Validation Required

Validation is required if you read this post. 

1.  My Christmas tree was put up before Dec. 1st.
2. I joined the recreation center for 3 months to exercise during the winter months
3. I made my first soup today- Taco Soup.
4. I went shopping on Black Friday-I hate crowds.
5. I have said "No" to doing things at school.
6. I have 3/4 of my Christmas shopping done.
7. I have not killed any students.
8. I bought my first pair of sassy heels.
9. My house is got a deep clean this weekend.
10. My yard does not have a ton of leaves on it or in the gutter.

I am trying to validate myself for the things that I have accomplished.  Check!

My First Christmas Tradition

I bought a tree and decorated it before Thanksgiving weekend was over.
My creche sets are out as well.  I have almost completed all of my Christmas shopping.  I went out on Black Friday with my sister.  I had a plan and purpose, no stress, laughed at a few people.

I need to share some gratitude.  I had many people and families invite me to their Thanksgiving family dinners.  It truly warmed my soul to know that so many people cared and wanted me to join them, probably because I am funny and awesome. 

Stop carrying the bricks

Many of you know that I carry burdens of others because I have a "the save the world" complex.  I have been working on not picking up other burdens (bricks).  It has been very difficult because at first I feel guilty for not carrying bricks of others.  I know it sounds stupid now, but I felt selfish when I didn't "help" others.  I realized how dumb this philosophy was.  I have been working on not letting others get to me.  I have been thrown many bricks, but I leave them at my feet.  I am only carry my own burdens.  It is still hard, but I didn't realize how great it was to feel empathy and sympathy, but then walk away.  WHOOOOOHOOOO! 

This is a big deal for me, it has taken me 34 years to realize this.  I am little slow on th uptake or slow to change old habits.  It is nice to come home from school and not worry about everything I don't have control over. 

Feeding the Chickens

Best quote of the past week:
Teaching should not be like feeding chickens.  Teachers need to change the mindset that throwing the information out there and seeing what students grab the information is the wrong way to teach.

I laughed  aloud. 

Dear Students

Dear Students,

We have been in school for one month.  You know the rules of school appropriate behavior.  You know you need to bring a binder, pencil/pen, and paper to school.  You need to put your backpack in your locker.  You need to show up to class in time (or you write or do push-ups.)  You don't need to take 15 min to go the bathroom when it is just across the hallway.  You know you shouldn't swear in the hallways or run to class.  7th graders, making paper airplanes and throwing paper in class in not cool in junior high.  We are not in elementary school anymore.  Please stop putting on your make up while I am giving instructions for today's activity.  Yes, you need to raise your hand and you can't shout out when you feel like it.  Use the clock when you want to know what time it is and look at the schedule to know when the class gets over.  Please don't line up at the door (you are not in the 2nd grade) to leave.  You need to push your chair in when I excuse you from the class (not the bell.)  Stop asking what today's date, just look up at the board where the date has been written for the past month.  My name is Ms. B, not lady, teacher, or miss.  I learned your name, please learn mine.  Yes, you need to sit in the assigned seat I gave you, because I asked you too.  You can't handle sitting next to your friends.  You never know what it going on.  Yes, when you finish your work, you need to ask to go to the reading corner.  When I arrive at 6:45 am, please don't come into my room to talk, you shouldn't be in the building until 7:20 and school doesn't start until 7:50.  I need personal space and time to get ready for the day.  There is a reason my door was locked, so stop knocking.  No you can't come to my class if you are not on the roll, GO to your class, I don't need extra students, enough though I love you and you are a great student.  Have a great day!!

Sincerely,

Ms. B

Youth Conference Part 3-done

Youth Conference Part 2

Youth Conference in my ward- part 1