Don't Forget

I love, love, love to decorate for the holidays, especially Christmas!! Around this time last year, I mentioned how decorating with my mother was a memorable time of the year. Now that I'm older, away from home, married, and starting my new traditions...I can't help but be thankful that I experienced a joyous past and have fond memories that I'll never forget.

As I'm putting up my Christmas stuff, I find myself reflecting upon the past. My old neighborhood has changed, but I never wished during my upbringing that we should have lived somewhere else. Yes, there were downfalls such as not being able to find any parking spots after 5pm or blowing a fuse in the entire house because I had the blow dryer and microwave on at the same time...oh geez! But what can one really expect from a bungalow probably built in the 1930's?! (We found a Polish newspaper from the year of 1932 underneath the old attic flooring).

We lived on a block where everyone knew each other and front doors were rarely locked. Parents would hang out together and their children that were similar in age would become great friends. I like to compare the neighborhood with an opening scene from a movie. Try to visualize many children running around, playing sports or games and just having the best time being outside. That's exactly what it was like. I wasn't cooped up in my home like some of the kids today...spending hours on the computer, phone, or watching television. I used to dread having to go inside to eat dinner because all I wanted was to remain outdoors. My friends and I were inseparable and remained close up until we became adolescents.

Changes happen...sometimes good, sometimes bad. Throughout the years, neighbors began to move, time passed and then I entered high school. This was a period of my life when I longed for something I just couldn't find. I had such high expectations that were not met. It wasn't until my senior year that I was the happiest. This is not to say I hated high school because I had fun times and met some really good people, but the area changed. Gangs were unfortunately present in our high school and as for myself, the goal of trying to receive straight A's just wasn't a priority anymore.

I still reminisce because its impossible not to. Now that I'm in charge of an after school reading club, I am fortunate enough to be able to enter my old grade school on a weekly basis. I feel a chill run up my spine whenever I'm there because I can remember exactly where my mom would pick me up after school. As I drive away, I drive past old houses where old friends lived and I think of how much I loved my grade school/middle school. I loved my teachers and wanted nothing more than to impress them with good grades. I had a blast there and my memories are some of the best around.

The saying "time flies by" surely is true. Ending this entry full circle, as I walk around decorating I smile for two reasons. One for the past, another for the present. I love my new home and I'm thankful I still have a bit of the past left with me. I'm lucky to have the opportunity to tell my students to remain proud of where they are from despite the negative reactions given by others. It was a wonderful place to grow up and hopefully still can be for many families.

PS: Visit Freddie's on 16th street.....my belly is so thankful that place is still up!

PSS: Read the book Cicero The First Suburb West by Betty Carlson Kay to learn about the history especially if you are from there!

Just a Quick Note

I just finished watching the movie Julie and Julia. This movie dropped a comment or two about how people may have a negative opinion about us bloggers. I write because I can thoroughly express myself, and I hope people in my life are getting to know a different side of me because that is and has always been my goal. So if you are a bleader (blog reader..lol), please don't think we are narcissists! :) Writing is a joyful experience that truly captivates the moment one is living.

Kudos to Julie who worked her way through all of those recipes! Instead of cooking twice a week, I think I'm going to cook three times a week. (Yes, I'm laughing at myself right now)!

Oldies but Goodies

Everyone knows how much I adore the author Emily Giffin. Once I become infatuated with something, I dive into material to find out as many facts as I can. I learned Emily will sometimes listen to a song on repeat while she writes. (I only listen to music in the car, but it must be quiet while I write). But today I decided to put a little spin on my writing and do it the Emily Giffin way! I'm listening to a song on repeat called Reflecting Light by Sam Phillips. This song is not popular, nor would it blend into what I usually listen to, but sometimes I just fall in love with songs because the rhythm makes me think, not because the lyrics are relatable.

It is a song from my absolute favorite scene in Gilmore Girls when Luke asks Lorelai to dance. (Last time I will reference the show, I swear)! I'm a sucker for romance and had to watch this enticing moment a few times because I’m in awe of the innocent romance that unravels during the scene. Lorelai acts quirky, while Luke stares into her eyes. It is within moments that you see this amazing transformation that they have finally realized their feelings for each other. The song Reflecting Light is playing in the background and it sounds beautiful and makes me think of how times have changed.

Times change and simple things such as music change. Lyrics are not the way they used to be. My parents listened to all of the songs that we now categorize as "oldies but goodies". Some current songs involve cursing and even some movies and television shows don't promote innocence. I see how my students are growing up so fast and know things that I didn't know until a later age. Technology has completely taken over and this generation is absolutely obsessed with being on computers and talking/texting on their cell phones constantly. Sadly, the joy of reading and writing is ancient to most young adults.

Romance. How would you define it? What are you visualizing? Are you thinking about hanging out at a diner, drinking a milkshake, and listening to a jukebox play music? Probably not! That was then, what is now? Whatever image it may be for you, don’t ever let romance in your life vanish because you are stuck in your daily, busy routine. As an example, my husband and I will occasionally leave small notes for each other on the bathroom mirror when our morning schedules vary, telling each other to have a good day. Tom and I know that sweet nothings make a dull day brighter.

As a teacher, I try to open new doors for my students. As a wife, I will continue creating special moments. For myself, I read old literature, listen to a large variety of music, and watch classics. I know times will continue to change in a rapid, continuous motion….what do you do to appreciate the past and not always live in the present? Today is a day as good as any to make a change! Some advice….be romantic at any age, teach your children to listen to different decades of music, to see older movies, etc. Expose them and yourself to different eras!

A quick thank you to my mother for incorporating her generation into my own. I listened to oldies in the car with her, I watched black and white movies with her, and she gave me a gift that I still love-my very own jukebox.

Isn't it amazing how one song can make you think so much?!!

The scene from Gilmore Girls if your interested:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6dhMIzc1SyA

More blogs coming soon!!

With Love, Heather

Above Average

I'm addicted to Gilmore Girls! There I said it. (I'm a bit embarrassed...I won't lie)!

Yes, I know this show was on years ago and yes I also know the characters are known to talk really fast, but suddenly this show grabbed my attention and made me think a lot about my education.

I have this horrible routine of coming home from work, snacking, and watching another episode of GG. This has been my way of winding down after a day with my students and waiting for my husband to get home from work. I watched the entire series last year and once I started to watch the series AGAIN from the start, I finally had to ask myself, "Do I have a problem?"

Why do I love Gilmore Girls? I idolize the determination of Rory Gilmore at such a young age. This fictional character is one that I would have wanted to be in high school. She is goal oriented, says what is on her mind, and is not concerned with most issues common among that age. In other words, her character is not a reflection of the typical teenager/young adult that most of us are familiar with. Rory cares about her education, reads an abundant amount of books (some I had to purchase) and attended Yale. YALE...I wish! I have a little bit of Rory's characteristics in me now, but this show really made me think about a regret I have and that is not putting forth 100% of effort into my high school education.

I should have challenged myself more. I should have aimed for all honors courses in high school. I just had one AP course and that was English. I don't know what happened over the years. In middle school, I wanted and received straight A's and then come high school I just stopped trying and became an average student at best. Maybe it was the new friendships I formed, useless crushes I wasted time on, and after school activities that steered me away from my studies??? I'm not sure, but I wish I would have been more focused while balancing it all and attended a prestigious university. I'm not saying Yale, but somewhere reputable.

Back to the show, Lorelai (Rory's mother) is young at heart, full of energy (like mine), but what I most admire is the friendship she has with her daughter. They always tell each other everything no matter what the conversation is based on. If I ever have a girl, I would love to have this type of relationship with her. Lorelai states it best, "I'm her best friend first and her mother second."

So I've realized from watching the show, I can't correct the past, but I can put 100% into everything I do from now on. Teaching, reading, writing, just to name a few. I'm going to stop watching the show and take with me the fact that anything you wish to accomplish can be fulfilled at any age.

Regrets are for the past, don't have any waiting for you in the future.

What type of regrets do you have? Is it too late for a change?

PS: Some fan I am, check out this site! http://gilmoregirlsfanatic.com/rorys-book-club/

Frankie

WARNING: FRANKIE MIGHT LICK YOU TO DEATH!

There is one thing I despise and it is when people are so quick to judge. Yes we are all guilty of this to some degree....not aware of the facts, but sure ready to pretend we know it all when we give feedback to others. The lovely thing about life is we can all learn from our mistakes and change our ways.

My husband and I recently adopted a Pit Bull Terrier. WE RESCUED A DOG and one would think that everyone would have the same ecstatic reaction upon hearing the news. We all know we live in a world where there are numerous dogs without homes that risk the chance of being euthanized, right?!

To my dismay, several overlooked this fact and did not show much excitement for us initially. The common reaction was, "A Pit Bull, why a Pit Bull?" Many people are quick to judge without thoroughly knowing much about the subject. They base their opinions on small excerpts heard on television. Unfortunately, I started to believe the criticism and began to doubt my decision. But then I thought before I become one of those that stereotype, I better do a little bit of research first!

The media! How reliable is that source? Even the media can stretch the truth. Just because we see something on the news we think everything is true that they are telling us right? Newsflash! They are able to “edit” information and sometimes give us false information and I found the perfect story that proves it.

There is an article of a news station in Philadelphia that reported two Pits attacking a person. The dogs looked more like a Boxer mix than Pit according to the article. The news station was called and asked if they were purebred Pit Bulls, maybe mutts, etc. Their reply was they were not certain and to call the police station for that information. The article states they asked the media how can they report something they are not 100% sure of? The media admitted to not knowing the exact breed of the dog, but yet they kept calling them Pit Bulls in their reports!! What I found the most interesting is in a lot of cases when the media is reporting about a Pit Bull attacking, it is a mixed breed of some sort, or another bull breed all together. Why do they lie? Because the name Pit Bull will draw out the most attention from the public according to the article. It is disheartening to know that these dogs will never have a good reputation because of some false accusations.

You may be thinking that they are not perfect and this is true. But please keep an open mind. There are situations that occur with other breeds as well and all should know that dogs are a reflection of their owners. It’s the ruthless, awful owners that want their dogs to be aggressive that should be the blame!

Did you know???
Most people falsely believe Pits are ALL aggressive dogs. When actually they are very intelligent, loving, loyal and highly trainable. Here are some more interesting facts from various articles:

1. Pit Bulls are therapy/service dogs. Helen Keller had a Pit Bull as her helper.
2. Petey, was a Pit Bull on the show The Little Rascals. He was one of the most intelligent Hollywood dogs of all times.
3. Pit Bulls are heroes.
http://www.pitbullsontheweb.com/petbull/articles/petaletter.html

4. Pit Bulls are one of the most people friendly dogs that exist.
5. Another story that I found was about a man walking his Pit Bull in the woods and this dog started to walk off in a completely different direction from his owner. The owner thought this was odd because he trained his dog to listen to his every command. The owner followed him and found his dog licking a face of an autistic boy who had fallen into a deep mud hole and could not get out.

So before you become one who wants to spread the negativity, please do a little bit of research first!

25 Facts

I've always enjoyed reading "getting to know one" surveys that people post on Facebook or publish in magazines. It's interesting because you think you know someone, but you always end up learning something new. The most recent survey that has been circulating for quite some time is a list of random facts about someone. I'm not sure why I never posted anything because I'm a survey junkie! So I decided better late than never.....

1. I hate healthy food.
2. I fainted twice-both times I was on vacation.
3. My husband tells people that he knew he was going to marry me during one of our first dates when I ordered the Holy Cow burger...it was the only item in bold and was gigantic!
4. I've been to Florida eight times.
5. My dream is to go to Paris because I am obsessed with the Eiffel Tower. I don't want to go yet... I want to save this for the future.
6. The only fight I've ever gotten into was with a boy in kindergarten. (Jake..aka the Snake). He used to make long snakes from clay and once hit me with one. I slapped him and he gave me a bloody nose!
7. I went on a trip with the Chicago Bulls players and their wives. We had an emergency landing on the way back. I heard someone mention reporters from the news ended up going to the airport...I wonder to this day if that was true.
8. A human can be shot in a movie, but if a dog dies I get really upset.
9. Writing a book about my life has always been a dream that I know I'll never achieve.
10. My CD collection is the most embarrassing thing that I own.
11. A goal of mine is to learn how to do the Argentine tango.
12. I think Andrea Bocelli is the most talented singer ever.
13. The first time I skied was in Michigan and I couldn't even make it down the bunny hill without falling. The second time I skied was down a mountain in Colorado that was 11,000 ft. I was terrified on my way up because I'm still awful!
14. I consider myself adventurous. I am ALWAYS scared in the beginning, but don't want to have regrets if I walk away.
15. I stayed up for about 30 hrs. the first time I went to Las Vegas. ( Now that I'm older...this would be an impossible task).
16. I can not have a body wrap done at a spa. I become extremely claustrophobic.
17. I am obsessed with lemons.
18. People at my old job used to say I reminded them of Audrey Hepburn. I now adore her!
19. Ann and I leave 5 minute (or more) voicemails to each other everyday. For years, it has been our own unique way of communicating to each other.
20. I have select OCD. I call it that because it is only with pictures and products. Pictures on a wall must be perfectly straight and my products must be evenly spaced with the labels facing forward.
21. I am absolutely terrified of spiders and centipedes.
22. I STILL think Jake from the movie Sixteen Candles is dreamy! :)
23. I can not watch an episode of Extreme Home Makeover without getting teary eyed.
24. I wish that I went to high school in the eighties. I have the hair for it and the movies and music was the best. It was the best decade in my opinion.
25. Last year I couldn't even make a grilled cheese without ruining it. After 31 years, I finally have confidence in the kitchen!

In Memory Of....

Who is Miep Gies? What does the word genocide mean? These are just some of the questions out of many that my students were curious about. I was told one week before winter break that my class would be attending the Holocaust Museum located in Skokie, Illinois. What?! We are not to teach about WWII until the spring. But it should be fine, everyone knows about the Holocaust right? To my dismay, their knowledge did not surpass Hitler killed Jewish people.

I took time over break to dive into materials, artifacts, movies, etc. There is so much material that I began to feel stressed because I only had four days to cover it all! Throughout my research, I discovered so much information that would not only be valuable to my students, but to myself. A teacher is also a student. The process of learning never ends.

Crunch time....winter break comes to an end. I must teach a large extent of sequential facts crammed into just four periods. This task actually turned out to be the best week of work I have ever had. My students were asking high level thought provoking questions, completing unassigned research out of school, and became educators in their very own homes. One of their homework assignments was to complete a KWL chart and teach someone at home about what they have learned. The person or people they taught had to sign their KWL charts. They came into the classroom thrilled because they knew more about a topic than their parents and older siblings did. For the first time, they saw something within themselves that I've been seeing for quite some time...potential. They are capable of achieving whatever they desire if they put their minds and hearts into it one hundred percent.

I had to hold back tears at the museum for all of the human beings that were tortured during his horrific time in history. My students entered with background knowledge and left knowing this event is so broad that there is still so much to learn.

So who is Miep Gies? She was a remarkable woman that passed away yesterday at the age of 100. She was known for being the one who preserved the diary of Anne Frank. She smuggled food and other necessities to Anne and her family. She was courageous, compassionate, and a true companion to those in hiding. She never wanted to be known as a hero, but yet I’ll always think of her as one.

I try to instill upon my students no matter how bad life gets to always remain positive.

Empowering words of Anne Frank......

In spite of everything I still believe that people are really good at heart.

Think of all the beauty still left around you and be happy.

How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.

Thank you Miep Gies for giving us the opportunity to share this book through multiple generations. And thanks to Anne Frank for writing these words of encouragement and for teaching us to remain kind spirited individuals no matter the circumstance.

A young girl who was not able to truly experience life remained at peace. We all have problems, but don't ever let it get the best of you.

Love, H