Happiness is...
Bilingual children. Besides the fact that they are ten times cuter, they are set up for success. The benefits of being bilingual are vast, from increased creativity and flexibility to learning advantages... cultural compentencies to higher rates of self-esteem. Not to mention they're simply more sought after for college entry and employment.
I like Spanish. Often, I prefer it to my native language. And it's proven to help children. Ask me again why I want to raise kids who speak a second language.
Mostly, especially this morning, I think kids who speak Spanish are utterly adorable.
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Showing posts with label children. Show all posts
Sunday, November 27, 2011
Thursday, October 27, 2011
Juice Box
Happiness is...
Juice boxes. Especially the 100% juice variety. I love straws, I love the portion size, and I love the feeling of being a kid again, even if it's only vaguely metaphorically.
Release the stress, forget about adulthood, and just sip. That's my intentions exactly.
Juice boxes. Especially the 100% juice variety. I love straws, I love the portion size, and I love the feeling of being a kid again, even if it's only vaguely metaphorically.
Release the stress, forget about adulthood, and just sip. That's my intentions exactly.
Friday, October 7, 2011
Animated awesome
Happiness is...
Children's movies. I love animation. And I extra love it when people burst into song. That's why I will hold on to Disney til the day I die. Luckily, they are still making a good one here and there... sure, they've evolved to computer animation and adult humor, but sometimes I strike gold and there's an all-ensemble song and dance. Today, I watched Rio. My head bobbing, a smile creeping across my lips, I felt like a child again. If I don't find another one like that I just might break out Aladdin and Little Mermaid on DVD. Yeah, that's the life... singing along to my movies, dreaming of being a princess too. Don't judge.
Children's movies. I love animation. And I extra love it when people burst into song. That's why I will hold on to Disney til the day I die. Luckily, they are still making a good one here and there... sure, they've evolved to computer animation and adult humor, but sometimes I strike gold and there's an all-ensemble song and dance. Today, I watched Rio. My head bobbing, a smile creeping across my lips, I felt like a child again. If I don't find another one like that I just might break out Aladdin and Little Mermaid on DVD. Yeah, that's the life... singing along to my movies, dreaming of being a princess too. Don't judge.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Advocacy
Happiness is...
A little bit of advocacy. This week class asked me to start an advocacy project. In the interest of time, viability, and fun, I started a blog for youth with brain injuries. Check it out: My blog
I suffered a brain injury in 2008. But I barely even feel like I suffered. That's why it's so cool to learn more about it and define the parameters of my true feelings. For now, please consider following along (and participating if you have a chance). We'll see if I make an impact. Then again, it goes back to this blog... you never know.
A little bit of advocacy. This week class asked me to start an advocacy project. In the interest of time, viability, and fun, I started a blog for youth with brain injuries. Check it out: My blog
I suffered a brain injury in 2008. But I barely even feel like I suffered. That's why it's so cool to learn more about it and define the parameters of my true feelings. For now, please consider following along (and participating if you have a chance). We'll see if I make an impact. Then again, it goes back to this blog... you never know.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Fun with fowl
Happiness is...
Children and seagulls. It's truly one of the best combinations. Add a box of popcorn and you have a recipe for an amazing afternoon. So they weren't my children... That doesn't make it any less cute to see them running into the swarm, chasing birds up into the sky!
Maybe I was a little concerned when the gulls chased them back, but hey, I'd do a lot of things for a good handful of popcorn as well. Here we are on our grand trip to the north shore, finding the little things to entertain ourselves. Until tomorrow!
Children and seagulls. It's truly one of the best combinations. Add a box of popcorn and you have a recipe for an amazing afternoon. So they weren't my children... That doesn't make it any less cute to see them running into the swarm, chasing birds up into the sky!
Maybe I was a little concerned when the gulls chased them back, but hey, I'd do a lot of things for a good handful of popcorn as well. Here we are on our grand trip to the north shore, finding the little things to entertain ourselves. Until tomorrow!
Thursday, May 26, 2011
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
AmeriCorps Week 2011
Happiness is...
National AmeriCorps Week.
I have spent my last ten months serving as a VISTA in Saint Paul Schools. It has been quite the journey... my coworker says it best: "My term of service has, at times, been difficult, challenging and even a bit overwhelming, but it has never been dull. I have seen students who were struggling to understand basic phonics begin to read fluently. I have had the privilege of coordinating an amazing group of volunteers and meeting some incredibly talented VISTAs. I also began to understand what it feels like to step outside of my comfort zone to participate in something larger than myself. I am unspeakably grateful for these life lessons and, as I begin to wrap up my term of service, I can’t help but wonder who has learned more during this year of tutoring---the students, or me?"
This week I am reflecting on what my service has meant for my own professional and personal development, as well as its impact on this community. I can say knowingly that I've learned more in the one year thrown-under-the-bus-pretending-to-know-what -I'm-doing-business than in the whole Bachelor's Degree business that I handled prior. It's been a whirlwind, and it's the perfect time to reflect on this transitory stage of my life. VISTAs move things forward, and sacrifice their own salary to fight poverty, illiteracy, homelessness, and the like. In hindsight it is just as real as any career, but why doesn't it quite feel that way?
I have concluded that this is what I wanted, after all. A job that makes change, surrounded by others who are passionate about that change. A place where I am responsible, and inspired. Happy National AmeriCorps week to all of my fellow service members who have found the same kind of place!
National AmeriCorps Week.
I have spent my last ten months serving as a VISTA in Saint Paul Schools. It has been quite the journey... my coworker says it best: "My term of service has, at times, been difficult, challenging and even a bit overwhelming, but it has never been dull. I have seen students who were struggling to understand basic phonics begin to read fluently. I have had the privilege of coordinating an amazing group of volunteers and meeting some incredibly talented VISTAs. I also began to understand what it feels like to step outside of my comfort zone to participate in something larger than myself. I am unspeakably grateful for these life lessons and, as I begin to wrap up my term of service, I can’t help but wonder who has learned more during this year of tutoring---the students, or me?"
This week I am reflecting on what my service has meant for my own professional and personal development, as well as its impact on this community. I can say knowingly that I've learned more in the one year thrown-under-the-bus-pretending-to-know-what -I'm-doing-business than in the whole Bachelor's Degree business that I handled prior. It's been a whirlwind, and it's the perfect time to reflect on this transitory stage of my life. VISTAs move things forward, and sacrifice their own salary to fight poverty, illiteracy, homelessness, and the like. In hindsight it is just as real as any career, but why doesn't it quite feel that way?
I have concluded that this is what I wanted, after all. A job that makes change, surrounded by others who are passionate about that change. A place where I am responsible, and inspired. Happy National AmeriCorps week to all of my fellow service members who have found the same kind of place!
Thursday, May 5, 2011
Field Trips
Happiness is...
Field trips.
A couple weeks ago we held daytime parent teacher conferences... which meant I got to go to Grand Slam and MOA with the kids to get them out of their hair. Today we were invited to a special preview of a dance company at the Ordway, and tomorrow we get to go to the Saints game.
Field trips are the perfect mini-vacation; they get me out of my office and away from my computer for a day, and they allow me to have fun with the kids. After all, that's what I do best! We're just a few more field trips from the end of the school year and some peace and quiet at last. Can't wait!
Field trips.
A couple weeks ago we held daytime parent teacher conferences... which meant I got to go to Grand Slam and MOA with the kids to get them out of their hair. Today we were invited to a special preview of a dance company at the Ordway, and tomorrow we get to go to the Saints game.
Field trips are the perfect mini-vacation; they get me out of my office and away from my computer for a day, and they allow me to have fun with the kids. After all, that's what I do best! We're just a few more field trips from the end of the school year and some peace and quiet at last. Can't wait!
Monday, April 25, 2011
Fans
Happiness is...
Talking into the fan to hear your voice transformed.
"Luke, I am your father"
You would think I'd have grown out of it at 23 years old. But you'd be thinking wrong! The joys of childhood...
Talking into the fan to hear your voice transformed.
"Luke, I am your father"
You would think I'd have grown out of it at 23 years old. But you'd be thinking wrong! The joys of childhood...
Thursday, April 14, 2011
A Child's Smile
Happiness is...
A child's smile.
Yesterday while I was tutoring she was giggling, even. When I asked her what was so funny she replied that she simply loved reading. This was a great moment, astounding really... just a few months ago I had to fight with her to get her to continue to the next page. And now, when she reads the words right she claps her hand. Making a difference, and man does it feel good.
Today a student approached my desk and just hovered. I asked her what she needed and she said, "Nothing... you're just my favorite." I would never have known.
It's the simple moments. Really.
A child's smile.
Yesterday while I was tutoring she was giggling, even. When I asked her what was so funny she replied that she simply loved reading. This was a great moment, astounding really... just a few months ago I had to fight with her to get her to continue to the next page. And now, when she reads the words right she claps her hand. Making a difference, and man does it feel good.
Today a student approached my desk and just hovered. I asked her what she needed and she said, "Nothing... you're just my favorite." I would never have known.
It's the simple moments. Really.
Monday, April 11, 2011
Disney
Happiness is...
Disney. What else can get your mind off of the cruelty of life? Whether belting out the words to a Whole New World or quoting the best of Lion King, there will always be warmth in your heart and a twinkle in your eyes. And no, I am not being cheesy---it is 100% accurate.
Tonight we had a debate over whether Belle was, in fact, the most stellar princess... I mean, she reads! However, it was not very nice to yell at the beast, he has a complex.
Bottom line: I love Disney. Disney is the root of all happiness.
Disney. What else can get your mind off of the cruelty of life? Whether belting out the words to a Whole New World or quoting the best of Lion King, there will always be warmth in your heart and a twinkle in your eyes. And no, I am not being cheesy---it is 100% accurate.
Tonight we had a debate over whether Belle was, in fact, the most stellar princess... I mean, she reads! However, it was not very nice to yell at the beast, he has a complex.
Bottom line: I love Disney. Disney is the root of all happiness.
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
Skype?!
Happiness is...
Reminiscing on fun childhood memories. Think about your embarrassing yearbook photos growing up. Talk about your grade school boyfriends. Remember the names of all three of your imaginary friends. Look through old drawings and journal entries and let that bright smile creep across your face.
I had the chance to chat on skype with a dear friend last night, and it very quickly turned from catching up talking about work woes to anecdotes from the distant past. I welcomed it, a chance to laugh together until we cry. Pointing out the awkward developing teen years is a great way to find a running joke... though I'd never want to relive the times.
Take a moment today to page through old albums or call up a childhood friends to share stories all over again. You'll be surprised what memories arise from the shadows!
Make yourself happy. Make memories.
Reminiscing on fun childhood memories. Think about your embarrassing yearbook photos growing up. Talk about your grade school boyfriends. Remember the names of all three of your imaginary friends. Look through old drawings and journal entries and let that bright smile creep across your face.
I had the chance to chat on skype with a dear friend last night, and it very quickly turned from catching up talking about work woes to anecdotes from the distant past. I welcomed it, a chance to laugh together until we cry. Pointing out the awkward developing teen years is a great way to find a running joke... though I'd never want to relive the times.
Take a moment today to page through old albums or call up a childhood friends to share stories all over again. You'll be surprised what memories arise from the shadows!
Make yourself happy. Make memories.
Friday, March 11, 2011
but wait...
Happiness is...
Free with purchase. You can spend any number of dollars, but when you get a gift with purchase suddenly none of that matters. It's all worth it, for that incentive.
Funny what an incentive can do for you, eh?
In my career I will be using incentives. Children of all ages can see the value of them, and quite often they can be as small as a new pencil or piece of candy. Tell me a better way to get some buy-in. No pun intended.
Free with purchase. You can spend any number of dollars, but when you get a gift with purchase suddenly none of that matters. It's all worth it, for that incentive.
Funny what an incentive can do for you, eh?
In my career I will be using incentives. Children of all ages can see the value of them, and quite often they can be as small as a new pencil or piece of candy. Tell me a better way to get some buy-in. No pun intended.
Sunday, February 13, 2011
Babies!
Happiness is...
A baby's smile. The entire reason I will take care of them. They are God's most precious gift and their smile is pure and wonderful.
Get them to smile, giggle, play, babble, and then give them back to their rightful parents when they get unruly. If only everything was that easy.
A baby's smile. The entire reason I will take care of them. They are God's most precious gift and their smile is pure and wonderful.
Get them to smile, giggle, play, babble, and then give them back to their rightful parents when they get unruly. If only everything was that easy.
Friday, February 11, 2011
Young Love
Happiness is...
Young love. In fact, walking around a school filled with 12 and 13 year olds is pretty monotonous until days like today. No, today was no ordinary day... we concluded instruction at 12:30 to prepare for a mid-afternoon Valentine's dance. No uniforms required, the kids came to school dressed to impress. It was simply endearing.
As staff, our duties included helping the logistics surrounding the dance as well as patrolling to keep them out of shenanigans. In fact, one of the staff members walked the perimeter of the crowd with a flashlight, ready to shine it on any perpetrators who decided to start grinding or sucking face.
Amidst all of this, I was able to really take in the students from a different perspective. Near the DJ there were several couples engaged in slow-dancing, laying their heads on each others' shoulders, holding each other tightly. The real smile crept onto my face when the songs changed to hard rap and the couples continued to sway slowly in each others' arms. As if the beat change was difficult to notice. Wonderful...
In any case, things seem simpler in these days, and they fall for every boy they spend a week with. I realize now the growth I have made but I wouldn't give up young love for the world! Happy almost-V-day, all.
Young love. In fact, walking around a school filled with 12 and 13 year olds is pretty monotonous until days like today. No, today was no ordinary day... we concluded instruction at 12:30 to prepare for a mid-afternoon Valentine's dance. No uniforms required, the kids came to school dressed to impress. It was simply endearing.
As staff, our duties included helping the logistics surrounding the dance as well as patrolling to keep them out of shenanigans. In fact, one of the staff members walked the perimeter of the crowd with a flashlight, ready to shine it on any perpetrators who decided to start grinding or sucking face.
Amidst all of this, I was able to really take in the students from a different perspective. Near the DJ there were several couples engaged in slow-dancing, laying their heads on each others' shoulders, holding each other tightly. The real smile crept onto my face when the songs changed to hard rap and the couples continued to sway slowly in each others' arms. As if the beat change was difficult to notice. Wonderful...
In any case, things seem simpler in these days, and they fall for every boy they spend a week with. I realize now the growth I have made but I wouldn't give up young love for the world! Happy almost-V-day, all.
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Cookies
Happiness is...
Girl Scout Cookies... and buying them from my students. Samoas. I want them now.
Yes, it's for a good cause and I am helping a little girl reach her goal, but man are they ever worth it in ways beyond this. :)
Girl Scout Cookies... and buying them from my students. Samoas. I want them now.
Yes, it's for a good cause and I am helping a little girl reach her goal, but man are they ever worth it in ways beyond this. :)
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Giving it to others!
Happiness is...
Knowing that you've touched someone's life.
I used to work a summer job with about thirty 5yr olds. We got to play games, go outside, spend time in the pool and at the library and on field trips... It was an awesome gig.
Last July I saw one of the parents at B&N, and little did I know he remembered me and was thinking of me---the kids actually missed me! It was a fun conversation in the middle of the foreign language section, and it warmed my heart for a few hours.
If that wasn't enough, he stopped me at the community center today... "I meant to tell you at the bookstore... you always told me he was a natural on skates, and I honestly wouldn't have noticed it myself. You have no idea how big that was." He really wouldn't have known (especially given the meek nature of this particular boy), and a 5yr old couldn't begin to express the joy he had felt in that little time we spent on the ice for a diversion that short summer.
Turns out he is now at hockey practice 3 times a week. They told me it wouldn't have happened without my insight. No, I'm not the end all be all. But I do have reassurance that my hand was there, and the fingerprint I left is astounding even to me. I walked away from this minute exchange with a huge smile on my face, one that will carry me through tomorrow.
Happiness is helping other people find happiness. Truly, that's where I get it all.
Knowing that you've touched someone's life.
I used to work a summer job with about thirty 5yr olds. We got to play games, go outside, spend time in the pool and at the library and on field trips... It was an awesome gig.
Last July I saw one of the parents at B&N, and little did I know he remembered me and was thinking of me---the kids actually missed me! It was a fun conversation in the middle of the foreign language section, and it warmed my heart for a few hours.
If that wasn't enough, he stopped me at the community center today... "I meant to tell you at the bookstore... you always told me he was a natural on skates, and I honestly wouldn't have noticed it myself. You have no idea how big that was." He really wouldn't have known (especially given the meek nature of this particular boy), and a 5yr old couldn't begin to express the joy he had felt in that little time we spent on the ice for a diversion that short summer.
Turns out he is now at hockey practice 3 times a week. They told me it wouldn't have happened without my insight. No, I'm not the end all be all. But I do have reassurance that my hand was there, and the fingerprint I left is astounding even to me. I walked away from this minute exchange with a huge smile on my face, one that will carry me through tomorrow.
Happiness is helping other people find happiness. Truly, that's where I get it all.
Tuesday, February 1, 2011
Vocabulary
Happiness is...
Working through words with six-year-olds. Take, for example, my evening. I was reading with one of my favorites and the book starting to get difficult...
When asked what a spider is: "a really scary thing with 600 legs and two big eyes."
When asked what strange is: "when the couch was supposed to be there, but now the toy box is there and the couch is here---man that's strange..."
When asked what beautiful means: "you're beautiful and a boy wants to kiss you on the lips!"
Working through words with six-year-olds. Take, for example, my evening. I was reading with one of my favorites and the book starting to get difficult...
When asked what a spider is: "a really scary thing with 600 legs and two big eyes."
When asked what strange is: "when the couch was supposed to be there, but now the toy box is there and the couch is here---man that's strange..."
When asked what beautiful means: "you're beautiful and a boy wants to kiss you on the lips!"
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Babies
Happiness is...
Every little gift from God... 9 months in growth and then presentation to the lucky mother.
You may begin by seeing the issues that this can present, but then you catch a glimpse of the bundle of life growing within us. It's a feat of nature, and they become your unique creation, to mold into the artwork of individuality. Through all of the challenges, I must believe there is a serious joy in parenting, seeing first words, steps, friends, successes... And today every ounce of my love and blessing goes to my dear friend as she celebrates: may your child provide for you a lifetime of health, love, and happiness.
Children are the only thing that will love you unconditionally. They will bring some spice to your life, and never take any single one for granted. Children bring light to your life.
DISCLAIMER: I speak from my care and adoration for children, but not from any personal desire for a child in the near-future... :)
Every little gift from God... 9 months in growth and then presentation to the lucky mother.
You may begin by seeing the issues that this can present, but then you catch a glimpse of the bundle of life growing within us. It's a feat of nature, and they become your unique creation, to mold into the artwork of individuality. Through all of the challenges, I must believe there is a serious joy in parenting, seeing first words, steps, friends, successes... And today every ounce of my love and blessing goes to my dear friend as she celebrates: may your child provide for you a lifetime of health, love, and happiness.
Children are the only thing that will love you unconditionally. They will bring some spice to your life, and never take any single one for granted. Children bring light to your life.
DISCLAIMER: I speak from my care and adoration for children, but not from any personal desire for a child in the near-future... :)
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Success!
Happiness is...
this: http://theeastsidepride.org/?p=2789
and this: http://district1council.blogspot.com/2011/01/changing-lives-on-eastside.html
and so much more to come!
In case you didn't know, I kinda like my job a lot. And now there's word spreading to boot. Recruitment efforts may pick up slowly but you can't say we're not going places. People are reading it, people are getting on board, and we really are changing lives over here. There's no greater feeling.
A tutor brought his student a dictionary today. That is why I get up for work in the morning!
this: http://theeastsidepride.org/?p=2789
and this: http://district1council.blogspot.com/2011/01/changing-lives-on-eastside.html
and so much more to come!
In case you didn't know, I kinda like my job a lot. And now there's word spreading to boot. Recruitment efforts may pick up slowly but you can't say we're not going places. People are reading it, people are getting on board, and we really are changing lives over here. There's no greater feeling.
A tutor brought his student a dictionary today. That is why I get up for work in the morning!
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