A Gift of time

So today, which should have been an ordinary, busy day in the library turned out to be a gift of time for me. Instead of weeding my collection, circulating books, or working with students on oh so many things, I had an opportunity to sit at my desk and plan. Why? Because yesterday afternoon I was told that our school PTO would be having their annual Teacher Appreciation Day luncheon. I have to admit that I was a bit peeved at first as it meant kicking classes out of the library for the day without any notice -- I would have much preferred to have blocked out the day in advance, but so it goes. Here or the high school PTOs do as they will.
That said, it was an an AMAZING, SCRUMPTIOUS lunch. These ladies went above and beyond to show their support for us, and I think I can speak for all of us faculty when I say that it was much appreciated. This PTO is so supportive of the school and its many programs and classes. We are very fortunate to have them indeed.
But I digress. While noshing and noshing and noshing some more (weight loss, what?) I went through binders and texts and websites and put together an outline for the 'Advanced Research' class that I will be teaching next year. I would share, but I need to meet with my Principal first to be certain that we are on the same page. Needless to say I will be integrating technology, hopefully seamlessly, into my class. Rubrics were a big worry for me, but I have found a few that I can adapt to my needs. To all of you teachers out there on the web, THANK YOU for sharing so generously. Your selflessness makes developing engaging lesson plans fun in a quirky kind of way. So once I have made it through the first cycle of classes I will post my successes and failures so that others may use or lose what I have done. Spoiler alert (yes, I am channeling River Song for you Whovians out there)...BADGES! I cannot wait to play with these with my students. I just hope that they like them as much as I am liking making them. Once I am happy I will share a couple with you.
Thank you for reading!

One wonderful weekend!

So, I am still feeling that journaling urge from Campowerment. So here goes another moment's thoughts. I sit this evening being thankful again for the many blessings in my life. This past weekend was an affirmation of both life and love. Saturday I attended my first EdCamp and left so excited and energized with where my library life is heading. Sunday was my niece's bridal shower. What a beautiful and happy affirmation of life at a time when the loss of a loved one was still so raw for so many. Then, this evening I spent with my youngest having dinner and a drink at a local watering hole. We can talk and listen about concerns great and small, laugh, and love. This evening it was with her, another soon I'm sure will be with her sister (w/wo her husband), or her brother. Is there anything better or more important in life than this? If so, I cannot imagine what.
Thanks for reading.

One Great man.

I had the privilege this afternoon of attending the memorial service of a great, great man. Multi-national CEOs, other friends and family eulogized, talking about so many things, but most often about his love of family, his integrity, his business sense and his philanthropy. It was a full-house -- SRO. How is it possible for one man to make such a difference and know so many people? Simple. For Herbie it was easy...just be himself. His personality was bigger than life, his love bigger than the world, and his desire to make the world a better place awe inspiring. Over and over again these seemingly simple things were emphasized. I loved Herb from afar and I left his memorial so wishing I had connected more with this man. I thank God though that I can still cherish and love those he left behind. More important, I know that I need to do more in my own life to emulate this man, as should we all. Reach out to each other, see where there are needs and work to answer them, and most importantly love and cherish your friends and family. These are te treasures that we leave behind.
On an aside, I participated in Campowerment this weekend, and I do not think that I realized, while there, just how much I had been "cracked open". Else, I know I would not be putting this out on the web.