Wednesday, April 30, 2008

Politics...

Good Morning.

Okay. I am struggling to type this entry out. It may be like one of those emails where you type all you are feeling and then delete or erase it before hitting send. I maybe need to keep this one under drafts or put it somewhere safe. (((pregnant pause))) I can't help it and feel very compelled to type and post in order to move forward with my day. And, it should be noted that I rarely make time to put out entries in the morning. I mean, really, my time of day is NIGHT; I am too busy struggling with getting out of the bed in the morning!

SOoooooooo, one lesson that stayed with me from Girl Scouts when we were outside my troop leader's home learning to make fires without the use of matches was There are some discussion you should never have with friends. Those are: religion, money, relationships, and politics. Now, keep in mind I was a Girl Scout in elementary school and my memory to that time is not the best. I've always kept that conversation in the back of my head.

I hate discussing politics. I seldom bring up how I choose/plan to vote unless I am with my family or in the company of those I trust. I can't help today to bring up something (small) that is really getting under my skin. I am just going to put it out there so I can continue doing what I need to do and not end up late for work!

Here we go:

It bothers me. I mean, it REALLY bothers me when people bash Rev. Jeremiah Wright for what they feel are ignorant, crazy things. However, this gets deeper. These are the same people that have been followers of Bush for two terms and can't see how ignorant or crazy he is. Um, can we say "slow down"? For those not familiar with the quote, that is what Bush said we were experiencing--not a recession...(sigh)

Please don't get it twisted. My being bothered is not sharing any political platform of who to vote for...Rev. Wright is being connected way too much to Obama at this point. Understand that money talks, and he is likely getting some nice checks which is why he continues to open his mouth.

My purpose for this entry is only to share my confusion with those who could quickly join Facebook groups, get on television or radio, etc., and have plenty to say about Wright but have yet to acknowledge the man that is leading this nation has the sense of a flea.

My apologies to those of you I've offended this morning! It's so seldom that I do it that I think we can forgive and forget.




Happy Birthday, Mother!!!!

Monday, April 28, 2008

Whenever You Call Me...

For the better part of my life I have spent my weekends involved in some type of enrichment program. All through elementary school it was church. I would show up for choir rehearsals or other activities with the youth. Once I got to middle school, I became a James Farmer Scholar. This organization carried me to high school. Almost every Saturday morning I would ride the school bus to (what was then) Mary Washington College. I'd meet up with other students from neighboring divisions, and we'd have classes and sessions to help us in bettering ourselves (e.g., field trips, SAT prep, arts/crafts/speech making, etc.). There were even summer sessions, and we'd stay at the college for a week and enroll in "college" courses.

When I went away to college, I didn't immediately take on doing anything. School work and adjusting to a new environment were enough for my plate; however, during my junior year, the sorority I belong to saw a need to assist in the community. We brainstormed, outlined, and presented a plan to a nearby middle school that excitedly agreed to work with us, which birthed the group Project D.I.V.A. While it was rarely our Saturday mornings that were occupied, Fridays like clockwork we'd make our way to Berkeley Middle to work with our group of young ladies, helping them with typical adolescent troubles. The greatest joy is the program still exists, and my undergraduate chapter is still working with the school.

The first year I began teaching, two of my colleagues formed the program Rites of Passage. The purpose of the program is to train our students in man-/womanhood. There are anywhere from 24 to 42 sessions in a given school year, and we discuss all sorts of topics. Each year the program has shaped itself around the needs of our kids and number of volunteers we have. The first year there were times where there may be only 1 to 3 volunteers with 50 kids. The blessing has come in our college volunteers that have taken a love and passion for our youth. We've had Saturdays this year where there were more volunteers than students! Our students and volunteers love the program. It is so awesome to see the students grow over the period they're involved with us. Some of the students that never get recognized for good things sparkle while with us.

Very seldom does this part of my life ever seem like a job or task. Firstly, I've never asked for or received pay to do it. The pay that I have been offered goes directly back into the budget that funds the program. Often, my friends and co-workers applaud my efforts in giving back my time on the weekends, but they fail to understand the paybacks that come from giving just a few extra hours each week. The established relationships and lives that are impacted make it all worthwhile. These students call, email, and hunt me down to make sure I know what is going on with them...

Last night I spent time on the phone with one of my kiddos. She is in high school and has come so far! In middle school, she stayed in trouble and lived in the office. Her attitude was poor and she'd fight anyone. Now, she is making good grades and setting the example for her peers. She wanted to share with me the accomplishments of some of our former students that have recently been accepted to college. She also wanted to make sure I was following her advice of eating and drinking something warm to get better soon. And, of course, we had to discuss her work for the week: Any tests or quizzes? What are your grades looking like? Do we need to get to the store for supplies or over to the library? I am responsible for her, and she knows I am here whenever she calls.

I also I have my two little knuckle headed boys that have yet to fully pull together the lessons we teach. It was no surprise on Saturday when they shared having been somewhere Friday night they had no business being and running from the police (sigh). They both begged me to show up for their AAU game to show support. They didn't get that I was sick!

And, I'd be remissed if I didn't highlight the one that is even making me think to type this entry tonight. My youngin' that I began working with at the high school where I worked last year. Her homelife is a rough one. She doesn't have a relationship with her mom, and she is desperate for attention. She has so many talents but is a follower, easily falling into the wrong crowds. So, she emails me tonight that she could possibly be pregnant. I have to stop. Think and process, knowing that this child has so many strategies. What I know is that she wants a reaction, which I can't give no matter how pained I am...Then I refuse to make contact because this gives her the audience she wants. I have to focus on the key word: "possibly". Until it is confirmed, I play cool. I have taught and shared with her all that I can. Her decision to do a grown action is in her hands; she has to be prepared for the consequences that follow.

Majority of the students that I mentor are of color. This is what keeps me down but determined to do all I can. I despise the achievement gap that exists in my division, in the state, in the nation...I hate that in the 15 or 16 thousand some school divisions in America, Black females and males rank at the bottom in ALL categories for test scores and academic achievement. My heart bleeds that educators try to fit us into a box and feel they cannot teach students that look like me. We're a topic of discussion at workshops, faculty meetings, and teacher work rooms. Our students believe the lies and misconceptions and would rather boycott the classroom than prove the teacher wrong, which is why the drama teacher sits in my office so badly wanting to put on the musical "The Wiz" for next year but desperately trying to figure out if the students of color will come out and participate...

On most days I love my job and that I can be and make a difference in the lives of those I see. However, there are moments of discouragement where I just want to scream because I feel I am getting nowhere and the kids truly do not get all of the sacrifices and struggles of those fighting battles for them on so many levels. I look at the television and see the politics of this presidential election. I turn on the radio and listen to the latest debate on Sean Bell. I want my babies to wake up, be recognized, and to shine because they are all so very capable. I want my talented highly qualified colleagues to believe that ALL children can learn. I want parents to feel they have a responsibility of exposing their kids to literature rather than giving them cell phones and setting them free at New Town on Friday nights.

Good or bad news they know that whenever they call me, I'll be there. They are my joy and my purpose for this life.

Tuesday, April 22, 2008

New York, I Love You

Try four days and nights in New York City as the administrator on duty...C'mon, I dare you. Our annual music department's spring festival was in New York this year. Our orchestra and band students went as a group, and our choir went as the other group. That put us at almost 200 kiddos from a middle school in Williamsburg, VA. Surprisingly, there were few issues with discipline, getting lost, etc. My biggest issue was battling the bus drivers we hired and arguing with the bus company about expectations and the itenerary--YIKES!!!

While I am drained and sick (again), I am glad I had an opportunity to be a part of such a unique experience. I never dreamed when I was in high school doing my trips to Florida and New York that I would one day be an educator accompanying students on a trip. The best part of the trip was celebrating the successes and achievements of our kids. We walked away with some AWESOME acknowledgements and awards, including our choir teacher getting the BIG director's award for her dedication and hard work.

I can't express how much I love New York. The atmosphere and pace of life is so exciting. There are so many things to do, places to go, and opportunites for exploration. I think my "fear" in going up that way would be the cost of living and figuring out what I would do. I have some friends up that way and will plan to talk with them; however, my goal is to start with a city that I can manage and perhaps work my way to New York (smile! Yes, I have a plan!)...I know I would not be able to handle the cold weather--that would be my one MAJOR complaint!

Last Thursday, Lisa, our school's choir director, and I decided to walk Central Park. The students that had been set free in the city for sight seeing, and we had some free time before the kids had rehearsal. We happened to be in the park on the day that the Broadway casts were having their baseball/softball tourneys. Lisa and I were quite excited and looked to see what shows were participating. The team we stumbled across first had this hot actor who I determined would be my future husband; he was from "Wicked" or "Blue Men". We laughed and talked about him and watched the game for a bit. Then we set out to find the game where the "Hairspray" cast was since that was the show we were seeing. We found them playing against "Mama Mia", and "Hairspray" was losing. There was a cast member whose jersey titled him "T". This is also how his fellow cast members addressed him. He was up to bat and I watched him make his way to the plate. Of course, Lisa had something to say, and I was still on #17 from the first field (smile). There was brief eye contact between myself and T, but realistically I knew these were actors, I am on a trip, I am a realist...Well, on the night of the show, Lisa and I had paid close enough attention to identify those on the stage from the game. When I spotted "T" I began to thumb my playbill to read his bio...So, it became a HUGE shock when I saw the name Tevin Campbell. Tevin Campbell? I only know of one Tevin. The one I had that crush on in middle school and high school. You know the one that sang "Can We Talk" and "We Go Round and Round"? The one that was on "Fresh Prince of Bel Air" when Ashley celebrated her birthday and he came and sang to her and she fainted??? You know that Tevin Campbell? It was him! There he was on the stage doing his thing...I was already excited because Norm from "Cheers" was in the show, but this was even better.

I wonder if he noticed I was in the crowd...You're laughing, but I learned that the actors really do pay attention the crowd. I know I did when I was in shows. I should state that I had a "secret weapon" that did draw attention to where I was sitting: Ezra. The nurse on our trip has a brother that lives in New York. He, his girlfriend, and their friends came to the show. The friends had the CUTEST child ever!!! His name was Ezra, and Ezra really liked me and became a friend of mine during the show. Well, Ezra's mom is an actress. After the show they stayed behind to see some of the cast who all came out to see little Ezra and talk about how they were watching him during the show. So, did he see me??? Sure...he did!

The trip was a memorable one! These are the unique experiences of an administrator.

A side note...I made my first Tiffany's purchase! I was so very excited and am pleased with the little gift I got as a late birthday gift for myself. Every woman needs a little blue box at least once in her life, or a really great pair of shoes...or a purse...hahahaha...I am going to stop there!

Saturday, April 12, 2008

My Family Away from Family

It's moments like these that I never want to end. Vacation. I'd say it's one of the perks of being an educator. The holidays and breaks we get can truly be wonderful and tend to be right on time.

This past year I officially tagged one of my past employers and her family as my "family away from family". Other than my own family I couldn't imagine too many others I would want to spend as much time with. Her family, her sister's family, and her brother's family have taken me in as their own. When Sundays come around, I know I have a spot for weekly dinner. During the week if I have late hours at work and do not feel like cooking or making a fast food run, it's nothing to call up Lynda and know I can walk right in, get a plate, and stuff my face. I appreciate that when I make trips to visit with my family or journey somewhere they want a text message or phone call (like my mom or brothers) when I arrive and leave. I love that the relationship isn't a dependent one--me being the only one calling or asking. If they need something they know they have my support and time. From babysitting to store purchases, it's just a matter of asking.

Lynda is the sister I never had--and there is a VERY small pool of women in my life that I have said that about. The same age as my oldest brother, she is a mentor, best friend, and listening ear. There have been moments this year (and last) where, when I was close to tears, frustrated, or in need of assistance, I'd pick up the phone and receive her advice, encouragement, and prayers. It's hard to believe that during the summer of 2006 we almost lost her...I thank God for giving her more time because it sparked a friendship that I know is beyond seasonal. He makes no mistakes!

I met Lynda while I was an undergraduate and my sorority was at her school for a mentoring program. Little did either of us know that a few years later I'd walk into the school where she'd just been hired as principal to become one of her employees; it was my first teaching position and she made me feel so welcomed. She's been an awesome woman to watch and learn from in my profession, and I marvel in how God knows the plans He has for us.

I think what I love about Lynda the most is her ability to make others feel so special. It's not just me that she opens her home to, makes tea for, and is willing to give dinner to...She does it for the peeps, which is our little family of friends that has developed over the past few years. We all know that she will go above and beyond to help and be there for any of us despite all that she has on her plate. There have been times where she has been in so much pain with tons to do, but she would take time to talk and help--not once complaining or bringing up her own problems. One of my graduate school essays tried to capture this type of servant leadership--it's the essence of her and I admire it so much.

So on tonight--the last night at the "Big House" with my family away from family, I stop for a moment to value and cherish the memories created over the past few days with some of the sweetest gifts God saw fit to bring into my life. As I frequently do when with my family, I close my eyes, pause, and try to capture special moments. How sweet it is!

Friday, April 11, 2008

Random Facts...I'm back!

Okay...So between getting sick, celebrating a birthday, and being in a wedding, I have not been able to get on to blog. I have to transition myself back into my routine; I'm going to start with a survey: Random Facts...

What is on your bed right now? Well, at home I have the bed made nicely with a blanket, towel & washcloth for my sorority sister who will be staying at my place tomorrow evening. Here at the beach house where I am spending the remainder of my Spring Break I have a blanket, cell phone, coat, and camera on my bed.

When was the last time you threw up? It's been a while. I've never been the throw up type :)


What's your favorite word or phrase? "That's good stuff!" "Hallelu!" "WOW"

Name 3 people who made you smile today? Tricia, Eli, and Bubba

What were you doing at 8 am this morning? still sleeping :)

What were you doing 30 minutes ago? walking around outside and looking at the beach

What is your favorite holiday? Thanksgiving or Christmas...the one that allows for the family to be together

Have you ever been to another country? Yes! Europe

What is the last thing you said aloud? I think I said, "Sounds good."

What is the best ice cream flavor? I like chocolate or vanilla.

What was the last thing you had to drink? Ice Tea

What are you wearing right now? jeans and my Spotsy High cheer shirt...YES, I can still wear it :)

What was the last thing you ate? breakfast: eggs, bacon, potatoes, and other good food

Have you bought any new clothing items this week? No, but we're going shopping later today...that theory could go down the drain. Wait! I am not telling the truth. Yesterday I purchased a pair of knickers; they're cute.

When was the last time you ran? UM...Yeah, I don't run.

What's the last sporting event you watched? UM! Final Four :) gotta love college ball

If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go? Well, I am at the beach and loving the relaxation.

Who is the last person you sent a comment/message on myspace? Melanie (I think)

Ever go camping? Yes, when I a Girl Scout.

Do you have a tan? Yep--the natural

Have you ever lost anything down a toilet? No--thank God!

What is your guilty pleasure? McDonald's

Do you use smiley faces on the computer a lot? too too much

Do you drink your soda from a straw? I don't drink soda...

What did your last text message say? It was a biblical passage from one of my friends.

Are you someone's best friend? YES!

What are you doing tomorrow? Relaxing at the beach with my family away from family!

Where is your mom right now? She's at home...wish she was here with us :(

Look to your left, what do you see? Kayla Marie :)

What color is your watch? silver

What do you think of when you think of Australia? Elizabeth--my good friend that moved there when we were little

Ever ridden on a roller coaster? YES! love them

What is your birthstone? Aquamarine...(sp)

Do you go in at a fast food place or just hit the drive tthru? Drive thru

Do you have any friends on myspace that you actually hate? No

Do you have a dog? Nope

Last person you talked to on the phone? Mother! :)

Any plans today? RELAXING AND ENJOYING SPRING BREAK

Are you happy? Most of the time I am and this is not an exception.

Where are you right now? ONE of the living rooms in this HUGE beach house of 19 people :)

Biggest annoyance in your life right now? I plea the 5th...

Last song listened to? Something on Nick Jr.

Last movie you saw? Not a clue...

Are you allergic to anything? strong perfumes and soaps make me break out

Favorite pair of shoes you wear all the time? Oh, I LOVE shoes! I couldn't name just one pair.

Are you jealous of anyone? Nah--too blessed to hate on others.

Are you married? No...one day (soon) :)

Is anyone jealous of you? I couldn't tell you.

Do any of your friends have children? Oh yes :)

Do you eat healthy? It all depends.

What do you usually do during the day? Work hard

Do you hate anyone right now? I am not much of a hater.

Do you use the word 'hello' daily? Yes.

How many kids do you want when you're older? undecided

How old will you be turning on your next birthday? Olivia says 15 & I'll take it!

Have you ever been to Six Flags? Yes

How did u get one of your scars? belly flopping a gym court floor in a cheer stunt that (clearly) went badly