Sunday, March 31, 2019

Raccoon Challenge Update

Last week I mentioned my husband's annual "keep the raccoons out of the pond" challenge had begun.  This weekend he put a new idea into action - in the hopes of keeping the snails, lily pads, and goldfish safe and maintaining the lovely look of the pond. 

The pond is shaped like an eye, quite purposefully it has these lovely curves to it.  This weekend, my hubby added eyelashes to the curves and they actually look really good.  The top eyelid has pretty, black fencing, low as if going around a garden bed, that creates the look of attractive black eyelashes.  These eyelashes will hopefully prove to be challenging to climb over from that side of the pond.  The other side, the lower eyelid, if you will, has been gently decorated with PVC pipe, painted a camouflaging shade of brown.  Attached to the PVC are bird spikes - angling outward - towards any little black noses that might mosey their way over to this side of the pond. 

We are hoping the spikes and the fencing might deter any masked visitors to our oasis. 

I'll let you know how it works - during next year's Slice of Life Challenge!

Saturday, March 30, 2019

Welcome to Middle School (abbr.)

170 students are coming on Wednesday to visit their future middle school, and we (my one employee and myself) have come up with a plan to help them tour the new building, leave their mark with the construction team in our ever changing addition, share their thoughts about traditions that they would love to see implemented, and learn a little about the history of the building and the person it is named after.

My task - write a short lesson that would capture the essence of the wonderful person the school is named for and help students apply the experience to their move to the middle school.

I think I've got it - intro, short text, brief video, small group discussion, and application in the form of post-it notes.  Probably going to run long - but I'm ok with that.


Friday, March 29, 2019

Good luck to you too!

There was a skip in my step as I walked into my local grocery store; after all, it was Friday afternoon and I was done with work.  Well, never done with work, but I had left work, and I was feeling incredibly light - nothing pressing, a couple of major hurdles conquered.  

I surfed the freezer section for a quick dinner (thank you PF Changs) and headed to the checkout, hoping to get some time on my deck before the sun went down.  At the register, the cashier and I chatted about how fun the Monopoly game is - and how tragic that many who win the lottery lose the money in a remarkably short time.  

We both agreed that we would be much wiser with our winnings if indeed we did win.  We grinned at each other, then I picked up my bags and turned away calling "Have a good evening!" 

"You too, Hon," she called back, and then hissed, "Hey, Hey" somewhat suspiciously.  I turned back, wondering if I had forgotten to pay and she shoved a stack of monopoly tickets into my hand.  "Good luck!" she whispered and shooed me on my way.  


Thursday, March 28, 2019

The Annual Racoon Challenge

Our backyard has been designed to intentionally create an outdoor room that is comfortable, welcoming and connected to nature.  My husband designed and built our deck, then integrated a small pond into one corner of the space.  This mini-pond, with lily pads in the summer, miniature cattails all fall, and two very hardy goldfish who have just recently surfaced from their winter hibernation, is our respite in the middle of suburbia.  While we can see other houses, most times they blur into the background and the plants, pond, and comfy seating allow us to escape a little. 

Recently, though, our backyard and the pond, in particular, have become a warzone - it's us against the raccoon, who seems to also enjoy the plants and other interesting things to be found in this tiny water habitat.  This morning, my husband growled as he glanced out the window, seeing the water splashed around the pond, lily pad roots dug up and chewed, and the pond filter completely submerged

In past years we have tried many (some creative) ways to deter the raccoon from enjoying our pond. My favorite has been the water sprayer on a motion sensor - except I regularly forget to turn it off and get sprayed as I head to the porch with my morning coffee.  None have been permanent though.  This evening, my husband headed to Home Depot with an idea for another strategy.  Returning home with a confident smile on his face, he showed me his purchase, and I'm hopeful it might work. 

Right now, the pond is surrounded by bird spikes, you know, those things to keep birds out of your gutters or off of the roof spaces where you don't want them to sit.  The spikes, attached to a plastic anchor, will need to be attached to some wood to truly deter the raccoon.  For right now, having them sitting there makes us both feel like the pond is protected, even just a little bit better. 

If this doesn't work...I may have to resort to drastic measures...

How's your aim?   


Wednesday, March 27, 2019

Moving Forward...

A  thrill -
When an offer has been made
and accepted,
an agreement
to collaborate about what is
best for kids
in one school
around one mission
together.
Ready,
And, excited!

Tuesday, March 26, 2019

Opening a Middle School - I Need You!

I'm looking for recommendations - all sorts of recommendations.  Next fall I will open a brand new middle school in our school district.  This is an amazing opportunity to build a culture of support for students and staff and ensure that we all collaboratively work to create the best learning environment for all. 

I'd like to start the year with some shared experiences for staff - to get to know each other and begin the work of collaboration.  I'd also like to start the year with some unique PD experiences - what have you thought was amazing and brought you back to your "WHY?".  As well, I'm passionate about professional books - and I'd love to have a shared book experience that provides the team with a common language around teaching and learning. 

What suggestions might you have for me?  What would make a great start to the year for a brand new staff?  What books do you suggest? 

With great excitement -

Thank you!


Monday, March 25, 2019

Craving More Pie!

Today was a numbers day - and I'm not a numbers girl - so it was hard. So much hangs on these numbers - how many English teachers?  How many Social Studies teachers?  How many kids signed up for a World Language?  Do we have enough to staff what kids are interested in? 

So many questions, really, and yet the most important question continues to be, "What is our priority?" because that is where the numbers go.  So, what are my priorities as the principal?  Opportunity for students to explore the many things in our world that are interesting and engaging to them as human beings.  This means, I support the fine and performing arts, just as much as I support technology, literacy, math, history and the sciences. 

But, when it comes right down to it, I only have one pie, and no matter how many ways you slice it, that pie is finite - there are about 700 students.  The number of students dictates how big the pie is.  I believe in student choice; I believe in giving students a wide variety of experiences; I believe in open doors for middle school students. 

With only one pie, sliced in crazy ways, I want to make it all happen for all of them!

Sunday, March 24, 2019

Resistance is Futile

At my brother's I help take care of the little ones while he and his wife recover from the safe delivery of their fourth child.  My godson, James, with his impish grin, reluctantly heads upstairs for his nap.  Tucked up in his big boy bed (he's had to vacate the crib!) he resists falling asleep.  Watching him on the video monitor I wonder why the young ones resist the nap their body so desperately needs.  He's in bed; he's out; he's at the window, calling for anyone to come and get him.  After a few minutes he climbs back into his bed and leans against the end where he can still see out the window.  Pretty soon his talking becomes a slight whisper, and I watch his head lean uncomfortably back, then still.  His body wins, and he casts himself down onto his mattress where delightful snoring begins. 

Back at my house, the work of the day is done and we both have accomplished what we wanted to.  Because it's Sunday, and we are feeling a healthy exhaustion from our day, my hubby suggests a nap.  Afternoon sun streams into the window creating a warm, cocoon-like feeling, and our eyes drift to closed.  My brain fights the nap, struggling with endless to-do lists, but my body succumbs to the warmth and I am asleep.  As James demonstrated earlier, resistance, in the case if the Sunday nap, is futile. 


Saturday, March 23, 2019

The Newest Worrier

She has so much hair!  Blond hair sticking out all over her head, tightly curled fingers and legs that rubber band back in place if you were to pull them straight - but who would do that to a newborn?  She has deep furrows in her brow, as if she has been worrying throughout her gestation about what was going to happen next. 

Worrying is a family trait - and she has been named after the worrying side of the family.  Mary, after our aunt - the first Murphy child, who spent many years worrying about her father, her siblings, her nieces and nephews, and then the grands - but never really worrying much about herself.  She gave everything.  And Alice, after our mother, the last Murphy child, who has continued the tradition of worrying, but always in the calmest, most optimistic way. 

Mary Alice, welcome to an amazing family - your mom and dad are some of the kindest, most joy-filled people I know.  Your siblings will take care of you;  and you will always have a special place in the heart of your Auntie.  There is nothing to worry about!

Friday, March 22, 2019

March Weather...

In true March style
today the sun shone bright
whilst chilly winds blew
high noon felt hopeful;
then darkness descended, quickly,
thunder cracked and rolled
and rain, then hail pelted the ground,
diagonally attacking the earth, briefly,
leaving an icy layer on the grass and cars;
the sun peeked out, timidly,
bruised clouds wafted slowly away
sunlight sparkled on wet branches and
an azure sky appeared just in time to leave
pink clouds on the horizon at sunset

Thursday, March 21, 2019

Heartache...Do you ever not worry about them?

There are so many emotions within when you are helping one of your children deal with a problem.  These emotions don't seem to lessen as the children get older and are dealing with their own problems, and just keeping the parents in the loop. 

In a phone call this evening, my daughter talked to me about a challenging situation that she is going to take action on.  During this conversation, she was not asking for my feedback, she was just letting me know that she had made a decision that was in her best interest - but was going to be difficult.  My head agreed she is making the best decision - for her, for the other party; we both acknowledged the sadness that will be experienced on all sides.  I was also proud - as she was acting with a strength of character and value for honesty that was honorable and admirable. 

Oh, but my heart ached. 


Wednesday, March 20, 2019

I'd Like to Thank...

For the last few months I've had many, many teachers from around the district and the region reach out with interest in the new middle school that I'm in charge of opening this fall.  Anyone who has reached out, I've met with for a couple of reasons - first, if they are excited and interested in talking about opening a new school, I'm excited to talk to them; second, and I didn't realize this until recently, every time I meet with another potential staff member, I'm crafting and revising my beliefs about what it should be like to live, work, and learn in a middle school. 

I've always thanked (I hope) the people I've met with; but, recently I have begun thanking them for the opportunity to work with them to craft my thinking.  Their questions about a new middle school and what my priorities are as principal push me to analyze and reflect on what I envision as the ideal for middle school learners (both adults and students).  Development of this ideal has become especially important as we head into hiring season.  I want to be transparent with applicants - I have strong beliefs around how we serve our middle school students and families, as well as how we create a culture in which everyone is engaged in this mission. 

There are a couple of key points that I try to make in these meetings - and will make part of our hiring process:

  • The middle school model is designed to support the whole student if implemented appropriately.  I've seen it work, and I believe in its mission.
  • We lose students in middle school - they may drop out in high school - but we lose them in middle school.  Our mission is to create engaging, rigorous, and relevant classes so that we don't lose them.  If they ask, "Who cares?" about what they are learning - we need an answer that speaks to them. 
  • Construction will never be finished - we will adapt and adjust to the building and work with the construction team to create a fabulous environment for students.
  • Chaos is to be expected as we open a new school.  We will survive this well if we approach this with flexibility and a positive attitude.  We will do our best to anticipate and proactively plan - but it won't always work out.  Making mistakes is a fabulous way to learn how to do something better.  

So - many thanks to you!  Over the years, during the March Slice of Life, I have shared thoughts and beliefs about teaching and learning, and I totally appreciate the feedback that I've received.  It helps - so much. 


Monday, March 18, 2019

Bonus Time

I'm recruiting again - a different city, different campus, a couple of hours away from home; South this trip.  Beautiful mountains on both sides of the road caused me to reflect on the flatness of the DC/Northern Virginia region with some dismay.  I don't realize how much I miss the mountains and open fields until I'm driving through them on my way to somewhere else. 

The road, this time, drew me towards my youngest child - a sophomore in college.  As I pulled in to the campus, she texted me and asked for a pick up on the Quad.  After a Target run and a lovely dinner, we ended up in my hotel room, curled on the couch for some girl time.  What a draw - time to recruit newly graduating future teachers and a few hours to spend with my not-so-little girl!


Sunday, March 17, 2019

Word Play - Game On

I got it in my mind to do a crossword puzzle today - and I'm feeling remarkably proud of it. My in-laws inspired me.  They regularly work on Sudoku puzzles together (I mean daily, really), and I've always admired their persistence in pursuit of maintaining brain power. But, I've never loved the math puzzle.

The word puzzle, however, is more up my alley. Well, the Women's World Crossword Puzzle, anyway.  I won't be one of those people who does the Thursday version of the WaPo Crossword Puzzle, or even any day of the New York Times Crossword Puzzle. 

But, I was able to identify that a synonym for signed was inked and that when they suggested cows, I was able to respond cattle.  51 across was assorted - and I was delighted when I found I had in place all of the letters to form the synonym, various!  This was not a hard one, and this little success has whet my appetite to take on a little more challenge.  Tomorrow is Monday, right?  Isn't that the easiest one in the Washington Post? 

Saturday, March 16, 2019

Lessons from Winnie the Pooh

The hubby and I watched the movie Christopher Robin this evening, and I was struck while watching by the fact that two of my favorite stories (Winnie the Pooh and Mary Poppins) really emphasize this idea of adults maintaining their connection to childhood and the beauty and simplicity of the imaginary world that children often exist in.  In fact, in both Christopher Robin and Mary Poppins (and the sequel) the adults are being reminded that the lessons from childhood are applicable and helpful, even vital, in their adult lives. 

It's interesting to reflect on these messages now, as an adult with grown children, and to consider how close to those messages I have lived my life.  I have to admit, (and my children might agree) perhaps farther away than I am comfortable saying out loud.  Although I interact daily with children, in many ways the play of children has been second to the work with children that I have done. 

Important lessons, however, are appropriate at any stage in life...and perhaps I am being reminded, as I open a new middle school, that childhood and imagination are precious parts of all children's lives that I hope to protect and support - and perhaps the best way for me to do this is to value it in my own life. 

Friday, March 15, 2019

Perfect Friday Night

An evening with friends means
Fire in the pit
Cold beer in hand
Tagalongs and Samoas to munch
Smoke in our eyes
Tears on our cheeks
And laughter in the air.
Perfect Friday night!

Thursday, March 14, 2019

Seeking Inspiration and finding it...

I've been feeling uninspired - it doesn't feel like there is much slice-worthy excitement going on in my life.  I've pushed it, for the last few days, but I haven't felt the exhilaration that sometimes occurs when I find myself on a really rich topic and the writing just rolls.  So I have plugged along, writing and publishing, just like we expect our students to do.  "Push through it," I've said, "You have to keep getting those thoughts down on paper."  Ugh. 

This morning, looking for inspiration, I ended up on the statistics section of my blog.  This has been an interesting page to explore - seeing how many people in different parts of the world were reading my blog, checking how many page-views each post had garnered (one measure of success perhaps?), and looking at the number of comments that posts have received (another measure of success?). 

I ended up on the Stats over "All Time" for my blog - and I love this data!  The graph shows all of these spikes in March for the last ten years, obviously, but it is so interesting looking!  And, there is also a list of the posts that have had the highest pageviews over time - and dropping in to these pages, I found myself giggling and laughing out loud (about the post where my daughter shaved her arms as well as her legs) and weeping, silently, (though the post about how challenging life and work can be.) 

Ultimately, rereading these posts from the last ten years was a glimpse into the past and a reflection of who I was, am, and hope to be.  It was joyful, really, to read and know that I had written those posts and that I liked the writing - and maybe, the writing I struggle to do on a daily basis will be funny, poignant, and meaningful to me at some point in the future. 

Cheers!

Wednesday, March 13, 2019

It's the Small Things...

There is a unique satisfaction to running a perfect pen across a piece of paper.  I am a pen connoisseur - I'm constantly seeking to find (and then keep) really good pens.  In fact, I have been known to borrow a pen that writes perfectly, and accidentally never return it. You are forewarned.   

I found a new perfect pen today. On the floor by my office... there it was, waiting for me to claim it.  It writes purple in a smooth thin line with no raspy noise or jagged application. Silky and comfortable in the hand, it has a metal clip that attaches easily to my lanyard and doesn't detach so easily that it gets dropped.  It is a Uniball Vision - thin line, and I love it.  

I've been seeking a way to be organized, so I've tried online listmakers, applications like todoist, and electronic notekeepers.  But, there is something so wonderfully satisfying about making a list on paper and then neatly checking it off, and in purple ink?  Could the day get any better?   

Tuesday, March 12, 2019

It's funny when a sound can take you....

The clackity-clack, tippity-tap of my nails on the computer keyboard sent me right back...

I glanced at my fingers and realized my fingernails were lovely, but that my piano teacher was going to be upset with me for letting them grow so long.  My fingers should make no noise on the keyboard - and while my piano teacher would only give me a gentle reprimand, my sixteen-year-old self hated to disappoint her.  Sitting on her back porch, waiting for the student before me to finish their lesson, I contemplated my options.  I could run home (a mile) and cut them, and run back, definitely being late to my lesson - or I could take ugly measures to eliminate the problem.

Immediately, I determined my priorities. I chewed my fingernails off, every single one.  Finishing just as the door opened, I smiled at my fellow piano student and moved into the studio ready to play.  The nails were somewhat ragged, but there was no noise on the keyboard - and no reprimand from the teacher.  My sixteen-year-old self was relieved.

Funny that memory reappeared, though.  Must be time for a manicure!

Monday, March 11, 2019

Travel? Yes!

Once a week for the next three weeks I get to travel for work! I'm so excited about this.  How many times as educators do we get to travel for work?

Tomorrow I will be recruiting at Millersville University working to persuade their new teachers to join our Northern Virginia school district.  Recruiting is pretty amazing - I love the opportunity to talk to teachers who are on the cusp of completing their coursework.  They are excited, idealistic, humble, and intensely driven.

I imagine that at the end of this month, I will be tired of travel. But tonight, I'm loving my time in the car, my own hotel room, eating a sandwich for dinner, being someplace new, a jacuzzi tub (really!), making my own schedule, and imagining the plethora of new teachers joining our team!


 

Sunday, March 10, 2019

Continuous Learning through MOOCs

I spent much of the day today working on an online class I've been taking. It started in February and I'm supposed to finish by this Wednesday, but I'm a little behind.

It's a MOOC - a massive, open, online course - offered through MIT on Competency-based education.  At first, I thought I would just audit the course - and then I thought about having a certificate that certified that I had completed it...and hence, the pressure to get done.

I've taken a few online courses, but this one has been unique in a couple of ways.  First, there are videos that provide much of the content knowledge, both from the professor and from schools who are actual practitioners of CBE.  The opportunity to hear the voices of many stakeholders discussing the pros and cons as well as the implementation challenges has been incredible. As well, the videos are captioned, so I find myself re-reading the presentation, very helpful.  Second, there was an intro stage for the course, in which we had to think through our plan for completing the course - down to what was my working style and what days did I intend to actually do the work.  This was super advance planning and caused me to reflect carefully before I began on how and when I would complete the work.  Yes, I am behind, but I am aware that I broke my plan; that's better right?  Finally, the course is chock full of resources that I'm going to want to return to in the future - and I will.  The resources will stay available for quite a while - a total bonus.

One last artifact to create before I can get my certificate.  I can do this...

Saturday, March 9, 2019

Give me the open road...

Give me the open road...

and a weighty car, strongly tied to the asphalt,
taking the turns on a racetrack, tight and fast
weaving, deftly, through cargo trucks

and a seat-warmer, removing the damp and chill,
cruise control and room to stretch my legs,
humming, reliably, towards home

and a CD player loaded with 80's hits and country albums,
Pat Benetar, Air Supply, Sugarland, Keith Urban
drowning, fortunately, my harmony

and a pale gray sky over milky fog rolling off the mountains,
the stark contrast of the bare trees and the snow-covered slopes
revealing, delicately, winter's naked beauty






Friday, March 8, 2019

James Taylor was right, "You've Got a Friend."

As I've reached a "certain" age, I've found myself with fewer friends than ever before.  Perhaps it's the job change; perhaps its the age; likely it has much to do with the stage of life I find myself in (kids grown, loss of the built-in community).  Today, I was reminded, that there is something really special about reconnecting with a friend. 

This afternoon a friend and I attended the wake for a former student. There is never anything good that can be said in this situation, except, I'm so thankful that our paths crossed with this young person...and we are so sorry for your loss.  So my friend and I supported each other through this tragic event - making small talk with former parents, garbling irrelevant but heartfelt words of sorrow to the parents of the young person, and standing around awkwardly waiting, blinking our eyes in a desperate effort to maintain our composure. 

Afterwards, we found a quiet corner in a restaurant to catch up - and catch up we did: on the joys and sorrows, the worries and wonders, and the life events that we have missed in each other's lives since we don't do bus duty together, daily, anymore. 

From that place of sorrow came peace and the solace of being heard for who you are and who you hope to be, by one who knows you well.

James Taylor was right, "You've Got a Friend."



Thursday, March 7, 2019

An Irish Substitute

March has been the month in which I traditionally post many articles about my daughter's Irish dance performances.  Irish Dancers are in big demand during the month of March - for obvious reasons!  Now that my Irish Dancer is in college - and totally focused on other exciting aspects of her young life, I miss that month-long celebration of all things Irish. 

This afternoon, as a rare treat to myself, I played hooky from work, and she (on Spring Break from college) and I (desperate for some girl time) had lunch out and ran all over town taking care of her shopping and to-do list.  At the end of hours of shopping (Costco, DSW, Ulta Beauty, whew!) we decided we needed a little Irish to wrap up the special day and her spring break. 

The Shamrock shake from McDonalds was delicious (I recommend it) - and I think we  listened to U2 (my favorite) on the way home. 

It didn't quite match up to the parades and Ceilis that we usually attend - but I'll consider it the Luck o' the Irish that gave me the time today with my lovely, talented daughter. 


Wednesday, March 6, 2019

Playing the Crowd - Building a Team

You never can tell what the agenda might be of the people sitting so calmly around the tables and chatting with their neighbors.  So, while I was excited to see a large audience (for a PTA meeting) I was also a little nervous. 

But, this evening, like other presentations I have done this year, went so well.  Fortunately, most families seem to be excited about my presentation - they want to see what a new building might look like, and they are interested in my thoughts about the possibilities for kids at this new school.  Many are nervous about sending their children to middle school - and I think it must be reassuring for them to hear what it might be like from someone who lives it, even though I can't give them many of the specific details they might think they want - we are a work in progress. 

I love reading the crowd in these presentations - I watch for the nodding heads, and I totally note those people as potential allies.  Some parents sit with their legs and arms crossed, and those I typically have to work hardest on to get a smile or a head nod.  I have a few specific lines that I know will get a giggle or a smile - and I love it when those lines are successful.  Tonight, the group loved the part where I talk about doubling my entire staff, "...and now there are two of us working to get the school ready for your kids!"   I think parents appreciate the fact that we've taken on a large task, obviously, and it is one I take seriously - but, a little self-deprecating humor draws a connection between us as humans - and it hopefully gets us on the same team. 

Because this is what it is all about:  how can we, school staff and parents, work together to ensure that our kids look back on their middle school years as their favorite years ever?  That's my ultimate goal. 


Tuesday, March 5, 2019

The Draw of a Game of Chance

I'm often drawn to games of chance in which Lady Luck is my only ally.  I hear advertisements for the lotto - and I think, hmm, wonder if this is my chance.  I rarely play, however, because those kinds of games involve walking into the 7-11 and selecting the numbers, tickets, and types of games. 

I prefer the ease of playing Monopoly when I shop at Safeway - where the cashiers hand me my games of chance ... and I may or may not spend an inordinate amount of time separating, licking and sticking those tickets to the Monopoly Game Board that reminds me that I too could..."Be the Next Big 1 Million Winner!" 

I always say yes when the cashier asks if I play.  But, the reality is that I often carry the tickets around in my pocket because, recently, I've felt guilty taking the time to separate, lick, and stick - and, really, who has the time to do all that? Especially if you aren't going to win?

Last night, after a trip to Safeway, during which the cashier asked if I played and handed me a handful of Monopoly tickets, I left the whole stack with the "board" on the kitchen table in anticipation of dropping the whole kit and kaboodle into the trash in the morning. 

This morning, after pouring my first cup of coffee and rubbing my eyes, I realized that the game had been played - the Monopoly pieces were distributed across the board - and there were a few colors we were close to having most in.  What lovely person did this?  My daughter, home for Spring Break, with time on her hands and a susceptibility, herself, to a game of chance - especially if it meant procrastinating studying for a Spanish exam. 

This evening she and I decided that we were so close in a couple of the colors that a trip to Safeway was in our future.  If we get the right cashier they might give us a few extra tickets... We are soooooo close to winning, something. 

Monday, March 4, 2019

Trust - A Privileged Position

One hundred and twenty faces, two hundred and forty eyeballs, all facing me - tracking me - measuring me against what they know and what they think they know.  Some look confidently at me, eye contact and smiles, some keep their eyes slightly lowered only to glance up at me quickly and then back down again.  Some of them fidget.  Sitting on the Multi-purpose Room floor can't be comfortable;  they rock on their knees, sit criss-cross applesauce, or curl their bodies around their legs pulled up to their chests, wrapping their arms as if to protect. These fifth graders, on the verge of middle school, are a bundle of energy and yet cautious; excited to be contemplating a move to sixth grade, and disbelieving that they will be leaving this elementary school in which they feel so safe.  And, they are looking to me, with such trust, to ensure that they will be safe, known, supported, and engaged in middle school.

What a privilege to ferry these young ones forward.


Sunday, March 3, 2019

Living an Organized Life...Trying Anyway

There are many aspects of my life that I have routinized since the kids have left for college and I have only myself to manage. (My hubby manages himself quite well, he reminds me!) I have come to enjoy the Sunday list of to-dos that, if I accomplish, will mean that I am set up for a successful week!  I'm pretty consistent with my laundry routine and the house once-over; so recently, due to frequent guilt-ridden meals from fast-food restaurants and concern about an expanding waistline, I have focused on building a routine around prepping healthy breakfasts and lunches for the work week. 

Today I spread out all of my materials - from containers to food items - and I created ten meals that are easy to take to work, fruit and veg heavy, and interesting enough to keep me from jumping in the car to pick up something bad.  Here you go: 

  • 3 days of plain non-fat Greek yogurt with blueberries and a little container of Kashi to add a crunch
  • 2 days of Maple Brown Sugar Oatmeal with blueberries
  • Bananas and Mandarin Oranges for a mid-morning snack
  • 3 days of pre-mixed salads, with baked chicken 
  • 3 containers of grape tomatoes
  • 2 ham sandwiches with mustard and lettuce for crunch
  • 2 containers of cucumbers
  • 1 lite string cheese/day for an afternoon snack
There is something reassuring about a routine, especially one that sets me up for the work week feeling organized and proactive!  

Saturday, March 2, 2019

Charge It!

I love my car.  I had never been able to say that (and I've owned five or six cars) until I got this beautiful blue Volkswagen eGolf.  It is amazing. 

When our mini-van developed some maxi problems, my husband suggested that we sell it and get something a little smaller.  I'm not, after all, lugging teenagers around everywhere now.  He had recently purchased a Toyota Hybrid - and was loving the decreased gas usage; and our solar panels had been installed and were functioning, so we looked into the eGolf - and I haven't looked back.  

In fact, I press my foot on the accelerator and with a whoosh reminiscent of the Starship Voyager's doors closing, this little blue car zips forward.  From 0 to 45 mph in about 10 seconds - I find myself having to ease off the "gas" and temper my enthusiasm often.  Fortunately, it has a braking system that regenerates power, and I regularly switch levels of resistance to better meet the needs of traffic. Speaking of looking back, it has the clearest rear view camera that I have ever seen! 

Perhaps best, though, is that with the electric car I can find excellent parking in ideal locations.  One spot I love - the parking garage at our local Costco.  Four electric parking stations are close to the main entrance and on the main floor.  That's a perk that I can truly support.  

That, and plugging in my car once a week in my own driveway. 

I call it Zippy!

Friday, March 1, 2019

They're Home! They're Home!

I have been managing my empty nest better this year.  While there are still moments that I check the calendar thinking, "Shouldn't I be driving R somewhere?" there are many more moments when I relax into my chair and breathe a sigh of relaxation.  My time is, for now, my own, and I've grown to enjoy this, and while I think of the kids, they don't occupy the majority of my thoughts like they used to. 

But it is funny how our brains work.  This morning, after opening my eyes I immediately thought, "They will be home today, both of them! Whoo hoo!"  Spring Break (for them) starts tomorrow.  Upon finishing my day and leaving my school this afternoon, I began a mental list:

  • Things I needed to talk to each of them about (college graduation party, plans for summer), 
  • Things we might want to do together (see Bohemian Rhapsody, and Rome, check out the new Ballston Quarter)
  • Things I should have ready for them (rooms opened and warmed, towels out, toiletries available)
  • Things that if I were the perfect mother I would do (bake cookies, delicious smelling stew ready for them) 
  • Things I should buy since I'm far from the perfect mother (anything with a carb, since we have eliminated those bad things from our pantry) - and the children will walk into my house, glance around the kitchen, and predict their pending starvation. 
So, I think I'm ready.  I have a couple of Girl Scout Cookie Boxes (I stashed away for emergencies) ready to go; the kettle is on to boil; I've bought Bohemian Rhapsody; and I have an order placed to Domino's for delivery a little later.  Then we have all week to reconnect!