It's the beginning of what could be a long weekend. Bear has her second competition tomorrow, and because of the schedule we are going to stay at a hotel near the meet. As I have mentioned before I practically get sick when my kids are involved in competitions. So as this weekend approached I had my usual symptoms of bad dreams and nausea.
So what to be thankful for today...
Well, the first thing that comes to mind is Bear's coach Julie. You see, as of Wednesday she was not going to be able to make it to this meet. Bear's other regular coach would be there, plus a replacement coach who Bear knows, but hasn't worked with much. As of yesterday, Julie is coming to the meet which is great news because Bear and I really trust Julie. I'm not sure if it is because she is a mom, or because she is a bit older, or because she was a competitive gymnast. I just really trust her. She has a way of pushing for the best from the girls without taking the fun out of it. She also seems to read them better than the other coaches which is wonderful when you are trying to figure out what to say to a little girl who just fell off the balance beam. Anyway, I feel very thankful that Julie will be with Bear tomorrow. Since I am not allowed past the velvet rope, it is nice to know that someone I trust is back there with her.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
Friday, January 7, 2011
Thankful for Shoes
Shoes may seem like a strange thing to make my list, but I am thankful for them for two reasons today. The first is a silly personal reason. I have been wearing the same black loafers for 4 years. For the past 2 years they have had holes in the soles. When the first hole appeared I began to look for shoes. I searched every store that sold shoes, and I could not find a pair that met all my criteria. My criteria weren't all that crazy. I wanted shoes that were in my budget, looked decent, and felt comfortable. So when it became apparent that I was not going to find what i wanted, I did what anyone would do. I resorted to duct tape. I pulled up the insole and patched the hole with duct tape. Then I replaced the insole. I repeated this procedure several times over the past couple years, and even bought new cushy insoles at one point. Of course each time I fixed the bottom it was more apparent that I NEEDED to find shoes. Finally yesterday, after enduring the ridicule of my peers, I found a pair of shoes that I could buy, and feel pretty good about. And so with no great sadness I bid adieu to my old shoes...
The second reason I have to be thankful for shoes involves the Earth Scouts group that we participate in. My favorite component in of the group is service opportunity. This month we held a shoe drive for Share Your Soles. This is a group that collects gently used and new shoes and sends them to people around the world in need. Shoes are one thing that I never considered necessary except in extremely cold places, but the information we were given prior to this service project surprised me. I hadn't considered how far many people have to travel for resources that we take for granted such as water and education. So our group placed a collection box in the library, passed out fliers to the neighborhood, and gathered shoes from our own friends and family. As it turns out we collected a big pile of shoes. I guess more than being thankful for the shoes I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of something good.
The second reason I have to be thankful for shoes involves the Earth Scouts group that we participate in. My favorite component in of the group is service opportunity. This month we held a shoe drive for Share Your Soles. This is a group that collects gently used and new shoes and sends them to people around the world in need. Shoes are one thing that I never considered necessary except in extremely cold places, but the information we were given prior to this service project surprised me. I hadn't considered how far many people have to travel for resources that we take for granted such as water and education. So our group placed a collection box in the library, passed out fliers to the neighborhood, and gathered shoes from our own friends and family. As it turns out we collected a big pile of shoes. I guess more than being thankful for the shoes I am thankful for the opportunity to be a part of something good.
Here's a picture of the group with the giant pile of shoes.
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
Thankful for Creativity
I don't think that as a child I was particularly prone to creativity. Partly it is just my personality. Even as a child I felt that there needed to be a purpose to my actions, and so much creativity seems pointless. The fruits of all this creativity seldom end up on the walls or displayed in any way, and do it felt like a waste of time to me. The other reason was that I was always afraid that I was dong it wrong. I felt that I wasn't good at art, and, as a child, I refused to even try things I wasn't good at. So I spent the better part of childhood avoiding opportunities to be creative.
When I first became a teacher I was stunned by how much my students loved to create. It didn't matter that most of the work they did ended up in the trash at the end of the day. It didn't matter that the block castle that they spent hours building had to be torn down before lunch. Most of the time they saw their creativity for what it was, a process.
So when I had children and for some reason decided to homeschool them, I was prepared for their creativity. I was prepared for the way they alternate between seriousness and whimsy when creating. It's rubbing off on me too. We spent hours yesterday making paper snowflakes, and I enjoyed every bit of it.
Check out this great video about creativity.
Schools Kill Creativitty
When I first became a teacher I was stunned by how much my students loved to create. It didn't matter that most of the work they did ended up in the trash at the end of the day. It didn't matter that the block castle that they spent hours building had to be torn down before lunch. Most of the time they saw their creativity for what it was, a process.
So when I had children and for some reason decided to homeschool them, I was prepared for their creativity. I was prepared for the way they alternate between seriousness and whimsy when creating. It's rubbing off on me too. We spent hours yesterday making paper snowflakes, and I enjoyed every bit of it.
Check out this great video about creativity.
Schools Kill Creativitty
Tuesday, January 4, 2011
Thankful for My Problems
Yesterday was a rough day. In fact, it took me most of the day to find my thankfulness; and in truth, I am not sure my heart was in it even then. As I lay in bed last night worrying I was struck with the realization that my worries are so small.
True I had to spend $150 on a battery for a car that I am hoping not to own for more than a month or two. More importantly, I could afford to buy that battery. Also, while I was waiting for the battery to be changed I got to go out to lunch with my parents and my kids. Most importantly, in a few months I am probably going to get a mini van that is in great shape without having to take on a car payment.
Another problem yesterday was the discovery that Q-bert told me a lie that caused me to tell a lie. I was so upset by this. Trust is so important to me, and I do not trust easily. When I back away from the situation I can see that this is just a normal part of growing up. I can also be thankful that when I expressed how hurt and betrayed I felt, she felt almost as bad as I did. So although her pain caused me more pain, it also made me proud of her and gave me hope that this stage will pass quickly.
I also spent a lot of yesterday feeling like I need to clone myself. I spend a lot of time feeling that way. It seems like there is never enough of me to go around. Of course I should feel special and loved, and I do on most days, but when I feel like I am failing everyone that doesn't help. Still, I do feel good that those around me appreciate me so much.
So you see, every single problem I was worrying about was something to be thankful for.
True I had to spend $150 on a battery for a car that I am hoping not to own for more than a month or two. More importantly, I could afford to buy that battery. Also, while I was waiting for the battery to be changed I got to go out to lunch with my parents and my kids. Most importantly, in a few months I am probably going to get a mini van that is in great shape without having to take on a car payment.
Another problem yesterday was the discovery that Q-bert told me a lie that caused me to tell a lie. I was so upset by this. Trust is so important to me, and I do not trust easily. When I back away from the situation I can see that this is just a normal part of growing up. I can also be thankful that when I expressed how hurt and betrayed I felt, she felt almost as bad as I did. So although her pain caused me more pain, it also made me proud of her and gave me hope that this stage will pass quickly.
I also spent a lot of yesterday feeling like I need to clone myself. I spend a lot of time feeling that way. It seems like there is never enough of me to go around. Of course I should feel special and loved, and I do on most days, but when I feel like I am failing everyone that doesn't help. Still, I do feel good that those around me appreciate me so much.
So you see, every single problem I was worrying about was something to be thankful for.
Thankful for Family
As I sit here this morning trying to recover from Q-bert's math lesson I am finding it difficult to practice thankfulness. Sometimes, like everyone I suppose, I feel negative thoughts creeping in. My oldest daughter struggles with negativity often, and for some reason her emotions and mine always seem to be intertwined. Today seems to be an especially negative day for her, and so I thought to help boost both our moods I would write about more things I am thankful for.
Lots of people say they are thankful for their family, but I truly have reason to be. Obviously, I think my hubbie is great. As I have mentioned in the past, he just knows me. He can anticipate how most situations will affect me, and he cares enough to try to buffer them for me. I have written at length about my two awesome daughters. Q-bert keeps me on my toes with all the insightful things she comes up with.
The surprise is how lucky I am to have my parents. For example, the battery died on my car yesterday. Not only did my parents come rescue me with jumper cable, but my Dad offered to check the battery for me. I didn't take him up on it because NTB does it for free, but I feel so lucky that he would offer. My Mom helped with my Christmas shopping. My Dad helped my husband with a big plumbing project all Christmas weekend. My Mom is always available when I need her.
I listen to others talk about the relationship they have (or don't have), and it makes me so thankful that I have the relationship I do. I also, love the relationship between my parents and my kids, btu that is another post.
Lots of people say they are thankful for their family, but I truly have reason to be. Obviously, I think my hubbie is great. As I have mentioned in the past, he just knows me. He can anticipate how most situations will affect me, and he cares enough to try to buffer them for me. I have written at length about my two awesome daughters. Q-bert keeps me on my toes with all the insightful things she comes up with.
The surprise is how lucky I am to have my parents. For example, the battery died on my car yesterday. Not only did my parents come rescue me with jumper cable, but my Dad offered to check the battery for me. I didn't take him up on it because NTB does it for free, but I feel so lucky that he would offer. My Mom helped with my Christmas shopping. My Dad helped my husband with a big plumbing project all Christmas weekend. My Mom is always available when I need her.
I listen to others talk about the relationship they have (or don't have), and it makes me so thankful that I have the relationship I do. I also, love the relationship between my parents and my kids, btu that is another post.
Sunday, January 2, 2011
Thankful for Technology
Today's gratitude is somewhat less noble. Today I am so thankful for my computer and the internet.
I spent the morning planning for the month of January. We will be going out of town in the middle of the month so I wanted to have school, homeschool group, and meal plans done before we get back to our regular schedule. I cannot begin to explain how having the internet lessens the work involved with these things.
First my calendar...
I use Google Calendar, and I hate to admit it but I am not sure I could remember where to go at any time without it. My entire life is on that calendar.
Second education resources...
I find lesson plans and printable education resources all the time. For this week I printed money math sheets, a poem, and blank writing paper.
Third recipes...
I love to cook. I have dozens of cookbooks which I used to use all the time. The truth is I do not have hours to spend scouring cookbooks for recipes that strike my fancy any more. Now I use my search engine. Chicken breasts and asparagus were on sale so I search for that. Also, since I use my crock pot at least once a week finding recipes for that is priceless.
So while it may not be the most virtuous thing to be grateful for, my technology definitely make my life easier and so is worthy of my thanks.
I spent the morning planning for the month of January. We will be going out of town in the middle of the month so I wanted to have school, homeschool group, and meal plans done before we get back to our regular schedule. I cannot begin to explain how having the internet lessens the work involved with these things.
First my calendar...
I use Google Calendar, and I hate to admit it but I am not sure I could remember where to go at any time without it. My entire life is on that calendar.
Second education resources...
I find lesson plans and printable education resources all the time. For this week I printed money math sheets, a poem, and blank writing paper.
Third recipes...
I love to cook. I have dozens of cookbooks which I used to use all the time. The truth is I do not have hours to spend scouring cookbooks for recipes that strike my fancy any more. Now I use my search engine. Chicken breasts and asparagus were on sale so I search for that. Also, since I use my crock pot at least once a week finding recipes for that is priceless.
So while it may not be the most virtuous thing to be grateful for, my technology definitely make my life easier and so is worthy of my thanks.
Saturday, January 1, 2011
Thank Goodness
My first goal for 2011 is Practicing Thankfulness. I got the idea from the FB game in November where people would post what they were thankful for each day. It seems like religious people are constantly being reminded to "Thank God." Those of us who are not religious are faced with a dilemma. Even though we may realize how fortunate we are, we don't really have anyone to thank. Without "God" where do we go with our feelings of being blessed. I am told that in Japan many people give thanks before eating a meal. It is not a thanks to God, but rather a general feeling of gratitude that recognizes that many people have worked so that we may have our needs met. It also recognizes that while we are fortunate enough to have our needs met, others are not. So that is what I mean by giving thanks.
So why Thankfulness for my first goal...
I have so many things in my life to be thankful for, but sometimes I want more. There is nothing wrong with that wanting, as long as it is tempered with gratitude for all the ways I am already blessed. Once a person starts to dwell on what they want instead of what they have it can be an endless cycle. There is always more to be had. I don't just mean physical things like a bigger house or more money. It is also easy to want more from other people instead of being thankful for all they give you already and all the ways they are already great. Remembering to be thankful pushes those wants back where they belong. Also, focusing on the positive every day makes it easier to avoid all those negative thoughts.
My life is great right now. It is not perfect, but in terms of all the basics, things are going very well. I think if I get in the habit of recognizing all that I have to be grateful for now it will be easier to see when things aren't so great. Some day something bad will happen to me or my family. In those dark hours, although I won't have God to turn to, I will have the knowledge that in general I have led a blessed life.
And so for today January 1, 2011 I am thankful for the blank slate that a new year brings. I am thankful that 2010 was a pretty good year for my family, and I am thankful that I got to ring in the new year with my wonderful husband and my almost perfect daughters.
So why Thankfulness for my first goal...
I have so many things in my life to be thankful for, but sometimes I want more. There is nothing wrong with that wanting, as long as it is tempered with gratitude for all the ways I am already blessed. Once a person starts to dwell on what they want instead of what they have it can be an endless cycle. There is always more to be had. I don't just mean physical things like a bigger house or more money. It is also easy to want more from other people instead of being thankful for all they give you already and all the ways they are already great. Remembering to be thankful pushes those wants back where they belong. Also, focusing on the positive every day makes it easier to avoid all those negative thoughts.
My life is great right now. It is not perfect, but in terms of all the basics, things are going very well. I think if I get in the habit of recognizing all that I have to be grateful for now it will be easier to see when things aren't so great. Some day something bad will happen to me or my family. In those dark hours, although I won't have God to turn to, I will have the knowledge that in general I have led a blessed life.
And so for today January 1, 2011 I am thankful for the blank slate that a new year brings. I am thankful that 2010 was a pretty good year for my family, and I am thankful that I got to ring in the new year with my wonderful husband and my almost perfect daughters.
Happy New Year's To All
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