* Disclaimer: This is unabashedly corny*
A lot has occurred since the last time I wrote here, though it only has been four months. Those that know me well know I live a full life that is relatively dramaless. Under a series of unfortunate circumstances, my life has suddenly been muddled with drama. At first, I was not handling it well, but I have reached a new perspective.
My life is not about what other people say of me, especially people who are speaking out of anger or perceived injustice. People who truly know me know who I am, and, more importantly, I know who I am. I have never been someone who struggled to realize her identity, nor have I lacked purpose or focus. I am here to be a positive influence, to help whoever I encounter in whichever way I can. Not to sound too cliche or fluffy, it's truly what I want. Whether it be in just providing a friendly face to a stranger, teaching children a new concept in a way that makes them truly learn it and be delighted in its application, or being an ear to hear what needs to be said, that's what I want to be.
I have become more and more aware of what a large impact small things can have on everyday life. Much like the butterfly effect (but a little less intense), one person's action, however small and meaningless it may seem, can have a great effect on another person. In 2006 (Wow! That's four whole years ago!), my friend challenged me to journal everyday something positive that happens, that brings joy. Looking back at this chronicle, I see that most of the things I list are small: an email from a friend, a nice cashier, a hug from an unexpected hugger, a child showing sudden understanding of a difficult vocabulary word, a hike with a visiting friend, a compliment, a shared joke, a truth revealed.
Here's my challenge for all of you out there in Blogworld:
First, don't be afraid to be the "small, good thing" giver to someone out there. Don't just pick one person! Make EVERYONE you encounter feel better because they encountered YOU! Or try. It won't always be possible...
Second, I challenge anyone to daily chronicle their "small, but good things." You might realize what really brings gladness into your life.
P.S. Found this written down for March 1st: Two first graders in the class I was subbing for were having a problem and asked to talk to me outside:
Kid: The problem with our relationship is that we really love each other and our names are written on each other's hearts, but we find it hard to show that..."
Sunday, November 21, 2010
Friday, July 16, 2010
Edward Cullen Changed My Life
For no real reason, I decided to reread the first couple of blog entries. My life has changed so much since then!
For those of you who are unaware, Edward Cullen changed my life. First of all, a little over a year ago, I met a new friend, Maryann, who told me I needed to read the "Twilight" books. Since it was my summer, I did so, reading the first three but not finding them that noteworthy. However, Maryann then told me that, because I had read the books, I was now allowed to watch the movie. A couple of ladies and I went over to another lady's house to watch the DVD. It was horribly bad and I did not hide my opinion. During one lame scene when the 100-something year-old vampire trapped in a teenager's body was playing classical piano, I turned to a friend and said rudely, "Of course he knows how to play the piano. He could learn whatever he wants to! He's been alive for 100 years!" Instead of allowing me to blow hot air, my friend turned back to me and said, "Erica. You will probably live to be a hundred. What are you waiting for?"
This struck me. That night I made my bucket list and got right on some of the things on the list that were not too expensive or impossible; I signed up for a knitting class at a nearby knitting store, an art class through Phoenix Parks and Rec, a book group through my favorite bookstore, and an American Sign Language class through Tempe Parks and Rec. The knitting class was a flop (I am not coordinated enough for it, but at least I tried!), but I stayed with the art class, book group, and ASL (joining a local group that meets biweekly for "silent coffee"). I've picked up some more of those bucket list items, too, since then: I'm currently getting my Masters in Education: Reading and Language Arts, I bought a bike (though it's too hot to ride right now), and recently signed up for a series of basic cooking classes that will start in September.
School's starting in two weeks, and I'm STOKED! Thank you, my friends, for sticking with me these last four years... what a trip!
And thank you, Edward Cullen, for inspiring me with your lame portrayal in a movie. Who would have known that a horrible vampire movie could change a life for the better.
For those of you who are unaware, Edward Cullen changed my life. First of all, a little over a year ago, I met a new friend, Maryann, who told me I needed to read the "Twilight" books. Since it was my summer, I did so, reading the first three but not finding them that noteworthy. However, Maryann then told me that, because I had read the books, I was now allowed to watch the movie. A couple of ladies and I went over to another lady's house to watch the DVD. It was horribly bad and I did not hide my opinion. During one lame scene when the 100-something year-old vampire trapped in a teenager's body was playing classical piano, I turned to a friend and said rudely, "Of course he knows how to play the piano. He could learn whatever he wants to! He's been alive for 100 years!" Instead of allowing me to blow hot air, my friend turned back to me and said, "Erica. You will probably live to be a hundred. What are you waiting for?"
This struck me. That night I made my bucket list and got right on some of the things on the list that were not too expensive or impossible; I signed up for a knitting class at a nearby knitting store, an art class through Phoenix Parks and Rec, a book group through my favorite bookstore, and an American Sign Language class through Tempe Parks and Rec. The knitting class was a flop (I am not coordinated enough for it, but at least I tried!), but I stayed with the art class, book group, and ASL (joining a local group that meets biweekly for "silent coffee"). I've picked up some more of those bucket list items, too, since then: I'm currently getting my Masters in Education: Reading and Language Arts, I bought a bike (though it's too hot to ride right now), and recently signed up for a series of basic cooking classes that will start in September.
School's starting in two weeks, and I'm STOKED! Thank you, my friends, for sticking with me these last four years... what a trip!
And thank you, Edward Cullen, for inspiring me with your lame portrayal in a movie. Who would have known that a horrible vampire movie could change a life for the better.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Back in the Saddle Again
Tomorrow is, yet again, the first day of school! I have 17 boys and 7 girls on my class list, and even though that's a LOT of boys, it's my smallest class size EVER. I also have a monolingual Chinese student. I'm really worried about how she'll adjust/pick up the language!
The kids are cuter than ever (I met them Thursday during Meet the Teacher), and I feel like I finally have this ELD thing down. Now I just need God to grant me some more patience and a lot more energy.
I'm going in to school this morning (on a Sunday! bleh!) to do some last minute prep and finish sorting out math assessments for our new math standards.
By the way, teachers. I found this cool website: www.ixl.com Check it out!
Hope everyone's doing well!
The kids are cuter than ever (I met them Thursday during Meet the Teacher), and I feel like I finally have this ELD thing down. Now I just need God to grant me some more patience and a lot more energy.
I'm going in to school this morning (on a Sunday! bleh!) to do some last minute prep and finish sorting out math assessments for our new math standards.
By the way, teachers. I found this cool website: www.ixl.com Check it out!
Hope everyone's doing well!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Tuesday, June 9, 2009
Saturday, April 4, 2009
A Letter
I found the following letter in my in-class mailbox:
3/28/09
Dear Miss Sells,
Hi Miss Sells it's ______. Did you know that you are a perfect teacher? Even you are pretty, cool, funny, and so so nice. I think that when you show us twinkie and when you read us books, also when you teach us is awsome. Even when you write me leters you fill my bucket. What is your favorite kinds of flowers? Do you like reading or math? Did you know third grade was awsome but more room 19? Do you like third grade?
Love,
_____
Isn't that precious?
3/28/09
Dear Miss Sells,
Hi Miss Sells it's ______. Did you know that you are a perfect teacher? Even you are pretty, cool, funny, and so so nice. I think that when you show us twinkie and when you read us books, also when you teach us is awsome. Even when you write me leters you fill my bucket. What is your favorite kinds of flowers? Do you like reading or math? Did you know third grade was awsome but more room 19? Do you like third grade?
Love,
_____
Isn't that precious?
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