48!

Yep. I am 48 years old today. That's a nice round number. 12 x 4, divisible by 2, 3, 4, 6, 8, and 12, and double 24. Getting close to five decades, half a century. By now my younger self felt I would know everything I need to know. However, my today self thinks I know less now than I ever did. Some truths I have gathered over the years are below, in no particular order:

1. People's characters rarely change. 

2. Dogs are truly man's best friend. 

3. True friends are more numerous than you might think.

4. Reading is a great escape.

5. Having a church family is essential to well-being.

6. God loves us. Unconditionally.

7. Everyone is not out to get us. When someone is having a bad day, in all likelihood it has nothing to do with personally.

8. Children, even teenagers, are truly a blessing.

9. It is good to be alone with your self now and then.

10. The flowers aren't going to smell themselves. Stop and give them a whiff!

11. Be patient.

12. Be kind.

13. Holding onto anger, holding back forgiveness, only hurts you. The person it's directed at has no idea how you feel. Forgive everyone!

14. Nieces and nephews are loved as much as your own children.

15. Family is everything, regardless of their foibles.

16. Parents will always see their children as around 4-6 years of age. 

17. If you're bored, it's your own fault. There is always something to do.

18. The ocean and the mountains equally embody beauty and God's majesty.

19. Disney-type films are not just for children.

20. Great truths can be found in quite small places.

21. There are no bad kids, they just need redirection. All want love and acceptance.

22. A smile spreads a long way.

23. Human touch is a great gift. Don't waste it.

24. Nobody needs to be in that big a hurry except fire trucks and ambulances.

25. There is a lot of wisdom in old movies and television (Pre-1970).

26. Everyone has a story to tell.

27. Nearly everyone wants what is best-we just have varying opinions on what best is and how to achieve it.

28. Technology is amazing. Learn it, use it.

29. Old ways are usually best, but not always.

30. There is no such thing as 'the good old days'. They "weren't always good, and tomorrow ain't as bad as it seems."

31. Look for the good in others, you WILL find it.

32. Clothes washing is Never finished. Or dishes.

33. Kids grow up very fast--spend time with them NOW!

34. Worrying never helps.

35. Praying, true, deep communication with God, always helps.

36. Going to worship, especially when you don't feel like it, is always beneficial.

37. Singing revives me.

38. If the world was perfect, we wouldn't need Heaven. Bad things happen. God doesn't cause it, like it, prevent it. He just wants our love and trust.

39. Use moisturizer every day.

40. We all tend to be selfish. Only I know myself-the trick is loving your neighbors as you love yourself.

41. Siblings are awesome! Sharing the same parents and household growing up makes you very close.

42. Losing someone at any age is never easy. Losing a child is the worst pain imaginable.

43. The world is a miracle. Open your eyes. Everything on Earth points to a supreme Creator. It takes a lot more faith to believe it happened accidentally or by chance. 

44. Our reward is in Heaven, Not on Earth. God doesn't promise Earthly wealth and fame. He does promise eternal rest and joy.

45. Every day is an adventure and learning experience.

46. The vision and magic of Disney is hard to explain, but definitely there.

47. Children's books and novels are the best kind of reading.

48. Blessings are everywhere. And rewards. And beauty. Take your time to see them, acknowledge them and be truly thankful for them.

Yes, I do!

I find myself often having opinions about many things and then talking someone's ear off. So, I decided to write my thoughts down and then you can decide whether or not you want to 'hear' what I have to 'say'.

My first passion is for teaching. I love lighting a spark in a child's imagination. I love learning and a large part of teaching is learning. We are all truly lifelong learners. I also defend good teaching practices and good teachers about like a mother bear! I am tired, really tired, of so many misunderstandings, misinformation and just plain old mistreatment of public education.

First, let me explain, I am 47 years old. I've been teaching in my own classroom for four years now. I have a degree in early childhood education which it took twenty-five years for me to obtain. I have been involved with education directly and indirectly for the past forty-two years. Most of my friends are teachers. If you ask my husband, he will tell you that teaching is first and foremost on my mind a great majority of the time. So is learning. And that brings me to...

...My second passion: reading. I read like some people breathe. I read everything! (Again, just ask my husband!) I am an eclectic reader. However, I would have to say my favorites are historical fiction. And history. And biographies. And mysteries. And juvenile fiction.... I read a lot. For me, reading is very important and it is how I learn, pretty much everything I know. I love words, written words, and I think I'm a pretty good speller with a fairly decent vocabulary.

Right now, there is a lot of discussion and confusion about public education reform. I am in Florida, raised from just after birth, and FCAT, Marzano, Common Core and teacher merit pay are huge buzz words down here. I have a lot to say about all of these topics, and so many more.

I've got to get back to my life right now, but watch this space because...

I've Got Something to Say. :)