Every year since 2000, New Year's has been a source of anxiety for me.... what will it be like? How will the world change? How will I change? What will be said of me? How will I respond? Etc. However, when in the year 2000 came, I began my 2nd semester of my 9th grade year, had my first crush on a senior (who is still an absolute amazing guy), went to my first homecoming dance, flew on a plane for the first time, got my driver's license and became a Believer in Christ. How was I to know that one year could hold so much? I am expecting only more this year because my life has changed so much over the past decade (holy cow... 10 years ago I was in my first year in high school), I graduated high school and college, moved away to go to college, moved away from college, got into my career as a teacher, traveled to Europe and Africa (and even to the Middle East unexpectedly), went to 3 Proms, lived in a city that no one could have ever imagined I would live in, and now I spend most of my life pouring it back into 13 and 14 year olds just like I was 10 years ago and I love it.
I can only believe that 2010 will be amazing. I mean really, it started out by Delta giving me a 1st class seat because I've flown so much recently. My resolutions for the new year seem to be carried over from recent years... some being met, some not so much... However here goes...
1. Speak out for those who have no voice in my classroom, to my friends, to people who want to help.
2. Share my beliefs and my God with someone who has no beliefs and no hope.
3. Be hope and light and encouragement to at least 20 people, even with a simple smile, a simple handshake or a meal.
4. Be a good listener... realize that the world doesn't have to stop and listen to everything I say... but sometimes someone else needs me to listen.
5. Laugh... and laugh and laugh and laugh until I cry.
6. Be available and usable where I am found, where I live, where I am.
7. Complain less... and be positive more.
8. Love the unlovable and the unwanted and the hurt.
9. Travel somewhere else, somewhere uncomfortable, but somewhere that God wants me.
10. Be the change I wish to see in the world. I'm not giving up on this one and I thought that Gandhi had no idea what he was saying when he said this but maybe he did.
Happy 2010 to you and may you work hard to make a difference in the coming year!
-Melis
Saturday, January 2, 2010
Monday, December 28, 2009
Do Not Forget...
(This is from a couple of months ago) I was looking through Micah's pictures from Africa today looking for sunset pictures and I was just thinking about how grateful being in Africa made me. I have come back to the U.S. for 4 months now and it seems that I so quickly forget the lessons learned so this serves as a reminder to me as well as to you of some of the things that I learned in Africa that I cannot allow myself to forget.
Do Not Forget...
...that sunsets are not created because of smog, pollution, and global warming... God created it...
...that schools have resources even if they just have enough teachers for each class to have only 40 students...
...that life it too short to miss small smiles...
...that life is too short to even think I could make it a moment without prayer...
...that hospitals hold too many hurting, need healing people who also just need a friend...
...that races must be ran and won...
...that there are some classrooms in the world who have 70 kids and they do not get paid and they still smile...
...that people are people... they hurt, heal, cry, smile, frown... and they need other people... just like we do...
...that children have been created to be loved not to love... they need someone to hold their hand, pick up their stuff, and sometimes pick them up and hug them...
...sometimes we just need someone to play with our hair and not look at it in the mirror...
...a smile goes a million miles and a pictures is a thousand words and sometimes those words need to be heard...
...it is important to say what you need to say even if you know it's going to be awkward or just not right... it needs to be said... say it.
Never forget how important and valuable life and how quickly it could be gone. Love those you have been given and smile at those who need it and give a dollar to the lady who asks for it... because it could have been you and somehow it's not.
-Melis
Do Not Forget...
...that sunsets are not created because of smog, pollution, and global warming... God created it...
...that schools have resources even if they just have enough teachers for each class to have only 40 students...
...that life it too short to miss small smiles...
...that life is too short to even think I could make it a moment without prayer...
...that hospitals hold too many hurting, need healing people who also just need a friend...
...that races must be ran and won...
...that there are some classrooms in the world who have 70 kids and they do not get paid and they still smile...
...that people are people... they hurt, heal, cry, smile, frown... and they need other people... just like we do...
...that children have been created to be loved not to love... they need someone to hold their hand, pick up their stuff, and sometimes pick them up and hug them...
...sometimes we just need someone to play with our hair and not look at it in the mirror...
...a smile goes a million miles and a pictures is a thousand words and sometimes those words need to be heard...
...it is important to say what you need to say even if you know it's going to be awkward or just not right... it needs to be said... say it.
Never forget how important and valuable life and how quickly it could be gone. Love those you have been given and smile at those who need it and give a dollar to the lady who asks for it... because it could have been you and somehow it's not.
-Melis
Sunday, December 27, 2009
Thursday, December 24, 2009
Ode to Christmas Traditions
If your family is any kind of crazy like mine, you have Christmas traditions, maybe normal, maybe not so much but the list of the day of course is about Christmas traditions. We don't have that many, but I think they make for a list.
1. Tris and I exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, except this year, she told me I can't have all of it on Christmas Eve, what the what.
2. Chocolate pie for dessert at Gammy's.
3. Cole sticking his finger in the chocolate pie at Gammy's and then me and Trista almost beating him up for it.
4. Gammy's dinner prayers while everyone has already started eating.
5. Stories of what life was like for Grandpa when he was younger.
6. Christmas morning videos and gifts.
7. Watching the Christmas story and whatever other movie or TV show marathon is on.
8. Quoting Elf while in a store before Christmas.
9. Christmas breakfast at Noon.
10. Gammy and Poppa coming to see our Christmas presents, yes we are 23 and 25, but age is a little overrated.
11. Mom and Daddy arguing because "they weren't supposed to get anything for the other one."
12. Mom crying or tearing up because of a gift that Tris and I get her.
13. Dad being a goof (oh wait, that's not just a Christmas tradition, it's year round.)
I'm sure there are more things but I can't think of anymore right now. And of course after Christmas shopping... so excited for that! So to all of you celebrating Christmas and the holidays, I hope that you have a merry one with those you love and drive you crazy! Merry Christmas!
-Melis
1. Tris and I exchange gifts on Christmas Eve, except this year, she told me I can't have all of it on Christmas Eve, what the what.
2. Chocolate pie for dessert at Gammy's.
3. Cole sticking his finger in the chocolate pie at Gammy's and then me and Trista almost beating him up for it.
4. Gammy's dinner prayers while everyone has already started eating.
5. Stories of what life was like for Grandpa when he was younger.
6. Christmas morning videos and gifts.
7. Watching the Christmas story and whatever other movie or TV show marathon is on.
8. Quoting Elf while in a store before Christmas.
9. Christmas breakfast at Noon.
10. Gammy and Poppa coming to see our Christmas presents, yes we are 23 and 25, but age is a little overrated.
11. Mom and Daddy arguing because "they weren't supposed to get anything for the other one."
12. Mom crying or tearing up because of a gift that Tris and I get her.
13. Dad being a goof (oh wait, that's not just a Christmas tradition, it's year round.)
I'm sure there are more things but I can't think of anymore right now. And of course after Christmas shopping... so excited for that! So to all of you celebrating Christmas and the holidays, I hope that you have a merry one with those you love and drive you crazy! Merry Christmas!
-Melis
Monday, December 14, 2009
"Negative Nancy" starring Me... and the Sequel "Positive Polly" also starring Me
A list of negative things that I complain about on a regular basis, or things that just annoy me that I don't verbally complain about, just with body langugage...
1. Stupid people saying stupid things
2. Ungrateful people
3. People that can't drive
4. People that don't know to merge
5. Students who don't know how to keep their mouths closed
6. People who do drugs and then yell at other people
7. Dirty dishes
8. Whiners... whining about people who whine and things that make other people whine
9. People who don't say the pledge
10. Bossy people who are lazy
11. People who are lazy in general
12. When my heel gets stuck in the crack of the sidewalk
13. Popping gum
On that note, I'll make a list of positive things...
1. My own bed to sleep in
2. Money to buy the things I need
3. Great cards
4. Bookstores
5. Sweet things that people say or send in text messages
6. Getting flowers
7. Sincere apologies
8. Being a "homie"
9. Laughing and being with friends
10. Family, holidays, special occasions, home.
Happy Holidays!
-Melis
1. Stupid people saying stupid things
2. Ungrateful people
3. People that can't drive
4. People that don't know to merge
5. Students who don't know how to keep their mouths closed
6. People who do drugs and then yell at other people
7. Dirty dishes
8. Whiners... whining about people who whine and things that make other people whine
9. People who don't say the pledge
10. Bossy people who are lazy
11. People who are lazy in general
12. When my heel gets stuck in the crack of the sidewalk
13. Popping gum
On that note, I'll make a list of positive things...
1. My own bed to sleep in
2. Money to buy the things I need
3. Great cards
4. Bookstores
5. Sweet things that people say or send in text messages
6. Getting flowers
7. Sincere apologies
8. Being a "homie"
9. Laughing and being with friends
10. Family, holidays, special occasions, home.
Happy Holidays!
-Melis
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Things That Make My Job Worth It...
No need to explain. I'm a teacher and most of you know that so here goes.
1. Students celebrating my birthday as if it's the only one I'll have for a few years... balloons, posters, cards, flowers, chocolate, cake, chocolate, singing, it was wonderful.
2. To sit at a computer with J while he tells me the reason that Rosa Parks made an impact on the people around her and how he can make a difference because of what he knows about her.
3. How many students are interested in how Jesus impacted the planet and people.
4. Days that students apologize for what they did and actually mean it and do something about it.
5. Parents who care enough to send flowers with their kids to say thank you to me for what I do.
6. Notes of encouragement telling me the reason that I influence students.
7. J (different than number 2) sitting next to my desk declaring himself my student aide and beginning to be a change. This J also is a Christian who has for some reason decided it is part of his job to tell other people that I am one too.
8. B- she wants to make a difference in the world and she actually does it and I admire that about her.
9. Bruno, one of my students from last year, who visited the other day and just hung out for a while... it's so nice to catch up.
10. Students who realize they are leaders and have confidence enough to do something about it.
11. Good evaluations that tell me I'm doing what I'm supposed to and rewards for good lesson plans, etc.
12. Faces that they make to make me laugh when I am not feeling so good... because we know for sure it happens and they are hilarious when it does.
13. Just them.. when they think about someone else, do something nice for someone, take up for someone, and have my back... it just helps my day be better!
What makes what you do worth it? Just think about it!
-Melis
1. Students celebrating my birthday as if it's the only one I'll have for a few years... balloons, posters, cards, flowers, chocolate, cake, chocolate, singing, it was wonderful.
2. To sit at a computer with J while he tells me the reason that Rosa Parks made an impact on the people around her and how he can make a difference because of what he knows about her.
3. How many students are interested in how Jesus impacted the planet and people.
4. Days that students apologize for what they did and actually mean it and do something about it.
5. Parents who care enough to send flowers with their kids to say thank you to me for what I do.
6. Notes of encouragement telling me the reason that I influence students.
7. J (different than number 2) sitting next to my desk declaring himself my student aide and beginning to be a change. This J also is a Christian who has for some reason decided it is part of his job to tell other people that I am one too.
8. B- she wants to make a difference in the world and she actually does it and I admire that about her.
9. Bruno, one of my students from last year, who visited the other day and just hung out for a while... it's so nice to catch up.
10. Students who realize they are leaders and have confidence enough to do something about it.
11. Good evaluations that tell me I'm doing what I'm supposed to and rewards for good lesson plans, etc.
12. Faces that they make to make me laugh when I am not feeling so good... because we know for sure it happens and they are hilarious when it does.
13. Just them.. when they think about someone else, do something nice for someone, take up for someone, and have my back... it just helps my day be better!
What makes what you do worth it? Just think about it!
-Melis
Monday, November 23, 2009
25...
So I turned the big 2-5 on Thursday, Thanksgiving Day so I thought I would make a list to commemorate the day of things I've learned, loved, and am thankful for!
1. I have learned forgiveness is key.
2. I have learned that I have to love, whether I feel like it or not.
3. I have learned that it is better to let it go, when I feel like I need to hold on.
4. I have loved so many 13 and 14 year olds that my little heart just can't let go.
5. I am thankful for a job that I love.
6. I am thankful for good days that outweigh the bad.
7. I am thankful for students that care.
8. I have the greatest family in the entire world, and I'm not just saying that because I'm biased.
9. My grandmother is crazy and she hopes that one day I'll be like her, I'm just not so sure.
10. I love the sigh I get everytime someone asks me what I do and I tell them I teach 8th grade.
11. I love having roommates and would hate to live by myself.
12. I love crafts and scrapbooks and decorating for Christmas.
13. I am so thankful for old students who visit and brighten my days.
14. I have learned that I must let people start over... otherwise why should I have another chance??
15. I have learned that it is not my job to tell everyone what I think of them.
16. I have also learned that honesty is key when asked.
17. I have learned that integrity is one of the most important qualities of a person.
18. I love sunshine, flip flops, t-shirts, beaches and summer time.
19. I am thankful for people who will bring me back down to earth, and thankful for a mom who listens to me rant and rave about ridiculous, annoying things.
20. I love travel and Africa and people and children are therapy to me.
21. I love people who have hearts for places besides here but also who know their calling.
22. I'm thankful for college roommates who still just crack me up and make me feel like I'm sitting on our dramatic couch.
23. I am thankful for a God who loves me despite me.
24. I am thankful to be 25 and still feel 13 and look 18.
25. I have learned that it is best to love, even if it hurts and it doesn't feel like it's worth it. It is.
All the best-Melis
1. I have learned forgiveness is key.
2. I have learned that I have to love, whether I feel like it or not.
3. I have learned that it is better to let it go, when I feel like I need to hold on.
4. I have loved so many 13 and 14 year olds that my little heart just can't let go.
5. I am thankful for a job that I love.
6. I am thankful for good days that outweigh the bad.
7. I am thankful for students that care.
8. I have the greatest family in the entire world, and I'm not just saying that because I'm biased.
9. My grandmother is crazy and she hopes that one day I'll be like her, I'm just not so sure.
10. I love the sigh I get everytime someone asks me what I do and I tell them I teach 8th grade.
11. I love having roommates and would hate to live by myself.
12. I love crafts and scrapbooks and decorating for Christmas.
13. I am so thankful for old students who visit and brighten my days.
14. I have learned that I must let people start over... otherwise why should I have another chance??
15. I have learned that it is not my job to tell everyone what I think of them.
16. I have also learned that honesty is key when asked.
17. I have learned that integrity is one of the most important qualities of a person.
18. I love sunshine, flip flops, t-shirts, beaches and summer time.
19. I am thankful for people who will bring me back down to earth, and thankful for a mom who listens to me rant and rave about ridiculous, annoying things.
20. I love travel and Africa and people and children are therapy to me.
21. I love people who have hearts for places besides here but also who know their calling.
22. I'm thankful for college roommates who still just crack me up and make me feel like I'm sitting on our dramatic couch.
23. I am thankful for a God who loves me despite me.
24. I am thankful to be 25 and still feel 13 and look 18.
25. I have learned that it is best to love, even if it hurts and it doesn't feel like it's worth it. It is.
All the best-Melis
Subscribe to:
Comments (Atom)