September 30, 2014

Planning vs. Panic

I have to admit that I am a little bit of a procrastinator- especially in my personal life. I am as far away from a Type A personality that I can get...I guess that makes me a Z personality. However, I am much better at being organized and planning ahead at work. But regardless of work or home, I find that I am more productive when I'm super busy than when I have fewer things to do - which is weird. I guess I need the pressure and feeling of sheer panic to light a fire under me! I have to say that my son is a lot like me and my daughter is a planner. An example of this was the 5th grade Jamestown project. Alex, (7:30pm) "mom! My project is due tomorrow!" Paige, (3 weeks before due date) mom! I need to start my project!" But whether it is 3 weeks of angst or just a very long 24 hours, when it's all said and done, both my children are pretty darn successful in their endeavors. 

With all that said, I leave you with one of my favorite quotes that guides me often...

"I'll think about that tomorrow" ~Scarlett O'Hara

September 29, 2014

A Tree Grows in Arvada

Colorado has wonderful views- I think the majority of us would not dispute this. Well, the other day while walking out of school, tired and later than I wanted, I realized that I had parked behind the school, not in front, so I trudged around the side of the building. Amid my grumbling, I happened to look up and what did I see across the street? A brand spanking new Dollar Tree store! The hallelujah chorus sang in my head as I took in this spectacular view! I love Dollar Tree! Our relationship goes back a long time- nifty toys and activities for road trips, birthday party favors, room party decorations, gift bags, prizes for students..........the list is endless for all the ways this store has supported me through the years just a dollar at a time. Yes, Colorado has beautiful views and this one made my day!

September 28, 2014

Pizza, Pizza! 

We fired up the pizza oven tonight. It seems like it sat unused most of the summer since we were out galavanting in the Tajma-haul, so we had our friends Jim and Marie over for some pies. It's a group effort to roll out the dough, decide toppings, and slide it in the oven. A perfect pizza is made when the wood fire heats the oven to just the right temperature and the pizza chef has not had too much wine. If either of these is out of balance you can end up with doughy pizza with burnt crusts! It has been known to happen! Tonight, however, we had perfection and great company. Delizioso!

September 27, 2014

Birthday Party in the Wild!

Happy Birthday today to my little sister Lori! Lori is five years younger than me but ten years smarter. You never want to play Trivial Pursuit against her or debate her on any topic. She remembers everything she has learned and is very well read. However, growing up I was able to play a good amount of pranks on her- I mean I had to be better at something! Currently she is flying back from Africa where she treated herself to a safari for her birthday. Now that is a present. I can't wait to see her pictures! What will she do for her 50th?!

Photo taken by Lori

September 26, 2014

Memphis

No, we're not in Memphis- we just got back from seeing the musical Memphis at the Arvada Center. What an awesome performance! The music was terrific and the singers were outstanding! I had not heard much about this musical that is set in Memphis in the 1950's during segregation. The story revolves around rhythm and blues and the beginning of rock and roll as well as the effect of segregation on the black community. It is very entertaining and at the same time a reminder of why we need to learn about these dark times in American history. We never want to repeat that horrible discrimination again.

After the musical, my mother in law told a funny story about her brother Don. When he was around ten years old and she was a little older, they went to visit relatives in Tennessee from their ranch in Procter, Colorado. When her brother saw a drinking fountain marked "colored water fountain" he rain over to it and turned on the water. "Hey!" He said loudly, "this ain't colored water!" 

This is the last weekend for this musical at the Arvada Center but if you ever have a chance to see this musical do it!

September 25, 2014

Grow Your Mind

I'm a firm believer in raising the bar for kids. I have found that when you expect great things from them, they usually do great things. I might have talked about growth mindset versus fixed mindset. All children should know that they can learn but they have to work for it. For instance when they say, "I don't get it" you correct them to add the word "yet"- "I don't get it yet". We all should develop growth mindset with ourselves. We don't need to label ourselves as "bad at math", "a bad cook", "not creative". We can all learn the things we want to learn and improve on what we want to improve on. This weekend do something you were always hesitant to try.....but stay legal- I don't want your growth mindset to end up in a closed cell!

September 24, 2014

Friends

The older I get, the more I appreciate my friends. All of my friends are different - different personalities, likes, strengths, weaknesses, beliefs - but they all are people I want in my life. Kind of like the shoes in my closet. I need them all for different occasions but mostly because having a variety makes life interesting! Most importantly, my friends know my many flaws and quirks but still stick around! Thank you dear friends!