"Last Night I Had the Strangest Dream"

Another year, another person to learn . . .

I just discovered that this year's "new to me" teacher will be retiring. Glad she's doing what's best for herself--not everyone is in a position to be able to make a life changing decision like retirement. She's taught me how difficult it is for a teacher to switch grades. My friend, Shirley, made it appear effortless when she went from assisting in kindergarten to teaching third. But, looking back, she was always great at diving in and switching gears. I didn't realize what a gift and attribute her ability is until watching two teachers try.

How I wish the next school year would bring me a real, honest to goodness, kindergarten teacher! {clicks ruby slippers together} Not just for me (though I'll admit to loving the idea of that happening), but for the students to come. They deserve someone who understands many of them don't arrive knowing how to sit and listen, play with friends, write, read, cut, add or subtract. A loving and understanding atmosphere is essential, but not enough.

The other wee folk assistant in our school, had the good fortune to work with a teacher (Celeste Starr) six or so years ago. She still talks about how much she learned in their short time together. I know she's out there, with a desire to return to K. How great would it be to have a chance to work with her!

A girl can dream, can't she?

End of Life Planning

Finally! Thank you Google.
I was so worried I would never be able to find the following websites again.
And so I'm creating this post mainly for myself.

I've completed most of the information on My Wonderful Life, but still haven't sat down to do the other. I hate how I procrastinate, even with the easiest of things.
Don't be like me.

Get Your Shit Together

My Wonderful Life

Oh and for those of you wanting to do something different with your ashes:
http://mentalfloss.com/article/51905/10-amazing-things-your-ashes-can-do-after-you-die

I think the stained glass is my favorite. Probably better than my idea of making a cement bird bath.

A Keeper

While growing up, there were several Ann Lander's columns that I never tired of reading--probably why she reran them repeatedly. I'm finding that Carolyn Hax also has wise words worth saving. Like this column from today:

Dear Carolyn:

You often talk about a "best self" and the ways people should either live that themselves or permit others to do so. I can guess what a best self might be, but I wonder what your workaday definition is?

-- Best Self

It's when you like yourself.

Or, when you're getting the most out of your strengths and succumbing the least to your weaknesses. It's highly personal, but here are some ideas for cultivating strength:

Are you doing things that are meaningful to you; well-suited to your interests, skills and talents; and challenging enough to keep you humble?

Are you with people to whom you want to be kind; who reinforce your good choices; and who don't inspire persistent doubts about whether they're dependable, genuinely fond of you, free of ulterior motives, honest with you?

Are you that person to those you love?

Do you take responsibility for your choices and their consequences?

Do you honor your promises and commitments, to yourself and others?

When you are impressed by, grateful to or concerned about someone, do you show it?

Do you forgive?

Are you representing yourself honestly, to yourself and others, creating no facades to maintain?

Do you take care of yourself -- in small ways like flossing, and in big ways like thinking through potential consequences before you act? And do you put yourself first in ways that sustain you, to minimize your burdening of others?

As for taming weaknesses:

Do you realize your needs have the same status as everyone else's? And you're not the hero in every encounter with others?

Are you mindful of your flaws and demons?

Do you make choices that put distance between you and your temptations?

Do you resist the impulse to blame others when things go wrong?

Do you understand the boundary between your and others' business, and stay on your side?

When you're unsure, do you admit that and seek help?

When you're about to express negativity or a criticism, do you ask yourself whether it needs expressing? And imagine how its target will feel?

When you fall short, do you admit that? To those who most need to hear it?

Since all of these questions hinge on solid self-awareness, I'd call Step 1 a brutally honest assessment of what you bring to the party -- and how you're most likely to wreck it.

The Daily Show, "WOC"