Meditating

Life seems to throw you a curve ball when you least expect it. I have finally begun to settle down and live again when life kicked me in that ass. I wasn't sure what to do so I went to my shower (which is where I can pray without any distractions) and asked God what He thought about it. Well you know, I'm Catholic and God doesn't speak to me audibly. But I prayed awhile and then I just shut up. That's very hard for me. Listening is a whole lot harder than talking. But I stood there in silence and I think the Lord spoke to my heart and said, "Juliana, you have such resilience and strength I know you can handle what is heading your way. Have faith and all will be answered."

So, after reflecting on that and inhaling my newly clean body I did and I feel better. Thanks GOD!

Dream realized

I am at work today listening how to disaggregated my data, all the while I am reading the Martin Luther King speech online and thinking about Obama and the inauguration tomorrow. As I read MLK's speech, I tear up at the velvet words that are humming in my head. I could actually hear his lyrical voice speak the words as I read them.

Martin Luther King asked those that day,"When will you be satisfied?" He defined satisfaction in the terms of gaining access, mobility, and rights. Since his speech, all has been satisfied, African and Americans gained the right of lodging, mobility, and the right to vote through many trials and tribulations. As a nation I wonder if we are satisfied? I wonder if Dr. King would have been satisfied with the election of the first African American to our (his) nation's highest and most powerful job in the world. As an American I am deeply proud, humble, elated about the future for the first time in my voting career.

I have often dreamed of one day will a human will be a human and not be judged on affiliation, color, or race. MLK asked, "Let us not wallow in the valley of despair," by let us sing in the valley of hope.
I had a dream that today every town, city, and state will be raised up with one voice of hope and prosperity. Rejoined by a common purpose to create and rebuild our nation of brotherhood.
I had a dream that one man of color has been risen up from diversity to lead a new nation of hope. A nation who has realized the dream of Dr. Martin Luther King where with faith we are able to work together, pray together, struggle together, go to jail together, and stand up for freedom together. Knowing that we as a nation are free today.



Divided by Fear
United by Hope

Gleeful for Monday

After spending a weekend with Frank I was ready for something a little less taxing on the mind and body.. I had a good day with my kids, we tore some TAKS problems up, and started out paper making process.. (Very cool activity for kids, on Friday when the paper is dry my kids will write a letter to someone their care about and/or someone who has made a difference in their life).. I have great ideas while driving..

Giving and receiving gifts is always a blessing. I personally like to give than receive but there are a few special moments when I receive something that is amazing. Last night I was given a new hat, and it is beautiful. A new special friend presented it to me with all her pride and anticipation and was elated that I love it.. Her happiness was my own for that I am blessed..

Sunday's happy moments

I had a really good weekend.. Frank came into town and we went shopping, to a lebsian Christmas party (my first and with Frank, which is funny at sight), and out to a local club.. Spending time with Frank is always fun, adventurous, energizing, crafty, and a bit frustrating. But, spite all that we enjoyed each other a lot.. and we didn't even kill each other which was a little surprising, but I guess our friendship has grown exponentially and we have a mutual understanding and respect for each other. Having friends who have a glimpse of your soul and understand your thoughts, ramblings, and bodily functions is soothing and relaxing. It allows your share with each other with limitations or hesitation.. I feel cleansed and satiated with glee over this weekend.

Pacing along...

Blissful

Okay, I am a little behind on my posts and I have a great one for Saturday but haven't gotten there yet.. So, here one for today.. I am happy for my students dry sense of humor. Today, we are giving benchmarks in math ALL day.. And, of course, they finished within 2 hours. So, I made them hold on until lunch and then after PE I sprang an 2006 TAKS release test on them.. HAHAHAHAHAHA.. I know it wasn't nice but I need the data. Anyways, as I walk around I am watching their determination to answer the questions correctly and then doodle some, more questions, playing with their pencil, more questions, a couple of hums, moans, sneezes, and finally one of my favorites (yes, teachers have favorites), raise his hand and asked, "Ms. Berry, Do I really have to do this today?" I responded, "Yes, thank you." He said, "Well, then I am going to take a half day because my brain has already left school and it at home watching tv." I wanted to laugh out loud but I didn't.. I smiled, went over and assured him that he had a brain because he is breathing.. Kids are funny and never cease to amaze me..

Merry

So, I have been thinking a lot about happiness and the holidays while driving home and listening to holiday music on the radio. So, I decided to add my own twist to a classic holiday song, "The twelve days of Christmas", hum along as you read:

12 buzzards flying
11 lights a flashing
10 speeding traps
9 deer laughing
8 taco stands a calling
7 texts from Sidro
6 gallons guzzling
5 shiny towns
4 tickets waiting (to be paid)
3 raccoons running
2 cows a cussing
1 Classroom waiting for me

Cheery

Today has been good.. Last night was great (with the exception of Frank's tub), which delayed my arrival at school this morning. Upon, my arrival after lunch I watched my kids interact during recess which is can be an episode of America's Fun Video or Crash Lab; their interaction is comical and jovial. I was glad to see them as they were glad to see me. Life is good with such simple things.

Breathing