"A Mid-April Snowfall"
Poem of the Day - 4/17/20
Audio Version of Today's Poem
Looking outside
It seems more like January
Than mid-April
More than a dusting of snow
Yet some melts upon impact
White and unblemished by footprints
For now
I only gaze from my window
Afraid to venture outdoors
Because, alas, I don't have my boots
Still, I ask you,
Do you want to build a snowman?
Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts
Showing posts with label snow. Show all posts
Friday, April 17, 2020
Monday, December 11, 2017
That used to be me...except...
Smiles abounded from the three current Chicago ACE teachers and their friend on Sunday afternoon at the Christkindlmarket.
"Thanks for getting us out of the house!"
"Man, I still have my grading left from Monday to do when I get back tonight..."
"This is so much fun. I love it!"
Such were the remarks that quickly followed our greeting. I was glad, too, to have an "excuse" to get out of my house. I'd been curled up with a book most of the day, having gone to the gym and grocery store earlier in the morning, so even though it was cold outside, it was refreshing.
Thankfully, it was less crowded on Sunday than it had been the past weekend. (I think the cloudy and cold weather had something to do with that...) We were able to wander around a bit, standing in lines here and there to browse the shops and purchase some ornaments. We even treated ourselves to hot chocolate in the classic "boot" (though, as you can see below, it's not a boot this year).
After leaving the market, I couldn't help but think, That used to be me...except...I might not have been convinced out of the house on a Sunday night. I used to worry about getting everything done and making sure I was ready for the week. I needed people to be the ones to get me out...and now, I find myself as one of those people. It's not because I care any less, but I think, instead, it's because I recognize the value of balance. I think sometimes it is possible to work too much - you have to be able to say no. You have to find some way to recharge.
And so I commend those ACE teachers for doing something I probably wouldn't have done myself but that is much needed, especially during the holidays. (Plus, I told them they can now say they've been to the Chicago Christkindlmarket - them + half of Chicago + tons of tourists...)
Now, here we are - only one more Monday to go until Christmas break - woo hoo! It's pretty hard for me to believe it, actually. Time sure flies...
To celebrate, here are a few highlights from today before I close:
Tomorrow, December 12, is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Catholics have so many ways and reasons to celebrate Mary during Advent - and so let us, once again, entrust ourselves and loved ones to our Mother: La virgen de Guadalupe, ruega por nosotros!
"Thanks for getting us out of the house!"
"Man, I still have my grading left from Monday to do when I get back tonight..."
"This is so much fun. I love it!"
Such were the remarks that quickly followed our greeting. I was glad, too, to have an "excuse" to get out of my house. I'd been curled up with a book most of the day, having gone to the gym and grocery store earlier in the morning, so even though it was cold outside, it was refreshing.
Thankfully, it was less crowded on Sunday than it had been the past weekend. (I think the cloudy and cold weather had something to do with that...) We were able to wander around a bit, standing in lines here and there to browse the shops and purchase some ornaments. We even treated ourselves to hot chocolate in the classic "boot" (though, as you can see below, it's not a boot this year).
After leaving the market, I couldn't help but think, That used to be me...except...I might not have been convinced out of the house on a Sunday night. I used to worry about getting everything done and making sure I was ready for the week. I needed people to be the ones to get me out...and now, I find myself as one of those people. It's not because I care any less, but I think, instead, it's because I recognize the value of balance. I think sometimes it is possible to work too much - you have to be able to say no. You have to find some way to recharge.
And so I commend those ACE teachers for doing something I probably wouldn't have done myself but that is much needed, especially during the holidays. (Plus, I told them they can now say they've been to the Chicago Christkindlmarket - them + half of Chicago + tons of tourists...)
Now, here we are - only one more Monday to go until Christmas break - woo hoo! It's pretty hard for me to believe it, actually. Time sure flies...
To celebrate, here are a few highlights from today before I close:
 |
| One of my grade school teachers posted this on FB, and it brought a smile to my face :) |
 |
| One of my Advent angels fulfilled a wish for dark chocolate... |
 |
| It truly is the most wonderful time of the year! |
 |
| I went out to help a friend with Christmas card stuff and found myself covered in snow - was NOT expecting that but was pleasantly surprised. I caught a snowflake or two on my tongue... |
Tomorrow, December 12, is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe - Catholics have so many ways and reasons to celebrate Mary during Advent - and so let us, once again, entrust ourselves and loved ones to our Mother: La virgen de Guadalupe, ruega por nosotros!
 |
| a gift from one of my students last year who visited Mexico |
Monday, February 2, 2015
February Snow Day
"Due to the inclement weather and the fact that CPS has canceled classes on Monday, we will not be having school..." <-- Such was the incoming automated call I received last night upon returning home from Mass.
Snow day!! (I think it worked out especially well for those people who enjoyed themselves at Super Bowl parties last night, eh?)
As sleeping in this morning was not an option - curses to my internal clock for getting thrown off if I stay in bed past 7 a.m.! - I decided to get up, warm up with coffee and the Today Show, and then head to the gym. As the day progressed, I found myself working (but not too much, thank goodness!) on a few things for school and finishing a children's book (Eight Keys). In addition, I caught up on some podcasts, including "Wait Wait! Don't Tell Me!" Just a few minutes ago I started Unbroken, which people have told me will suck me in and not let me out again until I finish it. (Gosh, I hope I find the time to read it this week!) And, in just a little bit, I will brave the snowy elements to walk (which, at this point, is safer than driving) to Bible Study at Church. All in all, that qualifies as a well-spent snow day in my book.
Tomorrow morning we'll be back to the grindstone with the students. (At least the snow day fell coming off a weekend this time around - hopefully that will make it easier to ease into the week.)
Hello February - you sure came in with a bang!
Snow day!! (I think it worked out especially well for those people who enjoyed themselves at Super Bowl parties last night, eh?)
As sleeping in this morning was not an option - curses to my internal clock for getting thrown off if I stay in bed past 7 a.m.! - I decided to get up, warm up with coffee and the Today Show, and then head to the gym. As the day progressed, I found myself working (but not too much, thank goodness!) on a few things for school and finishing a children's book (Eight Keys). In addition, I caught up on some podcasts, including "Wait Wait! Don't Tell Me!" Just a few minutes ago I started Unbroken, which people have told me will suck me in and not let me out again until I finish it. (Gosh, I hope I find the time to read it this week!) And, in just a little bit, I will brave the snowy elements to walk (which, at this point, is safer than driving) to Bible Study at Church. All in all, that qualifies as a well-spent snow day in my book.
Tomorrow morning we'll be back to the grindstone with the students. (At least the snow day fell coming off a weekend this time around - hopefully that will make it easier to ease into the week.)
Hello February - you sure came in with a bang!
Sunday, February 1, 2015
Snowy Sunday
Woke up to this today:
For me, though, it's the perfect day to be trapped inside, as I have a lot of work to do, considering I haven't done any yet this weekend. (Oops.)
So, I just need to motivate myself to get out the door to the gym, and then I'll have the time I need to be productive between when I get back and Church.
Wish me luck...here I go...
...And it's still coming down pretty hard. (Apparently the winds are supposed to pick up later, which is going to make for an interesting commute/walk to Church.)
For me, though, it's the perfect day to be trapped inside, as I have a lot of work to do, considering I haven't done any yet this weekend. (Oops.)
So, I just need to motivate myself to get out the door to the gym, and then I'll have the time I need to be productive between when I get back and Church.
Wish me luck...here I go...
Thursday, January 9, 2014
And we're back...
A three day work week? It sounds like a dream come true.
And it has been...almost...
Can we just subtract all the chattiness?
Honestly, it's great to be back with the kiddos - I was even beginning to miss them. (Yes, I even missed 8th grade.) But my goodness, I think some of them are just go-go-go...and I don't know if they even realize they are talking.
And coming back from a break, where I am pretty sure they talked to their parents, aunts/uncles, and other adults more like they were peers than adults, it's taken a few reminders to get them back in the whole respect for teachers (and each other) mode...but we're getting there. Today was definitely better than yesterday in that regard, so I have high hopes for tomorrow...even though it is a Friday...
I know I've said this before, but those snow days were clutch (for mental & emotional sanity). There's nothing like curling up on a Monday (and Tuesday) with some coffee, a quilt, and a good book (or whatever your chosen activity may be) when you would normally be at school. It was very refreshing.
But it's also refreshing to be back on a schedule. I was asleep by 9 p.m. last night, so even 5:20 a.m. didn't seem so bad this morning - in fact, I felt refreshed. (Yes, I have decided sleep is good, so I will try not to sacrifice it this year...as much as I am able.) And, hey, even 25 degrees felt warm - I managed my drive from school to home without even wearing a hat or gloves. (I'm not recommending that to anyone - I'm just lazy sometimes...and it wasn't that far.)
Well, in looking ahead, this weekend promises to be a memorable one - and for now, that's where I am keeping my eyes. Love me some Michigan State basketball! Let's go Spartans!
And it has been...almost...
Can we just subtract all the chattiness?
Honestly, it's great to be back with the kiddos - I was even beginning to miss them. (Yes, I even missed 8th grade.) But my goodness, I think some of them are just go-go-go...and I don't know if they even realize they are talking.
And coming back from a break, where I am pretty sure they talked to their parents, aunts/uncles, and other adults more like they were peers than adults, it's taken a few reminders to get them back in the whole respect for teachers (and each other) mode...but we're getting there. Today was definitely better than yesterday in that regard, so I have high hopes for tomorrow...even though it is a Friday...
I know I've said this before, but those snow days were clutch (for mental & emotional sanity). There's nothing like curling up on a Monday (and Tuesday) with some coffee, a quilt, and a good book (or whatever your chosen activity may be) when you would normally be at school. It was very refreshing.
But it's also refreshing to be back on a schedule. I was asleep by 9 p.m. last night, so even 5:20 a.m. didn't seem so bad this morning - in fact, I felt refreshed. (Yes, I have decided sleep is good, so I will try not to sacrifice it this year...as much as I am able.) And, hey, even 25 degrees felt warm - I managed my drive from school to home without even wearing a hat or gloves. (I'm not recommending that to anyone - I'm just lazy sometimes...and it wasn't that far.)
Well, in looking ahead, this weekend promises to be a memorable one - and for now, that's where I am keeping my eyes. Love me some Michigan State basketball! Let's go Spartans!
Monday, January 6, 2014
And then there were 2...snow days, that is...
Nothing says 2nd snow day tomorrow than curling up with a good book and a cup of tea with my makeshift fireplace. (It crackles and everything!) And then, of course, there's a college football championship later tonight, though, quite frankly, I don't have any vested interest this year.
Stay warm, my friends...
Stay warm, my friends...
Sunday, December 22, 2013
Oh, there's no place like home for the holidays...
Oh, the weather outside is...
Well, it's definitely not frightful - not here in Florida, anyways. It's much warmer than the weather we've been having recently in Chicago. (Thank goodness for that!) In fact, it makes me think of that Irving Berlin song that goes "Off with my overcoat, off with my gloves..." - so nice to put those away for 2 weeks. While being a far cry from a white Christmas, somehow I don't mind it so much this year. Sunny and 75 (or even 80) - bring on the sunshine! "All I want for Christmas is Florida sun" (pardon my shabby lyric adaptation - changing lyrics is kind of a habit with me).
Regardless of temperature and type/lack of precipitation, spending the holidays with family and friends is the best present anyone can ask for. This past week during prayer intentions in my middle school classes, my heart was warmed when students stepped outside of themselves to remember those who have no home or family to share this special time with, especially in the cold of the Chicago winter. Sometimes, though they can appear self-centered and immature, they surprise me with bits of wisdom, critical questions, and thoughtfulness. And those moments are ones to be treasured, indeed.
Only a few more days until Christmas - hard to believe, isn't it? The time seems to fly by faster each year. And since we'll be running about here and there visiting various family and friends these next few days, I don't know if I'll get to post before the big day, so in that case...
And, just for fun, in case you missed it a few years ago, here is "The Story of the Nativity" (the 'digital' version).
Well, it's definitely not frightful - not here in Florida, anyways. It's much warmer than the weather we've been having recently in Chicago. (Thank goodness for that!) In fact, it makes me think of that Irving Berlin song that goes "Off with my overcoat, off with my gloves..." - so nice to put those away for 2 weeks. While being a far cry from a white Christmas, somehow I don't mind it so much this year. Sunny and 75 (or even 80) - bring on the sunshine! "All I want for Christmas is Florida sun" (pardon my shabby lyric adaptation - changing lyrics is kind of a habit with me).
Regardless of temperature and type/lack of precipitation, spending the holidays with family and friends is the best present anyone can ask for. This past week during prayer intentions in my middle school classes, my heart was warmed when students stepped outside of themselves to remember those who have no home or family to share this special time with, especially in the cold of the Chicago winter. Sometimes, though they can appear self-centered and immature, they surprise me with bits of wisdom, critical questions, and thoughtfulness. And those moments are ones to be treasured, indeed.
Only a few more days until Christmas - hard to believe, isn't it? The time seems to fly by faster each year. And since we'll be running about here and there visiting various family and friends these next few days, I don't know if I'll get to post before the big day, so in that case...
Merry (early) Christmas!
And, just for fun, in case you missed it a few years ago, here is "The Story of the Nativity" (the 'digital' version).
Saturday, December 14, 2013
Snowed In? No Excuses, Please...
The thought crossed my mind about trying to switch my Ministry of Care day to a weeknight coming up when I got out of bed this morning. As it was, I already cancelled my run with my sister (and headed to the gym instead) due to the snow. And the roads just seemed to be slick and icy - not very good for driving.
However, when I got home from the gym, the driveway beckoned, pleading to be shoveled. And I, still warm from exertion, swapped my sneakers for snow boots and grabbed the shovel from my car. It probably took about 30 minutes, but it was good to be outside and breathing in the fresh, crisp air. It felt like a lost cause for 2 reasons: 1) It was still snowing, so chances were I would need to shovel it again later anyway; and 2) I was pretty determined that if I did end up going to MOC today that I would likely have to take the l and, therefore, not use my car (or the driveway) at all.
After sipping a steamy cup of coffee for a bit, my heart got the better of me, and I decided to get cleaned up and drive over to the hospital. (I mean, let's face it, this upcoming week is bound to be crazy anyways, and I had made a commitment.)
On this morning's rounds, I ended up with a short list of patients. Out of the six patients I visited, two individuals were actually in the process of leaving the hospital. Still, they were grateful for the opportunity to partake of the Eucharist, so they took the time to do so. Another patient told me, "Please come back," to which I responded, "Well, I personally won't be back until after the new year, so I hope you're still not here. However, someone from the Church will come by again later in the week."
My heart felt so happy when I left the hospital today. To think that I was about to let a little (well, a lot) of snow stop me - I am ashamed. And I am so glad I listened to my heart instead of my head. The hospital was right where I needed to be today. And I thank God for that.
However, when I got home from the gym, the driveway beckoned, pleading to be shoveled. And I, still warm from exertion, swapped my sneakers for snow boots and grabbed the shovel from my car. It probably took about 30 minutes, but it was good to be outside and breathing in the fresh, crisp air. It felt like a lost cause for 2 reasons: 1) It was still snowing, so chances were I would need to shovel it again later anyway; and 2) I was pretty determined that if I did end up going to MOC today that I would likely have to take the l and, therefore, not use my car (or the driveway) at all.
After sipping a steamy cup of coffee for a bit, my heart got the better of me, and I decided to get cleaned up and drive over to the hospital. (I mean, let's face it, this upcoming week is bound to be crazy anyways, and I had made a commitment.)
On this morning's rounds, I ended up with a short list of patients. Out of the six patients I visited, two individuals were actually in the process of leaving the hospital. Still, they were grateful for the opportunity to partake of the Eucharist, so they took the time to do so. Another patient told me, "Please come back," to which I responded, "Well, I personally won't be back until after the new year, so I hope you're still not here. However, someone from the Church will come by again later in the week."
My heart felt so happy when I left the hospital today. To think that I was about to let a little (well, a lot) of snow stop me - I am ashamed. And I am so glad I listened to my heart instead of my head. The hospital was right where I needed to be today. And I thank God for that.
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