Ponderments

I have been trying to think of a blog post, and I have actually had lots of ideas lately. I guess there is just a lot going on in my head. They've ended up being all compiled into one pretty random blog post.

I was driving home from work a few days ago and I saw a new gang tag of a building. For those of you who don't know, a tag is when a gang graffitis their number, name or something on a building in their area. I didn't think anything of it, and I wondered to myself if I am getting numb to it, or if it just doesn't worry me as much as it used to.

I've seen the same man sitting on a lamp post twice when driving home from work. I guess I must do my best thinking then. I worry about who he is, where he's going, and if he has enough to eat.

I am tired of people disappointing me. In the little and the big stuff. I feel like I should just expect disappointment, and I think that means I am becoming jaded. I don't want to be.

I worry about getting married one day. Two people close to me are experiencing, in different ways, the pain that infidelity brings. It breaks my heart for them, on so many levels.

My heart also breaks for a little girl at my school, who no matter the outcome of recent events, is a victim.

I feel like I am on the verge of giving up on one of my students, as I was telling Vanessa tonight. It's been seven months, and I have seen little progress from him. After working with him today I was incredibly discouraged, and I don't know where to go or what else to do.

I admire Vanessa, her strength. I have watched her this week and been amazed at her enduring strength; she is one of the strongest people I know.

I admire Grant as well, his unconditional love for his wife. He impresses me. His patience and love are evident.

I am thankful that I have friends who have let me into their home, and thus also into their lives. The opportunity that we all have to be incredibly real with one another is amazing, and overwhelming at time.

I am excited for spring, a new beginning.

25 Random Things

1. I have an extra vertebrae named Louie. Sometimes he likes to scream.

2. I love my siblings, my whole family in fact.

3. I am legally blind in one eye.

4. I have a fear of settling in my life.

5. I never went to 6th grade.

6. Shoes are my weakness.

7. I strongly believe that coffee belongs with cream and sugar.

8. I wish I got more sleep.

9. I miss the snow.

10. I love the ocean and the mountains, yet somehow have found myself living in between them.

11. I enjoy cooking, for people and with people, and then lingering over a good meal with great conversation.

12. Kaylee, Esther, Mary, Sue and Kathy helped me survive my first year of teaching, and continually keep me sane and grounded at work.

13. Most of my great memories involve Anna.

14. I am so thankful that I didn't marry Ben.

15. My favorite sandwich is a BLT.

16. I have no problem eating by myself at a restaurant.

17. I am learning to be more patient.

18. I try to take pictures and be creative. It's a work in progress.

19. I love Top Chef.

20. My parents are wise, I am thankful for their insight and support.

21. I worked at a cheese store for 3 years.

22. Truman wakes me up really early everyday, but I can't be annoyed with him for long, because he is so lovey.

23. My biggest hope is to someday be a mom.

24. I blog.

25. I love getting to experience the world through the eyes of 2nd graders. It brings newness to each, otherwise monotonous day.

Hippie Moments

The outside of my door right now is a giant heart, with our names in hearts all around, and in the middle of the heart are the words "One Love."

Right now we're listening to Bob Marley and making posters of ways to help the earth.

Hippie moments for hippies in the making.

Kansas

I don't always think Kansas is the most beautiful state. But on days like we had this weekend - seventy degrees in January! - it is a nice place to be. I really like the colors in this picture.

Truman and Dakota

Truman and I moved a week ago, and now Truman has a friend. Dakota, a red lab, is almost 4 years his senior, and is overwhelmed at times by his puppy exuberance. I have to smile because every morning, he gallops up the stairs to go see if Dakota is up yet, and looks so disappointed when she isn't. Truman steals her toys, bites her ears and always wants her to play. Dakota can outrun Truman in the backyard, and is starting to fight back when he bullies her into giving up her toys. Sometimes, we catch them in lovey moments, sitting together, playing nicely or being snugglies. Even though they don't always know it, Truman and Dakota love each other a lot.