When I was a child, our family attended a church with (what seemed to me) an amazing number of "old people". I was young and of course anyone over the age of 30 seemed "old". Each Sunday morning, as we entered the building, one gentleman in particular would always greet my sister and me and give us each a piece of candy. It really wasn't much, but it was something we looked forward to every Sunday.
For me, and I imagine my sister as well, each piece of candy was like a piece of good fortune. It wasn't something we earned. It was a gift. It was a small miracle. It was a blessing.
Blessings abound all around us. As we age, those blessings sometimes become less discernable. Sometimes it is because we hurry through our lives without stopping to notice the myriad of good things that occur each day. Other times we are unaware of the blessings in our lives because our ability to identify a blessing has become somewhat distorted.
We have simply forgotten what defines a blessing.
I wonder if I started looking harder if I could see more blessings....
Saturday, March 1, 2008
Sunday, February 3, 2008
The SBI Cruise
I just returned from the cruise of a lifetime. About 60 "nearly" complete strangers all booked a western Caribbean cruise to meet, share information, and have a great time. What brought us all together? We all have our websites through SBI - SiteBuildIt.
There were people in attendance from all over the world. Imagine not seeing the sun in Iceland for 2 months, then flying to Miami and boarding a ship where constant sunshine and warm temperatures greeted you every morning. One couple came from Iceland, another from Sweden, one from Chile, a man and his son came from the Netherlands, one fellow came from Slovenia while a lady came from Spain. There were quite a few from Canada and the United States - all of whom had one thing in common: we created websites that brought in money and gave us freedom.
My resume-writing website brings in about $1000 per month in ad revenue, $50-$100 in e-book sales and $450 - $600 per month in resume-writing services - not bad for a stay at home mom. The young man from Slovenia makes over $10,000 per month on his sites. Yes, he has more than one. Another lady from the U.S. stopped working full time since she's doing so well with her sites. She's basically retired.
So, we all got together on a cruise boat and shared our stories and ideas. I was in charge of putting together the seminars. There were 8 seminars over the course of the week and they ranged from branding your site to increasing ad revenue to better tracking of visitors to writing solid, original content. It was awesome. So many ordinary people with so many bright ideas.... and all successful in their individual ways.
In one week, strangers became family. We had a great time and learned a lot from each other. I know that my site will generate more revenue now just because I learned some techniques to improve what I do.
Some of these people have had sites outside of SBI and they were never successful. Once they started new sites with SBI, a whole new world opened up for them. Part of that is because of the software SBI uses to create the sites and ping the SE's, part of it is the Action Guide that directs users in creating a site that visitors WANT to visit and part of it is the unbelievable support that folks get in the forums.
I have only ever had a site with SBI, so I don't know any different. I just know that it works and that I can continue to stay home with my children. Well, I'm still working on my Master's degree, too. It's so nice not to have to fret over money anymore.
So, now I have 60 or so new friends from all over the world who share my love of SBI and enjoy earning a second income, a retirement income, a full-time income or spare money for vacations/luxuries.
I couldn't imagine anything better.
If you want to learn more about joining this successful group (not over 30,000 people have their sites with SBI), follow this link: SBI web site success
~Carla
There were people in attendance from all over the world. Imagine not seeing the sun in Iceland for 2 months, then flying to Miami and boarding a ship where constant sunshine and warm temperatures greeted you every morning. One couple came from Iceland, another from Sweden, one from Chile, a man and his son came from the Netherlands, one fellow came from Slovenia while a lady came from Spain. There were quite a few from Canada and the United States - all of whom had one thing in common: we created websites that brought in money and gave us freedom.
My resume-writing website brings in about $1000 per month in ad revenue, $50-$100 in e-book sales and $450 - $600 per month in resume-writing services - not bad for a stay at home mom. The young man from Slovenia makes over $10,000 per month on his sites. Yes, he has more than one. Another lady from the U.S. stopped working full time since she's doing so well with her sites. She's basically retired.
So, we all got together on a cruise boat and shared our stories and ideas. I was in charge of putting together the seminars. There were 8 seminars over the course of the week and they ranged from branding your site to increasing ad revenue to better tracking of visitors to writing solid, original content. It was awesome. So many ordinary people with so many bright ideas.... and all successful in their individual ways.
In one week, strangers became family. We had a great time and learned a lot from each other. I know that my site will generate more revenue now just because I learned some techniques to improve what I do.
Some of these people have had sites outside of SBI and they were never successful. Once they started new sites with SBI, a whole new world opened up for them. Part of that is because of the software SBI uses to create the sites and ping the SE's, part of it is the Action Guide that directs users in creating a site that visitors WANT to visit and part of it is the unbelievable support that folks get in the forums.
I have only ever had a site with SBI, so I don't know any different. I just know that it works and that I can continue to stay home with my children. Well, I'm still working on my Master's degree, too. It's so nice not to have to fret over money anymore.
So, now I have 60 or so new friends from all over the world who share my love of SBI and enjoy earning a second income, a retirement income, a full-time income or spare money for vacations/luxuries.
I couldn't imagine anything better.
If you want to learn more about joining this successful group (not over 30,000 people have their sites with SBI), follow this link: SBI web site success
~Carla
Friday, January 4, 2008
Setting Goals
SETTING GOALS
The first thing that needs to be done is to put your goals down in writing. Consider having a goal for each of the areas of your life that you value the most. Some possible areas to think about are:
* Emotional Health – love, security, mental stability, family relationships
* Physical Health – nutrition, exercise, preventative care, proper testing
* Spiritual Wellness – faith, seminars/workshops, reading, attending church
* Financial Peace – debt-free living, building wealth, investing
* Career Success – appropriate education, training, increasing responsibility
* Community Service – financial support, volunteering time, increasing public awareness
Write down the goals you have for each of these areas (and others if you have additional desires for your future). Make sure your goals are written in the present tense and that they are one sentence long. Keep them positive.
NOTE: If you have a goal written down that isn't something you wholeheartedly believe in, you will not devote your time or full attention to it. You're better off to not write it down if you aren't behind it 100%. How could this happen? We sometimes write down the goals we think others would have for us – or we write down goals that we think we ought to have because they are "the right thing to do". That is bogus. Don't do it. It will not lead to success.
The next thing you will do is write down the tasks that will lead you to the goal. Break down the goal into smaller pieces. Measure your success along the way. If you get off track, just re-adjust. Don't give up.
Once you start making forward progress, it will be easier to build upon your success.
Just don't quit.
The first thing that needs to be done is to put your goals down in writing. Consider having a goal for each of the areas of your life that you value the most. Some possible areas to think about are:
* Emotional Health – love, security, mental stability, family relationships
* Physical Health – nutrition, exercise, preventative care, proper testing
* Spiritual Wellness – faith, seminars/workshops, reading, attending church
* Financial Peace – debt-free living, building wealth, investing
* Career Success – appropriate education, training, increasing responsibility
* Community Service – financial support, volunteering time, increasing public awareness
Write down the goals you have for each of these areas (and others if you have additional desires for your future). Make sure your goals are written in the present tense and that they are one sentence long. Keep them positive.
NOTE: If you have a goal written down that isn't something you wholeheartedly believe in, you will not devote your time or full attention to it. You're better off to not write it down if you aren't behind it 100%. How could this happen? We sometimes write down the goals we think others would have for us – or we write down goals that we think we ought to have because they are "the right thing to do". That is bogus. Don't do it. It will not lead to success.
The next thing you will do is write down the tasks that will lead you to the goal. Break down the goal into smaller pieces. Measure your success along the way. If you get off track, just re-adjust. Don't give up.
Once you start making forward progress, it will be easier to build upon your success.
Just don't quit.
Sunday, September 23, 2007
Student Teaching
After a two month hiatus, I decided it was time to come back and post. I've been so focused on my student teaching and graduate classwork that I haven't had much of an opportunity to post here. So far, my teaching experience has been great. I imagine that I am "normal" in that I have good days and I have better days. Only once have I cried and I think even that was normal. My expectations are too high, I suppose.
What I find most interesting is that it's a moment-by-moment profession where each child requires something and the continual effort by teachers is astounding - to reach each child where they are and lift them higher in their educational pursuits.
Here is the first Journal entry I made as a part of my Student Teaching requirements:
1. The school I am in is more like a family than a school. The principal and assistant principal are so devoted to the students and faculty. I was welcomed immediately. I am student teaching in a first grade classroom that is filled with wonderful, well-planned learning opportunities. My mentor teacher, Courtney Pine, loves to teach. She’s a sweet young lady with a great attitude. I am fortunate to be in such a wonderful environment.
2. During the first few days, I felt most engaged with the education process and teaching when I was reading to the students. I love to see them enjoying learning.
3. I felt most distant while observing the planning session with the first grade teaching team. They all seem to have such a grasp of the process of teaching that I felt like I had SO much to learn.
4. My mentor teacher is always good about helping me keep my perspective within the learning environment. When I was feeling a bit “low” last week due to some classroom management issues in another classroom where I was filling in, she was quick to remind me that I am a student teacher and that I am in the classroom to learn and that what I experienced was a part of the process of learning to be a great teacher.
5. I really do not foresee any problems in the student teaching situation. I am with a wonderful team of teachers who are very willing to help me learn.
6. What surprised me most during this first period of time at school is the students and how they can be so completely unprepared to learn. What pleased me the most is that I was able to learn the students’ names very quickly. What frightened me the most is that some students are not getting the kind of support the need at home. What worried me the most is that I will not be able to apply classroom management techniques as well as I want to.
7. My two goals for the coming week are to start teaching Morning Message each day and ask for more feedback from my mentor teacher.
What I find most interesting is that it's a moment-by-moment profession where each child requires something and the continual effort by teachers is astounding - to reach each child where they are and lift them higher in their educational pursuits.
Here is the first Journal entry I made as a part of my Student Teaching requirements:
1. The school I am in is more like a family than a school. The principal and assistant principal are so devoted to the students and faculty. I was welcomed immediately. I am student teaching in a first grade classroom that is filled with wonderful, well-planned learning opportunities. My mentor teacher, Courtney Pine, loves to teach. She’s a sweet young lady with a great attitude. I am fortunate to be in such a wonderful environment.
2. During the first few days, I felt most engaged with the education process and teaching when I was reading to the students. I love to see them enjoying learning.
3. I felt most distant while observing the planning session with the first grade teaching team. They all seem to have such a grasp of the process of teaching that I felt like I had SO much to learn.
4. My mentor teacher is always good about helping me keep my perspective within the learning environment. When I was feeling a bit “low” last week due to some classroom management issues in another classroom where I was filling in, she was quick to remind me that I am a student teacher and that I am in the classroom to learn and that what I experienced was a part of the process of learning to be a great teacher.
5. I really do not foresee any problems in the student teaching situation. I am with a wonderful team of teachers who are very willing to help me learn.
6. What surprised me most during this first period of time at school is the students and how they can be so completely unprepared to learn. What pleased me the most is that I was able to learn the students’ names very quickly. What frightened me the most is that some students are not getting the kind of support the need at home. What worried me the most is that I will not be able to apply classroom management techniques as well as I want to.
7. My two goals for the coming week are to start teaching Morning Message each day and ask for more feedback from my mentor teacher.
Monday, July 30, 2007
People who don't believe in retaliation...
What to do if you fall into a conversation with someone about the terrorist attacks who doesn't believe in retaliation:
1. Engage in conversation, and ask if military force is appropriate.
2. When he says "No," ask, "Why not?"
3. Wait until he says something to the effect of "Because that would just cause more innocent deaths, which would be awful and we should not cause more violence."
4. When he's in mid sentence, punch him in the face as hard as you can.
5. When he gets back up to punch you, point out that it would be a mistake and contrary to his values to strike you, because that would be awful and he should not cause more violence.
6. Wait until he agrees, and has pledged not to commit additional violence.
7. Punch him in the face again, harder this time.
8. Repeat steps 5 through 8 until he understands that sometimes it is necessary to punch back.
Some Americans don't seem to "get this".
1. Engage in conversation, and ask if military force is appropriate.
2. When he says "No," ask, "Why not?"
3. Wait until he says something to the effect of "Because that would just cause more innocent deaths, which would be awful and we should not cause more violence."
4. When he's in mid sentence, punch him in the face as hard as you can.
5. When he gets back up to punch you, point out that it would be a mistake and contrary to his values to strike you, because that would be awful and he should not cause more violence.
6. Wait until he agrees, and has pledged not to commit additional violence.
7. Punch him in the face again, harder this time.
8. Repeat steps 5 through 8 until he understands that sometimes it is necessary to punch back.
Some Americans don't seem to "get this".
Sunday, July 29, 2007
Reflection on Elementary Education 514
Reflection for Dr. Stryker:
Two weeks can seem like an eternity when you are waiting to go on vacation. Two weeks seems like a lifetime when you are expecting test results. Two weeks zip past incredibly fast when you are studying Eled 514 with Dr. Aggie Stryker.
One thing strikes me most when reflecting on this class and it nearly brings me to tears every time I contemplate it. I am humbled by this profession I have chosen. There is no question that I love children and that I get excited when working with them. I adore watching them learn. At the same time, I hold a question in my mind and ask myself, "Will I be good enough?"
I have heard it said that teaching is an honorable profession and of this there is no question. My goal is to be the kind of teacher who reflects that statement in my daily life, both inside and outside of the classroom.
There are many things I have learned as a result of taking this course. Teaching encompasses far more than I ever imagined. Let me try that again. Being an effective teacher encompasses far more than I ever imagined. For example, I now know how important classroom design is to set the stage for learning. I am also aware of the significance of monitoring students.
Will I be able to remember all of this and integrate it into my classroom in such a way as to positively affect all students as a good teacher should? I doubt that I will be able to hold all of this in my mind when I first start teaching. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to student teach this fall. I can "practice" without the overwhelming concern that I am going to fall flat on my face. There will always be my mentor teacher to guide me along the way.
Mentoring is so important and it's a role you play, Dr. Stryker, with amazing talent and grace. I promise I'm not trying to butter you up. I am simply in awe of all that you know and how simple you make teaching appear to your students. I know that you have taught for many years and you have content knowledge that most teachers can only dream of, me included. Teaching really is not easy. I know that. You have shown us all in class that with preparation and attention to detail, that we, too, can impact the lives of others.
While I have learned a great deal of information in this class, I have many ideas and concepts yet to fully grasp. Some of those concepts are: providing appropriate lesson plan extensions, properly assessing for mastery, effectively closing a lesson, being proactive in my classroom management style, and re-teaching in a different way when students are not understanding my explanations.
This class has been awesome. I only wish we had more time to explore some of these topics in depth.
Two weeks can seem like an eternity when you are waiting to go on vacation. Two weeks seems like a lifetime when you are expecting test results. Two weeks zip past incredibly fast when you are studying Eled 514 with Dr. Aggie Stryker.
One thing strikes me most when reflecting on this class and it nearly brings me to tears every time I contemplate it. I am humbled by this profession I have chosen. There is no question that I love children and that I get excited when working with them. I adore watching them learn. At the same time, I hold a question in my mind and ask myself, "Will I be good enough?"
I have heard it said that teaching is an honorable profession and of this there is no question. My goal is to be the kind of teacher who reflects that statement in my daily life, both inside and outside of the classroom.
There are many things I have learned as a result of taking this course. Teaching encompasses far more than I ever imagined. Let me try that again. Being an effective teacher encompasses far more than I ever imagined. For example, I now know how important classroom design is to set the stage for learning. I am also aware of the significance of monitoring students.
Will I be able to remember all of this and integrate it into my classroom in such a way as to positively affect all students as a good teacher should? I doubt that I will be able to hold all of this in my mind when I first start teaching. I am so thankful to have the opportunity to student teach this fall. I can "practice" without the overwhelming concern that I am going to fall flat on my face. There will always be my mentor teacher to guide me along the way.
Mentoring is so important and it's a role you play, Dr. Stryker, with amazing talent and grace. I promise I'm not trying to butter you up. I am simply in awe of all that you know and how simple you make teaching appear to your students. I know that you have taught for many years and you have content knowledge that most teachers can only dream of, me included. Teaching really is not easy. I know that. You have shown us all in class that with preparation and attention to detail, that we, too, can impact the lives of others.
While I have learned a great deal of information in this class, I have many ideas and concepts yet to fully grasp. Some of those concepts are: providing appropriate lesson plan extensions, properly assessing for mastery, effectively closing a lesson, being proactive in my classroom management style, and re-teaching in a different way when students are not understanding my explanations.
This class has been awesome. I only wish we had more time to explore some of these topics in depth.
Monday, July 23, 2007
A sliver of eternity
A sliver of eternity
I hold a sliver of eternity in my heart
for moments embossed
in the purity of you
a truth, simple, whole, real
expresses the embrace of us
the oneness
the unrelenting rightness
I touch the truth
when I touch you
Peace and simplicity
piece of hope
reigns in my soul
as tomorrow finds today
truth does not forget
Every eternity beyond
this moment
tugs at the reality
of you and I
I touch your soul
and the sliver of eternity
is now.
'04/'08
I hold a sliver of eternity in my heart
for moments embossed
in the purity of you
a truth, simple, whole, real
expresses the embrace of us
the oneness
the unrelenting rightness
I touch the truth
when I touch you
Peace and simplicity
piece of hope
reigns in my soul
as tomorrow finds today
truth does not forget
Every eternity beyond
this moment
tugs at the reality
of you and I
I touch your soul
and the sliver of eternity
is now.
'04/'08
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