Over the past couple of years, with varying success and levels of motivation, I have been working to lead a healthier lifestyle. This was prompted by a short study of my family tree (insert joke about it being full of nuts, etc.), which so happens to have not only its fair share of quirky personalities, but health issues as well. In fact, while visiting a new physician recently he asked me questions about the conditions and diseases of my immediate and extended family. At the end of this little interview he peered over his glasses at me and asked, "Do you want me to get you a new family?"
The most common thread among the medical ailments in our little clan is that of heart disease and other related issues. High cholesterol, high blood pressure, diabetes, and so on. These are problems I usually associate with, well, larger people, but in fact most of my family is of fairly normal size, including myself. I think this, along with my age, has given me a false sense of security for many years. I mean, hey, I'm not as bad off as some people. But I have been stubbornly hanging onto a few extra pounds (that's what girls say when they don't want to say how much) and I am working to rid myself of them. These pounds, however, are quite determined to cling to my thighs in protest, no matter how much I walk or how little ice cream I eat. It can really be quite frustrating.
Then I remember that the goal is not to see a certain number on the scale or buy a certain number at the store, but to maintain the numbers that really count. The ones where they strap the cuff to you and the ones where they feel your pulse. Numbers like these are the real measure of health and I am proud to report that my numbers look good. So I am determined to start a new branch of the family tree - one that is strong and grows taller (maybe even a little bit leaner) into life.
PS - This post may have been better suited for February (Heart Disease Prevention Month) but it was well...on my heart today. If you want more info about heart disease or how to keep your heart healthy, visit the American Heart Association website at www.americanheart.org.
Wednesday, June 22, 2011
Monday, June 6, 2011
dodging cicadas and other thoughts
I don't have any one particular topic on my mind today, just a smattering of random thoughts, but I feel like sharing anyway. Enjoy the madness...
1. I have discovered that I can cook and that not only am I pretty good at it, I actually really enjoy it. The best part is making things from scratch with no recipe and feeling totally brilliant when it turns out well. And feeling like at least I learned something if it doesn't. But I've noticed even with my new-found appreciation for all things culinary, I still rarely cook for just myself. This is why having a boyfriend who likes to eat is ideal (and would be even more ideal if said boyfriend wasn't so picky...but I digress...). When left on my own I usually end up eating some odd combination involving something like scrambled eggs and a pickle. But I never forget dessert.
2. St. Louis has recently been invaded by an insane amount of cicadas. You know, they're black with big wings and beady red eyes. They kind of remind me of june bugs on steroids. Seriously gross. Fortunately in my little corner of the county we have remained cicada-free and I really didn't quite get what all the fuss was about until yesterday when I went to church. After parking the car and watching about a billion cicadas zooming and diving around the parking lot, I almost didn't get out of the car. I seriously contemplated just turning around and retreating home. But I eventually worked up the courage, jumped out of the car and ran, arms flailing, to the door. I managed to escape with only one brave bug landing in my hair, which was promptly removed, and breathed a sigh of relief as I entered the church, knowing I would be safe. But then it dawned on me... I would eventually have to leave... Shudder.
3. I have a really hard time being completely lazy. Today I wasn't feeling well and I decided to spend the day doing nothing (and not in the way that incredibly brainless song on the radio says either). I tried to ignore the dirty stovetop and the dog hair tumbleweeds gathering in the corners, and instead set up camp in my comfy chair and watched daytime TV and terrible B-movies all day. I only showered because I had to visit the chiropractor and I thought she might appreciate the gesture. After my appointment I got a little carried away and tried running some errands. This is because it is impossible for me not to do something productive without feeling guilty. But overall, I managed to fight my nature, refused to make any to-do lists, and relax. And let me tell you people, it took some effort. Hmm...irony.
1. I have discovered that I can cook and that not only am I pretty good at it, I actually really enjoy it. The best part is making things from scratch with no recipe and feeling totally brilliant when it turns out well. And feeling like at least I learned something if it doesn't. But I've noticed even with my new-found appreciation for all things culinary, I still rarely cook for just myself. This is why having a boyfriend who likes to eat is ideal (and would be even more ideal if said boyfriend wasn't so picky...but I digress...). When left on my own I usually end up eating some odd combination involving something like scrambled eggs and a pickle. But I never forget dessert.
2. St. Louis has recently been invaded by an insane amount of cicadas. You know, they're black with big wings and beady red eyes. They kind of remind me of june bugs on steroids. Seriously gross. Fortunately in my little corner of the county we have remained cicada-free and I really didn't quite get what all the fuss was about until yesterday when I went to church. After parking the car and watching about a billion cicadas zooming and diving around the parking lot, I almost didn't get out of the car. I seriously contemplated just turning around and retreating home. But I eventually worked up the courage, jumped out of the car and ran, arms flailing, to the door. I managed to escape with only one brave bug landing in my hair, which was promptly removed, and breathed a sigh of relief as I entered the church, knowing I would be safe. But then it dawned on me... I would eventually have to leave... Shudder.
3. I have a really hard time being completely lazy. Today I wasn't feeling well and I decided to spend the day doing nothing (and not in the way that incredibly brainless song on the radio says either). I tried to ignore the dirty stovetop and the dog hair tumbleweeds gathering in the corners, and instead set up camp in my comfy chair and watched daytime TV and terrible B-movies all day. I only showered because I had to visit the chiropractor and I thought she might appreciate the gesture. After my appointment I got a little carried away and tried running some errands. This is because it is impossible for me not to do something productive without feeling guilty. But overall, I managed to fight my nature, refused to make any to-do lists, and relax. And let me tell you people, it took some effort. Hmm...irony.
Tuesday, May 31, 2011
a teacher evolving, part 2
I told you I was still mulling...still evolving. Here's more thoughts after watching "Waiting for 'Superman'"...
One thing that did bug me about the film was that it presented parents in only a positive light. The crew followed several kids whose mothers, fathers, and grandmothers wanted nothing more than for their child to get a high quality education. These parents were nothing short of inspiring - many of them working several jobs and making their own personal sacrifices for the benefit of their child. But what about the parents that don't?
One claim that the film made was that charter schools are often more successful than regular public schools. Is some of this due to the innovation and forward-thinking happening in those schools? Yes. But there is also the other side that isn't as obvious.... The parents of students at charter schools are far more likely to have a strong interest in their child's education. After all, they had to APPLY to send their child there. That takes initiative. Parents who send their children to public schools do not have to apply. It is not seen as a privilege to be educated at these schools, but a right. Perhaps the difference between the impoverished child at the charter school and the impoverished child at the regular public school is not only the type of instruction they are receiving, but their support level at home as well.
The flip side of the education mess is that teachers and administrators simply cannot do it all. Yes, we can respond to a changing world and ensure high quality professional educators for all children. But no, we cannot control cultural and home life influences. According to many researchers, the highest indicator of student success in school is parent involvement, which is something the school cannot force. We can encourage it and offer all the opportunities in the world, but when parents won't return phone calls, show up to special events, or even attend parent-teacher conferences, what message are they sending to their children?
So yes, let's make sure we have quality professionals working in education. But let's also hold parents accountable for their part as well. And if you really want to get radical, what happens when we focus instead on educating parents?
I'm sure there will be more to come as I continue to stew. Stay tuned....
One thing that did bug me about the film was that it presented parents in only a positive light. The crew followed several kids whose mothers, fathers, and grandmothers wanted nothing more than for their child to get a high quality education. These parents were nothing short of inspiring - many of them working several jobs and making their own personal sacrifices for the benefit of their child. But what about the parents that don't?
One claim that the film made was that charter schools are often more successful than regular public schools. Is some of this due to the innovation and forward-thinking happening in those schools? Yes. But there is also the other side that isn't as obvious.... The parents of students at charter schools are far more likely to have a strong interest in their child's education. After all, they had to APPLY to send their child there. That takes initiative. Parents who send their children to public schools do not have to apply. It is not seen as a privilege to be educated at these schools, but a right. Perhaps the difference between the impoverished child at the charter school and the impoverished child at the regular public school is not only the type of instruction they are receiving, but their support level at home as well.
The flip side of the education mess is that teachers and administrators simply cannot do it all. Yes, we can respond to a changing world and ensure high quality professional educators for all children. But no, we cannot control cultural and home life influences. According to many researchers, the highest indicator of student success in school is parent involvement, which is something the school cannot force. We can encourage it and offer all the opportunities in the world, but when parents won't return phone calls, show up to special events, or even attend parent-teacher conferences, what message are they sending to their children?
So yes, let's make sure we have quality professionals working in education. But let's also hold parents accountable for their part as well. And if you really want to get radical, what happens when we focus instead on educating parents?
I'm sure there will be more to come as I continue to stew. Stay tuned....
Monday, May 30, 2011
a teacher evolving
I just finished watching the documentary "Waiting for 'Superman'" about the need for reform in America's education system. I have to admit, I went into this viewing with my guard up. As an educator it is hard to hear that something you care about so deeply that you actually consider it part of your soul, is broken. But it is.
For so long I have been offended when anyone tried to point the finger at teachers as a source of the problem with education. I know many amazing educators who give everything they have to the art of teaching, as I know I do. But the reality is that not all teachers do. And there are unqualified, ineffective teachers in classrooms all across the nation. Do I want them protected, simply because they are part of the same career path as me? Perhaps it is time that I start viewing this approach to teacher performance differently.
As a qualified, effective teacher I am confident that I will be evaluated highly by my administrator. I get nervous about test scores, though. I even wrote a letter to my state representative regarding a bill in the Missouri House related to teacher evaluation, test scores, and tenure, and I posted it on this blog. But if I truly believe that all children can learn and succeed, should I fear? Yes, my students come to me with multiple disadvantages - poverty, unstable homes, lack of parent support - but does that mean that my students can't be proficient in reading and math? And am I enough to make that happen or is there too much out there beyond my control that I may never be able to overcome?
More than every I am open to the elimination of tenure. Other companies and jobs do not have this concept. Teachers have long argued that without tenure, districts would be free to terminate employees at will, without just causes. Isn't that the same in the normal workforce as well? And if we are all effective and high-performing, then what are we afraid of? I, for one, feel pretty comfortable that I could keep my job without tenure and I teach a class that isn't even required by the district! In the film, they showed a deal offered to DC teachers that they could forgo tenure and more than double their salary. The unions wouldn't even vote on it because they found it so threatening. If we were offered that same deal here, I would be the first in line to take the increased salary. I am confident in what I do and honestly, it would be nice to feel like the pay was proportionate to the work.
I have to admit that the film gave me much to think about and digest over the next couple of months as we have summer break (Which for the record is a great example of the variance among teachers. Myself and a handful of others I know will spend the summer meeting with kids, tutoring for free, and attending professional development to grow our craft, while others choose not to. We get paid the same.) My mind is opening to new possibilities and my thoughts about how to fix this broken system are evolving. In short, I am learning. And really, that's what it's all about.
For so long I have been offended when anyone tried to point the finger at teachers as a source of the problem with education. I know many amazing educators who give everything they have to the art of teaching, as I know I do. But the reality is that not all teachers do. And there are unqualified, ineffective teachers in classrooms all across the nation. Do I want them protected, simply because they are part of the same career path as me? Perhaps it is time that I start viewing this approach to teacher performance differently.
As a qualified, effective teacher I am confident that I will be evaluated highly by my administrator. I get nervous about test scores, though. I even wrote a letter to my state representative regarding a bill in the Missouri House related to teacher evaluation, test scores, and tenure, and I posted it on this blog. But if I truly believe that all children can learn and succeed, should I fear? Yes, my students come to me with multiple disadvantages - poverty, unstable homes, lack of parent support - but does that mean that my students can't be proficient in reading and math? And am I enough to make that happen or is there too much out there beyond my control that I may never be able to overcome?
More than every I am open to the elimination of tenure. Other companies and jobs do not have this concept. Teachers have long argued that without tenure, districts would be free to terminate employees at will, without just causes. Isn't that the same in the normal workforce as well? And if we are all effective and high-performing, then what are we afraid of? I, for one, feel pretty comfortable that I could keep my job without tenure and I teach a class that isn't even required by the district! In the film, they showed a deal offered to DC teachers that they could forgo tenure and more than double their salary. The unions wouldn't even vote on it because they found it so threatening. If we were offered that same deal here, I would be the first in line to take the increased salary. I am confident in what I do and honestly, it would be nice to feel like the pay was proportionate to the work.
I have to admit that the film gave me much to think about and digest over the next couple of months as we have summer break (Which for the record is a great example of the variance among teachers. Myself and a handful of others I know will spend the summer meeting with kids, tutoring for free, and attending professional development to grow our craft, while others choose not to. We get paid the same.) My mind is opening to new possibilities and my thoughts about how to fix this broken system are evolving. In short, I am learning. And really, that's what it's all about.
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