It's time for my probably one and only summer post! Yay! Anyway, here we are July and in just a few short weeks (like maybe TWO???) I get to go back to work. It's amazing how fast the time goes.
Trips this summer? Just one to spend time with my sister and her husband. A good time was had by all. However, I am traveling vicariously through two of my brothers, both of whom went on extended vacations out west to national parks, canyons, the ocean, etc. Oh, and one drove a train locomotive in northern California. Let's not forget THAT. I've enjoyed looking at pictures on Facebook at all the travels family and friends are involved in - and I hope someday to be able to do some of that myself someday. At least two friends went to Hawaii, one way up northeast to Maine, one to Europe, others to Colorado, Canada, and Florida so I was able to enjoy their pictures as well.
But right now the spouse and I are both still employed, he with two jobs and me with one - but - the end is in sight. He's hoping to retire from one next March and the other one a year later, the next March. It'll be a great day for him when that happens. I have a feeling there will be surprises in store for both of us.
At the moment though, I enjoy puttering around in the summer when it isn't too hot, and doing some things I have difficulty getting in when I'm working. Reading, yard work, and spending time with grandsons come to mind. So - that's about it with me. Not too deep today - just enjoying the cool inside and the quietness of only me in the house. Oh, that, and the washer and dryer going. Not too many more days like today before the madness of school begins. And it WILL be madness this year for several reasons. I'll keep you updated.
Monday, July 16, 2018
Monday, April 16, 2018
Speechless
One post so far in 2018. Ok, well. It is what it is. Most often I don't know what to write because I don't know how to express what I'm feeling or thinking. I'm saddened by several situations going on right now, both personally and professionally. I'm angry and upset about a lot of things, and this unfortunately, comes out in every day conversations with co-workers, friends, and family - so they get to see the tears and the lack of patience with people in general, and hear the sharp pointed words that can come from me - yes, me.
The number of children recently who have been harmed by their caregivers is foremost on my mind and when I go back and read this someday, I don't want to forget these names: Evan Brewer, who was killed by his mother's violent and sick boyfriend - and also by her unwillingness to stand up for her child; Lucas Hernandez, who is still missing after several weeks, and whose stepmother, Emily Glass, is incarcerated. No break in the case, but he suffered at her hands as well as those of his own absentee biological mother who was on drugs, and, his father, working out of town for long stretches at a time. Also recently, a 6 month old baby, Jazz was recently killed by his father, Dorl Gwynn, after he "roughhoused" with him. Finally, a 13 year old boy walked to a Wichita police substation to report that 9 children in his home were being physically and sexually abused by Eric McFadden. They are now in protective custody.
That is all I can write about this now. It is heart rendering.
The number of children recently who have been harmed by their caregivers is foremost on my mind and when I go back and read this someday, I don't want to forget these names: Evan Brewer, who was killed by his mother's violent and sick boyfriend - and also by her unwillingness to stand up for her child; Lucas Hernandez, who is still missing after several weeks, and whose stepmother, Emily Glass, is incarcerated. No break in the case, but he suffered at her hands as well as those of his own absentee biological mother who was on drugs, and, his father, working out of town for long stretches at a time. Also recently, a 6 month old baby, Jazz was recently killed by his father, Dorl Gwynn, after he "roughhoused" with him. Finally, a 13 year old boy walked to a Wichita police substation to report that 9 children in his home were being physically and sexually abused by Eric McFadden. They are now in protective custody.
That is all I can write about this now. It is heart rendering.
Saturday, January 13, 2018
Late Late Late
Lots of things on my mind this evening. If I went to bed, most likely I would just toss and turn, so we'll try creating a boring blog post and see if that helps.
January has been a pressure cooker month for me at work. Lots of things to do, but not only that,
a couple of these tasks are not normal ordinary things, these are work duties which are unusual and not in the realm of what I consider par for the course. I can't write details of course, although I really want to. Let's just say that the situations I am facing this month are stressful and there's no way around it except to go through it - once I'm on the other side, it'll be back to whatever "normal" is for the kind of work I do. But how does one prepare oneself to walk through the fire? That indeed is the $50.00 question. I feel a little like tiny David facing big Goliath - if only I had his courage - the courage of a warrior, the heart of a lion, the persona of a - oh wait. David was a shepherd, and a young shepherd at that. What gave David the chutzpah to tackle Goliath was his unshakable confidence and faith in the LORD God, the LORD who he served, who he placed his trust in, who he unabashedly spoke about to Goliath saying, "This day, the LORD will deliver you, Goliath, into my hands..."
This is my 12th year doing this job. This year, above all others, has been the most difficult, the most stressful, the most unrelenting, the most pressure, the worst. Yes, the worst. There is no relief in sight until the end of May, and maybe not then. I feel like I have been trudging, one foot in front of the other each 10 hour work day. Tiredness of brain and body leaves me feeling unequipped, ill-prepared, nervous, and anxious.
David the boy. Goliath the giant. Confidence in the living God slays not only this giant but all the ones after this one, ones I'm sure I can't even imagine. It's not due to my superior slingshot abilities, oh no. It's a reminder that there is a strength that's not my own, fortitude that is founded in hope, and perseverance which comes in continuing to stand. I'll look back someday and read this post, and wonder what all this was about. In the meantime, I rest in God's ability to provide exactly what I need in these trying circumstances. Good night all.
January has been a pressure cooker month for me at work. Lots of things to do, but not only that,
a couple of these tasks are not normal ordinary things, these are work duties which are unusual and not in the realm of what I consider par for the course. I can't write details of course, although I really want to. Let's just say that the situations I am facing this month are stressful and there's no way around it except to go through it - once I'm on the other side, it'll be back to whatever "normal" is for the kind of work I do. But how does one prepare oneself to walk through the fire? That indeed is the $50.00 question. I feel a little like tiny David facing big Goliath - if only I had his courage - the courage of a warrior, the heart of a lion, the persona of a - oh wait. David was a shepherd, and a young shepherd at that. What gave David the chutzpah to tackle Goliath was his unshakable confidence and faith in the LORD God, the LORD who he served, who he placed his trust in, who he unabashedly spoke about to Goliath saying, "This day, the LORD will deliver you, Goliath, into my hands..."
This is my 12th year doing this job. This year, above all others, has been the most difficult, the most stressful, the most unrelenting, the most pressure, the worst. Yes, the worst. There is no relief in sight until the end of May, and maybe not then. I feel like I have been trudging, one foot in front of the other each 10 hour work day. Tiredness of brain and body leaves me feeling unequipped, ill-prepared, nervous, and anxious.
David the boy. Goliath the giant. Confidence in the living God slays not only this giant but all the ones after this one, ones I'm sure I can't even imagine. It's not due to my superior slingshot abilities, oh no. It's a reminder that there is a strength that's not my own, fortitude that is founded in hope, and perseverance which comes in continuing to stand. I'll look back someday and read this post, and wonder what all this was about. In the meantime, I rest in God's ability to provide exactly what I need in these trying circumstances. Good night all.
Saturday, October 28, 2017
Temporal vs. Eternal
This last work week ended on Friday with a parent meeting which was one of the most intense, dramatic, and challenging I have ever been a part of. I walked out Friday evening feeling exhausted and run over - but the second I drove away from school, I began to try to put things in perspective. Toxic people can only spread their poison when they are allowed to do so. Easier said than done, I know, because it can overtake even the most grounded person if not dealt with carefully. It still hurt last night when I went to bed.
Today - not so much. We had an extra rehearsal for "Messiah" this morning. Standing to sing "Worthy is the Lamb", I realized that I not only was joining a multitude of voices who have sung this chorus before, but I also was singing with those who have gone on to glory, who right then were saying these very words before a Heavenly throne... "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."
The angry parent faded away. The hurtful words faded away. I know who I am - I know Who loves me. I know Whom I have believed. I know Who I belong to. I know Who my Father is. I know. I'm grateful for this reminder. This is why I continue to sing Messiah every year and as long as I can, I will. The music and words transcend all earthly agonies and help me focus on the glories of eternity which I cannot begin to imagine.
Today - not so much. We had an extra rehearsal for "Messiah" this morning. Standing to sing "Worthy is the Lamb", I realized that I not only was joining a multitude of voices who have sung this chorus before, but I also was singing with those who have gone on to glory, who right then were saying these very words before a Heavenly throne... "Worthy is the Lamb who was slain, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honor, and glory, and blessing."
The angry parent faded away. The hurtful words faded away. I know who I am - I know Who loves me. I know Whom I have believed. I know Who I belong to. I know Who my Father is. I know. I'm grateful for this reminder. This is why I continue to sing Messiah every year and as long as I can, I will. The music and words transcend all earthly agonies and help me focus on the glories of eternity which I cannot begin to imagine.
Thursday, October 05, 2017
More Musings
Had another "brain event" on Sunday, October 1. It's the weirdest thing and so hard to describe to someone who has never had a seizure. It's truly the brain on overload, and then, there are things that have to happen in recouperation. Today was the first day I worked a full day and all was well.
According to the handsome neurologist, there were several things contributing to this seizure, sort of like the perfect storm. Meds were increased and a sternly worded exhortation was heard regarding signs and symptoms which I overlooked in the busyness of life. He does not expect me to have another one with this med increase, particularly if I take care of myself and note when I may be having signs indicating future problems. I'm fortunate, I had warning time before this one, and actually, had I been paying attention, I had about 2 days of warning signs.
In other news, I'm continuing to try to stay off of Facebook at least with the commenting I COULD
be doing, and I've cut way back on posting statuses. It is not worth it to me to be misunderstood or to unintentionally hurt someone's feelings while I'm passionately defending or promoting a position. I'm also in the process of just letting several things go - water under the bridge - my job here is to live at peace, especially with those I call family. Living a quiet, peaceful life just trusting God minute by minute is the challenge and is a lifestyle I long to emulate. Dying to self and selfish desires, including the desire to be heard on every topic which is posted will be a life-long quest for me.
In the meantime, things I could have posted but didn't (I feel I can do that here because no one reads this blog):
In 11 years of doing this job, I've never seen so many broken children at my base school. It is heartbreaking and stressful.
Love this weather - we finally got rain, but it's almost too warm for October!
Really? Pumpkin spice underwear?
NFL players - you can stand or kneel, I don't care. Just do your job. And no matter your opinions, I hope you are volunteering and making a difference in your corner of the world. You have been given much, much will be required from you. You are role models. Live responsibly and faithfully to what you've been called to do.
There's no tired like a good tired, and a good rest.
In the middle of the night, I wake up and hear music in my head. It's a great comfort to me.
See ya next time.
According to the handsome neurologist, there were several things contributing to this seizure, sort of like the perfect storm. Meds were increased and a sternly worded exhortation was heard regarding signs and symptoms which I overlooked in the busyness of life. He does not expect me to have another one with this med increase, particularly if I take care of myself and note when I may be having signs indicating future problems. I'm fortunate, I had warning time before this one, and actually, had I been paying attention, I had about 2 days of warning signs.
In other news, I'm continuing to try to stay off of Facebook at least with the commenting I COULD
be doing, and I've cut way back on posting statuses. It is not worth it to me to be misunderstood or to unintentionally hurt someone's feelings while I'm passionately defending or promoting a position. I'm also in the process of just letting several things go - water under the bridge - my job here is to live at peace, especially with those I call family. Living a quiet, peaceful life just trusting God minute by minute is the challenge and is a lifestyle I long to emulate. Dying to self and selfish desires, including the desire to be heard on every topic which is posted will be a life-long quest for me.
In the meantime, things I could have posted but didn't (I feel I can do that here because no one reads this blog):
In 11 years of doing this job, I've never seen so many broken children at my base school. It is heartbreaking and stressful.
Love this weather - we finally got rain, but it's almost too warm for October!
Really? Pumpkin spice underwear?
NFL players - you can stand or kneel, I don't care. Just do your job. And no matter your opinions, I hope you are volunteering and making a difference in your corner of the world. You have been given much, much will be required from you. You are role models. Live responsibly and faithfully to what you've been called to do.
There's no tired like a good tired, and a good rest.
In the middle of the night, I wake up and hear music in my head. It's a great comfort to me.
See ya next time.
Monday, September 18, 2017
Changes
We are off in a running start for the new school year, which began August 21. We have 10 or more kids with Tier 3 behavior and now, I get to wear a walkie with an earpiece so that I can help if needed. Our Tier 3 babies are in crisis - some are in foster care, some are traumatized by violence, abuse, or parental issues, and some are mentally ill. We absolutely do not have enough staff to handle all our issues and that's where the stress in this job comes in. I've increased blood pressure meds because I'm feeling pretty anxious, but all in all, I think I'm doing ok. Just a lot of work, and long days - 10-11 hours are the norm.
We've also had an unfortunate situation in our close family where some misunderstanding occurred and things got out of hand on a Facebook post. I have decided to boot Facebook from my life for awhile and not post anything nor respond to anything - although I do check it for pictures posted and for info from our local newspaper. Sometimes I just wonder if it's worth the heartache it can sometimes cause - and I'm including myself in this. My desire is never ever to hurt another person with words, but it's so easy to do that inadvertently on Facebook. I have missed it because I like posting status updates - I may have to do that here. Here are a few I've thought of but didn't post:
A kindergarten student asked me twice today - "Are you my mommy?" I would have liked to have said yes to that lil punkin, but he already has a mom in his life - he certainly doesn't need two.
The Cowboys sure got smacked by the Broncos. Blech.
Payton Manning's latest commercial called "The Commish" is pretty good. I kinda like that guy. He looks like he's enjoying retirement.
Anybody else enjoy hearing the sound of train whistles?
My sister is posting some old pics of us as kids various photos of family life growing up in the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Thinking about mom and dad a lot these days - still miss them after all these years.
Started rehearsals for "Messiah" with Wichita Choral Society. It's like "coming home".
I gave up on my 1000 piece puzzle. I'm a failure, unlike several others I know who can do this successfully and in only a few days/weeks.
And that's all from me. Happy trails.
We've also had an unfortunate situation in our close family where some misunderstanding occurred and things got out of hand on a Facebook post. I have decided to boot Facebook from my life for awhile and not post anything nor respond to anything - although I do check it for pictures posted and for info from our local newspaper. Sometimes I just wonder if it's worth the heartache it can sometimes cause - and I'm including myself in this. My desire is never ever to hurt another person with words, but it's so easy to do that inadvertently on Facebook. I have missed it because I like posting status updates - I may have to do that here. Here are a few I've thought of but didn't post:
A kindergarten student asked me twice today - "Are you my mommy?" I would have liked to have said yes to that lil punkin, but he already has a mom in his life - he certainly doesn't need two.
The Cowboys sure got smacked by the Broncos. Blech.
Payton Manning's latest commercial called "The Commish" is pretty good. I kinda like that guy. He looks like he's enjoying retirement.
Anybody else enjoy hearing the sound of train whistles?
My sister is posting some old pics of us as kids various photos of family life growing up in the 40's, 50's, and 60's. Thinking about mom and dad a lot these days - still miss them after all these years.
Started rehearsals for "Messiah" with Wichita Choral Society. It's like "coming home".
I gave up on my 1000 piece puzzle. I'm a failure, unlike several others I know who can do this successfully and in only a few days/weeks.
And that's all from me. Happy trails.
Tuesday, May 30, 2017
May 30, 2017
I shouldn't really post when I'm feeling so rotten (seasonal cold/allergies/misery/congestion/cough/headache) because that tends to color perception but here goes anyway.
Lots going on with my family - kids and their spouses are all at challenging places in their lives. Making the transition from parent to confidant, adviser, and friend is so difficult at times but so necessary in order to make sure your kids are in charge of their own decisions - and letting them make those decisions and stand for the consequences is when maturity is developed. Like their mom and dad, they will make both good and poor decisions so the challenge is to be the soft place for them to fall without enabling. My parents both passed away when I was 31 so having an adult relationship with the people who raised you is something I haven't had much experience with.
Doing some work on the house - painting, replacing siding, etc. We are rethinking our decision to move for several reasons, but we'll see what's on the horizon. This summer, my days are filled with working some addendum weeks for the school district, gardening, spending time with my grands, getting things together for the hugest garage sale ever, going to a family reunion, reading, studying, etc. I can't imagine how I will fill retirement days in 3.5 years but it'll be here before I know it and then - a new chapter in life.
Thought for the day: we are indeed building up treasures in heaven, not here on earth - where my treasure is, that's where my priorities are.
Lots going on with my family - kids and their spouses are all at challenging places in their lives. Making the transition from parent to confidant, adviser, and friend is so difficult at times but so necessary in order to make sure your kids are in charge of their own decisions - and letting them make those decisions and stand for the consequences is when maturity is developed. Like their mom and dad, they will make both good and poor decisions so the challenge is to be the soft place for them to fall without enabling. My parents both passed away when I was 31 so having an adult relationship with the people who raised you is something I haven't had much experience with.
Doing some work on the house - painting, replacing siding, etc. We are rethinking our decision to move for several reasons, but we'll see what's on the horizon. This summer, my days are filled with working some addendum weeks for the school district, gardening, spending time with my grands, getting things together for the hugest garage sale ever, going to a family reunion, reading, studying, etc. I can't imagine how I will fill retirement days in 3.5 years but it'll be here before I know it and then - a new chapter in life.
Thought for the day: we are indeed building up treasures in heaven, not here on earth - where my treasure is, that's where my priorities are.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)