Keeping Track

Here is my list of visited countries. I have only ventured to 12 countries, 5% of the world. Only 5% is unacceptable and motivating. What country should be next? (Aaron and I each possess $400 worth of travel vouchers from this generous airline.)

create your own visited country map

Happy Happy New Year

It really is the small things that count. It is the people who force me to talk, the ones who take the time to be different, and the ones who go against the grain seeking change who truly motivate and change me. I have been having a rough time at work (thus in life) lately, for many reasons. But, the other day I decided to remove myself from my seemingly all-consuming inner-turmoil.

To begin this release-inducing process, I first noticed that others around me had been holding me up, atop their strong, beautiful shoulders with delicate and precise care for far too long. Then, as I metro-ed home alone I read my favorite teaching magazine. This caused needed and rejuvenating thoughts of why I teach high school where I do. Anyway, as I exited the metro station, there was tall, mesmerizing man singing and playing a guitar while perched atop the concrete wall. Below his dangling legs was a handmade sign that read: Music for Peace! Typically I walk faster than everyone to get home, but this day I stood and allowed myself to be mesmerized by this man's gesture and music. He noticed me (thankfully), and smiled mid-song. This smile delighted me so much that I smiled back, uncontrollably yet noticably. I noticed because it had been too long since I had smiled uncontrollably. So, we smiled, he sang and I mouthed, "thanks" and turned to head home.

No joke, as I turned my head to proceed over the Calvert St. bridge there was a car's bumper sticker right in my face that read: Peace on Earth!Peace on Earth! That same uncontrollable smile popped up and I strolled slowly home (still smiling, but now with conscious control). My job has not changed nor has the stress it brings been lifted, but my attitude has and that is the small thing that has made such a difference.

THANKS and HAPPY NEW YEAR to my beautifully strong shouldered friends! I would have no reason to smile or keep trying if it weren't for you!

New Mayor for DC

DC has (basically) elected Fenty. My two cents (whatever that may be worth): I strongly approve!

Ranting and Raving

I have nothing to write about, I don't want to share, and I surely don't want anyone to listen to me anymore...I am struggling these days to make sense, to gain control, to smile, to see my friends, to do my jobs, to love my dog... Whew! there is much-too-much complaining emminating from my fingertips onto this innocent keyboard.
So, in order to gain control, let's gain positive perspective:

PRO's:
1. I get to hold Aaron's hand everyday after school (work)
2. I get a cold lick from Keba's strangely spotted tongue daily as I cross my portico
3. I had coffee with Anna and Emily (AND, we escaped school early today to get this done!)
4. I work with some incredible teachers (who are also my great friends and lifelines)
5. My brother's birthday is today and he is a ball-full of fun lately
6. I saw my mom, sister, grandmom, and all of my aunts this weekend
7. I now know all of my new students' names
8. I am teaching a great teen read to my scholars at Chavez: Tears of a Tiger by Sharon Draper
9. I shall run tomorrow
10. AP and I are starting Yoga three days/week
Ok...this is therapeutic...

I could actually go on and on...11, 12, 13, 14...
But, suddenly there is no need. I just smurked (like a smile), re-read the PRO's and a needed surge of long-awaited contentness overcame. I needed that surge and smile-like smurk. This is why I started this ridiculous blog-- To have a forum (other than Aaron's exhausted ears) to sort through my fleeting thoughts. Now, I will floss, brush and swallow more water as I contemplate the sleep that will easily induce my weary (now happier and smurky) mind.
11. Good sleep and smiles
The above PRO's list goes on and on...

Sudoku anyone?

Scroll on down and waste some minutes playing some Sudoku. At least here you can actually get the satisfication of the answers (or cheat, if that's your style). This is not intended to imply that I am an avid Sudoku-er, but I did enjoy this Japanese mind tease on a recent long plane ride. Have a whirl and let me know how you are feeling after few minutes of this brow-furrowing fun!

You go Google

There is good news in the world. Read on to see what Google has been doing to help the world. Interestingly enough, my school (work) has switched to a Google hosted email system...and, talk about great! This new system has us communicating worlds better than previous years, and the provider is like-minded. Smiles indeed...it really is the small things.

Give a little

Support my aunt and uncle's quest to do good for the March of Dimes.

9/11

Never, ever forget.

Never, ever.

Adams Morgan Day Festival...

was today. This annual festival has flourished since I have called this neck of the woods my hood. This is the 28th consecutive year, and it was well-worth the shoulder bumping, toe jamming, and massive amount of styrofoam waste (well, no, it was not worth the latter).

Where is he?

Rumor has it that "the one-and-only" has returned to the States. Was it really you on my voicemail? Can this be true?

Oh wait...do you still speak English?