De-Stress So You Can Do Your Best

Welcome back everyone. I hope everyone had an enjoyable and relaxing Thanksgiving. As finals/ final project due dates are nearing us at a rapid pace, I decided to dedicate this post to 5 ways we can de-stress ourselves.

1. Meditation: This is a fast and effective way to lower your stress level. One of my favorites is laying down on the bed or any flat surface for 8 minutes. Easy? Not really. The hardest part of the 8 Minute Meditation is emptying your mind of all thoughts and only concentrating on your breathing while relaxing every muscle. It takes a while to perfect it, but it is beneficial when you do.

2. Yoga: Some of you all may be groaning, but it is true. Yoga is relaxing. There are different levels of Yoga so be sure to pick the one that is best for you. I particularly like and recommend Power Vinyasa. It is fairly close to a work-out. It is a series of yoga positions mixed with cardio that concentrates on your breathing. Every time I go, I come out completely relaxed.

3. Music: Yes, music. It can relax your mind and sooth your soul. I would recommend something soothing and light. I prefer Adele and Maroon 5, because they are soothing, yet I don't sacrifice my favorite artists. Try to stay away from rock. It does sooth at times, but usually it feeds into anxiety because of the harsh tones and beat.

4. Tea: Drink Tea. Any type of tea will do, but I would recommend Chamomile. It is by nature a soothing tea that calms. It also eases stomach problems including the stomach flu.

5. Exercise: I know this seems out of place, but I wanted to put it in because some people are relaxed when they are active. Exercises releases tension in your muscles and causes you to focus. So while your at the gym, hit a punching bag or two and pretend it's all of your problems.

Thanks for tuning in and be safe. :)

Response to Diane's Blog- "Sir Reads-A-Lot"

"Sir Reads-A-Lot"

I love blogging and all the topics people write about, but I believe this is by far the funniest post I've read by far. It just goes to show how a creative mind works. I also love this post, because it is a creative piece without prejudice. I see so many teachers scorn rap when it can actually stimulate a child creatively. Yes, I understand some songs insult women and emphasize violence (believe me I've heard a lot of them), but if we find the right ones we can really inspire students that can relate to it. I believe done in the right way rap is can be a form of poetry where people can express themselves. I feel that any method which prompts kids to think out of the box is worth while, even if some people oppose it. There will always be nay-sayers, but as long as we are not offending or hurting anyone I believe it's okay. For instance, there are people that say Facebook is corrupt and would never use it as an activity in class. These are also the people that stray away from technology. I feel anything that can catch a student's interest is worthwhile.  Also I found a pretty entertaining video on Thesis Statements done in rap that I hope you will all like. It is creativity at its best. :)

Lack of Interest, Lack of Education, or Just Plain Rude?

Welcome back, readers. I hope all is well with you. Tonight I will be going on a rant. I warn you now of this, so you may have a choice. Here goes:

Today was a hard day. I pride myself on my patience, but what destroys the solid wall I have built is being disrespected. There were two incidents. The first was on the wrap line in AU's cafeteria. As many would know, trying to grab lunch during rush hour is difficult. Everyone on all the lines resemble the zombies from "The Walking Dead," when Rick first meets Glenn. I maneuver around one girl and lightly tap her bag by accident. It was so light that a regular person would disregard it, but of course the girl has to say, "Excuse me," to her friend as if I wouldn't hear it. Yes, it's my fault for tapping her, but she didn't have to belittle my existence. I apologized and thought life could move on, but she had to talk about me right in front of me in a hushed voice to her friend. Note: A hushed voice is audible from a foot away. I removed myself from the situation, because I was livid. After that occurrence, I started wondering, "Why?" Why can't people be kind or have a little bit of patience? Is it a genetic trait or is it learned? Is it possible that people just don't care? I was raised as a Catholic, but am not that rigid with the practice. Yet I have always believed that one should treat others as one wish to be treated. Even in school it was reinforced, we should all treat each other as equals. I just couldn't wrap my head around it.

Earlier tonight I was in the holy land, Barnes and Nobles. I treated myself to a couple of books and went to the line having forgotten what happened earlier today. There was a father and son ahead of me kind of on the line, but not really. I couldn't distinguish if they were or not, so I believed they were, because I didn't want any confusion later, such as people accusing me of jumping the line. So, I waited my turn. One cashier became available and beckoned the people forward. I was then distracted by those tantalizing items they always keep near the cashier. It hadn't even been 5 seconds before I had the gentleman, not really that gentle, prod me forward with his words. He alerted me that there was a cashier open and I expressed to him my confusion and walked towards the teller. He did not stop there. He then said in a trite tone, "Jeez, how many times do they have to call you," and then mumbled as he went to a different teller. My vision was covered in red spots. I then told him, "I didn't know if they were going or not. There is no reason to be disrespectful." He ignored me, I bought my books, and he bought his. I then left in a worse mood than before.


Why is it that people disrespect others so easily for such minor things? Is it that parents and teachers don't teach people manners at an early age? I want to teach my students that we should all be respectful towards one another regardless of our gender, race, or religion. Little things similar to those mentioned before should not throw us over the edge. I'm sure that the man in the bookstore thought I was a stupid teen, because I was still wearing my gym clothes. Why does that matter? I am a lady and want to be respected as such. Do teens deserve less respect? I do not believe so. We are all equals; we are all human.

So tell me do you think I just had a bad day or was it a lack of interest, lack of education or just plain rude?


Good-night and stay safe. :)

S.T.A.R. Revision Strategy

It's People, Not Programs

This article, "It's People, Not Programs,"speaks the truth. A program is only successful as the person implementing it. If a teacher is not effective, then why just create a new program and then place blame on it? It's the person that matters. If a person is not successful with one method, then they should try another. Sadly, most of the time this is not how other teachers think. For most teachers, teaching is just a job and not a gift. Some teachers don't even want to teach, but this is where they ended up. I believe that every student deserves the best education they can receive. Teacher's that only stick to one approach are doing them a disservice, because all students have their own way of learning. This article illuminates some of the issues: the classrooms are too stuffy, some lecturers fail in communicating their point, some activities are poorly created, and there is overemphasis on classroom management to the point where the students are afraid to share their thoughts. How are students supposed to learn in a non-conducive environment? The answer is they don't. They will find alternatives such as playing an Ipod or texting. It is a teacher's duty to help students reach their greatest potential and to do this a teacher must be open to new ideas.

Response to ""Education: Connecting the Lonely Profession"

Article: Education: Connecting the Lonely Profession

This article alleviates one of my fears, being alone. I fear that once I become a teacher at a school, the teachers will ostracize me for no other reason than being new. I see it happen in the school that I am observing and it's not a pretty sight. They just ignore that she's there. When I see the "Lonely Teacher," I spark up some conversation and realize that her class seems to be the most enjoyable out of all of the teachers. She has many fun, new activities that the students participate in and enjoy. The other teachers could learn more from her, but instead they decide to shun her only based on the fact she is a new teacher that just started this year.

I have always feared being the "Lonely Teacher." I love discovering new things and then sharing it to anyone I can get to sit in a chair for a while. I can't imagine having no one there to express my thoughts to. Now there is no need to keep people captive in their seats; the World Wide Web does it for me. It's a new way of communicating ideas, working on projects, and building new relationships. I find it liberating that I can find interesting new ideas at a touch of a mouse rather than rummaging my local library for lost books.

In the article, "Education: Connecting the Lonely Profession," it shows an alternative to being alone, blogging.  Connecting through the blogosphere allows not only teachers to communicate their ideas, but also the students. I was impressed by the project the students did in the article. I always wanted to do a similar project where an international classroom can connect with us, but I never knew through what medium I could do it in. Now I know and in the future I can try it. This article has inspired me to read more blogs. If this type of invaluable information is out there, then I will find it. I don't want to become the "Lonely Teacher."

In The Woods: Part II

Hello Everyone! I hope you are doing well. Here is Part II of my story. Yes, there is more to come, so stay tuned. As always, be safe and have a good night. :)

           “Revenge.”

His velvety laughter surrounds my body.

“Do you really believe that you can claim revenge in the state that you are in? I love a good laugh.”

“Yes, I can.”

“A few memories cannot arm you against the powers you dare to face.”

“You know nothing.”

“I know enough to know that contrary to your opinion you will die if you face her. Your powers were buried inside you, so that you may not discover who you are. Yes, you can defeat her, but only in time. Come with me.”

“What makes you so sure I can’t defeat her now? I’m pretty sure I can.”

“Oh really, try summoning your powers.”

“Fine. Watch me.”

“Wait. I want to make this a little bit more interesting. If you successfully summon your powers, we will immediately do what you want to do: revenge, blah, blah, blah. But, if you cannot summon your powers then you must obey me and we will go to the Den where you will be trained. What do you say?”

“You’re on, oh-ye-of-little-faith.”

“Go ahead, darling.”

I move over in order to have some space to work my magic. I take a deep breath in and out, then close my eyes. I concentrate deeply on the summoning. The words said years ago resonate in my mind now. O matrem terram, caelum pater, germana ignis et frater aqua, da mihi dote. Benedic mihi potentiam tuam. Complete meum et nos unum. One is all; all is one. One is I and I am they. Blessed be.

There. I did it. He should be happy. I slowly open my eyes and see a large smirk cross his face. My stomach feels like it’s on the floor and my heartbeat is in my throat. Immediately I know. I failed.

“Well that sorts that out. We will be on our way then.”

I just can’t believe it didn’t work. It has worked in the past. Is there something wrong with me? Am I sick? Am I desensitized? Have the deities given up on me?

I think he sees how distraught I am, because a look of pity passes through his face and a chill passes through me. It was only for a second, but I know what I saw. I don’t want anyone’s pity. I’ll go to this place that he wants me to go to. I won’t like it, but I know I will succeed at gaining my powers back one way or another.

We heard the thunderous shriek of metal on metal that alerts us that the boat was arriving at port, which we both disregard.

“Well?”

“I will go.”

He gives me that smile that warms me to my core. This time I know he’s not flirting. It’s his power emanating from his body, giving off warmth when he is happy and a frosty chill when he’s sad. His eyes are now as blue as the daytime sky. He sweeps his hand before me to beckon my departure, but I stand there feet frozen on the ground. I can’t move. This is the first time I can say that I fear the unknown. I knew the people back in the forest, but these people may be completely different. The only person I would know is standing in front of me with worry in his now stormy grey eyes. I think about telling him that he shouldn’t change his eyes so freely in public, but I feel he’s doing it on purpose for my comfort, so I let it go. I inhale and exhale. I’m ready. He holds out his hand to me and I take it. He guides me off the ferry with a gentle grace. Now I walk blindly off into what the future holds for me.

***************************************************************

This is absolutely disgusting. I never thought I would be breaking into the Belvedere Castle with someone I haven’t seen in years. Granted we used to do this all the time, but I’m a changed girl… or at least so I thought.

We sneak into the grey stone building that wishes that it could be a real castle and not just a tourist site. Once we’re inside, I can feel it. It is very light, but it’s there. It feels as if the ground itself is pulsating. There is a hum in the air that smells of power. Goosebumps run up my arms and the hair on the back off my head stands on end. I feel as if something great is waiting to occur. It’s stifling hot.

“Are you okay?”

“Is it me or is it burning in here?”

“It’s about fifty degrees in here, so no. I really don’t think it’s hot.”

“Really? I’m dying.”

“You’re probably just nervous that’s normal. Come on. Let’s go before you lose your nerve.”

“I’m going to ignore that.”

“Right.”

We walk to a far wall in one of the rooms where a huge carpet-like tapestry fills most of the wall. It is a scene of an angel grasping a human’s arm. Beckoning the human to come with it, but the human’s lower body seems to be tangled in vines on the ground. There is a light where the fingers touch. I shiver.

“This is it.”

“This is a wall.”

“This, my dear, is a secret entrance way.”

With a quick movement of one arm, he pushes the carpet away to reveal an aged wooden door. He uses his other arm to open the door towards me. Once it opens, scents of every type fill my nose. It is hard to describe, because it keeps changing. Once I think I have figured out the scent, it changes again. I walk towards the entree way only to discover a spiraling stone staircase. The stones that it’s made of are much older than those up here. I glance at Daron and he makes a slight movement with his head to go in. I pause for a small prayer— I hope I am doing the right thing.

A light emanates from the very bottom of the stairwell, but it is so faint and far away. It’s disheartening.

“Don’t worry. You don’t have to be afraid of the dark. I’m here.”

“Yeah, right. That only scares me more.”

His laugh warms me up even further causing the heat to blind my senses for a moment. I touch the slippery, cool moss surface and find a slight relief. I lean as much of my body onto it.  

“Kat are you sure you’re okay. I can always carry you down like a prince.”

“Just shut the door and let’s go.”

“Sure, Mrs. Grinch as long as you don’t steal Christmas.”

“Haha.”

Slowly we descend the steps.

©10/24/11