When I started to do this blog my intent was to try to post each day or for that matter every couple of days...obviously that has not happened. It definitely is not because I do not have something random to ramble on about. I wish I would admit that most people would not want to hear about my rambling, but I really do not care because honestly I need to rant sometimes. My problem is I am too lazy too type. I get in at night and I just want to crash. I am like an old lady I get home, it is dark outside so I put my pajamas on and relax until I fall asleep (which does not take very long). I have so many things I want to rant about now, but I do not want to hurt any one's feelings, so I am keeping them out of the blog.
Before I go any further I do want to say thank you to all of you who responded about Charlotte's blog. Also to many of you who passed it along to your friends and all of you who have visited her site. It is so amazing how many lives she has really impacted.
Okay so back to my randomness. I got to thinking about what I should blog about and it hit me that the title of my blog is Lacey's Randomness, so I think in the month of February I am going to try (we'll see) to write about something random about me. Recently the big thing on facebook was to forward 25 random things about yourself, so I hope to use those 25 and add a few to complete one month of random thoughts. I am sure most of you will be bored of it, but who knows maybe someone will find it interesting. I hope many f you will come back next week and see what off the wall topic I will choose to talk about each day. For now I am off to bed.
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Sunday, January 25, 2009
Family Weekend
Yes, you all read correctly. I spent the weekend with my family. I know I prefer those long weekends hanging out at home and I rarely actually attend family events, but I did it this weekend. The weekend started when Stuart, Constance (my cousin) and Luke came up to hang out in Florence for a few days. The girls went to see Bride Wars...which I recommend if you have not seen, Friday night. Saturday we did not want to do too much so we rode out to Waterloo. Now my mother has an obsession about going out there to look at eagles, but in my almost six years living in Florence I had never been out there. It is definitely a beautiful place. Finally, today we all, well actually only 16 of the 21 of us, went to church with my grandad. He attends a small church in the middle of nowhere Marion/Winston? County. We doubled the attendance today. It was a nice afternoon. I can handle that every so often and can you all believe that it was not even a holiday. I will admit I did have a great weekend, but I definitely did not get any
My mom is STILL trying to learn how to take pictures.
rest
.
This is Luke in downtown Waterloo.
This is Luke in downtown Waterloo.
My mom is STILL trying to learn how to take pictures.
For anyone who knows my family knows that these boys are the closest Karen might ever get to grandchildren. On the way home from Waterloo she decided she could not make it home to the bathroom and we HAD to stop at Sunset Beach (between Waterloo and Florence). Well of course Sam and Eli live there. Sam is eating his hamburger. Again my mom's photography is not the greatest.
Monday, January 19, 2009
Friend of Mine
On Sunday my preacher introduced his sermon by talking about recently looking back at photos of himself. While looking at the photos he realized that his friends made him into to the person he is today. You see your friendships define who you are or who you will become. Now he went on to talk about how Abraham was the only person ever mentioned as a "friend of God". He also ended with how are we as a friend to Jesus, not Him to us, but how we treat Him.
Okay so I have mentioned earlier that I would from time to time talk about people who have made a difference in my life. I had really decided to blog about this person on Saturday, but I got side tracked and never blogged. After hearing the sermon yesterday I decided I needed to get started blogging. now I am not going by who has meant the most to me or anything like that because I hope to get to many people. The reason I chose this person is because on Saturday she started a new website that some of you might be interested in seeing.
I do want everyone to remember that you might always feel the same way about a person as I do and you are entitled to your opinion. If you want to give your opinion get a blog.
Charlotte
When I was a child I remember this teacher that most of my aunts knew very well as their cheerleader sponsor. As I got older I saw her from time to time, but I guess it was in the tenth grade that our relationship totally changed. I stopped by room 11 from time to time to chat or Alisha and I would drop by and visit her at home. In the eleventh grade I hid out in her room almost everyday...sorry Mrs. Wood never could figure out why I missed so much of my office machines class. This was also the historic year when I informed Charlotte that she as really going to have to do something about her clothes and makeup if she ever planned on getting a new man.
It was my senior year of high school that everything changed. I finally had the privilege of sitting front and center in room eleven. I had always loved English and literature, but my love of English lit changed forever that year. I did learn a lot about the subject, but I also learned a lot about life too. Who knew I even won the English award that year. I thin that has meant more to me than anything else I have ever accomplished. In May of 1999 life was forever changed...Charlotte was diagnosed with cancer.
I had a few people I knew go through cancer, but not anyone that I was that close to. I honestly did not know what to do. I spent many a night just praying and crying. We spent a lot of time together that summer, but in August I went off to college. It was only two weeks in when she had her first surgery. That year thing were up and down. I often hated being away from home, but we still got to spend time together. It has been almost ten years since she was first diagnosed and things have been up and down for all those years, but through it all it seems she has been a rock. I am sure she has her days I know I would, but she has done better that I could have ever imagined.
Today I hate to say we are not as close as we once were, but I respect the fact that she sometimes keeps her distance. I wish I did get to spend more time with her, but we are not in the same place, so it is hard. I will say though she has been an inspiration to me in so many ways as a teacher, but most of all as a survivor. I do not know what my life would be like without her. I mean we can go months without talking and then one Saturday afternoon she will call and want to know why I have been acting like an old maid.
I do not want to bore any of you, so I will just say pleases always keep her in your prayers because she is still fighting each day. IF you want a more in depth story of her life with cancer then check out her own website at www.caringbridge.org/visit/charlotterich .
Okay so I have mentioned earlier that I would from time to time talk about people who have made a difference in my life. I had really decided to blog about this person on Saturday, but I got side tracked and never blogged. After hearing the sermon yesterday I decided I needed to get started blogging. now I am not going by who has meant the most to me or anything like that because I hope to get to many people. The reason I chose this person is because on Saturday she started a new website that some of you might be interested in seeing.
I do want everyone to remember that you might always feel the same way about a person as I do and you are entitled to your opinion. If you want to give your opinion get a blog.
Charlotte
When I was a child I remember this teacher that most of my aunts knew very well as their cheerleader sponsor. As I got older I saw her from time to time, but I guess it was in the tenth grade that our relationship totally changed. I stopped by room 11 from time to time to chat or Alisha and I would drop by and visit her at home. In the eleventh grade I hid out in her room almost everyday...sorry Mrs. Wood never could figure out why I missed so much of my office machines class. This was also the historic year when I informed Charlotte that she as really going to have to do something about her clothes and makeup if she ever planned on getting a new man.
It was my senior year of high school that everything changed. I finally had the privilege of sitting front and center in room eleven. I had always loved English and literature, but my love of English lit changed forever that year. I did learn a lot about the subject, but I also learned a lot about life too. Who knew I even won the English award that year. I thin that has meant more to me than anything else I have ever accomplished. In May of 1999 life was forever changed...Charlotte was diagnosed with cancer.
I had a few people I knew go through cancer, but not anyone that I was that close to. I honestly did not know what to do. I spent many a night just praying and crying. We spent a lot of time together that summer, but in August I went off to college. It was only two weeks in when she had her first surgery. That year thing were up and down. I often hated being away from home, but we still got to spend time together. It has been almost ten years since she was first diagnosed and things have been up and down for all those years, but through it all it seems she has been a rock. I am sure she has her days I know I would, but she has done better that I could have ever imagined.
Today I hate to say we are not as close as we once were, but I respect the fact that she sometimes keeps her distance. I wish I did get to spend more time with her, but we are not in the same place, so it is hard. I will say though she has been an inspiration to me in so many ways as a teacher, but most of all as a survivor. I do not know what my life would be like without her. I mean we can go months without talking and then one Saturday afternoon she will call and want to know why I have been acting like an old maid.
I do not want to bore any of you, so I will just say pleases always keep her in your prayers because she is still fighting each day. IF you want a more in depth story of her life with cancer then check out her own website at www.caringbridge.org/visit/charlotterich .
Wednesday, January 14, 2009
BUNCO
I am worn out this week, so I have not been up to posting. I normally play bunco on Thursdays, but I played on Monday of this week.
Now I am sure most of you know what bunco is, but if not I guess you will have to figure that one out. I had sort of heard of bunco in college, but I honestly thought it was some kind of card game until I saw a ox for it in a store. It was not until I moved to Florence that realized how popular it is in the area. I think if I really wanted to I could play bunco every night of the month with a different group. I have actually been in my same bunco group for going on the third year. I also sub for other groups from church or school. I do enjoy the game because I am the ultimate competitor, but I also enjoy hanging out with friends.
Something you quickly learn is that no one group plays bunco the same way. I find that cool too because if you play with a variety of groups chances are you will not play the same way each time. I have also learned that "bunco" is code for girls night out without the game...sorry to break the secret. I will say that our group does really play.
The bunco group that I play with is a collection of women that I go to church with. We typically eat, play, eat, play, play while we eat and then give away prizes while we eat some more. We also typically have a theme. It may be for the hwhole night, just the gifts, the food it just dpends on the host. Monday we had 70s bunco and ate fondue.
I know for me it has helped me get to know a lot of people (we have to have substitutes, so a variety of people show up to play). I also think it is really good for those moms who just need a night away. If you ever can get out and play bunco. Oh and thanks to Karen, Flori, Mona, Dinah, Jeannie, Leah, Lynn, Jodi, Laura, Linda, Amber and all those subs we love for all the fun times.
Now I am sure most of you know what bunco is, but if not I guess you will have to figure that one out. I had sort of heard of bunco in college, but I honestly thought it was some kind of card game until I saw a ox for it in a store. It was not until I moved to Florence that realized how popular it is in the area. I think if I really wanted to I could play bunco every night of the month with a different group. I have actually been in my same bunco group for going on the third year. I also sub for other groups from church or school. I do enjoy the game because I am the ultimate competitor, but I also enjoy hanging out with friends.
Something you quickly learn is that no one group plays bunco the same way. I find that cool too because if you play with a variety of groups chances are you will not play the same way each time. I have also learned that "bunco" is code for girls night out without the game...sorry to break the secret. I will say that our group does really play.
The bunco group that I play with is a collection of women that I go to church with. We typically eat, play, eat, play, play while we eat and then give away prizes while we eat some more. We also typically have a theme. It may be for the hwhole night, just the gifts, the food it just dpends on the host. Monday we had 70s bunco and ate fondue.
I know for me it has helped me get to know a lot of people (we have to have substitutes, so a variety of people show up to play). I also think it is really good for those moms who just need a night away. If you ever can get out and play bunco. Oh and thanks to Karen, Flori, Mona, Dinah, Jeannie, Leah, Lynn, Jodi, Laura, Linda, Amber and all those subs we love for all the fun times.
Sunday, January 11, 2009
. excuses
I explained early on that sometimes I may write about things that some people may take offense too, but for you just to remember it is my opinion and if you have issue with it then take it up with me.
Yesterday I was reading a familiar story form the old testament. It was the story of Jacob. I came to the part in Genesis 31 where Jacob decides to leave his father-in-law and take Rachel, Leah, their maidservants and all his children back to the land of his father Isaac. Well because he had deceived his father-in-law he left in secret, but what he did not know was that Rachel stole gods from her father's house. Laban finally catches up with Jacob and wants to know where his gods are. He begins to go through everyone's tents, but does not find anything.Rachel had hidden them under saddle on her camel. Laban is getting ready to leave and is saying goodbye, but Rachel gives the excuse that she can not get off her camel because she is on her period (when really she does not want him to find the gods). Now I do not know about you but I found that quite interesting. The text I was reading was the NIV, ,but other versions do refer to it as having the matter of the woman.
What strikes me as odd is that even in Biblical times women were using the excuse of being on their period to get out of doing something. Now you may not think of it like that, but that is what it seemed to me. Yeah sure she was using it as an excuse to hide something, but I think all women have used it at one time or another to excuse behavior, get out of work or just a way of staying in bed all day. I know some of you will say that sometimes it is not an excuse. I will agree to that because I have had my share of episodes of the years, but come on no woman can tell me she has not at some time in her life used the . excuse.
Please do not send me comments saying I have disgraced a Bible story because that is not my intent I just found it interesting and wondered if anyone else had ever noticed it:)
Yesterday I was reading a familiar story form the old testament. It was the story of Jacob. I came to the part in Genesis 31 where Jacob decides to leave his father-in-law and take Rachel, Leah, their maidservants and all his children back to the land of his father Isaac. Well because he had deceived his father-in-law he left in secret, but what he did not know was that Rachel stole gods from her father's house. Laban finally catches up with Jacob and wants to know where his gods are. He begins to go through everyone's tents, but does not find anything.Rachel had hidden them under saddle on her camel. Laban is getting ready to leave and is saying goodbye, but Rachel gives the excuse that she can not get off her camel because she is on her period (when really she does not want him to find the gods). Now I do not know about you but I found that quite interesting. The text I was reading was the NIV, ,but other versions do refer to it as having the matter of the woman.
What strikes me as odd is that even in Biblical times women were using the excuse of being on their period to get out of doing something. Now you may not think of it like that, but that is what it seemed to me. Yeah sure she was using it as an excuse to hide something, but I think all women have used it at one time or another to excuse behavior, get out of work or just a way of staying in bed all day. I know some of you will say that sometimes it is not an excuse. I will agree to that because I have had my share of episodes of the years, but come on no woman can tell me she has not at some time in her life used the . excuse.
Please do not send me comments saying I have disgraced a Bible story because that is not my intent I just found it interesting and wondered if anyone else had ever noticed it:)
Saturday, January 10, 2009
You've Got Mail
Okay so I am really having trouble deciding on my topic for today. It has been a rainy day, so I have just hung out around the house. Unfortunately, it was not a good TV day. I did catch up on my weekly DVR recordings, but other than that I was unable to satisfy my need for some good romantic comedies...except Something to Talk About (the TV version is not quite as comical as the original. For all of you who know me you are saying to yourself "that girl as hundreds of DVD's why does she even to look on TV" I wish I could provide an answer, but for some reason I just like to watch them on TV. I did finally break down and watch Breach tonight...great movie if you have never seen it.
Now last weekend was a good TV movie weekend, but I had to many interruptions to enjoy some of my faves...My Big Fat Greek Wedding, A league of Their Own (I still cry every time I wt ch it) and my ultimate fave...You've Got Mail.
I wish I knew what it was about this movie that I love so dearly. I watch it every time it comes on TV and of course I have a copy of it. I can remember in college if I was having a bad day I just popped in that movie and relaxed. I probably could say the whole movie if it were put on mute. Now I have many favorite movies from all kinds of genres, but this one ranks up there. I just like the idea of randomly finding someone to talk about nothing with. Could you imagine if shopgirl and ny152 made a movie now it would be about their blogs or their facebook pages. I mean we all know how unrealistic these movies can be, but I guess it gives us a chances to hope that romance really could exist like that.
I am sure I Will get flack from some of you about my movie choices, but hopefully I will get a chance to talk about some of my other movie faves. I do love the romantic comedy, but I also love the spirit of sports movies. Maybe next weekend will be another chance to kick back and enjoy some movies in the mean time I think I will go to bed and I know just the movie that will put me into that dream sleep, but first I better check my mail.
Now last weekend was a good TV movie weekend, but I had to many interruptions to enjoy some of my faves...My Big Fat Greek Wedding, A league of Their Own (I still cry every time I wt ch it) and my ultimate fave...You've Got Mail.
I wish I knew what it was about this movie that I love so dearly. I watch it every time it comes on TV and of course I have a copy of it. I can remember in college if I was having a bad day I just popped in that movie and relaxed. I probably could say the whole movie if it were put on mute. Now I have many favorite movies from all kinds of genres, but this one ranks up there. I just like the idea of randomly finding someone to talk about nothing with. Could you imagine if shopgirl and ny152 made a movie now it would be about their blogs or their facebook pages. I mean we all know how unrealistic these movies can be, but I guess it gives us a chances to hope that romance really could exist like that.
I am sure I Will get flack from some of you about my movie choices, but hopefully I will get a chance to talk about some of my other movie faves. I do love the romantic comedy, but I also love the spirit of sports movies. Maybe next weekend will be another chance to kick back and enjoy some movies in the mean time I think I will go to bed and I know just the movie that will put me into that dream sleep, but first I better check my mail.
Friday, January 9, 2009
And They All Fall Down
It seems that I have sort of a bad habit...well at least one that people like to tease me about. I laugh (some hysterically) when people fall. I mean I would like to think that I would not laugh at some poor old lady if she fell down, but as someone pointed out to me today, if she couldn't see me then I would probably still laugh...Okay Susan you're right:) Sometimes I wish I did not have this habit, but nothing seems to cure it.
I laugh when I myself fall. Yes, recently I tripped going up some steps at work and as I walked on I began to giggle about it. Some of the best first witness falls have been my mother. The two that rank right up there have to do with her sliding under the car one Sunday after lunch and the other was one Wednesday she went sliding across the wet parking lot at church. These were both in high school, so I thought maybe it was my immaturity, but I still laugh when people fall. I never laugh right in their face. Sometimes I even try to help them before I walk off to a corner to laugh. I will admit if it is a serious fall and I know that someone is really hurt or if it looks like it would hurt I usually do not laugh because it makes me sick to my stomach.
Now you would think I would enjoy like America's Funniest Home Videos, but some of the other videos get on my nerves. Now if it is an episode about falling then I am all in. People send me some really good emails because they now I have this thing about falling. I always try to point out to people that I am not trying to offend them, but if they ever fall expect me to laugh. You know one day I am going to have a good fall and embarrass myself in front of a lot of people, but no matter how embarrassed I feel on the outside chances are I am double over laughing on the inside.
I laugh when I myself fall. Yes, recently I tripped going up some steps at work and as I walked on I began to giggle about it. Some of the best first witness falls have been my mother. The two that rank right up there have to do with her sliding under the car one Sunday after lunch and the other was one Wednesday she went sliding across the wet parking lot at church. These were both in high school, so I thought maybe it was my immaturity, but I still laugh when people fall. I never laugh right in their face. Sometimes I even try to help them before I walk off to a corner to laugh. I will admit if it is a serious fall and I know that someone is really hurt or if it looks like it would hurt I usually do not laugh because it makes me sick to my stomach.
Now you would think I would enjoy like America's Funniest Home Videos, but some of the other videos get on my nerves. Now if it is an episode about falling then I am all in. People send me some really good emails because they now I have this thing about falling. I always try to point out to people that I am not trying to offend them, but if they ever fall expect me to laugh. You know one day I am going to have a good fall and embarrass myself in front of a lot of people, but no matter how embarrassed I feel on the outside chances are I am double over laughing on the inside.
Thursday, January 8, 2009
Airborne
Okay, so I said I would talk about things that I can't live without...well that includes Airborne. Some of you may feel like it would never work or have even had a bad experience with it, but for me I can not go a work day without it. I have tried all the flavors, but have to stick with the zesty orange. I take my Airborne with warm water to keep from having a chalky taste. I have also tried other brands and it seems that no other can compare with it. You ask well does it work? I will say this much. I have in five years taken one sick day and it was before Airborne. I have had other days off and I have went to work feeling a little under the weather, but I have to say it absolutely works for me. I have only had one side effect. I guess it was four years ago and I had been taking my Airborne and vitamins when I decided to up my vitamin C. I had a little girl who cut the top of my finger tip off with a pair of scissors and I literally thought I would never stop bleeding. Come to find out all the vitamin C had thinned my blood. If you ever decide to take it make sure you are not taking too much of the vitamins that it includes. All I have to say is I was the second grade teacher who invented it.
Wednesday, January 7, 2009
???
Can you just not give a blog a title? I really could not decide what I wanted to talk about. I am tired and I just want to go to bed...yes it is 8:00 and I am about to go to sleep.
First, let me correct a little of my last blog. I have for the last three years worked in a self-contained classroom. Previously I had worked in and out of regular ed classrooms helping various students. My first year in self-contained I worked with students with a little more severe autism. Like I said the last two years I have worked more closely with students with mental retardation. Now some of you questioned "my just playing" with the kids. I should point out that I supplement reading, spelling and math for the students I work with. The teacher does the core work and I supplement. I also work on other specific skills that she often does not get a chance to deal with because their are not enough hours in the day. We have such a wonderful working relationship. I mean I have the idea job...no planning and no paperwork, but still the benefits of making and educational impact on a child. What else can I say but that I absolutely love it.
Okay, so maybe i should talk about something else...what? I am puzzled...that's it. I think I mentioned earlier that I wanted to little by little let you get know me instead of just typing some abbreviated bio. Here is something most of you do not really know about me... I enjoy puzzles. I mean I love stuff like the word games that come in the daily paper, I like crosswords and I used to be obsessed with sudoku. I also find jigsaw puzzles relaxing...yes I said relaxing. In the winter if you stop by my house, you will often find a puzzle on the table. Laugh all you want, i know it seems like an old lady, but hey my brain will get younger while the rest of you age. Right now my puzzle is garden's gate.
Puzzles are a lot like laugh...every piece fits together making something beautiful. Good night.
First, let me correct a little of my last blog. I have for the last three years worked in a self-contained classroom. Previously I had worked in and out of regular ed classrooms helping various students. My first year in self-contained I worked with students with a little more severe autism. Like I said the last two years I have worked more closely with students with mental retardation. Now some of you questioned "my just playing" with the kids. I should point out that I supplement reading, spelling and math for the students I work with. The teacher does the core work and I supplement. I also work on other specific skills that she often does not get a chance to deal with because their are not enough hours in the day. We have such a wonderful working relationship. I mean I have the idea job...no planning and no paperwork, but still the benefits of making and educational impact on a child. What else can I say but that I absolutely love it.
Okay, so maybe i should talk about something else...what? I am puzzled...that's it. I think I mentioned earlier that I wanted to little by little let you get know me instead of just typing some abbreviated bio. Here is something most of you do not really know about me... I enjoy puzzles. I mean I love stuff like the word games that come in the daily paper, I like crosswords and I used to be obsessed with sudoku. I also find jigsaw puzzles relaxing...yes I said relaxing. In the winter if you stop by my house, you will often find a puzzle on the table. Laugh all you want, i know it seems like an old lady, but hey my brain will get younger while the rest of you age. Right now my puzzle is garden's gate.
Puzzles are a lot like laugh...every piece fits together making something beautiful. Good night.
Tuesday, January 6, 2009
To Educate
Okay, so sticking to this blogging is going to be a task. I mean it was hard enough to get back to the Y and work all day. We educators have it a lot easier than we realize sometimes. Now I will be the first to tell you that unless you do it one time then you really do not understand how difficult it is to be with children all day let alone teach them too. Please don't get me wrong I love my job, but when people who sit alone at a desk all day tell me I have a cushy job I think they sometimes forget that spending seven hours with a bunch of small children does actually take some work.
I guess I should explain what I do. I am a teaching assistant for children with special needs. Now some of you reading may be a little surprised. Some would look back and say I would was going to be Dr. Sewell one day. Who knows that may still happen, but I think I like small children better than teaching college students. More of you will be surprised that I am not in a full time teaching position...well I can definitely explain that one. After finishing my bachelor's in special education at Freed Hardemen I took one year where I did not work but only went to school to get my masters in special education at the University of North Alabama. I had one more year to finish and I really did not want the load of having a full time teaching position. A sweet lady named Mrs. Faye Lacefield talked me into applying for an assistant's position because she said " we want to keep you close to our system." Luckily, one of the teacher's (who I now highly regard) in my interview chose me to work with her children at her school...that is when I began working at Forest Hills Elementary School. It has been four and a half years and I love it more and more each day. I have filled in full time postions for those who have had to take a leave of absence. I have even interviewed for other jobs (and have been offered positions), but I love my job. I will not lie the money would be better, but I really do not need a lot of money to live on. I mean I do not drive, no rent to pay and no one else to support.
When I began working at Forest Hills I helped a hand of students with autism in their kindergarten class. I did this for almost two school years. At first I did not know what to think of spending all day in a regular education class with five year olds...that is not what i signed up for. Come to find out I love children at that age and I did not even have a problem with being in the regular classroom. I think that was a good start for me and I think those children will always hold a special place in my heart. I really had my doubts about being in a room with another teacher and me being in an assistant's position, but it was not too bad because that teacher ended up being one of the closest friends I have ever had (she will come up again I am sure). Also in the beginning I primarily worked with students with autism which is what I truly wanted. However, the last two years I have worked with children with mental retardation. I will be the first to tell you that children with autism touch my heart like no other and I will always want to work with them, but what I do now has fulfilled a hole that was in my life. I absolutely love my children. I would not trade my job for anything.
You see I basically get to teach these children without the hassle and work of planning and paperwork. I tell people that I really get to play with them, but we learn a little too. I am fortunate that I can stay in this position. I know one day I may not have that opportunity, so I need to take advantage of it now. I do not know what my life would be like without the children I get to spend each day with. I should also say that I work with some wonderful women. The teachers I work with have been some great mentors and I have learned so much. The one I work with now in particular has been someone I really look up to. One day I will teach and I will love having my own classroom and the responsibility that it brings, but for now I want to educate.
I guess I should explain what I do. I am a teaching assistant for children with special needs. Now some of you reading may be a little surprised. Some would look back and say I would was going to be Dr. Sewell one day. Who knows that may still happen, but I think I like small children better than teaching college students. More of you will be surprised that I am not in a full time teaching position...well I can definitely explain that one. After finishing my bachelor's in special education at Freed Hardemen I took one year where I did not work but only went to school to get my masters in special education at the University of North Alabama. I had one more year to finish and I really did not want the load of having a full time teaching position. A sweet lady named Mrs. Faye Lacefield talked me into applying for an assistant's position because she said " we want to keep you close to our system." Luckily, one of the teacher's (who I now highly regard) in my interview chose me to work with her children at her school...that is when I began working at Forest Hills Elementary School. It has been four and a half years and I love it more and more each day. I have filled in full time postions for those who have had to take a leave of absence. I have even interviewed for other jobs (and have been offered positions), but I love my job. I will not lie the money would be better, but I really do not need a lot of money to live on. I mean I do not drive, no rent to pay and no one else to support.
When I began working at Forest Hills I helped a hand of students with autism in their kindergarten class. I did this for almost two school years. At first I did not know what to think of spending all day in a regular education class with five year olds...that is not what i signed up for. Come to find out I love children at that age and I did not even have a problem with being in the regular classroom. I think that was a good start for me and I think those children will always hold a special place in my heart. I really had my doubts about being in a room with another teacher and me being in an assistant's position, but it was not too bad because that teacher ended up being one of the closest friends I have ever had (she will come up again I am sure). Also in the beginning I primarily worked with students with autism which is what I truly wanted. However, the last two years I have worked with children with mental retardation. I will be the first to tell you that children with autism touch my heart like no other and I will always want to work with them, but what I do now has fulfilled a hole that was in my life. I absolutely love my children. I would not trade my job for anything.
You see I basically get to teach these children without the hassle and work of planning and paperwork. I tell people that I really get to play with them, but we learn a little too. I am fortunate that I can stay in this position. I know one day I may not have that opportunity, so I need to take advantage of it now. I do not know what my life would be like without the children I get to spend each day with. I should also say that I work with some wonderful women. The teachers I work with have been some great mentors and I have learned so much. The one I work with now in particular has been someone I really look up to. One day I will teach and I will love having my own classroom and the responsibility that it brings, but for now I want to educate.
Monday, January 5, 2009
Resolutions
How many of you make resolutions? We discussed this in my Bible class at church yesterday. No one really acted as if they made any resolutions or like me they just did want to share them. I mean seriously, What good does it really do to proclaim you goals for a new year? I am taking a different apprach this year. I decided to write a few down on a piece of paper then put the paper away. To me, it seems that the more you talk about resolutions the less likely you are to keep them. What happens then? Everyone can see that you do not have the ability to stick to something. I mean yeah, I have always had some kind of silly resolution. Most of them have failed, but others have either been successful or still works in progress. Take 2008 for example. I wanted to eat healthy, stay in shape, pay off some debt (while still saving money), recycle more and have a more positive attitude. Okay so I basically succeeded at times, but other times throughout the year I failed. These are pretty broad resolutions, so they were not that hard to keep, so instead this year I decided to be more specfic. I listed my resolutions and tucked them away. Hopefully I will be able to pull that list out at the end of the year and chec
k everything off. Now I may discusss some of my goals, but I will only share my succeses or failures in December 2009. Stay tuned!!!
k everything off. Now I may discusss some of my goals, but I will only share my succeses or failures in December 2009. Stay tuned!!!
My First Blog
Well I decided to take the plunge and start my own blog. I do not know how many people will actualy be interested in reading it, but at least it will give me the chance to express some thoughts. I wish I could say that my posts will be of some relevance, but most likely they will just be ramblings of what I am thinking about that day. I love reading some of your blogs. Most of the blogs that I read are about friends and their new families, some of you who are in the military, those who are involved in mission work and of course you guys that are like me and just sometimes need a place to vent.
I would like to say that I will post each day, but once schol starts back and I get in my routine who knows what will happen. In the beginning, I hope to let everyone in on what I am up to in my life. I also hope to just discuss people, places ot things that I find important and useful. I will admit though I have privacy issues, so I may not always use peson's real name (especially when it comes to children I work with).
Most of my posts will be biographical, but sometimes I may just want to share my thoughts on some certain topic. I hope you all remember that these are just my opinions. You are entitled to your own opinions and hey if you do not agree with mine then feel free to let me know. I hope to see both positive and negative feedback. I will also be the first to tell you that I am a decent speller, but an awful typist. I have thing for grammar, but I really do not always have time for proofreading. With that said, I know I wlll have plenty of typos and hopefully I wil catch them, but sorry if I do not.
Again, I hope you all enjoy reading my random thoughts. Sometimes I may surprise you, but please do not be easily offended. I am very sarcastic, but sometimes I will show my heart when it comes to certain issues. Hope you will all come back and keep reading!
I would like to say that I will post each day, but once schol starts back and I get in my routine who knows what will happen. In the beginning, I hope to let everyone in on what I am up to in my life. I also hope to just discuss people, places ot things that I find important and useful. I will admit though I have privacy issues, so I may not always use peson's real name (especially when it comes to children I work with).
Most of my posts will be biographical, but sometimes I may just want to share my thoughts on some certain topic. I hope you all remember that these are just my opinions. You are entitled to your own opinions and hey if you do not agree with mine then feel free to let me know. I hope to see both positive and negative feedback. I will also be the first to tell you that I am a decent speller, but an awful typist. I have thing for grammar, but I really do not always have time for proofreading. With that said, I know I wlll have plenty of typos and hopefully I wil catch them, but sorry if I do not.
Again, I hope you all enjoy reading my random thoughts. Sometimes I may surprise you, but please do not be easily offended. I am very sarcastic, but sometimes I will show my heart when it comes to certain issues. Hope you will all come back and keep reading!
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