Take 5

I needed a little help today.
Some days are just like that.
Walking into a middle school in late April is a crap-shoot.

Is it going to come up good?
Or is it going to shatter?
I never know.

Today I had to work really hard to keep my sparkle
from darkening too much.
I had to force myself to focus on the good.
I made up my mind to look at only the good in my day.

This didn't happen all at once.
Nope.
I had a big gloomy Eeyore cloud over my head for most of the day.
I really don't like being gloomy.
It's not at my core nature.
But sometimes the gloomy, negativity of a couple teenagers
occasionally latches on to me and like a fungus,
it gets under my skin.

And then at lunch,
I had had enough.
I vented to my friends (Thank you!)
and ate homemade Macaroni and Cheese.
(I'm sooo glad that I made that last night!)

Slowly, I felt the gloom lift.
Just a little.
Then a little more.
During 5th period, I had most of it gone,
but at the end of class
I still needed a little extra boost to free myself completely.

And then...
I saw it.
Two of my goofy students were dancing,
and in that moment, I knew what I needed.
A dance party!
Whoop! Whoop!

I turned on some Disco music
and we had a 5 minute dance party.
Those two boys had a dance off...
squaring off with their "moves."
Other students joined in.
Instantly the giggles rose in my throat,
and the next thing I knew,
I was laughing really hard.

Yes,
it was completely goofy.
No, it isn't a part of the curriculum.
But when most of their (and my) day
is consumed by standards, targets, and state testing,
sometimes we just need to take 5.
5 minutes to be goofy.
5 minutes to laugh, smile, and most importantly boogie down.



So in your stressful moments,

remember that it's just a moment.
Just a little spot of time.
It may be stressful
and the gloom may overwhelm you,
but don't let it totally consume you.
Ultimately it will pass,
but you can help it along by finding your own 5 minutes.
Maybe it will be a silly dance party like mine.
Maybe it will be a quick walk outside.
Or maybe it will being greeted at home by someone you love.

Life is so much more than the things that bring us gloom.

Whatever it is,

own it.

Breathe it in.

And if you're like me,

just DANCE!

Not One More

Yesterday was my first day of summer.
Normally I sleep in, lounge around,
and dream about of the carefree things I plan to do.
But yesterday was different.
I woke up to heartache.
Another school shooting...
here in Oregon.
Right across the street from my doctors' office.
Right where friends have worked...
But those aren't the only reasons that my heart ached,
my heart ached because we have all of the tools
needed in our community to help reduce these events.

Does that surprise you?
If you teach or work in schools,
you know the answer already.

Over the last few years,
class size has risen drastically,
teaching staff has been reduced,
instructional and office staff have been cut to the extreme...
and counseling staff have been given an impossible task.

I'm proud to be a teacher
and I'm very proud of the staff at Reynolds High School,
but my heart aches. You see, it's people that can make the difference in our schools.
Yes, academic achievement is important,
but more than that,
I believe that we need healthy students to reach our achievement goals.

The students that I teach are growing up in a world
that I would never have fathomed at their age.
For many of my students they arrive to school to eat,
go to class to have an adult talk to them and care,
and keep coming back because they feel safer at school than anywhere else.
It should always feel safe.
It should always BE safe.

Our kids need help.
They need adults in their life that can help them manage the maze of life.
Our schools need more adults.
Not adults standing guard...though any positive presence is good.
Our kids need adults that are trained to get kids to talk
and adults that can listen while guiding them through the drama.
Man, there is a lot of drama
and so many more ways for kids to be mean to each other...
they need help.

We need more counselors and staff in our schools.
Walking passed our counselors' door numerous times a day,
the sign-up sheet grows longer every time
with students needing to talk to her about something.
It is impossible for her to meet with every student that needs her,
contact parents for follow-ups,
and deal with the crisis events that happen daily.
One person is not enough.

If you believe like I do that our students need more mental health support,
please do something about it.
Contact your state representatives...write letters, emails, or call.
Our kids deserve to go to school and not only feel safe, but BE safe.

Not One More...

not one more student scared,

not one more parent in distress,

not one more kid that believes 

bringing a gun to school is the solution.

Not One More.

Steel and Fluff

There is no doubt that I love what I do.
I love teaching.
Though at times it breaks you down and breaks your heart,
there is nothing like spending time with kids who
laugh and cry and yes, throw fits, all in the same 5 minutes.
Still, there is nothing like it in the world...
and man is it a tough job.

It is the most gut-wrenching,
life-altering,
tear-producing,
and rewarding job in the world...
and it's not for the mushy souls.
In teaching, you have to be steel and fluff...
a combination of both that only teachers possess.
Over the past couple years it has been quite a challenge.
Some of the toughest moments in teaching have happened,
but no matter how tough it is,
it's worth it.

It's worth it when you see a kid proud of their work.
When they pump their fists in the air
after revising and revising their writing,
finally getting the scores that they had been working for.
When they smile, laugh, and snort.
When they genuinely ask you about someone in your family, with a simple,
"Are they okay?" with that look of concern
and worry plastered on their face.  
When they write you a note of thanks
that makes you teary and laugh at the same time.
Nothing can get me to tears like kindness.

It's worth it when a kid sees you down the hall
and comes running for a hug because, well, they just need one.
When they are standing in line at recognition, nervous, hoping that they don't fall,
and look to you for reassurance that it will be okay.
It will be okay, and they believe you without a word being said...
just a smile, nod, and a thumbs-up is enough for them to know that it will.

It's worth it when you see them on the brink of adulthood.
As they parade through the hallways in their cap and gown,
a grin erupting from ear-to-ear.
Then they see you,
and that smile gets even bigger.
They hug you like you made a difference in their life,
and the greatest thing is just this...
you know that you actually did.

You see,
teaching is not just a job.
Yes, at moments it feels like the most difficult job in the world.
But then there are these brief, deeply impacting moments,
that make teaching the best job in the world.
As teachers it only takes these little moments
to make every other frustrating thing drift away into oblivion.

Steel and fluff.
That's what we are made of.
People may think that teaching is for the weak...
Those people are idiots.
I've seen the self-proclaimed "toughest" people,
completely lose it with a teenager.

Steel is working with them every day,
in a productive, yet loving environment.
Fluff is continuing to believe that they can do better
no matter what mistakes they make.

Teachers...

that care more deeply than most understand,

love without reason,

and celebrate all victories with the children of our world.

We are steel and fluff.

We are the teachers.

Observations

I watch people.

Not in a weird, sitting in the windowsill watching
and commenting about everything.

I had a college roommate of mine who spent too much time doing that
...it was awkward and unsettling.
And a story for another day.

But people fascinate me.

So I watch them interact with the world.

Recently I found an old journal of mine from when my friend and I traveled around Europe. 
This was a few weeks before heading to school in Spain.

I was homesick, scared, and lost.

Kristi and I spent a lot of time just being lost.

Again, another story, for another day. 

It didn't surprise me at how many pages of the journal were dedicated to the observation of people.

I find the ways in which they choose to move through the world interesting.

How they speak to each other, how they move or touch.

Not touch in a perverted way, but loving and a sign of friendship and caring. 

Women of all ages walked through the city, arms linked, talking through their days.

Old women and men did the same.

Maybe it was to steady each other, but it was comforting to see.

I guess the core of all my observations were connected to caring.

It isn't surprising that I'm drawn to that in the world.

I, myself strive to care.

To make sure that the people around me know that they're loved.

But as a former boyfriend told me,
"Lori, it's okay to let the world take care of it's self. Take a break."

And it's true.  

Caring isn't easy.

Sometimes it can be difficult to find the energy to care for people
that give nothing in return.

There are those that tend to suck every ounce away...a black hole, a vacuum.

I've cut those people out of my personal life, but professionally, well, they're still there.

I work with humans that are egocentric.

They are the axis of their world.
Seemingly unaware of others around them.
It can be painful to watch,
but they're learning about life and themselves.

Ultimately they are still learning about what it means to be part of the world.

My hope is that they will become a positive part of the world around them.
And I remind myself when I see their selfish and uncaring actions,
that they will grow out of the selfishness...
well, hopefully most of them will.

So every weekend I take a break.
I spend the days caring for myself and recharging for the drain of teaching.
Because whether you know it or not, teachers do more than teach. :)
We give more than just knowledge and lessons about academic subjects.
We give a bit of ourselves and a whole bunch of love.
We do this to demonstrate how they should care and love for others.
And we do believe that they will learn that too.

So when you see a teacher,
please remember that we love in a way that others can't...or won't.
And we go back every day trying to do the same thing over and over again.
But, most of all, please show us the same.
Love and compassion.
And give us a break.
Or at least a cookie.  :)

Impact: Part Three

"Courage is what it takes to stand up and speak; 

courage is also what it takes to sit down and listen."

--Winston Churchill

Speak, but listen more. 

Remember that though kids listen to what we say,

our facial expressions with listening ears and hearts are valued more.

Impact: Part Three

People that my student admire...

Impact: Part Three

Luis (friend): Luis tells me to be strong in life.  He has taught me that you can go through times in your life that are rough and still stand back up.  Plus, he encourages me to stand up to people that are just “dream crushers”.

Uncle Robby: He means a lot to me because when I would go to family reunions I knew that he would be there and it was going to be fun.

Jake (step-brother): He showed me that it doesn’t take 50 years to become the manager of the Hawaiian Pepsi Company.  He has taught me humor, weirdness, and awesomeness.

Kyle (brother): I always get excited when he visits us on breaks.  He has always cheered me on and is still always fun to play with.

Nikki (cousin): Nikki calls me her twin sister and I feel the same.  She’s a volleyball coach and made me love to play too.

Uncle Caesar: He made everything better because he always acted wild and crazy, but also calm at the same time.  Also, my uncle always taught me to take risks.

Dad:  My dad means so much to me.  He’s the one who makes sure I have food on my plate, a warm bed to sleep in, and a roof over my head.  My dad always taught me to be respectful and do my best.

  

Dad: he pushes me to do stuff that I didn’t think that I could do.

Anthony (Older brother):  My mom met his dad when I was 2 and he was 3.  He shows me courage because he wasn’t supposed to get diabetes until 11 or 12 years old, but he got it and had to manage it at 7.

Ms. Moore (4th grade teacher):  She was the best teacher and we always had a good time together.  She gave me advice about things too.

My Dad:  My dad is my rock, the person I know can cheer me up when I’m down.  He taught me to see the brighter side of things and to not hang my head.  Without him I would be lost.

Aunt Carina: She means a lot to me.  She has 7 kids and is tough and strong.  She impacts me by reminding me that whatever happens to you, tough it out, fight through, and think the best of things.

My Dad:  My dad has taught me that family comes first and that nothing has to drag you down.

Ashlynne:  She means a lot to me because she was the only one who didn’t abandon me for my “mean” exterior.  She taught me to laugh more, to not care what people thought, and to be awesome.

Levi (Step-dad):  Whenever we’re going to the beach or camping, Levi always finds a way to make it way more fun.  For example, he will make baskets from long grass, or something.  He has impacted my life by always being able to make me laugh.

 

Grandpa Richard:  My grandpa to me meant that we were going to have a fun time.  He also taught me that anything is possible.

Sister:  She means everything to me…yeah, we fight, but without her I’d be clueless.  She taught me how to play soccer.  We would play in the backyard, and she’d teach me new tricks.  Someday I want to be just like her.

Mr. Camp:  If he was not teaching and there was a sub, I would be sad.  If it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t know how to read.

Mrs. Elliot (2nd grade teacher):  My teacher means challenges…for when I went to school she was always there giving me a new challenge.  She has impacted my life greatly!  She was the reason I now LOVE math and reading.  I succeed because of her.

Impact: Part Two

 "If you think you're too small to have an impact, 

try going to bed with a mosquito."

Anita Roddick 

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/impact.html#jdsbFaDudmLrzrua.99

"Caring about others, running the risk of feeling, 

and leaving an impact on people, brings happiness."

Harold Kushner 

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/keywords/impact.html#jdsbFaDudmLrzrua.99

Here is another set of response from my students when I asked them who in their life has left a lasting impact on them. I love that the first one doesn't even have a name to go with it...a good reminder that we all can impact, even with strangers.

Lady at the Barn:  She is someone that I only met once, but she taught me how to be brave.

Mrs. Hiser:  She was my teacher.  She helped me get to where I am today and was very understanding.

Uncle Andy: He has a way of making me smile when I get mad or sad.  When I think about him, I remember when we used to go play soccer together.

Linda: She is really supportive.  She is kind of like a second mom to me and has influenced my life by always being there.

Mom:  Even though she has 3 kids, she always takes time for me.  My dad is always working, but she is the one that takes care of us each day.

Mom: My mom means the world to me, because she makes my day better and I can always trust her! She’s the best mom.  My mom impacted my life when I was just a baby.  She was a single mom, but took care of me and didn’t give up.

Wes (family friend):  We met at basketball tryouts where he came up to me and said, “Have fun and do the best you can.”  He has been my coach for two years now and I hope he will be for much longer too.

Dione (family friend): She is hilarious, respectful, sweet, kind, always playful and a caring goofball.  She has shown me that even though we’re not blood related, that doesn’t mean you love or care about that person any less.

Mom: She has taught me that no matter what, you can always forgive someone.

Dad: He has changed me into a good ball player with sports.  Plus he’s nice, supportive, generous, and hilarious.

Mom: She has pushed me to be the best I can in everything that I do.

Grandma Elena: She means everything to me and is like a mother to me.  Whenever she goes somewhere, I go with her…I love that.

Kennedy (friend):  I can tell her anything and trust her with it all.

Kaitlyn (friend):  She’s very funny, fun, and she brings joy into my life.  Plus, she is always there for me.

Poppy (grandpa):  He’s fun and gives a lot of time to me, my cousins, and other syblings.  He impacts me by the way he just gives his time to watch us so that we can have fun.  And I respect that very much.

Kenneth (best friend): Kenneth means a lot to me.  He’s always fun, willing to play games, and hangout.  I wouldn’t be me if I never met Kenneth and I wouldn’t have the imagination that I have if I had never met him.

Mom:  She is a busy, but inspiring artist and a great cook.  She’s supported my talents and hobbies more than I could ask for; she acknowledges my talents.

Lori (aunt):  My Aunt Lori influenced me by making me feel better about myself. She makes me laugh and tells me stories about when she was my age.

Grandpa (great-grandpa): He was a prisoner of war, but is cheerful most of the time.  He supports me by helping me with my homework and encouraging me to work hard to achieve my future goals.

Jordin (friend):  She’s funny.  Usually I’m a downer, but when I visit her I’m actually quite fun to be around.

Ted (brother):  My brother is my role model.  He’s the type of person I go to when I’m feeling down.  He’s impacted my life by showing me how strong I am and that I’m capable of doing anything for my future.

Uncle Ken:  he taught me to understand that everything has a purpose and a reason.

Dad:  My dad means the whole universe to me because he encourages me, understands me, and loves me a lot.  He’s taught me how to be a good persona and play sports.  I would not be the person I am today without my dad.

Daisy (cat):  Daisy is a kind soul. She taught me to respect others, just by her quiet self and elegance.  She’s been with me ever since I was born, and growing up she is one of my best friends.  She has taught me patience, kindness, and showed me how smart animals can be.

(I can definitely relate to that.  Animals are the purest souls…why to some treat them as nothing?)

Tia Maureen (aunt): She has always been around for me. She always know how to make me smile.  My Tia tells me that I can do anything, that she knows I’m growing up to smart, beautiful woman, who will achieve amazing things.

(I think I need a Tia Maureen in my life.  How about you?)

Simple Gifts

As you are spending time with family and friends,
exchanging gifts, please remember that the gifts aren't that important.
Sure, they're nice.
Don't get me wrong, I love gifts!
Especially when they're given with
a big heart and love.
But, gifts don't have to cost much,
in fact my favorite ones don't have much monetary value, but they're priceless to me.

Christmas is more about the little simple things.

Like dressing up Murphy is silly hats.

He LOVES it!

Can't you tell?

Actually, he just loves me, so he puts up with it.

 Another simple gift...

The family Christmas tree decorated with ornaments from throughout our lives.

It's a tree filled to the brim with love.

Here are some of my favorites...

 My toy horse and a paper bear that I made in grade school.

 Everyone's favorite UPS man, my dad...

working late to make sure that your family gets their presents.

 My sheep.

Just like Murphy, I adore my sheep.

And every Christmas morning Santa leaves a special gift just for me,

no matter how old I get.

And the best of them all...

Our Ugly Angel.

As a little girl, all I wanted was to have a beautiful angel 

at the top of our tree like all of my friends.

I couldn't understand why our angel had to be so darn ugly.

Then I grew up and I saw her beauty.

Through grown-up eyes I saw that we had the best angel of all,

and I ADORE our beautiful family angel.

Now, the simpliest gift of all...a living memory.

A couple days before Winter Break, 

a student arrived early to school and stopped my as I walked in the front door.

"Ms. Chambers!  I have something for you! A little Christmas gift."

He pulled out of his bag a plate of cookies and a card.

"I tried really hard to make these just like my mom did.  

It was kinda hard, but I did my best.  I hope you like 'em."

I told him that I'm sure they were perfect and that I will definitely eat one for my snack,

while trying not to cry. 

You may think that this is just any plate of cookies, from any kid, but that's not the case.

This is a kid that is just awesome. 

Always the first to help me in the classroom.

First to volunteer with anything to do with Fences For Fido...

and pretty much, always smiling and happy.

Just a nice kid.

See his mom died last year.

A difficult loss for anyone, yet alone a child...

but he helps keep her memory going in little ways,

like cookies and a smile.

As you open gifts today, 

take a moment to appreciate the people around you and not just the presents.

In the end it's not an object that holds the importance of the day, 

it's the people and how they make you feel.

That's what you remember...the feeling you get at the thought of people.

So, take in the love and joy from those who cherish you so 

that you can hold those feelings in your heart long after they've gone.

Love, hope, joy, peace, and happiness,

with a side of cookies and a smile...

That's Christmas to me.

Merry Christmas Everyone!

Lori and Murphy

Where's Santa?! Where is that dude?!

Reading the Stars

“My thoughts are stars I can’t fathom into constellations.” (311, Green, J.)

Wow.

You know when a book is stellar, 

when you put it down and just sit there. 

Stunned that it’s over, 

reeling in it's beauty, 

and mourning the loss of more pages.

That is how I feel.

Each and every time.

I am a book nerd.
Those who didn't know this about me, well here it is.
I am a book nerd and proud of it.
I love books.
Someday, if I ever have a larger home, I dream of a room solely devoted to books.
My very own library…
That would be beautiful.
Yes, it’s a beautiful, nerdy world, and I adore it.
One of the amazing things about teaching English is that I get to read.
It’s not that I just “get to read,” I get to read AND talk about books.
Now sometimes, I must admit,
that it can be painful to get my students involved in the conversations.
But when they do…oh man,
there’s nothing better than seeing their eyes open in realization and understanding.
They think that I’m lying at the beginning of the year when I tell them that I learn something new every
time I read a book. I tell them that some of our books I've read 30-40 times.
This is where their faces slack and jaws drop.
But it’s true.
This is my 15 year teaching.
Though the novel read haven’t been around 15 years,
when I read them with multiple classes,
the numbers quickly jump.
But it’s true.
I learn something new each and every time.
How you ask?
Well, you know why...
It’s the kids!
Their lives.
Their background.
Their insight.
It replenishes a familiar story into something more profound.
They do that.
Still, they don’t believe me when I make that statement.
And that’s okay.
It's true.

I will always talk about books.
Encouraging my students to embrace
and love literature for the words that are so carefully chosen.
If not today, maybe tomorrow they too will put down a book,
so beautiful that they have no words to express the feeling.
Because the author has already said enough.
So I leave you with one recommendation today.
Read.
Read alone, with someone, or to someone.
Just read!
I cherish the memories of my mom reading to me at night.
I still remember each and every story.
Those storybooks are kept safe and sound on my bookshelf.
And today, I read.
I read to learn about the past, experience a life in the present, and live a surreal future.
But, above all, I read.
You should too.

My suggestion,
The Fault in Our Stars by John Green.
It's beautifully written and a heart-twisting look into the
strength and courage of those battling cancer.
You'll laugh.
You'll cry.
You'll smile and then cry again.
But you'll fall in love with it!

Stand up

Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter. -

Martin Luther King, Jr.

The other day I stood in awe of one of my students.

It isn't often that I see a kid that is self-confident enough to stand up for what they believe.

 Especially in middle school.

So when I have a student that not only says what they believe,

but approaches others in the hope to change their mind, I stand in awe.

The other day, a 6^th grade girl overheard a group of 8^th grade girls talking about how mean and vicious pit bull dogs are.  She was much smaller than the 8^th graders and determined.

I saw her stand up quickly and march over to that group.

She was already sharing her opinions as she approached.

“Pit bulls aren't mean or vicious! It’s their owners who don’t train them well or treat them badly.  No dog starts out life mean, it’s what humans do to the animals that make them react in different ways.  Treat them with kindness and they will be kind.  Animals only do what they need to protect themselves. That’s just nature.”

I stood in awe.

Proud to know that there will always be people of all ages using their voices to help animals.

 

I was not that kid.

I wanted to be, but I wasn't.

Instead I was the kid, who stood by, shocked at what was happening, but too scared to step out.

It wasn't until I was much older…a senior in high school, that I was brave enough.

Not completely brave to stand up to a group, but brave enough to stand up for one.

One dog.

That was the year that I found my first rescue…Quincy.

He was a little 10 month old puppy that my dad told me about.

The dog had been living at a welding company,
a forgotten and unwanted birthday gift to the owner’s son.

Instead of taking care of the pup, they left it there.

The workers feed him and gave him water, but on the weekends…he was alone.

Very alone.

Living in a concrete cell, a shed.

No light, no grass, no love.

My dad didn't have to tell me much about him.

My heart ached for him before I even knew him,
and the moment I saw him, he had to be mine.

He was a little mud-covered pup,
who sat at my feet begging to be love.

I looked him over and knew that day was going
to be the last day he needed to beg for love from me.

For the next 16 years he was my constant companion.

He was my heart.

I’m thankful that I was strong enough to stand up to the old,
grumpy man that day and take the puppy with me.

I’m glad that Quincy wasn't going to live around him anymore.

That he would be kicked or hit or left alone without human contact.

He would be loved.

And he was, until the last moment of life and in my heart forever.

Every dog should have such a life.

So now, I stand in awe.

I wished that I had the strength of this little girl.

She wasn't afraid.

She believed in what she said, and she was right.

That strength from someone so young,
makes my heart soar.

I hope for a day when all animals will be loved.

The day when people won’t abuse,
Instead love will be the prevalent response to others.

But until that day,
I will have hope in our future generations.

Kids are strong in their opinions.

They stand up for injustice and have the strength to change in ideas of others.

They’re cool like that.