The Lost Art of Conversation

  

The Bowling's Cabin

I learned a valuable lesson this weekend~I need to listen more, I mean REALLY listen.  Sometimes this means listening to a story more than once, maybe even 3 or 4 times.  It means having an open mind and heart.  It means learning about something I never thought I'd be interested in.  It means being humbled (and the better for it).  This weekend I had the pleasure (and honor) of visiting my great aunt Charlotte at her cabin in Lake City, Co, where she has spent her summers for close to 50 years.  This will be the second time in three months that I have seen her (we visited this summer for the first time in over 20 years).  And this time my dad came along!

My Dad and Charlotte

It was a magical visit.  I know, that sounds kind of corny, but it truly was. My aunt Charlotte (everyone else calls her Ann) was born (in the early 30's) and raised in Golden, Colorado.  She married my uncle Dewey (what a character he was~he passed away in 1997) and moved to Texas in the late 40's (maybe early 50's), and I only saw her a handful of times during my childhood.  I do however have vivid memories of those encounters.  She had a beautiful white house (I thought it was a mansion) in Texas.  She spoke with a mystical and transfixing southern drawl.  She had two boys who I admired (still do).  She was (and remains) kind and spunky.  She is a true gem!

My aunt is 83 years old so you can only imagine the stories she has to tell.  And boy, can she tell stories!  Charlotte can remember people, places, and events from 60 years ago.  She recalls these stories with vigor and enthusiasm.  She has a way of spinning a tale that sucks you right in and keeps you enthralled until the last word.  This is conversation.  No Internet. No cell phone.  No t.v.  Just good ol' fashion, sittin' around the table, story tellin'.  It was one of the best weekends I've had in a long time.  So why don't I do it more?

Talking over a good meal (Dad, Mikey, Matt, Charlotte

It's because I am too busy. Really, I am.  There are lesson plans to create, kids to care for, chicken coops to build, husband to love, house to clean...the list goes on.  Forever.  And that's my point.  The list will go on FOREVER.  So why not take some time, a serious chunk of time, to get lost in conversation?  True conversation. 

Possum

This weekend I did.  I listened for hours and hours to a sweet lady talk about her life.  I listened while sitting in the living room of my aunt and uncle's Lake City cabin. I listened over breakfast, lunch and dinner.  I listened while driving around Lake San Cristobal and up to Windy Point looking for the hint of fall in the trees.  I listened over several games of Scrabble (she is one mean Scrabble player) and while taking walks with Charlotte and her beloved dog, Possum.
And it was fascinating.  I learned about my family~grandparents,  great-grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins.  I heard stories about what it as like to grow up in Golden during the 30's (I grew up there during the 70's).  I learned about the unique history of Lake City, and how it has grown and changed over the years.  I learned that Charlotte still mourns the loss of her husband and best friend, Dewey, and that she gets lonely.  I learned how much a hand-written note or telephone call can mean to someone special.

Charlotte, sharing her favorite books with us

What a beautiful gal!

Charlotte and Matt

This weekend I learned an important lesson.  I have to find time.  Time to listen.  Time to learn.  Time to give.  Because there will come a time when Charlotte's stories come to an end.  And I will miss her.

~Cab Lover (sipping a Diet Dr. Pepper...)

Will work for iPad...

Hi there!  It's been a while since I've posted!  Getting back into the swing of things has been harder this year for some reason.  Maybe it was the three week FABULOUS vacation in Nicaragua!  Days on end of lying in a hammock, basking in the warm (ok, really HOT) sun and sipping Tonia beer.  Ahhhhh...ok, back to reality!

Despite feeling a bit sluggish, the year is off to a great start.  I love beginning a new year, it's so full of promise.  While my position means that I mostly see the same kids for a few years in a row, they always come back from summer break a bit different.  They look like they have grown a few inches, their hair is longer, and they have matured... :-).   It's like  getting a new class every year.  And there are perks.  I already know these kiddos.  I know their strengths and struggles.  I know what motivates them and what sends them over the edge.  We have a relationship.  And any good teacher knows that it's all about building strong relationships!

Sometimes relationships have glitches!  Any good counselor will tell you that these glitches are necessary for a healthy relationship.  I get that.  I have been married for 23 wonderful years, and have 5 kids...I know all about glitches.  Another perk...I have iPads this year.  So, when we hit a 'glitch', I can always stoop to gadgets.  It's kinda like offering a crying two year old a piece of candy to stop fussing.  I know, it's really bad practice...but I'm human and sometimes I need that magical something to keep the peace.  Sometimes that magical something is an iPad. 

Of course I only use them for educational purposes.  The kids love the apps I have and they are engaged, happy, and most importantly, learning!  Shhh, don't tell them about the learning part. :-)

Some of my favs so far:
*Everyday Math games (we use the Everyday Math curriculum at school, so its a great way to link back to what's going on in the classroom)

*Evernote (this one is for me~love it for taking anecdotal notes)

*Doodle Buddy (students use their finger to draw or write on the whiteboard...I use it to practice letter formation)


*K12 Timed Reading (K-4 reading passages that are timed...easy for a quick and dirty fluency/rate check).

*Angry Birds (Ok, this one is for me...just wanted to see if you were really reading this)

Ok. Here is where you come in.  I really want to know what applications you use and love.  Either as teachers or parents.  Please just take a quick minute to share one or two apps!

Some of my colleagues...being technical!

Thanks, and sorry for the rambling, somewhat disjointed post.  I blame it on the wine...or lack thereof (I'm at school and typing this during our professional development...not to worry, it's about technology so I am really doing what I'm supposed to be doing).

~Cab Lover (sipping ice water, but anticipating some Kendall Jackson Cab).

Back in the Saddle Again...

So, today marks the end of the first week of school (3 days, really)!  How can I be so exhausted?  I actually made the rounds today, visiting as many classrooms as I could.  I know I said this in my last post, but I just can't get over how big some of the kids look!  It's like I haven't seen them in a year.

It is really fun being able to pop in and fade into the woodwork, watching the goings on like a fly on the wall.  Such a unique perspective!  And, I get to leave when things get 'rough'.  I bet this is what it's like to be a grandma!  Love 'em and leave 'em...(not really, of course)!
I met with one little angel today to listen to her read.  What a doll.  She had to stop, mid-sentence, to share with me whatever came to her mind.  Not a care in the world...and certainly not concerned about reading.  I love it!

 Who could ask for a better 'job'?

~Cab Lover (2009 Robert Mondavi Cabernet)

Blank canvas...

I love the beginning of the new school year.  It holds so much promise.  Yesterday was our first day with students and it was wonderful watching them stream into the building sporting new hair cuts, dressed in the latest fashion, showing off their brand new Dora backpacks.  There are always some tears.  But mostly smiles and excited voices.  Parents lining the entrance way coaxing a toothless smile from their Kindergartner.  Fifth graders rolling their eyes at the ridiculous scene mom is making with her Cannon.  It always strikes me how big the children look after they return from a few weeks of summer bliss.

A new school year is like a blank canvas.  There is nothing on the walls, nothing in the plan books.  Just a fresh, clean canvas.  All yours.  Just waiting for you to create a new masterpiece.

Yep.  I love the the beginning of a new school year.  It's a fresh start.  A chance to make a difference all over again. 

~Cab Lover (sipping 2005 Kendall-Jackson Highland Estates Taylor Peak Merlot)

Nicaragua's Children~ Guest post by Matthew Murray

Please enjoy this guest post by my husband, Matt~

You cannot be here, for even an hour, without seeing the beauty, hope, and desperation on the faces of Granada's children.

Marci shared our breakfast with this poor boy from the Market

This boy hangs around the market all day begging - his family can't afford schooling

And there is something magical about them.

Watching Marci teach English

'Posing' for the camera - they LOVE 'fotos'

We have just fallen in love with these poor but almost always happy and playful, children of Nicaragua.

Waiting for the free doctor

There are many 'classes' of people in Nicaragua.  From the exceptionally poor...

Dad brings the family and laundry home on a wagon

To the children of the wealthy class...

Hurrying to church

His dad owns the hotel - he has a bell to ring for the servant

And even a bit of middle class (a very small group)...

Her parents own a permanent stall in the market which does good business

It can be heartbreaking to see them eating breakfast...

Eating cabbage and potatoes behind their mother's temporary stall in the market

But they never cease to make you smile with their infectious zeal for life...

Boy with skin disease waiting for the free doctor

Boys playing in the market

Josh - 'works' for Tio Antonio's hammock crew

Learning how to use the camera after a free haircut

Selling chicken in the market (live)

The kids WANT to learn - here parents pay

These boys spend their days making figures out of reeds to sell to Americans as they eat dinner on the patios at night

It is so sad, but also so refreshing.  These are not spoiled brats (any of them) and are polite and curious.  They love to be played with and they love to have their photos taken.  Most of all, they love it when you stop and spend a few minutes trying to communicate.  We have spent a great deal of time at this - today I taught about 50 boys at the school how to play a game my grand father taught me as a child (One person holds his hands palm up and the other palm down and tries to hit the other before he can move out of the way).  My memory will probably be thoroughly cussed by parents, teachers and principals for years. 

These kids though, among the poorest of the poor, PAID me to take a photo of their baby brother.  I am going to get it printed and present it to them when I see them again.  But you can see in their smiles and waves that they were sad when we moved on.  Like all kids, they just want to be loved~

After payingfor a photo - they stole me heart!

To the children of Nicaragua, "Que Dios los bendiga todos los días de tu vida!"

Just another Manic Monday...NOT!!

I recently read a teacher's blog post about what teacher's blog when school is not in session (I wish I could remember which blog so that I could give a quick shout out-sorry).  This blogger was lamenting about how her blog was turning into the more personal musings...makes sense.  Today, I find myself in much the same place.  I had the urge to post today, but was a bit wary as I don't want to bore any of you.  Decided to risk it, though.

Summer is 'da bomb'!  Woke up at 6:30 a.m. and did not have to panic about making it out of bed and on the road on time.  Bliss!  Sat up in bed (6:45 a.m.) and reached over to my nightstand to grab my iPad.  Effortless.  Lounged around (still in bed) and read several articles, answered a few emails (only the ones I wanted to answer), and Tweeted.  Luxury!  About 7:15 a.m. I meandered out to the kitchen for a cup of coffee.  Ahhhhh!  It's now 8:51 a.m.  And though I did make it out of bed, do the dishes, water the garden, feed the dogs, and start a load of laundry...I'm still in my pj's!  Sinful!

I'm hovering in that place where I feel a bit lazy and guilty over  being in my pj's at 8:51 a.m. on a Monday morning.  My husband tells me to get over it.  Enjoy my downtime.  He says I deserve it.  I don't know about 'deserving' anything, but I am striving to take him up on his advice (he is a pretty smart guy, after all).  Relax. Enjoy. Rejuvenate.

When I decide to do something...I go big!  So, to kick off the rejuvenation process, we will be spending three weeks in Central America.  So excited!  We will be exploring all that Nicaragua has to offer~ soaking in the colonial history of Granada and Leon, checking out the canopy tops (complete with Howler monkeys), volcanoes (Mombacho),  Lake Nicaragua (the 10th largest lake in the world), and the ocean(s).   I am so excited I can barely stand it!

My hope is to blog as often as we have Internet service (which can be spotty) so that I can share this experience with those who are interested.  I hope you pop in once in awhile to check out my posts and pics.  Until then...relax, enjoy, and rejuvenate.

~Cab Lover  (sipping her 2nd cup of Breakfast Blend coffee)

Stamina...

Just as I was about to begin blogging tonight, a friend sent me an email containing several quotes. Ironically, one of the quotes held such relevance.

We are not made for the mountains, for sunrises, or for the other beautiful attractions in life - those are simply intended to be moments of inspiration. We are made for the valley and the ordinary things of life, and that is where we have to prove our stamina and strength.                     Oswald Chambers

Well said.  I was going to begin my post with...'Only 4 more Monday's,' but Oswald says it much more eloquently!  

There are only three weeks of school left.  Crazy.  Bitter-sweet.  Intense.  It is becoming more and more difficult to keep thoughts of summer from creeping into my head while at school.  I find myself daydreaming about our upcoming trip to Nicaragua, or thinking about the garden we are hoping to cultivate with some success this season.  As I strive to keep my summer musings at bay, I also struggle not to panic.  I have so much left to do.  Assessments. Paperwork.  Scheduling for next year.  Paperwork.  Oh, ya...and teaching. 

I believe the kids are feeling much the same way, at least it would seem so by their behavior.  They are a bit more restless and unmotivated.  I imagine their thoughts are on baseball, swimming pools, and warm evenings playing in the cul-de-sac with friends.  Can't blame them.

So, how do we muster the energy, and more importantly, the focus to sustain us until June 3rd?  How do we, as Oswald says, make it through the valley and the ordinary things of life? Where do we find the stamina and strength?  For me, ironically, I look to the same source that can be so draining; the students (and teaching in general).  I focus on how far they (we) have come in just a short time together.  I revel in their curiosity, innocence, and honesty.  I celebrate successes and ponder the challenges of teaching.  It always amazes me how kids can do that.  How they can unknowingly change ones perspective and outlook.   

The year is not over yet.  There is still much to do.  And I know that just like every other year, I will find the stamina to finish strong.  And I know that its okay to let the occasional 

thought of Nicaragua and home-grown tomatoes take my attention away for a moment or two.  

Cab Lover~

(2008 Coppola Claret)

Blessed Are the Children...

My husband and I are blessed with 6 children.  Three of whom I gave birth to, and three of whom arrived by the Grace of God.  Here is our story.  Please click the link below...and please, share your comments!


For the Children
Warmly,

Cab Lover

Truth...

Kids have a funny way of telling you the truth, however painful, in such a way that you just can't help but smile.  Or, in this case, laugh out loud!  In fact, it actually made my day and I shared the moment with anyone who cared to listen. 

I was reading with one of my 1st grade boys (an absolute doll, which in this case, helped ease the pain a bit)...we were having a good time, reading and chatting it up.  Before long though, I could 'feel' him looking at me out of the corner of his eye.  This isn't all that unusual, but usually the kids look at me like this when the are appealing for a hint about an unknown word. So, I just ignored him for a few minutes, until I realized he was breezing through the book so his sideways glance was not a plea for help.  Nope.  He was about to let the truth fly out of his mouth and hit me smack in the face.  Did I mention how darn adorable he is?

"What is it?" I asked.  Wondering if I had something in my teeth, or worse, my nose.  He looked up at me with those big brown eyes, but said nothing.  He wanted to, though, that was clear!

"What's the matter?" I inquired once more.

"Ummm, well...you kinda have some, well...you know, some..."

I had absolutely no idea what he was talking about.  Until he began to point.  Toward my hair.  Ahhhh...I was beginning to understand.

"Well, Ms. Marci, you have some, you know, some..." (all the while pointing to my hair, specifically the temple area).

Ok.  I'm slow.  But not that slow.

"Gray hair?" I asked.

"Ya, Ms. Marci.  And quite a bit too."

Ouch.  It stung for a second.  A very brief second.  But then, I smiled and said, "Ya, I know Buddy.  It happens.  It might even happen to you someday!"

"Really?" he said.

"Yep."

"Cool!" he replied.

Cool.  Really.  I mean it.  What a great job I have.  I get to see the most wonderful children everyday.  I get to help them learn and grow.  And, I get to make the best little friends.  Friends who not afraid to tell you the truth.  And tell it to you in such a way that makes it the best part of your day.

My job rocks!

~Cab Lover

Cultivating a garden...

What's in your garden?

Spring is in the air!  In Colorado, that could mean temperatures in the 80's or the 30's...perhaps in the same day. This weekend was gorgeous and I got a little bug...a gardening bug.  My husband and I went to Home Depot to look for landscaping ideas and to buy a few frost-hearty veggies.  As we were browsing the isles, I found myself drawn mostly to the healthiest, strongest looking plants. The ones with straight stems and deep green leaves.  The weaker, listless plants did not get more than a quick glance.  Why should they, right?  Their spotty appearance and faded color were worrisome.   And after all, I want my garden to thrive.  I want to be able to plant it, water it, weed once in a while, and watch it grow.  Who wouldn't.  Right?  Well, anyway, we left with a bit more than we planned on, but were giddy as we drove home with our healthy plants.  Thoughts of cool breezes, the smell of wet dirt, and soiled hands swirling in our minds.

The drive home seemed to take forever.  I mean I was excited!  The smell of that basil in the backseat nearly killed.  We unloaded the car and I began to prepare our raised beds for planting.  Finally, it was time!  I reached for the basil, and to my absolute horror, discovered that my less-than-an-hour old gorgeous plant was wilted!  WILTED!  Are you kidding me?  I had thoughtfully selected the best looking one.  The strongest one.  The greenest one.  And now, just an hour later, my choice basal looked just like the non-desireable plants I had passed without a second thought.  For some odd reason, this bothered me.  This really, really bothered me.  And I got to thinking...

Do I ever look at children the way I looked at these plants?  Do I look at the smartest, strongest,  well-behaved children, with longing eyes and high expectations, while barely glancing at the struggling, weaker, unruly, children?  I hope not!  Man, I hope not!

Children, and teaching, are my passion.  But I wonder if I don't sometime miss out on an opportunity to enhance my garden.  What if I had chosen that spotty, wilted plant?  What if I planted it, watered it, cared for it,  and had high expectations that it would not only grow, but thrive?

I believe that my garden is diverse.  That it has strong, healthy plants as well as plants struggling to flower.  I believe that I nurture and care for all my plants with the expectation that they can and will blossom.

I believe...but it just got me to thinkin'

~Cab Lover

Good to see you again!

Hi!  It's been awhile...I've missed you!  A lot has happened since we last 'saw' each other.  We went on our first cruise (FABULOUS), Matt and I did three photo shoots, our 16 year-old daughter rolled her car, and... we consumed numerous bottles of wine (not in one day)!!

Spring break was a welcome hiatus and I manged to relax (did I mention the cruise?) and read a few books; NOT teacher books (not that there is anything wrong with 'teacher' books)!  When I returned from our 2 week break (I know...spoiled), I was actually rested and invigorated!  We have been back for almost two weeks now and so much learning has transpired; both for me and my students.  My Reading Recovery students are accelerating and I made a breakthrough with one of my writing students.  Oh how I love those 'ah ha' moments! 

Today was great!  I am part of a technology team at school and we have been working on a professional development session designed to expose teachers to some of the available technology for 21st Century learners (and teachers).  It was awesome.  We decided to start slow and just give teachers a taste (well, a nibble really) of the possibilities that are out there.  We chose to share our knowledge about Twitter, Skype, and Google Reader.  Wow!  I was amazed at how much I learned as a facilitator.  A reminder for me that we really learn by doing. 

Our purpose for today was not for teachers to walk away with new Twitter and Google accounts, rather our goal was to help teachers envision how technology might live in their world...in their classroom.  I think we were successful.  Yes, there were a few glassy eyes at the end of the day, however there was an energy in the room that held promise.  I am anxious for someone to come up and ask me questions (although I am just a novice).  And I can't wait to try out some new things...like the iPad I am getting through a Special Ed grant.  Yahoo!

Before I go I would like to ask you all to share with me how you use technology.  Do you Tweet?  Blog?  Subscribe?  Skype?  You can comment here or find me on Twitter @marcimurray.  Can't wait to hear from you.

Now, back to my wine (Robert Mondavi Cabernet, 2009)

~Cab Lover

Spring Break!

I cannot believe it is Spring Break already!  I'm not complaining, it's just that I don't know where the year has gone.  I still have so much to accomplish...so many teachable moments to take advantage of!  Yesterday I had a 'to do' list at work, and I promised myself I would not leave until every entry was crossed out.  This break, I got smart...and made sure that cleaning and other such mundane tasks did not make it on 'the list'.  Well, at 3:50 I still was not done.  Ugh.  Not to worry though, as I bribed my colleague to do my 'Kiss-n-Go' duty so that I could keep working.  What a gal (thanks, Elisha)!  And so, at 4:15, I packed my bags and headed (skipped, really) out the door.  Ahhhhhhhhhhh....what a great feeling!  Not just because I knew that the Caribbean was only 24 hours away (insert celebratory cheering and screaming), but also because I left the building having completed 'the list'!  When I return in two weeks (yes, you read that right, TWO WEEKS) I will have brand-new, crisp white progress monitoring spread sheets for my kiddos.  AND, I have a well-thought out revised & improved schedule (I think this is my 4th or 5th one) that I'm sure will be THE one that works without one Iota of conflict (say a little prayer for me...)!

So, as I sit at the airport waiting to board my Caribbean Cruise bound plane (that doesn't take off for another four hours), I am sporting a sly little grin.  I'm feeling rather proud of myself.  I know that when I return from break I will be refreshed.  Eager to try out the best schedule ever!  Eager to spend the next 8 weeks learning along side my kiddos!  Eager to show of my new tan (hopefully).

For all my teacher friends out there, enjoy your break!

Bon Voyage! (I love people watching while sipping coffee)

~Cab Lover

Thank God for teacher work days!

Ahhhh...today was a teacher work day.  YES!!!  There is just something so divine about having an entire day to work on 'stuff'.  I got to work 30 minutes early (not an hour early like normal), Starbucks in hand, wearing jeans and a T-shirt!  Heaven.  The only bad thing about these days is that they go entirely too fast.  Before I knew it, it was time for lunch.  The good thing...I got to go to lunch with a co-worker who I don't get to spend much time with anymore.  It was nice.  We ate, and then eased back into our day and To-Do lists that could only be completed by Superwoman (or Man).  Still, the time to TRY to get everything done was so refreshing.  After lunch, when I finally realized I could not possibly scratch everything off my list, I prioritized.  I set a reasonable goal.  Guess what?  I met it!!!!  There is something so fantastically wonderful about the feeling of accomplishment.  When I left today my desk was clean (mostly), my plans were made, and I was caught up on my record keeping.  Ahhhh....the weekend ahead will be free of 'stuff' swimming around in my head.

Here is too a wonderful weekend (mine started with homemade chili rellenos and Korbel Moscato Frizzanti)!

~Cab Lover

Top 10 Reasons I Teach!

Spring Break is just around the corner!  I'm looking forward to the time...I'm going on my first CRUISE with my hubby and two 16 year-old daughters!  Very excited.  Even though the break is nice (really nice), I will miss my 'other' kids.  The 28 or so that I see each week.  This got me thinking...why do I teach?  Here is my TOP 10 list...

10.  I learn something new every day!

 9.   The smile on a child's face is PRICELESS (and sometimes, I'm responsible for putting it there)!

 8.   The Christmas gifts are great :-)

  7.  Everyday is a new experience.

  6.  I get to help unlock the door to a whole world for these kids.

  5.  Some days I am the first one to see that very moment when a child 'gets it'!

  4.  I get to spend holidays with my OWN children.

   3.  I get to experience the saying 'out of the mouths of babes' 5 days a week (Trust me, kids say some pretty amazing, brilliant and insightful things)!

   2.  I am truly loved, unconditionally, by so many!

   1.  SUMMERS OFF!  (Ok, I was just seeing if you were really reading, because if you are, or know a teacher, then you know THIS IS NOT TRUE)!!!!

   1.  Really...I cannot imagine doing anything else!  I LOVE TEACHING!

Enjoying my Sunday (shopping online for cruise clothes while sipping Coppola Pinot Noir, Sonoma Coast, 2008)

~Cab Lover

CSAP...Day 2

So...today was Day 2 of the CSAP.  As a Special Education teacher I am no longer responsible for an entire class, but I do still proctor the assessment for some students.  This year I just have one kiddo.  It's really pretty nice...relaxed and pressure-free.  No complaints from me.

Today, however, there was a little glitch.  We had just settled into our little space (a closet, really) and were almost through the oh-so-exciting directions when the principal came over the PA.  Through the concrete walls of our test-taking digs she sounded like the teacher on Charlie Brown..."Wha, waa, wa, wa, wa, whaaa..."  Actually, she was instructing us to take our CSAP books back to the classroom teacher to be signed back in, as we might have to evacuate the building.  What?  Not to worry, there was not an escaped prisoner or creepy convict lurking on the premises~just a sewer problem.  Bubbling toilets and icky smells. 

We hoofed it over to the classroom, checked in our book, and headed our separate ways.  I wandered to the front office which bustling with staff and a few parents who happened to be in the building and got wind of the excitement.  Our awesome custodial engineer was busily cleaning up the water that had over-taken the Kindergarten rooms (as well as poor Mr. D's office), and the district 'guys' were trying to determine whether or not we were going to need to evacuate.  I'm sure some were hoping we would need to leave (not me, of course), but the front office angels were not among them.  It is not easy to make over 400 phone calls to parents an hour after school begins.  Ugh...

About 20 minutes went by and we were instructed to resume testing.  Here is where I thought things would get interesting.  Pass out a test to a bunch of kids who are less than excited about the prospect of spending an hour filling in little bubbles, then take it away...then give it back.  You might expect all hell to break loose.  Nope.  It didn't happen.  The kids were awesome!  Really! 

As I walked back to pick up my testing buddy I overheard some 6th grade boys talking about exploding toilets and flying bodily fluids...gross (but funny)!  They were happy as could be.  No complaints. No bad attitudes.  No moaning and groaning.  Kids are so resilient.  You gotta love that!
It's moments like these that remind me of how much I love my job.  The little things that kids say or do that make me laugh out loud!

A day like today, complete with high-stakes testing and overflowing toilets, has the potential to be stressful and less-than-great.  But with kids like the kids at Renaissance, it was better than great.

I love teaching...almost as much as wine (Robert Mondavi, Petite Sirah Lodi, 2008)

~Cab Lover

Food for thought...

Last night Matt and I watched Waiting for Superman, a documentary by Davis Guggenheim...wow, heavy stuff! Davis takes an in depth look at the state of public education and the affect it is having on our children.  As a mom and a teacher, I found Guggenheim's message to be both powerful and unsettling!  Education reform is nothing new, a fact that is pointed out many times throughout this film.  Yet in spite of the valiant efforts of so many, very little has changed.    Our reading and math proficiency rates are low, and the high school drop out rates are staggering, especially in lower socioeconomic areas.  So, what gives?

The film begs the question, for me at least, what can be done?  What systemic changes need to take place to bring about positive outcomes?  What about vouchers...schools of choice...private schools?  What about teachers who don't, or can't teach?

I have to be honest here~so much of this film resonated with me.  I have seen first hand the difference good teaching makes.  I work with some master teachers who strive on a daily basis to improve the lives of our learners.  I have also worked with teachers who lack the skill, talent, and desire to be great.  And great is what it takes.

What Guggenheim posits is that wherever you find good education, you will find good teachers...and that bad education is a result of bad teachers!  For some crazy reason that defies all logic (in my opinion), bad teachers are untouchable.  Bad teachers are protected.  In fact, in NYC 600 'bad' teachers are paid to go to 'work' (they sit in a room for 8 hours because they cannot be trusted with our children) and collect their salary, which equals approximately $100 MILLION each year!  Are you kidding me!!!???

I wish I had the answer.  I don't.  But I know we cannot stop searching for a better way.  We just can't! What we are doing is not working...

Food for thought...(and I would love to know your thoughts~please share via comments or email)!

~Cab Lover

The sun will come out tomorrow...

I wasn't going to blog tonight because I'm feeling frustrated and beaten, and I really don't want this blog to become a downer for anyone.  But, alas, I am here.  This is another short week with President's day on Monday and last Friday as a comp day.  Short weeks are good, I guess.  This one though has felt like an eternity!  I was greeted on Tuesday with two meetings.  One was great, at least in the sense that I came out with my head (and my dignity) intact.  The other one, not so much.  I won't go into details in an effort to protect the innocent (and even the not-so-innocent),  but it was not a fun time.  So really, for the past few days I have been doing a lot of reflecting.  Here is what I came up with:

• I am good wife, mother, sister, daughter, and friend
• I am a good teacher (classroom, special education, and Reading Recovery)
• My actions and motives are pure
• I do what I believe to be best for all children
• I am a lifelong learner and strive to improve myself in all that I do
• I am becoming a pretty darn good photographer
• I make mistakes
• I say things I shouldn't
• I apologize when I should
• I pray
• I have the most amazing kids!
• I have an AWESOME husband!
• I can be too proud
• I can be too emotional
• Sometimes I see only black and white (right and wrong), and I know this can be a bad thing
• I'm a good person
• I love life
• I am compassionate, sometimes to a fault
• I'm a giver and nurturer
• I love to teach
• I love to teach
• I love to teach...

(and, on occasion, I drink wine; tonight it's Coppola Rosso, 2009)

~Cab Lover

This is the best day ever!

My Amazing Kids (Josh, Kiki, Jess, Miah & Jo)

I'm a believer in miracles~and one happened at our house last night.  We managed to get all five of our kids home!  Under the same roof.  For ALMOST 24 whole hours! But wait...it gets better.  We even got them to cooperate for a few family portraits!  Miracle.  We enjoyed Matt's divine homemade Lasagna, salad, homemade Baguette, wine, and my to-die-for chocolate cake.  We feasted upon the table Jo so creatively decorated with linens, Christmas lights and bowls of fresh-cut flowers.  It was heaven.

So, that was last night.  This morning was just as sweet (in spite of the fact that it began at 4:00 a.m with the knocking of an off-balance, overloaded, wash machine full our college son's entire wardrobe)!

When Matt and I made our way to the living room we were greeted by empty pop cans, blankets, and dishes caked with half-eaten who-knows-what. One by one the 'kids' made their way from their beds and joined the living.  Yep.  I miss this.  The chaos. The competition.  The struggle to get a word in edgewise.  The house was abuzz and I was content.

I sipped coffee with Matt and Jess (who managed to sneak away from her new husband for a night) while our oldest son, Josh (22) made breakfast (he makes killer eggs).  Jeremiah was in the shower, and Jo and Kiki were still working on opening their eyes!

Just as I was settling into our humming house, the older 'kids' began to stir.  Josh had to work.  Miah was eager to get back to his friends, and Jess was anxious to make her way home to Laramie, Wy.  The bliss was ending...and much, much too soon.  In a few short hours it was just the four of us again.  Jo and Kiki decided to play the Wii.  Matt and I went on a three mile walk in the beautiful sunshine.

The house is relatively quiet again.  I will miss the kids.  It is so different being the parent of adult 'children'.  It's hard, but kinda nice too.  I know Josh is successfully navigating his way in this big, tough world.  Jess is happily married and looking forward to Grad school.  Miah is loving college life.  And the girls...they are doing a great job being 16.  Matt and I are so happy and learning to adjust to our not-empty but oh-so-close nest.

Life is good.  All is right in the world (at least our little corner of it).  Today was the best day ever!

(Sitting on the front porch with Matty, sipping Robert Mondavi Cabernet, 2007)

~Cab Lover

Short and sweet...

I went to get one of my new RR students yesterday.  This is only the 2nd time we have worked together.  When we left the classroom and headed down the hall I said, "Happy Valentine's Day!"  She got a shocked look on her face and replied, "Oh, no!  I forgot you were my teacher!  I got my other two teachers a Valentine, but I forgot you!"  :-)

"It's okay," I replied through my empathetic grin.  And I thought to myself, if only the adults in our lives thought of others first, what a different world this would be.  I LOVE working with kids!  I LOVE the perspective they bring to each new day.  And I LOVE that they LOVE me!

Have a great night!  And Happy (belated) Valentine's Day! (Tequila Reserva, 1800 Anejo)

~Cab Lover

These shoes were made for walkin'

These shoes were made for walkin'

Breast cancer sucks!  Fortunately, I don't know this first-hand.  UNFORTUNATELY, I do know this second-hand.  I know two beautiful ladies that have been stricken with this ruthless disease.  Breast Cancer does not discriminate.  It is not choosy.  It cares not whom it ravages.  But I care.  And I'm sure you care, too!

My husband and I decided to do our part.  We are walkers.  We (until about 6 weeks ago) usually walk 3-6 miles per day, 4 days per week.  Lately, though, we hit a snag.  A 'life' snag.  We got busy, and we got lazy.  Now, though, we have some motivation.  The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer.  What a great cause, and what a great way to get back into the groove!

Tonight, after a 6 week hiatus, we laced up our sneakers and hit the road.  We only did two miles...but still, it felt great.  And now we have a purpose.  A passion.  Their names are Di and Kristen.

Consider joining our team.  Consider doing your part.  Let's beat this thing!

For more information please visit our site and consider a donation.  Or better yet, join our team and walk with us!

http://info.avonfoundation.org/site/TR/Walk/Denver?px=5875955&pg=personal&fr_id=2040


God Bless,

~Cab Lover

Lunch Date!!!

As you know, this has been a bumpy week.  Full of meetings (and one inquisition), testing, and really, really cold cross-walk duty!  Weeks like this make it easy to gripe and forget the really important stuff.  I am guilty of that.  I have been telling four of my RR students that we would soon have a celebration~that was two weeks ago.  Fortunately (for me, not for him), only one little guy remembered that I had said it.  It was getting to the point where I would try not to run into him because I just could not stand to look at his beautiful little face and tell him once again that no, the 'party' wouldn't be today.  Heartbreak...guilt.  Bad teacher moment.

So, yesterday, I told myself "this is the day."  Nothing would stop me.  I was incredibly busy and had so much to get done.  But that is true of everyday.  Yep, it HAD to happen today.  I was not ready for a 'party'.  I had not come bearing gifts.  Hopefully though, the kids would be okay with that.

Soon after the bell rang and the kids were somewhat settled, I went into their classroom and whispered in their ear..."would you like to have lunch with me today?"  Their reaction was nothing short of pure delight!  They were so excited!  I was so relieved!  Still, I was a bit worried that they would be disappointed at the lack of fan fare.  But kids are amazing that way, aren't they?  They seem to find joy in the smallest of pleasures.

At lunchtime, we walked together to the cafeteria to pick up our rubber cheeseburgers, then headed back to my room.  It was then that I realized that these four little ones were giving me a gift, not the other way around.  Just being able to be in their little world for 25 minutes was awesome.  They were not guarded.  They did not have to perform for me.  They were carefree and jovial.  They talked about pets, X-Box, iPods, DS games...and yes, of course boogers and various other bodily functions :-).  I didn't say much at all.  Just listened and savored those few precious moments.

I am so glad that I didn't allow some menial task get in the way of my lunch date on this day.  I almost wish that I could have lunch with a few kids everyday.  But maybe that would take away some of the magic.  Who knows.  All that matters I guess, is that today, four little first graders welcomed me into their world.  And however brief it was, it was pure heaven.  I hope they invite me back soon!

Enjoy your coffee...I'm enjoying mine (Boyers~Rocky Mountain Thunder est. 1865)


~Cab Lover

My heart hurts...

The last thing I want is for this blog to turn into a place where I just gripe...so, I plan to start 'not griping' tomorrow!  Tonight, I need to VENT.  I need some advice.  I need some hugs.  And, most of all...I need an ear (or ears).  I know, I'm kinda needy that way.  Oh my, was today a challenge!

A good friend of mine once said, "I would LOVE to be the principal of an orphanage!"  I know that sounds horrible, but I so get what she means.  Parents can be just down-right mean.  I am a parent...to six wonderful-but-challenging-in-their-own-way children (well, young adults, really).  So I really do get that as a parent you must advocate for your children.  I wouldn't expect anything less.  What I don't get is when parents turn something that should so clearly be about their child into something that so clearly is about them.  This is infuriating.  It is hurtful, for everyone involved.  And it is so damn selfish! 

I had, perhaps, the worst meeting of my career today.  I had anticipated that it would be less than smooth, but I had no idea that one 'supposed' professional could treat a roomful of other professionals with such disdain and disrespect.  It was jaw dropping to say the least.  Before I go any further, let me just say with my whole (aching) heart that this is not about pride or ego on my part (or of those members of our spectacular team).  This is about RIGHT AND WRONG.  This is about doing what is BEST FOR THE CHILD.  This is so NOT about the parent, or at least shouldn't be!

So, our meeting went 'south' very quickly.  I would say that the 'agenda' of this parent became clear the moment she walked through the door (15 minutes late I might add).  I take that back.  Her agenda became clear when she sent me an actual one-page agenda a few hours prior to our meeting (a.k.a inquisition)!  She clearly had a chip on her shoulder.  She clearly was angry.  And she clearly was not going to be reasonable.  Thank goodness for our wonderful principal and our team of dedicated professionals (friends)!  Well, the meeting lasted a whopping 10 minutes.  And let's just say we did not hug or pass high-fives on our way out.  In fact, the tension in that room was so thick you could taste it.  I'm pretty sure we all sat there, mouths agape, a full 3 minutes before a word was uttered.

Once we regained some semblance of reality, we dove into our debrief.  Voices escalated.  Minds raced. Tears flowed (just mine, really).  An action plan was made.  Bonds were strengthened.  Did I mention that I cried?

Remember when I said this wasn't about ego?  Or pride?  Rather about right and wrong?  I have been told that I have an overwhelming sense of justice.  To a fault maybe.  I just don't know how to reconcile that with reality sometimes.  When someone says to me, "are you sure that is the hill you want to die on?", my answer is most often, YES!  If it means fighting for what is right, then yes!  How can I say this child means more than that child?  Or, I will stick my neck (and my job) out for her, but not him?  I just can't do it!  I can't.

I don't know how this will end.  I'm really trying to be open minded.  Really.  I just have such a hard time setting aside my convictions.  My sense of right and wrong.  Especially when it means compromising my values.  My integrity.  The integrity of my team.

Thanks for letting me vent.  I still need your advice.  Your hugs.  Your ears.

Warmly,

~Cab Lover

From anger comes inspiration...

Ok, so Friday I was a bit miffed. Well, incredibly miffed! In fact, I was so upset I stewed for the entire evening and into Saturday morning.  Not sure what I'm talking about?  Then you must read Friday's post.  The good news...from my anger came inspiration!

Matt and I had a photo shoot in Pueblo on Saturday so we had plenty of time to talk during the commute.  Truth be told, I talked (griped, really) for the first hour or so, and then let him speak.  Matt is a great problem solver.  He is innovative in his solutions, and, for the most part, objective.  Unfortunately, my objectivity flew out the window when the maniacal mother tried to force her baby to cross over a lane of traffic!  But, I'm over it...sort of!

During our 2 1/2 hour drive, we (mostly Matt) came up with some pretty creative solutions to our parking lot/Kiss-n-Go lane safety issues.  Most of my solutions involved non-PC behavior and had to be abandoned.  Matt, however, is more level headed and politically savvy. 

I can't really let the cat out of the bag yet, as I have to speak with our principal, but I think we may be onto something.  The great thing about Renaissance~we have some AWESOME, INCREDIBLE, MARVELOUS parents.  Parents who are passionate about their children, but more importantly in this particular instance, passionate about ALL children.  They want them to be safe...even if they are running late to work (or coffee, or to the gym)!

So, if you want to be part of the solution (Renaissance parents), or have some suggestions about how your school approaches parking lot or drop off lane safety, leave a comment or email me (teachmania68@gmail.com).  We need your support!

In the mean time, look both ways before crossing (and bring your crossing guard some coffee)!

Speaking of coffee...(Boyers, Rocky Mountain Thunder with caramel syrup (sugar free of course)!

~Cab (and coffee) Lover

Seriously???

Grrr....seriously?  Did that mom really just speed through our icy-covered, Kiss-n-Go lane?  Did she really pass 10 other cars, who by the way were there first, and scream at her child to get out of the car and CROSS A LANE OF TRAFFIC?  Yes.  She did.  And she almost hit me, and numerous children, in the process. But wait, it gets worse.  This poor child did not get out.  Thank goodness. This infuriated her mother.  I could hear this woman screaming at her child inside the SUV.  She was apparently furious that her daughter, who is in 1st grade, would not get out.  This little girl, bless her heart, knows and obeyed our Kiss-n-Go rules.  That can't be said of her out-of-control mother!  In her maniacal state, this woman zoomed by me and pulled her car over (blocking a lane) and jumped out of the car.  Still screaming, she grabbed her daughter and not-so-gently 'helped' her out of the car.  Then she had the audacity to tell her sweet little girl to 'have a great day, honey'.  Seriously?  Ugh...I can feel my blood pressure rising just talking about it. 

I have crosswalk duty three days a week.  For the most part I enjoy it.  It is nice to get to greet the kids and wish them a great day.  Most parents are nice.  Some are simply cordial.  But some are just down right rude.  That makes me angry.  That makes me want to do not-so-nice things with my STOP sign. 

And today, oh man was I upset.  I just cannot fathom what could possibly be so important that you would risk your child's safety, and the safety of others, just so you could be on your way.  Can someone help me understand?  Can you explain this to me?  The passive-aggressive side of me hopes that this woman might read this blog and feel just a tad bit sorry for her behavior.  But then again, I don't think people who act this way tend to recognize their faults. 

My heart aches for that little girl.  My blood boils for that mother.  My stop sign quivers when I see these senseless acts of reckless behavior.  Maybe I need to demand hazard pay!

I think I just needed to vent.  However, if any of you have any suggestions (legal or not) on how I can handle this in the future, I'm happy to hear them.  Please, comment away.  For now though, I'm going to curl up on the couch with my hubby, sip a glass of wine, and watch a movie.

Enjoy your weekend (Francis Ford Coppola~Rosso 2009)!

~Cab Lover

Raring to go!!!

So, I would be lying if I said I haven't absolutely, completely, emphatically enjoyed having TWO (yes, TWO) snow days in a row!  I was able to edit and organize photos from a maternity shoot Matt and I did on Sunday.  I blogged, Tweeted, read, and basically just hung out!  You might not believe me (or you might just think I'm nuts) when I tell you that I am raring to get back to school tomorrow.  I have so much to do.  I have kids to teach!

Tomorrow, I start 'Roaming' with my new Reading Recovery students.  Roaming is one of my favorite things about Reading Recovery.  I get to spend 10 days (lessons) just getting to know the kids.  I get to learn what they know~what they can do as readers.  We spend this time building a relationship so that the environment is ripe for learning!  It is a glorious time. 

The hardest part about Roaming is that I can't actually 'teach'.  That is hard. Our time together is strictly meant for 'roaming the known'.  It is designed for me to see what reading behaviors the children have in place.  Teaching is forbidden.  Seriously.  I cannot introduce any new learning.  That is much harder than is sounds!  And, truthfully, I blow it sometimes.  After all, teachers are experts (hopefully) at seizing a teachable moment.  Not so during Roaming.

After two wonderful days of rest, I am raring to go.  I have a brand new writing book for each student.  The alphabet books are bound and ready to go.  A new roll of white tape is waiting.  I'm excited.  I'm anxious.  I'm hopeful.  

I'm raring to help these struggling readers make sense of that mysterious printed code that awaits them.  I'm raring to help them see how truly smart they are.  I'm raring to boost their confidence.  I'm raring to see that sparkle in their eyes when they have that glorious ah-ha!

Yep, I can't wait for school tomorrow!

Cracked open a REALLY yummy bottle of wine tonight.  The first glass of wine in a few weeks (Kendall Jackson ~ Highland Estates ~ Napa Mountain Cabernet, 2006)!

~Cab Lover