So They Say

They say a guy that treats you well, 
and the waitress poorly, 
is not a good guy. 

If you want to know how he is going to treat you in 10 or 20 years,

look at how he treats his mother. 

Of course there are always exceptions. 

But these are good rules of thumb. 

Be aware of how he treats others, as well as you. 

For more, I found this site. 

~Don't let your love be blind~

Shhhhh!

and you'll say
don't you worry your pretty little mind
people throw rocks at things that shine
and life makes love look hard
the stakes are high the water's rough
but this love is ours...

Falling fast from our high
the struggles and pain
can make it hard to try

I fear a demise
on our current path
beneath these stormy skies

A silent plea
barely reaches your ears
I know not it I want you to see

It was once proclaimed
"All You Need is Love"
but can that love be sustained


~I'm a Kayak here me roar~

On My Lips

A song which I understand. The message and the reason is clear. 

It makes me smile.

It makes me dance. 

It gives me shivers. 

~Just Like You~

A Concerned Note

The music speaks to me. There are brief moments of clarity, but in general it is a hazy voice. I know not what it tells me, and fear this. With numerous messages bearing the same theme, I search for an interpreter. I fear it is time for the truth to be revealed, whatever that may be.

A remembrance of what once was, with a hint of the now. Where is my heart focused? What does my mind see? Are they memories of the past, or desires for the future?
The passion, the value, where is it sustained? I remain fascinated, but fear why.

~Sing me the truth, so that I may know it. ~

Need to Feel Some Movin'

I wanna feel the Earth move under my feet
move me a long way from here.
Just pick up my house, and job,
and church, and transplant me.
Either 6 hours north,
or 12 hours East.
I just want to move.


~slightly torn, and extremely out of place~

To Feel

So Called "Life"

Last week I was in Jamaica with my parents and sister #2.
Jamaica is a beautiful place. It's not like Mexico with mile upon mile of beach, but it has hills, and trees. There is life everywhere, it reminds me of paradise!

The people are all very friendly... some of them- mainly the men- perhaps TOO friendly. I have never been hit on so much. It was uncomfortable at times, but it was also a nice reminder. Everyone needs to be informed now and then that they are desired, however shallow that yearning may be.

Having toured a little bit of the island on a day excursion I was also reminded of how blessed we are in North America. They all have so little, and their houses look as if they are on the verge of collapsing. Of course, when hurricane season lasts from June till November, for half the year your house practically is falling down!

It is the perfect vacation- an all inclusive resort. No cooking or cleaning. Sleep when you want, eat when you want, drink when you want. The biggest problem we faced was having to wait for seats at the restaurant. Which, in retrospect was not that big of a deal.

To enjoy life in this manner for a week, or two... or maybe even 3, is surely a sublime existence. But ultimately, having a larger meaning in life - a reason other than wanting good chairs at the beach- to get up everyday, wins out. Or so I'd imagine it would... if I ever put this theory to the test.

Unfortunately, however, it will have to remain a mere theory for now. Money, job, and so called "life" have summoned me home and I am back to work.

~As the Jamaicans say, "we have a situation here"~

Be My Valentine

Here's a quick *share* from me to you. I have attached a picture of the beautiful Valentine I got this year- from my boyfriend's parents. The only one. (Other than from my students.) Isn't life funny. 

~oops! forgot to smile~

1 Year... And Counting

It's been 1 year ago today since my boyfriend's and my first date. However, we do not consider this our anniversary. I guess it took us a few days to decide we liked each other enough to continue this.
I've never made it this long before- a year that is. Usually I get scared or bored with the boys I'm with. Maybe it helps this time that for the majority of the relationship we've lived at least 6 hours apart. Makes each time we see each other seem like a real novelty, and emotions are somewhat exaggerated. So can I say I have a realistic view and understanding of "us"?

~how'd we do it?~

Small Fits of Laughter 2

For many of the children in my class, English is their second language. Though they have no accent to reveal this, it can be seen at times in certain words or phrases they use, or try to use.

One boy in particular tends to be a reoccurring star in this.
Once again this arose at prayer time. Over the past few weeks we'd been praying for the victims of various plane, train, and helicopter crashes the kids had heard about. One of my little grade ones -I'll call him Arnie- raised his hand suggesting we pray for the "vrixdoms of the crashes."
It took a moment to realize he was trying to say 'victims'. He had no idea that he was saying it wrong, he was just trying to imitate what he heard the other children say. In his mind, he was saying it the exact same way.


On Friday, Arnie successfully got me, along with my 2 TAs bulled over laughing. It was one of my TAs last day on Friday because she is going to Africa on a 2 month mission trip. As a class we had made her a class book, each writing something we will remember about her. When I was presenting the book to her, I asked the kids where it was that she was going. Many kids raised their hands: I called on Arnie. He announced loudly to the class, "she is passing away."
Well we couldn't hide our laughter this time.
Before I had a chance to correct Arnie, one of the kids yelled out to Arnie, "that means she's going to die!"

At least he's a good sport about it, and his mistakes don't cause him embarrassment which lead to shyness or an unwillingness to share with the class.
It is his innocence that brings joy, not his desire to be comical, that's the most refreshing part.


~tell me a story~

Small Fits of Laughter 1

Despite all the frustration and annoyance, my students make me laugh.

Illustration for the day
We begin every day with a devotion. After reading a short story with a lesson, and verses that correspond, I take prayer requests from the students. The father of 2 boys in my class (brothers obviously) had a surgery before Christmas. This has landed him a semi-permanent spot on our prayer list. Last week when the older brother requested we pray for him, I asked how he was doing. He responded, solemnly, "he's about 89% better." Firstly, I know that these kids have very little, if any understanding of percentages. Secondly, even if he did understand percentages- 89?
A few days ago, at our daily prayer time, this boy once again requested special prayers for his dad. Upon inquiry once again on his condition, he informed us that he is now "99% better!"
One of the girls was amazed, "he was 89% last week, and this week is 99%, wow!"

It reminds me of the innocence of children and how they see the world in such positive light. This way the little things can be appreciated so much more.

~a simple sort of way~

Time is Running Out

Life on a pendulum- swinging back and forth, back and forth- without an anchor (or a power switch) has its faults. Not only does dizziness ensue, but stability is none existent. Ultimately, it's a mental state more than anything else. A free falling mind-set easily swayed by winds from all directions. Even when level, my course is blurry, and body spinning, resulting in a feeble attempt at success. A path to be reached through accidents and weak excuses.

It is not what you can do to help me, but what I must do to save me.
But what is it must I do?

~Tic tock on the clock~

¡Breaking News!

That which has always been rumoured, but never experienced in my life has transpired! Up until now, when a man had been told of his woman's discontent or worry, some [false] sympathy had been expressed, and a moment or two of "transformation" unfolded.  But that was the extent of it. Recently however, after informing Mason that  I was unhappy and needed a change. I was amazed to SEE that change occur- almost instantaneously.

Now I know what you sceptics are thinking- because I use to be one, so I know how you think. But it's been nearly 2 weeks, and the alterations in behaviour have been constant throughout. It was not a one time thing, but a genuine, modification.

I am baffled, overwhelmed, and sincerely impressed. Miracles really do happen!
He continues to amaze me, and for that I am grateful. I applaud his heart, commitment, and patience (mostly in dealing with my sometimes irrational fears).

~only slightly exaggerated~

"According to my Research"

I hope this isn't true, or I still have a long way to go. Though I doubt it is. In my opinion a lot of what scientists, or psychologist tell the public is just one possibility of what the "evidence" points to. It's all in how you interpret it. 

Plus, much of what our world views as love, is little more than a lust or obsession over someone... or even over a feeling. Our world sees love as a self-centered thing, what can it do for me. Love-true love-is selfless, and this in itself very un-like our world. 

~you had me at hello~

Pin It

I have recently fallen prey to Pinterest. If you have not heard of it- stand strong, don't go check it out. It's addicting! So many interesting ideas, recipes, pictures, quotes... the list goes on! I've joined only days ago, and already I've collected (or in the world of Pinterest "pinned") over 100 pictures and links.
In a way, it's like window shopping, except that there's no fear of falling into actual shopping because they don't have your credit card, and you don't have friends dragging you into stores. It's merely the opportunity to collect ideas of things you like, in nearly any interest or desires.
It is an ingenious way to lead unsuspecting internet users into hours of wasted time, with little more than pictures to show for your quest.

The worst part of all is it has tempted me to explore areas, and feed my fancy on topics I should not currently be concerned with. It has enveloped my mind and seeped into my dreams! Two nights ago Mason and I were wedding planning! Dreams are evil, evil things fed by Pinterest.

~be careful what you're looking for~

A Need to Move in Forward Motion

What began as an adventure has quickly spiralled into motionless realm. That which once encouraged anticipation, now generates vexation. Too many evenings of solitude tends to harden a person- occasionally to the point of desperation. 6 hours no longer seems too long for the touch of a hand that does not belong to a 6 year old. 

The seemingly positive news that only 5 moths remains drives me further to the edge, rather than hearten retreat. 

There is a reason, I just don't see it. And I struggle. 

~stop sending the message I don't want to get~

Wait At Least A Year

You put us on pause to give yourself more time. But I ask, why can't it be simultaneous? Whoever said two changes, growths, or advancements can't be accomplished together. Stability is a state of mind. It need not be financial or professional. If you are ready for the next step, than surrounding factors need not interfere. The next big adventure is waiting for you at your finger tips. Stop brushing and reach out.

 

~apparently our time lines neither align, nor intertwine~

Blinders

I read this quote and thought it was cute. And true. If guys (and girls for that matter) spent their time thinking of new ways to show their significant other that they love them, then they'll have less time thinking about non-significant others. If we stop thinking about ourselves, and what would make us 'happy' and instead thought of ways to make others happy, then I think the end result would be 2 happy people.


The quote also reminded me of a song (because ultimately, almost everything in life reminds me of a song).
So here's the song, and lyrics (because to me, that's where the meaning and value lies)

While the above song is by an Andrew Allen, I see here fit to share lyrics from a song by a Kris Allen. I don't think there is any relation.

Kris says,
"We only got 86 400 seconds in a day to
Turn it all around or to throw it all away
We gotta tell them that we love them
While we got the chance to say
Gotta live like we're dying"

~start living in love~

It Separates the Men from the Travelers

My Kindergarten student (Kayson) came to school today, all dressed up in black slacks  and a shiny, long-sleeved, button down purple shirt. For a kid who is most commonly seen in sweatpants and an athletic shirt, this came as a bit of a shock to me.
And so I asked him, "Kayson, you look handsome today. What's the occasion?"
He looked up at me and said, "I had to wear it to show you my purple shirt."

Before Christmas, Kayson had told me he'd asked his Grandma for a purple shirt for Christmas. At the time I thought it was an odd request for a 6 year old.
Now that I see the shirt, I know it is an odd request for a 6 year old.
But man did he ever look cute!

This look, but without the pinstripes and on a 6 year old. 

In other news. 

One of my boys came to school this morning and informed me that they were leaving for Mexico tonight for a month. 

Thanks for the heads up.

~maybe I'll move to Russia~

'I have an Announcement'

One of my students tells me today, "You know Mexican's aren't just Mexican's they're people too."
Trying to stifle my laughter I asked him, "oh yeah, where did you hear that?"
"On a movie."


During our school assembly this morning, our principal was making announcements about upcoming events. When he was done with his information, he asked the fellow teachers, and the student government if they had anything to add. One of my little girls raised her hand, when the principal called on her she declared, "and we're starting 'show and tell' in our class'."
Thanks for sharing dear...


It's good to laugh at least once a day. 

Take My Hand

Three facebook friends have announced their engagements over the last 24 hours. It's an epidemic! Or perhaps they are influenced by the impending "end of the world." The same thing happened before and during the World Wars, and (according to Mrs. Weasley) at the height of Voldemort's power the first time around. In the face of fear and uncertainty, human beings cling to one another. It is in other's we find love and hope, and ultimately a reason for living. It is for this reason that, when faced with the possibility of death or world wide pandemonium, we seek refuge in each other. The fear or doubt that might otherwise influence, are forgotten in the surrounding unease.
I guess it takes war and bedlam for Love to become our foundation.

~Mason remains unperturbed ~

Advice from Dumbledore

Memories Bring only Tears

My holidays are over, and I'm now home- if I can call such a place home.
It is windy, quiet, lonely. Home is suppose to be where my heart is, but my heart is anywhere but here. My heart is with the people I love, and the things I love doing. This place lacks all the essentials. Sure my stuff is here, and my life (if you can call it that) is here, but I struggle to find joy in this windy, snowless, desolate place.
Rather than living, I feel like I'm stuck on pause. For a slight moment I was in play but it was quick-barely a blink. And now I've been returned to this painful, emotionally deprived state.
I long for a change, yet the time is constantly prolonged.

~Living on a Prayer~

Slowly Going Crazy

After over a month apart, we will be reunited. Then for our adventure! You, me, my family, and my home town. All my favourite- crazy things -all wrapped into one. But the time is going so slow! I know it's less then a week away, but last week felt like a month. So what are these next 4 days going to feel like? And of course, once we're together, time will move at warp speed, and our 2 weeks together will be over in a blink.
It's just not fair.

COUNTDOWN CLOCKS

Good Advice

Robert Pattinson Quote : "If you find a girl who reads, keep her close. When you find her up at 2 AM clutching a book to her chest and weeping, make her a cup of tea and hold her. You may lose her for a couple of hours but she will always come back to you. She’ll talk as if the characters in the book are real, because for a while, they always are. Date a girl who reads because you deserve it. You deserve a girl who can give you the most colorful life imaginable. If you can only give her monotony, and stale hours and half-baked proposals, then you’re better off alone. If you want the world and the worlds beyond it, date a girl who reads."