longer, which was nice because no real styling involved and I could pull it back.
But my husband would say I should get a cut so it would look styled . . . not really sure what he means but he has not complimented my hair since . . . wow it has been a long time, I think since 2005 when I came home from a cut and my hair was still poofy from the stylist. He seems to like poofy styled hair. And when I have it long it usually just ends up looking sloppy like this
"styled".
So it has been driving me crazy and I was about to schedule an appointment to cut it all off, but then I looked at the photos from my son's wedding (happy third anniversary today!) when it was pretty short and I have to say I am a bit shocked at how matronly it looks. I mean I accept that I am in my fifties but I don't think I really look as old as I do in this photo:I
Ick! Luckily no one looking at me that day . . . and that dress, what was I thinking? It was short at Kristen's wedding too though I like the cut a bit better - this is right after it was cut, taken at her bridal luncheon - so I hadn't tried to style it - never came out quite this nice for me. But I didn't like it how it was suddenly longer in the back.
The thing is I really actually like my hair. Usually it is soft and shiny and manageable and IF there are any gray hairs in there they don't really show up (yet).
But I wish I could cut it super short like this pic of my sister
only have it be my color, not her gray - although it looks fabulous on her! But I am afraid that looks close enough to the previous photo to not come out right. Plus I still remembering my mom telling my my head looks too small for my body when it is really short. What to do?? I suppose I can work on shrinking my body . . . and then if that goes well maybe I can get it cut so I look like this
Monday, June 3, 2013
Gratitude For My Dark Side
The May blog challenge is over but I am going to attempt to continue this blog on my own . . . I hope you will continue to check it out from time to time!
Do you remember when the big thing to do was to have a "gratitude journal"? I think Oprah got this going with her book group pick of the book Simple Abundance, Journal of Gratitude. The book claims that "Gratitude is the most passionate transformative force in the cosmos", and that if you give thanks for 5 gifts everyday it will change your life. I do believe gratitude is a powerful thing and I had always meant to do it but never got around to writing things down. I do quite often feel grateful for the many gifts in my life - a great family both extended and immediate, a lovely (if sometime crowded!) home, all our needs like food and heat covered, and healthy happy children, and being able to return to NH every summer. The last few years I have been especially grateful that all of my family have employment. So I would like to set out the intention to sometimes write about gratitude. But before that I am going to touch on something I was never able to talk about much, something I went through for about 4 years, and that is depression. I am SOOOO GRATEFUL not to be in that place any more!
No one wants to talk about it. In fact, when I was experiencing it I felt like no one wanted to acknowledge that it even existed or was a real thing.
Oh oh oh, there's a place that I know
It's not pretty there and few have ever gone
If I show it to you now
Will it make you run away?
Or will you stay
Even if it hurts
Even if I try to push you out
Will you return?
And remind me who I really am
Please remind me who I really am
Don't run away
Promise you'll stay
Those are the lyrics to Kelly Clarkson's song Dark Side, and when I first heard the song it did take me back to those days. It started as a postpartum depression after my third child, but didn't really hit hard enough to until she was nearly a year old. Even though all 3 of my kids were sleeping well I was tired all the time. It got to the point where I was forcing myself to do anything besides nap. The only activity that seemed appealing to me was curling up on the couch in a big pink down comforter (ok so winter in NH might have had something to do with it) and sleeping.
Even when John was back home full time after working out of state for 2 years and only being home weekends I felt it. There was a sensation in my head of being at the top of a roller coaster and starting down the steep side, out of control. I remember the doctor talking to me about it and me saying " I can't be depressed, everything is gong so well with John home and with the 3 great kids, nothing is wrong" but fortunately for me he diagnosed it and put me on medication. The medication did help though it caused weight gain which I wrote about earlier, and I did also go through some therapy which helped as well. I am lucky my friends did not desert me, and even made me do fun things like skiing that I had always loved. I had lots of migraines, and was hospitalized 3 times for things like kidney infection, bleeding disorder, and appendicitis that I think all had to do with the depression and wanting to escape. Or I wonder did I subconsciously want to have a "legitimate" problem that people could understand and be sympathetic to. Depression was like being in the bottom a ravine and being too exhausted to climb out. I didn't tell many people though I longed to have someone who would understand. I remember times when I would be driving somewhere and I would just wish I could just stop existing. I never felt like I would do anything to endanger my own life, but I did feel like I just didn't want to "be" anymore. I felt like it was a weakness or that people, even in my own family, would be scornful and either look down on me or didn't believe it was a real illness, and would just think I was a slacker. I felt like it was a burden to my husband, and that he might feel like he was somehow responsible or at least responsible for trying to fix it. It seemed like depression should only be something you experience when there are bad or sad things in your life, not when things are seemingly fine. Throughout this time I really did try to get physical exercise which we know helps at least as much as medication, and I am grateful to my friends who encouraged me and exercised with me - Susan, Judy, Jan, Barb, Mary, and Jane - and who never ran away - and eventually my energy and interest came back, and I was ready to get off the medication. I tried weaning off of it under Dr. directions, but I would have the weirdest dizzy feeling in my head, and actually had to switch to a different medicine and wean off of it, which worked. And then the weight came off too.
There is nothing like the feeling of being happy to wake up and interested in the goings on of the day, and being glad to be here. I am grateful that I got back here and feel so good. And I am very grateful for all my friends who did NOT push me away or stop encouraging and hanging out with me. I am aware of being grateful for my health and the health of my family on a daily basis. In a way I am even grateful for experiencing that depression so I am able to know how lucky I am and how good it feels NOT to have it now!
Today I am grateful for
1. rain for my garden and all the plants
2. having air conditioning - and the hvac guy here to check the system
3. being on break from teaching so I can re-energize for next school year - first day of summer vacation!
4. getting the chance to meet Caitlin's boyfriend who arrives today!
5. having Kristen here, and knowing she just talked to Brad a couple days ago and he is okay
Next time I will write about something more uplifting! But thanks for listening.
Do you remember when the big thing to do was to have a "gratitude journal"? I think Oprah got this going with her book group pick of the book Simple Abundance, Journal of Gratitude. The book claims that "Gratitude is the most passionate transformative force in the cosmos", and that if you give thanks for 5 gifts everyday it will change your life. I do believe gratitude is a powerful thing and I had always meant to do it but never got around to writing things down. I do quite often feel grateful for the many gifts in my life - a great family both extended and immediate, a lovely (if sometime crowded!) home, all our needs like food and heat covered, and healthy happy children, and being able to return to NH every summer. The last few years I have been especially grateful that all of my family have employment. So I would like to set out the intention to sometimes write about gratitude. But before that I am going to touch on something I was never able to talk about much, something I went through for about 4 years, and that is depression. I am SOOOO GRATEFUL not to be in that place any more!
No one wants to talk about it. In fact, when I was experiencing it I felt like no one wanted to acknowledge that it even existed or was a real thing.
Oh oh oh, there's a place that I know
It's not pretty there and few have ever gone
If I show it to you now
Will it make you run away?
Or will you stay
Even if it hurts
Even if I try to push you out
Will you return?
And remind me who I really am
Please remind me who I really am
Don't run away
Promise you'll stay
Those are the lyrics to Kelly Clarkson's song Dark Side, and when I first heard the song it did take me back to those days. It started as a postpartum depression after my third child, but didn't really hit hard enough to until she was nearly a year old. Even though all 3 of my kids were sleeping well I was tired all the time. It got to the point where I was forcing myself to do anything besides nap. The only activity that seemed appealing to me was curling up on the couch in a big pink down comforter (ok so winter in NH might have had something to do with it) and sleeping.
Even when John was back home full time after working out of state for 2 years and only being home weekends I felt it. There was a sensation in my head of being at the top of a roller coaster and starting down the steep side, out of control. I remember the doctor talking to me about it and me saying " I can't be depressed, everything is gong so well with John home and with the 3 great kids, nothing is wrong" but fortunately for me he diagnosed it and put me on medication. The medication did help though it caused weight gain which I wrote about earlier, and I did also go through some therapy which helped as well. I am lucky my friends did not desert me, and even made me do fun things like skiing that I had always loved. I had lots of migraines, and was hospitalized 3 times for things like kidney infection, bleeding disorder, and appendicitis that I think all had to do with the depression and wanting to escape. Or I wonder did I subconsciously want to have a "legitimate" problem that people could understand and be sympathetic to. Depression was like being in the bottom a ravine and being too exhausted to climb out. I didn't tell many people though I longed to have someone who would understand. I remember times when I would be driving somewhere and I would just wish I could just stop existing. I never felt like I would do anything to endanger my own life, but I did feel like I just didn't want to "be" anymore. I felt like it was a weakness or that people, even in my own family, would be scornful and either look down on me or didn't believe it was a real illness, and would just think I was a slacker. I felt like it was a burden to my husband, and that he might feel like he was somehow responsible or at least responsible for trying to fix it. It seemed like depression should only be something you experience when there are bad or sad things in your life, not when things are seemingly fine. Throughout this time I really did try to get physical exercise which we know helps at least as much as medication, and I am grateful to my friends who encouraged me and exercised with me - Susan, Judy, Jan, Barb, Mary, and Jane - and who never ran away - and eventually my energy and interest came back, and I was ready to get off the medication. I tried weaning off of it under Dr. directions, but I would have the weirdest dizzy feeling in my head, and actually had to switch to a different medicine and wean off of it, which worked. And then the weight came off too.
There is nothing like the feeling of being happy to wake up and interested in the goings on of the day, and being glad to be here. I am grateful that I got back here and feel so good. And I am very grateful for all my friends who did NOT push me away or stop encouraging and hanging out with me. I am aware of being grateful for my health and the health of my family on a daily basis. In a way I am even grateful for experiencing that depression so I am able to know how lucky I am and how good it feels NOT to have it now!
Today I am grateful for
1. rain for my garden and all the plants
2. having air conditioning - and the hvac guy here to check the system
3. being on break from teaching so I can re-energize for next school year - first day of summer vacation!
4. getting the chance to meet Caitlin's boyfriend who arrives today!
5. having Kristen here, and knowing she just talked to Brad a couple days ago and he is okay
Next time I will write about something more uplifting! But thanks for listening.
Friday, May 31, 2013
Letting Go - not one of my strengths
May 30 - React to this term: Letting go
When one door of happiness closes, another opens; but often we look so long at the closed door that we do not see the one which has been opened for us. ~Helen Keller
Letting go - the very words bring a heaviness to my heart. I am not good at letting go. I cling to the familiar and the beloved, whether it is a tradition, a period of time, a location, or a memory. I am not so much attached to objects as to experiences, and even when it is something I look forward to, such as a different summer schedule like this year where I will have more time to spend in NH it is hard for me to let go of the pattern of the past 10 summers. Once I made the decision to leave in June I immediately experienced the anxiety I get from change - but I am trying to let go of it. I am very excited to spend more time in NH especially since my own family will be there more this year, but I will still be anxious about leaving John and my garden and my NC pool days behind for so long. During the transitional times in my life - graduations, beginning new jobs, getting married, moving, I am often plagued by nightmares of "end of the world", fantastical dreams of lava spewing, earth upheaving, flooding and doom. This is how my subconscious reacts to letting go!
Let go. Why do you cling to pain? There is nothing you can do about the wrongs of yesterday. It is not yours to judge. Why hold on to the very thing which keeps you from hope and love? ~Leo Buscaglia
Letting go - I wish I was better at letting go of painful memories. My memory is very strong, with vivid memories even back from before I could talk. Is there a method to use to let go of the negative memories? My husband can tell you that I never forget a hurtful comment . . . and it sometimes makes me reluctant to take a chance, especially with my heart. Even memories that aren't really mine can affect me. I almost did not adopt my sweet little spitfire dog because I was afraid that looking at her cut-off ears would remind me that she had been abused and that it would be too big a burden on my heart. But the encouragement of friends and family helped me let go of that fear, and I have her here with me.
Letting go - as a teacher I have to let go of my class of children every year at this time, and send them all off to other schools. It is a good example of something that even though it can feel hard at the time is really a positive and exciting thing. At the end of the year we make little scrap books for the kids of photos and mementos and making the books gives me a chance to look back through the year with each child, and then to send them out. Maybe I can use this blog as my scrapbook, going back over the special times, and then try to mentally send myself on into the future, into the unknown, and not look back so much.
Wednesday, May 29, 2013
Music to My Ears - and Heart
1.I have not forgotten that I skipped yesterday's assignment which was all photos, so will have to catch up on that.
Today's assignment is 5 songs or pieces of music that speak to you or bring back memories.
How to pick only 5??
1. The 12th of Never - Donny Osmond version. This was my FAVORITE song for so many years when I was young and so in love with Donny, and convinced if only we could meet he would feel the same way . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOHBpqHhLTE
2. You Are So Beautiful to Me
So simple and a bit corny yes, but when John and I were going out and it came on the radio he would sing it to me . . . and really make me feel like I was beautiful to him . . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spsVigJCvNU
3. The Believe in Yourself Song - I can't find it on either youtube or grooveshark, but this brings back such memories. Caitlin came home from kindergarten saying it was her class' "theme song", and she loved it so much I found a copy of it. We would play whenever someone had something hard to do, like a big swim meet or soccer game or tryouts, it was very motivational! Of course the kids outgrew it at some point, and would get mad or roll their eyes if I mentioned it or sang it, but I still have very fond memories of it and of the power of it, and luckily for me I can pass it on to my class! A few years ago a little girl in my class impressed her father by climbing a difficult tree and when her dad said "wow how did you do that?" she replied matter of factly "I just believed in myself. Miss Vicky taught me". It is a powerful song and one that children can really learn from. The idea of it being ok to not succeed at first, but to keep trying is something most kids need to be taught. Since I don't have a link, here are the lyrics -
When there's a dream inside your heart, don't be afraid
Cause you can start to make your dreams come true
When you believe in yourself
Believe you can do most anything
Give it your best and you can start to make those dreams come true
When you believe in yourself
When you find your heart's desire
You must give your whole heart to it
And if at first you don't succeed
Keep trying till you do it!
So make a wish and give it your all
Pick yourself up when you stumble and fall
Keep trying till you're through
Believe in your self, believe in yourself
Believe in yourself and you'll make those dreams come true!
4. I also LOVE Taylor Swift's song, The Best Day. She really captures the relationship she has with her parents at different ages in a way very familiar to most parents I'm sure. Plus it is just so cool that she recognized at such a young age how lucky she was to have her parents. And it reminds me of how lucky I have been to have my family!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4_6eQm7RTQ
5. Sheep May Safely Graze - by Bach
I love Bach, and think this is simply a beautiful piece. It is also connected with some memories for me. It figures in one of my very favorite young adult books, I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. I loved how the narrator described her previous experience with Bach like being hit repeatedly over the head with a spoon (maybe she was trying to play the Two Part Inventions?) but then heard this piece and of course changed her opinion of Bach.
This song was also a traditional piece played at the Christmas Eve Service at the Plymouth Congregational Church. It has been 17 years since I was a member of the church and the choir and I still miss it and miss the beautiful music of that service.
So those are the 5 I would pick today - but stay tuned, I may change it tomorrow!
Today's assignment is 5 songs or pieces of music that speak to you or bring back memories.
How to pick only 5??
1. The 12th of Never - Donny Osmond version. This was my FAVORITE song for so many years when I was young and so in love with Donny, and convinced if only we could meet he would feel the same way . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EOHBpqHhLTE
2. You Are So Beautiful to Me
So simple and a bit corny yes, but when John and I were going out and it came on the radio he would sing it to me . . . and really make me feel like I was beautiful to him . . . .
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spsVigJCvNU
3. The Believe in Yourself Song - I can't find it on either youtube or grooveshark, but this brings back such memories. Caitlin came home from kindergarten saying it was her class' "theme song", and she loved it so much I found a copy of it. We would play whenever someone had something hard to do, like a big swim meet or soccer game or tryouts, it was very motivational! Of course the kids outgrew it at some point, and would get mad or roll their eyes if I mentioned it or sang it, but I still have very fond memories of it and of the power of it, and luckily for me I can pass it on to my class! A few years ago a little girl in my class impressed her father by climbing a difficult tree and when her dad said "wow how did you do that?" she replied matter of factly "I just believed in myself. Miss Vicky taught me". It is a powerful song and one that children can really learn from. The idea of it being ok to not succeed at first, but to keep trying is something most kids need to be taught. Since I don't have a link, here are the lyrics -
When there's a dream inside your heart, don't be afraid
Cause you can start to make your dreams come true
When you believe in yourself
Believe you can do most anything
Give it your best and you can start to make those dreams come true
When you believe in yourself
When you find your heart's desire
You must give your whole heart to it
And if at first you don't succeed
Keep trying till you do it!
So make a wish and give it your all
Pick yourself up when you stumble and fall
Keep trying till you're through
Believe in your self, believe in yourself
Believe in yourself and you'll make those dreams come true!
4. I also LOVE Taylor Swift's song, The Best Day. She really captures the relationship she has with her parents at different ages in a way very familiar to most parents I'm sure. Plus it is just so cool that she recognized at such a young age how lucky she was to have her parents. And it reminds me of how lucky I have been to have my family!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=l4_6eQm7RTQ
5. Sheep May Safely Graze - by Bach
I love Bach, and think this is simply a beautiful piece. It is also connected with some memories for me. It figures in one of my very favorite young adult books, I Capture the Castle by Dodie Smith. I loved how the narrator described her previous experience with Bach like being hit repeatedly over the head with a spoon (maybe she was trying to play the Two Part Inventions?) but then heard this piece and of course changed her opinion of Bach.
This song was also a traditional piece played at the Christmas Eve Service at the Plymouth Congregational Church. It has been 17 years since I was a member of the church and the choir and I still miss it and miss the beautiful music of that service.
So those are the 5 I would pick today - but stay tuned, I may change it tomorrow!
Monday, May 27, 2013
From Me to You - a letter to my readers
Day 27, Monday: A letter to your readers
Dear Readers,
Thank you for coming here to read my blog. I especially want to thank those of you to whom I am related in some way as you come here motivated, I believe, by love and support for me, and therefore to my writing. I don't know if I am worthy of your time but please know that I appreciate it. I often tell myself I am writing for myself, and I know that I would write even if I knew no one would ever read any of the words I type, but knowing that there are actually people out there reading helps me stretch myself a bit farther and try really hard not to skip a day or cheat on the assignment. You should know that I am elated when I a comment by a reader, and consider your remarks thoughtfully. I will try to continue with the blog even after the month of May, though most likely not on a daily basis. I feel like that will eventually wear out even my closest relatives! If anyone has an idea of a topic they would like me to write about I would be glad to hear it as I may set my own topics for the weeks of June and July.
But for now, thank you all so much for reading me, and helping me to set up a habit of writing. I know it has been beneficial for me, and hope that in some way, at some point it will be beneficial for you as well.
Sincerely,
Me
Sunday, May 26, 2013
What 5 year olds should be learning . . .
Day 26, Sunday: Something you read online. Leave a link and discuss, if
you'd like.
http://www.naeyc.org/files/yc/file/200803/BTJ_Primary_Interest.pdf
"Developing Self Regulation in Kindergarten-Can We Keep All The Crickets in the Basket?"
If everyone understood how important it is for all children to learn self regulation skills like controlling impulses, following directions, doing things you should do even if you don't want to do, etc. , and if all children had the opportunity to learn it we would all be better off. This is what young children should be learning before we stress academics, and this is why I am glad I teach in a private school where I can teach what is really important and not stress out over making 5 year olds read.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Nobody's perfect
Day 25, Saturday: Something someone told you about
yourself that you'll never forget (good or bad)
I always felt like my dad was in my corner. When I was really little, maybe 4 or 5 I remember him driving me down to the lake for swim lessons but as soon as we got there I freaked out and was so afraid, and he just took me home without getting angry, and taught me how to swim on our own. My dad was the one who understood how much I wanted a horse when I was young, and gave me permission to buy one (much to my mom's chagrin). My dad was the one who first took an interest in my writing, having an essay that I wrote when I was in 5th grade published in an Episcopal newsletter, and he made me feel like I could be a good writer. He even took me and a bunch of my friends to an Osmond concert back in the day when Donny was my true love. When I was struggling with things as a teenager it was my dad that I went to for help.
I believe my sister had similar feelings. Plus my dad was the one who encouraged her to paint and gave her watercolor lessons when she was quite young. She became an artist, and as adults when we were all together she and my dad would have these long discussions about her art, and art in general. This was when my kids were pretty young and I was going through a difficult phase in my marriage and was on medication for postpartum depression after having my third child. I had lost a lot of weight before that pregnancy but on that medication I gained about 25 pounds. Well I remember one day when we were visiting at my parents, and he had had some of those conversations with my sister and though I understood their connection with art I was a bit jealous of their conversations together and the attention she was getting from him. So imagine how excited I was when once my youngest was napping he called me into the living room saying he wanted to talk to me about something. I was so excited and eager to have his attention! And then he began - " are you aware that you have been putting on quite a bit of weight lately?" I was totally crushed. THAT was what he wanted to talk about with me?? My mind just shut down and I have no idea what else he said, but that was devastating to me, and still makes me tear up to remember it. I know he was concerned about my health, but all I could feel was that he couldn't see me beyond my physical appearance and was ashamed of how I looked. I was so not expecting that! And of course I was aware! I already felt awful about gaining the weight, and helpless to stop it too. I wish I could forget it and how it made me feel. My dad was a great father and I owe a lot to him. But that was something that has stuck with me and has slightly marred my memories of my dad.
Oh and it did NOT make me lose weight! Once I got off the medication I gradually lost it.
Thursday, May 23, 2013
My 3 Worst Traits
out of order - I am in the last couple days of school and spending most of my time after work putting together the photo/scrap books we make for each child, so not enough time for the topic I was supposed to write about yesterday so I am changing the order of blog topics.
For May 22 - Your Three Worst Traits
1. Perfectionist - some people have said I am a control freak - but I think it is more of a perfectionist thing. For example, if someone at school is setting something up and I think I have a better way to do it (no actually I KNOW I have a better way to do it) it really bugs me not to change it. Or, I love it when someone else wants to vacuum or something at home but then it bothers me if they don't do it as well or as thoroughly as I would.
2. Social Discomfort - I enjoy going to parties or events but I always freak out ahead of time about what I'm going to wear, or how I will look. Funny because usually I care very little about these things, but they are agony for Christmas parties or weddings. etc., and I am very uncomfortable about dancing. I hate this feeling of insecurity.
3. Procrastinator - I do tend to put things off but I work well under pressure although I might get crabby about it.
For May 22 - Your Three Worst Traits
1. Perfectionist - some people have said I am a control freak - but I think it is more of a perfectionist thing. For example, if someone at school is setting something up and I think I have a better way to do it (no actually I KNOW I have a better way to do it) it really bugs me not to change it. Or, I love it when someone else wants to vacuum or something at home but then it bothers me if they don't do it as well or as thoroughly as I would.
2. Social Discomfort - I enjoy going to parties or events but I always freak out ahead of time about what I'm going to wear, or how I will look. Funny because usually I care very little about these things, but they are agony for Christmas parties or weddings. etc., and I am very uncomfortable about dancing. I hate this feeling of insecurity.
3. Procrastinator - I do tend to put things off but I work well under pressure although I might get crabby about it.
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
Favorites From the Past
A list of links to your favorite posts in
your archives
I am assuming this means favorite posts of my own? I have 2 favoritea from the first blog I started back in 2008, so that is what I am listing here.
"Can I Get a Little Support Here Please?"
http://bridesmom-vicky.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html
"Bridesmom or Birdsmom?
http://bridesmom-vicky.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html
These are longer entries but I think they are rather entertaining and reading them really takes me back.
I am assuming this means favorite posts of my own? I have 2 favoritea from the first blog I started back in 2008, so that is what I am listing here.
"Can I Get a Little Support Here Please?"
http://bridesmom-vicky.blogspot.com/2008_03_01_archive.html
"Bridesmom or Birdsmom?
http://bridesmom-vicky.blogspot.com/2008_07_01_archive.html
These are longer entries but I think they are rather entertaining and reading them really takes me back.
Monday, May 20, 2013
Good boy!
May 20 Get real. Share something you're struggling with
right now.
I have been avoiding writing this blog today because I don't want to focus my attention on what I am struggling with - I am afraid too many things might come to mind and it will be depressing!
I constantly struggle with keeping things organized and clean at home, keeping myself healthy and in shape, keeping up with the garden, and staying within our budget, not to mention struggling with the empty nest thing and getting older.
But maybe the most current struggle is that since we added a new dog to the family I am trying to train my husband. Oh I am working on training the dog of course, but right now he is the one being more stubborn and resistant to training. It's not all his fault of course, he did not grow up with dogs in his family, and probably never had an interest in training an animal. I on the other hand nearly always had a dog growing up, plus horses, including a colt I had to train. I also work with young children - very similar. The problem as I see it is that John wants Sydney to listen to him. and if she doesn't, he gets louder and angrier with her. I can't convince him that having her fear him is not the way to get the results we are after. He also doesn't seem to get the idea of positive reinforcement in the way of praise or treats. I think he thinks that it is positive enough if he doesn't raise his voice with her. It didn't help that he did not particularly like the trainer I called to work with when we first got Sydney, but she had already worked with Sydney in the shelter so I thought that would help. He also wasn't expecting her to be quite such a project; so energetic and mouthy, and curious. I have to take responsibility for that since I was the one that really choose to get her (but that face, how could I NOT??).
What I want is for John to understand that first he has to develop a rapport with her, so she trusts him, especially considering her history of being abused. Then I want him to be patient with her, and not forget that he has to act like it is a big deal when she does the right thing - comes when we call, sits for her leash, etc. Of course she is going to make mistakes but those are best ignored, and quickly move to something she can do and be rewarded for instead of yelling and scaring her. She learns so quickly when she is rewarded. No one learns when they are scared. She might learn to be afraid of him, but that is not going to work. If I could just convince him . . .
Perhaps I need to listen to myself. Hmmm. Maybe I need to think in terms of positive reinforcement for John - "good boy, you didn't yell when Sydney jumped on the sofa, here's a new golf ball for you!" or "you were so patient getting Sydney to sit - good boy John, more ______ for you!" You get the idea.
Stay tuned. I'll let you know how it goes!
I have been avoiding writing this blog today because I don't want to focus my attention on what I am struggling with - I am afraid too many things might come to mind and it will be depressing!
I constantly struggle with keeping things organized and clean at home, keeping myself healthy and in shape, keeping up with the garden, and staying within our budget, not to mention struggling with the empty nest thing and getting older.
But maybe the most current struggle is that since we added a new dog to the family I am trying to train my husband. Oh I am working on training the dog of course, but right now he is the one being more stubborn and resistant to training. It's not all his fault of course, he did not grow up with dogs in his family, and probably never had an interest in training an animal. I on the other hand nearly always had a dog growing up, plus horses, including a colt I had to train. I also work with young children - very similar. The problem as I see it is that John wants Sydney to listen to him. and if she doesn't, he gets louder and angrier with her. I can't convince him that having her fear him is not the way to get the results we are after. He also doesn't seem to get the idea of positive reinforcement in the way of praise or treats. I think he thinks that it is positive enough if he doesn't raise his voice with her. It didn't help that he did not particularly like the trainer I called to work with when we first got Sydney, but she had already worked with Sydney in the shelter so I thought that would help. He also wasn't expecting her to be quite such a project; so energetic and mouthy, and curious. I have to take responsibility for that since I was the one that really choose to get her (but that face, how could I NOT??).
What I want is for John to understand that first he has to develop a rapport with her, so she trusts him, especially considering her history of being abused. Then I want him to be patient with her, and not forget that he has to act like it is a big deal when she does the right thing - comes when we call, sits for her leash, etc. Of course she is going to make mistakes but those are best ignored, and quickly move to something she can do and be rewarded for instead of yelling and scaring her. She learns so quickly when she is rewarded. No one learns when they are scared. She might learn to be afraid of him, but that is not going to work. If I could just convince him . . .
Perhaps I need to listen to myself. Hmmm. Maybe I need to think in terms of positive reinforcement for John - "good boy, you didn't yell when Sydney jumped on the sofa, here's a new golf ball for you!" or "you were so patient getting Sydney to sit - good boy John, more ______ for you!" You get the idea.
Stay tuned. I'll let you know how it goes!
Sunday, May 19, 2013
All in the Family
May 19th - 5 of your favorite blogs and why.
Funny thing is that even as I like to write a blog myself, I do not usually seek out blogs to read. My favorites would be family blogs so in alphabetical order here they are -
My daughter Caitlin's blog Adventures Down Under at caitlinboreyko.blogspot.com
This blog was more than just interesting reading, it was a connection to my far away daughter. It was a way for me to have the adventure vicariously through her. I have wanted to go to Australia since I was 10 years old and the TV show Skippy The Bush Kangaroo was on, but realistically I doubt I will ever get there. This was as close to a dream as I could get.
My nephew Jakes blogs - he has several but mainly Jake Hikes and Bikes at jakehikesandbikes.blogspot.com - Jake is another adventurer who just gets out and does it, something I have never felt I was good at. While I don't aspire to do some of the things he writes about, crazy mileage hikes and bikes, I admire that he does it and he writes in a very entertaining style.
My son Jonathan's blog Rooted at jboreyko.blogspot.com
I enjoy reading Jonathan's blog because he tends to present a side of things that I have not thought of, or do not necessarily agree with, and it makes me think. Reading his blog helps me get to know him better, and figure his point of view. It also helps me feel closer now that I do not see him very often.
My sister also has several blogs that I check from time to time but she keeps changing or adding blogs and taking breaks from them so it makes it difficult to keep up! I loved her little horse blog but it has been a long time since her last entry at thelittlehorse.blogspot.com. She also has a blog called Learning As I Go at truckstuck.blogspot.com. I also enjoy her facebook page called The Robin Makes a Laughing Sound, after her book of bird poetry and sketches in journal style.
My daughter in law Shanda's blog Sought After at hesoughtafterme.blogspot.com
I am fascinated to read Shanda's blog because she is the woman who captured my son's elusive heart when he set standards so high we never thought he would find anyone who could meet them! Shanda is also a very good writer, and she impresses me with her candor and lack of pretense when writing about herself.
Other blogs I check out from time to time are
Defining Your Home, Garden and Travel at definingyourhome by Freda Cameron
Deb's Garden at debsgarden.squarespace.com
And although it doesn't technically appear as a blog, it reads like one - Anne Lamott on facebook
She is such a good writer and interesting person.
Funny thing is that even as I like to write a blog myself, I do not usually seek out blogs to read. My favorites would be family blogs so in alphabetical order here they are -
My daughter Caitlin's blog Adventures Down Under at caitlinboreyko.blogspot.com
This blog was more than just interesting reading, it was a connection to my far away daughter. It was a way for me to have the adventure vicariously through her. I have wanted to go to Australia since I was 10 years old and the TV show Skippy The Bush Kangaroo was on, but realistically I doubt I will ever get there. This was as close to a dream as I could get.
My nephew Jakes blogs - he has several but mainly Jake Hikes and Bikes at jakehikesandbikes.blogspot.com - Jake is another adventurer who just gets out and does it, something I have never felt I was good at. While I don't aspire to do some of the things he writes about, crazy mileage hikes and bikes, I admire that he does it and he writes in a very entertaining style.
My son Jonathan's blog Rooted at jboreyko.blogspot.com
I enjoy reading Jonathan's blog because he tends to present a side of things that I have not thought of, or do not necessarily agree with, and it makes me think. Reading his blog helps me get to know him better, and figure his point of view. It also helps me feel closer now that I do not see him very often.
My sister also has several blogs that I check from time to time but she keeps changing or adding blogs and taking breaks from them so it makes it difficult to keep up! I loved her little horse blog but it has been a long time since her last entry at thelittlehorse.blogspot.com. She also has a blog called Learning As I Go at truckstuck.blogspot.com. I also enjoy her facebook page called The Robin Makes a Laughing Sound, after her book of bird poetry and sketches in journal style.
My daughter in law Shanda's blog Sought After at hesoughtafterme.blogspot.com
I am fascinated to read Shanda's blog because she is the woman who captured my son's elusive heart when he set standards so high we never thought he would find anyone who could meet them! Shanda is also a very good writer, and she impresses me with her candor and lack of pretense when writing about herself.
Other blogs I check out from time to time are
Defining Your Home, Garden and Travel at definingyourhome by Freda Cameron
Deb's Garden at debsgarden.squarespace.com
And although it doesn't technically appear as a blog, it reads like one - Anne Lamott on facebook
She is such a good writer and interesting person.
Friday, May 17, 2013
My Best Side
May 17 - A favorite photo of yourself
This photo was taken at Kristen's first swim meet on the NH team (she had already done a couple months on swim team in NC) when she was on the White Mt. Rapids, at a meet in Claremont. It was a cloudy, cold day, and she and Sara were huddled up inside some sleeping bags trying to get unchilled after the warm-ups in the cold pool, being whiny and wimpy so put on the cap and googles to try to make them laugh.
I love this photo for two reasons. First, it evokes some of my favorite memories - being in NH, how much fun it was to do swim team with my kids and with my friend Susan's kids, and the fun we had traveling (and I mean traveling - often 40 miles or more - ) together to the meets. I loved being in NH for the summers with my kids. Even though Jonathan didn't do swim team with the girls he had fun with his friends and they would come over and do crazy things like set up croquet or miniature golf courses that went off the roof, and we all had fun hiking, going to the beach, seeing friends and relatives.
I also love it because I think it really illustrates my fun and goofy side, and I like how happy I look, and besides all that it has lots of my favorite color in it!
This photo was taken at Kristen's first swim meet on the NH team (she had already done a couple months on swim team in NC) when she was on the White Mt. Rapids, at a meet in Claremont. It was a cloudy, cold day, and she and Sara were huddled up inside some sleeping bags trying to get unchilled after the warm-ups in the cold pool, being whiny and wimpy so put on the cap and googles to try to make them laugh.
I love this photo for two reasons. First, it evokes some of my favorite memories - being in NH, how much fun it was to do swim team with my kids and with my friend Susan's kids, and the fun we had traveling (and I mean traveling - often 40 miles or more - ) together to the meets. I loved being in NH for the summers with my kids. Even though Jonathan didn't do swim team with the girls he had fun with his friends and they would come over and do crazy things like set up croquet or miniature golf courses that went off the roof, and we all had fun hiking, going to the beach, seeing friends and relatives.
I also love it because I think it really illustrates my fun and goofy side, and I like how happy I look, and besides all that it has lots of my favorite color in it!
Thursday, May 16, 2013
It's Not That Bad
May 16 - My "lot in life" and how I am working to overcome it.
This is one entry I am really stuck on. According to wiki.answers.com "It's a Biblical reference . . the saying comes from the story in Genesis where Abraham and Lot part ways and Lot, not believing in Abraham's knowledge of God, seeks his own future and is tortured for it. Parts ways with what God has commanded multiple times and throughout his life seeks the wrong path. Therefore, in his life he finds trouble throughout. Many in this day in age who find trouble (perceived or otherwise) in life, claim it is their "Lot" in life that they must endure".
Answers.yahoo claims a different origin for the phrase. "Villages in several parts of the world would periodically redistribute the assigned use of parcels of communally owned agricultural land by drawing lots. When/where lands were owned/controlled by feudal lords, lot use was assigned by them on whatever basis they chose. The type and quality of an allotted parcel, however chosen, as well as the availability of water and other resources, would determine whether it could best be used as orchard, cropland, or pasturage; the amount and type of work necessary to make it yield a living; thus it set an upper limit on the degree to which a family could prosper. As it was very difficult -- in some times and places it was illegal --for villagers to just up and go elsewhere, their lot in life was literally dependent upon their lot."
And Chacha.com says "Your lot in life -your circumstances,your marriage,your lot in your home,and even your hardships - may not be what you had planned".
The more I think about it the sillier it sounds for me to dwell on my "lot in life". Everyone has their challenges, I don't think anyone has things turn out the way the planned all the time, and our property is not longer owned/controlled by feudal lords. I
I would say it is my lot in life to realize how very fortunate I am to have all that I need and beyond - a nice home, great family, good job, etc. and I am working on trying to remember to be grateful for it everyday.
This is one entry I am really stuck on. According to wiki.answers.com "It's a Biblical reference . . the saying comes from the story in Genesis where Abraham and Lot part ways and Lot, not believing in Abraham's knowledge of God, seeks his own future and is tortured for it. Parts ways with what God has commanded multiple times and throughout his life seeks the wrong path. Therefore, in his life he finds trouble throughout. Many in this day in age who find trouble (perceived or otherwise) in life, claim it is their "Lot" in life that they must endure".
Answers.yahoo claims a different origin for the phrase. "Villages in several parts of the world would periodically redistribute the assigned use of parcels of communally owned agricultural land by drawing lots. When/where lands were owned/controlled by feudal lords, lot use was assigned by them on whatever basis they chose. The type and quality of an allotted parcel, however chosen, as well as the availability of water and other resources, would determine whether it could best be used as orchard, cropland, or pasturage; the amount and type of work necessary to make it yield a living; thus it set an upper limit on the degree to which a family could prosper. As it was very difficult -- in some times and places it was illegal --for villagers to just up and go elsewhere, their lot in life was literally dependent upon their lot."
And Chacha.com says "Your lot in life -your circumstances,your marriage,your lot in your home,and even your hardships - may not be what you had planned".
The more I think about it the sillier it sounds for me to dwell on my "lot in life". Everyone has their challenges, I don't think anyone has things turn out the way the planned all the time, and our property is not longer owned/controlled by feudal lords. I
I would say it is my lot in life to realize how very fortunate I am to have all that I need and beyond - a nice home, great family, good job, etc. and I am working on trying to remember to be grateful for it everyday.
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Dog Whispering (Mostly)
Day 15, Wednesday: A Day in the life (include photos from throughout your
typical day - this could be "a photo an hour" if you'd like)
I am not allowed to post photos from my class, but at work today we finished writing and drawing about our favorite parts of school, explored the properties of rocks, painted with feathers, read a "George and Martha" book, played tag, restaurant and sifted pebbles out of the sand on the playground, and had snack, shares, played with big blocks and in our dramatic play centers.
After work Kristen and I walked the dogs.
Ate lunch and took a nap with the dogs.
Worked on some sitting/lying calmly with the dogs.
Watered some plants and cleaned the bird baths in the garden.
Ate supper while having the dogs sit quietly, Sydney on her mat.
Played with the dogs over behind the pool.
Sorted the rocks we ordered for panning at school on Friday.
Sorted photos, papers and stickers to make our end of year photo books for school
Worked on this blog, and then made Sydney's kong for tomorrow, set the coffee maker up, and read in bed.
Having technical difficulties loading photos and surprise surprise need to take my dog out. Will try again tomorrow.
Monday, May 13, 2013
These Are A Few of my Favorite Things
May 14 Blog Challenge - 10 things that make me really happy
Especially today -
1. Kristen came home for the summer
2. Beautiful sunny clear dry (NH!) weather
3. Chocolate sea salt brownies from Trader Jo
4. My dog being better behaved than I expected with new dogs around
Other things-
5a. Going out with my husband
5b. Going out/spending time with my friends
6. When my kids come home or I visit them
7.. Being in NH where the purple lilacs grow (see photo curtesy of Caitlin!)
8. Swimming especially in Squam,
9.. Feeling like I just taught a really good lesson
10. Performing well or improving athletically
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