Letting Go!

I have realized that I am a small control freak, who isn't. We like to know what we are doing and where we are going. It is hard to give up control, especially when it is the direction of our lives. We all have a vision of what we see ourselves doing in the future and when that vision starts to fade or change, FREAK OUT! Things happen, change, shift, etc... in our lives, Can we handle it in a good manner?

Come what may and love it. I have been trying to live my life with that attitude.

Rain, Rain, Stay awhile

Rain, rain, stay awhile-I love the rain. Hence, why I really enjoyed living in the northwest for 5 years. The sun is great, but it makes things really hot and brown. Utah has been experiencing really cloudy and rainy weather for the month of June. YEH, things have stayed green, I don't have to water my lawn as much, and it has keep what looks to be a very warm summer, cool for now.

Although, it seems, people here don't know lots about the benefits of rain. Stop complaining, that you haven't seen the sun in awhile. Rain is good, it is needed and I am loving it. Spring thunderstorms, oh, I miss those in the south. The sun will be back in full force and everyone will be wishing for a cloudy day or some rain to relieve the heat. All I need to say is "Come what may and LOVE IT!"

The Search

Now, that I have finished graduate school- you ask, "What are my plans?" I planned to stay here in Utah and find a teaching job. Most school districts have hiring freezes right now, but when the enrollment numbers come out in July, they will know the needs of their schools. The Waiting Game! Also, for those that don't know that social studies is the most saturated subject in teaching. And most social studies teachers are males and coaches which are two serious disadvantages for me, because I am not male, or a coach.

Why don't I move? I wish that was the case, but I feel I need to stay here, if I wanted a job for sure, I would move back to Washington and accept one the two job offers I received.

As with all jobs, it is all about you know, so if you know teachers in this area, let me know. I am doing research on how each school district hires, because they all do it differently.

Keep me in your thoughts and prayers-I know that this is the path I need to be on and things will work out-how? I have faith all things are for a reason.

Being the Favorite Aunt!

Many people ask me "How are you able to be the favorite aunt?" It is hard work. I have 14.5 nieces and nephews. I don't live near all of them. Then, what do I do? Great question-I am unable to afford birthday presents and gifts every year. I don't believe in buying children's affection. I call them monthly. For the younger children, it is just so that they recognize my voice. I rarely understand the ramblings of a 2 year old, but who cares. For the older children, I ask them about school, what they did for the day, anything they will talk about. Sometimes, they are in the mood to chat and others they are not. I don't get upset. When I am around them, I spend time with them. Others-babysit-I DON'T. I take them to movies, museums, the park, a walk, bike riding, the library, etc... Sometimes, it is one-on-one time and others times, I will have two or three of them. I don't do anything special. I include them in my life, because that's all they want and I want. (2 for 1 special)

I am also very careful about disciplining them. If the parent is around-they do it (I just point it out). If I am the only adult around and they get sassy, (first-talk to parents about their discpline strategies for that child), I don't put up with it. Respect is important everywhere. I set clear expectations and consequences before the adventure. All of my nieces and nephews know the rules of spending time with me: No crying, whining, teasing, and fighting!

Rafting Terminology

I was able to raft the Colorado River this past weekend in Moab. I should say, that I have history with rafting. I fall out. I didn't this time, but I did love some new things I learned on the rafting trip.

Before you raft, you receive the lecture from your raft guides. Things like:
1. Don't be stupid
2. If you fall out, feet first down the rapids.
3. Micro trash-not a good thing
4. What is an eddy-ooh, be careful
5. The difference between an oar and paddle. The rafting guides had a small pet peeve about this. We used paddles, not oars.

Oars are a long shaft with a broad blade at one end, used as a lever for rowing or otherwise propelling or steering a boat.

Paddles are a short, flat bladed oar for propelling and steering a canoe or small boat, usually held by both hands and moved more or less through a vertical arc.

Oars are for viking ships and paddles are for rafts and canoes. Who knows? Dictionary.com didn't provide any great insight. Seem the same to me.

Moab Trip

Yes, I went to Moab, Arches National Park, and rafted down the Colorado River this weekend.

It was hot! I wore 50 sunblock and drank so much water.

Good times!