#37: Rest

I've been so keyed up these last weeks with visits, teaching, conference attendance, travel, getting along with others, contemplating the future, and just coping that I have neglected some of life's basics. Sleeping. Thinking. Relaxing. Wandering. My school is off for Easter and I am particularly thankful for this time to catch up on rest (as well as grading!).

#36: Parents

Ok. I know I am biased, but I cannot let this season go by without giving some gratitude for the awesomeness of those who brought me into this world, cultivated who I am with such love and patience, and later let me go while standing by with patience and wisdom.



I recently visited my folks in their part-time retirement location in southern Arizona, and I was reminded that my parents are truly awesome people. Some of their attitudes, orientations, and actions make them really cool people in general. They ride bikes. They have a cool dog. My dad is learning to carve wood. My mom is addicted to playing on the computer. We drank margaritas in Mexico together (see evidence, above). Ok. I realize that many people might have parents with the same qualities, and other progeny might hang out with their parents and do the same things. What makes my relationship so special with my folks is that we really enjoy each other and look forward to just hanging out -- whether on the side of their temporary RV home or on the front porch. I love talking with both of my parents, and I learn something new nearly every time we talk (especially about politics with my dad!). Our relationship continues to mature and grow, and I can count on them as wise sages, as people who know me with great depth and continuity, and as good friends.

When I have an inexplicably cruddy day or emotional reaction to something, I don't have to qualify a statement or perkify a feeling. I am listened to genuinely and responded to with care. With humor, awe, and love, I think my parents are the absolute coolest!

#35: Salad that can't be BEET

Whether you call it punajuurisalaatti, rosolje, or just plain beet salad, this is really fantastic stuff! A friend in California mentioned a beet gardening project and I saw the person who first introduced me to Finnish salad (aka punajuurisalaati) and I just got the craving. Tonight, I boiled up some potatoes, carrots, and beets... added some pickles and Granny Smith apples... mixed it with sour cream... My kitchen is covered in a red residue, but yum, yum, yum. It's worth it.

#34: Mentors

Today, I had the privilege of meeting up with someone I look up to as a mentor as well as meeting up with someone who has looked up to me. How powerful these people can be in our personal and professional lives! Who I am and who they are are intertwined, one affected by the other in seemingly opaque manifestations. I am left to think that it is nothing but the coolest of cool. Everyone should have the great fortune to be on both sides of this paradigm.

#33: Lunch

These series of posts cannot help but be centered around my convention-inspired life the last few days. Today, I had the chance to catch up over lunch (at a speakeasy!) with an old friend and my co-presenter for two presentations at the conference. It was precious to me to have the opportunity to reconnect face to face over a meal. We've kept a teaching blog for the last three years reflecting on our classroom practices and we've been friends since we first enrolled in graduate school and discovered like-mindedness in many regards, including both having served in the Peace Corps. Taking time to discover what was going on in our lives, our teaching, and our professional paths was invaluable. It was a chance to rediscover and rekindle friendship, and this is nothing at all to be taken for granted. I cannot wait to follow the career of my friend and continue having lunches over the years (if only those conferences weren't so far apart!).

#32: Teacher Connections

I've been away at the TESOL convention the last few days in Boston. While presenting, informally chatting, and networking, I've been able to see once again that the strength of education lies in its teachers and its leadership. The passion and commitment of many to improve community (both local and global) is something that leaves me (yes, even me) speechless. These people and their narratives blow me away. I give thanks to those who have taught me and those who are so privileged as to spend their lives serving as teachers of others!

#31: Awesome Woman Friends

Today and yesterday, I have traveled with some really awesome women. I met up with a former colleague to fly to Boston (and with a delayed flight we talked for about six hours without pausing for breath) to meet another friend from a past life traveling from Finland for a conference (and we've talked for two days). I have talked and talked and talked the last two days more than I thought humanly possible. I realize what precious friends I have. Because I don't have time or the opportunity to enjoy them everyday, we jam pack months of conversation into hours. I feel like I have not talked so much in ages and ages. I am so thankful for the fellowship and company of these and other women in my life. Those relationships are precious, special, and irreplaceable. Sometimes I don't even realize how much I miss those buzzing interruptions, passionate mini-lectures, philosophical questions, unfiltered opinions, and reflections of life. I am extremely thankful to have many wonderful female friendships here, there, and everywhere, and I am equally grateful for reconnections with those amazing women, even when they are difficult to orchestrate and too far between. Thank God for female friendship!

Missing in Action...

I'm attending a professional conference this week and may not be able to keep up digitally. Forgive my distance and expect to see some catch up posts when I return next week!

#30: Shaken but not stirred

Some of you that have communicated with me more recently know that I have had a particularly trying student enrolled in one of my courses. This student and I have a horrible relationship that has festered since the first string of episodes last October. Without going into further detail, I can say that this person rattles me like none other. Unconscientious responses to his peers and directly to me, overtly rude behavior, and aggressive verbal behavior directed towards all in his vicinity continue to rub me the wrong way. In response to polite or responsive input from others, this student continues to be disrespectful in a way that I cannot understand or deal with very successfully. Encounters with him give me the jitters (hence the shaken) and many times leave me stirred (confused/hurt/frustrated enough to shut down the productivity and positiveness of my day). I cannot remember adult behavior so intentionally destructive to others and self. As an educator, I feel sorry for this student and continue to want to help and learn. As a person, I oscillate between angry and hurt. But that isn't the point of this post in my Lenten series. The objective of this string of blog post is to raise up those things that brighten and enhance the journey.

I resisted being stirred today. This student and I had another encounter in which student behavior was unthoughtful, unresponsive, rude, and consistently cold. I knew the encounter would happen all morning and could feel the adrenalin rush before the shake down conference. Thanks to the supportive environment (my stellar officemate in the front of the line) I work in, I did not allow my day to be ruined. I'm moving on and taking ownership of only my own actions and behaviors... and I am very thankful for those cheerleading colleagues and friends around me that have helped me survive this interpersonal professional journey.

#29: Daffodills

I think I have mentioned my affinity for these happy, little spring flowers before (Wanderings: I wander'd lonely as a cloud and Wanderings: Spring Miracles). They are so bright and they spring up everywhere quite unexpectedly as a first sign of the warmer days to come. Here in Washington, they seem to grow widely everywhere, causing me to smile each time I am confronted with their cheery golden personality. God did it right in making daffodils. There's no question.

From Riverbend Park March 2010

Pictured, above, daffodils growing (in the wild?) at Riverbend Park, Virginia.

#28: Blue Skies

Another gorgeous day today, so we headed out to Riverbend Park, which is up the Potomac on the Virginia side, to hike around and take advantage of the weather. We walked around 6 miles in the forest and along the river underneath the bluest, quietest blue skies. Welcome, Spring!

#27: Dance

Last evening found me at the Dance Factory attempting to glide across the floor to the waltz, tango, samba, foxtrot, quickstep, salsa, jive, ... and it felt good. Although there were some really savvy dancers out on the floor and I found myself sometimes stepping on my own (or my partner's feet), I felt so good to be amongst such active and happy people. The thing about dancing and music is that they make me feel good. They make lots of people feel good. I must remember this important note -- when I have a bad day or don't feel particularly well with the world, I need to turn up the tunes and shuffle my feet. A sure cure bound to bring happiness to feet and smiles to face. Ah! Let's dance! 1-2-3. 1-2-3. Left-Right-Left. Right-Left-Right.

#26: A bird's song

Today, I awoke to the soft twittering of small birds outside my window (also the sound of planes landing and taking off at nearby Reagan National Airport, but the birds were the more pleasant part). What better thing than to be awoken not by the blaring sounds of an alarm clock but rather by nature itself sending a message to get up and awake the day.

#25: A bit o' green

The weather here is absolutely gorgeous, and we headed out this evening for a walk around the neighborhood. As there are four Irish pubs within walking distance and today is St. Paddy's Day, there was a lot of activity. It made me smile to see everyone walking around with green shirts or ties or pants (in my case) -- what a comical holiday. My students and I had discussed the strange happenings of the day in the morning. "Why does everyone wear green?" "What about that green beer?" "Why Irish?" I had never really considered why we wear green and run around pinching people and drinking green beer on March 17. It just is this funny holiday (that has not been too commercialized by anyone outside of the beer business.... yet). I did a bit of reading on the ever-resourceful Wikipedia about wearing green and shamrocks and such, and the activities of our celebrations in the US are none the clearer. What I do know is that I enjoy seeing everyone celebrate something kind of silly and our evening walk was made all the more pleasant by the good weather, good cheer, and green.

#24: Sunshine

If I had been born in a different time and circumstance, I am quite sure that I might have been persuaded to worship the sun rather than the Son. Yesterday, was one of those brilliant first spring days here in Washington. Green pushing out of the ground and sun streaming on my face. What a difference it makes. In attitude. In perspective. Natural light is such a powerful force. One that I will not take for granted. Rather, I will bask in its warmth!

#23: The Library

A book club that you can belong to for free? Thousands of books and materials you can borrow? I just renewed four books I have out from the library here in Arlington. I love libraries. I love books. And I always take my library card as a ticket to information, escape, adventure, and fun. From the time I was a little kid I always liked to wander the shelves and check out new stories. As an adult, I am not really so different. Currently checked out? Netherland, Lark and Termite, The Plague of Doves, Mosquito Coast, and the Big U... Yes, libraries are something to be excited about, proud of, and thankful for!!!

#17-22: Massive Catch Up Post

Rather disconnected (at least with the virtual world) last week, I didn't have a chance to make daily posts. Here are my thoughts of gratitude for each day ... in reverse!

#22: Home
There is no place like home at the end of a journey, no matter how great the respite has been. Having your own bed and knowing you belong rooted to someplace is somehow very comforting. After hundreds of wonderful miles of exploration, it is good to be home.

#21: Games
We spent the night playing board games (Pandemic, Dominion, Puerto Rico, and Set) with a couple of good friends. There's nothing like a rainy evening indoors playing games (with some good wine, nice snacks, and great company) to make for a perfect Friday night.

#20: Wonderland
It was rainy today, so we headed out to the Cinema to relax and be entertained. We saw the Tim Burton version based on Lewis' Alice in 3D.

#19: Green Spaces
Today we toured Savannah, Georgia and escaped to all of her gorgeous, historic green spaces and squares (pictures forthcoming).

#18: Gators
The plantation Magnolia south of Charleston, SC is situated in swampland. With the warm temps, the gaters were out to sun themselves! Magnificent animals (we were assured that they are anything but dangerous in the spring when they are just warming up to get their body temperatures high enough to feed - phew!).

#17: History
Charleston revealed some of its secrets to us today. All kinds of stories tucked in this amazing city. We pondered stories over soul food at Jestine's Kitchen, took a guided carriage ride through town, and wandered through the mazes of mansions, important memorials, and other historical sites. Man, this place has some stories to tell (and a lot of good food to eat!).

#16: Zacuscă

Our first stop on our Spring Break road trip was to visit some long-lost, wandering, displaced friends from Romania who now live in North Carolina. The biggest highlight was, of course, getting a chance to reconnect and catch up, but a close second was a taste of my favorite Romanian treat, Zacuscă. It is the yummiest vegetable spread made from roasted red peppers and eggplant that all of the grannies in Romania make. It's delicious on toasted bread in the morning and almost any other time of day. However, it is the most scrumptious when shared with good company (Thanks E & A!). The best part is that I got a jar to take home with me. Yum, yum, yum.

Want to make some yourself? Here's a recipe -- Pofte Buna!

#15: Spring Break

What lovelier invention is there? My students and I cannot even sit still today as we anticipate a week of freedom in the middle of the semester... only hours remain! A chance to relax, laugh, rejuvenate, explore! We are so lucky (I don't know how I could ever work outside of education!), and I am appreciative of this opportunity. WOOHOO! Spring Break 2010!

As I intend to take this break opportunity seriously over the next week, I will continue my blogging practice the old fashioned way (pen/paper) and post when I return to life as usual next week. More thoughts and gratitude forthcoming.

#14: Marriage

My wonderful husband arrives this evening from Estonia, and I am so thankful in a billion ways for our marriage and the friendship and companionship that we share. I never imagined I would have such a fun and funny partner in life, and, for this and much more, I am grateful.

*I apologize for the brevity of the post. I just can't muster the concentration for something bigger at the moment... The countdown is on!

#13: Water

It's everywhere and so accessible. Running out of the tap for a refreshing glass or steaming hot for a shower. I take it for granted and realize that it is a resource in danger.

I can remember part of a very serious housing dilemma when I lived in Guadalajara a few years back. Inexplicably, the water to our house would get turned off for days at a time. Sometimes, we would go for longer than a week without any running water. This was not such an issue for drinking water because you have to buy bottled water for cooking and drinking anyway in Mexico. The larger issue was cleaning, washing dishes and clothing, showering, flushing the toilet. We hauled up huge buckets into our second story home and learned to live with a minimal amount of water. It was hard but not impossible once we adapted and revised our water usage. This experience, while painful, highlighted for me how much water I waste and also how much I take it for granted when I turn a spigot or flush a toilet.

So, today is a tribute to one of the most necessary elements of life, water. I hope we find a good way to balance modern life with the preservation and fair use of water... I'm pretty sure things would not be the same without it.

#12: Provocation

The human race is a passionate sort... and I appreciate this willingness to examine, process, and move towards positive change. Whether in business, academia, government, or society, this energy is what I find stimulating. In these passions for social justice that provoke us to think and to do, I discover hope.

This morning, I read about Emmanuel Vaughn-Lee and discovered his project called Global Oneness. I watched one of the project's videos called "What would it look like?" It's thoughtful film (although about 25 minutes long; I recommend it when you get a chance).



Later today, I met with a student impassioned about the expanding world and how traditional business will adapt to the limitations of copyright or censorship (think Google in China, for example). He was impassioned about his topic and ready to challenge his own and his classmates' thinking on the topic.

Upon my return home, I found my box of coffee from the LWR Coffee Project. This issue of justice and fair trade was part of my very first job after college and remains something I feel good about consuming and passionate about sharing.

I am thankful for those passionate enough to go against the grain, provoking us to think and rethink, to do and redo. I can only hope that on really good days that I can respond to this energy and embody this spirit in my daily journey.

#11: My bike

The weather has cleared enough (or rather the sidewalks have now become clearer of ice and snow obstacles) and I am back to bike commuting. It makes me so happy to zoom to work, whooshing past the GU shuttle bus that I usually take. I love sweating up the hills, breathing the crisp air, and taking in the world outside with all of my senses. Today, I want to share and acknowledge how happy biking makes me. I love my bike!

From New bike