Reflecting Back . . .

I reflect on this last day . . . the last day of the March challenge
I reflect on day one . . . and how I worried if I would be able to see the challenge through and slice something everyday (and I did!)
I reflect on the many slices . . . slices that made me smile, slices that brought tears to my eyes and slices that connected me to people I’ve never met
I reflect on this community of people . . . people who through their words shared inner thoughts, feelings and parts of their everyday lives
I reflect on the comments made . . . comments that were so thoughtful and so caring . . . comments that I looked so forward to reading . . . because I also agree that . . . comments matter
I reflect on day 31 with mixed emotions . . . but know for sure how glad I am to be a part of this           community  . . . . this community of people
I reflect on the last day of the  March challenge . . . 

 

Quotes I Love and That Reflect Parts of Me . . .

How lucky I am to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard

people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel

I believe that everything happens for a reason. People change so that you can learn to let go, things go wrong so that you appreciate them when they're right, sometimes good things fall apart so that better things can fall together

Life is what happens to you while you're busy making other plans

A woman is like a tea bag; you never know how strong it is until it's in hot water

That which does not kill us makes us stronger

All you need is love. But a little chocolate now and then doesn't hurt

I would rather walk with a friend in the dark, than alone in the light

Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle

Don’t go around saying the world owes you a living. The world owes you nothing. It was here first

Nothing that’s worthwhile is ever easy. Remember that

All little girls should be told they are pretty, even if they aren't

Wrinkles should merely indicate where the smiles have been

What's the good of living if you don't try a few things

Live each day as if it were your last

Look of Spring...Maybe

Short slice inspired while enjoying my morning coffee!

Glorious blue sky
Feeling the warmth of the sun
Is spring maybe here

Good-by For Now . . .

Time to leave . . . time to go back . . .
Throwing my bag in the plane’s luggage rack
I sit in my seat emotions held tight
And watch the city I love disappear from my sight
New memories were made that I’ll keep in my heart
Now that Lyndsey is again going to be far apart
Good-by New York . . . good-by Lyndsey
Next time we meet will be heading to the Mediterranean Sea!

Another NY Favorite

Snaking through the streets . . . beeping . . . passing . . . nothing getting in the way

No car too big to pass . . . no street too narrow to whiz through

Getting you to where you need to go

NYC Cabbies . . . you gotta love them!

 

 

A Few Of My Ny faves

A Few Top Musts In New York

Shopping . . .no tax on clothes... That's huge compared to Chicago taxes
Eatily... wines, restaurants, cheeses and meats from around the world...eclectic wonderland
9/11 Memorial...a place with forever hope and strength
Restaurants ...every nook and cranny feeding taste buds for every culture
Broadway... Cozy theaters with big talent
Central Park ... Nature at its best

New York Streets

walking
walking
more walking
interesting and unique burrows
street venders 
selling
culinary delights
watches
pashminas 
everything New York 
blocks turning into miles
a people watcher’s delight

NY

stairwells at most corners
the door for the crowds
for the people 
destinations are varied
the silver bullet... the pulse of the city
the New York City subway

Good morning!!

waking up this morning with a great big smile
cause all the special ladies in my life are together for a short while
our annual trip to New York to get pampered, to shop, and tour
wasting not a moment of the day  . . . you can be sure
the chatter . . . . the giggles . . . begin as soon as we wake
the plans for the day are scheduled make no mistake
today as always we begin with a treat
making our hands pretty along with our feet

Making Memories

eight hours from now when this day ends
there will be a lot of sighs and a few amens
I am more than ready there is no doubt
To jump on the plane that will fly the route
To the city to the place where a piece of my heart is
To the city to the place where my sweet Lyndsey lives
She was raised to go out there and follow her dream
to spread her wings and fly no matter how extreme
I cherish the times making new memories for my heart
For the months when unfortunately we are far apart

WFSN . . .Going Live

Each morning at school we begin our day with a live broadcast . . . aka WFSN.  The news team is comprised of groups of 5-7 5th grade students.  The jobs include, 2 anchors, a camera person, the director, an announcer, music person and the checker. The students come to school about 30 minutes early to practice his/her job so we are ready to go live at 9:15.    I have to be honest, the time before we go live is by far my favorite time of the day.  In that very short period of time . . . I see students becoming confident speakers, shy students taking risks as well as students working cooperatively together as a team.  In that short period of time . . .  the students and I have conversations that are fun and lighthearted.  Not only do I learn things about them, but I share bits of my life as well.  In that short period  of time. . . I bond with them and I believe it’s that short period of time that they remember for a very long time!

Chicago Sports

Yesterday in our “Spirit Week” was sport jersey day . . .  It makes me think about our  home teams! If you live in my area the team that we are all loving right now is our Chicago Blackhawks!  Here in Chicago and the neighboring suburbs people are huge sport fans . . . but as many of you may know . . . we have had droughts in celebrating with our teams in the “championship” department.  Oh don’t get me wrong, we did have a great run a number of years ago with our Chicago Bulls aka the Michael Jordan years, The Chicago White Sox gave us a thrill when they won the World Series after many many years, the Hawks of course won the Stanley Cup just a few years ago and our Chicago Wolves have not had a losing season. . . unfortunately for Chicago Cub fans . . . well let’s just say  . . . they are still waiting until next year . . . but whatever your team, here in Chicago we love them whether they are winning or losing! 

Spirit Week Begins . . .

Yesterday was the first day of “Spirit Week” at school.  It was crazy socks day . . .  I wore my “ballet socks” . . . saw some creative ways students and teachers embraced the 
day. . . polka dots, stripes, tall and short socks, colorful socks, socks with designs socks of many different kinds!  It’s the week moving towards spring break so hopefully the "spirit" will create a bit of fun . . . so we can relax a bit and really enjoy next week . . . I’ll keep you posted . . .

Veggies . . . Boring to Delicious!

My brother-in-law and nephew are “foodies” a term used for people who appreciate great cuisine and seek out restaurants for the experience, not just for the meal.     They love to go to restaurants  featuring top chefs and the crem de la crem of course is when they actually meet the chefs.  They love to take ordinary and turn it into extraordinary!  So whenever I need a go to person to change boring to delicious my brother-in-law is the guy!  Last week he took ordinary veggies . . . all organic of course and turned them into something scrumptious!  And the best part   . . . always keeping in mind I don’t want added calories and fat!  I would love to share this recipe with you all, I don’t think you will be disappointed.

Raw fresh veggies

Start out with fresh veggies the more varied the better!  Chop them up in chunks...not too small now.  Take an oil spray bottle (if you don’t have one you should run out today and buy one) and spray the veggies lightly. Then just open up the spice cabinet and load them up with a variety of herbs.


Place the veggies in a roasting pan and bake them at about 425 degrees for about 40-45 minutes.  Next take the veggies out for part 2. Take balsamic vinegar . . . I happen to love it so I have a few flavored ones (one of my favorites, garlic cilantro) but any kind will work.  Pour the balsamic all over the veggies until well coated, cover and pop back in the oven dropping the temperature to about 375 degrees for  about 20 minutes or longer depending on your preference.  That’s it!  Delicious veggies that are not only great today but make great leftovers too!  Let me know if you try it!

Just before putting them in the oven!

Dinner is served . . .yumm!

              

Signs . . .

  Laying in bed this morning  just before dawn, I began thinking about what my slice would be today. . . I usually have ideas before I sit down to write.  But this morning, laying there I had nothing!  I wanted to write about seeing signs of warmer weather . . . seeing signs of spring . . .after all, it is the middle of March.  But after yesterday’s weather . . . gloomy skies, cold rain mixed with tiny ice balls at times and temperatures hovering in the 30’s . . . how in the world would I be able to write about spring?  I pictured in my head what the first signs of spring are . . . grass beginning to turn from brown to green, early spring flowers popping through the soil brightening up the landscape with some much needed color, trees with buds just waiting to pop . . . becoming the perfect backdrop against a bright blue sky . . .birds . . . lots of birds singing their wake up call . . . birds with their bright red and orange bellies adding more . . . much needed color to the gloomy landscape we’ve seen for months . . . and of course the sun . . . the cherry on top of the sundae.  I smiled, laying there in the darkness of my room thinking about all the signs . . . wondering  . . . when will I be able to see . . . really see the signs of spring . . . will it be this morning?

Reflection on Saturday Errands

Another busy Saturday filled with endless errands to run
Tax Man,
Shower gifts
Hair cut
Grocery Shopping
    Not sure I can say I’m done!
Funny how the Saturday list begins the week before
Each day I’m adding something new . . .  that becomes a weekend chore!
I’m really not complaining . . . Cause I know for others it’s far worse
baseball games
dance lessons
endless laundry
 running noses
    And let’s not forget the trip to see a doctor or nurse
I am really thankful . . . that in a week there is this day
And again I am thankful . . . that there’s still a day to play!

Inspired Students

Thanks for the reminder . . . the reminder to check out the “classroom” slices.  I took a bit of time at lunch yesterday and again last evening to read more than a few.  And may I just say, if you haven’t had a chance to check them out, you don’t know what you are missing.  I was so impressed by the thoughtful slices . . . I loved how the students took a risk and just let the thoughts flow out!  Kudos to the teachers who have inspired them...

Here Comes the Sun...I Hope

Oh hello there . . . it’s been a while
But just seeing you out there brings a smile
I’ve missed how I feel when I see your face
I’m hoping you’ll still be there when I get out of this place
I long for those days when I can watch you slowly appear
And right before my eyes you become a golden sphere
I never get tired of the warmth you share
In fact I look forward to being with you sitting on my lawn chair!

Thoughts On My Words

Swirling and twirling around in my head
The thoughts . . . the words that have not been said
Searching for that one which may inspire
Or at the very least . . . . maybe just make others smile
Sometimes the slices are easy and light
And when the words are written they just feel right
Then there are the times I go deep and pull
Words that touch me and are so meaningful
I never quite know when either will emerge
Just hope that the words easily converge

My love hate relationship with time!

TIME . . . sometimes you’re too short . . . sometimes you’re too long . . . sometimes you just go too fast . . . and sometimes you’re never enough
When I’m with my family . . . you’re never enough
When I’m waiting for sunny days November, through       April . . . you’re too long
When I’m anticipating a trip . . . you’re too long, but during the trip . . . you’re too short
When I’m reading all the slices . . . you’re never enough
When I’m on the treadmill . . .  you’re too long
When I’m watching the kids take the ISAT . . .  you’re too long
When I think back over my life . . . you go too fast
When I think about having massages . . . you’re never enough
When it’s finally Saturday and Sundays . . . you’re too fast
When I’m waiting for the next meal when dieting . . . you’re too long
When I’m waiting in traffic . . . you’re too long
When I’m  shopping with my sister . . . you’re never enough

Dear iPod . . .

Dear iPod,

I remember when I bought you . . . you were way more than I thought I would spend at the time.  But you promised me more than just music and I just couldn’t resist you.  For over 5 years you have done what I have asked and you’ve have kept your promises.  I really appreciate how when you were feeling “low” you finished the workout with me.  The days that I just wanted to give up and quit you pushed me to get in my workout.  You have been a good friend BUT . . . I have to be honest with you . . . “YOUR REALLY NEED TO PUMP IT UP!”  Your songs are getting stale, and you’re just not as exciting as you used to be.  I turn to you for inspiration and as of late . . . you’re just not cutting it!  I need you more than ever to get out there and find some inspiration . . . find me  . . . some new inspiration!  Maybe you need some help, I’m sure there is someone, anyone who can help you out with this . . . you just need to ask. 
xoxo

Sunday Morning "Fight"

Ahhh, Sunday morning, been waiting for you all week
Saturday was spent running errands which is nothing unique
But in the quiet of the early morning hour
I’m digging deep for some much needed will power
Zumba . . . treadmill . . . weight class . . . when I just want to sit
All the time knowing the latter has no benefit
So I’ll need to stop slicing  . . . need not to procrastinate
But rather get moving and pump up my heart rate!

Smile Found During ISAT

Proctoring ISAT  . . . is monotonous  to say the least, so I tried to find something to smile about during those long days . . . I did  . . .  one thing . . .
As most of you may know, directions must be read exactly as scripted . . . a new part of the directions is that if a student has a cell phone it must be turned off and placed in a basket.  Now working in a K-5 building, we don’t see cell phones that often.  So on the first day  the cell phone direction was read . . . absolutely no response or movement from the students . . . second day, exactly the same . . .   absolutely no response or movement . . . then the third day, the teacher began reading the directions and I of course am expecting the same “non”  response when . . . all of a sudden 6 students stand up pull a cell phone from their pocket and place it in the basket!  I’m chuckling softly to myself when a young girl turns and says to me, “Mrs. Wiater, I think they brought in cell phones just so they could try and look cool” I smiled and said, “honey, I think you are exactly right!”  Out of the mouth of one smart young 5th grader!

A Brief Look Back Some 20 Years . . .

I had a surprise in my mailbox the other day at work.  I received a catalog for 20 years of service in my school district.  I was to choose a gift from the many choices. I scanned the gifts, but a  funny thing happened, all I could think was . . .
WHAT!?!  Where the heck did the last 20 years go! 
I slid back in time to my first year as a teacher . . .
Memories so clear . . . like it was yesterday!
Here are a few . . .
    My first parent information night, thank goodness we didn’t have air conditioning back then . . . there was an excuse for  my very sweaty armpits.
    My first class, oh how the 5th grade “gods” must have been looking out for me . . . the class was almost perfect in every way.
    My first “note” from a student . . . “Mrs. Wiater you are really funny and I love being in your class” . . . talk about the flood gates opening.
    The first time I had to decide a consequence for 2 really nice boys that just made a bad decision . . . it took me back to when I was in grammar school and how the teacher DID NOT give me a break . . . guess what I did?  . . .  I gave the boys a pass.
    The day our TDP teacher came back from a conference and told us how we would soon be able to go on the computer, and with the click of a button, would be able to go anywhere in the world . . . the internet!
    And the young teacher who greeted me with a warm smile one morning and asked me, how I was doing? . . . I mean she really wanted to know how I was . . .
And still today she is one of my dearest friends . . . some 20 years later...
Funny how a catalog can bring back so many memories!

Winter

 

 

 

 

winter, winter please go away
snow
cold temps
grey skies
hibernationI yearn to see . . .
the sun
green trees
animals scurrying
flowers all in bloom
I need to feel . . .
sun’s warmth on my skin
soft green grass under my feet
soil as I plant tender herbs in my garden
my legs pumping my bike through the forest
I need to hear . . .
splashing of cool water in the pool
ice cubes slowly melting as they cuddle my Corona Lites
birds waking me up . . . even when it’s before dawn
summer, summer please come back!

My Excitment For New York

 As I think about my upcoming trip to New York the excitement builds . . . but my excitement is not because I’ll be going to the the city that never sleeps, it’s in anticipation of seeing my niece Lyndsey . . . 
Let me tell you a little bit about her . . . When I think of Lyndsey . . .

loving, passionate, caring, independent (she gets this from me,) strong, organized (she gets this from her mom,)  and loyal come to my mind . . .

Lyndsey came into this world happy and content . . .  In fact, she was so content that she pretty much slept all the time!  My sister and I always said she was sent from an 

Opening presents on Christmas Eve with her purse on!

angel . . . that angel is our mom.  She was a “girly” girl from the very beginning . . . in every picture, she was holding her little purse and there had to be a pretend lipstick in it.  
Everyone would tell my sister and I . . .  just wait until the “terrible twos” . . . we waited, and waited . . . but nothing changed she sailed through as sweet and loving as always.  From a very young age she loved to learn, she soaked up books even before she could read the words . . . and always loved to share her new knowledge . . . that’s why at a very early age she asked me to buy her an overhead projector for Christmas for “school” where she “taught” her friends.  Entering the “teen” years my sister and I waited for her to turn into . . . you know the transformation “teens” go through, but again, we waited and waited and she just became more loving and passionate setting high goals for her future.  She knew what she wanted and where she would go to get them.
And now a young  woman . . . a woman who wants to make a difference . . . a woman who never ceases to amaze me with her spirit . . . a woman I would never hesitate to ask advice . . . a woman who just seeing her name pop on my phone makes me smile . . . a woman who I love more than life!
And on most Sundays when my sister and I “facetime” her and I lean in to the screen to give her a kiss . . . and that beautiful smile appears on her face . . . WOW!! my heart warms to a zillion degrees and my day . . . well my day couldn’t be better!
143 Honey . . .

Lyndsey today on a recent trip visiting her brother Jason in CA

A Snow Day . . .

The call came last night . . . the call that we would have a snow day. . . I was hoping it would not come . . . 
but it did . . . as we are expecting a major winter storm!  I know, I know I’m probably the only person on the planet who isn't excited about a snow day!  I’m used to people looking at me like I have 3 heads when I say this...so go ahead I can take it.  I’ll tell you why I’m not a fan . . . first of all it’s not a free day . . . . come June we will have to give it back . . .  I’m not a winter kind of gal, so to spend the day shoveling doesn’t sound so appealing. And I’m sure I’ll spend time today doing some work . . .  work that I planned to do today anyway.  My “hip hip hooray” will be in June when the weather is warm, the sun shining and I am sitting on my deck enjoying the anticipation of the beginning of summer! 

Letting go of ISAT frustration . . . I hope

Although the idea of proctoring for the ISAT test today is looming in my head . . . UGH! 
 I just can’t . . . won’t  stop thinking of glorious sunny day Sunday was . . .

Ahhhh the sky a magnificent shade of blue
Nothing in the way . . . nothing stopping the rays from coming through
Rooftops covered with ice and snow
Beginning to melt . . . . ever so slow
Tracks in the snow made by animals small and big
Are replaced with a blade of grass . . . a green little sprig

So as I walk and watch the students taking the test
I know all I can expect is that they do their best
But tucked in my head I'll go back to yesterday
And let the frustration of the test give way

Short Slice of My Sleep Or Not....

Sleep comes easily in the darkness of night
But after a few short hours my eyes pop open with nothing in sight
In the darkness my eyes search for the time . . . for the light . . .
Already knowing it’s still the middle of the night

Then it happens . . . no matter how hard I fight
My minds starts churning for the next thing to write
I try really hard . . . I use all my might
To close again my eyes . . . to drift back into the night!


 

The Battle Gear is On. . . .

 

Today is Saturday . . . that means WW. . . aka Weight Watchers weigh in day.  Yes, the beginning of January I joined and made the commitment to attend the meetings and weigh in each week.  I bet there are a lot of people who made the same commitment!  I think of myself as the tortoise . . .  very slow but steady.  The day I lost my first 10 pounds the leader asked me what advice or insight do I have.  So here are a few of my insights on the “diet war” no matter which side you are on . . . There will be times when you will be the perfect WW, Atkins, Jenny Craig etc. follower and you may not drop an ounce . . . don’t let this be the “time”  the day you give up . . . let it be the day that makes you stronger.  If you know you are the type of person that can’t just have one cookie don’t temp yourself . . . find a healthy alternative and give yourself a pat on the back.  And finally, if you do go a little overboard one day (for me it was a couple extra glasses of wine) get right back on the wagon the next day and workout a half hour longer.  Good luck to anyone who has their battle gear on as well :-)

Thoughts about today . . .

 

I almost forgot that today is March 1 . . . the day the challenge begins.  (thanks Chris for reminding me) I’m usually not a procrastinator . . . in fact, I’m not at all . . .  but for some reason I feel like with the challenge this year I was.  Heck, I didn’t even register until late yesterday!  It was while I was pounding the belt on the treadmill that it came to me.  I was afraid that I would not complete the challenge this year and write everyday like I did last year.  I realized that I really . . . really need to see a challenge of any kind all the way through.  But at about mile 2 I told myself . . . quit making this about pressure it’s about putting thoughts down to share with a wonderful group of people whom most I’ve never met! Here’s to 30 more days!