Monday, August 29, 2011

Life is Good

I went over to the beach today to soak up some sun and to see if Irene did much damage.  I cruised on over in Jeepy, with the top down and music blaring.

On my drive over to the beach, the worry and anxiousness started to take over.  "Turn around, don't go to the beach.  Go back to school. Did you remember to....?"  And I almost listened to my thoughts...but as soon as my feet hit the sand (on the boardwalk, not on the beach because of the storm) I relaxed.  I eagerly walked up a slight incline of sand and stopped for the moment ---- the beach stretched before me.  People were sprinkled here and there, surfers bobbed in the water awaiting the next best wave, sand pipers were scurrying about at the water's edge... yes, it was that pristine.

I sunk into my chair and let the sun take away my worry.  "Oh, yes, the perfect beach day!"  I pulled out my newest and last summer read, "The Happiness Project".  It is a memoir of the author's own personal "happiness project".  The premise of the book caught my attention --- though happy, could one be happier?  But to be honest, I find it drags on and on all about her own agendas and plans, very little pertaining to anything I can apply to my own life.  (There is a "How to start your own happiness project" in the back of the book, but I am trying desperately to forge ahead to see if the "a-ha" moment lies within, but I am about to just skip to the end, and read the "how to".)  

So back to my pristine beach day, I walk along the water's edge and I am taking in all the salt air I can (because some of you know, salt air does wonders for your soul!)  and it occurs to me, "LIFE IS GOOD!"  I did, at one point, want to exclaim it aloud, but I do have some sense of decorum.  As I walked, I kept on repeating it, "Life is good!, Life is good!"  --- and I felt it.  I felt refreshed and renewed.  And I thought about some of the things that truly make me happy:

So here you go, my own happiness project not following any guidelines left by a self-centered author:

Marcie's Happiness Project (or things that make me want to scream, "Life is Good!")

wet puppy dog noses
listening to a special little girl play the piano
autumn leaves (not in my backyard)
September school supply shopping (nerd, at heart!)
the first day of school (with the students) (and yes, I am serious!)
a glass of wine (or two, ok, or three)
laughing until my stomach aches
children who call me "Aunt"
blue pens
my parent's health
gerber daisies
inspirational quotes (Emerson and Thoreau would be my utmost favs!)
cruising in the jeep with the top down
the warmth of the sun on my face
sand beneath my toes
& salt air on my skin

Ah, yes, Life is Good! 
:) Marcie





Wednesday, August 24, 2011

What is a teacher?

Currently,  teachers have come under fire.  We are over paid and under worked according to our biggest critics.  We take for granted all that we are given - our "Cadillac benefits" as our state's governor likes to call them.  We are compared to private sector workers, who scream and yell, "It's not fair."  And all of sudden, teachers are not respected individuals, but a mass of greedy, over paid loafers looking for a free ride. 

I must admit, I definitely felt the brunt of the attacks this year. I doubted everything I ever thought about myself - including my career choice.  Why didn't I know I was considered a public servant?  Why didn't I know I was so hated?  I mean after all, I made MY decision to major in education.  I went to college, studied and passed for 4 years.  I CHOSE my major, to reflect the career I WANTED.  And of all of sudden I am the target?  Do we all not choose to live the life we have imagined? (thank you, Henry David Thoreau!)  I went into teaching knowing what I was getting into.  Didn't those entering the private sector know the same thing?  I mean, they, too, had the same choice I had, right?  No, I may not pay a lot for my benefits...however, I think my salary compared to my counterpart in the private sector (with a BA degree, and 10 years of service) may be quite smaller.  This I know is true:  a transmission builder at a privately owned transmission shop makes quite a bit more than I...And I am starting to think that the garbage collectors (those who just drive a truck) in my town also may have a bigger salary...but yet I am to be hated? I could understand if we were to draw straws to "see" what career we would get how this could all be unfair - but because I  made a decision that you, too, had the choice to make...

But here is the thing - teachers don't enter this field because of money. I knew I would never be a millionaire (though trust me, there are days I wish I was!)   I teach because it is what I have wanted to do since I was 6.  I teach because I know that I can make a difference in people's lives --- in stranger's lives.  Not my children's life or my family's life --- but in complete and utter stranger's lives. I teach because I care. I teach because there is a sense of responsibility and pride that comes along with it. I teach because I know I can make a difference in a student's life- whether big or small.
I am about to start my 11th year of teaching and these are the facts:  I have taught over 1200 (1260 is my actual estimation) students in the past 11 years.  I have had 3 students die - JW, JR and MC - three male students (two from cancer, one in car accident) and think of each of them often.  I have 1student in jail for shooting and killing a person - who came to my English class during his lunch period to get extra help and notes before his afternoon English class.  I have had 2 students live in half-way houses because their own families have kicked them out and they have no where else to go. I have had 1 student, that I know of, who not only went to school, but worked to pay the rent for the apartment he and his family lived in. I have had many who have lost parents - some both parents.  I have written numerous letters of recommendation, and then wrote follow up letters when they did not get into their first choice. I have written 2 letters to judges as a "character witness" for two individuals who had trouble with the law.  I have several that I have stayed in contact with - whether I go and support them when they play a collegiate sport, or I go to pick up because a parent is battling cancer.  I have students whose parents are incarcerated.  I have students who after ten years still come up to me and say, "Hello, Miss C."  I have a student who works for the FBI, the White House and probably too many to count who work at McDonald's.  :)

Why do I teach?!?!?  You must be kidding me - why wouldn't I?  I have been privileged to walk into many of my students life and although I may not know the impact I have made on their life...I know for certain that all 1260 of them have made an impact on mine.  I love what I do and no amount of negativity will change that because as my favorite slam poet/teacher Taylor Mali says: "I make a god damn difference, what about you?"

Thursday, August 18, 2011

How old is too old...

Listen, I know I am not getting any younger, 33 is right around the corner, but how old is too old to date? 

I have been on eharmony for a month, (two months left, thank god) and I just recently decided to up my age range.  It was set for 29-36, and now I set it up to 42.   So I logged on this morning and had about 14 matches --- all within the 40-42 range.  40?!?!?  What am I thinking?  I am just 32, ok almost 33 -- can I really possibly have anything in common with a 40 year old? 

For a long time I always thought that by 40 one would be married with children. Sadly, that goal is getting a tad bit harder for me to meet. But maybe I still expect others to be married with children by this age? Thinking back on it, my grandparents died very young - in their 50s and to me they were "old" when I was 5 years old. And I think that may have a lot with my opinion on age.

My next problem is why are there 14 single 40-42 men and none in the 33-36 range?  Is it that the 30 something males are still "living life" and it isn't until 40 that they are ready to settle down, when they realize they are half-way to 80 and still single?  Then should I be "living life" too?!?! Because sadly, I am not. I am ready to settle down now - at 32.  I want children by 35, not 45.

Age is just a number, I know I can say it --- but sadly, I do not believe it. A lot of events in our lives are based on age:
5 -  you start school
16 - driving permit
17 - LICENSE!!!
18 - legally an adult - fight for our country, still unable to buy alcohol
21 - finally, a legal drink.
40 - over the hill....

Which then brings me back to actually dating a man who is 40+...I am sure that once I get over the initial shock of age, I may discover that a 40+ man is Mr. Right for me.  Or I may discover, what I already believe, he is just too old for me!


Tuesday, August 16, 2011

South Carolina Road Trip

I have just returned from a little vacay in South Carolina.  Usually, I book my flight and enjoy the hour it takes for me to get there - but this year I tried something new - ROAD TRIP!  With a great friend for company, the 11+ hour drive was not as dreadful as I thought.  In fact, Sarah and I had many great "a-ha" moments - new career choices : professional mover specializing only in dorm rooms or our Saturday Night Live skit idea a ROAD TRIP with us.  We also discovered numerous amounts of wineries - the most being in NC - sadly, though we didn't get to stop at any. 

I have gone to Myrtle Beach since I was kid --- probably the earliest being 9 years old.  There is something about that place that just speaks to me  --- I know it is commercialized and cheesey - but I just love it there.  This visit I stayed with my roomie from college and one of my best friends, Jamie. 
Jamie and I at Stool Pigeons

Not only did I get to go to Myrtle Beach, I also visited Charleston for the very time.  I am pretty certain that I will return very soon!  From the moment we entered the city, I was in love!  Streets filled with little shops and restaurants - and some of the most beautiful architecture!


While out in Charleston, we ate lunch at Amen Street Bar and dinner at 39 Rue de Jean.  Both meals were great (and the cocktails, even better!). We stayed at the Meeting Street Inn --- what a wonderful place!


 We then took a drive out to the Firefly Vodka Distellery.  As a wine lover, I was hesitant - but sipping vodka was a lovel way to spend the afternoon.  The disterllery is located on the original grounds where Firefly Sweet Tea Vodka was developed - and is a small cabin like building - equipped with modernized out-houses!  The owners originally were interested in wine - and they still have a winery on the premises...sadly, it was some of the worst wine I have ever tasted! 


Once back to Myrtle Beach, I did the tourist shopping thing at Broadway at the Beach and discovered a great jewelry company, Pick Up Sticks.  As the post card states, "reversible photo jewelry"...I love different pieces and these charms were fun and funky.  Check out their website: http://shop.pickupsticks.net/ - can't order online, but there are some stores here in NJ which carries the line!

 All in all it was a great little vacay --- but now it is time to buckle down and think about school.  And you know what...it really is ok. I love September, school supplies, new students and new first day of school outfits! 








Maybe this time...

After much pleading(ok, one person) and after much deliberation (hours trying to figure it all out), I have finally made it to the blogging world.  Whewww! 

Many of my college friends seem to be blogging currently - whether it is updating info on their family sites, sharing the newest home improvement projects or just, well, blogging about life. In one way, blogging is just another way we are becoming less personal. Who has time for phone calls and letters when the internet allows us to constantly be connected with everyone at the same time?!?!  Even I have to admit, the convenience of it is just too easy to pass up! 

So here I am, ready to blog away.  Who knows what this will all be about.  At the moment I am pretty excited to share my recent road trip to South Carolina and all the great things (and some not so great things) I found on the way. 

Thanks for stopping by! Happy reading!