Blissful Week at Work

(Photo: Yahoo Images)

Three different days:

1.  Best email I have ever received...please read below:

Good morning. I just wanted to take a minute to share a really heartwarming positive referral that I received from Ms. Stange regarding a student from your homeroom:

Brian (412) and Joshua (430) received a positive referral from Ms. Stange for this wonderful act of compassion, responsibility and courage: “This boy and a few others saw some extreme bullying on the street; three 8^th grade boys who continually bullied another student during the past few days. Joshua and Brian and a few others asked the victim if he would like to walk with them so he will be with other students and maybe not get bullied anymore. The group of students then walked several blocks out of their way to make sure he was safe. He and the students that helped the bullied boy returned to school after 3 p.m. to report the bullying”.

I almost cried when I read this email about Joshua in my homeroom because it is the most touching email I have ever received.  Joshua told me he was once a victim of bullying and will not tolerate seeing others bullied.  I commended him for being so responsible, mature, and a role model to others who witness these acts of cruelty.

2.  I was one on one testing one of my students named Oscar.  He kept on answering the next question before I even stated the question.  Amazed, I asked him jokingly, "Are you a psychic?" He smiled and told me yes and wanted me to ask him any question. First one that came to my mind was the number of children I will have. (Strange I know, but it really was the first question that I thought of.) He replied,  "Only one."  It was what he said after that made me smile. He said, "Why do you want more kids Mrs. K. when you have all of us? " Huge smile from me. End of our conversation.

3.  I was talking to my students about an upcoming event at our school. I quickly summarized the details of career day and mentioned sometimes I think about receiving a masters degree.   One of my students named Luis said loudly, "No, Mrs. K. you can't do that because you wouldn't be here and we'll miss you because you are the coolest teacher."  

Times like these, I think damn I really do love my job.  It's going to be a tough gig to walk away from.  Maybe one more year....

Reflection Part Two

(Photo: Pinterest)

So I created this long list that I planned on sharing that consisted of all of my 2013 resolutions.  I planned on sharing the list but along the way I experienced a bump in the road.  Actually, to be more exact, a major pothole!  My mom had to have heart surgery and since her surgery I've been lost in my thoughts.  Do I spend a lot of time with her? ... And let's stop there because the rest of my thoughts are pretty personal.

Truth is many resolutions that are made suck! :) Ohhhh how good it feels to be blunt!  Most resolutions that we make really don't matter.  Well at least mine anyway. What matters in life is the people in your life.  I've come to realize that people don't see their parents as much as they should. Or the time together is not valued as much as it should be.  I can recall many times I have said goodbye to my mom, gave her a quick hug, and then I'm on my way.

So instead of my long 2013 list, I'm going with what is truly important.  My new resolution is to spend more time with my parents.  Especially my mom who lives alone.  Today I stopped by and gave her a kiss on her cheek before I left and told her I loved her.   I made plans with her tomorrow to take her shopping after work, and she is coming over on Sunday because my husband wants to cook for her.  

Look at my post from last year and read number 28.

So far, I think I'm off to a pretty good start....