Reverb 9-11

Prompt Day 9: What social gathering rocked your socks off in 2010? Describe the people, music, food, drink, clothes, shenanigans.

I'm not really a social gathering type of person. However, I was actually very glad that I attended my school's holiday party this year. There were lots of staff members and their partners that I was surprised to see. I did feel a bit awkward at first because my husband and I decided to sit at a table by ourselves. However, once more people arrived, and some folks sat at our table, I felt much better. This event helped me to break out of my shell and stop being so concerned with what others are thinking of me. Or, of what I am thinking about myself. I am still aloof at times--this is one of things that I'd like to change in 2011.

Prompt Day 10: What was the wisest decision you made this year, and how did it play out?

The wisest decision I made this year was to take classes through a licensure program with my school's district. I am learning so much about the craft of teaching. I love the practicality of the activities we are doing and have already started to use some of the strategies I'm learning with my students this year. I wish I had this information during my first or even second year of teaching!

Prompt Day 11: What are 11 things your life doesn't need in 2011? How will you go about eliminating them? How will getting rid of these 11 things change your life?

1. I do not want to procrastinate any longer. I did not start this school year out on a positive note. I was angry and bitter at my previous principal because she was unethical and blind to some situations, and frankly I was (and still am some days) tired of teaching these crazy kids that no one knows what to do with. Therefore, I did not use the summer to create lesson plans for this school year like I wanted to and things just snowballed from there. Now that I know that things are better this year (new administration), I do not need to procrastinate. Some mini goals to break this habit include: writing lesson plans for the following week by each Friday, and grading as much homework and classwork as I can during my prep periods so I can leave work on time.

2. I do not want to be a nag to my husband any longer. We are both stressed out this year (school, classes, raising kids, finances, etc.) and need to cleave to each other, not stand divided. My mini goals to break this habit include: speaking out of love, taking a moment to decompress (drink something hot, take a bath, etc.), and savor the opportunities that we have to connect to each other one on one.

3. I do not want to be a complacent mother. I want my daughters (especially my oldest) to be able to come to me with any questions that they might have and not be afraid to share. My mini goals to be the best mother I can be include: making individual time for each of my girls (re-vamping our book club, concerts, etc.), and letting go of the negative self-talk that I am a bad person once and for all. If I'm confident, that will carry over into my relationship with my girls, and beyond.

4. I do not want every day of my life to be a daily grind. I want to choose one thing to do that makes me happy daily. My mini goals include: reviewing my list of things that make me happy and doing at least one of those activities each day.

5. I do not want to be aloof any longer. I have always been a shy individual and rarely had any friends. Although I've come out of my shell some, I still put up my shields when I'm in a new environment, and/or don't feel comfortable. This does affect my relationship with my in-laws. My mini goals to break this habit include: going out of my way to have a conversation, and actually taking through my thoughts when I start to pull away.

6. I do not want to live from paycheck to paycheck any longer. My mini goals include: setting up an automatic transfer from checking to savings, and cutting out any extraneous purchases.

7. I do not want to spend my entire summer break at home any longer. My mini goals include: finding affordable day trip options, saving money to travel to a different state in summer 2001.

8. I do not want to ignore the spiritual side of my life any longer. I truly need to find a community of like-minded individuals. I know that it will help me be a better person. My mini goals include: visiting nondenominational churches, and spiritual bookstores, and opening up and talking to people.

9. I do not want to be consumed with fear any longer. I want to live authentically; to truly be myself regardless of the outcome. My mini goals include: following "The Four Agreements" more closely, continue writing daily, and live with intention.

10. I do not want to be a teacher of students in an urban school longer than 3-5 more years. I'm starting to outgrow this position and am looking towards a different direction (what yet, I don't know). My mini goals include: start researching other career opportunities, talk with people who work in fields that I may be interested in, look for leadership opportunities.

11. I do not want to be unhealthy any longer. I want to exercise at least twice a week and eat 'cleanly' everyday. My mini goals include: utilizing our Y membership at least 1-2 times a week in addition to bellydance, packing lunch everyday, eating a healthy breakfast, taking a multivitamin every morning, and drinking half of my body weight in water.