Yesterday began the M Body Yoga "40 Days to a Personal Revolution" program. This program includes the following each week:
-5 studio practices
-1 home practice
-1 day of rest
-2, daily meditations (morning, evening)
-In week 3, we do a 3-day fruit cleanse (That'll be interesting. I may call some of you whining).
-keeping a journal of daily food intake and things in general
-Monday night group sessions
Our 1st group session was last night, and we had to introduce ourselves and announce why we are doing this program. I hadn't thought about this extensively; I knew I wanted to do it for physical and emotional well-being. But when it was my turn to speak, what came out of my mouth was, "I'm tired of making excuses. I fill my life up with so many distractions to the point that I am unable to feel centered & feel good about my core...I'm not sure I've ever felt centered."
Hmm....thank you, inner-voice, for speaking the f*** up. lol :) After the next few people shared, I thought about what I'd said, and I realized that I'm also doing this to work on living in the present. Not doing this has been the cause of much anxiety and sometimes depression...which is just dumb (easy for me to say that now when I'm feeling so great). The last thing that helped me with that was my internship at Wolfson Children's Hospital. Your worries about life are put into perspective when 5-18 yr. olds are battling leukemia and you're perfectly healthy. More on that later.
So far, I am on track. I've done the meditations and have gone to the studio to practice both yesterday and today. I feel great. Really. I had more to say, but I think I'll stop there for now. A shower is in order.
1.27.2009
1.23.2009
*Part 2
*This is an old post I forgot to submit...
Next week begins the new resource schedule. This means I will be seeing the other half of the school who, up until now, have been attending music and p.e. rather than art and media. And up until now, I haven't been excited about the switch-0ver, but now I feel ready. In some ways, it'll be like starting a new year: I'll be able to re-establish rituals and routines in more effective ways. It's a second chance, mid-year.
Here are some of my goals for the next group of students:
-Provide more assessments
-Have each student create his/her own portfolio of artwork so that they can note their progress
-Have 3-5 minutes of warm-up/doodle time at the beginning of each class. (Thanks, mom, for giving me all of those notepads! They will be put to good use!)
-Create more art history/artist-focused lessons so that the projects are more in-depth & connected.
-Play more music
-Teach students the "Paint" application on the computer.
Next week begins the new resource schedule. This means I will be seeing the other half of the school who, up until now, have been attending music and p.e. rather than art and media. And up until now, I haven't been excited about the switch-0ver, but now I feel ready. In some ways, it'll be like starting a new year: I'll be able to re-establish rituals and routines in more effective ways. It's a second chance, mid-year.
Here are some of my goals for the next group of students:
-Provide more assessments
-Have each student create his/her own portfolio of artwork so that they can note their progress
-Have 3-5 minutes of warm-up/doodle time at the beginning of each class. (Thanks, mom, for giving me all of those notepads! They will be put to good use!)
-Create more art history/artist-focused lessons so that the projects are more in-depth & connected.
-Play more music
-Teach students the "Paint" application on the computer.
1.21.2009
Findings
I'm starting to feel as if my job is a sociological study or rather, could be used for one. Though every day could be described as interesting, I've discovered some particularly-interesting things within the past couple of weeks.
Finding I.
Last week, we did a lesson on African masks. I asked students what it means to be African American....(crickets). I asked how many thought they were African American...(crickets). Finally, a 5th grader said, "African American means you're black!" ::sigh:: Unfortunately, this was the answer (if any) given by the majority of students. This took me by great surprise. Are these kids really unaware of their heritage? Have they any idea how much adversity their ancestors had to overcome? If they did know, would it put into perspective how important it is for them to take seriously their education?
We discussed how & why the color of your skin doesn't necessarily determine your ethnicity. My kids had the most puzzled looks on their faces, but I think I may have planted a seed. I encouraged them to go home and ask their parents/grandparents/aunt/uncle/guardian about the origin of their ancestors.
Finding II.
In other areas, my students are extremely aware...perhaps a little too aware of the world and its issues. On the day of the inauguration, I had grade 3-5 students compose a letter to Barack Obama. We brainstormed by making 2 lists: one with advice for Obama and the other with promises as to what we will do as citizens to make a difference. Many students mentioned improving public schools, stopping child molesters, feeding/housing the poor, stopping prostitution, arresting drug dealers, cutting taxes, providing more jobs, etc. I was pleasantly surprised by how much they knew; at the same time I was saddened that they are aware of so many burdensome world-issues. Usually, children are so unaware of themselves and how they exist in relation to the world. There are many conflicting expectations for the students of S.P.; we want them to be able to come to school and just be kids, but on the outside, they are expected to be so much more than that for survival purposes. Some of them are so resilient and can withstand situations I wouldn't have dreamed of at their age. Others are victims of it.
There were some other items I wanted to discuss, but they have left me.
Have a great weekend.
Finding I.
Last week, we did a lesson on African masks. I asked students what it means to be African American....(crickets). I asked how many thought they were African American...(crickets). Finally, a 5th grader said, "African American means you're black!" ::sigh:: Unfortunately, this was the answer (if any) given by the majority of students. This took me by great surprise. Are these kids really unaware of their heritage? Have they any idea how much adversity their ancestors had to overcome? If they did know, would it put into perspective how important it is for them to take seriously their education?
We discussed how & why the color of your skin doesn't necessarily determine your ethnicity. My kids had the most puzzled looks on their faces, but I think I may have planted a seed. I encouraged them to go home and ask their parents/grandparents/aunt/uncle/guardian about the origin of their ancestors.
Finding II.
In other areas, my students are extremely aware...perhaps a little too aware of the world and its issues. On the day of the inauguration, I had grade 3-5 students compose a letter to Barack Obama. We brainstormed by making 2 lists: one with advice for Obama and the other with promises as to what we will do as citizens to make a difference. Many students mentioned improving public schools, stopping child molesters, feeding/housing the poor, stopping prostitution, arresting drug dealers, cutting taxes, providing more jobs, etc. I was pleasantly surprised by how much they knew; at the same time I was saddened that they are aware of so many burdensome world-issues. Usually, children are so unaware of themselves and how they exist in relation to the world. There are many conflicting expectations for the students of S.P.; we want them to be able to come to school and just be kids, but on the outside, they are expected to be so much more than that for survival purposes. Some of them are so resilient and can withstand situations I wouldn't have dreamed of at their age. Others are victims of it.
There were some other items I wanted to discuss, but they have left me.
Have a great weekend.
1.14.2009
Tidbits
Good news! Due to a lack of DCPS school board support, the possibility of West Jax being merged with my school is slim to none...closer to none. This makes me very happy because I don't think our school is ready to accumulate 200 more students yet. We're making significant gains academically, but there is much work to be done concerning the general atmosphere of the school and discipline of the students. Additionally, this gives me a chance to have another year (if my job stays intact) to teach, pay off my loan, save for graduate school, and get my professional certificate. Woot.
In other news, I've been getting the feeling that 2009 is going to be a year of growing and stretching. I can't put my finger on why I feel that way. The last year like that for me was 2006, and 2007 proved to be the year to apply all that I learned in 2006. We'll see what happens.
This is a short week: Friday is a Planning Day and Monday is a national holiday, as you know. My 24th b-day is Saturday. Hmmm...what was I doing 10 years ago? Oh yeah, hating high school :)
In other news, I've been getting the feeling that 2009 is going to be a year of growing and stretching. I can't put my finger on why I feel that way. The last year like that for me was 2006, and 2007 proved to be the year to apply all that I learned in 2006. We'll see what happens.
This is a short week: Friday is a Planning Day and Monday is a national holiday, as you know. My 24th b-day is Saturday. Hmmm...what was I doing 10 years ago? Oh yeah, hating high school :)
1.11.2009
My Favorite Things to Do When Sick
1. Sleep (and taking Nyquil to help that become a reality).
2. Read.
3. Drink blue Gatorade.
4. Drink hot, green tea with honey.
5. Watch movies or episodes of Saved by the Bell.
6. Take hot showers (well, I like those anyways).
7. Sit in the sun.
8. Sleep some more.
9. If it's a cold, I end up eating a lot even if I can't taste everything that well, especially the following: broccoli, spinach, tangerines, oyster crackers, veggie soup, egg noodles, toast, and grapes.
10. Not listen to music.
2. Read.
3. Drink blue Gatorade.
4. Drink hot, green tea with honey.
5. Watch movies or episodes of Saved by the Bell.
6. Take hot showers (well, I like those anyways).
7. Sit in the sun.
8. Sleep some more.
9. If it's a cold, I end up eating a lot even if I can't taste everything that well, especially the following: broccoli, spinach, tangerines, oyster crackers, veggie soup, egg noodles, toast, and grapes.
10. Not listen to music.
1.08.2009
Top 5 for the first week of spring term:
(not in order of importance)
1. I joined a gym and started going.
2. I painted!
3. I get to see my students from last semester until the end of the 2nd grading period. Then I'll have a new batch of kids. This gives me some time to put my game face on all over again for rituals and routines.
4. I think I made nice with my vice principal.
5. I had a nice, good cry at the beginning of the week.
1. I joined a gym and started going.
2. I painted!
3. I get to see my students from last semester until the end of the 2nd grading period. Then I'll have a new batch of kids. This gives me some time to put my game face on all over again for rituals and routines.
4. I think I made nice with my vice principal.
5. I had a nice, good cry at the beginning of the week.
Rusty
It seems that all the numbness from ending my 5 yr. relationship 3 months ago is starting to wear off. Over the past few days, I've been sadder than a polar bear on a melting iceberg. Today, I seem to be coming out of it, a little, thanks to friends and family talking me through it. Monday was one of those ask-me-if-I'm-okay-and-I'll-burst-into-tears type of days. Haven't had one of those in a long time. But the good thing is that it has provoked me to squirt out some paint and create a little. Yay.
This sounds ridiculous but at 23, I in some ways feel like my life is already mapped out (I know this isn't true, but hey, it's how I've been feeling). I feel this way mostly because of some financial obligations that are preventing me from saving money that I'd like to put toward graduate school...possibly overseas...amongst other things. Additionally, at 23, there is a part of me that is tired of being responsible. Part of me wants some time to do nothing but paint, ride my bike around, walk my dog, yada yada, be a beatnik. At the same time, I know I feel most accomplished and "happy" when I am involved with something, be it a job or organization or whatever.
I suppose I have some more soul-searching to do. Who doesn't?
This sounds ridiculous but at 23, I in some ways feel like my life is already mapped out (I know this isn't true, but hey, it's how I've been feeling). I feel this way mostly because of some financial obligations that are preventing me from saving money that I'd like to put toward graduate school...possibly overseas...amongst other things. Additionally, at 23, there is a part of me that is tired of being responsible. Part of me wants some time to do nothing but paint, ride my bike around, walk my dog, yada yada, be a beatnik. At the same time, I know I feel most accomplished and "happy" when I am involved with something, be it a job or organization or whatever.
I suppose I have some more soul-searching to do. Who doesn't?
1.03.2009
Preference
I am ready to publicly admit that I have been reading Stephenie Meyer's Twilight series and am thoroughly enjoying book 3 at this time. I in no way, shape, or form support the recent movie based on book 1...it was a disaster. I don't know about anyone else, but I am getting really tired of filmmakers adapting books into movies. It's almost like books are being written with the mindset that they will be made into a movie. Some things should be left in their original medium.
In short, the series revolves around a love story that involves a human (Bella), a vampire (Edward), and a werewolf (Jacob). Don't laugh. It really is quite good :) Both Edward and Jacob love Bella and while she loves Jacob as a dear friend, her heart belongs with Edward's. So Jacob loves Bella, Bella loves Edward, and vampire and werewolf are sworn enemies.
Anyways, what I find intriguing is the relationships Meyer has created between these characters. One of the things it makes you question involves what your preferences are when it comes to love/relationships. Do you prefer the infatuated-passionate-love-with-reckless-abandon-for-all-eternity relationship (Bella + Edward) or do you prefer the steadfast-unquestionable-ever evolving-exhilarating-but-calm relationship (Bella + Jacob)? Each one sounds pretty good, but the artist in me makes me partial to the Bella + Edward dynamic even though it's far fetched and somewhat unrealistic.
Thoughts?
In short, the series revolves around a love story that involves a human (Bella), a vampire (Edward), and a werewolf (Jacob). Don't laugh. It really is quite good :) Both Edward and Jacob love Bella and while she loves Jacob as a dear friend, her heart belongs with Edward's. So Jacob loves Bella, Bella loves Edward, and vampire and werewolf are sworn enemies.
Anyways, what I find intriguing is the relationships Meyer has created between these characters. One of the things it makes you question involves what your preferences are when it comes to love/relationships. Do you prefer the infatuated-passionate-love-with-reckless-abandon-for-all-eternity relationship (Bella + Edward) or do you prefer the steadfast-unquestionable-ever evolving-exhilarating-but-calm relationship (Bella + Jacob)? Each one sounds pretty good, but the artist in me makes me partial to the Bella + Edward dynamic even though it's far fetched and somewhat unrealistic.
Thoughts?
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