Oh, the places you'll go...

Thanks Beth for sharing this...

So, I don't know if it's kosher to read a Dr. Seuss book to yourself, but I read this little section to myself earlier today:
Whether you like it or not, Alone will be something you’ll be quite a lot.

And when you’re alone, there’s a very good chance you’ll meet things that scare you right out of your pants. There are some, down the road between hither and yon, that can scare you so much you won’t want to go on.

But on you will go though the weather be foul. On you will go though your enemies prowl. On you will go though the Hakken-Kraks howl. Onward up many a frightening creek, though your arms may get sore and your sneakers may leak. On and on you will hike. And I know you’ll hike far and face up to your problems whatever they are.

You’ll get mixed up, of course, as you already know. You’ll get mixed up with many strange birds as you go. So be sure when you step. Step with care and great tact and remember that Life’s a Great Balancing Act. Just never forget to be dexterous and deft. And never mix up your right foot with your left.

And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!
(98 and ≤ percent guaranteed.)

Kid, you’ll move mountains!
So…be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to Great Places!
Today is your day!
Your mountain is waiting.
So…get on your way!

Things I've heard lately

"Listen to music that soothes your soul."

So I did.

I really like this song, Times by Tenth Avenue North.

Here's the verses that fill in all the gaps of my heart:
"I hear you say...
My love is over, it's underneath, it's inside, it's in between
In times you doubt Me, when you can't feel
In times that you question, is this for real?
The times you're broken, the times that you mend
The times you hate Me, and the times you bend

My love is over, it's underneath, it's inside, it's in between
The times you're healing, when your heart breaks
The times when you feel like you've fallen from grace,
The times you're hurting, the times that you heal
The times you go hungry and are tempted to steal
In times of confusion and chaos and pain
I'm there in your sorrow under the weight of your shame
I'm there through your heartache, I'm there in the storm
My love, I will keep you, by My power alone
I don't care where you've fallen or where you have been
I'll never forsake you, my love never ends
It never ends."

I can't make sense of it, and I also can't stop listening to it.

Takin the Long Way

I think I've grown more accepting of myself taking a long time to do things. When I was growing up, I knew I wasn't the fastest kid on the soccer field, and I heard, "hustle this...and hustle that.." so ya know, I wasn't quick! But in general, if you mix stubbornness and a common case of "1st born-ness" you get banged up knees from falling over your own mistakes again and again.

Hence,

Takin' the Long Way by Dixie Chicks... check out this youtube video.

or read these lyrics...
My friends from high school
Married their high school boyfriends
Moved into houses in the same ZIP codes
Where their parents live

But I, I could never follow
No I, I could never follow

I hit the highway in a pink RV with stars on the ceiling
Lived like a gypsy
Six strong hands on the steering wheel

I've been a long time gone now
Maybe someday, someday I'm gonna settle down
But I've always found my way somehow

By taking the long way
Taking the long way around
Taking the long way
Taking the long way around

I met the queen of whatever
Drank with the Irish and smoked with the hippies
Moved with the shakers
Wouldn't kiss all the asses that they told me to

No I, I could never follow
No I, I could never follow

It's been two long years now
Since the top of the world came crashing down
And I'm getting' it back on the road now

But I'm taking the long way
Taking the long way around
I'm taking the long way
Taking the long way around
The long
The long way around

Well, I fought with a stranger and I met myself
I opened my mouth and I heard myself
It can get pretty lonely when you show yourself
Guess I could have made it easier on myself

But I, I could never follow
No I, I could never follow

Well, I never seem to do it like anybody else
Maybe someday, someday I'm gonna settle down
If you ever want to find me I can still be found

Taking the long way
Taking the long way around
Taking the long way
Taking the long way around

Strength to Strength

Just a glimpse really...but the head vs. heart battle...I don't understand it. I don't want to get too heavy on the blog, but honestly, what else is like this?

These guys knew: Winter Winds
And if your strife strikes at your sleep
Remember spring swaps snow for leaves
You'll be happy and wholesome again
When the city clears and sun ascends

And my head told my heart
"Let love grow"
But my heart told my head
"This time no"

And my head told my heart
"Let love grow"
But my heart told my head
"This time no
This time no"

With an excellent trumpet solo blaring in the background...thank you Mumford & Sons.

This exists in the shoulds. You know, like I should do this, or I shouldn't go here, or shoulda done this. The shoulds. They make us feel we should want something different than we really do. Our head knows what's good, what is best, but the heart...oh the heart, it's a fickle thing.

In this place, I wonder if we bargain? You know, when we ask God for something in exchange for something else? I'll be good...I'll be better...just, please?

Hope this isn't too much for the blog on a Saturday morning.
Shelb

Sad

I just finished this. I get sad when I finish really good books. I get sad when a really good movie is over. There's a piece of me that connects with the story, the characters, the adventure, their hearts, and then it's just over. It's a little bit of a loss. My soul kinda searches out questions like, "What now? What's going to happen next ? What about this? What next?" Maybe that just means the Author is good at what he/she does, right? I mean I was moved by a piece of work, a creation that someone else labored over, that's probably a goal they have. I guess, simply, I was moved by this story and I connected with the characters. If you've got time, I recommend it.

Shelb

Forever HillS

Good morning,

The morning after a long run/race is a bit questionable, you never quite know what to expect, how your body will be responding to the strain from the day's previous efforts. Well, this morning is no exception, I am surprised! Dare I say that my upper body is more sore than my lower after running a hilly 1/2 marathon? It's weird, I know, but I think it goes to show that going up and down hills is a total body effort.
Let me begin with Friday (the night before the race). We caught a Mumford & Sons Concert at City Market with some friends Amy and Maris & Co. Cake opened for them, and then my phone battery died, so no pics.
But Cake was pretty good, at this time we were more dodging the people of the crowd trying to get closer to the stage and see the stage better for Mumford of course. Mumford & Sons played and were really good. They played some new stuff which was really good and exciting for what's to come! I couldn't fight the urge to think about how much longer I until my alarm would go off to get ready for the race though...6 hrs...5 hrs...ouch!

So yes, the alarm went off at 5:30AM, a good 5 hours after going to bed from previous night--thankfully slept well! Chugged a whole bunch of water before bed, not to stave off a hangover, but to reinforce the hydration levels before a grueling race the next day.
Which brings me to the race...I was pretty nervous. I may look all smiley picking up my packet, but that countdown clock was rattling my nerves. There just seemed to be so many things out of my control...the heat, the course, the sweating-excessiveness, the meeting up with Brad for electrolyte chews, arrival time, meeting up with friends/parents at the end...that's a lot! AND, run 13.1 of the hilliest miles I've ever ran in my life!

Let me just say that running with Jenna is probably the best thing about my last semester of life. It just works so easily for us to run together, pace well, and cheer each other on...we can laugh together, give high-fives, struggle together, and bear each other's grimaces and anguished cries...not a bad pairing, if you ask me! Hence, on race day when one of us struggled, the other one was strong, not necessarily outspoken, but we relied on each other through the course. I think we decided that about 75% of the course was uphill and the heat/humidity was beyond oppressive. I can typically handle warm temps, I mean, I sweat, but it doesn't stifle me--race day was stifling. I think the greatest battle that was waging was between my body and the heat! We couldn't get enough water, we couldn't sweat fast enough, and I couldn't hold on to those ice-cubes passed out by precious people along the course long enough. It was hard.

BUT...
WE DID IT! Yes, if you look closely "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" did throw up on our medals and race-bibs..circa 1995, thanks for that Hospital Hill! We don't look terrible here, which I appreciate, I think it had been about 20 minutes after crossing the finish line. Oh man, I could barely stand up at the end, I could barely talk at the end... We were able to "sprint" to the finish and I was trying desperately to keep up with Jenna, all the while my mind racing with "AGGGHHHHONNNYYYY!!" You'll have to pardon my dramatics, but that's really how it felt!

Luckily ALL of those little details of seeing/meeting up with people without cell-phones in hand worked out! We pushed each other, Jenna REALLY helped me at the end and we made it.

I couldn't really connect in celebration so much that day. I more focused on walking slowly and hydrating.
I like this fountain picture, because this is where the race-participants "cooled-off." The Crown Center fountains were some of the best cooling mechanisms that day. I didn't play, because I was already soaking wet from sweat/sprinkler combos from the race course, but I liked that other people did! I managed to cash in on the Michelob ULTRA post-race...a wee little cup, probably not the best idea...but just wanted to be a part of the fun. Got a fantastic lunch in with Maris and the Muha's and could barely keep my eyes open the rest of the afternoon. I was mentally, and physically exhausted. I had head-rolling side to side action in the car on the way back to Manhattan, luckily Maris said she couldn't hear my snore-snorts that woke me up and startled me...she's nice! :)
Jambo tried to sleep too..
Sitting in Kate's carseat...head resting on driver's seat..she's sweet.

Well, I think that's all I've got for now...it's summer, and I'm taking a graduate course, which means I have homework that needs tending too! Eeck, homework in the summer, wish me luck! ;)

Shelb

Some of summa...

Greetings,

This commemorates the first week of summer for me. It's 10:25 AM, I woke up at 9:45 AM, and I'm sipping coffee and watching LIVE with Regis and Kelly. That's summer folks. I had a pretty fun adventure yesterday with my buddy Kate.
I think she's saying, "I'm ready for the Paaaaaark!" here. We left when the sun was out, but shortly after arriving at the park the clouds rolled in and we played for about 45 min, before coming home. It was pretty fun to push Kate in the stroller and walk by people that would smile, and look at her then look at me...assumption that she was mine? I kinda liked it. I don't think Maris would mind, right?! :) We had a great time playing...Kate had a great time hiding from me during nap time. It was so cute, I had to try REALLY hard not to laugh when she poked her head out of the hamper than she was silently hiding in. I looked for a good 5 minutes before the hamper lid creaked open...and she just let me call her name and search pretty intently for her. That little stinker!
I'm pretty excited for the first Ultimate Frisbee Game tonight, another "official summer kick-off event!"

Enjoy,
Shelb

The End of Year 5

Well friends, it's here. The last day of school. I am a runner, so finding parallels with running and life is in my heart (see above picture).
Through the years I've experienced the full spectrum of various emotions, sadness, excited, eager, and then this year: meh...
I know, I know, I'm weird and off, and I should feel SOMETHING--but the overriding truth of my heart/mind is "let's just be done with this year." I'm not regretful of the past year by any means, there were some excellent strides made in my classroom by me and my students. We all learned, we all grew, we were challenged, we had hiccups along the way, we bumped into each other, some of us fell down and stayed down for a while. But generally, we moved forward. I look at the Fall semester and am proud of what I accomplished in my Master's class work. I wrote the longest, probably best, paper of my life (30 pgs, 15+ references, BAM!) and really was intellectually stimulated. This spring, I mentored and experienced some significant growing pains with 2 student teachers and students in my classroom. It was challenging, and maybe the compilation of all events has lead me to be feeling a bit...tired.

You know when you were a kid and you had played really hard all day outside and you came in for dinner and you felt tired and should have stayed inside, taken a bath, and gone to bed--but you looked out your window and saw the neighborhood kids just starting a roller-hockey game on your street, and you looked on longing to be a part of the game, and convinced your parents that you weren't tired, and then bolted to play when you should have rested? (How's that run-on sentence my English-teaching friends?!) Yeah, that's kinda how I feel after the roller-hockey game...overly tired. Like, when you know that a mere nap simply won't suffice, your fatigue reaches deep and pulls at your neurons and dendrites and challenges your synaptic connections in your brain, sentences don't come out right...can't think clearly...desperately in need of rest.

That's me. AND, I believe it's the student's this time of year, and every other teacher crossing the finish line right about now. So, this week, I'm going to begin to attempt to unwind and try to figure out how to do that. Maybe raise my glass and sip a cold one...that'll be a good start.

If you have any suggestions, I'm all ears;) Happy Finishing!

Shelb

Face Lift

I've changed things up on my blog. Colors, design, etc, what do you think?

These "end of school days" as I'm referring to them are interesting. I find myself in limbo, having things to do...but can't do them at school, or students have work to complete, so I'm waiting to grade, essentially just hanging out.

This might sound weird, but I have mixed emotions about school being out. The normal feeling of elation escapes me slightly, instead it's a feeling of wondering. What's the next season have in store? What will the summer look like? How will I define rest this summer? What will occupy my time/energy/resources? Maybe I'm late on the uptake and these questions should have been thought-through or defined earlier, but it takes me longer at some things. So, that's where my mind has currently been as the school year wraps up.

Shelby

Going Once, Going Twice...SOLD!

Calling all Auction-lovers!

I know for you local-folks, there are lots of festivities around the Little Apple, all having to do with Food, BUT this festivity takes you out of Manhattan and to a different, smaller metropolis.


Check out that loot!!
Some sweet stuff--come out and support Riley County FCCLA
@Nelson's Landing in Leonardville from 5-7PM, then back at RCHS from 7-Spring Concert Intermission

Top Bids announced at Intermission! Chair will not make an appearance @Nelson's, but will be at RCHS!

See you tonight! ;)

to Meme

Didn't this used to be called a "chain letter?" oh, well Maris liked it, and did it, sent it to me, so here's my shot:

meme/mēm/Noun

1. An element of a culture or behavior that may be passed from one individual to another by nongenetic means, esp. imitation.

2. An image, video, etc. that is passed from one Internet user to another.

If you can go back and relive one moment, what would it be?

I would re-live several little scenes and moments. For example, when I worked at Kanakuk Kamps in college, and I was petrified to jump from the faith pole, I’d go back and leap with abandon!

Or, I’d go back to Hawaii with my family and savor all of the small moments again.

Last one, I’d go back to the stage of the Last Laugh Comedy Contest in 2008 and revamp some material and hold back less jokes and just let ‘er rip. It was pretty cool as it were though.

If you could go back in time and change one thing, what would it be?

I guess I sort of answered this prematurely in my previous explanation, but more specifically, I’d go back in time and take theatre classes in college. I wish I would have done more improv training and I wish my hair was longer as a little girl. If I had let my hair grow, and not insisted with such determination to get it out of my face/eyes so I could go back to playing outside and wearing baseball hats, I would have learned how to braid and do other fun things with the long hair that I have now.

What movie or TV character do you most resemble in personality?

Face/Hair: Jennifer Aniston (wannabe)

Body: Cameron Diaz (can’t you see it?)

Personality: Tina Fey Amy Poehler mash-up

What TV/movie character would you most like to be?

Maris’: Jodi Foster as Dr. Ellie Arroway in Contact. (Throwback!) Brilliant connection—I see it; fantastic movie!

Future film: Hunger Games; character: Katniss Everdeen. Let me say this too—Katniss Everdeen from the book. You know what I admire about her? Her ability to walk through and embrace significant pain both physically and emotionally. Katniss committed herself to leading people (the resistance) and sacrificed her talent/time/energy toward maintaining and fulfilling the ultimate commitment of preserving life.

Name one habit you would like to change about yourself.

Hmm, just one? Let’s see, I bite my nails when stressed/feel nervous. Oh, also, I feel the need to eat dessert after EVERY dinner. In fact, something sweet, usually small after lunch and dinner. HABIT.

Describe yourself in one word.
Evolving.

Describe the person who named you in this meme in one word.

Compassionate.

Why do you blog (answer in one sentence)?

I blog to offer world/daily encounters through my eyes with a sardonic tone and witty undercurrent that hopefully makes me smile, laugh and think.

Name at least 3 people to send this meme to, and then inform them.
@jennabrack
@maristhree
@cordycrawford3

delayed

i've decided to write in all lowercase for this post...i think it'll look more dramatic.

i've been delayed at KCI (dangit, caps!) for about...2.5 hours now. i've moved my sitting location from cafe, isolated chair-area, baggage claim carpeted floor and now find myself residing in chair against the wall in between family---women's restrooms.

I read for a while:
and alas find myself a "displaced traveler."
i'm pretty sure i can guess the other souls on board my flight as there are quite a bunch of us migrating to-and-fro in this little stretch of terminal. i remember my parents always said, "smokers love KCI, they can get right off the plane and get outside fast for a smoke." i haven't seen anyone smoking outside.
can't do lowercase any longer...goes against my education! Ahh, phew...ran into a Jersey-native. I knew he was a native because I could see Mike Muha all over him. He was a bit abrasive with strangers (i.e. Continental front-desk employees), a bit east-coasterly, a bit 'overly-friendly-talkative-complainy' Very Jersey.
Ha, unfortunately, his flight was canceled--not sure why I get to make it off the island and he is held up in the Marriott for another 24 hours..but I'm glad! We wished each other "luck" as I continue to check back to my neighborhood "departures" screen. The departure time has changed from 2:20PM to 7:47PM to 6:20PM to 5:52Pm Well by my calculations that appears to be moving up and closer to the actual time!
Let's see...what else...oh, I posted/took some pictures to Twitter, I am getting good with my new phone. Bought some sweet headphones because I left mine at home...thankful for and their free wifi that is enabling me to come to you LIVE! Oh, and Netflix Instant Watch, thankful for that too:)

Also, so far, celebrity sitings: zero. Fingers crossed though because Newark, New Jersey you know is a hub for who's who. I hear celebs are flying through Newark on their way to the Royal Wedding...or I just made that up.
Speaking of Royal Wedding, can we all save some of this hype for when I marry Prince Charming...not sure what the big deal is really...will she or won't she wear the crown?! I hear you can book these guys hourly and fly them to the States!

I've been spending too much time with my girl Tina..starting to sound like her. Well, cheers to you Air-travel industry...here's hoping you've got your act together...:)

Let this be a reminder to me to pack my carry on in something that has wheels too...shoulder shrug!

Recent adventures with teenagers

Recently, I had to small fortune of traveling with 7 students to a State Leadership Conference in Wichita, KS. My personal anticipation for this event was greatly overshadowed by the large personal cloud of responsibility. I was driving a school suburban with 6 precious passengers that belong and are dependents to other people. These 6 passengers became my precious cargo that I was entrusted with. The thing about driving with teenagers ranging in age from 15-17 is that they are learning and practicing drivers themselves. They ALL assumed the role "all-time-back-seat-driver."
At first I could tune it out, but man, as they carefully observed every maneuver or adjustment this large white suburban took on the country highway my stress level began to rise. The wind in Kansas can be fierce, and this just happened to be one of those days.
So, we leave on a Sunday evening with excitement under our wings, energy and sugar coursing through our veins with only our voices and the radio static to keep us entertained. Students shared personal stories, we laughed and listened to one another. They make comments like, "Whoa, geez Muha, swerve much?!" To which I reply, ever so calmly, "why thank you for noticing the wind and it's effect on a large SUV."
This continues for about 2.5 hours with intermittent, "I have to pee!" proclamations, surprisingly NOT from me;) It's amazing how observant these lovely Teens are...allow me to continue.
We arrive Sunday evening, have a good time "bonding" and helping a fellow student prepare for a competition the next day. We all retire to bed and try to sleep and store rest for the next 2 days. We have some down time Monday and I continue to be observed by my roomies. I shacked up with two teens, they share a bed, I fly solo. We have to share all the necessities that go along with sharing a hotel room such as lights, air-conditioner, noises in the night...You can imagine the things they take notice of as I am without make up/bed-head/pjs/post-shower clothes...
Finally Monday night as I was attempting to introduce students to the wonder of Gelato at a place no longer around called CHILL, I reached the boiling point. Comment, after comment, after comment about my driving or navigational abilities (or lackthereof) and everyone else on the road driving, I said, "Oh my goodness! Why are you all up in my BIDNESS?! You guys are like documenting every little thing I do! Why?!?!"

There was a pause for a moment.

Then, a brave, outspoken one said, "it's because we look up to you." That was followed by, "yeahs" and head nods by the remaining passengers.

I looked in the rear-view mirror at their youthful faces and smiled and said, "Oh...okay, then. Well...thanks."

I exhaled a much needed CO2 release and felt lighter.
"Oh... it's a good thing that they're watching and documenting everything I do." I thought to myself. And, "Oh yeah... this IS a privilege to be here right now with these young, eager to grow and learn adolescents; one I might not get again," I reflected back to myself.

Oh yeah...it's good to be reminded of that gift when I'm getting lost in Wichita and my brain never reconciled with the directions. It was as if I never got my bearings, but they kept on watching and paying attention to my reactions, my responses, my comments, all of it. I think back to myself and am grateful and have clarity as to why I was so tired when I got home after it all.

Oh yeah...this is why I'm a Teacher. Thanks kids.

Dare I post more lyrics?

Hi, well as much as I like to think that music simply adds a backdrop to my life, I think I actually take in the words/meanings/messages more than I thought. I mean, sure I hum the tune, and listen. But, I'm starting to see that more than it, the words have been sticking with me more than I originally thought they would. I'm glad. It seems that these words are helping me come to grips with the war that wages. I also think these are the words I would use...

Yet again, Mumford & Sons: The Cave

It's empty in the valley of your heart
The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears
And all the faults you've left behind

The harvest left no food for you to eat
You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see
But I have seen the same
I know the shame in your defeat

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I'll take mine
Now let me at the truth
Which will refresh my broken mind

So tie me to a post and block my ears
I can see widows and orphans through my tears
I know my call despite my faults
And despite my growing fears

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

So come out of your cave walking on your hands
And see the world hanging upside down
You can understand dependence
When you know the maker's hand

So make your siren's call
And sing all you want
I will not hear what you have to say

Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it's meant to be

And I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

It's empty in the valley of your heart
The sun, it rises slowly as you walk
Away from all the fears
And all the faults you've left behind

The harvest left no food for you to eat
You cannibal, you meat-eater, you see
But I have seen the same
I know the shame in your defeat

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

Cause I have other things to fill my time
You take what is yours and I'll take mine
Now let me at the truth
Which will refresh my broken mind

So tie me to a post and block my ears
I can see widows and orphans through my tears
I know my call despite my faults
And despite my growing fears

But I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again

So come out of your cave walking on your hands
And see the world hanging upside down
You can understand dependence
When you know the maker's hand

So make your siren's call
And sing all you want
I will not hear what you have to say

Cause I need freedom now
And I need to know how
To live my life as it's meant to be

And I will hold on hope
And I won't let you choke
On the noose around your neck

And I'll find strength in pain
And I will change my ways
I'll know my name as it's called again


Oh, I really hope so.

Some Songs

Good morning, I'll make this quick as the time is fleeting...I've really enjoyed the vocal styling of both Mumford & Sons and Missy Higgins lately. Particularly one song from Mumford & Sons, "Rolling Away Your Stone" check out the lyrics below:

Roll away your stone, I’ll roll away mine
Together we can see what we can find
Don’t leave me alone at this time,
For I am afraid of what I will discover inside

'Cause you told me that I would find a hole,
Within the fragile substance of my soul
And I have filled this void with things unreal,
And all the while my character it steals

Darkness is a harsh term don’t you think
And yet it dominates the things I see

It seems that all my bridges have been burnt
But you say that’s exactly how this grace thing works
It’s not the long walk home that will change this heart,
But the welcome I receive with the restart

Darkness is a harsh term don’t you think
And yet it dominates the things I see

Stars hide your fires
These here are my desires
And I will give them up to you this time around
And so, I’ll be found
With my stake stuck in this ground
Marking the territory of this newly empassioned soul

But you, you’ve gone too far this time
You have neither reason nor rhyme
With which to take this soul that is so rightfully mine

That's all for now, have a great Tuesday:)
Shelb

Oh Glee...

Dear Glee,

I can't decide if I want it to be public that I watch you or not. I mean sometimes you provide such fun and happy-singing times, that I just can't help but dancing around! Other times, you try to "teach" these culturally loaded messages through over-dramatized scenarios and I want to puke. I mean, last week, "can we REALLY expect adolescents not to drink alcohol?" This week, "you're going to have sex, but ya know, ...make sure it's means something and that you're ready." Honestly, do teenagers know when they're ready? I think maybe it's a discovery made after-the-fact that sends them spiraling into various directions. Those directions often being fear, regret, shame, doubt, confusion, uncertainty...questions...

I go back and forth with you, I really do.

Oh, and I can't help but wondering if you've taken the responsibility upon yourself to personally educate teenagers on theirs and all others sexuality? Just wondering. It's interesting because sometimes on Wednesday mornings (the morning after), I want to dance around and rock out to your classic tunes. Other times, I just want to shake my head and try to move past the pseudo-glorified look at really challenging things for teens.

Thanks for letting me share that with you Glee. I'm just trying to give you that real, inside-an-actual-high-school perspective. I'll give you one thing, you're not short on Divas, and you still managed to get Gwyneth back on for a sweet little dance number!

Think about it.

Shelby

Step, Step, Step on over...

Hello blog readers!

This Saturday morning, I decided that my best endeavor would be to rise early and check one objective off my list for the day bright and early. It has been over a year since I attempted any group fitness class other than cycling, but this morning, I thought I'd give STEP another shot. Honestly, I probably only went because Karla is the BEST teacher out there! I mean, as a professional Teacher, I have a strong affinity for those who can communicate and instruct well. There's something very comforting about being the one who's being taught instead of doing the teaching nowadays! It's right up there with being the passenger in the car and having someone else drive--top 5 favorite things right now, because I'm ALWAYS driving! So Karla took my happy feet all over the gym floor things morning on these lovely Reebok steps. Holy dead-weight Batman, my legs/feet and quite tired now! I like STEP because it's similar to dancing to me, except more strenuous and more sweat.

See...the third one in with total muscle definition--that's me! haha, jk! More like: if there was a puddle of sweat, that'd be mine, except not so much for STEP!

Favorite part: the lady in the back said, "703 Ladies! That's how many calories we burned!" Now, that my friends, is GOOD news! Always good for the calorie/bank account to know what we're working with today...especially after last night's ice cream/Maris' homemade delicious muffins with delectable orange sugar, butter infused glaze all melty on top. MMmmm, so good!

So, Saturday, here we go, going to attempt a mall-stop later today, it's been a while! :)

Hope ya'll have a great weekend!!
Shelb

oh Twitter

Seriously, I was NOT a fan, for awhile. But lately, it's been kinda fun. I have a few el studante's that follow me and they come in and they're like: saw you tweet, that's funny, and we banter back and forth a bit. I enjoy. Also, I get to live out some fake celebrity friendships via Tweets! They tweet, I read it, feel like we're buds, kinda like it.

Oh, another reason it's cool:
That's right! They were tweeting while in surgery last night...I don't know, I thought it was cool how they used it. I'm definitely not close to that degree of intensity of tweeting, but still thought it was cool:)
Well, it's Friday at 3:18PM, the kids are getting antsy, I'm beyond antsy! Must be time to go home! Follow me on Twitter:)

3rd storm in 4 weeks...

Well friends,

Once again, I'm still in my PJs (the purple ones!) at 10:30 AM on a Monday. That can, and should, only mean one thing: SNOW DAY! That's right, it's another round of winter weather sweeping the central plains, and I for one, just don't get tired of it. I don't know why... Perhaps, someday I will grow tired of freezing cold slush and tons of snow, but when it means I don't have to go to work, and an excuse to stay indoors under a blanket, I can't help but rejoice! I know there are others of you out there that get tired of the winter weather, and I completely understand...but the anticipation of waiting for my school district to show up along the bottom of the screen just does NOT get old. Think of all those moments you had as a kid waiting for school to be called off, it was like this door of limitless possibility just opened and you had the whole day OFF! I even had my lunch made for today, which means I don't have to make it for tomorrow, IF we even have school tomorrow! Ahh..., kind of awesome.
So now, I have the day before me...thinking about doing some yoga, thinking about watching a movie, thinking about reading and resting, who knows?! The point is, the day is OPEN! :)
I was even surprised to see KSU was closed today, that's a bit unheard of--at least when I was an undergrad.

I hope you have enjoyed my ode-to-a-snow-day, perhaps, you too will find a unique fondness to see an entire city laminated with an icy glaze, and then wait eagerly for the snow to begin falling, forcing us all to pause amidst our busy schedules and just look around. Kind of like stopping to smell the roses; winter style!

Muha--OUT! :)

PS--that's not me..just to clarify:)

It's been too long

Hi blog world,
Where has the time gone? I have missed discussing the major events in my life with you. I've missed the sweet documentation of happenings large and small, funny or kind of lame. So, let's see...I've given in to Twitter. I tweet. Sort of. I mainly follow some funny celebs in a "subtle" attempt perhaps "run into them" whenever I happen to be in the same "major city" that they "are in." Over use of "? Probably...just like my pal Joey Tribianni, probably not using them right. Oh well.
So, it's the start of Spring Semester 2011 and let me tell you the talk at the teacher table: SNOW DAYS! When are we going to have them, how to not get disappointed by possibility of this blessed event and re-living past awesome ice-storms (for those who had power the whole time...) and staying in the same pair of sweat pants for 3 days straight. In fact, said pants, earned the title of snow day pants! And I remember our time together fondly when I slip them on.
Also new talk from the halls of high school: this year's PROM theme! Want to hear my ideas? Well, I was on a roll:
Saving Private Ryan: everyone comes dressed at WWII soldiers!
The Great Depression: Everyone comes as pan-handlers looking haggard and with dirt on their faces! CHEAP decorations, just old metal trash cans with smoldering newspaper fires and holes with finger holes and we're good!
TRON: Everyone comes dressed in black with glow-stick taped to them dancing in techno craziness inspired by Wii Just Dance 2!
Full House/Saved by the Bell: Rockin' 80's. Nuff said, I'll come as DJ Tanner!
Roaring 20's: actually liked this one..flapper dresses, pin-stripe suits, swing dancing..
Vampires Suck: fangs are the sexy according to the newest Bachelor Brad Womack...everyone comes with pale, sparkly faces or as a werewolf and fight it out of over angst brunette's, who wouldn't enjoy that?
What sounds good to you?
Hmm, let's see, that might be it for now, but I'll keep you up to date with any new ideas that are proposed today!

Thank you Pandora for my 90's station!

:)