Thoughts for Thursday #1

" The successful person has the habit of doing the 

things failures don't like to do. 

They don't like doing them either necessarily. 

But their disliking is subordinated 

to the strength of their purpose.  "

- EM Gray

Kids Say the Darndest!

This is an ongoing post of quotes from the most honest, uncensored, unapologetic individuals I've ever met.......My students. Enjoy!  Oh, and try your best not to fall out of your chair. (Student names have been changed to protect their identity.)

So today our school had a visit from some representatives from Walmart. They came to read to the students and do activities. The representative that came to my class was (how do I say this???) not the best reader. In the midst of reading, he stopped and asked one of the students, "how tall you is?" the following comments came in rapid succession:
MT: no, you're supposed to say... "How tall ARE YOU!??"
MJ: are you in school?
Chad: NO, he works at WALMART, duh!
MJ: You should go to college!
Me: speechless, dumbfounded, and BEAMING with pride!

"The man that killed Martin Luther King can kiss my ass" - one of my 2nd grade students last year

Today I scolded a student for running down the stairs.
MJ: But, Ms. Wilson, Chad was runnin too!
Me: If Chad jumped off a bridge, would you do it?
MJ: Yeah, to save him!

Me : Oh look, we match today!
Kayla: Yeah, we both have on khakis and a yellow shirt. But its not exactly the same.
Me: What's the difference?
Kayla: Well, in your shirt you have boobs. I don't have those. Not yet

I gave my kids a survey to get to know them better. This is from  Mikey's paper:
What is something that makes you sad?: Getting woopens
What is something that makes you happy?: NOT getting woopens

Sam: I think that one thing we can do to help our planet is recycle. I love to recycle. I think it is good for the earth.
Chad: Is that why you wear the same shirt every day?

Mikey: Ms. Wilson, do you have kids?
Me: No
Mikey: (frowns) well, do you have a husband?
Me: No
Mikey: (eyes widen) What are you waiting for? Time's a tickin'!

Chad to another student: Oh my gosh you can't spell! Your paper look like a chik-fil-a billboard!

Today when I was sitting in a public library, a mother scolded one of her children. Her older son (maybe about 7 years old) says: "Momma, you can't do that in here. It's a library! Plus, you can't be embarassin us in front of white people!"

Today at recess, a group of girls made up a dance to the song "Do It" and decided to perform it for everyone. Jordan: "HOLD UP! Ya'll can't...ya'll cant.....sing THAT song... ya'll NEED to sang something from CHURCH! Sang bout JeeZUS!!"
5 minutes later.....as the girls are performing to "Bands'll make her dance," he says "mmm.. hmmm...DROP IT LIKE ITS HOT!"

Drop it like it's HOT...Yoga, that is.

Imagine this- you're in a room full of scantily-clad individuals, sweating profusely, twisting and turning your body in ways you never imagined possible, inhaling, exhaling....aaahhhhh- oh, i forgot to mention- the room is 105 degrees! This is the world of Bikram hot yoga. Ok Ok, let's get the technicalities out of the way for all you amateurs- Bikram Yoga is a system of yoga popularized in the early 1970s. Classes run exactly 90 minutes and consist of a series of 26 postures and 2 breathing exercises, done in a room heated to105°F. Why anyone would subject themselves to this experience was beyond me, that is, until I tried it for myself for the first time yesterday morning. I am SORE from head to toe from all the bending, flexing, stretching, turning, twisting, balancing on one foot until it went numb. However, it was a great experience and I plan to do it again- multiple times. Why, you ask????

Besides being a very relaxing experience, hot yoga has several benefits for the body as well as the mind and soul. Here are just a few:

• Reduces injury
• Reduces the effects of stress
• Tones and strengthens muscles
• Increases energy
• Increase balance & coordination
• Weight loss
• Increases metabolism
• Boosts immune system
• Enhances the function of respiratory, muscular, endocrine, & circulatory systems

Aside from the 64 year old man that decided to wear skin tight biker shorts and set up his mat in front & center, I had an awesome first experience with Birkram Yoga. CHECK- that's another thing off my bucket list. NAMASTE! (i have no clue what "namaste" means, but it seems to be a popular term in the world of yoga)

Here are just a few of the poses we did:

Give Oliver some Porridge

Your body is your temple. "Yeah, whatever," we say. As hard as our bodies work to keep us going, we do very little to appreciate it. We neglect our feet, our personal slaves. They take a beating every day, might as well start calling them Kunta. We overlook our lungs that work diligently every second, yet they're SO humble. Lord bless em. We don't even recognize our heart. That guy never skips a beat (...until he does :-/ ). And not to mention our kidneys. Those dudes put in overtime shifts to rid our bodies of the toxins we fill it with everyday. Now that's loyalty. So how come we never stop and say "thank you" to our bodies.
I've been thinking about this a lot lately and I think it's about time I showed a little appreciation... let my body know that I'm grateful. I'm sure it'll appreciate the gesture and recompense accordingly. Wait? Doesn't that sound a little...selfish? Not really. The way I see it, its a tit for tat situation. You take care of your body and it'll take care of you. You scratch my back, I scratch yours. Quid pro quo. You get the idea.
So I'm on a quest for wellness. Physical and mental. I want to meditate more, incorporate more exercise, yoga, and most importantly- eat better. Its difficult for us to realize that food plays a major role in our overall wellness- both our physical and mental well-being. So this might be a bit of a struggle.
I'm not saying I'm about to go all green leafy vegetables on ya'll-- you know the type that don't eat something unless it came from a perfect organic seed planted in perfectly fertilized soil (no pesticides or weeds) and harvested at the perfect time not a minute later. No. -___- I need a french fry and a shot of Cuervo every once in a while. But I'm definitely going to make a conscious effort to have my fair share of fruits, vegetables, and "clean foods." I've already cut out beef and pork. I refuse to give up chicken and fish because, by God, Tofu is not a substitution for meat no matter how you cook it. Stop listening to people who say that. They are lying. (I mean, come on...really?)

Here's the part when I suggest that you do the same (not so much because I care about you but more because I think my life is awesome and everyone should live theirs as I do.) Freudian slip?... perhaps! lol....I digress. Wellness is important. I don't think anyone can argue otherwise. Too often, we forget about our little organs and we treat them like a fat, bald-headed version of Oliver Twist. Take a day, a week, a month, 10 seconds even- do something for poor little Oliver. All he wants is some porridge. He deserves it.

CHOICES

Another item checked off on my "LIST" I finished my first half marathon! It's been a long journey and I've learned at least 2 important lessons about myself. I started training for this half marathon in February. Back then, I huffed and puffed after 2 miles. I had a set back in March because of emergency surgery. I was out for about 4 weeks. After recovering I decided to continue training, despite desperate pleas (from my mother) for me to just stop. Lesson #1- I'm pretty stubborn (or persistent...tomAto/tomAHto).

Lesson #2 is more important, and not necessarily just about me. It came after I arrived in San Diego for the race. I woke up Saturday morning with a mind-numbing pain in my back and a sharp uncomfortable feeling in my chest. I started to worry. So, I visited the medical tent at the Expo Center to get a doctor's advice. After examining me for a while, the Dr. told me that I had COSTOCHONDRITIS (inflammation at the junction of my ribs and sternum). He didn't know what caused it. I asked him "Will I be able to run in the marathon tomorrow?" He said "well, you could, but you'll be in a lot of pain... so it's your choice."

.....And THERE was Lesson #2. I have a choice. What a concept! A CHOICE??? It didn't take me that long to make up my mind because I immediately thought of Donielle. She didn't have a choice about how quickly her hair would fall out from the chemo. She didn't have a choice about being hooked up to that got damn oxygen tank. She didn't get to choose how her body would react to the bone marrow transplant- the only thing that could have possibly saved her life. But she did choose to live every one of her last days to the fullest. She was brave and she never quit. So, my choice was simple. I chose to run that race...every single mile...for all the choices Donielle didn't get to make.

If you want to learn some things about yourself, you need to take on a challenge. I'm not saying to dedicate 5 months of your life to train for an endurance event, but do something out of your comfort zone. You will start to realize how strong you are (or can be), how confident you are (or aren't), how much passion you really have, or how many things you take for granted- like the power of CHOICES.

Don't Quit

I'm finally done with recovery...I had to have a blood transfusion and emergency surgery for a ruptured cyst on my ovaries. Yeah, it was kinda scary. Luckily, I'm fine...doctor was able to save my ovaries. My insides are in tact.


So I'm back to training for this 1/2 marathon. I started training a few days ago, which was really frustrating. When I was training before (pre-surgery) I got into a good routine...my body was used to running, I was increasing mileage, my time was improving. But 3 weeks of rest took my body out of that mode...almost completely. It was so hard to run 2 miles! So I started feeling a little discouraged. I'm not gonna lie... I started to doubt myself. Then I was hearing negative things from other people. I fed into that for a little bit and started to convince myself that I shouldn't do this. Maybe it wasn't meant to be. Maybe my cyst ruptured for a reason. Maybe I'm not cut out for this after all.

But of course, I thought back to the reason I started this journey in the first place and how excited I was to be doing something for someone who did so much for others. I gathered up my courage and remembered "Don't Quit,"- a poem that has gotten me through the worst of times.

So I've realized that, realistically, I probably won't be able to complete this 1/2 marathon the way I wanted to. But the most important part is that I WILL complete it. If I have to walk, skip, hop, or crawl across that finish line...I will do it.

Every Journey Begins With a Single Step

Just got in from a workout...PHEW! I haven't run like this since high school!! Right now, I'm just doing about 2 miles a day, and THAT's killing me. It's crazy to think that in less than 4 months, I'll be running 13 miles. But every journey starts with one very small step. So, I'll take it one day at a time...baby steps. Actually, baby steps is an over-statement... I feel like I'm crawling for now! lol

I am amazed at the support and encouragement I'm getting from family and friends. That, along with the motivation I get from the memory of Donielle Evans, are what will push me towards that 13 miles.

Just the fact that I've started this journey has encouraged me. I'm sure it'll be an amazing experience and I'll learn alot along the way. Most importantly, I'll be raising money for a cause that's so dear to my heart- that's what its actually all about. So....

HERE WE GO!

The Audacity to Soar

A lot of people have been asking about my recent adventure. Last weekend, I went Skydiving. Yes, I jumped my black behind out of a plane (tandem of course). 14,000 feet up in the air. The first 2.5 minutes was a free fall..pure adrenaline rush. Then, the parachute went up and I floated for about 7 minutes. It was so peaceful from then on. The quietest quiet I've ever heard...and not just because my ears were plugged from the air pressure.



People have different opinions about my skydiving adventure. Some are just as excited as I am. Some say I'm crazy and they would never do such a thing. All in all, I think its an experience like no other and I don't regret any of it. I'm so happy I did it. It's not necessarily the act of jumping out of the plane, its the excitement of knowing that I accomplished something that I set out to do. About 8 months ago (as I anticipated graduating from college), I started a list... of all the BIG things I want to do in life. Skydiving was on it. So when the plane was at about 12,000 feet up, I did three things- first I checked to make sure the harness what tight and I was securely strapped to Mike, my skydiving instructor. Second, I took a DEEP ass breath and prayed that I would be safe. And finally, I smiled. Peacefully. With confidence. With pride. When Mike said "let's go," I squatted, as I had been taught, arched my back and went soaring amongst the clouds.


Skydiving is not for everyone and I am not suggesting that everyone go jumping out of a plane. But dammit, set a goal that others might find too intimidating, too daring, impossible even. Then, have the gumption to accomplish that goal. Have the nerve to step out of your comfort zone. Have the audacity to soar amongst the clouds.
You only get one life....live it. and learn.

Inadequate vs. Powerful

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure..."- Marianne Williams


I struggled with this idea today. Today was my first day of Teach for America Induction. I met 120 other corps members and a host of TFA staff, alumni, and current corps members. Amazing people...each and every one of them. So talented, intelligent, motivated, driven...inspiring. I was so humbled to be in their presence.



We had a session where we became better acquainted with the purpose of Teach for America- to eliminate the achievement gap. The statistics almost made me cry. The fact that some students are allowed to fail while others are encouraged to succeed is disgusting, especially considering the idea that its no fault of their own. Moreover, the system is set up so that the statistics are perpetuated and the reality of the situation is ignored.

Needless to say, I got a better idea of the challenges I will face for at least the next two years of my young life. If I didn't know before, I know now- this is going to be the hardest thing I've ever had to do. SO as I sat there listening to current corps members and alumni talk about their experiences, I began to feel a little intimidated about this whole situation. I started thinking- Damn, am I cut out for this? Can I really be successful in motivating my students to reach and exceed their highest potential? I started to question my ability to do this. I started to feel....inadequate.

Then, I remembered that quote by Marianne Williams..."our deepest fear is NOT that we are inadequate." But I certainly wasn't feeling "powerful beyond measure" in that moment. I had to really reflect and do some quick soul searching. I realize that I am only as powerful as I allow myself to be. My doubts, fears, or thoughts of inadequacy will do NOTHING for my students. I can make a difference and I can be successful. Regardless of the statistics. Regardless of a messed up system. Regardless of my students' lack of sufficient education up until the point they enter MY classroom. It is up to me to liberate myself from any fears that might limit my potential and hinder me from achieving great success.

My deepest fear is actually pigeons.


Living and Learning.

Cocoons probably stink

Today, a close friend sent me an email about how sad she was about this period of transition...having recently graduated from college, missing friends, being uncertain about the future. This was my response to her. I think I needed to hear it more than she did.

Aalishah,

Just think of all the times in your life when you have had to transition. Like when you had to learn how to walk. I'm not sure if you remember, but I can imagine that it was awkward. Up until that point, you were probably comfortable crawling around or being held in the arms of Grady and Cynthia [her parents]. But they had to stop carrying your heavy ass. So you learned to put one foot first. And you probably fell down a few times. But eventually you were walking- and the world was a different place from that point on.

If it would help to think of an external entity, consider a butterfly. At first, it is a slimy, hairy ass caterpillar confined to a life of dirt and leaves. Then, somehow (sorry, I didn't pay attention to the details in bio class) it transitions to life in a dirty cocoon. I'm sure that shit is uncomfortable. No one notices it. It's just wrapped up and secluded. No job. No activities. Then, one day that fool crawls out and flies away. People admire its beauty. People marvel at how freely it glides through the air- with purpose, with conviction. Have you ever tried to catch a butterfly? You can't even touch it.

Transition is a period of uncertainty. It's unsettling and uncomfortable. Take comfort in knowing that its also a temporary period. As cliche as it sounds...there IS a light at the end of the tunnel...and yours is bright- like Ashley's big ass red purse. I love you.

Living and Learning