The Kind of Gift That Comes From the Heart

My favorite comedy (next to Scrubs) shows that it really is the thought that counts. Happy Holidays!

My Mom Made Me Walk...

The HOURS of research, planning, writing and RE-writing my thesis have ended! I received my Masters of Education in Curriculum and Instruction on Saturday and to my initial dismay my mother made me walk.

I dropped the $60 for the fancy cap and gown (the darn hood was very confusing) and I suffered through two hours of formal gobbldee gook. I grumbled to myself as at least 30 undergraduates talked rudely and excessively through the whole thing (I'm sure this was karma because I think I was still drunk during my undergraduate ceremony) and I almost fell asleep during the commencement speaker (some UAW guy, he was alright). Earlier in the week I mumbled to my co-workers (most who did not walk for their masters) about my weekend plans embarrassed that I was participating in such events. In the educational profession you are obligated to continue your higher education with out much celebration or a "wow! great job!" feeling. It is not really a monumental event, you just do it.

It was only 3/4 through the ceremony that I started to smile, feel proud and then finally warm and fuzzy. This all happened when I heard a loud and adorable child yell "I love you daddy!" and then the man next to me, smiling ear to ear, said "that was my 3 year old son, he is so proud". I realized that education is a big deal to more than the person getting it.

My mother has two degrees, my brother and two sisters are all finishing school and I already know that a Ph. D or specialist degree are in my future. When I hear families screaming and blowing horns, as if at a football game, I realize that not everyone looks at education as something you "just do". I value learning, reading and I love school (good reason to be a teacher), but I forgot it really is a big deal to graduate. My 91 year old grandparents furthered this discovery when they hugged me and said they are so proud I have something no one can ever take away-ever. I was so happy for their joy I forgot my own.

I can comfortably say that after these little moments I am now proud to have graduated, I thank my mom for forcing me to walk and I wish good luck to anyone that pursues their education. I have always been a constant advocate, but now I realize how important the celebration once you finish really is. No matter how many degrees you earn it is still important to feel joy in the search for knowledge...and you don't need a Stafford Loan to obtain that lesson!

CSI Miami - Endless Caruso One Liners

I love CSI, but I giggle at how lame Horatio is. It is as if his sunglasses give him magical one liner powers.

I dare any one to watch this entire thing and live to tell about it.

I also will give a big thumbs up and a smile for the first person to count how many times Horatio puts on his magic sunglasses. Have fun!

This is Why I am as Teacher

This is my secret too! We have a deaf autistic student at my school that stops by my room everyday. Kenny is my morning sunshine and I swear I am going to learn fluent sign language if it kills me! So far all I can sign is "Kenny is a cool dude". It is true, he really is!

How I Performed Les Mis

I am a big fan of NPH and the show How I Met Your Mother, I also have a friend who loved the play Les Miserables (which is waaayyy out of his character!)after his fiance made him go see it. This clip is dedicated to my buddy "T" and if his fiance "A " reads this...you are a lucky, lucky gal!