I Won't Put My Hands Up and Surrender

2008 is coming to a close and as I look back on those last 365 days, I noticed a distinct trend of sadness and loss. It's been a year of trials and tribulations for me, and those around me. What should not be common place in someone's life has become so. I've seen too many lives cut short this year for my taste--Kacie, Fernando, Dena Kohn, Chano, Mindy's grandfather, Parastine. It feels like pieces of you are taken away with each person's passing. And though I hate to admit it, there is still a piece missing from another loss. While I no longer wish to have that part of my life again I still feel it's loss. I have yet to wrap my head around this.
What I have come to terms with is that each of these trials has made me stronger. I've developed a new perspective about life. I see that it can be short and that it is important to make the most of it. In 2009, I hope to do so. I hope that I can see the World for what it is meant to be and I hope that the shadows that have been cast over it will clear to a new and clear sky. One that is bright with hope and good tidings, not only for me but for everyone. I need it and I know others who do too.

So, in this holiday season I bid you all good tidings, comfort, and joy. May 2009 be bold and bright for you. And, if you think about it, wish a little of it my way. I'm ready.

I've Got a Pocket Full of Wishes, A TIme Machine, A Magic Wand, A Globe Made Out of Gold

Last Friday, Nikkie came down from the cold and blustery state of New York to enjoy the day here with us girls in the cold and blustery state of Maryland. Here are some pictures.

Gina and Nikkie on the Subway.Playing hookie!

Nikkie, Sarah, and Gina in front of the Washington Monument

I remember when the Star-Spangled Banner used to hang at the entrance to the old American History Museum. Now, it's encased in glass with dim lights and no photography to preserve it for as long as possible.

I don't think we're in Kansas anymore, Toto

The Berlin Wall

I "Barack"ed my vote!

Steel girders from the Twin Towers

It's not easy being green

Oh, Colbert, the King of all things Truthiness

Hey Kids, Shake it Loose Together

I'm fortunate to have my friends.
Lindsey and I recently took a trip to Great Falls for some hiking and relaxation. To think we met through a mutual....well, nevermind who introduced us....Roommates now and what seems like forever friends. Spooky old house on the trail.
Great Falls, MD

Julie and I met in high school and now, 10 years later, the fun has yet to stop!

Oscar's first snow this season

Julie and me

A night out at Pussers; that is, after the Old Folks Home

I'm a Little Turkey, My Name is Ted.....

Thanksgiving has come and gone and in it's place there is the anticipation of Christmas. Thanksgiving was a quiet affair with family and friends and only one mishap. Enjoy the pictures.

T'was the night before Thanksgiving and we sisters three and dear Joey enjoyed the night out.

My sisters and me.

My mother was my souz chef; that is until she burned her hand. It wouldn't be a holiday without someone in pain.

My family

Close Your Eyes and Think of Me.......

I saw this postcard today on Postsecret.com. I wait patiently until Sunday morning to see new and fresh postcards. Some are sad, some funny, others are insightful and I may connect with the words written or printed on the back of the anonymous card.

Today this card spoke caught my eye. I know it's not from her. After 25 years, I'd recognize her handwriting anywhere. For an instant though, I thought it could be. As I read the message scrawled on the back of this card I realized there are so many inaccuracies written inside. If it were from her, she didn't lose me. She purposely left me sitting on a corner bench wondering what the hell happened. If I were very important to her, she'd have found the ability to talk to me before things broke. Lastly, I do know how to contact her but I no longer want to. I'm not lost anymore and I'm no longer her friend, best or otherwise.

In some ways I owe this person out there in the ethos some gratitude. I've wondered what I would do if she wrote to me or tried to contact me. I have an answer.

Don't Stop Believin'

Eleven years ago I entered the Elwell Hall and was emeshed in the college freshman scene. Only a few doors down was a girl I'd only said "hi" to in the hall and by twist of fate and a late night food craving we became the best of friends. On October 25, 2008 I had the immense honor of standing beside Maggie as she wed the love of her life, Sean Greecher.

So, here are pictures of Mr. and Mrs. Greecher:
Shayne, Michaela, and me.
Maggie's niece, Michaela
The bridal suite
Had it not rained we would have been outside enjoying the view of Lake Nockamixon

Taking a sneak peek at the new ceremony space.

Mr. and Mrs. Greecher

Kate, Maggie, and me

Finally, the sacrifice of all those cake tastings comes to fruition.

Maggie's lovely centerpieces

Kate, me, Maris, and Jen V.

My favorite bridesmaid, Maris

Kate and me

Me with the bride and groom

Eleven years later

Here Comes The Sun, Little Darlin'

As many of you know, I work as a speech therapist for a public special education, early childhood center in Maryland. I've been working at my job for, going on, 8 years now. At 18-years-old, I made the decision to become a speech-language pathologist, and, 11 years later I've never strayed from the thought that I would and could love my chosen profession.

In the last few months however, I've been dissatisfied. It has nothing at all to do with who I work with but who I work for. As the years have gone on, I've noticed a disturbing thing. My therapy and they way I provide it is no longer dictated by the IEP but by lawyers. I've begun to feel like a pawn in a legal game and it has stressed me out to no end. Because we live in such a litigious world with smart, savvy parents I collect data and provide paperwork to prevent the county from going to due process. Add to that, I have ungrateful parents and un-willing to learn teachers and my happiness for my job had dwindled. Dwindled to the point I was considering quitting; that is until....

I stepped into a teacher's classroom the other day and my student, Laneah, said "hi." She is a student with a severe form of Cerebral Palsy which has left her in a wheelchair and with a trache tube to breathe for her. Still, she is smart. So incredibly smart, above age level with testing. She tries her hardest to communicate with words too. So, on this day her nurse said they'd gone to Build-A-Bear for her birthday and she made a bear. Nurse Sandra asked me to guess the bear's new name. She told me then, Laneah had named her bear "Ms. Jen."

That simple story reminded me that 1) I do my job for one purpose-to better the lives of my students, and 2) that no matter what I make a difference. That all educators can make a difference.

I will hold this story close to my heart for many years and I'll pull it out on days when I am sad or discouraged and remember that a 4-year-old taught a 30-year-old a valuable lesson, that life is grand!

Canned Heat

I had the pleasure of accompanying my co-worker, Kim, to the Capitals' home opener! Flippin' Sweet!

Capitals vs. Blackhawks. Verizon Center, Washington, DC.

Watching Mike Green on the glass for warm-ups.

New Goal-tender, Jose Theodore You can't spell Champs without C-A-P-S

Ovechkin on the ice for warm-ups Raising the Southeast Division Championship Banner!

Bring the Fury!
Ridiculously awesome passes!

Kim and I on the glass!