Miscellaneous Missives

Nalo... one of my favorite dogs.... Nalo looks a lot like Beau. My final person of gratitude is actually a canine.  I saw a neighbor last night and asked about the absence of Beau.  Beau has been struggling with old age and other issues.  I didn't know when I asked that Beau had passed.  Both his owner (for lack of a better word) and I teared up.  Beau was the best dog.  I actually met "his owner" because I loved Beau.  Everyone in the courtyard will miss Beau.  Dogs are the best people anyone knows.  #dogsruleanddrool #ripbeau I give gratitude for Beau and all of the other dogs who are getting their own treats someplace other than this earth.

Today's person of gratitude is the wonderful human, yesterday, that knew I'd be getting home late and, unbeknownst it to me, came into my house and unloaded my dishwasher.  I hate unloading the dishwasher and getting clothes out of the dryer.  I can tell that they checked the laundry room to help with the folding of clothes too and merely found a basket of folded clothes on the dryer.  Ok, this is a complete lie, but it would be the best thing ever if it actually happened. In reality my person of gratitude today is not even a person I like.  In fact, I find him utterly annoying.  That being said, as I was leaving my meeting yesterday and waiting for another colleague to show, I jokingly asked him to start my car, and he did.  He took my keys and started my car as I waited for my friend/colleague.  It was actually really nice, and I am grateful. I"m also really grateful for DA who made me the cool Cubs keychain.  It's really amazing.  S...

My person of gratitude today, AM, comes from a meeting after school yesterday.  I walked in super pissed off with my job and some adults in the building.  In fact, as I walked into my meeting I told them I was going to quit singing the words to Hot Girl Bummer .  Anyway, a colleague showed the above drawing.  The administrator (who took my phone and took a selfie) brought up the kissy, kissy, sucky, sucky picture in our conversation about observing other teachers.  I actually laughed and smiled which I never dreamt I would do today since I was sooooo incredibly crabby.  Thanks to whoever drew the picture and thanks to AM for being my person of gratitude today.  YAY!

My person of gratitude today is a student (BD) that I've never had in class.  On Friday when she was in our hallway talking to me and another teacher.  I thought her glasses (free from the Bloomington Police Department when they came for their drug talks) would go great with our jerseys when we had to go on stage Saturday night.  Although I ended up not having to go on stage, because I was the loud cheerer in the crowd, I wore the glasses all Saturday afternoon and evening.  They actually change to blue in the cold and/or dark.  I enjoyed wearing them.  On Sunday when I returned home, I had this message in my email:  "I hope you remember my sunglasses tomorrow and I hope you didn’t break them or else  . See you tomorrow I better have than by 7:55."  Of course, I remembered the glasses.  When I saw BD this morning, I smiled and gave her the glasses.  It was actually really cute and a great way to start my Monday morning....

My person of gratitude today is another person, CU, I hung out with this weekend at the RAGBRAI announcement party.  He is one of the main reasons I ride with my team.  C is always consistent, and one can always count on him no matter what!  I forgot my glass from the celebration, and he is holding on to one for me to pick up at a later date.  He's the kind of guy that everyone loves to be around because he is one of the nicest people.  I'm thankful that he's always been there for me on each ride even when I'm struggling.  He also helped keep Taz entertained over the weekend. 

I spent the last 24 hours or so with today's person of gratitude, KC.  Always, I can count on her to be there for me when it comes to biking and biking events.  Last night was the RAGBRAI announcement party.  The route was announced and looks like a decent route.  More importantly, our jersey won the jersey contest. KC went up on stage with the group and didn't give me a hard time when I said I didn't want to. It was awesome!  I look forward to riding with her again in April. 

Today's gratitude is to the person bringing new pool cues and two bags of stuffed animals (for the claw machine) at our local watering hole yesterday.  I said no to happy hour earlier,, and then I went for one with the crew.  When I arrived, my person of gratitude was brining in the new pool cues and had the bags of stuffed animals on the pool table.  I went over and chatted him up.  At the end of our conversation I walked away with the multicolored Taz!  Thanks person I don't know.  I had fun playing with Taz as we all talked.  Taz will accompany me on my trip to God's Country today.  #funtimes

My person of gratitude today is SH.  She's the FACS (family and consumer science) teacher in our building.  Although I don't work closely with her often, I appreciate her.  As one of the members of my PLC, we get to spend some time together.  We are also able to get together frequently after school.  Today when she and I talked after school, she asked about my procedure on Monday.  I love that she funny and kind.  It's a great mix.  She's absolutely delightful.  Thanks for being a good human SH! 

My person (group of people) today is the group of U of M graduate students that came into my classroom today to observe a few ELL (English Language Learner) students. They were in the hall waiting to come in for my last hour, and I invited the four of them into my honors class.  I had them introduce themselves and their current program.  Without giving them much warning, I let the honors students ask them questions.  The first student said, "Is college expensive?"     All four unanimously said, "Yes." Then my students asked other questions including their ages.  When I said that they couldn't ask that all four gave their ages and laughed.  Then they stayed to observe the students in my last hour class.  One stopped and talked to me afterwards about the student and their learning.  It made me realize the impact teachers actually make in the classroom.  I also give thanks that smart folks are still going into education!  Thanks U...

Fuck Cancer Bad Ass  This weekend I will go to the RAGBRAI announcement party.  They will disclose the seven overnight towns from this ride.  NIL (my person of gratitude today) designs our jerseys.  We always (IMHO) have the best jerseys on the road.  When the Iowa Bicycle Coalition posted about a jersey contest presented by Primal (We actually use Pactimo), I told NIL that she needed to enter one of her designs.  I love the Fuck Cancer jersey and think it should have been in the final four, but the Primal folks went with our Bad Ass jersey.  It's pretty cool too.  Anyway, NIL's jersey made it into the final four.  On Saturday, our team will don their Bad Ass jerseys on stage while the final jersey is picked.  It should be us because NIL does an absolute amazing job on our jerseys!  Thanks NIL!! BTW...  The can of Hamms is not part of the jersey nor is Al! 

My person of gratitude for today is a person who took me to my appointment then took me to the grocery store after since I couldn't drive.  She's been like a mom to be for the last 20+ years.  She's always there to help.  As she was driving me home yesterday, we were trying to figure out a time to get together for a Christmas celebration since we've both been so busy. M- How about meeting on Groundhog's Day? N- Isn't that February 2nd? M- Yes N- Well, that's Superbowl day! M- Oh yeah, what about the Saturday before? N- Perfect, we'll celebrate Groundhog's Day and Christmas! She's the best!  It's always a celebration with NL!

Today I had a small procedure done which I was super nervous about.  It meant I wasn't able to have my coffee (or anything else really) before I went in around 10:30.  Everything I read told me it was going to take forever and be horrible.  It wasn't horrible.  Part of the reason is my people of gratitude today. The first nurse was absolutely kind.  She even commented on how young I was my guess is until she started looking at my chart.  At one point, she said she thought I would be a fun teacher.  This is even before they gave me the Fentanyl mixed with something else.  I bet she would have found me more fun after.  Anyway, she had to go to the OR for the rest of her day.  When the new nurse, Polly, came in, she really wanted to stay and finish up, but Polly reminded her of the time and her schedule. Polly was also kind and funny.  When she said I'd be able to have coffee, I perked (get it) up.  Then she explained of co...

Yesterday I attended the celebration of life of DJ.  He and his wife, SJ, are my people of gratitude today.  I often sat/stood next to Dan in church.  He was always jovial and kind.  Because I never sing, I'd give him my bulletin if he needed the words.  This would make him sing louder and try to urge me to sing.  Although I never sang in church when he was there, I did sing a couple of lines today at his service. It is clear that SJ put together this service with nothing but love and respect for him.  His kayak was at the front of the church, and the picture of him raising a glass of wine on the bulletin captured his great smile and twinkle in his eyes.  Although I only knew DJ from church, I felt as though I really knew him, especially as his sons and friends shared their stories.  Yesterday's service had incredible music including bagpipes and a small jazz band.  The words were loving and kind.  I have so much gratitude for ...

My person of gratitude for today is an amazing colleague.  I've been working with her forever, and she's so consistent and trustworthy.  She makes my job easier.  Although I really do love working with her, that's not what today's gratitude post is about.  I'm thanking her for the impromptu happy hour at 12:45 pm yesterday.  We had a two hour early dismissal.  The call came the night before.  As I was getting in my car, the bat signal came across.  She invited some folks to meet at our local drinking establishment.  Even though it wasn't even 1pm, ten people showed up and sat around the table conversing and drinking alcoholic beverages.  It was fun!! Yay Laura.  I think this is pretty amazing   BTW- everyone was safe.  The snow didn't come until we were almost finished. 

Last night I went to my stylist to get my hair cut.  I love her!  She has a similar personality and similar beliefs to myself.  We are able to talk about politics and be disgusted by the same thing.  We also typically judge other people in the salon and walking past the windows outside.  It seem mean, but it's always fun.  Plus, I always laugh when I'm in her chair.  Actually, she is delightful and sometimes snorts when she laughs which I find adorable.  Last night I was able to get her to snort at least three times.  #winning . #gratitude #funtimes

Today's person of gratitude is Sydney Cummings.  Who is this?  I really don't know much about her, but she is my go to person for rest day stretches.  Since I'm doing this kettlebell thing again for January, I decided to incorporate yoga/stretching for my rest days.  Yoga videos tend to have annoying music meant to soothe people in the background.  Sydney Cumming's videos have more realistic music for morning stretching.  I found her merely by doing a search for 20 minute yoga/stretching videos .  After using and liking a couple of her videos, I subscribed to her site.  Anyway, I need a video to follow in the morning which is a bit lame, but now I have some to use during rest day.  Thanks Sydney!  BTW-  I'm not going to lie.  Some days it's tough for me to think of a person of gratitude, and I feel horrible about this. Y'all are great!

My person of gratitude asked for this mug recently.  Who wouldn't want this mug?! My eighth grade counterpart and I have nothing in common as far as physical appearance.  She short and black, and I'm tallish and white.  Today I appeared in her classroom during my lunch break as her students were working.  It seems it was great timing since the student, whom I had last year, had called her by my name three times.  She didn't respond (because it wasn't registering since it wasn't her name) until he was in front of her calling her by my name.  When I appeared, it was synchronicity. He had just been calling her me.  I walked around her room talking to her and my former students.  After school we talked about how we don't look alike at all but have the same attitude hence why students get us somewhat confused (There should be no confusion).  We are like minded in personality and teaching but look nothing alike.  It's clear why she's my pe...

Today's gratitude goes out to my new hair stylist.  Last night I babysat five year old twins.  They have so much energy.  It was a long day back at school followed by a person they hadn't seen for months.  Let's be honest, the night started out rocky even before their mom left.  It calmed down and good times were had including my sitting while my hair was "braided."  Next, it was chasing cars around the basement.  All was as might be expected (even a little homework) until five minutes before their mom arrived.  It seems their little bodies couldn't handle being tired anymore and frustration set in.  I will say these twins do an excellent job of balancing each other out, and I'm grateful for that as well.  I'd also like to send an extra thanks to these songs turning 20 in 2020. 

It seems that sometimes I have gratitude for an individual without knowing their name.  Actually, I saw this car parked next to me on the way into the grocery store.  As it clicked in my mind what was really going on, I was already walking to the grocery store.  When I came back, I was relieved the car was still there, but disappointed the driver was putting groceries into the vehicle.  I took the snap anyway, but I wasn't able to retake to get the back seat which was similar to the front without being more obvious.  Although there was a lot of disgust, I was also thankful for the shock given my system.  When I think I need to eat and live more healthy, I'll remember this car.  Obviously, I'm doing better than someone.  Although it left me with a lot of questions, the main question was about the length of time it took for the inside of the car to look like this.  Happy Monday!

Not the greatest picture, but one can kinda see the people in front of me looking at the screen. I love the screen that shows the day's workout. Dang!  I've really been going through a slog lately when it comes to getting to the gym for spin class.  Friday's call about the April 200 mile ride made me realize that I really need to get back at it.  It's probably been a month since I've entered the doors of the gym.  As I entered the doors to the spin room, the instructor, Brian, asked me how I'd been doing.  He also said he missed me.  Ahhhh.....   Since I was basically raised on guilt, I felt guilty at first.  Then I realized I do really love his class even though it totally kicks my ass each and every time.  As he was talking about today's class, he mentioned the two sets of tabata intervals.  He actually compared them to "death by 1000 cuts"... the best line of the day.  My gratitude to Brian for kicking my ass today a...

Thursday, I finally received the call that my old mountain bike was revamped with new studded tires.  I'll no longer have to borrow a bike for April, and I plan on getting out in the cold and snow and ice and wind and whatever else the winter brings once a week.  We'll see how it actually goes, but I'm thankful that my bike is ready to ride. The person I have gratitude in this instance is my buddy Al who is the one (of many) that helped me get more actively involved in biking.  He connected me with a fine group of people that make biking fun in the summer.  Last night him, I, and the Bloody Rectum Ride folks were on a conference call discussing the upcoming April ride.  April biking in Georgia and Alabama is incredible, and I'm excited for the ride. Now we'll see if I can make biking fun in the winter.  Thanks to Al and all the other cyclists for giving me this fun yet expensive hobby.

Last night I had a condo association meeting to discuss landscape.  We've been dealing with this bid for over nine months.  It's disheartening.  I had already had a district tech meeting after school and thought about skipping the condo association meeting.  In fact, I sent the above text to the management company president saying I might not be able to make the meeting.  I appreciate him and his reply enough that I went and spent two hours listening and talking about the newest proposal.  I feel gratitude for people who get me and think similarly to me.  Plus, it was good that I went and voiced my opinions... I think.  At least it's Friday! 

Last night I had a mini frozen pizza.  I put Penzeys crushed red peppers and Penzeys frozen pizza seasoning on top.  The seasoning definitely improved the taste of the pizza.  Penzeys is a progressive company that has been speaking out against Trump and for love, kindness, and the good stuff.  My gratitude today is for Bill Penzey Jr. who founded this company.  Yep!  I don't know Bill, and he's not going to get a thank you card although I think he'd actually read and enjoy it.  He, however, is someone for whom I give thanks.  We need more people like Bill to spice up our lives!!

I work with the most amazing people, and I'm not merely saying that.  One of my colleagues is the most intelligent, kind, thoughtful... (you know) people I know.  We don't see each other as often as I would like, but she's the one I lean on for intelligence and wisdom.  It could be world politics, family, school, whatever. Yesterday I received a Google Chat from her.  Even though we didn't have the opportunity to talk face to face, I knew she was there for me.  KVW is amazing, and I am thankful to know her and have the opportunity to learn from her.  #graciassenorita

CL makes this place better each and every day. Yesterday was the first day back after winter break.  It wasn't as horrible as I thought it might be, but I was exhausted by lunch time.  As I was driving home, I thought, "How am I going to blog tomorrow morning as I'm getting ready?  Who is my person of gratitude?"  Rethinking the events of the day, it was actually fairly easy to pick a person even in my tired stupor of the day.  CL, our wonderful, talented, and gracious media director is my person of gratitude.  Yesterday she came into my room as I was teaching because I had been too overwhelmed to set up a time to talk to her, and I really do love talking to her.  We talked about today's plan.  She will be in my room today to help students edit their interviews from 15 minutes to 3-5 minutes.  As she helps and engages with the students, she will make it seem effortless.  My job will be a breeze today because of her!!

I'm a people person. It's who I am.  Unfortunately, I've been trapped inside most of winter break without people.  I've been sick.  The only human interaction has been at the grocery store, the doctor's office, and the pharmacy.  Even though I really wanted to go to God's Country this weekend and hang out with my peeps, I knew it was too much.  That being said, when a friend invited me to dinner and happy hour last night, I could not say no.  I have the utmost respect and gratitude for this human, JC, not Jesus Christ, who spent three hours last night sharing her experiences and bringing me back to the world of being outside around humans (delightful).  Although today will be a struggle going back to work, I give thanks to getting out and my friends.  "It takes a village" my friends!!  Happy Monday.

 Photo from Alaska trip with Dad ... years ago Each and every Sunday, I call my dad around 9:30 am in the morning.  I give gratitude for these weekly conversations.  We talk about sports, his projects, our weekly events, etc.  When I forget to call on time or am busy with other stuff, he always calls to make sure I am doing OK.  Although I love our unplanned phone calls, I appreciate and find gratitude in our weekly calls.  Often my dad's significant other listens in on our conversations and occasionally joins in.  When Dad and I get silly and think we're super humorous, she gives up and leaves the conversation.  Dad and I are really funny, and we like to remind her often.  Maybe today she'll come to this realization on her own before Dad and I need to remind her. 

Everyone knows I love a good challenge.  It's why I blogged every day (almost every day) in October and didn't blog at all in November and barely in December.  What is wrong with me?  It's why in school if I had my name on the board for poor behavior, I kept getting in trouble to get more marks behind my name.  Perhaps I am merely an elementary school kid in need of a sticker chart. I'm thankful for my friend RL who is the one who encouraged me to try the 10,000 kettlebell swing challenge last year.  I'm going it again this month.  It's a challenge.  I can document what I do because for some reason my mind needs this.  Anyway, RL is always there to give me a new workout challenge or challenge my mind in other ways.  My gratitude is for RL giving me a new sticker chart for working out this year.  Each day I color in the day I worked out.  It'll be all colorful (I hope) by the end of the year.  I'm four for four as of toda...

The blog challenge remains the same...  Pick your new year type focus (gratitude, sankalpa, or resolution).  I'm going to try GRATITUDE.   After the last two days and giving this some thought, I'm going to modify my challenge and make it a bit more specific.  All others should do their own new year type focus.   I'm going to show gratitude for a person in my blog entries.  If the person is someone I actually know, I'm also going to send them a note.  We'll see how this goes when I'm back at work.  For now, it seems like a fun challenge showing my appreciation for wonderful people. LR, mother of Britt, and I were going out to eat last night. I asked if we could get pizza and salad and stay in at my house instead of going out.  Not only did she go along with my plan; she also brought Britt to play.  It was great to sit and chat with the two of them.  Because we were able to relax and hang out, we were able to catch u...

As one reads this, they will think I'm only thankful for books.  Although this isn't true, I am blessed to have read great books.  Yesterday I started listening to What the Eyes Don't See:  A Story of Crisis, Resistance, and Hope in an American City while I took down the Christmas decorations.  The book was so engaging (although I don't think that's the word) that I wanted to finish it, so I started reading instead of listening.  This morning I finished the last bit.  This book is a phenomenal story of the people who brought the Flint Water Crisis to light.  I have so much gratitude for those activists in our world that bring about change.  I also have gratitude for people who have the ability to write about this change and share others' stories with us.  This book was well written and made me think of things past the Flint crisis.  While I have gratitude for my easy life, I need to remember to be an activists for those who are ...

It's the new year, and my blogging needs a boost.  Let's do a blog challenge.  Pick your new year type focus (gratitude, sankalpa, or resolution).  I'm going to try GRATITUDE.  Although sometimes I'm a glass half full type of person (realist in my mind), I have wonderful events, people, items, etc. in my life.  It's going to be my January focus. Although it looks like my first gratitude is a book, it's really about the person.  For Christmas, my father gifted me this autobiography of his high school friend.  Obviously, Keith has been around all of my life.  He was a pilot during the Vietnam war.  Over the years, I've asked my dad about Keith's service.  Dad always mentioned that Keith really didn't say much.  I also knew that Keith was a lawyer, lobbyist (Republican) for large companies.  He's worked in Des Moines for years.  As I read this autobiography, I learned more about Keith and his life.  This was my ...