Hi, all.
I hope you're having a wonderful Wednesday evening. In a fabulous turn of events, my niece has learned to say my name, and I was blessed with an audio recording of it, so needless to say, I am pretty ecstatic.
Lesson of the Day: Be a dreamer.
If ever I couldn't think of or wish for something that was deemed implausible, I would be lost. While I don't run around protesting for world peace, which would be lovely, I find myself wishing for things that are pretty far fetched. There isn't a day that goes by that I don't wish all my students will turn all their work in and get an "A" or that Ellen/Oprah will come to their senses and ask me to be a part of their shows. I feel like wanting, wishing, or dreaming for something bigger ensures that we never settle. I know that Oprah and Ellen will one day find me, so I refuse to let my sense of humor tapper off into nothing.
Truly though, always be a dreamer. Wish and hope for things bigger and better than what you have now. It doesn't have to be materialistic things. Dream for things that will add to your life in other ways. I have this dream that one day my students will all think about what they say before they speak in order to ensure they don't hurt someone else in the class. I know it is asking a lot, but I keep the hope. I implore you to do the same.
What if? What if it was possible? That's what I always tell myself. I watch the impossible happen every day on TV. We conquered the moon, rallied a million people to march for equality, and watched that lead to an African American become president. Impossible is nothing. We can do absolutely anything if we just focus enough time and energy to it. This I am sure of.
I am off to dream now. I hope you do, too.
Go do good things,
BT
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Wednesday, November 28, 2012
Two Roads Diverged in a Yellow Wood, so I Called My Friend for Help
Hi, all!
I am back writing today after a much needed cathartic visit with my very best friend. As soon as I hopped in my car to go home, I knew I had a post that needed to be tapped out.
Baby Teacher Advice: Find someone you trust. Have someone in your life who you can be completely honest with and talk to about anything.
There is something to be said for a true friend--someone you can wholeheartedly trust. They give a place of refuge where you can be honest with fears, triumphs, questions, or thoughts. Having a person like this in life is invaluable.
I am a Baby Teacher. While I may have a pretty good grasp on many aspects of life for being such a young pup, I find myself confused and unsure daily due to my inexperience at living. Lately, more than ever, I feel as though I am at Mr. Frost's two diverging roads. I keep staring down each road as far as I can see, but I still am questioning which path I should/want to choose. This dilemma has weighed heavily on me until tonight. I met with my friend/hero/shrink/(insert any other positive word) today after work and just talked. She asked questions that I had not thought about. She never judged. She never laughed. She just listened to me. Everything I truly felt or thought was said. I never hold back with her because she has earned my trust, which is not an easy task. While she didn't tell me what choice to make, I left there with the clearest perspective I've had in a while.
I know trust is hard to give. It requires a sense of vulnerability that most do not like to feel. However, you have to trust yourself enough to know who to trust. We all need outlets. Find someone, anyone, who you can go to. I don't believe life was meant to live alone. It was meant to be shared with by those who we care enough about to share it with. Lean on others. Find your true friends to help you in times of need. Be strong enough to trust someone with the thoughts you hold closest to your heart.
Sometimes you get lucky like I did. Sometimes, just sometimes, you find the greatest person in the world who changes everything just by being there. That, folks, is a true friend.
Go do good things,
BT
"Few delights can equal the mere presence of one whom we trust utterly." ~George MacDonald
I am back writing today after a much needed cathartic visit with my very best friend. As soon as I hopped in my car to go home, I knew I had a post that needed to be tapped out.
Baby Teacher Advice: Find someone you trust. Have someone in your life who you can be completely honest with and talk to about anything.
There is something to be said for a true friend--someone you can wholeheartedly trust. They give a place of refuge where you can be honest with fears, triumphs, questions, or thoughts. Having a person like this in life is invaluable.
I am a Baby Teacher. While I may have a pretty good grasp on many aspects of life for being such a young pup, I find myself confused and unsure daily due to my inexperience at living. Lately, more than ever, I feel as though I am at Mr. Frost's two diverging roads. I keep staring down each road as far as I can see, but I still am questioning which path I should/want to choose. This dilemma has weighed heavily on me until tonight. I met with my friend/hero/shrink/(insert any other positive word) today after work and just talked. She asked questions that I had not thought about. She never judged. She never laughed. She just listened to me. Everything I truly felt or thought was said. I never hold back with her because she has earned my trust, which is not an easy task. While she didn't tell me what choice to make, I left there with the clearest perspective I've had in a while.
I know trust is hard to give. It requires a sense of vulnerability that most do not like to feel. However, you have to trust yourself enough to know who to trust. We all need outlets. Find someone, anyone, who you can go to. I don't believe life was meant to live alone. It was meant to be shared with by those who we care enough about to share it with. Lean on others. Find your true friends to help you in times of need. Be strong enough to trust someone with the thoughts you hold closest to your heart.
Sometimes you get lucky like I did. Sometimes, just sometimes, you find the greatest person in the world who changes everything just by being there. That, folks, is a true friend.
Go do good things,
BT
"Few delights can equal the mere presence of one whom we trust utterly." ~George MacDonald
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Baby Teacher Say Thanks...
Hello,
I would not be Baby Teacher had I not been influenced by many teachers who possess the gift of teaching and inspiring students. I just received news that one of the greatest teachers I have ever met would be retiring after this school year. While I was happy for her, as she deserves to enjoy some time to herself after 40+ years devoting all of her time to students, I could not help feel a heap of sadness. She was the kind of teacher whom I aspired to be like. She is a master at each tiny aspect of teaching. I feel a sense of pity that other students will no longer have the joy of having such an incredible educator.
There have been many teachers in my lifetime who have left an imprint on me. I see it each day that I teach. I find myself doing things that my influential educators did while I was in their class. I would like to give a shout out to...
Mrs. Hunt (Hands down greatest teacher I was blessed to have. She is my hero and greatest person I know. She inspired me to teach.)
Mr. Fruth (He was taught me more about English than anyone I ever had.)
Madame Koselke (She is a rock star in the teaching field. Absolutely irreplaceable.)
Kristin Poage (My college education professor who inspired me every day. She epitomizes everything a teacher should be.)
Teresa White (My college journalism education professor who taught me more than I think I even realize. I miss her dearly. I was prepared to take over the yearbook because of her.)
Madame Roule (The sweetest lady alive!)
Mrs. Meyer (My loving, encouraging 2nd grade teacher. She has a big spot in my heart.)
Mrs. Brugos (I have loved her since I was six. I will probably continue doing so until I am 95.)
Mrs. Sass (The first person who really made me love English.)
Mrs. Farrell (My AMAZING 8th grade teacher who shared a love of Donny and Marie with me!)
Mr. Lindeman (I was never a big science fan, but he made genetics fun and interesting.)
Mr. Zeisig (Every day was an adventure in 7th grade social studies.)
Mrs. DeWolf (I learned more her 8th grade social studies class than all others combined.)
Mrs. Chezem (She was my elementary school gym teacher, and I used to follow her around like a puppy because I thought she was so wonderful.)
Mr. and Mrs. Sherrick (They both had me engaged in their classes from the first bell to the last.)
Teachers are special individuals who do more than you'll ever know. Take the time to say thanks to one or all of them. I wouldn't be the person I am today without them!
Go do good things,
BT
I would not be Baby Teacher had I not been influenced by many teachers who possess the gift of teaching and inspiring students. I just received news that one of the greatest teachers I have ever met would be retiring after this school year. While I was happy for her, as she deserves to enjoy some time to herself after 40+ years devoting all of her time to students, I could not help feel a heap of sadness. She was the kind of teacher whom I aspired to be like. She is a master at each tiny aspect of teaching. I feel a sense of pity that other students will no longer have the joy of having such an incredible educator.
There have been many teachers in my lifetime who have left an imprint on me. I see it each day that I teach. I find myself doing things that my influential educators did while I was in their class. I would like to give a shout out to...
Mrs. Hunt (Hands down greatest teacher I was blessed to have. She is my hero and greatest person I know. She inspired me to teach.)
Mr. Fruth (He was taught me more about English than anyone I ever had.)
Madame Koselke (She is a rock star in the teaching field. Absolutely irreplaceable.)
Kristin Poage (My college education professor who inspired me every day. She epitomizes everything a teacher should be.)
Teresa White (My college journalism education professor who taught me more than I think I even realize. I miss her dearly. I was prepared to take over the yearbook because of her.)
Madame Roule (The sweetest lady alive!)
Mrs. Meyer (My loving, encouraging 2nd grade teacher. She has a big spot in my heart.)
Mrs. Brugos (I have loved her since I was six. I will probably continue doing so until I am 95.)
Mrs. Sass (The first person who really made me love English.)
Mrs. Farrell (My AMAZING 8th grade teacher who shared a love of Donny and Marie with me!)
Mr. Lindeman (I was never a big science fan, but he made genetics fun and interesting.)
Mr. Zeisig (Every day was an adventure in 7th grade social studies.)
Mrs. DeWolf (I learned more her 8th grade social studies class than all others combined.)
Mrs. Chezem (She was my elementary school gym teacher, and I used to follow her around like a puppy because I thought she was so wonderful.)
Mr. and Mrs. Sherrick (They both had me engaged in their classes from the first bell to the last.)
Teachers are special individuals who do more than you'll ever know. Take the time to say thanks to one or all of them. I wouldn't be the person I am today without them!
Go do good things,
BT
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Hello, Grandma?
Hi, Folks.
Quick question. When is the last time you've called up your grandma or grandpa just to say hi? If your answer is one that causes shame or guilt, please pick up the phone and finish this blog later.
Baby Teacher lesson of the day: Never EVER take your grandparents for granted.
I don't know if anyone has ever loved me more than my grandparents. I lost my Grandpa Parker, so I can't speak of him in the present tense, but I would have little issue in saying that I was the miniature love of his life. I am sure the same could be said for any of you reading this.
Grandparents are the cute, cuddly people who want to know every minute detail of your life wrapped in between hugs and card games. They want to hear of every personal triumph from a promotion to a successful oil change so that they can brag to every single person who they come in contact with that they do in fact have the most wonderful grandchild in the world. It's the truth. Grandparents have a love for their grandchildren that's impossible to explain. Sometimes I catch my grandma just staring at me with the cutest smile on her face. She asks me a 101 questions (even though I see her almost daily) because cares more than anything that I am happy and successful.
Don't take these people for granted. Don't let weeks pass without communicating with them. Tell them you love them. Share your stories. Visit them just because. Bring dinner and watch "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" or "Bonanza" with them. They want nothing more from you than time because they know that their time is becoming even more precious.
Looking back on my life, I missed a lot of parties, nights out with friends, or time that I could have been using to find Mr. Right, but I spent countless hours putting together puzzles, playing cards, baking bread, watching TV, and laughing with the people who own each tiny ounce of my heart. I'll never regret the time with them.
Pick up the iPhone. Call now. :)
Go do good things,
BT
Quick question. When is the last time you've called up your grandma or grandpa just to say hi? If your answer is one that causes shame or guilt, please pick up the phone and finish this blog later.
Baby Teacher lesson of the day: Never EVER take your grandparents for granted.
I don't know if anyone has ever loved me more than my grandparents. I lost my Grandpa Parker, so I can't speak of him in the present tense, but I would have little issue in saying that I was the miniature love of his life. I am sure the same could be said for any of you reading this.
Grandparents are the cute, cuddly people who want to know every minute detail of your life wrapped in between hugs and card games. They want to hear of every personal triumph from a promotion to a successful oil change so that they can brag to every single person who they come in contact with that they do in fact have the most wonderful grandchild in the world. It's the truth. Grandparents have a love for their grandchildren that's impossible to explain. Sometimes I catch my grandma just staring at me with the cutest smile on her face. She asks me a 101 questions (even though I see her almost daily) because cares more than anything that I am happy and successful.
Don't take these people for granted. Don't let weeks pass without communicating with them. Tell them you love them. Share your stories. Visit them just because. Bring dinner and watch "Who Wants to Be a Millionaire" or "Bonanza" with them. They want nothing more from you than time because they know that their time is becoming even more precious.
Looking back on my life, I missed a lot of parties, nights out with friends, or time that I could have been using to find Mr. Right, but I spent countless hours putting together puzzles, playing cards, baking bread, watching TV, and laughing with the people who own each tiny ounce of my heart. I'll never regret the time with them.
Pick up the iPhone. Call now. :)
Go do good things,
BT
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Lessons from the Bottom
There is little in life that I hate more than losing or failing at anything that I try. I'll admit it. I can put on a smile and tell the other person or team that they did a nice job, but I am seething inside. (Note: This does not count for my brother.) However, I am a sucker for learning lessons. I know I am supposed to learn something from everything I do, and, unfortunately, the most important lessons are learned through tragedy or defeat.
Baby Teacher is here to say you all should join me in searching for the messages and life lessons not when we are flying high but when we have hit the bottom.
"Why did this happen to me? This isn't fair." I think it would be impossible to find a person who has not uttered either of these phrases. Sometimes life is not fair. I can't argue that, but I can and will argue that we are supposed to see or understand something if we take the time to wipe our eyes and pay attention. Each of us needs the moments where we have been knocked down to see the fight each of us has within us. We need to see the strength that maybe we didn't know we possessed. To know how much you can take and still move forward is a true gift.
Besides learning one's own strength, I think some of the other most important lessons to learn are appreciating what you have and learning who truly supports you. We have a tendency of overlooking and taking for granted all of the wonderful blessings we have. When something is taken away from you, it is time to look around and appreciate what you do have. Likewise, notice who sticks by your side when everything crumbles around you. It is easy to be friends with someone when she has an abundance of success, but who is going to stick around when things are in shambles? That's a true friend, and those are the people we need to hold on to for dear life.
Wallow in pity for a day if you need to, but please remove yourself and try to find the lesson. I promise it is worth it.
Go do good things,
BT
Baby Teacher is here to say you all should join me in searching for the messages and life lessons not when we are flying high but when we have hit the bottom.
"Why did this happen to me? This isn't fair." I think it would be impossible to find a person who has not uttered either of these phrases. Sometimes life is not fair. I can't argue that, but I can and will argue that we are supposed to see or understand something if we take the time to wipe our eyes and pay attention. Each of us needs the moments where we have been knocked down to see the fight each of us has within us. We need to see the strength that maybe we didn't know we possessed. To know how much you can take and still move forward is a true gift.
Besides learning one's own strength, I think some of the other most important lessons to learn are appreciating what you have and learning who truly supports you. We have a tendency of overlooking and taking for granted all of the wonderful blessings we have. When something is taken away from you, it is time to look around and appreciate what you do have. Likewise, notice who sticks by your side when everything crumbles around you. It is easy to be friends with someone when she has an abundance of success, but who is going to stick around when things are in shambles? That's a true friend, and those are the people we need to hold on to for dear life.
Wallow in pity for a day if you need to, but please remove yourself and try to find the lesson. I promise it is worth it.
Go do good things,
BT
Wednesday, September 19, 2012
Be...
Hello,
Bed is calling my name shortly, but I have a tiny itch to write tonight. Since I am blessed to have some of the world's most incredible people in my life, I'd thought I write a quick post about how to be like the lovely friends and family who make my life much brighter.
Be willing to do as much for others as they would do for you.
Be trustworthy.
Be able to laugh at yourself.
Be someone who makes others laugh.
Be there for others in good times and in bad.
Be willing to admit when you're wrong and apologize.
Be positive and don't suck the life (and fun) out of situations.
Be ready to dance at all times.
Be a kid at heart. Never lose that infectious playful nature and innocence.
Be spontaneous. Don't live your life in a box.
Be happppy!
Be helpful even when not asked.
Be genuine.
Be a difference maker.
Be influential.
Be the one who listens more than speaks.
Be good to your grandparents.
Be quick to shell out compliments and praise. Hold back unnecessary criticisms.
Be understanding.
Be kind.
Be you.
Just be a person that others want to be around. There is too much negativity and despair in the world; we do not need to add to it. Always find the good in every situation, as this is the key to life. Anyone can find the downside to every single aspect of life. A great person always hunts for the positives. Be one who adds to life, not takes away from it.
Go do good things,
BT
Bed is calling my name shortly, but I have a tiny itch to write tonight. Since I am blessed to have some of the world's most incredible people in my life, I'd thought I write a quick post about how to be like the lovely friends and family who make my life much brighter.
Be willing to do as much for others as they would do for you.
Be trustworthy.
Be able to laugh at yourself.
Be someone who makes others laugh.
Be there for others in good times and in bad.
Be willing to admit when you're wrong and apologize.
Be positive and don't suck the life (and fun) out of situations.
Be ready to dance at all times.
Be a kid at heart. Never lose that infectious playful nature and innocence.
Be spontaneous. Don't live your life in a box.
Be happppy!
Be helpful even when not asked.
Be genuine.
Be a difference maker.
Be influential.
Be the one who listens more than speaks.
Be good to your grandparents.
Be quick to shell out compliments and praise. Hold back unnecessary criticisms.
Be understanding.
Be kind.
Be you.
Just be a person that others want to be around. There is too much negativity and despair in the world; we do not need to add to it. Always find the good in every situation, as this is the key to life. Anyone can find the downside to every single aspect of life. A great person always hunts for the positives. Be one who adds to life, not takes away from it.
Go do good things,
BT
Sunday, September 9, 2012
Do What's Right for You
Hello,
I have greatly missed writing my posts, but I have not had much extra time lately. I decided it was now or never.
I have been inspired for this post by a former student of mine who turned to me for some advice on a big life decision. While sparing the details for the sake of anonymity, I found myself impressed with the strength and maturity this young lady exhibited during this hard time. The decision basically boiled down to sticking with something that she loved and had done her whole life or staying in a situation that was ruining who she was and taking away her happiness. Now, it may seem easy for you to make this decision, but there were many factors that made this the hardest decision that she ever made. The biggest fear she faced was the fear of failure.
Here is what I have to say about that:
Failure is not walking away from something when it hurts you.
Failure is not standing up and demanding to be treated fairly.
Failure is not wanting more for yourself.
Failure is not looking out for yourself.
Failure is letting people make you feel inferior and afraid.
Failure is not ensuring your own happiness and sanity.
I am fully aware of the stigma of being a "quitter." I have an intense emotional fear of it myself, but there are times when one must walk away from things or people who were/are a valued part of life. There are times when even things/people who you love are just not right anymore. No one should ever consider you a failure for quitting anything or anyone who causes you pain. If there are people who do, they are not a necessary part of your life. Those who love you will understand and support you.
You are the only one who is ultimately in control of your peace of mind and happiness. You can't allow others to take the reigns. People will take you for spins and loops that often leave you out of sorts. You have to know what you need and demand it. When faced with a tough decision between two things, never worry about failure. Worry about your personal health. Worry about you.
Go do good things,
BT
I have greatly missed writing my posts, but I have not had much extra time lately. I decided it was now or never.
I have been inspired for this post by a former student of mine who turned to me for some advice on a big life decision. While sparing the details for the sake of anonymity, I found myself impressed with the strength and maturity this young lady exhibited during this hard time. The decision basically boiled down to sticking with something that she loved and had done her whole life or staying in a situation that was ruining who she was and taking away her happiness. Now, it may seem easy for you to make this decision, but there were many factors that made this the hardest decision that she ever made. The biggest fear she faced was the fear of failure.
Here is what I have to say about that:
Failure is not walking away from something when it hurts you.
Failure is not standing up and demanding to be treated fairly.
Failure is not wanting more for yourself.
Failure is not looking out for yourself.
Failure is letting people make you feel inferior and afraid.
Failure is not ensuring your own happiness and sanity.
I am fully aware of the stigma of being a "quitter." I have an intense emotional fear of it myself, but there are times when one must walk away from things or people who were/are a valued part of life. There are times when even things/people who you love are just not right anymore. No one should ever consider you a failure for quitting anything or anyone who causes you pain. If there are people who do, they are not a necessary part of your life. Those who love you will understand and support you.
You are the only one who is ultimately in control of your peace of mind and happiness. You can't allow others to take the reigns. People will take you for spins and loops that often leave you out of sorts. You have to know what you need and demand it. When faced with a tough decision between two things, never worry about failure. Worry about your personal health. Worry about you.
Go do good things,
BT
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