Monday, October 20, 2014

"Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." --Helen Keller

I spent the weekend assisting one of my sorority sisters through a life change.  Selfishly I am thrilled for the extra time we are spending together and that Ray and I get to dog-sit my dog-niece while she's away with her family for the week.  Unselfishly I just hope I'm being the type of friend I'd want if I were in her shoes.  Here's hoping I'm doing that vision justice in the name of her health and happiness.

The week leading up to the weekend was busy (no surprise) due to school activities:  Student Council organized Homecoming week, which made for a very festive and energetic school environment.  Since the school where I teach is also my high school alma mater, I particularly enjoy the spirit of the building and the Friday afternoon pep rally.

Concurrently, the students I advise in GSA took pledges for Ally Week, and since we had inservice on Monday and Tuesday, GSA is continuing to take pledges today and tomorrow.  Allies support a safe school environment free from bullying and harassment for all students, but especially lesbian, gay, bisexual, and trans* students.  The Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (abbreviated GLSEN which is pronounced like the word "glisten") spearheaded the campaign beginning in 2005.  Adolescents are already going through so many rites of passage subjecting them to the judgement of others that no matter our political leanings regarding LGBT equality, I cannot imagine questioning the need for safe schools for EVERY student regardless of romantic or sexual orientation.  Therefore, I am always very happy to support my students during pledge week.

GSA students also participated in the homecoming tailgate by providing face painting and temporary tattoos along with Art Club.  It was a beautiful night with perfect weather and a lot of school spirit--especially since the football team won the homecoming game by a landslide of 40-7.

This upcoming Saturday is Homecoming/Family Weekend at my post-secondary alma mater, Lehigh University.  Ray and I are looking forward to taking Aubrey and Courtney to the Lehigh v. Fordham tailgate and football game, which will be complete with activities for the children as well as a yummy buffet.  My aunt/Godmother and her husband will also be accompanying us, which is nice because she is a 1980 Graduate School of Education alumna.

On Sunday, we hope to make it to church, especially since this past week, Sunday's half-marathon closed the street and the service was Saturday night instead of Sunday morning.  We couldn't attend Saturday night, so I look forward to enjoying this Sunday's Samhain sermon which will explain the ancient Celtic festival that is the origin of Halloween and All Saints Day.

I will likely be MIA for a few weeks since the first marking period is rounding out and I'll need to hup-two on grades.  My goal at the moment will be a post over Thanksgiving holiday, but no promises!  Until then...

Joyfully,
KSN

Tuesday, October 7, 2014

Check it out ^^^^

I'm so excited because I was able to revise my banner image ^^up there^^, and while I struggled a little with getting rid of the automatic title and resulting line that the Blogger image gadget implements, I found a great "cheat" on this lovely lady's graphic design website.

It makes me so happy to see this update up there!  I especially love the quote I found from Apple CEO Tim Cook, "Let your joy be in your journey...", because as my transitional post indicated, it's been quite a busy, challenging journey in the past few years.  I cried--a lot.  I yelled--a lot.  I felt hopeless and weak--a lot.  But I also counted my blessings (the Happier app helped) and realized that these lows were dotted with some of the most joyful highs of my life--including my marriage to Ray and my resulting assumption of the role of bonus mom (aka stepmother) to Aubrey and Courtney.

Moving onward, we are looking forward to a busy yet fulfilling weekend with traveling to South Mountain for Lehigh football versus Bucknell on Saturday and the Blessing of the Animals followed by the Bethlehem Area CROP Hunger Walk with church on Sunday.  CROP stands for Communities Responding to Overcoming Poverty and the Hunger Walks are run by Church World Service.  You can donate on our team's behalf here if you wish to financially support the cause.  Otherwise, check out my Facebook this weekend for photos, and perhaps my next post will include some of my favorites from those snapshots.

Joyfully,
KSN
 

Blog Template by YummyLolly.com - Header made with PS brushes by gvalkyrie.deviantart.com
Sponsored by Free Web Space