I'm not a huge fan of New Year's Resolutions. This time of year we always see people stating "I’m going to give up this" or "I'm going to do more of this", and then as the month of January passes those goals slowly are forgotten and eventually the end of the year arrives with yet another list of goals. Perhaps it is because the goals set are always so large that they cannot possibly be dealt with, or perhaps it is that people do not know how to break a goal down into tasks, and perhaps it is because the goals are not truly believed in, they were just made because "That's what you do".
If you are going to set a goal and are new to goal setting my advice is to set one you can break into manageable tasks. Have a plan of attack as to how you're going to meet the goal, but also how you're going to track your progress. Write check in dates on your calendar so that you know when to check in. Keep a daily or weekly log of your progress toward the goal, including changes you make along the way toward your goal. You’ll want to map out all of your steps before you begin to ensure success. So making a goal, in short, is more than just saying you are going to do something, it is making a plan to do so.
Now, as it comes, not all goals stay the same and sometimes they simply take longer to achieve. By keeping a daily journal or weekly journal you’ll be able to decide which the case is. If a goal changes mid-stream that is ok, this occurs in teaching all of the time. It simply means that the first goal was perhaps not the best fit at that moment in time. If the goal takes longer than expected it simply means that at this time in your life this is the pace you are able to progress. Do not be hard on yourself and allow the goal to progress at the pace it is meant to progress.
My final advice is that you need to be patient. You need to allow the goal to blossom in its own time. Many of us are stuck in that fast foods get it now mindset and we forget that the best things come to those who wait. It doesn’t mean you are not working. The farmer works daily and yet waits patiently as his crops blossom. Your hard work will pay off in its own time.
Monday, December 31, 2012
Monday, August 20, 2012
My thoughts on criticism of education
I've given this a lot of thought today and here is my answer as a teacher to all those who decide to go around saying that our schools are worthless, only teaching conformity, rote memorization, that truth only comes from authority, only rewarding conformity, and punishing noncompliance. Take your child out of school both public, private, and charter.
Teach every single subject to your child yourself. Make sure that your child can pass the state mandated tests, because they will check on you. Make sure that you yourself are the expert on each subject taught, and that you can answer all questions your child might have about said subjects. Make sure that you can teach said subjects every day so that your child is always learning, and not just sitting in front of the computer or television. Make sure the environment is stimulating with pictures, posters, art, interactive stations as they relate to each given subject. Make sure that you have all of the tools necessary to work with your child should they have a learning disorder or speech disorder.
The moment your child states that 1+1=3, not 2 praise him for being a nonconformist. The moment your child questions why you asked them to read for 15 minutes praise them for questioning your authority and let them do what they wish to do. The moment they say they don’t want to memorize their sight words or periodic table praise them for knowing that memorization serves no purpose. When your child begins to conform to grammar rules, reading rules, and math rules punish them for being a conformist. Tell them that only those who do no conform to any given rules, laws, theories, or what not are successful. When your child who suffers from a speech disorder mumbles that they do not wish to know how to speak to be understood tell them it is ok because it does not matter, it would be conforming to speak to be understood.
I’ve been an educator for twelve years now and though I may still make my own mistakes in grammar, math, and many subjects I still value education. I realize and have realized since day one that our public, private, and charter education system is still lacking in many areas. I do however know from personal experience that there are many wonderful educators in their various subjects at various levels of education. It is very easy to criticize. I find it sad when I read statements as I mentioned at the start of this note. It is a sad reflection on society in general. It is also a true slap in the face to some of the best educators that exist or have existed. The best educators I have had were those who taught me to think for myself, and most of them do teach that way. The best were also those who taught me the value in the subject they taught. It’s funny because some of the people complaining about the education system are those who on the other hand state that we should be scientific thinkers, etc. How on earth than can you state that memorization is not necessary? There are some scientific basics that just do not go away. Laws of Physics though tested, pushed, explored, still have a foundation that must be memorized in order to go forward. There is a tremendous amount of mathematics involved in science and even if you believe it is a conformist attitude of nothing but useless memorization it does pay to remember what the formula HCl stands for before you decide to test it by drinking it.
The very system accused of creating a group of mindless drones is the very system that has educated those persons who have made great strides and changes in our world; Dr. Martin Luther King Junior to Bruce Lee. Yes, the education system in the United States has many flaws, and do not be naive to think that educators do not see them or do not care. We care that funds are pulled each year making it more difficult to teach our given subject. We care that older persons in the community do not care anymore because their children are long gone so they fight us on taxes. We care that people criticize us daily. We care that children’s minds are being polluted by the media and politics. We care enough that we actually work daily to teach those children in our charge how to think critically and how to question. We also care enough that we teach them why said subjects exists, how they exist, and how they work. It does not happen all in one year though, and most schools are not year round. Typically teachers must, as a service to their students; work on reviewing what was learned the previous year so we can set up the stage to acquire new information. Most adults know that if you do not use something you lose it. It does not matter what the skill is, I have personally heard this from many adults in many fields. So educators do care enough to review things we have already gone over so as not to punish our children.
Education is a difficult profession just like any other, but it is often the one most criticized. My solution is that if you are not willing to help work to make education a better place than you simply remove yourself from it in all areas of your life. Remove your student from school because it will take care of the overcrowding that leads to teacher/student ratios being horrible. Do not complain when you realize how difficult teaching your child actually is, and if you really don’t like it then take you and your child off the grid so we as a society do not have to deal with the ignorance and plain out stupidity that is going to occur without any sort of education. In regards to the child with a speech issue (and I include this because as a SPED teacher I love and respect my speech pathologists because I am not skilled in that area), do not complain when your child cannot obtain work and has to live with you for the rest of their life because no one can understand the words that come out of their mouth. If you really feel that education is worthless then stop participating all together. This means if you teach or are taught in anything that you stop it immediately and stop conforming.
Does this sound absolutely preposterous to you? Does the idea of giving up your swim, aerobic, karate, knitting, work related education, and so forth sound ludicrous to you? Does it sound silly to say that holding your breath under water stupid and conformist and you won’t do it because it’s a “rule”? This is what the people who speak out about education sound like though. The people who say that education/schools are worthless, only teaching conformity, rote memorization, that truth only comes from authority, only rewarding conformity, and punishing noncompliance sound like the simpleton who decides he is going to be a nonconformist and prove that he can breathe underwater like a fish (without the aid of dive equipment) and dies doing so.
Thank you to all of the educators in the world who strive daily to bring the best to their students.
Teach every single subject to your child yourself. Make sure that your child can pass the state mandated tests, because they will check on you. Make sure that you yourself are the expert on each subject taught, and that you can answer all questions your child might have about said subjects. Make sure that you can teach said subjects every day so that your child is always learning, and not just sitting in front of the computer or television. Make sure the environment is stimulating with pictures, posters, art, interactive stations as they relate to each given subject. Make sure that you have all of the tools necessary to work with your child should they have a learning disorder or speech disorder.
The moment your child states that 1+1=3, not 2 praise him for being a nonconformist. The moment your child questions why you asked them to read for 15 minutes praise them for questioning your authority and let them do what they wish to do. The moment they say they don’t want to memorize their sight words or periodic table praise them for knowing that memorization serves no purpose. When your child begins to conform to grammar rules, reading rules, and math rules punish them for being a conformist. Tell them that only those who do no conform to any given rules, laws, theories, or what not are successful. When your child who suffers from a speech disorder mumbles that they do not wish to know how to speak to be understood tell them it is ok because it does not matter, it would be conforming to speak to be understood.
I’ve been an educator for twelve years now and though I may still make my own mistakes in grammar, math, and many subjects I still value education. I realize and have realized since day one that our public, private, and charter education system is still lacking in many areas. I do however know from personal experience that there are many wonderful educators in their various subjects at various levels of education. It is very easy to criticize. I find it sad when I read statements as I mentioned at the start of this note. It is a sad reflection on society in general. It is also a true slap in the face to some of the best educators that exist or have existed. The best educators I have had were those who taught me to think for myself, and most of them do teach that way. The best were also those who taught me the value in the subject they taught. It’s funny because some of the people complaining about the education system are those who on the other hand state that we should be scientific thinkers, etc. How on earth than can you state that memorization is not necessary? There are some scientific basics that just do not go away. Laws of Physics though tested, pushed, explored, still have a foundation that must be memorized in order to go forward. There is a tremendous amount of mathematics involved in science and even if you believe it is a conformist attitude of nothing but useless memorization it does pay to remember what the formula HCl stands for before you decide to test it by drinking it.
The very system accused of creating a group of mindless drones is the very system that has educated those persons who have made great strides and changes in our world; Dr. Martin Luther King Junior to Bruce Lee. Yes, the education system in the United States has many flaws, and do not be naive to think that educators do not see them or do not care. We care that funds are pulled each year making it more difficult to teach our given subject. We care that older persons in the community do not care anymore because their children are long gone so they fight us on taxes. We care that people criticize us daily. We care that children’s minds are being polluted by the media and politics. We care enough that we actually work daily to teach those children in our charge how to think critically and how to question. We also care enough that we teach them why said subjects exists, how they exist, and how they work. It does not happen all in one year though, and most schools are not year round. Typically teachers must, as a service to their students; work on reviewing what was learned the previous year so we can set up the stage to acquire new information. Most adults know that if you do not use something you lose it. It does not matter what the skill is, I have personally heard this from many adults in many fields. So educators do care enough to review things we have already gone over so as not to punish our children.
Education is a difficult profession just like any other, but it is often the one most criticized. My solution is that if you are not willing to help work to make education a better place than you simply remove yourself from it in all areas of your life. Remove your student from school because it will take care of the overcrowding that leads to teacher/student ratios being horrible. Do not complain when you realize how difficult teaching your child actually is, and if you really don’t like it then take you and your child off the grid so we as a society do not have to deal with the ignorance and plain out stupidity that is going to occur without any sort of education. In regards to the child with a speech issue (and I include this because as a SPED teacher I love and respect my speech pathologists because I am not skilled in that area), do not complain when your child cannot obtain work and has to live with you for the rest of their life because no one can understand the words that come out of their mouth. If you really feel that education is worthless then stop participating all together. This means if you teach or are taught in anything that you stop it immediately and stop conforming.
Does this sound absolutely preposterous to you? Does the idea of giving up your swim, aerobic, karate, knitting, work related education, and so forth sound ludicrous to you? Does it sound silly to say that holding your breath under water stupid and conformist and you won’t do it because it’s a “rule”? This is what the people who speak out about education sound like though. The people who say that education/schools are worthless, only teaching conformity, rote memorization, that truth only comes from authority, only rewarding conformity, and punishing noncompliance sound like the simpleton who decides he is going to be a nonconformist and prove that he can breathe underwater like a fish (without the aid of dive equipment) and dies doing so.
Thank you to all of the educators in the world who strive daily to bring the best to their students.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Blessed Solstice My Readers
A very blessed Winter/Summer Solstice my dearest friends. May you enjoy this longest day/longest night of the year in quiet reflection of all that is mystical, wonderful, bountiful, and blessed about your life. May you be blessed in kind with all for you are Divine.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Live Your Faith
I've been seeing a host of quotes lately that though I very much support the net for sharing of ideas I am led to think that more is done offline for your neighbor in order to "show your faith". You know, that bum you pass by because you think he'll use your monies for drugs or alcohol. The prostitute you sneer at because you are some how better than her because you've hidden your dirty little sex affair. The gay man or woman you say doesn't belong in a holy marriage even though you've been married several times. So I'm reminded of this quote from The Book of Eli (very good movie): "In all these years I've been carrying it and reading it every day, I got so caught up in keeping it safe that I forgot to live by what I learned from it."~Eli
Monday, June 11, 2012
Friday, June 8, 2012
Beets
In reading a friend's daily record of using beets in her smoothies I was reminded of an episode of Untold Stories from the ER in which a doctor is trying to diagnose a woman's problem with what appears to be bleeding from the rectum, followed by paralysis of her voice box. Turns out, thankfully before they almost rushed her to emergency GI surgery, that it was because she overdosed on beets that morning. Now, I cannot find any literature at this point in time to support the loss of one's voice, but I did find the following two articles that do warn about discoloration, and a few other minor side effects.
Beets-WebMD
Beets-Living Strong
Thursday, May 17, 2012
Help Us Adopt Lenny
Help us adopt Lenny, a gorgeous cocker spaniel-springer mix who is deaf. He needs us and we need him. You can request a tarot reading or simply donate. We need to raise $300, currently we're at $30 thanks to a friend! XXOO Please feel free to share or direct friends to help. We thank you all and so does Lenny.
Monday, May 14, 2012
Adoption
Our family has submitted our application for a special needs dog. We're hoping we get approved and can come up with the necessary payments for him. We've already been walking him week, and today he had his ear surgery. He's still coming out of GA but seems to be doing well. We thank everyone in advanced who has helped us along the way with support both with love and financially. It means a lot to us.
Anora
Thursday, May 3, 2012
The following is a great article on MSN on tips for inexpensive gifts for mom this Mother's Day. Check it out!
Gifts For Mother's Day
Monday, April 23, 2012
Blessed Moon Day
Blessed Moon Day my friends. May the blessings be strong today and for those in need may your needs be met. May those who transgress against the innocent with lies and deceit be punished severely.
Thursday, March 8, 2012
International Women's Day 2012
To all the women in my life enjoy a beautiful International's Women's Day! I hope that you are told by all how very special and important you are and that you're voice matters!
Wednesday, March 7, 2012
Weight Loss Encouragement
I found a page with a calculator for more than just weight/height, it adds in your waist measurement. Now as I'm always confused as if they want our natural waist or over the belly button (as women measure their waist differently for clothing) I've done it both ways. In my natural waist I'm at 24% body fat but still considered obese at a 39 BMI. If I measure over my belly button which is now mostly a skin pouch (sorry to be grapic gentleman) it still keeps me at tghe 39 BMI but moves me to 37% body fat. My guess is that I have excess skin that could be removed if I had insurance and monies for such an operation and without it of course I'd be a few pounds lighter but even if I stayed at the 25% body fat that's actually in between what is considered acceptable body fat (14-31%). Just some inspiration for other women in my predicament that more we work out the more muscle we gain, we start to slim out but still have mommy skin, and unfortunately the BMI scale just doesn't account for that. : ) Embrace your measuring tapes ladies!
Monday, February 27, 2012
Don't offer if you are not committed
Don't offer to do something if you're not committed to doing it. It is best to say that you are willing to try to attempt it but are not sure if you are going to be able to do so, than to promise or say you are able and find yourself lacking.
Monday, February 13, 2012
Lupercalia Blessings
Lupercalia is the Roman festival from February 13-15 that was celebrated as away to get rid of evil spirits and purify the cities. It is believed to have stemmed from the she-wolf Lupercal who took care of Romulus and Remus. So blessings as we celebrate Lupercalia.
Anora
Anora
Friday, February 10, 2012
The New Year
My dearest readers and friends,
I'm afraid that the Yule has come and gone, along with the Imbolc and now we are coming upon Valentine's Day followed by the glorious Ostara. This time away has been a time of cultivation and growth for me. I needed a down time to recharge my own spirit, so that I might be here for my readers. My humble blessings be with you and yours as we all come out of our hibernation and begin to enjoy the beginnings of spring.
Anora
I'm afraid that the Yule has come and gone, along with the Imbolc and now we are coming upon Valentine's Day followed by the glorious Ostara. This time away has been a time of cultivation and growth for me. I needed a down time to recharge my own spirit, so that I might be here for my readers. My humble blessings be with you and yours as we all come out of our hibernation and begin to enjoy the beginnings of spring.
Anora
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