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...
handwritten on January 7, 2019
I will begin this post by saying-the book Frindle is a must read. Sure, I am a third grade teacher, but this book truly brings whimsy to another level. Particularly, whimsy in memory. Without ruining the plot, I feel a brief summary is needed to do this post justice. Frindle is a book about a youngster (in fifth grade) who begins to test the waters with his English teacher's love of the Dictionary. Mrs. Granger, with fire in her eyes but always a grinning soul watches her student grapple with the English language through a social experiment using the word Frindle instead of (pen.)
The ending chapter always leaves me in a puddle of tears as an exchange of letters and gifts are sent back and...
handwritten on January 6, 2019
I began this morning a bit more tired than usual, but I found myself at 8:30 service in the Northside. I was a bit disappointed when I noticed the choir was not in attendance today, but my attention was turned quite quickly to a single choir member who began leading the service with just a single voice.
His voice was so pure and so mesmorizing that most people in the audience found themselves just overwhelmed with feeling. Very few voices were singing along. I have never felt so focused. My mind almost felt like tunnel vision-focused on the rising and the falling of pitches, wondering where his voice was headed. I hope in a later blog I can remember the exact song in which life was hanging...
handwritten on January 5, 2019
My husband (and myself) are what I consider to be unadventurous eaters. I would say, since the start of my husband's residency, when the opportunity arises for both of us to go somewhere together, we also pick the same place. I usually end up ordering Dan Dan Noodles Szechuan Style (a peanut butter noodle.) My husband usually ends up getting the Braised Beef noodle soup. And sometimes, if feeling extra whimsical, we branch out and get either dumplings or a small appetizer to enjoy. Now, going to the same place I have always considered rather "unmagical." Every time, we discuss other options and every time those other options are pushed aside for our favorite place. Yet, every single time we...
