A Little Knowledge, Candy, and Some Reverse Psychology

(Dragon Blood Tree)

Today I was the substitute teacher for  3- 7th grade science classes that lasted for 1.2 hours each...whew!  The worst part was the assignment!  The kids supposedly watched a video about plants on Monday (today is FRIDAY!) and they supposedly took notes. 

I quickly came to the realization that no one remembered the video and no one took notes.  Great. This led to major problems when the worksheet was passed out and 12 questions were required to be answered in essay form.

Within minutes, kids were confused, asking me questions and turning to their neighbor for help.  Because I was absolutely no help, I resorted to keeping everyone under control and attempting to get something down on paper from each student.

After the first period fiasco (I didn't have any idea how the heck a Dragon Blood Tree had adapted to its environment or how the Milkweed plant and the Monarch butterfly helped each other...remember I hadn't see the video), I immediately had to fix that problem.  This inability to help the children and their inability to help themselves, led to many chatty students.  During the teacher planning hour (which was right after the first class), I went online, looked up all of the questions and found answers (Dear Teacher, It would have been so much easier if I had an answer key...Love, Mrs. Porter). 

As I sat ready to welcome in the next class and use my new found knowledge,  I came across this note from the teacher, "My last period of the day contain my biggest behavioral problems!  Feel free to take down any names or send a student to the office."  Geez, I had thought the first class was hard...needless to say, I was nervous about this class!

Although I was grateful for my new knowledge of the Dragon Blood Tree and Milkweed plant (and many other things) I was a bit concerned about this last class and keeping control for such a long period of time.

After introducing myself, I told them one thing, "Mrs. Porter loves candy.  And she likes to share it."  I showed them my bag of goodies and then explained that after they completed their assignment, they would receive a piece.

I was armed with  knowledge and treats but I knew I needed to add the "reverse psychology" plan...just to be sure.

After my introduction, I immediately told them they were Mr. So and So's favorite class!  They said, "No way, he hates us!"  I reiterated, "No, really you guys are awesome.  You are truly the best class. I mean look at yourselves...smart, handsome/pretty and ready to listen!"  As I said these words, I looked into their eyes, high fived a few possible "hoodlums" and winked at the obvious trouble makers.

I honestly believe they changed in that very instant I told them they were awesome.  And although they weren't "perfectly quiet," they were perfectly wonderful.  By simply telling them how great they were (and that they were loved), they became great.

...and the candy helped too.

I made a conscience choice to show my confidence and love in these children that I didn't know. Just think about the huge change each of us can make in our own homes and those around us by simply telling them how great they truly are...smart, capable, and loved. These are people we do know!

...throw in some candy and miracles will happen!

And if by chance you know how the Air Plant gets its nutrients without roots in soil, you are completely set!

Ahhh....

After a tremendously challenging last week, reprieve was felt everyday of this one.  And although it was still filled to the brim with "stuff to do," it has been glorious.  From warm bright sunshine filled days to children helping me and loving one another.  With both of our cars up and running, hot water showering down upon us and nothing else getting in our way...it has been absolutely lovely.  We feel ever grateful for family and friends who lent a helping hand, gave advice and listened to my habitual complaining (I need to work on that).

This week ushers in a daughter who turned 16, an anniversary celebrating 17 years of marriage, a completely clean basement, a low mileage week scheduled on my marathon training and plenty of candy leftover from Sommer's party (I can't wait to write that post!)...

And although I am well aware that life is (and will continue) a challenge, this week is hasn't been and for that I am grateful.

I am Not Yellin', I am Tellin'

Lately my kids have come to believe that when I give them a simple command such as "clean your room" or "practice the piano"...I am yelling.

Well I am not...yet.  I am only provoked to yelling after I have asked in a sweet nurturing voice 75 times.  And although I am never proud of these moments of "voice volume increase", they do occur on occasion.

My lovely children have turned my occasional shrill into what they think happens every time I make any request.

When I say, "Did you get your homework done?" They say, "Why are you yelling?" 

My new response is simple (and quite brilliant I must say):

"I am not YELLIN', I am TELLIN'."

And the voice I use as I say the words is the same sing-song, angelic, sugary sweet one used by all of the Disney Princesses (I am sure you can imagine that).

So dearest children, close your eyes and envision Cinderella (who truly knows the voice of a wicked, mean and yelling "mother") asking you to pick up YOUR (not mine) shoes.  No way is she yellin'...she is simply tellin'.

And by golly, you had better listen!

Breaking Point...I Will Not Snap

Life is a bit tough right now.  And although I feel I am at my breaking point, I will not snap.  And this week a few things have transpired that have bent me even more...you see, I am already bending...ouch!

(A quick disclaimer about the stresses I share below.  I know I will most likely not remember them a few years down the road...thank goodness. I realize they are not the kind of trials that I know some of you are "bending" through right now.  But man it is still hard)

I think we have finally come to that point in my beloved (and trustworthy) car's life that it is no longer beloved or trustworthy.

And as much as I appreciated its loving service over the past 8 years, the miles of smooth driving (even after getting hit by lightening...now that is a good story), taking our BIG family on fun adventures, getting me here and there...I am at my breaking point!

And then there is Garth's truck.  We have had his lovely vehicle for even longer!  It has hauled not only ALL of our stuff  over the years (mulch, couches, camping gear, you name it), we have also let everyone else take advantage of its hauling power!

Today it is in the shop.  Just one day after we got my car back (and spent a gazillion dollars)...it decided it too needed a trip to the repair man. 

So as wonderful as it is to own both vehicles, this month, their old age is really bringing me down (YOU HEAR THAT CARS!? YOU ARE REALLY BRINGING ME DOWN!).

I admit, I have reached a stress level that causes me...well...STRESS.  But in the middle of our little car trial, tender mercies have rained down.

Our wonderful Donna and Bruce have lent us their car multiple times.  And today our neighbor, Glen offered his little Yaris as long as we need it (don't tempt me...I may need it for a really long time).

I thought the car trouble was going to be just enough stress for the week, I was wrong.  Early this morning, I hear from my son as he is filling the bath tub, "Hey Mom! Why is there no hot water?" 

Shoot!  I quickly call Garth, hoping we haven't paid our gas bill. Darn!  He did!  The next step was to make my way to the basement to see if the pilot light had gone out. As I approach the door that contains the water heater,  I say over and over again, "Please, please, let it be the light...please!"

Nope. I immediately see water all over the floor.  Great....

As I was about to "snap," (because I was already at my breaking point), I see our dear neighbor Glen in his driveway. I walk over and tell him our latest sad tale of "our house is old and as you know my husband, though brilliant, can't fix things."  He laughs and takes a look at our water heater.

More tender mercies as he replies, "You will be needing a new water heater but I can install it for you." 

And although the wind is blowing with gusto right now (literally and figuratively) in our life (these are only a few things we are dealing with right now), I will not snap...bend a little, yes, snap off all together?  No!

When Was the Last Time You...

Life can totally take over, can't it?  There are plenty of my days that feel just like the movie, "Groundhog Day," when Bill Murray wakes up over and over again to the same scenerio of one day in his life...until he figures out the small change he needs to make.  These " groundhog days" in my life turn into weeks, which then become months and soon years have passed...doing the same thing and forgetting...

We all have small changes to make in our daily life to remind us why we are here, who we love and what we can become.  But then the blasted daily grind of each of our lives seems to quietly take over (sometimes without us even knowing), repeating itself again and again...until we stop it and remember...

When was the last time you...

....wrote your significant other a love note?
...climbed up into your son's bunkbed and read his favorite book?
...took your daughter out to lunch after that doctor appointment?
...finished a book?
....ran as fast as you could?
...worked out so hard your shirt was dripping wet (yes...with your own sweat!)?
...soaked in the tub?
...made homemade chocolate chip cookies?
...woke up to see the sunrise?
...held someone's hand as the sun set?
...gazed at the stars?
...cleaned out every cupboard in your house?
...stopped to smell the roses?
...gathered the kids for a dance party?
...memorized a scripture?

We all are living the crazy life. And we each individually need to do something to make it stop every now and again so we can remember...

So today, maybe we could each do something we haven't done in a really long time and let it remind us of something really wonderful.

Suck it Up Buttercup

(one of our Buttercups, Boo)

I have an awesome group of girlfriends that I ride and run with throughout the year. We call ourselves the Buttercups. And our motto is:

"Suck it up Buttercup!"

If you  think you want to skip a workout,  slow down, or simply give up, we tell each other in a loving yet firm voice, "Suck it up Buttercup!"  And just like that you either show up, speed up and by no means give up!

I love these girls...they really inspire.  We are not without our individual tribulations and set backs that have come and gone (and some still remain) throughout the years. The Buttercups keep going...even during the hard times:

Sickness, loss of jobs, more sickness, injuries, new jobs, busy schedules, old age...

Together we encourage one another to become better by simply taking a deep breath and continuing on...even if it hurts, because we all will feel pain at some point on our journey.

Friday morning, with a chill still in the air, muscles not yet conditioned for riding...we took off on our first ride of the season.  And in true Buttercup form, we rode swiftly, consistently, stylishly (but of course) and full of lovely conversation.

Was it easy? No! Was the headwind convenient? No!  Were we tired? Yes!  Did we complete our goal?  OF COURSE we did...by riding together as the Buttercups.

(now the rest of you Buttercups better join us next time)

 

 

Dodging Worms

Don't you just love (I am being sarcastic) the masses of worms that appear on sidewalks and streets after a big rain storm?!

Yesterday we had a BIG rain.  This morning, I noticed the slimy suckers EVERYWHERE!  There were so many worms, I actually had to do a little side stepping maneuver to avoid them. I really didn't want the bottom of my running shoes to be completely covered in mushy worminess....gross.

So it was that kind of morning...I had to avoid worms...for 18 miles. 

I wasn't expecting the masses of worms joining me on my run today...but I also wasn't expecting the need to dodge a few other obstacles in order to complete my training goal.

Because of plans to head to our yearly get away to Massunutten ski resort this weekend, I planned to run my 18 miles on Thursday morning (it was that or be stuck running the miles in the mountains...up and down steep inclines...no thanks) to get 'er done.

Unfortunately my husband had to go in early to work so he was unable to take over the "get the kids off to school" routine.  I had  a choice to make. I could avoid the run altogether for the day or I could dodge a few worms.  I decided that dodging a few worms would be easier than running in the mountains and in the rain (our forecast isn't looking great for our ski trip).

So with my resolve to complete my goal, here is what I had to do:

I woke up my middle school boys at 6:55.  I asked my older son to be sure his younger brother actually got up after I left.  I then started my run (and literally began dodging worms). My goal was to complete 4 miles and stop back at the house to be sure two the older boys were ready to hop on the bus. Check!  I then told the younger boys to start getting ready for school as I headed out for an additional 3 miles.  After that was complete, I ran home and finished getting the little boys off to school. I changed my sweaty running outfit (lucky me...it was going to be a 65 degree day) and put on shorts and a t-shirt (yay). I quickly ran around the block until my "cog" Ann arrived at my house to run my final 9.2 miles.  Bless Ann's heart, she had committed to run 8 with me but because of my "dodgy" morning, I was only able to get in 8.8 before she arrived.  With a loving and willing heart, she ran me until we hit my 18 mile total.

We all have "worms" that creep up on our plans.  We may take the easy road and simply give up on our goal because we don't want to step on something a bit uncomfortable or that requires us to do a little dodging in order to complete our task. 

Don't let it.  Just start dodging the worms...and complete your goal.  And you may even get a suntan along your journey.



Don't let a little worm rule your world.