Friday, September 21, 2007

Good Morning

It's 5:03 a.m. on Friday morning. I don't really have anything new to say, but I want to post and get into the habit of daily writing! Hmmm, what do I have to say?

Today is my 14th day of school. Happily, I am looking forward to going. It's been a struggle. Wondering whether or not I want to continue. I heard something yesterday and it's stuck with me. We are addicted to comfort. In my head, the questions swirl! What's wrong with that? Why can't I be comfortable? Isn't that what we look and search for??? Things, people, situations that make us comfortable? What's so wrong with me wanting to be comfortable??

Hmmm...something to think about.

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Exactly where have I been?

It's been nineteen days since I've last posted. Hmm, where have I been? School. Planning for school and meeting the parents and the students. Beginning the school year and getting the hang of the routine. Now, I've been teaching, grading, meeting, and planning more. When does it stop? June 17th that's when.

This is my thirteenth year of teaching. Hmm, that's like going from K-12, except more than half of those years were spent in fifth grade.

Today was a good day. We calmly enjoyed silent reading time. After reading through our writing notebooks, we picked the best line-the golden line- and published it. We discussed why that was the golden line, and we complimented each other on our talents. Now, I am working on a book of our Golden Lines. How exciting! The best part of today came when a student said to me, "I used to hate writing. I never knew that I was good at it. Now, I love it!"

Who could ask for anything more??

Now, I sit on the balcony and enjoy the breezy autumn evening with my trusted companion and friend, my mutt Leo. Best wishes for a day filled with compliments and calm!

Saturday, September 1, 2007

Six Months

Six months ago today my dad died.

His name was Charles, but he went by Chris. He was tall and had a personality that filled the whole room. In September he got sick, aneurysm in his heart. He survived fourteen hours of surgery and endured months of painful recovery. Through it all, he looked for meaning. He became introspective and thoughtful. I got to spend two weeks with him at Christmas. He read me 'Twas the Night before Christmas one last time. We watched an old western on tv, and we talked and talked and talked.

On February 28, he was eating ice cream. His wife left him for a moment to let the dog out. When she returned, he was unconscious with a dribble of ice cream down his chin. He hung on until my sister and I arrived. Then he was gone.

I miss him everyday. I love him very much.

So Dad, for you today...the Dairy Queen's on me.

Love,
Michelle

Musings and thoughts...