snowed in

today I was supposed to begin a long term sub position in a kindergarten classroom and rush from there to get to my middle school teaching job across town. instead, I spent the day sleeping in, shoveling snow in an attempt to get my car out of the driveway, cooking pumpkin curry (and eating of course), and preparing for my first day tomorrow. I printed out the lesson plans, packed my lunch and my bags, and hopped in the shower extra early to get a good night's sleep..... until finding out that school is canceled again! a nice surprise, I will admit, but the anticipation of the day and the eagerness to get started is beginning to weigh on me. seventh and eighth graders are so unique and fascinating, but I'm really excited to get back to the little ones, innocent and blossoming, once again.

the past month has been multifaceted: one on hand, chilly and dark and scary; on the other hand, full of presence and light and possibility. a difficult balance, no doubt, but I'm okay with living in that tension for now.
-bursting with new and finding comfort in old
-celebrating now and recognizing the temporary
-delighting and grieving
-contentment and yearning
-cold temps and hot yoga :)

happy february, folks! enjoy the beauty and fragility of every moment, even in the depth of winter.

exploring the enneagram

Ones are conscientious and ethical, with a strong sense of right and wrong. They are teachers, crusaders, and advocates for change: always striving to improve things, but afraid of making a mistake. Well-organized, orderly, and fastidious, they try to maintain high standards, but can slip into being critical and perfectionistic. They typically have problems with resentment and impatience. At their Best: wise, discerning, realistic, and noble. Can be morally heroic.

Key Motivations: Want to be right, to strive higher and improve everything, to be consistent with their ideals, to justify themselves, to be beyond criticism so as not to be condemned by anyone.

We have named personality type One The Reformer because Ones have a “sense of mission” that leads them to want to improve the world in various ways, using whatever degree of influence they have. They strive to overcome adversity—particularly moral adversity—so that the human spirit can shine through and make a difference. They strive after “higher values,” even at the cost of great personal sacrifice.

History is full of Ones who have left comfortable lives to do something extraordinary because they felt that something higher was calling them.

Although Ones have a strong sense of purpose, they also typically feel that they have to justify their actions to themselves, and often to others as well. This orientation causes Ones to spend a lot of time thinking about the consequences of their actions, as well as about how to keep from acting contrary to their convictions. Because of this, Ones often persuade themselves that they are “head” types, rationalists who proceed only on logic and objective truth. But, the real picture is somewhat different: Ones are actually activists who are searching for an acceptable rationale for what they feel they must do. They are people of instinct and passion who use convictions and judgments to control and direct themselves and their actions.



Source: http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/TypeOne.asp

What are you?

farewell to twenty ten

There is no doubt that 2010 was the greatest year of my life thus far.

I experienced life in abundance- while strengthening relationships, taking risks, learning about what it means to be a follower of Christ, growing immensely as a teacher, exploring the world, and loving all of the fabulous people in my life.

Thank you to all of you who have helped make 2010 incredibly memorable and meaningful.

Some highlights...

• Teaching! All of my different teaching experiences this year were amazing. I found out what it's really like to form close relationships with a particular group of students, and how significant building a community can be when it comes to teaching/learning. My students make me smile and laugh every day-- what a blessing.

• South Africa. The most life and joy that could possibly be fit into six short weeks. From jumping off of bridges to baking pizza with our host family to giving and receiving love from my students to dancing the Sokkie... every moment was amazing.

• Running- something I have never enjoyed or pursued until this year... A challenging new hobby that I somehow love and hate at the same time. I ran two 5k races and improved greatly!

• Morris. You know how I feel about my beautiful home. So much love.

• Graduation! With my brilliant roommate Coley.

• A celebratory New Year's Eve spent with my best friends.
  

The year is now over, and a lot is changing. I'm sure that 2011 will have its fair share of sweetness, but for now I am content with rejoicing in the blessings of the past year. It's been one amazing ride.