Brace Yourself: The Stress is Coming...

End of school year = stress

Brace yourself.

Well, I suppose I should phrase that as "brace myself" or "brace yourself to see evidence of stress overtaking my life." I can't really explain it, but the inevitable and quickly approaching "pack up, clean up, check off, and get out" strikes a chord each year.

Seeing as I have finished all immediately required tasks and grading (at least, I think I have), I chose to put my stressful energy to creative means. Please realize that I am no artist - I'm definitely not claiming to be one - but I think it's helpful to have artistic hobbies...

(image of girl adapted from https://s-media-cache-ak0.pinimg.com/236x/72/2a/25/722a2564afdfeafed27c978fbc0fa51b.jpg) 

Bring it on, end of the year. I'm ready for you...

I think...

One Year Later - Reflections on Our Pilgrimage

In light of reading about Elijah in this week's Bible Study for Church, I took out my journal from my pilgrimage to the Holy Land yesterday afternoon. (It's hard to believe it's nearly been a year since I was blessed with the opportunity to journey on a pilgrimage with others from my parish to that sacred place.) In particular, I was searching for my notes about Elijah's victory over the false prophets of Baal, but I slowly found myself reading through all of my notes and reflections. (I did end up reading about Elijah too.)

It was moving to read through the insight I had gleaned (and written down) from our tour with Josef, and I was filled with many memories connected to the sites and history of Israel. It's been good from time to time to reminisce with stories, pictures, and prayer...

It's one of those things where the impact and understanding of it all hits you more and more after you've returned home. There are some aspects of the trip I am still attempting to comprehend and fully grasp. And there are other aspects of the pilgrimage that leave me in tears, realizing God's goodness and unending love.

Yes, our trip was (nearly) one year ago. But the journey continues today. And we must continue to remember, to celebrate, and to believe.

God is so good.

On today's (5/31) feast of the Visitation, let us entrust our hearts to Mary, the mother of Jesus. And let us remember how we are all united as God's children. Amen.

magically swept away

How very true that statement is. There is something that simply sweeps the audience away. 

In terms of theater, then, living in Chicago has its perks, as there are so many venues which boast such talented directors and performers.

Just this year alone, I've seen "Q Brothers Christmas Carol," "Newsies," "Sondheim on Sondheim," two Catholic grade school productions, and now "Sense and Sensibility."

While each of those shows was magnificent in its own right, this latest one (program pictured above) definitely became one of my all-time favorites. (With a discount through the theater, my sister and I only paid $20 each for tickets!) The actors/actresses were witty and charming; the comedic timing was on point; and the music had both striking melodies and command of the English language. (To cap it off, it's a Jane Austen novel - what's not to love?)

As they say in theater, "there's no business like show business"...

Under the What?

Do you like mystery novels?

What about mysterious artwork - missing and unidentifiable?

Does history of WWII intrigue you?

Do you enjoy reading about pesky neighbors and kids who seem to know better than the adults around them?

If you answered yes to many (or all!) of the above, then Under the Egg is the book for you. (Yes, it's geared toward 5-6th graders, but it's definitely a worthwhile, page-turning read.) Surprisingly enough, I just handed my copy off to one of my 6th grade boys - I think he'll enjoy all the Monuments' Men stuff.

Man, I wish my next book didn't have to be for professional development...

Everyone Should Read This

This is a story for students who have ever felt stupid or left out.

This is a story for teachers who have tried to make a difference or who need to be reminded of the fact that each student is talented and has potential...it just may show up differently.

This is a story for parents to be open to getting their children the help they may need...it's not going to stigmatize them for life.

This is a story for everyone.

Albert Einstein was a genius. He apparently also had dyslexia...and so does the main character (Ally) in Fish in a Tree. (It just doesn't get a name/diagnosis till over halfway through the novel.) This story makes you laugh, especially with Albert's (a regular child genius, if I do say so) quips/thoughts and Keisha's comebacks. (Albert and Keisha become Ally's best friends.) It also breaks your heart to see the bullying of kids who don't treat those who are different with any lick of respect or kindness.

Over the course of the novel, Ally grows in her understanding of the difficulties she faces in school. She also learns to appreciate those things at which she is talented, such as art. Her teacher, Mr. Daniels, guides her in striving to reach her potential and persevere in learning how to read.

Did I mention this is one of our incoming 6th graders' summer reading books? Pretty pumped about that...

Paint Me Community

Community looks like teachers and students walking up and down hallways,
sticking student artwork with masking tape and posting it to the wall.
It looks like helping hands and thumbs up signs,
pats on the back and smiles.

That's what community looks like.

The hallway rings with thank-yous and laughter,
as teachers hum and sing songs
that are stuck in our heads from the spring show.

That's what community sounds like.

Wafts of pizza hit us,
a nice gesture of thanks from the art teacher.
Iced oatmeal and chocolate sandwich cookies
are sweet and crunchy.
The perfect snack.

That's what community smells and tastes like.

It feels just right in that hallway.
No one is cross,
Everyone is helpful,
asking where things go
and what can be done next.

That's what community feels like.


Last night I had the privilege of helping set up the student art show and then attending the spring band/choir concert. It was beautiful to witness so much talent (and talent-in-the-making - think "Music Man" beginning band...and try not to chuckle). I just loved being a part of it.

Walk With Me

With the end of the school year dawning (ever so slowly) on the horizon, it's impossible not to start thinking ahead - to summer...to next year... And with that thinking comes a slow realization that a lot of things are about to change, some things in small ways and some things in larger ways.

Recently, one of my co-workers explained how her husband received one of those "make him an offer he can't refuse" job opportunities, and that's incredible. But, sadly, it means she and her husband are packing up and moving to Ohio. I was pretty upset when she sat me down to tell me a few weeks ago (though I was trying very hard to remain visibly calm and happy for her), but it sure hit me like a ton of bricks yesterday. And I cried. I mean, I really cried. (Thankfully, I was the only one home.) This woman was my co-teacher for two years when I first moved to Chicago and taught in 4th grade, and we've been friends for nearly four years now. She's such a calming, welcoming presence at school, and it's very difficult to imagine what it will be like day in and day out without her next year.

It's important to take a step back and realize, though, that when you sign on to a school (or any job, really), you have to realize that people's life events will bring them in and out of your own. Some people are with you for a long time, and some remain with you for only a short (or relatively short) while. And each time change happens it usually brings various strong emotions right along with it.

But, as the quote above states, "change is inevitable" - it's always going to happen, and there's nothing we can do to stop it. We can't control others and their decisions, and we just can't control our own lives, as much as we like to think we are able to do so. But what we can do is make sure that with each change we take time to reflect on what certain people have taught us while walking alongside us in our journeys.

My co-worker taught me patience and compassion, especially toward our students. She helped me realize that it's never possible to have enough hugs. Together, we found something good in each day in the classroom, and, when I moved into my current middle school position, she supported and encouraged me 100% because she knew it would be the perfect position for me.

I know I'll see her again - her sons still live in Chicago, so I know she'll come back to spend time with them and that she'll pop in the school too. And we have our common Michigan ties, so maybe we'll run into each other on Mackinac Island again one day. (That's a story for another day.)

To be cliche and to borrow from Wicked: "Who can say if I've been changed for the better? But because I knew you, I have been changed for good."

Let us be grateful for those whom we walk life's journey with, whether it be for only a few steps or for many miles.