Well, this is indeed "unfortunate" as my niece would say. I have only two followers? Really? And my blog is so current and intriguing. I don't get it!
Ok - getting real - I'm disappointed in myself for neglecting the blog for a (embarrassed cough, hand over mouth) whole year....Shame. Shame. Bad Blogger!
At the last writing, I was hoping to get a teaching job. The dream came true just a few weeks after that post. I was THRILLED to go to work at the Jr High where I had been an aide for three years. I can't really think of enough descriptive words that aren't overused to tell about my year. I teach 7th graders and you can go ahead and shudder or have whatever reaction comes naturally to you when you hear the words "7th graders", but I LOVE THEM! No - I'm not joking! And...I get to teach them reading and writing, which I also love! I know they spent most of the year wondering why the school was allowing a goober like Mrs. Murphree to be in charge of their education, but lo and behold, we all survived with great TAKS scores and they apparently learned things - so did I. :)
I have stories -- and as I remember them, I'll share.
For today - I'm here to confess the reason for my re-entrance into Blogland.

You know teachers are constantly having to attend "workshops". I'm pretty sure there could be a better word for these gatherings, because "work" isn't really done - it's all sitting and listening; and "shop" .. well, hello - I have YET to be allowed to "shop" at a workshop... nonetheless... they are attended by teachers and cover a variety of topics pertinent to the continuing education of ... well, educators. I do have to admit I usually leave with at least a snippet of useful information even though many of them are BOring!

This week I spent two days at a workshop to prepare me for taking the ESL supplement for my certification. Our presentor was from Chile. She knew that most of us were not where we wanted to be on a summer day, but she was delightful to listen to because of her accent. The information was intense - a lot to cram in for two days - and I'm sure I didn't absorb all I needed to, but it's sort of funny that some of the lessons I take away from workshops, sermons, programs, etc ... aren't necessarily those intended.

One minute piece of information shared at this workshop was that our first language is our language of emotion. The term was 'code sharing' .... someone with a different native language is speaking in English -- then they get angry or excited and start talking in their native language. Their emotions have taken over and the thing that comes natural emerges.

So - I'm thinking - I have a lot of things going on right now. Not big, blatant problems ... just "STUFF" ... You know how STUFF gets in the way of the nice, straight path we've planned for ourselves. Distractions, concerns, problems... things to occupy my mind and keep me awake at night - gnaw at my thoughts during the day. When something isn't working right - my instinct is to attempt to fix it. As I consider this character trait, I have to admit that rarely does my "fix" work except to make me feel better...and sometimes not even that. :/

However, I think over my life since the age of 11 and realize that when things are rolling along at a nice pace, I do not write. If I do, it's just 'reporting'. When things get bumpy -- I write. Humor, sadness, tension, anger, worry, .... all these things (and more) bring about my need to put something on paper. The emotions take over and what comes naturally emerges. It's not even a choice.

I guess one thing that doesn't put me in the writing mood is exhaustion, and that's the thing I had the most of this past year. I did (and do) love what I do, but I rediscovered afternoon naps and early bedtimes. :) The funny, angry, worrisome moments were taken over by tiredness and I wish now I'd recorded more of those things as they happened instead of thinking I could catch up later.

For now - I'm going to try to blog each day to keep my STUFF balanced. I'm also going to read the blogs of others (friends - not like random political ravings and nastiness.... who needs that irritation!?).

Today's goal has been accomplished. haha.... I set the bar low today. ;) Hey - it's summer! And I got STUFF goin on! :)

jm