Let It Be...

Tonight has changed my life. I have agreed to the unthinkable...

I am going on a high school band tour. No, not as a sponsor, but as a band member. The director of a local Christian school called me up and begged me to play. They have a band competition in Mishawaka and have NO clarinet players. The usual college fill in/helpers are all going on Spring break tour themselves. That only leave me, yes I have played professionally but don't mind digressing a bit. Yes I decided I can't go lower than high school band. But hey, the trip is free...My community service for the year. I think I had suppressed some high school memories, but even preparing for a trip like this brings them all back. I think of high school...Brandon, Kari, Steve, Miranda, Andy,...and the list goes on. Wow. High school seems like forever ago. I am not sure if I am ready to be back. I am in for the ride of my life.

At least I will be able to see my improvements over the years. This is an "interesting" band that I will be playing in. Maybe I will put my hair in pigtails and act immature, have a little fun while I'm at it.

This director loves me so much he even offered to let me bring a friend along, but all my friends are married. Yes that is correct. I have no one to take along with me, no one to help me keep my sanity. All well.

I will be creating new memories this weekend...that I will NEVER forget.

Facebook

I am now officially on Facebook. I never knew that I would actually talk to my high school friends again. Crazy. I think I have talked more with my high school buddies, then I have to my married friends who live 2 minutes away. Facebook is where it is at.

Coffee

You Are a Frappacino

At your best, you are: fun loving, sweet, and modern At your worst, you are: childish and over indulgent You drink coffee when: you're craving something sweet Your caffeine addiction level: low

What Kind of Coffee Are You?

Tribute to Dignal

As a new graduate I have grappled over the issue of working. I spent six years in college and over 100,000 dollars to get a piece of paper, a degree. Now all my life has succumbed to the working world, which is not so glamorous. Because of the inconvenient graduation date, I have been put in a position where there was no other choice but to become a substitute teacher. Between the belligerent children and ungrateful teachers, I concocted a dreadful attitude. "They" don't pay me enough to deal with these ungrateful, selfish, unruly, brats.” This last week I had the opportunity have lots of half-day experiences in many classrooms and only one in particular stands out at this time. Yes it was a third grade classroom with team teachers. I walked into the enormous combined two classrooms and was stunned on seeing over forty seats. How would I ever be able to deal with that many children?

The other team teacher greeted me and explained that she would be teaching. Sighing a sigh of relieve I took another look around the classroom. The harsh florescent lights were off and soft lamps were glowing around the room. Fabric and carpets focused the room into the center circle, creating a family room experience. Soft music graced my ears as a thought dawned on me. This is what the room would look like if Dignal and I team-taught. The only addition left to make would be vanilla coffee perking in the background, creating an enriching and invigorating learning experience.

The bell rang and awoke me from my trance. Children flowed in and floated quietly to their seats and to the carpet. Only a whisper was heard and I knew it would be an excellent day. After seeing two-teachers work amazingly with these forty souls gave me reassurance that I could still have faith in the education system. The day progressed without a flaw and progressed to a yoga and Zen like state after doing breathing activities lead by the teacher.

As I blended in amongst the students whispering uplifting remarks and gently redirecting only a few students, I found myself glancing up to see a spirit…yes it could have been Dignal. My mind flashed back to our beginning special ed days, where she taught a class. We sat on a blanket, shared in the soft light, and listened to her quiet, kind, guiding voice. How I missed my comrade. Since she left the triumphant university, life has been grim. No one to share special ed stories with. No one to discuss the latest in-service day. No one to understand the life of a special educator. As I finished up the glorious substitute experience, my hand found my journal: I will forever remember Dignal and the joy she brought to not only my life, but the lives of so many others. The creativity, energy, and openness will always remain in my soul.

Imaginiff

May Day...May Day...Michelle actually played a game. First it was Apples to Apples, now Imaginiff..

What is this world coming too??

AGgghhhhhhhhhh........................

It's always the crazy times....

Life has been busy, no time for even a short blog. Finally I have a half day of teaching and can catch up on my life. I am preparing things for Mae's bridal shower, which is on Saturday.

So I happened to flip on the tv today to MTV, which I rarely watch. There was a dating show on. A guy had to pick from 3 girls to go on a date with. But, he first had to go on a date with their moms. So, the teenage guys was on a date with these 40 year old moms. The moms would describe their daughter. On mom said her daughter was a wooly mammoth in a play. I don't think that would sell her daughter too well. The guy then had to pick which daughter he would like to date, without ever seeing her. Funny. I can't imagine if a guy went out on a date with my mother. Lord help us all. I will be single for the rest of my life.