Challenging Times

Being on two boards and feeling discouraged and anxious at times about the turmoil we have been going through these last two years with this pandemic and sitting through some contentious board meetings with some heated disagreements about how to best mitigate the spreading of the Covid virus, I sometimes want to just "chuck" it all and quit. Then I think, who better than me to be in this position. I've lived long enough to develop some pretty tough skin, I appreciate opposing points of view, and I know this isn't the first time in our country's history we've been through tough, divisive times, so I will continue to humbly serve and support what I think is the most appropriate actions to take to provide our students with the best learning environment possible as well as keep our entire staff and student body healthy.

Now, with the upcoming election and someone running against me as a write-in candidate, there is the possibility I won't be serving much longer. If that is the case, I wish my opponent the best and hope she understands being on the school board is much more than just making mitigating decisions during a pandemic.

All for now---

https://youtu.be/P8ByVzrN7pk

https://youtu.be/A7iw7YsdKGA

Priorities and Bucket List.

 I noticed I haven’t posted since about this time last year. Wow, and what a year it has been. I’ve lost some friends, some related to Covid and some due to other health issues. Either way, it seems a disproportionate amount of people I know have passed this past year. I would say it could be because I’m older and this kind of thing is somewhat expected. However, most of the people who have passed weren’t that old. Either way, it has made me re-evaluate my priorities. 

Fortunately, after the first few weeks of the lockdown last year, I haven’t experienced much depression or anxiety. I have become more thoughtful though. I tend to analyze others’ actions more trying to understand why they do and say the things they do. This whole Covid experience has definitely brought out the worst and the best in people. I find that quite interesting.

 My top priorities now have become my family and friends. Now, if we have a chance to get together, I make the effort to be present. No more excuses of being too busy. 

Also, there have been a few things I have wanted in the last few years that I postponed getting thinking I’d wait until later. This may sound shallow to some but if you know me that is not the case. I’ve always been frugal and very careful with money. However, I decided I’m not getting any younger and if I want something, within reason, I’m going to get it. For instance, for years it’s been on my bucket list to buy ONE brand new car (and pay cash) before I die. Well, with some careful planning and fortuitous stock market investing I was able to do that this year. What made it really fun, no money came out of our personal budget. It was like winning a vehicle without paying an exorbitant luxury tax. Another thing on my bucket list was to give more to the charities important to me, whether that be a specific person, family, or organization. Again, with careful budgeting and somewhat following Dave Ramsey’s financial philosophy, my husband and I have been able to do that. 

I'm tired

Any criticism by one side just ramps up the resolve of the other that "they" are absolutely right!

Yes, this political bar fighting is really getting me down. more so than being quarantined at home. Yes, I want to see stores able to open, yes, I want to see more testing, yes, I want to see a vaccination or a medicine that can prevent or cure this disease. What I don't want to see is all the vicious bickering and name-calling and ridiculous memes degrading groups of people as either morons or snowflakes.

Can we please just stop. I don't mind thoughtful and spirited discussion. I don't mind listening to other's points of view. But please don't get angry if my opinion doesn't align with yours. I actually like to have a good, spirited discussion and listen to other's opinions, but when it starts to become hateful and xenophobic, I'm out.

I think everyone can agree that this is a safe, non-political video clip! 😊

My Happy Place

Things I've Learned Over the Past Six Decades on This Earth (A Reflection)

As another birthday has so quickly come and gone I started thinking about what all I've learned over the past six decades. During some decades not so much and others just about everything. Anyway, not being one who likes to be overly loquacious, here's another of my not-so-famous lists:

1. The 50's- not a lot since I was born mid-century (1955), but one thing does stick out in my mind during the latter part of the decade. Anytime someone would come up and remark on what a "pretty little girl" I was, my mother would always reply "Pretty is as pretty does".  That has stuck, for the most part, however, I do not get many (none) of those compliments anymore. Maybe someday I will hear what a "pretty little old lady". (Nope, probably not!)

2. The 60's- Hippies are weird. I didn't think of them as good or bad, just weird. (That is all)

3. The 70's- I knew EVERYTHING. In all fairness, just about every child entering their late teen years feels about the same way, right?

4. The 80's- I knew NOTHING. Yep, this was the decade I was a young mother with two small children and I realized, "I knew what I didn't know",  and that it was a lot.

5. The 90's- I learned to start paying attention to what was happening around me and I really started enjoying learning something new whenever possible. As a teacher that "learning something new" happened about every day. I also realized how lucky I was that I had found my dream job as a middle school teacher. (Yes, this says volumes about my personality and craziness I know).

6. The 00's- I started questioning some of my long-held beliefs and started listening more. I also started worrying less about whether I was liked by "everybody" or not and in turn feel I became more likable because of it. Not sure how to explain myself here, so I will just leave it at this for now.

7. Now- I've learned I have "Waaaay" more questions than answers about just about everything and am completely ok with that. I have also learned to cherish each day, and I don't take one minute for granted. And finally, I have learned that you don't let different beliefs, personalities, or lifestyles get in the way of making some true, loyal friends that you know you can depend on!!!

Happy New Year 2019!

Side note: My husband and I just celebrated another anniversary this month also!

Happy 45th Anniversary and this picture kinda explains why don't ya think?

More Deep Thoughts from This Old Woman

On Childhood

You're only a child once, so never grow up.

On Faith

Sometimes all that's left is faith; the most important possession.

On Life

If I would get a second chance at life, I would pretty much do the same thing just a little better.

If I'd become everyone I'd envied as a teenager, I'd be fat, divorced and childless #GladToBeMe

The only person you should ever be better than is the old you!

If you can enjoy your memories without wanting to live in the past, you have a good life.#OldAgeWisdom

On Parenting

Only those who have no children are perfect parents!

As a parent, one thing I have no regrets for is NEVER saying, "My child would never do that!"

On Food

Calories are a bit like money to me. Before eating something, I consider if the calories are worth the consumption just like I consider if spending money on an item is worth what it costs. I’d rather eat 180 calories worth of Hershey’s dark chocolate than 160 calories of peach yogurt.