I'm so blue...

Today I'm feeling a little glum.  The reasons?

1. No milk.  I wanted cereal for breakfast.  Now I have to get dressed and go shopping or else settle for toast.
2. Alison Becker no longer hosts VHI video countdown.  It's a new guy and he just can't bring the funny like she did.  I knew she made a mistake when she cut those bangs.
3. I'm sure it's just water weight.
4. My DVR went weird when I recorded this week's Biggest Loser so I only saw the first 15 minutes.
5. I thought I'd watch it online so I came downstairs but I forgot my glasses.  I'm actually typing this with the screen about a foot from my face.
6. Rain.
7. Toxic rain.  
8. Those stroke commercials -- now every time I get dizzy, have a headache, or slur my words I think I'm having a stroke.  
9. 401K.  My statements came last week.
10. I heard the new U2 single and I just don't like it.
11. Laundry, another Saturday more loads of laundry.

Here are a few things that will surely help me get out of this funk:

1. All Small and Mighty -- So small, so mighty, and it does smell pretty good.
2. U2 is releasing a new CD not just a single.
3. Lost is back.
4. I actually like toast.  Especially if I eat it with honey.
5. It really is water weight. My scale can calculate that.
6. I can always read the top 20 videos online. 
7. The rain should clear out the inversion.
8. I have a laptop so when I walk upstairs to get my glasses I can take it with me.
9. I still have many, many years till retirement so my 401K can recover.
10. It's Saturday.

I feel better already.

King for a day

In school this month we have been reading many biographies.  It's a nice way to introduce Martin Luther King Day and Presidents Day, and enhance the students' background knowledge of these important individuals.

This week some of the stories have been about Ruby Bridges, Rosa Parks, Harriet Tubman, and Martin Luther King Jr.  When my student teacher asked the kids to explain why MLK was such an important person one of the kids writes, 

"He was important because he went to church and he was a king." Chuckle. But seriously it is so refreshing to talk to young children who truly have no prejudices towards people of different races and ethnicities.  My class is made up of children with a variety of skin tone, hair colors, and ethnicities.  I have never heard one of them say something unkind about another person because of the color of their skin.  Now, if we can just work on not saying unkind things period that would be a step in the right direction.

It's cute listening to their reactions when you read about how Rosa Parks had to sit in the back of the bus, or how Ruby Bridges had to go to a different school because she was black.  They are appalled.  I know racism still exists, but it is most definitely a learned behavior.  It's up to the adults to set an example of respect, tolerance, and non-violence.

I feel so lucky to be able to witness this historic presidential inauguration.  Even my second graders are excited about it.  I know that they don't realize the true significance of the event but they can feel the anticipation of what is to come.  I know I for one I will be watching and reflecting about how far we've come as a nation.  This moment is profound.

Community Ed.

Just before New Year's Eve I received my Granite Peaks Community Ed catalog in the mail. Amie had called to give me a head's up about some of the courses and I was anxious to read up on the offerings.  I do love to take classes and I thought I might try to round out my transcripts with a little less math and a little more liberal arts.  Here are a few of my favorite offerings:

Finding Your Wings: Intuitive Healing 1

Explore meditation, breath work, chakras, auras, Reiki, some quantum-touch....Learn some Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT) for self, family, friends, and pets....

Forkbending

...Boost confidence and self-esteem while learning some fun and effective Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT). Bring your positive attitude and open mind;...Taught by Healing Coach Utahna Tassie.

Practical Pendulum & Muscle Testing

...Kinesiology can enable one to locate lost children, pets, underground water, best place for a business or vacation, problems with automobile, misplaced jewelry, etc. We'll also learn to find and clear substance sensitivites for family and pets with EFT (Emotional Freedom Techniques).

Paganism, Witchcraft, Wicca

Although few know much about it, Paganism is one of the world's oldest religions.  It is a spiritual way of life and a religion of nature.  Become educated and tolerant of others by studying different creeds.  If anyone you know claims s/he is now a Pagan, or Wiccan, take this class to understand the basics of this ancient religion.  Come with an open mind.  You may be surprised at what you learn!

Hmmm...

While I am intrigued about how Emotional Freedom Techniques may help me calm my dog and really, who wouldn't want to locate underground water? The Paganism and Witchcraft course pushed me over the edge.  So, on second thought I'm round enough -- I'll just stick to my algebra class and water aerobics, and call it good.