Wednesday, August 31, 2011

On Happiness

In this moment, I'm completely genuinely utterly happy. Things may not be perfect. There were definitely a few bumps in the road. I know I did my best. I know that next time will be better. With that said, I had some beautiful moments. Amazingly wonderful moments. Moments that I've been waiting so patiently for. Because of those moments, I will sleep so well.

Catch Up: Feast at Flatbread





Tuesday, August 30, 2011

Monday, August 29, 2011

Kafkaesque

This tremendous world I have inside of me. How to free myself, and this world, without tearing myself to pieces. And rather tear myself to a thousand pieces than be buried with this world within me. - Kafka

Saturday, August 27, 2011

More Than Extraordinary

To teach each child in my classroom, I have to know each child in my classroom. We teachers need to bring not only our extraordinariness but our flawed and real and ordinary humanity to this job, which involves a complex and ever-changing web of relationships with children who often need more than we can give them. - Ellie Herman

Wednesday, August 24, 2011

The Moment

On Monday, I had the most wonderful moment. It's so easy to be swept away with prep for kiddos, planning with team members and just getting used to being at work at 8 am. Then, there's a moment of clarity. In that moment, everything makes sense. Everything feels perfect. This moment for me? I went to drop off some supplies in another teacher's classroom. As I'm strolling across the playground, a little one darts from behind the handball court. She's heading full speed towards me. I give her a huge hug. She hugs me back with a huge grin on her face. In that moment, I know why I love being a teacher and I can't wait to get to know my new kiddos.

Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Monday, August 22, 2011

Change

Source

Saturday, August 20, 2011

Not So Strange Stranger

Dear Universe,

Thanks for sitting me next to the other fourth grade teacher today when my hubster had to go to urgent care. His enthusiasm, kindness and respect were exactly what I needed at the moment. That brief chat and sharing of compassion has created the opportunity for my heart to rest. Thank you for knowing exactly what I need and when to present it to me. 

Friday, August 19, 2011

Wednesday, August 17, 2011

Inspired By: JR

http://static.guim.co.uk/sys-images/Guardian/Pix/pictures/2010/3/6/1267906544410/JR-photo-Kibera-Kenya-001.jpg


http://i.telegraph.co.uk/multimedia/archive/01743/jr-checkpointcharl_1743962i.jpg


Watch the video of JR's TED Prize Wish: Use art to turn the world inside out.

One Last Getaway

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I'm craving one last summer getaway. It's been a rather quiet grey summer this year. I did lots of lounging and reading. Most of the major aesthetic details of my classroom are ready to go. That's what I did most of summer. Moved into my room. Organized, sorted, tossed. Basically, worked. I would have preferred more of a holiday. I've been really spoiled this year. Every few months, my hubster and I had to hop on a plane to be somewhere for something. This has been the longest stretch of time of this year that we haven't had to make a trip to the airport. 

I shouldn't complain too much though. The summer was sprinkled with mini trips here and there. We went to Vegas for a few days. I also spent some time with my friend in San Clemente. Two weeks ago, we were in Cambria for a few days. Just last week, I rode the train to LA for a day trip to explore Chinatown, Little Tokyo and Olvera Street. I guess I'm just looking for a bit of last minute excitement before the school year hustle and bustle. 

Tuesday, August 16, 2011

Monday, August 15, 2011

Friday, August 12, 2011

Mo' Mochi




While in Little Tokyo, my teacher friend and I stopped by Fugetso-Do Sweet Shop. It's one of the oldest sweet shops in Los Angeles. At first glance, the shop is filled with pre-packaged goodies. A few steps away from the doorway, there is a delicious array of mochi waiting in the glass case.  The mochi is made in house. I bought two pieces to take home to share with the hubster. The mochi was amazing. It was so soft and flavorful without being overly sweet. I'm looking forward to another trip to Fugetso-Do.

Thursday, August 11, 2011

Wedding & Anjelah Johnson



I heart weddings and Anjelah Johnson. This video is the best of both.

Wednesday, August 10, 2011

The Old Man


Once upon a time in 8th grade, I was introduced to Steinbeck's Grapes of Wrath. Immediately, I thought, "Ick. How long was that turtle description? The whole book just felt way too long. I'm never going to read Steinbeck ever again unless I'm forced to." Well, it's many many many moons later. I have read The Pearl, Of Mice and Men, Cannery Row and Travels with Charley. Somehow, good ol' Steinbeck has grown on me. I'm now onto his epic classic East of Eden. It's HUGE! That's okay I like big books and I cannot lie. 

Tuesday, August 9, 2011

Monday, August 8, 2011

Weekend Getaway


Thursday, August 4, 2011

"All I'm Saying Is, Kindness Don't Have No Boundaries."

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This summer has been the summer of reading. One of my current summer reads is The Help. Yes, the book that every book club lady has been talking about forever. Well, I read up to page around 300 and had to take a break. I just couldn't bear to read on. Nothing too terrible had happened to the main characters just yet. A few broken hearts and embarrassing moments here and there. The suspense is totally building. I couldn't bear to hear about awful things happening to any of them. I was telling my hubster these sentiments. He just giggled a bit. How could I be so attached to the characters? Well, that's how I know it's so well written when I'm that emotionally attached. It's such a heartfelt read. If you like The Help, I totally recommend The Color of Water.

Wednesday, August 3, 2011

Just Like Her

As I grew older, I thought I was becoming a totally different person than my mom. Yesterday, she reminded me that we still have so much in common. When she was my age, she loved photography and traveling (so she says). Even in her golden years, we share hobbies. We both love to garden and read.Last night, we were browsing Pinterest together. Of course, I get my best habit of all from her which is being a foodie. I guess we're not that different after all. Yay!

Panda Bread


My friend Nic was brave enough to try the panda bread recipe. For our reunion, she brought slices from her mini loaf. She thought that the panda didn't turn out too friendly, but I still think it's pretty adorable.

Tuesday, August 2, 2011