A Song from my Walk

I turned on my Pandora radio while I was out walking tonight. This song by OneRepublic came on, and I think it is completely fitting for today. 


"Come Home"

[Verse 1]
Hello world
Hope you're listening
Forgive me if I’m young
For speaking out of turn
There’s someone I’ve been missing
I think that they could be
The better half of me
They’re in the wrong place trying to make it right
But I’m tired of justifying
So i say you’ll..

[Chorus]
Come home
Come home
Cause I’ve been waiting for you
For so long
For so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all i see is you and me
The fight for you is all I’ve ever known
So come home
Oh

[Verse 2]
I get lost in the beauty
Of everything i see
The world ain’t as half as bad
As they paint it to be
If all the sons
If all the daughters
Stopped to take it in
Well hopefully the hate subsides and the love can begin
It might start now..Yeahh
Well maybe I’m just dreaming out loud
Until then

[Chorus]
Come home
Come home
Cause I’ve been waiting for you
For so long
For so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all i see is you and me
The fight for you is all I’ve ever known
Ever known
So come home
Oh

[Interlude]
Everything i can’t be
Is everything you should be
And that’s why i need you here
Everything i can’t be
Is everything you should be
And that’s why i need you here
So hear this now

[Chorus]
Come home
Come home
Cause I’ve been waiting for you
For so long
For so long
And right now there's a war between the vanities
But all i see is you and me
The fight for you is all I’ve ever known
Ever known
So come home
Come home

Happiness Walk 5-22-11

I walked for almost an hour today. I'd only planned on being gone 20-30 minutes, but it was so nice I just kept walking. These are the things I found that made me happy-

1. An old wooden well in someone's front yard
2. A row of dark pink tulips lining a sidewalk
3. Slug bugs- three of them to be exact
4. A row of pine trees at an elementary school
5. Fresh cut grass in every other yard
6. Two HUGE dogs running down the same street in opposite directions
7. Swings! I even took time out to play.
8. Dark clouds and a light drizzle- it was the perfect amount of rain for a spring walk
9. My new walking shoes feel good on my left foot, and I think I finally got the tension right on my right foot
10. Myself- I was just happy and carefree and full of hope and joy

Thanks Friend- My ABC's

I totally stole this from a friend, and I am not ashamed. 

A. Age: 28- in less than a month I'll be 29
B. Bed Size: Queen
C. Chore you hate: Does getting gas count as a chore? I HATE getting gas- and it has nothing to do with the price. I hate the physical act of pumping gas- I feel like it is a waste of good time.
D. Day: I generally like Thursdays.
E. Essential Start to your Day: Contacts go in my eyes before I do anything else!
F. Favorite Color: Blue- all shades, and purple.
G. Gold or Silver: Silver-but gold is really growing on me
H. Height: 5'6.5''
I. Instrument: TECHNICALLY- I can play piano and violin. Never got good at the piano, and I can't tune my own violin. My orchestra teacher referred to me as a trained monkey with no pitch. So... I will stick to my car drumming.
J. Job Title: Which job? I am a debate/English/yearbook teacher, English CTL, VHMS Data Specialist, and Alpine District Elementary GT Testing Coordinator
K. Kids:  Make up much of my life- I teach 200 hundred of them.
L. Live: in a small city that is too big for me. I miss borders around my town.
M. Mom's name: Mary
N. Nicknames: James, Jama, JPDuck, Jemima, Jamie Joe, Sister Sue, Jamalou, and I was once called Jalopy, but that was never repeated.
O. Overnight hospital stays: Never- except as a newborn.
P. Pet Peeves: Slow kids in the hallway
Q. Quote from a Movie: Love lots of them- but the most recent favorite is about a couple starting out on a new phase of their relationship, which I relate to, so that may be why I think this is funny- something like-
"I think I am going to start peeing with the door open."
"I think no."
"I'm going to do it all the time. This is going to get weird."
R. Right or left handed: Right
S. Siblings: 2- a brother and sister-
T. Time I wake up: about 6:20 lately, but once testing is over I hope to sleep another twenty minutes.
U. Underwear: what about it? Yes? No? Color- blue.
V. Veggie you dislike: Don't even know the name, but it was gross!
W. What makes you run late: kids....aways slow to get ready.
X. X-rays you've had: Only my lungs as far as I can remember- and teeth
Y. Yummy food you make: My manicotti and lasagna are pretty good
Z. Zoo: Love zoos- and my favorite experience ever was seeing the panda in San Diego. It was cute and magical and totally fulfilled my dream of seeing of a panda.

The Stats that Kids Shouldn't Know?

1. In the 2006-2007 school year, there were 1.7 million nonfatal crimes committed at school, ranging from assault to theft.
2. Nearly a third of American students reported a prevalence of drugs and gangs in their schools in 2010.
3. 1 in 12 teens in high school are injured or threatened with a weapon each year.
4. 77% of students are bullied mentally, verbally, or physically.
5. Young people who bully are more likely to smoke, drink alcohol, and get into fights.
6. Middle school students are more than twice as likely as high school students to be affected by school violence.
7. About 8% of eighth graders stay home at least once a month to avoid a bully.
8. Revenge is the strongest motivation for school shootings.
9. During the 2009-2010 school year, there were 11 deaths due to school violence.
10. Nearly 50% of homicide perpetrators gave some type of warning signal, including making a threat or leaving a note, prior to the event.
11. Most school-associated violent deaths occur during transition times – before and after the school day and during lunch.

Sources:

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention

Constitutional Rights Foundation

US Department of Justice

Love the Puppies

With the situation with Lady, I am more focused on my dogs at the moment. And, it may be wrong to laugh at them... but they are just funny.

I have to give Lady two pills, twice a day. And in order to this, I have to put them in peanut butter, which Lady and Jackie both LOVE! Well, to keep myself from being covered in peanut butter or from killing Jackie- I choose to separate the dogs while I give Lady her pills. Then, I give Jackie some peanut butter just because I don't want her to feel unloved.

So, twice a day I convince Lady to come in the kitchen, and after a bit of confusion and sometimes collar pulling- I lock the dog gate, which keeps Jackie out. Since Monday, my dogs have given me the SADDEST looks as I split them up. Jackie whimpers at the gate. Lady tucks her tail and ears like she's being punished and crawls to me in the kitchen. They HATE being split up! (They start wagging their tails once I give the treat, and Jackie is the most excited dog ever when I open the gate.)

But, I think they have caught on. I didn't have to fight them today to separate them. Lady came in the kitchen, tail wagging. Jackie sat at the gate while I closed it- tail wagging.

I guess peanut butter is worth the agony of being apart...

Music Monday- One Day Late

I once got into an argument with someone about my definition of perfect. He believed giving out "perfect" roses was the best thing he could do to impress girls. "Perfect" roses have no thorns. I told him that a thornless rose was not perfect- it lacked character, risk, and strength.  Not to mention- they are scientifically altered and fake.

He told me I was afraid of perfection.

But I don't think I am afraid of perfection- I just believe that the only real perfection is the amazing things outweighing the negatives things. I love roses because they are so beautiful, I don't notice the thorns. True love sees so many good things, it doesn't notice the bad ones.

I heard this song on the way home from my church group tonight, and I was feeling so good! I go to group and realize all the good things about myself, and I feel like my flaws don't really matter. So, here is my song for the night- dedicated to my perfect friends!

Perfect- by Sara Evans

If you don't take me to Paris
On a lover's getaway
It's all right, it's all right
If I'd rather wear your t-shirt
Than a sexy negligee
It's all right, it's all right
Every dinner doesn't have to be candlelit
It's kinda nice to know that it doesn't have to be

Perfect
Baby every little piece
Of the puzzle doesn't always fit
Perfectly
Love can be rough around the edges
tattered at the seams
But honey if it's good enough for you
It's good enough for me

If your mother doesn't like
The way I treat her baby boy
It's all right, it's all right
If in every wedding picture
My daddy looks annoyed
It's all right, it's all right
Don't you know that all the fairy tales tell a lie
Real love and real life doesn't have to be

Perfect
Baby every little piece
Of the puzzle doesn't always fit
Perfectly
Love can be rough around the edges
tattered at the seams
But honey if it's good enough for you
It's good enough for me

You don't mind if I show up late for everything
And when you lose your cool it's kinda cute to me
Ain't it nice to know that we don't have to be

Perfect
Baby every little piece
Of the puzzle doesn't always fit
Perfectly
Love can be rough around the edges
tattered at the seams
But honey if it's good enough for you
It's good enough for me

It's good enough for me (perfect)
Yeah good enough for me (perfect)
Good enough for me (perfect)

25 Manners Every Kid Should Know By Age Nine

Parents- I wish some of my junior high students knew these basic rules. Students constantly interrupting when I am helping another student? It doesn't get them the help they need any faster. It actually distracts me and makes me take even longer. Kids leave phone messages and send emails- without telling me their name. It makes it a little difficult to answer their questions. Oh, and the bullying that happens to other kids? And students who wonder why we pull them aside to talk to them after they yell rude things about us?

As a teacher, I notice when students tell me thank you. I notice when they ask politely for me to check on their grades. I notice when kids hold the door open for others or offer to help pass out papers.

Isn't better for me to notice your kid for being nice than for being disruptive?

Manners people. What do they hurt?

Helping your child master these simple rules of etiquette will get him noticed -- for all the right reasons.
By David Lowry, Ph.D.

Your child's rude 'tude isn't always intentional. Sometimes kids just don't realize it's impolite to interrupt, pick their nose, or loudly observe that the lady walking in front of them has a large behind. And in the hustle and bustle of daily life, busy moms and dads don't always have the time to focus on etiquette. But if you reinforce these 25 must-do manners, you'll raise a polite, kind, well-liked child.-

Manner #1
When asking for something, say "Please."

Manner #2
When receiving something, say "Thank you."

Manner #3
Do not interrupt grown-ups who are speaking with each other unless there is an emergency. They will notice you and respond when they are finished talking.
Manner #4
If you do need to get somebody's attention right away, the phrase "excuse me" is the most polite way for you to enter the conversation.
Manner #5
When you have any doubt about doing something, ask permission first. It can save you from many hours of grief later.
Manner #6 The world is not interested in what you dislike. Keep negative opinions to yourself, or between you and your friends, and out of earshot of adults.
Manner #7 Do not comment on other people's physical characteristics unless, of course, it's to compliment them, which is always welcome.

Manner #8 When people ask you how you are, tell them and then ask them how they are.
Manner #9
When you have spent time at your friend's house, remember to thank his or her parents for having you over and for the good time you had.
Manner #10 Knock on closed doors -- and wait to see if there's a response -- before entering.
Manner #11 When you make a phone call, introduce yourself first and then ask if you can speak with the person you are calling.
Manner #12 Be appreciative and say "thank you" for any gift you receive. In the age of e-mail, a handwritten thank-you note can have a powerful effect.

Manner #13 Never use foul language in front of adults. Grown-ups already know all those words, and they find them boring and unpleasant.
Manner #14
Don't call people mean names.
Manner #15 Do not make fun of anyone for any reason. Teasing shows others you are weak, and ganging up on someone else is cruel.

Manner #16 Even if a play or an assembly is boring, sit through it quietly and pretend that you are interested. The performers and presenters are doing their best.
Manner #17 If you bump into somebody, immediately say "Excuse me."

Manner #18 Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze, and don't pick your nose in public.

Manner #19
As you walk through a door, look to see if you can hold it open for someone else.
Manner #20 If you come across a parent, a teacher, or a neighbor working on something, ask if you can help. If they say "yes," do so -- you may learn something new.
Manner #21 When an adult asks you for a favor, do it without grumbling and with a smile.

Manner #22 When someone helps you, say "thank you." That person will likely want to help you again. This is especially true with teachers!
Manner #23 Use eating utensils properly. If you are unsure how to do so, ask your parents to teach you or watch what adults do.

Manner #24
Keep a napkin on your lap; use it to wipe your mouth when necessary.
Manner #25
Don't reach for things at the table; ask to have them passed.

Lady

I realized several years ago that eventually, I would have to face this situation with our dog, Lady. She is getting older, a little slower, and I've know that eventually we would have to face the fact that she is dying.

I just never really prepared myself to actually face that fact.

Lady is a lab chow mix- and the smartest dog I have ever seen. She pretends to sleep when we ask her to get down off a bed or a couch. She climbs trees to get out of our yard. She responds to words- no matter the emotion you use.

I don't care what anyone says- Lady has and shows emotions. She smiles when she is happy and her eyes light up when she is excited. I don't even have to look at her tail- her face tells me when she scared or sad. Her tail being tucked doesn"t hurt either.

This wonderful dog won't be with us much longer. A tumor broke open in her mouth in March, and we had it surgically removed. The vte had it tested and told us that it was cancerous. He explained that it would eventually come back, but that he couldn't predict if would be a few months or five years.

Turns out, it was two months. Lady has been slowing down a little, and sleeping more. Andy felt a lump in her throat the other day, which is a symptom that the cancer had reached her lymph system. When Andy came last night he looked in her mouth and saw the tumor again. As he rubbed her belly, he felt even more lumps.

The cancer has spread quickly.

Andy took her to the vet today, and essentially, she only has a few months at most. The vet explained that Lady can take medication to control the swelling in her mouth, and to fight other infections, but there is not much that can be done for Lady. The medication will help her have a better quality of life, but the length of her life is still short. And, the vet said we can make the decision to put her to sleep whenever we feel she is done.

How do we know? How are we supposed to know when our dog is done? If she was lying around all day looking miserable, it would be a simple answer- but she isn't. She still greets me at my door when I get home. She still wags her tail and wants to play. When we go to the park, she runs around. Sure, she is a little slower and doesn't last as long as she used to, but she still plays.

How do I know what to do and when? Do I put her to sleep? Do I just let her go on her own?

I pray that she doesn't suffer, and that I am guided to do the right thing for her.

It makes me sad. I know she is a dog, and I know that there are far more painful things that happen to people every day- but I am sad.

Friday!

So, on Wednesday, I was reminding my English students that their final project was due on Friday (today). I kept saying FRIDAY with emphasis. Your project is due FRIDAY. Bring your project on FRIDAY. Email it to me by FRIDAY.

Finally a student said, "You sound like that annoying Friday song."  I just laughed. I'd never heard the song.

I went to class that afternoon. And people were talking about the annoying Friday song. This morning teachers in the hall were talking about the annoying Friday song. It was playing in the main halls, but I couldn't hear it. At lunch, the conversation was about how annoying it was to hear.

I still haven't actually heard it when I could understand it, but it makes me smile.

Friday-

(Yeah, Ah-Ah-Ah-Ah-Ah-Ark)
Oo-ooh-ooh, hoo yeah, yeah
Yeah, yeah
Yeah-ah-ah
Yeah-ah-ah
Yeah-ah-ah
Yeah-ah-ah
Yeah, yeah, yeah

Seven a.m., waking up in the morning
Gotta be fresh, gotta go downstairs
Gotta have my bowl, gotta have cereal
Seein' everything, the time is goin'
Tickin' on and on, everybody's rushin'
Gotta get down to the bus stop
Gotta catch my bus, I see my friends (My friends)

Kickin' in the front seat
Sittin' in the back seat
Gotta make my mind up
Which seat can I take?

It's Friday, Friday
Gotta get down on Friday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the weekend, weekend
Friday, Friday
Gettin' down on Friday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the weekend

Partyin', partyin' (Yeah)
Partyin', partyin' (Yeah)
Fun, fun, fun, fun
Lookin' forward to the weekend

7:45, we're drivin' on the highway
Cruisin' so fast, I want time to fly
Fun, fun, think about fun
You know what it is
I got this, you got this
My friend is by my right, ay
I got this, you got this
Now you know it

Kickin' in the front seat
Sittin' in the back seat
Gotta make my mind up
Which seat can I take?

It's Friday, Friday
Gotta get down on Friday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the weekend, weekend
Friday, Friday
Gettin' down on Friday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the weekend

[ From: http://www.metrolyrics.com/friday-lyrics-rebecca-black.html ]


Partyin', partyin' (Yeah)
Partyin', partyin' (Yeah)
Fun, fun, fun, fun
Lookin' forward to the weekend

Yesterday was Thursday, Thursday
Today i-is Friday, Friday (Partyin')
We-we-we so excited
We so excited
We gonna have a ball today

Tomorrow is Saturday
And Sunday comes after ... wards
I don't want this weekend to end

R-B, Rebecca Black
So chillin' in the front seat (In the front seat)
In the back seat (In the back seat)
I'm drivin', cruisin' (Yeah, yeah)
Fast lanes, switchin' lanes
Wit' a car up on my side (Woo!)
(C'mon) Passin' by is a school bus in front of me
Makes tick tock, tick tock, wanna scream
Check my time, it's Friday, it's a weekend
We gonna have fun, c'mon, c'mon, y'all

It's Friday, Friday
Gotta get down on Friday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the weekend, weekend
Friday, Friday
Gettin' down on Friday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the weekend

Partyin', partyin' (Yeah)
Partyin', partyin' (Yeah)
Fun, fun, fun, fun
Lookin' forward to the weekend

It's Friday, Friday
Gotta get down on Friday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the weekend, weekend
Friday, Friday
Gettin' down on Friday
Everybody's lookin' forward to the weekend

Partyin', partyin' (Yeah)
Partyin', partyin' (Yeah)
Fun, fun, fun, fun
Lookin' forward to the weekend