handwritten on January 12, 2019
Back in the day, when my tiny (actually pretty large) feet trodded through the halls of my High School, I was determined to make something called PMEA. Now, PMEA was truly special because, if you made the regular PMEA concert, you would have the opportunity to move on to district and then regions and then states. The music was outstanding. The students surrounding me were always spectacular. There was just a lot of whimsy in the air in every rehearsal and every tryout room and every session where multiple school districts came together and you-for a tiny moment, saw a little glimpse into the world outside your own High School. In fact, I would argue that music was my equivalent of whimsy ...
handwritten on January 11, 2019
Since my first year of teaching, I have had weekly lunch bunches that occur twice a week. Sometimes, they happen Thursday and Friday and sometimes Wednesday and Friday. It depends (at times) on my stamina throughout the week. However, inevitably, even if a day or two is skipped, lunch bunches always occur regularly on Friday. It used to be a lunch bunch reward for those who were deserving. However, in my third year of teaching this shifted to "whoever wants to come and release their emotions" and this year we have a limit of four (but on a volunteer basis.) Whoever wishes to dine on the slanted rectangular table near the chalkbaord, may do so. Fun is always had. Laughs always echo. Ideas...
handwritten on January 10, 2019
I initially surpassed this moment of whimsy earlier in the week. However, I was finally able to gather my thoughts in a way made this story as meaningful as the moment I had witnessed.
On Saturdays, I like to go take a walk or a run. Fresh air is a beautiful thing. Lately, I have been walking short distances due to the chilly air. On this particular Saturday I was meeting my brother mid-morning for coffee, lesson planning and a life chat. I passed a few cars and then my eye caught a dad who was bent down in front of Contellation Coffee with his son and a fluffy dog. As I walked around them, I noticed that the dad was eye level with his son explaining exactly what he wanted his son to do...
handwritten on January 9, 2019
I've learned people will forget what you said. People will forget what you did. But people will never forget how you made them feel. -Mother Teresa
I believe I was in 8th grade at the time of my first encounter with whimsy and a negative record. I was entering into my second to final period where I was going to gym. I had this lovely 6 foot 6 gym teacher who wanted nothing but happiness for his students. I remember clearly being in such a good mood because I had witnessed an awesome class before, and I was quite excited to participate in whatever activity was in store for today. I also remember thinking I love middle school. People would laugh at this statement because I know for many...
handwritten on January 8, 2019
I came to the conclusion tonight that I have always judged myself based on how much effort I put into things, how many activities I am involved in, how often I help others, etc. I have always been someone with a mind that just never shuts off no matter how hard I try. Perhaps this is due to the busy nature of schedule or perhaps this has always been what I deem "necessary" to change humanity, to change lives, to help others and to experience my version of "whimsy." Allowing a multitude of love to spread requires much effort, little rest, endless work, etc.
A few months ago, my DNA test came back with a multitude of knowledge about my familial background but also an undeniable fact: I don't...
