The Effects

Just finishing the book, Playing With Grownups, reminds me that I think every family is directly or indirectly affected by mental illness. It made me think of Glass Castles, then my own family growing up, families in my neighborhood growing up, my husbands family, families of current friends and acquaintances, and I can see evidences of the effects. As a child I think there were no resources and so little knowledge that people were just considered crazy or odd with terms floating around like '"driving me to the nut house!" I can think of dozens of people I knew who must have been self medicating with alcohol but if they were labeled anything thing it was just drunk or alchy. It is nice that research is delving into mental illness. The brain is a crazy thing in itself. It is nice to think that some day perhaps this will all be understood scientifically and socially.

Fresh Start

Is there any other job where once a year you get a clean slate and a fresh start? The joy in teaching is just that. Out go the old kids, the old procedures, the old requirements, the old you. In comes the new kids, their idiosyncrasies, new bosses, new neighbors, new ideas, goals, dreams, intentions. A whole new chance. I'm cleaner, neater, more deliberate, decisive, organized interpersonal, slower, faster, quieter, quieter. It will be interesting to see which of the new me holds out and which of the old will creep back.

ps I miss the postings of my Becky!

Point to Ponder, or Research

Who said cleanliness in next to godliness? In what context was this written?

What is She Doing?

When I check and she hasn't posted a blog post I wonder what she has been doing? Reading some great work of literature? Weaving a nest of new ideas? Painting a masterpiece for her brother? Buried in spiritual retreat? Conjuring up some vegetarian delight? Oh yes, busy washing dishes! It is hard to imagine that at times she has to put these other pleasure on hold and tend to menial maintenance tasks. How awful it would be if there weren't a clean spoon with which to stir her french pressed coffee and cream. Thought of the day: Even those with the loftiest of interests must stoop to cleanliness and order. I miss your words.

Today's Thought

Without challenge one cannot not know the feeling of accomplishment. Without worry one cannot fully appreciate a time of peace. Without sadness one cannot fully experience happiness. Let us remember to be thankful for the balance of emotions that allows us to fully feel.

Daughter Delight

Well scratch the athletic shoes. Instead I spent Saturday shopping with my daughter. She challenges me to want more for myself. I ended up with 3 pair of shoes and 5 shirts. I love them all and had fun shopping for them. We enjoyed a Chipotle lunch and a quick trip to Ulta. I so appreciate the she is feminine, the perfume, shiny hair, heels... I'm glad that she knows and is comfortable with her being. My wish is for every person to love the skin they are in. In addition to looking beautiful she is also a great loser. She can laugh her way through any game loss. It is about the climb! Thank God for daughters like Becky.

Just the Right Shoe

As one ages it becomes a challenge to balance the style of a shoe with long standing comfort. I'm really a cheapy shoe shopper shopping only for a bargain that looks good but as my feet become more sensitive I have to be more selective. Maybe my tender feet are due more to the strains of physical activity than age. I put a lot of stress on them playing tennis, and occasionally falling, and running. Being a teacher on my feet alllll day just add to this problem. They feel hot, chapped and tired. Changing shoes middle of the day helps greatly but I really need something more comfortable to start with. I've tried a couple times to become the running shoe kind of teacher but I can't pull it off for 2 reasons. Reason 1: running shoe teachers must have stylish expensive running shoes. Reason 2: You have to feel confident in this decision. Hey, if I had those expensive shoes I bet I'd feel confident! Problem solved!