I saw a blogger (whom I highly recommend) this today, and it just fits with how I’m feeling today: scattered, random, full of love and positive energy, yet, feeling stressed, unhappy, and generally down.
So – 5 Random Things
- I’m really enjoying this year’s version of 8th grade girls basketball. They are sassy, yet strong. They are emotional, yet focused. They want to badly to be treated like adults, yet, are so innocent. During our regular season, we’ve lost once by one point, winning the remaining games by an average of 15 points. Our club team (regular season minus one player) is 2 – 4, getting blitzed 41 – 8 last weekend. That was a good game has it knocked them down a few pegs. The thing about this team, we have no pure shooters like we did last year, and when teams can stop our posts (who are 5’9″, 5’10”, and 5’10”), we are screwed. They do drive me crazy because they don’t listen well, but they want to badly to do well. I can deal with that.
- Looking for some music to listen to, I came across this family of DJs on YouTube. I happened to let the video play as I was doing some work, looked up, and there’s the little guy throwing down some vinyl, and mixing tunes together! I showed this to my students the next day, and we talked about following our passions, regardless of where they took us. I’m not sure if it’s three generations of mixing going on there, but regardless, I love how the love of house music connects generations. That is a skill, if I were to change careers, I’d love to learn. I doubt this 46 year old DJ would get much work, but I love the music, and love how it gets blended together to create a different piece.
- I love it when I get a notification that Kara’s written another blog. Her writing just screams “listen to me” and many times the advice given (through some outrageous situations) is spot on. This last blog, titled “Exactly What is Your Alternative”, she talks a lot about attitude, a topic of constant conversation in our 8th grade classroom. The title of the blog come from a conversation she had with a friend. When she asked this friend how she was always upbeat and happy, the friend’s reply: “And what exactly was my alternative? To be mad and angry at the world?” I’ve been pretty pissed with the world as of late and have taken it out on a number of people. Why? What good does this do me ,other than to isolate myself and cause stress all around me? Yup, it does me no good! So, I’ve been more conscious of my own attitude and how it ripples across my classroom and my family, trying to put a more positive spin on things. It’s a work in progress, but putting in the time is what is needed.
- I’m playing Christmas music. That’s one of those “I’m mad and damnit, I’m not doing this” kind of things. Being a big pain in the butt hasn’t worked, so I hung up the humbug and trotted out the Christmas favorites! I love Herb Alpert and the Tijuana Brass with their “Christmas Album”. That’s one that never goes out of my rotation. Frank Sintra, Dean Martin, Big Bad Voodoo Daddy, Tony Bennett, and a Charlie Brown Christmas all have their place in my rotation as well. As we travel to my parent’s house for “Christmas Eve” (3:00 in the afternoon *insert eye roll*) services, I also trot out “Christmas in the Stars”, a Star Wars Christmas CD. It’s the one time of the year I play it so I can hear the classic “What Do You Get A Wookie For Christmas?” Some say it’s a horrible concept, I way Christmas genius! 🙂
- Iowa football. Three weeks ago, I was on cloud nine. Now, that cloud is a little black rain cloud. Their defense as OUTSCORE the offense 16 – 13 in the last two stinkers of games against a pretty stout Wisconsin team and a pretty meh Purdue team. The problem with Iowa and the fan base: we don’t expect greatness. Hey, we were 12 – 0 two stinking years ago, and one play away from the college playoffs! Why shouldn’t we expect to take that next step? This year, meh. 6 – 5 with the possibility of being a 6 – 6 bowl eligible team does not inspire great things with me or the fan base. Inconsistency with no accountability does not a good team make! On a Hawkeye blog I frequent, I talked about how hard it was to watch the good games because the terrible games taint them, which is pretty much how I feel about the team. I will listen on Friday, even though I’m pretty sure I’ll be swearing at the radio, again. 🙂
And that’s my randomness for the day. I do feel much better after writing this, so if you’ve gotten this far, I hope you’ve had a chuckle, a smile, or even a question. It’s all about the connections, and I enjoy making those with each of my 10 readers!
November 21, 2017 at 2:42 pm
Thank you for the glimpse of your life in this list of random things. I enjoyed your voice. If I had written a random list (and I am sure that one day i will), the Christmas tree on the Tallinn Christmas Market would have made the list, even though I am personally not ready to think of Christmas before December.
November 21, 2017 at 8:47 pm
I’ll admit, I had to look up Tallinn, and found the market you mentioned. Oh my goodness, what a beautiful scene that must be!! Thank you for stopping by and leaving a comment! I appreciate it! 🙂
November 21, 2017 at 3:11 pm
I am a big fan of inviting in the Christmas cheer early as a way to stave off some of my grumpier moods/tendencies and the darkness. I put up my tree (which is pre-lit) sans decorations, and I feel better already.
Do you coach the girls’ team or are you purely a fan?
Re: #3, it is hard! I had to get on my students about plagiarism, and I tried to do it in an upbeat and loving manner. I think it went okay–better than when I try to put the fear of God (or me) into them.
November 21, 2017 at 8:45 pm
I’m all for Christmas cheer, but this year it’s been spoiled a bit with Christmas taking over Halloween!
I am a huge fan of basketball from youth to NBA (#goSpursgo), and yes, I coach as well. I’m on year number 18 in the sport.
As for #3, I agree, it is a challenge for sure! I don’t want to carry my attitude into class, yet, sometimes it just shows up there! 🙂
Thanks for stopping by!
November 21, 2017 at 4:16 pm
Nice format for those weeks when nothing seems to come together. And I think you talked (wrote) your way out of a bit of grumpiness also. I’m loving #4 since Christmas music is one of my favorite things about the season. Enjoy every old favorite!
November 21, 2017 at 8:06 pm
I will admit, I’ve gotten so I love Christmas music. So much power, emotion, and style go into the music. It’s fun to rediscover favorites and add new ones to the collection! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!
November 21, 2017 at 4:44 pm
I have so much randomness in my mind each day that it’s actually a relief to see someone else pull the scatteredness into an organized list! Gratitude is highly transformative, isn’t it. While you may have been grumpy in these moments you describe, your good humor shines through … truly. Thanks for writing your truths! Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours~
November 21, 2017 at 8:04 pm
That’s what I love about writing like this, I have been just off lately, but as I reflect, I can see where the misfires have been, how I’ve changed them, and can smile at all it. Thank you for noticing that, I appreciate it! 🙂 A Happy Thanksgiving to you and yours as well!
November 21, 2017 at 5:18 pm
It is fun and funny to keep track of the random thoughts that pop into our minds and you did a great job of chronicling them. Monday was a day of randomness for me too, but Tuesday was easier.
November 21, 2017 at 7:54 pm
Ugh, it just felt good to write all that nonsense down! Thanks for stopping by and checking out my craziness! 🙂
November 21, 2017 at 7:58 pm
All of it, but #3, yes, #3 is it. What is our alternative? I find this is a crossroads for many at different times within their life, their day, their moments. It doesn’t really have to be. We often know we have a choice to make the hard part is making the one that actually moves us forward. Nice random thoughts full of lots of reflection.
November 22, 2017 at 9:22 am
I could have written only about number three, but there was enough other stuff running around in my head that needed decluttering. I agree, we have the choice, and making it, getting off the fence and going it what is most difficult! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by! 🙂
November 21, 2017 at 8:11 pm
I love this idea and will have to file it away! I have struggled recently to identify what I want to write about, so you have inspired me. I think that #4 was my favorite!
November 21, 2017 at 8:44 pm
Honestly, #4 was nice, but #1 was my favorite. I simply love coaching and this team is one that I want to find success! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by my little corner of the Internet!
November 21, 2017 at 10:53 pm
I am tucking the 5 Random Things away for a future post. Music and Christmas are perfect for this week.
November 22, 2017 at 9:13 am
I agree, they certainly are! 🙂
November 22, 2017 at 5:05 am
I’m certain it’s more than 10 readers. I’m going to use this DJ family to boost my genius’s hour work. I’ll start listening to Christmas music next week, you season pusher.
November 22, 2017 at 9:13 am
Me, season pusher?? Never! 🙂 I think that’s a great idea for genius hour! Enjoy your Thanksgiving! 🙂
November 22, 2017 at 6:48 am
You had me from your intro–how is it possible to feel all those things at once? I totally get it though! I love #3–What is the alternative? That’s an empowering reminder. You’ve got a great sense of humor that flows through this piece but there’s also depth to your thoughts and wonderings. Thanks so much for sharing and enjoy your holidays! PS I think you’ve inspired me to play some Christmas carols today–always an upbeat move though it is one that might bum out my husband! 🙂
November 22, 2017 at 9:12 am
I love number three as well! She writes in a way that’s just fun to read, but yet the message is as clear as day! 🙂 As for Christmas carols, I’m breaking some out for the students today! 🙂 Thanks for stopping by!