07 January 2009

Reason 8,560,345,612 I Love My Job


Great kiddo story from this morning...

During Reading class, we were discussing what it might be like to live during pioneer days and farm on a prairie. One of my boys said, "Ms. Maple, isn't there a song about that? 'Livin' on a Prairie,' right?" I had to just smile and appreciate his childlike thoughtfulness. I gently corrected him that the song is actually "Livin' on a Prayer" and is sung by the classic Bon Jovi. And then as I retold the story to my colleagues, I laughed until I cried.

04 January 2009

paradise

Here are a couple pics from the trip Matt and I took to my sister's in Puerto Rico last week. Talk about breath-taking!


17 November 2008

give thanks

thanksgiving is my 2nd favorite holiday and it's right around the corner! i was just thinking today while my students were working quietly (shocking!) that i really have an incredible number of things for which to be thankful. but my very next thought was, "why does it take a specific holiday on the 4th thursday of november before we specifically recognize those things, people, etc. with which we're blessed?" and isn't it ironic that the very God whom the pilgrims came here to worship freely...the same God on whose principles this country was founded...that very God is the same one whom our politicians and crazy lefts have booted from our public schools and refuse to recognize? how can anyone possibly celebrate thanksgiving and completely leave out the very basis of its' existence? it's completely illogical. however, it does line up remarkably well with the ideals on which they base all their decisions. alright, i didn't intend to get off on a political tangent...back to the matter at hand...

i have some seriously incredible blessings in my life. family, friends, and the love of my life. 24 of the greatest (and most challenging!) 8-year-olds who bring my classroom to life. even though my life is crazy busy, all the things i'm involved in bless my life in some way. sometimes i get bogged down and forget that. i need to be better about focusing less on "thanksgiving" and more on "thanks-living."

25 June 2008

another one bites the dust...

well, it's official. my little sister is hitched to one of the most respectable men i've ever known. the day could not have been more perfect. there had been threats of rain for the entire week leading up to the big day. dark clouds loomed throughout the morning; some rain fell. but when it came time for lindsay and craig to say their vows, the skies were blue and the sun shone brightly. even the 2-year-old flower girl walked right down the aisle without the slightest hesitation. every single thing about the day was ideal. this whole "younger sister getting married first" deal has had me strapped in tight to the roller coaster of emotions since the day they got engaged. but when it comes right down to it, none of this is even about me. it's been about her and i couldn't be happier for her. i love her more than life itself and she's happier than she's ever been before. that's all i've ever wanted for her life. plus, this way i have a killer place to go on vacation in december!

21 May 2008

reaching

have you ever felt as though you work as hard as you can, put forth all you have, and do your very best, yet the goals you strive for remain just out of reach? i find myself at that specific point in nearly every area of my life and it just might send me over the edge.

i recently spent 3 days in knoxville, tennessee and i'm afraid a large part of my heart remained there. i went down to graduate. i had no family there (other than my graduating sister), but the friends that i was able to share the event with are absolutely some of the most important people in my life. i've missed them greatly and i didn't even realize just how much.

my sister gets married one month from today. june 21st, she'll walk down that aisle and say "i do" to one of the greatest men i've ever met. two weeks later, they'll move to puerto rico where they'll live a paradise life and teach children. and she's counting down the days until she can get out of here.

a couple days ago, i found out that instead of teaching 1st grade next year, i'll be teaching 3rd. obviously, there are pros and cons to all situations. i think this will be a good fit for me. so, this summer, i start over again.

i want to buy a house more than i want to do anything else in my life right now. it's the scariest thing i've ever considered doing and it makes me feel like i'm way out of my league to even attempt it on my own. it's a bittersweet process for me; the idea of being completely independent is exhilirating...yet, this is one of those things i never dreamed i would be doing by myself. i always pictured myself sharing this experience with...someone.

well, it's back to the grind now. this time of year is incredibly busy for school-people. so many grades to finish up, textbooks to account for, and most importantly, children to enjoy for just a few more short weeks. i can honestly say that i will miss seeing them on a daily basis. they bring me joy every day. regardless of all the politics and the drama and the nonsense that goes on in the "grown-up world," i know that as soon as the first 7-year-old walks through the door at 745am with a "good morning, miss maple!" and a smile on his/her face, i am right where i should be. i am doing what i was made to do and i couldn't ask for a more rewarding profession. throughout the frustration and the sweat and tears, at the end of the day, i would not trade this for anything.

there's the nutshell.

16 February 2008

contentment

"Sometimes I wonder about my life. I lead a small life. Well, not small, but valuable. And sometimes I wonder, do I do it because I like it, or because I haven't been brave?"

For so many years, this movie quote has been my mantra. Am I truly enjoying my life or am I playing it safe? In the last few months, I have found the inner strength to ditch these lines and come to the conclusion that I am, in fact, right where I should be doing exactly what I was meant to do. Yes, I lead a small life. Everything I do happens in the little town where I grew up. Besides teaching 1st grade and coaching 7th grade volleyball this fall, I've added a kickboxing class, coaching long/high jump at the high school level, coaching a 5th-6th club volleyball team, new friends, bizarre encounters...and contentment. Sure it's not all "rainbows and butterflies"...I've dealt with my fair share of situations (and people) that I would just as soon not face again as long as I live. But life is 10% WHAT you deal with and 90% HOW you deal with it. I refuse to let the crap of life get in my way. As my good friend Matt Wertz says, "Happy times are here again."

25 September 2007

exhaustion

i teach 1st grade. i coach 7th grade volleyball. i'm exhausted. like, all the time. but i couldn't ask for a better place to work and live and be. as hard as it might be to believe, i'm enjoying my hometown. call me crazy.