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.