tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-31201983012097926152024-03-05T15:33:44.137-07:00Life On MadisonI'm just a girl, writing a blog about the many miracles in our life that should be celebrated and cherished...hoping to inspire you.
xoxoKarihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.comBlogger297125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-19577312091795572562023-08-15T07:06:00.003-06:002023-08-15T16:59:43.911-06:00Today Marks 20 Years<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;"><i>Many of you know my story and what it means to have grief be a part of who I am. To say that I am deeply grateful to those who have supported me over the last 20 years is an understatement. I am so overwhelmed with gratitude for all of you. For those that I don’t know or who I’ve just met, this blog post is about a significant loss in my life. I was married in 2003 and my husband, Matt Love, was killed instantly in a car accident 55 days after our wedding. I have shared about the many layers of grief over the years on this little blog, feel free to stalk it if you want! I have learned so much over the last 20 years and I wanted to process a bit here again because it just seemed like the right thing to do. </i></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-style: italic; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> </span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><i style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">So, thank you for letting me. Xoxo</i></div></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS6rJM2zg4euJYeBh3FDCnoBElI63bHwqEFupm1_epBrH5DWPcwMuOAQjabnNIExE-GjLhsaLeF1t84ifoUthPWkKVgeFHZjdKJ9Y7N4hTMHJaGUL25qDmxm7xBfRo8aFxa2VRHZhQVDdyojBEcgdlbxUwdHJIJSzzHN3XNrQCul672CLpArMfV-jmp4/s3006/IMG_7760.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2043" data-original-width="3006" height="434" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgOS6rJM2zg4euJYeBh3FDCnoBElI63bHwqEFupm1_epBrH5DWPcwMuOAQjabnNIExE-GjLhsaLeF1t84ifoUthPWkKVgeFHZjdKJ9Y7N4hTMHJaGUL25qDmxm7xBfRo8aFxa2VRHZhQVDdyojBEcgdlbxUwdHJIJSzzHN3XNrQCul672CLpArMfV-jmp4/w640-h434/IMG_7760.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="white-space-collapse: preserve;">On the 10-year marker of Matt’s death, I had a severe panic attack. I ended up in the ER needing Xanax and an inhaler so I could breathe properly. Breathing, as it turns out, isn’t as easy as it should be when your body betrays you and basically laughs in your face when you logically think you should be able to do what’s natural; what’s right. </span></span></div><p></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-ee75f334-7fff-ee63-05d3-52870023abfb"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Growing up all I ever wanted was to be married and have kids. I grew up in a conservative Christian bubble where the narrative of a fulfilled life looked like marriage and kids. All through my 20’s I barely dated. I was so confused by this. I had “dedicated myself to the Lord” yet the “ultimate” reward of marriage wasn’t happening! I thought what I was doing was natural and right. Was I breathing the wrong air? Little did I know that this questioning would lead me to eventual freedom.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">When I hit my 30’s I began to see that the narrow path I was on could be extended and explored. I realized that my own desires mattered; not those of what others expected of me. I got out of a toxic career and I began to discover who I really was. I felt like Julia Roberts' character in Runaway Bride when she realizes she doesn’t know what kind of eggs she really likes. She was always told what eggs to like from those around her. It turned out she likes her eggs benedict style. </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">When I turned 31, I decided I didn’t want kids so badly that I would have them in an unconventional way like many of my friends were doing. I knew that raising a child on my own was not my jam and I felt true peace that if I never had kids of my own I would be totally fine. It was freeing to own this. I was still navigating what it meant to be single, but I was more confident and sure that there wasn’t a blueprint for everything like I had been taught. I had discovered freedom. I had found my own "eggs benedict". </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_qbJeZxE1n_OitH8EQu9EU4cxAImPZqCn-aprrppz0Pe1XVbUhk6uSV5Qb-MKGIQXtfnBDyJnQxF1mjqqGxdhVNrrrfQXL8RIu0xWaVGQeOEEF9GcsqeOTbRIYcUqmPmwWZ0DDrF2agTg6eTREzJBNLkkxoYkht3aOCyOIU7EmamsgehOtcfZGNvIEs/s4032/IMG_7748.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir_qbJeZxE1n_OitH8EQu9EU4cxAImPZqCn-aprrppz0Pe1XVbUhk6uSV5Qb-MKGIQXtfnBDyJnQxF1mjqqGxdhVNrrrfQXL8RIu0xWaVGQeOEEF9GcsqeOTbRIYcUqmPmwWZ0DDrF2agTg6eTREzJBNLkkxoYkht3aOCyOIU7EmamsgehOtcfZGNvIEs/w480-h640/IMG_7748.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I met Matt when I was 32 and we started dating when I was 33. Matt was magnetic. His curiosity about life was electric. He asked deep questions about spirituality and wondered about things we were taught not to wonder about. His creative spirit was enchanting. He was charming and funny. He was different. We fell for each other hard and fast. He told me he had a daughter from a previous relationship and that his love for her spanned the whole sky. He didn’t have a place in her life, however, so being her father was foreign. He longed for this and was a continual place of heartache for him. He said he wasn’t sure if he wanted more kids and because of my recent epiphany, it sealed our hearts even more. </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We dated, got engaged, and got married between August/September of 2002 and June of 2003. Matt’s last name was Love and this is the truest thing about him. He showed me Love and how to live in the full expression of it. </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">On August 15, 2003, Matt was killed in a single-car accident. He died instantly. I was at home and the Coroner had to come and tell me what happened and give me his belongings like his wallet and his wedding ring. My world shattered. I couldn’t breathe.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The following chapters of my life were filled with lots of wrestling. I wrestled with my childhood dream of wanting to be married and have kids. Even though I had found some freedom from the religious expectations from my youth and knew that there wasn’t really a blueprint for “marriage and kids”, when I actually got married and had the potential of a kid, (through Matt’s daughter) I was faced with more questions about who I am spiritually and what I truly believed. I had to discover more about myself beyond the type of eggs I like. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V-gvdpIuJ7jrkmfgOraAg1GswoTkQet-73ZsXCe8yGA-A-Z-aKOhCkxt4R3Lp6wdTwgzVlxktOEL8I6Z8BIJ7_14nujCjUsX8n0-3-KVYMIFVf3gxssR_TXEMQMX3b5TUmYePFFdrUq9yo596oT9UDM3gtv5fauV47V0z7yIJtCPzKWFlntb4epZXC4/s3013/IMG_7761.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3013" data-original-width="1972" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_V-gvdpIuJ7jrkmfgOraAg1GswoTkQet-73ZsXCe8yGA-A-Z-aKOhCkxt4R3Lp6wdTwgzVlxktOEL8I6Z8BIJ7_14nujCjUsX8n0-3-KVYMIFVf3gxssR_TXEMQMX3b5TUmYePFFdrUq9yo596oT9UDM3gtv5fauV47V0z7yIJtCPzKWFlntb4epZXC4/w418-h640/IMG_7761.jpg" width="418" /></a></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Through time, therapy, and an army of people Loving me, I realized that the answer (or parts of it) was found in the name I clung to; “Love”. My people kept showing me what it means to Love fiercely and how to use Love as a foundation for my healing. Matt had taught me to embrace this word and I have taken this and leaned into what it means to live in Love ever since. I have a different relationship with so many things because of what happened in 2003 and I have learned how to embrace who I am outside of what anyone or any institution expects of me. I Love with my whole heart. No matter what.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I met Brian in 2006 and we married in 2008. During this time, and countless times since our wedding, I have experienced different layers of Love and how expressions of Love change. Brian is someone who makes me feel seen and heard. He’s smart, funny, insightful, and loyal. He’s patient and generous. He sees me for who I am and Loves me completely. I made a conscious choice to give Brian my whole heart because we built our relationship on doing this. In doing this, however, I know that I feel gratitude for the ways that Matt laid a foundation of sorts for understanding the depth of Love in such a short time. As I continue to build my life with Brian I know that Love continues to teach me about what’s sacred and right. I’m breathing.<br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4dY-b6ZIE6aSvBHAAiI7dOcOdYd_WQD37FnHVMFek8t0FRmeyrmMkpjEkJTPxvArIl3Fip89Ls6_okWjiKag_j_xmjZFuy2u6WhTZmMql8qOVtLZH6X-Qti6zn8Rcqo4HAgpq1tBmGtzgxeQan47ieK-Gok9FVLJIfDs0LzNVOeNT01uIPplPcnFa1o/s2882/IMG_7751%20(1).jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2882" data-original-width="2162" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEji4dY-b6ZIE6aSvBHAAiI7dOcOdYd_WQD37FnHVMFek8t0FRmeyrmMkpjEkJTPxvArIl3Fip89Ls6_okWjiKag_j_xmjZFuy2u6WhTZmMql8qOVtLZH6X-Qti6zn8Rcqo4HAgpq1tBmGtzgxeQan47ieK-Gok9FVLJIfDs0LzNVOeNT01uIPplPcnFa1o/w480-h640/IMG_7751%20(1).jpg" width="480" /></a></span></div></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;">Over the last 20 years, I have experienced many moments with Matt. He shows up in the form of orange butterflies and certain songs. He shows up in dreams and sometimes tears. Some of his ashes are between two Blue Spruce trees at my childhood home that have been miraculously untouched by construction and progress. I visit The Trees at least once a year and Matt reminds me to continue to Love with my whole heart and stay true to who I am.</div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This year I got to go to The Trees with his daughter. She’s in her mid-twenties now. We've thankfully kept in some contact over the years and it's been more frequent over the last 2 years or so. I had a few boxes of his stuff and I got to give it to her this summer. I got to tell her in person just how much her dad Loves her and how alike they are. Magnetic, creative, funny, curious. She got to take pictures home of him as a young father holding the Love of his life. Today, she is linked to him through me. It’s wild. And wonderful. I am so grateful to have this relationship with her and it continues to grow and flourish. </span></span></div><div style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXITq9Ff39SjDnKuCSXgtzDSgiZMKczMzVJJruZLU-kjZIls7NngFMpC03qxRmc1NrHMdNOIQLaC6xEuiehj367dqH2Vdi2VE6ymP4WgdZ6So4JhqUwmcbtgPGNDA2pcBtdSjHzt5_kwnBDnndA4ZqRpxjFbm8WgC3ZDZ7gkPWcg4aXFmvoE1y8dogNc/s4032/IMG_7758.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijXITq9Ff39SjDnKuCSXgtzDSgiZMKczMzVJJruZLU-kjZIls7NngFMpC03qxRmc1NrHMdNOIQLaC6xEuiehj367dqH2Vdi2VE6ymP4WgdZ6So4JhqUwmcbtgPGNDA2pcBtdSjHzt5_kwnBDnndA4ZqRpxjFbm8WgC3ZDZ7gkPWcg4aXFmvoE1y8dogNc/w640-h480/IMG_7758.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">At the 10-year marker when I had my panic attack, my dear friend helped me realize that I hadn’t turned a corner on really shedding the shock I felt in 2003. Our bodies try to protect us. They know we can’t always take what pain really feels like, so we go numb. We turn it off. But, inevitably, the protection wears off and there’s a release. That’s what happened in 2013. Now, in 2023, I genuinely feel like I have reflected on so many layers of grief that not only can I breathe, but </span></span><span style="text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">the light that has pushed its way through the darkness is brighter than ever.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The Tree pictures explanation:</span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; text-align: left; white-space-collapse: preserve;"> The older-looking pictures were taken in 2005. The Trees were so small when we put Matt's ashes there. The ones I took this year show how much growth they've had! I'm so grateful they've stayed in this sacred space untouched.</span></p>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-5732823323591314182023-05-30T09:42:00.000-06:002023-05-30T09:42:15.557-06:00The Year of Teaching Gratefully<span id="docs-internal-guid-db477c0e-7fff-5159-bdba-de86bb8f7286"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Well, here we are again. The end of another school year! I can hardly believe it is actually here! I finished up year 15 and it was one that challenged me and showed me that I absolutely love seeing kids push themselves creatively. When people asked me about teaching this year I told them that I was basically doing my dream job. I got to teach language arts electives {which I wrote about in last year's post <a href="https://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2022/05/finding-my-purpose.html" target="_blank">here</a>} and while it was a ton of work because I had to create a new curriculum for each class and I worked almost every weekend, the fun, like the literal</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> fun</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> I had with kids reading, writing and speaking every day blew me away. </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1_8scN80BDMcjVBitnk5aRQYL_O1eVkhUgNvxP9OY9-NQFCPYR7qwNW-G-nHHrF8xRi5dAusmIep7VC33UsNRc_2kKgQRTc3WmCSBixiev2xrsR5Vr4O2nouj8DQnGP3VxcS_k3-0c4_xRLanVd8k9N5k-ALLsWU9GmPyEs2yJ7pfMEkxHE_daGw/s4032/IMG_6746.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEix1_8scN80BDMcjVBitnk5aRQYL_O1eVkhUgNvxP9OY9-NQFCPYR7qwNW-G-nHHrF8xRi5dAusmIep7VC33UsNRc_2kKgQRTc3WmCSBixiev2xrsR5Vr4O2nouj8DQnGP3VxcS_k3-0c4_xRLanVd8k9N5k-ALLsWU9GmPyEs2yJ7pfMEkxHE_daGw/w480-h640/IMG_6746.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">I also had the absolute privilege to build some wonderful relationships with a few kids like I’ve never really been able to before. My journalism class was truly special. It ended up being a class of 15 7th and 8th-grade girls. And, let me tell you having a class of all girls was the bomb.com. I loved it! We talked about all the things you would think we talked about. One of my favorite days was our discussion about sexism around women having periods and how uneducated our society is about them. They didn’t understand why there’s such embarrassment around a natural experience women have every month and why men {and, frankly many women!} aren’t taught more explicitly to understand it or accept it. Preach, girls! Preach! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another fun day was when we tried to navigate the notoriously frustrating yearbook site and ended up making up school-appropriate cuss words. We really gave that website a shovel of flame guts when it crashed. It was a real annihilation most days! {Thanfully, flame guts aside, the yearbook ended up being awesome and I am super proud of my girls!}</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"> </div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">In addition to my journalism class, I had a small pod of students who I bonded with because of the combination of my planning period bumping up to my lunch. I was able to forge relationships with kids during their lunches because they would come to my classroom and we had time to chat and vent. I saw firsthand how thrilling and devastating friendships and relationships are during this time in life. And, for the record, teens/preteens with social media borders on dangerous! {I know I sound old, but...!} Dang it kids can be mean online! They post stuff that is truly, truly awful! I wish I wasn’t as surprised as I was with what kids showed me, but dang it, I was! Yikes! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWC69XWvItXwW7vCUbaQWkjkMOWiPUw8SwAzobXunirOAYlH8fkvM15LFlip_pNte7yh8lqIHb8Z0zkOQjcSKyOAHLbw4z-G639H8B_zoQGEASvI0vxZcCtfLfL4C1PL_2vIIexkk_S3RH6Sf_3DYisal2S2i5PFe7SX6C8YGafRNKqC2NrqnOBDSP/s4032/IMG_6762.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWC69XWvItXwW7vCUbaQWkjkMOWiPUw8SwAzobXunirOAYlH8fkvM15LFlip_pNte7yh8lqIHb8Z0zkOQjcSKyOAHLbw4z-G639H8B_zoQGEASvI0vxZcCtfLfL4C1PL_2vIIexkk_S3RH6Sf_3DYisal2S2i5PFe7SX6C8YGafRNKqC2NrqnOBDSP/w480-h640/IMG_6762.JPG" width="480" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">This silly, old office chair ended up being the chair that kids would sit in when they wanted to chat with me. I had to "Marie Kondo" it at the end of the year because of space, and I really did thank it for its service! </span></i></div></i><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span><p></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Scary social media aside, t</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">hese relationships were so fun and I am grateful that they were a part of my school year. I tried to soak in and treasure the moments I shared with the people that were in front of me. Some shared random, funny stories while some shared tearful intimate fears and problems they were having with friends or family. I felt a connection that seemed to seep into my molecules a bit more this year and it was a true gift for me as I continued to heal and grow from a crazy shift in what this job is and what it means to me. </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another pure, unadulterated joy I found this year was my bond with my students, all of my students, whether they liked it or not, and Taylor Swift. If you follow me on Instagram, you know my obsession with my best friend Tay. Well, I brought that obsession into my classroom, and attending the Eras tour in March didn’t lessen my obnoxious devotion one bit. I’m going to the July show in Denver, so the nonstop playlists and Lavender Haze kept growing. These kids had no chance. They were stuck with any sort of reference I could make to her, random trivia, {her favorite dessert is cheesecake!} and yet another countdown to the July show. {46 days as of today!}</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyGjCiPYxFsIk5_ngvjw3xjITzR0BsorAamYK1r2v13JYqCqhLT-hmYhnMyDzcCft0eJSrLReJGMPiJaouefwleccT9aL7Ipa7Tj7r5j4B7fW7mGGhLIDmx7QL_jQOuXMELei30JHRUWeMegGxTuPddpDz9kSUlpq7VCk8sI_oF4s1KDvJKnQA0lp/s4030/IMG_6754.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3022" data-original-width="4030" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwyGjCiPYxFsIk5_ngvjw3xjITzR0BsorAamYK1r2v13JYqCqhLT-hmYhnMyDzcCft0eJSrLReJGMPiJaouefwleccT9aL7Ipa7Tj7r5j4B7fW7mGGhLIDmx7QL_jQOuXMELei30JHRUWeMegGxTuPddpDz9kSUlpq7VCk8sI_oF4s1KDvJKnQA0lp/w640-h480/IMG_6754.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>One of a few thank you notes I received that mentioned Taylor Swift. Oh, and my love for Starbucks too. #basic</i></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><br /></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Of course, in the midst of all this goodness, I am not totally delusional. Teaching in America and in Colorado still comes with its share of heartache and struggle. The hoops we have to jump through to do what we love really sucks. The constant fight for respectable pay, understanding the real terror of gun violence within our workplace, and our need to “justify” what we do is exhausting. There are district issues and building issues to deal with too. These issues, unfortunately, hit close to home for me.</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I got caught in the crosshairs of a budget cut and have had to mourn the loss of this year’s dream job. I am VERY grateful to not only have a job, but to have a job that will hopefully have some crossover with my skill set, but I am also terrified…so here it goes…</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Folks, I am going to be a 7th-grade social studies teacher next year. The curriculum for 7th grade is ancient civilizations--technically it’s called, World Area Studies: Eastern Hemisphere. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Hmm. I’m not sure either! </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All I know is that I will really, really try to be creative with how I present information and I will hopefully get to help students be creative with helping them see their place in the scope of history and how their story matters within the stories that we’ll explore. I also know that I need to learn a shit ton of stuff I don’t know about! Like, a whole new professional vocabulary I know </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">nothing </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">about. At year 16 of teaching and year 52 of life… BUT! I love a new challenge, right? {HELP ME, BABY JESUS!}</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">I received several amazing thank you notes and messages in my yearbook that moved me and reminded me that all the work is worth it. The one below is one that just took my breath away. It’s relatively simple, but the power it holds for me is monumental. </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b>Dear Mrs. Laniel,</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-left: 36pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180;"><b>It has been a whole semester since your class and I can’t forget the magical feeling I got when I was in your class. I felt free and as if the possibilities were endless. I am so sad that Speech and Debate is not being offered anymore, that class was truly amazing. Thank you for inspiring me. I feel very fortunate to be surrounded by people who have been nurtured by you. I will miss you!</b></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">This meant so, so much to me. I just started bawling when I read this because these words captured what I have tried to build with kids. I know in my heart that no matter what I teach I will strive to be a safe space for students to be themselves. I will strive to give them a space to be nurtured. I will strive to be </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">myself </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">even if I don’t know what the Neo-Assyrian Empire is. 🙂</span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">So, as summer starts and I begin my routine of doing some crash course history learning, reading novels I’ve put off, binge-watching shows, hanging out with my nieces and nephews as much as possible {oh, and their parents too!}, going to the neighborhood pool, planning our trip to the CABIN!, planning my parents 80th birthday party and family reunion, and of course seeing Taylor in July, I will continue to reflect on how lucky I have been to learn and grow with these crazy kids. I still love teaching middle school even if I have to learn a brand new curriculum to do it and I have more gray hair because of it. </span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-alternates: normal; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Cheers to summer break, everyone! </b></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-75737016158511066762022-12-20T16:08:00.002-07:002022-12-20T16:09:31.901-07:00Merry Swiftmas!<div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The season of Miracles is upon us and boy, do I have a miraculous story for you!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcXaDuw7MV_17wFNquUPhPqCIRUlEC6QjscodSEe05OOat2OOPhSCStmbk6frx7nThq6qyWKSWvTNnk0jHeZrztCWPpYEfp05NrQZKyBuBw3npjkrxzZDlMhIYCINaCowGyQWL-LMn-nqJRG4sZlHuf8RZ8CIJdJRX7555R_mj_xbVqmQ80b9kgn-/s358/elf.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="313" data-original-width="358" height="350" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHcXaDuw7MV_17wFNquUPhPqCIRUlEC6QjscodSEe05OOat2OOPhSCStmbk6frx7nThq6qyWKSWvTNnk0jHeZrztCWPpYEfp05NrQZKyBuBw3npjkrxzZDlMhIYCINaCowGyQWL-LMn-nqJRG4sZlHuf8RZ8CIJdJRX7555R_mj_xbVqmQ80b9kgn-/w400-h350/elf.png" width="400" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><b>A Swiftmas Miracle</b></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Twas the night before The Era's Tour presale tickets and all through the house</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">not a Kari was resting not even her spouse.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Her ticket plan was organized, and her nerves were a flurry!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But she was a verified fan, so nothing to worry!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ak-m6wUJotBCka8Y4nGMoRVF3R2u_eTjtvNzvHj67AqDUJe770gvQtQ4etSoxTiPV9E8DQwfHw4lPQao1OI3z74MUlfwA_adE4j2z8C_jvqR7AgvjePHZli7p_0iqW8hbhnMYt0pihE6g28gkgkcLKjSUOckqa1GBfMLP-TiHr57k8nyRrmDJPVf/s1280/era.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="1069" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh0ak-m6wUJotBCka8Y4nGMoRVF3R2u_eTjtvNzvHj67AqDUJe770gvQtQ4etSoxTiPV9E8DQwfHw4lPQao1OI3z74MUlfwA_adE4j2z8C_jvqR7AgvjePHZli7p_0iqW8hbhnMYt0pihE6g28gkgkcLKjSUOckqa1GBfMLP-TiHr57k8nyRrmDJPVf/w334-h400/era.jpg" width="334" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Her status was determined for Denver and Vegas--</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Our dream of seeing Taylor could happen in two places!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Her dear Brian, a Swifty because duh,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">was willing to buy the tickets because love!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The hour finally arrived the group chat was set--</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We would have The Era's Tour tickets without sweat.</span></div><br /><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Little did we know The Devil is real. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">His name is Ticketmaster </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">and his evil millions could feel.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqXBTHXr-Nb8LgTRxFYnkv6oH7dwMlfgIjQ9iKDyBw2WZ4aHfO8-OHc7elYmox_OnaN2clrULysOgytiSM54bYJAe-ZjydWYgn2YuBCKAjUQmPmFG4YMkvGe7IPdAThSVTMvQxAbkqW34zuYEhLEoVxYuSbwUGow3fZzfLl3QA7dnEsqTt-9r3TcM/s1280/era1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEioqXBTHXr-Nb8LgTRxFYnkv6oH7dwMlfgIjQ9iKDyBw2WZ4aHfO8-OHc7elYmox_OnaN2clrULysOgytiSM54bYJAe-ZjydWYgn2YuBCKAjUQmPmFG4YMkvGe7IPdAThSVTMvQxAbkqW34zuYEhLEoVxYuSbwUGow3fZzfLl3QA7dnEsqTt-9r3TcM/w300-h400/era1.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The queue was stalled, and the tickets were lost. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Not one time, but three! Words were cuss.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Eight hours this went on with not a ticket to secure,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Kari's heart was shattered, and she shed some tears.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZD5YVASysDohHCpX1-r-fiPHiHYrxIqc5JvWdJT4EEv5J3kb_41AB2J5qoqliFmK2YIj-woDLFBiky5uKHYDA7D-C85Rz3QrVakAbEB-G_nN6aJBt9IEik0d1y-aAzXrpE93R3CDDS2Ep4xfjxXjEKFC8BvD7IRwLTrViyoVfmCuBF3Q3YA_b94kh/s1280/era2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZD5YVASysDohHCpX1-r-fiPHiHYrxIqc5JvWdJT4EEv5J3kb_41AB2J5qoqliFmK2YIj-woDLFBiky5uKHYDA7D-C85Rz3QrVakAbEB-G_nN6aJBt9IEik0d1y-aAzXrpE93R3CDDS2Ep4xfjxXjEKFC8BvD7IRwLTrViyoVfmCuBF3Q3YA_b94kh/w300-h400/era2.jpg" width="300" /></a></div></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Alas, one more try Brian did take</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">and what do you know, the line didn't break!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">He swooped in for tickets, the highest in the stands.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We didn't care--we are true fans!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The prices were reasonable and we didn't get swindled,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">so we took a shot at the Vegas queue because we felt quite nimble.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We quickly picked two seats that showed up by sheer luck</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I can hardly believe it! We got them! What The --?!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">There we sat, we could hardly believe our eyes...</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We are seeing TWO Taylor Swift concerts--the ultimate prize!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">All we wanted was to see Taylor Swift</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">And we know these miracles are truly a gift.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In March and July, we will surely be a sight,</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">but for now </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Merry Swiftmas Tay All And Tay All A Swift Night!</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp7LXqtjme6NJG5mOZn6o5KukyB0Xo4N4uIbTo2K3iBKSy-dUgJEGJ9UXicfR5wzri2-TASJweJBPIs5u6QvBdtBB6xnynCVIgphHsBVru68BxMimfYqgBqsBSBsziAHTN63Ya5T20gbIopPd32MD1YoDylEZiqe4fQLGnfocjAWip25aVl0qpa-A/s1280/eras5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhpp7LXqtjme6NJG5mOZn6o5KukyB0Xo4N4uIbTo2K3iBKSy-dUgJEGJ9UXicfR5wzri2-TASJweJBPIs5u6QvBdtBB6xnynCVIgphHsBVru68BxMimfYqgBqsBSBsziAHTN63Ya5T20gbIopPd32MD1YoDylEZiqe4fQLGnfocjAWip25aVl0qpa-A/w300-h400/eras5.jpg" width="300" /></a></div><br /></div><div style="text-align: center;">~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Holiday poems don't lie. We are very, very grateful and excited to be on the winning end of The Ticketmaster Debacle of 2022. This not-so-little miracle reminds me that there is a lot to be grateful for this Holiday season. Brian and I both have jobs we love, we know we're exactly where we should be in life right now, and we are surrounded by miracles like YOU! </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Thank you for being in our story. Thank you for showing us joy this year. And as life dishes out the unpredictable, may we all find hope in surprising places--like being 50+ years old at a Taylor Swift concert (or two!!!) </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div></div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-70570892723872125722022-05-27T09:13:00.001-06:002022-05-27T09:23:29.554-06:00Finding My Purpose<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> <span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Year 14 of teaching is in the books! Whew! As I wrap up all of my end of the year tasks and gear up for a week in Mexico, (I KNOW!!!) </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I reflect on all the places </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I failed, succeeded, grew, and thrived this year. </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-c4131c1f-7fff-4786-f290-42ebd1296d03"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Last year, my <a href="https://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2021/05/bye-karl-and-other-goodbyes-that-arent.html">end of the school year post</a> was all about goodbyes. I was leaving a place I knew and loved and I had to say goodbye to so many parts of my life that were established and thriving. So it makes sense that starting over at a new school has been WAY more emotionally draining than I anticipated. But as our <a href="https://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2021/12/happy-holidays-from-laniels-this-little.html">holiday card</a> stated, in the midst of the grief, I found hope in surprising places--namely through my sweet 6th graders. Someday (sadly a long, long, long time from now…) when I look back over my years of teaching I absolutely know that this year with 6th graders will be the one that transformed me. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLOrhy0c1BGPEh_sUTblZFF76ZuHFNiNqmI1PdMUS2bX-dt1riGlRUQNMRtPocTYf8WXzPwQgMfvSg8wu7aqRwXS5O4yuuPf2WuEExXd8GXKY02J03H1RyYG6JElZjGOAAd04l6X21KAsk2_G1RItBKfnOeX6Q6Ysa-GKPYYgDx_30r3K7k5MCo5i/s3023/IMG_2531.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2793" data-original-width="3023" height="592" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWLOrhy0c1BGPEh_sUTblZFF76ZuHFNiNqmI1PdMUS2bX-dt1riGlRUQNMRtPocTYf8WXzPwQgMfvSg8wu7aqRwXS5O4yuuPf2WuEExXd8GXKY02J03H1RyYG6JElZjGOAAd04l6X21KAsk2_G1RItBKfnOeX6Q6Ysa-GKPYYgDx_30r3K7k5MCo5i/w640-h592/IMG_2531.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 11pt;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;">Teaching 6th graders has shown me the goodness of teaching in ways I was missing and forgetting. They helped me remember why I got into this gig in the first place and they showed me a purity in kindness and approach to life that truly shifted my molecules. They saved me. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br /></span></div></span></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I was asked over and over this year how things were going. Did I like my new school? Did I like teaching 6th grade? Was I forging connections with the community? Did I have an okay commute? Did I have friends at work? Did I like my room? Will I be returning?</span></div></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">The answer to all of these questions is yes but starting over has taken its toll and these yeses were not always a sure thing. Living in the nos and maybes was rough. I relied heavily on my people to navigate the gray, unsteady places the year</span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">took me. But, as I slowly figured out all of the unknowns and felt confident in my yeses, I’ve realized how fitting into a new </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">place still requires me to trust the core of who I am and how I am wired. </span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This can be a very vulnerable process! I questioned everything! How do I establish friends (especially in my 50s!) without history or a common zip code? How do I speak up for the philosophical parts of education that matter to me without being annoying? How do I stop comparing my last school to this school and just be present? How do I ask for help? How do I not feel self-conscious about how other teachers “do better” than me? How do I stop asking so many questions?!??!?!??!</span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">The answer is that I don’t. I came to a realization that this is who I am and I don’t want to be shy about what I know, what I don’t know, and who I am professionally and personally.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I also found in answering all these questions and in telling people about my year that I am holding five things sacred to why this school works and why I am going to be okay. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>One:</b> The kids. I really love these kids and I am truly grateful for them every day. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafyHo30lHFJ_YxRmTHwNppfmSl7eMT-04e7zLI3JI97qWsdcHWFFxBOESxMgEnm00TQaXzjNMJVNnti-zxaHLyQ_ykrDFE3ESnJ1MdyEoOhFbWsFe5ayFRhqQT0gfbTdeXwPn_2Ikt5TenEaY1mBgrFZxFJBFxGtRqrXeD__RwN6Ss7bFMXslQ-j4/s4029/IMG_3812.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2788" data-original-width="4029" height="442" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjafyHo30lHFJ_YxRmTHwNppfmSl7eMT-04e7zLI3JI97qWsdcHWFFxBOESxMgEnm00TQaXzjNMJVNnti-zxaHLyQ_ykrDFE3ESnJ1MdyEoOhFbWsFe5ayFRhqQT0gfbTdeXwPn_2Ikt5TenEaY1mBgrFZxFJBFxGtRqrXeD__RwN6Ss7bFMXslQ-j4/w640-h442/IMG_3812.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My labor of love--the yearbook-- holds some pretty sweet messages from kids. *sigh* So grateful.</i></div></i><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Two:</b> My lunch bunch! I have 3 friends that I eat with every day and </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">I WOULD DIE WITHOUT THEM! </span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Three:</b> My commute. It’s truly the most perfect commute. It’s not too long or short and it’s all highway so there’s never really any traffic.</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>Four:</b> My classroom. I was worried about my classroom when I first saw it because it is an odd shape and was not really set up the way I like to teach (it has individual desks instead of tables and chairs…) But I quickly realized that the back wall of windows SAVE MY LIFE EVERY DAY! Seriously. The row of trees and large lawns right outside my windows give me life. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48ceIfTpdc2FfoqUmiEKc7vhMW-oQXZpmvl2yN98GWirvxw315yC_1pfGkfvunGYLPY9LEbCoVwPtCfA--lMSq-MfnpjCJ75Ofx2aayqOiOww_R3viSurWXPtERdGjh-xiNK4b-wkd8JwWWxnGwq_kGWBImkwj4pmR3RUNWbeW8OpBbJVutswSJ76/s4032/IMG_2422.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi48ceIfTpdc2FfoqUmiEKc7vhMW-oQXZpmvl2yN98GWirvxw315yC_1pfGkfvunGYLPY9LEbCoVwPtCfA--lMSq-MfnpjCJ75Ofx2aayqOiOww_R3viSurWXPtERdGjh-xiNK4b-wkd8JwWWxnGwq_kGWBImkwj4pmR3RUNWbeW8OpBbJVutswSJ76/w480-h640/IMG_2422.jpg" width="480" /></a></div><i><div style="text-align: center;"><i>My Trees:)</i></div></i><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRiOUWJOn8MbHFeQGEV4xf1Htfcl8m9ag9BrtVEKYUbT0A-dqK9mfRhJBsN9hr2B4wRe6-G7CVRS9g_XpWNoIQj-n8aKqBk_C61r8poxBp6nT2e0fl9yzSsiPK1yRv_ddsb_rc7uinQxHu3GVnD178GlvifA6iOracJ4sMKN8tb4PMTE6YN73HIwo/s4032/IMG_2411.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="3024" data-original-width="4032" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBRiOUWJOn8MbHFeQGEV4xf1Htfcl8m9ag9BrtVEKYUbT0A-dqK9mfRhJBsN9hr2B4wRe6-G7CVRS9g_XpWNoIQj-n8aKqBk_C61r8poxBp6nT2e0fl9yzSsiPK1yRv_ddsb_rc7uinQxHu3GVnD178GlvifA6iOracJ4sMKN8tb4PMTE6YN73HIwo/w640-h480/IMG_2411.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><b style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 11pt;">Five:</b><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 11pt;"> The English Language Arts (ELA) team and my new opportunity to expand my ELA passions next year. I am surrounded by very smart, innovative, fun, and supportive people and I am so grateful.</span></div><p></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">As far as extending my ELA passions, the structure of the ELA department shifted and an amazing opportunity came my way. I will be teaching language arts elective classes which means engaging with readers, writers, and speakers in a context outside of their “regular” ELA classes. I am building my own curriculum and will be engaging with all grade levels. Students choose their electives so I will have students who mostly, kinda, sorta, in theory, want to be there! </span></div></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I will be teaching speech and debate, dystopian writing, literature & film and I will continue to teach journalism and do the yearbook so it will be a FULL year, but I am super excited to discover how students express themselves beyond the traditional ELA structures.</span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In a very random conversation with Alexa one day, I asked her what my purpose was. She said this: “The purpose of your life is to express your unique strengths, talents, and creativity in a manner that serves others and will sustain and fulfill you.” This definition struck a chord with me. I realized that I am in a place where I can truly live out my purpose. I am beginning to feel like myself and I am starting to take root here. I want to be a part of what Manning has to offer and feel connected to helping students thrive. I want to start this next chapter of my teaching career with confidence that I am in the right place at the right time. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">But first I want to drink margaritas by the pool and watch the sunset over the Pacific ocean. </span></span></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnPXJ46hota0SbXmph4CMgZfKxYhlygSpyJdtDQySAOUu14diebdYMcJNoXRRjpCdvDtYfFWnplo45gMbITr4B3O_gPCKJDwxU1KeXb8ho-5VRaOf0395yJCoBW4VaA_FUYuLWhs9XdBDYnUG2P_DyeDjbuoTZSMrahjs0eCHBEHWgu0aNEyGsZG6/s720/IMG_3740.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="717" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdnPXJ46hota0SbXmph4CMgZfKxYhlygSpyJdtDQySAOUu14diebdYMcJNoXRRjpCdvDtYfFWnplo45gMbITr4B3O_gPCKJDwxU1KeXb8ho-5VRaOf0395yJCoBW4VaA_FUYuLWhs9XdBDYnUG2P_DyeDjbuoTZSMrahjs0eCHBEHWgu0aNEyGsZG6/w399-h400/IMG_3740.JPG" width="399" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Cheers!</span></div></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><div style="text-align: center;"><br /></div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-88103141403606763132022-05-04T17:16:00.002-06:002022-05-04T17:18:31.035-06:00Dismantling a Dangerous Narrative<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">My journalism class is putting together a thematic magazine for their final projects. One group is doing a magazine called "Equality Daily". They will highlight and discuss inequalities towards people of color, women, people with disabilities, and the LGBTQ+ community. Pretty amazing, right?!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">One section of their magazine is called “What We’re Reading” and they are writing book reviews. I was having a conversation with the group about this and I mentioned that I just read a book about a woman’s experience with having a disability in today’s world. One of the girls said, “Mrs. Laniel! Will you be our guest columnist and give us a book review on that book?” How can you say no to that?! So, I wrote it up and decided that I not only wanted to be featured in their magazine (So dang cute!) but I wanted it to be in this little space on the internet. Enjoy! </span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-4a343319-7fff-b137-65d8-e9424ee6a9bf"><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 15pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 700; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Dismantling a Dangerous Narrative</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Book Review: by Mrs. Laniel</span></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="border: none; display: inline-block; height: 254px; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; overflow: hidden; width: 170px;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><img height="254" src="https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/RN86MgB7iALYSuO6W0p1CXRlKlLqI9nAHOYT5iSIyT3EOmkO8r_cR1EaqomS7EYfFAYedRwSjCiG5xWvYoTM0egImF-1h3MtJsYoZruaxy_Uka_cgcXp61IT2ZXnD8sZ2YQVaVZCNtdd2nOE" style="margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;" width="170" /></span></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>An incredible book was recently recommended to me and it is one of those “this is changing my life” sort of books. </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; text-decoration-line: underline; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Sitting Pretty </span><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">by Rebekah Taussig is a series of memoir essays describing her life in a disabled body. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span> </span><span> <span> </span></span>Her experiences illuminate the many ways our society isolates, erases, simplifies “normal”, and silences those in the disability community. She says in her book that she wants to complicate the traditional tropes about what is “normal” and acceptable in our society; not only in how we treat those with disabilities but how we view our privileged, able-bodied selves. The lines around what it means to be disabled, able-bodied, showing kindness, and the reality of accessibility are meant to be blurry, gray lines even though we have been taught that they shouldn’t be. She reminds us that a whole group of people has been marginalized and we have marginalized them because our reaction to disability is learned, not innate. This book helped me understand that we must dismantle the ableism narrative and oppressive culture we have created for those with disabilities. We must add our own complex stories to the over-simplified and non-inclusive narratives that exist.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Another important lesson that I take from this book is how we view kindness. We have been taught over and over that people with disabilities</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> need </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">able bodies to survive. Because of this, we overtly (and often through viral videos) praise the able-bodied “hero”. We must change our selfish outlooks in how we praise the “kind helper” as the heroes of the story because their able bodies helped a disabled body. We instead must put a spotlight on the disabled body and seek to understand their needs and not assume that the able-bodied “heroes” are the only characters in the story. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">While </span><span style="font-family: georgia; text-indent: 0px;">Taussig</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">’s disability is more visible because she uses a wheelchair, her advocacy for those with less visible disabilities is loud and clear. She tells us that we must not perpetuate the idea that every person in a wheelchair should walk in order to be “healed” in order to be valued or deemed successful and a contributor to our society. The pity and lack of understanding we have as a society towards the disabled community is nothing less than criminal. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-indent: 36pt;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Taussig </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">gives voice and language to her readers to advocate for a more inclusive and informed view of disabilities because they affect all of us. Every day. All the time. </span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration-skip-ink: none; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">All</span><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> of our bodies hold an abundance of strengths and frailties and as she so elegantly stated, sometimes those are one and the same. </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: left;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /><br /><br /><br /></span><br /></p></span>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-37471658520473661722021-12-22T12:01:00.006-07:002021-12-22T12:18:01.692-07:00The Miracles That Save Us<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span> <span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy Holidays from the Laniels!</span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_8RLrMb9wwICIKXWKn3-66tzcvLNxfjWYU-h_qJFaeK86L0Er1noCkgn9eFJ5_YmichBYOnPUKL6od38rXSbem0SSHAsxDlmRf-k3K2NZltfp4I2jsop-NKKjpjg2kZNaExe2WFpVO4N1wAi3g8IMjQbA_RfEXxZAg3u14isrfuuGNROyC8YYZORB=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj_8RLrMb9wwICIKXWKn3-66tzcvLNxfjWYU-h_qJFaeK86L0Er1noCkgn9eFJ5_YmichBYOnPUKL6od38rXSbem0SSHAsxDlmRf-k3K2NZltfp4I2jsop-NKKjpjg2kZNaExe2WFpVO4N1wAi3g8IMjQbA_RfEXxZAg3u14isrfuuGNROyC8YYZORB=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></span></p><span id="docs-internal-guid-db237f53-7fff-cee9-1703-feb97ced8cfc" style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">This little blog started with the premise that miracles can be found in the most mundane of spaces in our lives. It’s the little moments that shift our perspective and shape our worldview so we’re kinder, happier, and able to extend grace to those around us. The thing about miracles is that they can’t always be explained. They show up and give us hope when we least expect them. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>The Laniels had miracles show up when we least expect them and we’re so very grateful.</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>Brian spent half of 2021 unemployed and searching for the right fit for his skill set and a job that would give him joy. The miracle of the perfect job showed up in July. His former company, Marsh, where he worked for 17 years, rehired him into a new position that is challenging and exciting. He’s thriving in learning new things, meeting new people, and working remotely so the kids aren’t lonely. (Brian is EXTREMELY patient with these VERY NEEDY animals…what a saint!) </span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>He turns 50 in May, so hopefully, we’ll celebrate in style! </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh807zEFV7dWj0Zml6o7mZ3bHI3MvE7G8u1fFK-YSCmexvStUZWOFRyu6o4iSz5Q6NHa5u6fRClsQC8tTs8AEWOTNno4aZIkCYZGlp1NCwILi0Im7hh6e3pX2CDO52wc7GnXwJlm314LqxlQPTiovAbPt_DtAV9B0IHq50Q_dhyDqxmBx-cMn-NV8B0=s2624" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2624" data-original-width="2014" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh807zEFV7dWj0Zml6o7mZ3bHI3MvE7G8u1fFK-YSCmexvStUZWOFRyu6o4iSz5Q6NHa5u6fRClsQC8tTs8AEWOTNno4aZIkCYZGlp1NCwILi0Im7hh6e3pX2CDO52wc7GnXwJlm314LqxlQPTiovAbPt_DtAV9B0IHq50Q_dhyDqxmBx-cMn-NV8B0=w492-h640" width="492" /></a></div><i>Brian's daily view</i><br /><span><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>My miracles have shown up in the form of 11-year-old kids who surprise me every day. Teaching 6th grade was not on the bucket list, but it has turned out to be an incredible experience of embracing all sorts of different learners and super random stories about super random things. </span></span><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">These kids have truly saved my life. Starting at a new school, teaching a new grade, figuring out new systems of being a part of a school community and so much more have challenged me in ways that caused me to question everything. But these amazing little miracles have shown me how to slow down, breathe, listen, embrace challenges, and hope.</span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">(</span><a href="https://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2021/05/bye-karl-and-other-goodbyes-that-arent.html" style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Here</a><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;"> is some background to this!)</span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVCRuN9dPcMWkXC6NBA6-eL4AiDAXGSstUupDOX9vQdOcBHtUW6Hk8BSNasDPdMTcO7I-bJNMFmi-Z00QgmpFIJZo2n4qyGOhEo3T_FwQMopcAEEpVa8tonOOfB8_KVNzI_sE1eZo2NM6hdrjd4ExVstGW_Cn2K4MsIFkvARI4Woje3MGIZ76ydF9Z=s3972" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1107" data-original-width="3972" height="178" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjVCRuN9dPcMWkXC6NBA6-eL4AiDAXGSstUupDOX9vQdOcBHtUW6Hk8BSNasDPdMTcO7I-bJNMFmi-Z00QgmpFIJZo2n4qyGOhEo3T_FwQMopcAEEpVa8tonOOfB8_KVNzI_sE1eZo2NM6hdrjd4ExVstGW_Cn2K4MsIFkvARI4Woje3MGIZ76ydF9Z=w640-h178" width="640" /></a></div><i>This note from a student killed me!</i><br /><span><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>I once again (14th time!) read the holiday story, “The Lump of Coal” by Lemony Snicket to my students. It is about finding unexpected miracles during this holiday season. It says:</span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><i><span style="font-size: medium; white-space: normal;">"It is a miracle if you can find true friends, and it is a miracle if you have enough food to eat, and it is a miracle if you get to spend your days and evenings doing whatever it is you like to do, and the holiday season--like all the other seasons--is a good time not only to tell stories of miracles, but to think about the miracles in your own life, and to be grateful for them."</span> </i></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span><br /></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>As I sort through all that this year has brought us and what is yet to come and I am overwhelmingly grateful for all the miracles that have shown up. </span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2d61ePysXo1QfHiUY3HEPqgOgrCGWKvXLQ_2wNvJ0mIVwajzMm4takLUHaJwjetluo19J7nro4plvplfsoOcctyc0KIvMyfyxBdrGMDT8QqENjmHRq8DvOFVOkOFmI55Yl0-uXNTPYZU_Dq4ebhiKV-yp2Kju1lW9DYp136X5kYNDCzG_QmN959vH=s4032" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEi2d61ePysXo1QfHiUY3HEPqgOgrCGWKvXLQ_2wNvJ0mIVwajzMm4takLUHaJwjetluo19J7nro4plvplfsoOcctyc0KIvMyfyxBdrGMDT8QqENjmHRq8DvOFVOkOFmI55Yl0-uXNTPYZU_Dq4ebhiKV-yp2Kju1lW9DYp136X5kYNDCzG_QmN959vH=w480-h640" width="480" /></a></div><span style="font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">YOU are one of our miracles this year and we are so very grateful.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span><br /></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 11pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span>Cheers to you all! </span></span></p></span>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-24359811900929399282021-05-28T08:40:00.002-06:002021-06-13T12:51:35.156-06:00Bye, Karl! {And other goodbyes that aren't as easy...}<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Goodbyes are hard.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I try to avoid them at all costs. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Some goodbyes are easy, however, and saying goodbye to COVID teaching is easy. Like, super easy. The amount of "pivots" we had to endure this year makes us superheroes. Every single one of us. And you better believe everything is crossed that teaching from here on out is mask-free and in my own classroom. Everything is crossed that I see my kids every day and that I never have to Zoom again. </span><i style="font-family: georgia;">{Well, maybe Zoom staff meetings could remain--those weren't so bad...}</i></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jnXV9iffJPjWNNMmEx_Fq_mYej23t2Pfzi6nVPRx6ONj-luR4kddF4qhxgwdqyVI0OB6rDFuLUTAluAj1C3nWdCkft97xr1TxCJ_IyvLnE4XMHu7uTg3q-OaqZRMvQfF9En_6xP0iRU/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5jnXV9iffJPjWNNMmEx_Fq_mYej23t2Pfzi6nVPRx6ONj-luR4kddF4qhxgwdqyVI0OB6rDFuLUTAluAj1C3nWdCkft97xr1TxCJ_IyvLnE4XMHu7uTg3q-OaqZRMvQfF9En_6xP0iRU/w480-h640/image.png" width="480" /></a></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This brings me to another easy goodbye...Goodbye, Karl the Kart! I had to push Karl to a new classroom every hour. I had to load Karl with supplies, papers, books, my keyboard, USB, mouse, my laptop, phone, and any other items I might need. I forgot something almost every day. I had to take time to set stuff up in each classroom in an efficient way and it felt like nothing was efficient, ever. </span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am also saying goodbye to a 35-minute (one way) commute. In some ways, my commute has been a gift. I got in the habit of calling family and friends and catching up on the news. I listened to podcasts and Taylor Swift playlists. But after 8 years, 70 minutes every day has become a lot. Goodbye, long commute! {Especially snowy ones!}</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1T2rj5Jzt_1pFxkWtBOM36lbDs1nIMZD4_V8k7EgM_m1m6NMHkMNz-F8n7Fq6iRx8MO_wWdSyQmhpDTKjEhXi2nWFvY2z4fsn6lNvBNsXxORIziuQrVRrxJ_vQavUoBefa4lTuNSAZk/" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="960" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk1T2rj5Jzt_1pFxkWtBOM36lbDs1nIMZD4_V8k7EgM_m1m6NMHkMNz-F8n7Fq6iRx8MO_wWdSyQmhpDTKjEhXi2nWFvY2z4fsn6lNvBNsXxORIziuQrVRrxJ_vQavUoBefa4lTuNSAZk/w480-h640/image.png" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><i>{This t-shirt was made by one of my students! It's SO PERFECT!}</i></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Sometimes I can't control when I have to say goodbye to something and that's tricky and a bit more difficult.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">So. This is tricky.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span>I am a casualty of low enrollment and was displaced by my school, Deer Creek. After 8 years of teaching 8th-grade language arts, </span>I have to say goodbye to a school I have invested so much of my heart and soul into and it has not been easy. I will establish a new home at The Manning School of Academics and Arts in Golden starting in August, but for now, I have to say goodbye to a place that has shaped me in so many important ways.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkb9ujub0g3mt9jerWExAm5iMfdgsBx744EPuWDTLkyutuTPbiFIH4s4XOZ9DWyc1xnXX8daIz2HI2wQ7FfLyOkJbD7nh-7jTyDH5KI3MJWpvgwxZ4jQTd0PxGlU0diBnPbxDP56dYtM/" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1244" data-original-width="1242" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOkb9ujub0g3mt9jerWExAm5iMfdgsBx744EPuWDTLkyutuTPbiFIH4s4XOZ9DWyc1xnXX8daIz2HI2wQ7FfLyOkJbD7nh-7jTyDH5KI3MJWpvgwxZ4jQTd0PxGlU0diBnPbxDP56dYtM/w640-h640/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I am grateful for what Deer Creek has taught me about teaching and the ways that the amazing staff showed me how to honor my strengths and understand ways I can grow. I have been grateful for the lifelong friends I have gained and the many, many, laughs and tears we have shared. I am grateful to my work wife for allowing me to be myself and for giving me hope on a regular basis. </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVTqG65CkOAqsQFr4NGbel0haUD7YamTjKxFG8fCcTYTO7b6ctE41NVIBjv1kC60GpO6dC0Dsebh1D_O2a_lT8QiIsJg5LiLAwJ4UK0AjCinIsIZrLYOHVIUJchwqeYECZHbuwHvLznk/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1233" data-original-width="1242" height="635" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqVTqG65CkOAqsQFr4NGbel0haUD7YamTjKxFG8fCcTYTO7b6ctE41NVIBjv1kC60GpO6dC0Dsebh1D_O2a_lT8QiIsJg5LiLAwJ4UK0AjCinIsIZrLYOHVIUJchwqeYECZHbuwHvLznk/w640-h635/image.png" width="640" /></a></div>My various team members have been life-giving and I am a better person because of each of them. {Goats in trees, baby!} I am grateful for the endless support and grace extended to me through so many different people. The memes, the donuts, the coffee, the happy hours, the inside jokes, {The candy won't crush itself!} the everyday miracles in the mundane that have made me a better person.</span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89w08bA67-ZfW8MJA_NRMmudSZbN0zun1Q1ytFRzw5lUKEJb578XGoQfEQX2xD3eT-WxTfhikB-3nkU33JdEhXT6FebrSOpi4wBRZMuZ_7tr9AFxEWbCJR7x5WytZmvWZyce5639VqUQ/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="527" data-original-width="703" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg89w08bA67-ZfW8MJA_NRMmudSZbN0zun1Q1ytFRzw5lUKEJb578XGoQfEQX2xD3eT-WxTfhikB-3nkU33JdEhXT6FebrSOpi4wBRZMuZ_7tr9AFxEWbCJR7x5WytZmvWZyce5639VqUQ/w640-h480/image.png" width="640" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I'm saying goodbye to you, Deer Creek {and the BEST cohort in the school!!}, with a grateful heart. <i>{Nevermind the bags under my eyes--they're the mascot of 2020-21...}</i></div></span></div><p></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As I navigate these goodbyes--the easy and difficult ones, I know that this really weird school year taught me about persistence and resilience. I did more than I thought I could ever do under stressful circumstances. We all did. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZYNwTJlZczKD7OT3FT_W_uvl1vxkcIbVmBL7_F0UhMKW1ow2vbx6yXNilqutL95C4Q3JLxJCTfyOY3Cyi0NahBtiqIDJojh8Ok5c6fNwVW-E9TAlBMH12Wa8hy8tpID94acKD0zwfGw/" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1280" data-original-width="949" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-ZYNwTJlZczKD7OT3FT_W_uvl1vxkcIbVmBL7_F0UhMKW1ow2vbx6yXNilqutL95C4Q3JLxJCTfyOY3Cyi0NahBtiqIDJojh8Ok5c6fNwVW-E9TAlBMH12Wa8hy8tpID94acKD0zwfGw/w475-h640/image.png" width="475" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">{I might miss the view from my room most of all!}</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">And as I continue to reflect on all things bitter and sweet about year 13 of teaching, I know that I do all of it for the kids. I am grateful for the wonderful ways they have taught me to Stay Gold--no matter what. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I was lucky enough to have some of this Gold captured in notes from kids and it means so much to me.</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Cue the crying emoji.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3jwPOP6ig8jof6saM5RkPzskTmhvSQQ-_JH6KTUEWYelTw-obideuJ5i1khIImSboch79ejtMZ6NYJ7nANCBlKWQ4rHxjxqsdAEpftKBXVBSoVsH2M5rqeriMwM7TfJBh3RNw_2u7FI/" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="561" data-original-width="1280" height="280" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhx3jwPOP6ig8jof6saM5RkPzskTmhvSQQ-_JH6KTUEWYelTw-obideuJ5i1khIImSboch79ejtMZ6NYJ7nANCBlKWQ4rHxjxqsdAEpftKBXVBSoVsH2M5rqeriMwM7TfJBh3RNw_2u7FI/w640-h280/image.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNI1_NTX5MSdcIH1BB17A4-FoQDsAVBgaRYYNZIWARLicvGnlELBtcwWpu0dIjQAjrikpZSVL9lippfZdAZ0E_5LuYYwHytxW49YhHn4poYols6aNugLzKcAr6N4UcVgb9Q6MPob1rZQ/" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="529" data-original-width="1280" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuNI1_NTX5MSdcIH1BB17A4-FoQDsAVBgaRYYNZIWARLicvGnlELBtcwWpu0dIjQAjrikpZSVL9lippfZdAZ0E_5LuYYwHytxW49YhHn4poYols6aNugLzKcAr6N4UcVgb9Q6MPob1rZQ/w640-h265/image.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEAATPx3eavd9ZPCaPXzPBZgemJelZsr7N541vz08ONpn-oDa8bco4WtmVYZTzxAlW8qalgP3kSn6bjd96jVknIBjP8mrcUQMy2rSL5eB-RELSQXW44WUrzTNTft-lTsv1cowQH3IcE4/" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="712" data-original-width="1280" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhsEAATPx3eavd9ZPCaPXzPBZgemJelZsr7N541vz08ONpn-oDa8bco4WtmVYZTzxAlW8qalgP3kSn6bjd96jVknIBjP8mrcUQMy2rSL5eB-RELSQXW44WUrzTNTft-lTsv1cowQH3IcE4/w640-h356/image.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nx8_XyQzYxuZOIgJiqfxy1KCOeDlXX5K3zHW6fIoc7SXUL1VhudEzNaxXRHZ7YGGpAQwG_psrfcA68vpQYvzmaamWDNtjrXH1rjmvJA4TrwSRa-6Cesm_YjrRDhZVyN6jUPOWr2NHUk/" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="528" data-original-width="1280" height="264" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh1nx8_XyQzYxuZOIgJiqfxy1KCOeDlXX5K3zHW6fIoc7SXUL1VhudEzNaxXRHZ7YGGpAQwG_psrfcA68vpQYvzmaamWDNtjrXH1rjmvJA4TrwSRa-6Cesm_YjrRDhZVyN6jUPOWr2NHUk/w640-h264/image.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4geK8tnGwDFXRXztedYmDznxUOGqmppnBIVp2hOTckOBghNIEWbyl6L-NUVPdC5VWxRZi9JR88xTP3tBdLHRwuII_MaR5g2o06FMAm5WOa7ILGT8x9XcGf1Usu-Bx3rGQsLHWweCrLGY/" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="525" data-original-width="1280" height="262" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4geK8tnGwDFXRXztedYmDznxUOGqmppnBIVp2hOTckOBghNIEWbyl6L-NUVPdC5VWxRZi9JR88xTP3tBdLHRwuII_MaR5g2o06FMAm5WOa7ILGT8x9XcGf1Usu-Bx3rGQsLHWweCrLGY/w640-h262/image.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZzsl-uVu5LULc9-dAHonqqxiSfuAvxjAHdmgGkZWlMXWB4VpCkJ_VX5KlsekB4XdVKe5XAOpYVPHWV7s8w-8CSsCzd8ClYTCjBf1dK-q62PMDXK1guw2TrOZVIilft324i9P9OSTd0s/" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="624" data-original-width="1280" height="312" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGZzsl-uVu5LULc9-dAHonqqxiSfuAvxjAHdmgGkZWlMXWB4VpCkJ_VX5KlsekB4XdVKe5XAOpYVPHWV7s8w-8CSsCzd8ClYTCjBf1dK-q62PMDXK1guw2TrOZVIilft324i9P9OSTd0s/w640-h312/image.png" width="640" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9aZjlITsW8-xpecY4TpporX2I1Ko2CzDUE2lR__k2XScxmb0R1CKRWqw1EMLIVQGshyphenhyphenD7i7cbq8yboWHcEWH1nCjO0yVkNPAcBbT-_z_r7DJBgVir6SruAfvbnW55STzsO_HjkbYYAs/" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="1280" height="360" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX9aZjlITsW8-xpecY4TpporX2I1Ko2CzDUE2lR__k2XScxmb0R1CKRWqw1EMLIVQGshyphenhyphenD7i7cbq8yboWHcEWH1nCjO0yVkNPAcBbT-_z_r7DJBgVir6SruAfvbnW55STzsO_HjkbYYAs/w640-h360/image.png" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Yup. These goodbyes are hard but I also know that there are lots of<i> Stay Gold </i>moments in my future and I welcome them with open arms.</span></div><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span><p></p>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-59727085787844383672021-03-28T14:04:00.005-06:002021-03-28T15:09:47.395-06:00Miracles in the (Pandemic) Mundane<p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">It's been part of my intentional perspective to look for miracles in the mundane. Those seemingly insignificant moments can change a mood or bring a smile, and they always shift a point of view. This intention while teaching during a pandemic changed everything. I saw life differently and the miracles seemed more vivid and important. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJJBiCWBiNRjpwVdhxEgmYI8RXGXcpShvw9dnLYM0-Cj5mjUB8qMoQeB1OKo1ihzlEE7vQy4oIowiV2LdRud2CntciKR5WHPZxzWY0-akVZ3Napasb7Vm2nxv65gAWTGtHXAz4MlfKZk/s2048/IMG_1790.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPJJBiCWBiNRjpwVdhxEgmYI8RXGXcpShvw9dnLYM0-Cj5mjUB8qMoQeB1OKo1ihzlEE7vQy4oIowiV2LdRud2CntciKR5WHPZxzWY0-akVZ3Napasb7Vm2nxv65gAWTGtHXAz4MlfKZk/w480-h640/IMG_1790.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">This year of teaching has been full of pivots with multiple changes to schedules, routines, and expectations. We've been 100% remote so we taught through Zoom. We were hybrid so kids were in school 2 days a week. And next month we are going back 100% in-person meaning ALL kids every day...Yeah, like regular school, but not at all. Teachers will still have to rotate rooms, kids don't get a passing period or lockers or see anyone else outside of their cohort classroom. It's not "back to normal," not by a long shot. But we pivot and we adjust and we know we will continue to have resilience as we learn together. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEz_zQNV4gjCD2Mjfo5xLSqht8Klb4Epf_KRHSFm5te6qTpnryAduw0zzhzw07B8hMbJJiB0dhU0KmSn8NcHJVA3ENRQk6B3SDJ65KBmgjLHQvj6rNw6GkkHNUkFZIr60iBXxH6hRYeo/s4032/IMG_0415.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikEz_zQNV4gjCD2Mjfo5xLSqht8Klb4Epf_KRHSFm5te6qTpnryAduw0zzhzw07B8hMbJJiB0dhU0KmSn8NcHJVA3ENRQk6B3SDJ65KBmgjLHQvj6rNw6GkkHNUkFZIr60iBXxH6hRYeo/w480-h640/IMG_0415.jpg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Because of all the pivots, I didn't get to teach my poetry elective so my poor students have had to endure the places I shove poetry at them like a parent disguising vegetables in a meal. "No! I swear this is normal spaghetti! It just</span><i style="font-family: georgia;"> smells </i><span style="font-family: georgia;">like cauliflower, it's delicious!"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> "Yes! All the kids in the 8th grade have to write a poem! It's part of the curriculum! It's fine!"</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">My disguises worked. </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RRtikQ-tSaOcBGnn_bs2J5TlFVy-s0hQcp6zHyNyGWV5JBoWjWrfxamMYfT8KbNlaiZCC6BvgvnKg48CZGaTdTpjaTburGMntSGw4NPRFTxXCWaoowb47-3xyxnHVYyIi5ahi4aCOd0/s2048/51F164D7-FA08-401A-9484-DA1F9780C147.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1638" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_RRtikQ-tSaOcBGnn_bs2J5TlFVy-s0hQcp6zHyNyGWV5JBoWjWrfxamMYfT8KbNlaiZCC6BvgvnKg48CZGaTdTpjaTburGMntSGw4NPRFTxXCWaoowb47-3xyxnHVYyIi5ahi4aCOd0/w320-h400/51F164D7-FA08-401A-9484-DA1F9780C147.JPG" width="320" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">We didn't have to reach for inspiration because 22-year-old Amanda Gorman led the way perfectly. We read and analyzed the poem she read at the 2021 inauguration, </span><i style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.townandcountrymag.com/society/politics/a35279603/amanda-gorman-inauguration-poem-the-hill-we-climb-transcript/">The Hill We Climb</a></i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> to start our social justice unit. From there we read her poem </span><i style="font-family: georgia;"><a href="https://www.pbs.org/newshour/arts/amanda-gormans-poetic-answer-to-pandemic-grief-do-not-ignore-the-pain">Miracle of Morning</a></i><span style="font-family: georgia;"> which she wrote in April of 2020 as a way to put words to our new normal. She plays on the words morning and mourning, so I asked my students to write a poem with that in mind. They were to reflect on the last year and recognize the morning and mourning we endured together and answer the question: </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> What has this year been like for you? </span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">I wanted to share some of their poems here because it turns out they had a lot to say </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">and every word is a miracle.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">_______________________</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Our New Normal</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Six AM. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Wake up again.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-146f1b16-7fff-030f-93dd-02fd8b6f2ef0"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Up and ready for school.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>This is school now.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>That’s what they said.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>That’s what they told me.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>I don’t see faces, I see screens. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>The screens that echo out my name.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-0688ee94-7fff-2115-d6a3-93f7bd1c8a81"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>No one wants to answer.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>The boy on the corner sighs.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>He wanted to see his father.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Flying to New York.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>He's his favorite.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>The one time he can see him.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Glancing at the headline, </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>“Airports Close Due To Virus”.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>“Not this time buddy”.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>His phone echos to him.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-a0939977-7fff-497e-9d92-97abe12d09e6"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>He hangs up the call.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>My mother screams yet again.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>We have woken her at noon.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>She still can’t sleep.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>We are too loud for her.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>We are now at home.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>I walk too loud.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>My brother talks too loud.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>She has been working twice as hard.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>The rest of the department is gone.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>Is she next? It echos.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-eac8b3d8-7fff-733a-dc20-056208d359b0"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>She attempts to sleep again.</b></span></span></p><div style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; text-align: center; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0fc17b82-7fff-9ac3-c67c-8203f5d02371"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">The owner of the shop looks around.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">He really shouldn’t be here.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">He just rents the space.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">It has been months.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">He still can’t open the shop.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">The flowers he left here are withering.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">The Open/Closed sign echos goodbye.</span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;">He leaves the keys on the counter.</span></p></b></span></span></span></div><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b>_____~ART~_____</b></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #2b00fe;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>This Year</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>The Covid-19 pandemic has taken so much from me, my family, and my friends. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>And I’m only in 8th grade. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>I remember at the start of March 2020 we heard of this thing called the coronavirus. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>We got two weeks off of school.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 14pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-cb515108-7fff-eee2-54cc-96f2c4ecb6c8"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>It is now March of 2021, and we are still trying to get through.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>No matter what way you look at it, this year had some really low, lows.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>But there were still different things to smile about, for each and every one of us.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>Together, we pushed through the toughest part. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>Being fully online, feeling stuck.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>And we still talked to friends, just in new ways. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>We stayed together as a world.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-f2028d3f-7fff-3087-527d-1991554bc24e"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>We tried to find new hobbies. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>Some succeeded, some failed, but at least we tried.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>I think we can all agree with the weirdness and suck of 2020, </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>but we have 9 more months of 2021 to look forward to.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>Things are already looking up. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>Schools everywhere are going back to full in person. Covid numbers are dropping.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>And even though this pandemic will change our lives for what seems like forever,</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>we still have a lot to look forward to. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>It can’t get worse than this. Right?</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-1b50c1cd-7fff-510e-2986-6e36bdd3ce0b"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>But if it does get even worse, </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #666666; font-family: georgia;"><b>we’ll do that together too.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b>______~CF~______</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #666666;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 16px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;">Waking Up in the Morning...</span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #38761d;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Waking up in the morning...</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Knowing every day is the same.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Knowing that my family is counting on me.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Knowing that my parents expect the best of me.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Knowing that I have to be a better role model for my brother.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>It's all Tiring. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Waking up in the morning...</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>When you always have to have a smile on your face from the start.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Whether it's pretended or real; it makes people feel better.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Smiles have a meaning behind them, that when it shows on your face you're having a good time.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #38761d;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Many people believe that when someone is smiling they are automatically happy </span></span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">when a lot can hide behind it.</span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Waking up in the morning...</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>New day, same things happening, every day is the same.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>“Do something different!”</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>“Go on a walk!”</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>“Turn in your work!”</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>No motivation going through your head, I just want to do nothing.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Waking up in the morning...</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Everything is on repeat when the same thing is happening.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>I have stopped noticing the good things that come </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>and that is because </b></span></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>Every day is the same. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b>____~JD~___</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #38761d; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>352</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>I awake once again same room, same bed.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>I let quarantine get the best of me, social media ingrained in my head.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>352 days in the same house; seasons, holidays, birthdays passing by.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-ed2391ce-7fff-743e-3381-ab355d7f9884"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>Have I been asleep all year?</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b> Nothing feels real, I need to open my eyes.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>Nonetheless, there is a fresh start with every sunrise.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>Watching the sky glowing pink, orange, and white.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-2e8984f5-7fff-aba8-11f8-fe50b0b7b419"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>A sense of security, that everything will be alright.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>Days pass by, almost identical to before.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>But maybe, just maybe my life won't be such a bore.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>As the sunrise feels warmer on this sleepy morning.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>It's been 352 days, what's a few more? </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>The light at the end of the tunnel that has never been here before</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>seems closer and closer.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-32be795a-7fff-d6a7-8845-bd48d81cdc44"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>Let’s see what’s in store.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b>____~LC~____</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>Miracles?</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>Days go by as I drown in my sorrows.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>Days turn into months as I see the bubbles floating to the surface.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>I can’t wait for the day where someone lifts me out of the world.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b id="docs-internal-guid-eafc77c6-7fff-029a-e80c-dc8e90b8d1e7"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>Sports being canceled.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>Deep depression becomes the new normal.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>I lay here in my sorrows for what is tomorrow.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>The morning has come. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>Just another terrible day. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>I look outside and pray.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>For the sun is shining, animals all around.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>God is there. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>I think I have been found.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>My eyes fill with tears.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>The happiness like a lifeboat.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>I am being lifted from the strong current trying to pull me down.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><b><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>I am new. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>The one you see has thick skin. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>We will win.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"></span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>We are in the future. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b>_____~JL~_____</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #800180; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>Every Day</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>Waking up in the morning</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>too lazy to eat breakfast.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>Trying to stay awake while listening to your teachers. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>Struggling to get your work done but your phone distracts you</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-645547b1-7fff-6a67-cc20-f955b9157298"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>and missing assignments overwhelm you.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>The long days at school are over.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>All you want to do is see your friends.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>You watch movies with your family.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>And pet your dog.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-59142e46-7fff-a723-88e9-9e363f2d5936"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>Dinners outside bring your napkins to the floor.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>The sun is going down.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>Showering brings happiness to know it's the end of the day.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>Tiktoks keep you creeping awake. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-a9126f2c-7fff-08de-a58f-69c019ae2d7b"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>Till you fall asleep for the same thing to happen every day.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b>_____~JH~_____</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #e69138; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>As One</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>It is together that we can thrive. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>Being fortunate enough to go through this time of mourning </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>as one.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>We can no longer act as individuals but instead as a community, a country.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-7835dbaf-7fff-8603-4251-9ef20b978fc1"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b> It is as a country that we can wake up and see hope. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>Hope for our society, our economy, our world. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>I find confidence in knowing everyone is going through the struggles together.</b></span></span></p><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="background-color: transparent; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-541619a8-7fff-b4fb-47c7-d3383c6b39c4"><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b> We can't let fear overcome our strong country. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>Struggles and mourning are something to expect in every part of our life but overcoming it as one is something only the strongest can do.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>Grasping onto challenges using them to make them stronger is something that gives me hope. Without movement as a whole nothing will ever change.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b> We need to wake up and see that we can make a change. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>When surprise and fear are gone there is nothing left but obligations towards our country.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>The fate of our country depends on our dedication to it. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>It is friendship and unity and strength and courage and integrity that holds us together. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b>____~AS~____</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #0b5394; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b>Find the Happies</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b>A quiet morning with light shining through my window, </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b>knowing the day will be rough I also know I’ll pull through.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b>All the little happies, </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b>the things that make me smile, that make me laugh, that’s what helps me.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b>My friends, my family, constant things that make me smile.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b>Because even in the darkest times, there’s a light.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b>They can’t exist without each other, </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b>so know that there will be someone holding a flashlight.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b>Find the little happies, </b></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b>and move on with your wonderful morning, </b></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b>knowing that you are loved here</b></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232; font-family: georgia;"><b><i>and</i> on the other side.</b></span></span></p><div style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span face="Cabin, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b>________~BM~________</b></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span face="Cabin, sans-serif" style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #f1c232;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div style="font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 12pt;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>It's Our Job</b></span></span></div><div style="font-style: normal; text-align: center;"><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0049bfbd-7fff-59af-f740-2bb81c91ab23"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><br /></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Everyone struggles together, regardless of the issues.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>It's everyone's job to come together to help.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Standing against those who bring hate,</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>yet balancing that while standing with those who bring love.</b></span></span></p><div style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-0c076903-7fff-9a1d-9904-9f0804acde23"><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Regardless of skin, religion, and beliefs.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Everyone needs a crutch of support.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>It is everyone's job to come together to help</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>in the face of the problems.</b></span></span></p><div style="font-size: 12pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><br /></b></span></span></div><div><span style="font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span id="docs-internal-guid-a489ac3c-7fff-d2d7-a976-2c3cdc7e46de"><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Hold hands together.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Wipe tears together.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Mourn together.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>Most importantly, come together to help those who need it. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b>____~KH~_____</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #6aa84f;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Miracles.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>I wake up to my 7:45 alarm.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>It’s time for on-line school. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>It really doesn’t have the same charm.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Open up the computer and look at the date</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>March 2nd.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="font-size: 12pt; font-variant-east-asian: normal; font-variant-numeric: normal; vertical-align: baseline;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-7d2906bd-7fff-6316-1330-349469a1a9d7"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Try to find out the next time I’ll see my classmates.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Hey, at least I’m at home.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>With my family, my pets, and the comfort of my bed.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Used to not appreciate it.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Guess this pandemic has been changing my head.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Is it a good thing?</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-eb32fc4a-7fff-8874-8f68-0e973ba15966"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>I think I’m just being misled.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>For some reason, I’m more respected.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>Being at home with my family</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>we’re more connected.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>The little things mean more.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><span style="color: #cc0000;">But I've b</span><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 12pt;">een in this pandemic so long</span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #cc0000; font-size: 12pt;"><b> I feel like a dinosaur.</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b>_____~HF~_____</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #cc0000;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #45818e; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Friends</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>The miracle in my mourning is my close friends.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>The way that they are able to cheer me up each time I'm feeling down.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>The way that they show me that I’m cared for and appreciated each time around.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>They always make me laugh and they always make me smile.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-57a28b77-7fff-e98b-24c8-81a9e4c6aa3b"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>They are my miracle.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b>_______~JA_______</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #45818e;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #674ea7; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Hope Can Carry You A Long Way</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>In the wake of the morning, a fresh start always greets you</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b> with a nice warm soothing thought.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Starting over means new chances and greater things to accomplish, </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>however, things come from all sides trying to knock us down.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>With the morning comes new demons that we all fight. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">But, </span><span style="font-size: 12pt;">there is always a light at the end of the seemingly endless tunnel. </span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>This tunnel may seem long and the light may seem dim, </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>but there are always positive notes to look at and positive things that happen every day.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Don't worry about the finished project, </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>instead, worry about the projects that are given to you today.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-f8648a5b-7fff-af12-28f5-2d3ad6edc806"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>If you focus on the little things, the bigger things fall into place.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>As the day closes and you fall asleep, you can't help but think, “Will this ever end?” </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>A lot of times all people need is a little hope.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-34ccfed9-7fff-e73e-a243-05f06f826140"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>Hope can carry you a long way. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b>________~SM~_______</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #674ea7;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Cabin, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Was Today Going to be Better? </b></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span face="Cabin, sans-serif" style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><br /></b></span></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Rising up from my mattress after a sleep that was well needed.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Was today going to be better? </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>I guess we’ll have to see. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>What happened the day before shall not reflect the next morning.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-9a17aedd-7fff-ba31-dae9-234df9577c05"></span></b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>A new, fresh era does not have room for mourning.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Misery filled my dreams the night before.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>But now’s the time to explore: </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>New wonders and opportunities to solve what we mourn.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>Don’t back down, don’t turn around.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-fde9878a-7fff-db44-d1b1-5464cb9af872"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>There is still a full day that is bound to be great.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>We’ll get through this together.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>However, keep in mind, bad days will come like rain with the weather.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>We won’t be stopped until we make it to the top.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>So wake up each day with new hopes and goals.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><span id="docs-internal-guid-8d4d0014-7fff-032e-9e38-67543fc2d510"></span></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>And pray that miracles will enter our souls.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b>______~TD~______</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #a64d79;"><b><br /></b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="color: #b45f06; font-size: 12pt;"><b>Miracles in the Mundane</b></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">To wake up in the same routine</span></span><span style="color: #b45f06;"> but knowing there’s no knowing</span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>is perplexing.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">But to find the good in our neighborhood </span></span><span style="color: #b45f06;">despite the restrictions</span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>feels like connecting. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>The hearts on the windows. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>The 6-foot hellos.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>The 8:00 howls. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>The movies we chose.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><b><span style="color: #b45f06;"><br /></span></b></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>This feels like hope. Like a morning anew.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>The simplest of miracles show us the way and give us a clue.</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>Finding the depths of gratitude in the midst of the grief</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>This means we are the miracles in the mundane; like the turning of a leaf. </b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><span style="background-color: transparent; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="color: #b45f06;"><b>______~KJL~______</b></span></span></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;"><br /></p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">Pretty amazing, right? The ways they captured the hope and heartache, the changes and new normals. This generation will forever be marked by the pandemic and I think they will continue to teach us all about what it means to be resilient and hopeful. </p><p dir="ltr" style="font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 400; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt;">
Thank you, sweet 8th grade class, of 2020-21 for giving me these poetic, miraculous words, even if it was against your will. </p></span></span></div></span></span></div></span></span></span></div></span></span></div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-29964897348539471232020-12-23T12:10:00.004-07:002020-12-23T12:10:53.960-07:00Happy Holidays from The Laniels!<p style="text-align: center;"><span><b><span style="font-family: georgia;"> "Lift your heads up. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">Be grateful you are going through this sad moment with all these other folks."</span></b></span><span style="font-family: georgia;"><b>~ Ted Lasso</b></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"> </span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">{Thank you, Ted Lasso, for being perfect. And, if you haven't already, watch</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> this flawless show on Apple+, right now!} </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD34AoMxnAcsSJ4ZBoYiKk5hu00DEuIqwIXE5afphyFUJziuU7lwIVqIYjrfi4O7lE2U0QRJMeOALsvcX_jVmUAyckZ5sHBd1VlrnBxxF7r4XwDvcqH1jVIkbGaQpcRJHuOxh645u6Y34/s1803/IMG_0024.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1803" data-original-width="1742" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiD34AoMxnAcsSJ4ZBoYiKk5hu00DEuIqwIXE5afphyFUJziuU7lwIVqIYjrfi4O7lE2U0QRJMeOALsvcX_jVmUAyckZ5sHBd1VlrnBxxF7r4XwDvcqH1jVIkbGaQpcRJHuOxh645u6Y34/w618-h640/IMG_0024.jpeg" width="618" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Happy Holidays from The Laniels!</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"></span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvOUhjEltHPq91104HXWyE1FkCEYd7F9KhNFb2PaMfIac2JLH_cU6qTezRhxo6p-DIA2111d5SYUEW4USBiOEX5blwWU4sKOuzY9l67wQP0VxYqRI0CshEAoA7bEOX8EwDLN9xz405xw/s1884/IMG_0089.jpeg" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1884" data-original-width="1669" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuvOUhjEltHPq91104HXWyE1FkCEYd7F9KhNFb2PaMfIac2JLH_cU6qTezRhxo6p-DIA2111d5SYUEW4USBiOEX5blwWU4sKOuzY9l67wQP0VxYqRI0CshEAoA7bEOX8EwDLN9xz405xw/w566-h640/IMG_0089.jpeg" width="566" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">There's really nothing new to say about the 2020 dumpster fire that hasn't been said already, but I truly think that</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> we are coming out the other side feeling so grateful for all the miracles in the mundane like never before.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG1fK_pkvvOK_J6PzX4XfzKRbw08JXl33fOr9Rmwavo82LQcnu_7rMzAoZ2LV8WbCamGDRk5LjyI1pfWU10-H4miO_Gc0IIgxpg4ztM4a0cQ2ryvb7MQSFE0tKINBf9vSGcpRdxRs6bE/s2048/IMG_0087.jpeg" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfG1fK_pkvvOK_J6PzX4XfzKRbw08JXl33fOr9Rmwavo82LQcnu_7rMzAoZ2LV8WbCamGDRk5LjyI1pfWU10-H4miO_Gc0IIgxpg4ztM4a0cQ2ryvb7MQSFE0tKINBf9vSGcpRdxRs6bE/w480-h640/IMG_0087.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">In our holiday card last year I was truly contemplating leaving this crazy teaching profession. I found renewed hope in February and decided to commit. Then came March.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">{I wrote about the end of the last school year </span><a href="https://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2020/05/the-one-where-we-didnt-really-have-real.html" style="font-family: georgia;" target="_blank">here</a><span style="font-family: georgia;">.}</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEV7paFyckvDCu4WUKn5VJlgBTTJLgdSHLOX56rXAUG7luYNDwFV65JYb3lZA6CZL3FuB6TWo7KKo4mY2wcV6gl05cZZtM863I8WfMwoTZ29-xGT-F6rFm1HvbzI_HRoJgsaJO6LeQEA/s2048/BECF4751-4673-4200-94DE-FE518354D177.jpg" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibEV7paFyckvDCu4WUKn5VJlgBTTJLgdSHLOX56rXAUG7luYNDwFV65JYb3lZA6CZL3FuB6TWo7KKo4mY2wcV6gl05cZZtM863I8WfMwoTZ29-xGT-F6rFm1HvbzI_HRoJgsaJO6LeQEA/w640-h640/BECF4751-4673-4200-94DE-FE518354D177.jpg" width="640" /></a></p><p style="text-align: left;"></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As summer plodded along, there were so many questions and so many unknowns it was difficult to know how to feel about what the school year would entail.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48dCDjHhMFv4srCYe8fASOzGfUrpotrGNHpj6b61PiWBxNNA6U27OuM1f3sByNmG1KRdQqkZ_hMEBkaViNxEuhx81EoB4ANl-vxQRAo-cvRGslVesS0nKJTDhATMlapEhLW9sso-HD4E/s2048/CF807189-819D-42F9-93DA-9F907D394274.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="2048" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh48dCDjHhMFv4srCYe8fASOzGfUrpotrGNHpj6b61PiWBxNNA6U27OuM1f3sByNmG1KRdQqkZ_hMEBkaViNxEuhx81EoB4ANl-vxQRAo-cvRGslVesS0nKJTDhATMlapEhLW9sso-HD4E/w640-h640/CF807189-819D-42F9-93DA-9F907D394274.jpg" width="640" /></a></div></span><p></p><div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">When questions were </span><strike style="font-family: georgia;">answered </strike><span style="font-family: georgia;">tripled and my school district adopted a hybrid model for middle school, more questions and more feelings unfolded. </span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div><div style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIAv2LKsu3eSBYFOnNrHK5XZFYGIKAJiZw7HxH5Dm_y0U8DkOF3B5XkbfaLLgdhYb9QuoBAy8_TqvCyc_yPZ1zfiifr_bJ1gv0uZAYw9rQtRNaari9343jWsUqxoiRK-EAzlrCbWshYA/s4032/IMG_0077.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="4032" data-original-width="3024" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIAv2LKsu3eSBYFOnNrHK5XZFYGIKAJiZw7HxH5Dm_y0U8DkOF3B5XkbfaLLgdhYb9QuoBAy8_TqvCyc_yPZ1zfiifr_bJ1gv0uZAYw9rQtRNaari9343jWsUqxoiRK-EAzlrCbWshYA/w480-h640/IMG_0077.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;"><br /></span></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">How was I supposed to teach all day in a mask? How do I connect with my one section of fully remote students? How do I connect with students I only see in person 2 hours a week? How do I maintain rigor/engagement/differentiation for 130 kids that are overwhelmed and worried too? Fully remote? How do I do that? How do I keep forgetting to change the settings on my Google docs so anyone with the link can view them? How come attendance takes 10,987 steps and takes 1,235 minutes?</span><span style="font-family: georgia;"> </span></div></span></div><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Everyday, So. Many. Questions.</span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEive19We8dt5G4WzkumuG7LjtoVxp1964y9tHIasKjzZPz-YpJ6HDJ5j5gTo1t0MuBJEx8-BxqdYJSWjXcGum90FyZZUGeOD9aKemuy7tQ1vyj9RitjjosqpZuyFd3w0hYoLLMFL66sg3g/s2048/IMG_0081.jpeg" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEive19We8dt5G4WzkumuG7LjtoVxp1964y9tHIasKjzZPz-YpJ6HDJ5j5gTo1t0MuBJEx8-BxqdYJSWjXcGum90FyZZUGeOD9aKemuy7tQ1vyj9RitjjosqpZuyFd3w0hYoLLMFL66sg3g/w480-h640/IMG_0081.jpeg" width="480" /></a></p><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">Everything takes twice the effort and twice the attention to detail and it's been exhausting--for all of us. This is where the Ted Lasso quote gives me so much hope: </span><span style="font-family: georgia;">We are not alone in this. I get the irony of this word <i>alone</i>. We did not see friend</span><span style="font-family: georgia;">s in person or celebrate big birthdays {50!!!} or graduating {whoop Brian!} with parties and we felt alone in feeling anxious all the livelong day, but somehow we were not alone.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJha6nbkYw2DxMKt3joaDDfpw2dpa3mD2Ct7OnimHskHoW2dn44SNyppWGPMUw71RX473cmqpYKJWB3rbudEK5p3ZwDctcTAKuTJhUMdqJFcihFXYqB3oATblu2XOss_KTVBpd7i_yHo/s1891/IMG_9874.jpeg" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1661" data-original-width="1891" height="563" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYJha6nbkYw2DxMKt3joaDDfpw2dpa3mD2Ct7OnimHskHoW2dn44SNyppWGPMUw71RX473cmqpYKJWB3rbudEK5p3ZwDctcTAKuTJhUMdqJFcihFXYqB3oATblu2XOss_KTVBpd7i_yHo/w640-h563/IMG_9874.jpeg" width="640" /></a></p><span style="font-family: georgia;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">I was not alone in the weirdness of teaching. Brian was not alone in being unemployed and searching for jobs. {He has a few prospects right now and all of our fingers and toes are crossed that things will fall into place!!!!} My friends who have small children were not alone in trying to stay sane. My friends working from home with make-shift offices and sketchy wifi were not alone. We know all too well that our pets weren't alone. God forbid we ran an errand without them for more than an hour! My family was not alone in worrying for our aging parents and hoping they would wear a freaking mask. {!!!!} {They do, for the most part, and they are fine, but still...} <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcH8rnnhYM7XYHQiVvIxSUqEB2ZHXe0oCg11p0wm_Z_CnvyJmuTt2NNCdrco3Y9nDbH6iaWRbqaWAh6k28XQ-NT0zZ6CYN3CcCUQGf3bRuURlUzCfXWbods5ekRgXtH7jEbgGa65Nnrs/s2048/IMG_0070.jpeg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="2048" data-original-width="1536" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigcH8rnnhYM7XYHQiVvIxSUqEB2ZHXe0oCg11p0wm_Z_CnvyJmuTt2NNCdrco3Y9nDbH6iaWRbqaWAh6k28XQ-NT0zZ6CYN3CcCUQGf3bRuURlUzCfXWbods5ekRgXtH7jEbgGa65Nnrs/w480-h640/IMG_0070.jpeg" width="480" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">We were not alone.</div></div></span><p style="text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: georgia;">As we head into this next phase of weirdness, may we hold onto the truth of what miracles are--they are the things that surprise us and give us joy when we need it the most. They are out there, I promise, but if you're having a difficult time seeing them, I will help you because you are not alone.</span></p><p style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUNZW59F4LeJn8xFN9X1PwxHZ_89AEz4-b7jUEIelbKg3Swer8gINuUcxilg5rltAeXUyNVzc3qZHVskXL2tDIkHqQUrZebb1zh74vKfmKgWMR36JZu4anJ_sFEADqn5ZkJY0u9FY3xw/s1800/29C012A9-2D70-425F-99BF-0345B427425E.jpg" style="font-family: georgia; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1800" data-original-width="1440" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUNZW59F4LeJn8xFN9X1PwxHZ_89AEz4-b7jUEIelbKg3Swer8gINuUcxilg5rltAeXUyNVzc3qZHVskXL2tDIkHqQUrZebb1zh74vKfmKgWMR36JZu4anJ_sFEADqn5ZkJY0u9FY3xw/w512-h640/29C012A9-2D70-425F-99BF-0345B427425E.jpg" width="512" /></a></p></div>Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-45197360886633160142020-05-22T16:33:00.001-06:002020-06-01T11:55:35.776-06:00The One Where We Didn't Have A Real School Year<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As we are all well aware, the 2019-20 school "year" has been real weird. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLc0H_xEXx4ncvN9IFklVPO8sd1srGNb_pQdyZgpyjMrkzkj6EKbnEdFuhtBomWSb2M9sIOZdkTHdG2TEyZ-5MPVhG6G1LAw-ptt6KsD1hLtFc_pGXQg8mskNAqYf9joitL0kJf4hjb4/s1600/IMG_7712.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1177" data-original-width="1242" height="603" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvLc0H_xEXx4ncvN9IFklVPO8sd1srGNb_pQdyZgpyjMrkzkj6EKbnEdFuhtBomWSb2M9sIOZdkTHdG2TEyZ-5MPVhG6G1LAw-ptt6KsD1hLtFc_pGXQg8mskNAqYf9joitL0kJf4hjb4/s640/IMG_7712.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I started this 12th year of teaching year unsure if I was going to continue in this profession. I am finishing the year feeling the same way but for totally different reasons. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dSczcLizGHcimxBfq8t6iXNT-idmQVFm4n0pHyL_T_DSMEEv15fI7C54d1EP7g8Il9RWrqcVMr6YMi4hDrReJhCasGVvasJdTaHYHHjNjKz874vmzzeG-8caaTy9ug_bhlfRqhotVgY/s1600/IMG_7655.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="754" data-original-width="1242" height="387" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8dSczcLizGHcimxBfq8t6iXNT-idmQVFm4n0pHyL_T_DSMEEv15fI7C54d1EP7g8Il9RWrqcVMr6YMi4hDrReJhCasGVvasJdTaHYHHjNjKz874vmzzeG-8caaTy9ug_bhlfRqhotVgY/s640/IMG_7655.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>{I am pretty sure I am going to stay in teaching, but, honestly, right now? UGH.}</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">At the beginning of the year, I was feeling stagnant, and unsure if what I loved about teaching was still a part of my DNA. </span>As the year progressed I hit rock bottom and started seriously looking for other jobs. I really thought teaching wasn't for me anymore.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But then, over the course of 3 weeks in January, some new life was breathed into the school I work at and some fresh opportunities came my way and they left me feeling invigorated. I felt ready to dig into this gig and give it my all. The Universe had spoken; teaching is where I belong. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And then, COVID. </span> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cZyWHZjcIBcdz4lXUNKFeVDiEUxPMgyFCduOX3Msyt27ebSF_CqBawJrW7wgkF_xjO_EckittDFbZD2BI1pzdMCTwyOd8QsySw1PiKJDWWGsrK8PcZdW8yh2HDW9sfalgFEWQnS5JtM/s1600/IMG_7972.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6cZyWHZjcIBcdz4lXUNKFeVDiEUxPMgyFCduOX3Msyt27ebSF_CqBawJrW7wgkF_xjO_EckittDFbZD2BI1pzdMCTwyOd8QsySw1PiKJDWWGsrK8PcZdW8yh2HDW9sfalgFEWQnS5JtM/s640/IMG_7972.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>This is NOT how my classroom should look.............</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We have all been thrown for a loop. I know that EVERY SINGLE person is inconvenienced because of this damn virus. I have shed many, many tears for all the loss that this virus has caused. From loss of life, the loss of jobs to the loss of rites of passage for so many people that I love. It's unfair, weird, sad, and just all-around terrible. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qAq73rdxU0tRQmaLx5c9pdS_NHsHQCihYI_7MsawMVS7pI4DqTB2dTFYjgEFs0AlKp2dwfYNoevifB3zIR5EfZv4398RRLUmaIk4VvJcXEj3dxsnTu4EEx79HXpTmawludebP82rdC4/s1600/Screenshot+2020-05-10+at+3.12.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But since this is my 'end of the school year' blog post that I've been doing for 12 years, I am going to focus on my own personal hell: Remote teaching.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTPR8dmQ1sxM6ceiCAaew2tViI-zySekViqrI0uCXuvDlLWthDGa1xcbSMea-rBbjIYzkEYQKc4avXE1KvVH9q_2tDjDKqIn6GFoOlPg5goZ_IS-t5bBkMGz3J1j6kQ4BTdds2Mld8RE/s1600/IMG_7563.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1229" data-original-width="1242" height="632" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikTPR8dmQ1sxM6ceiCAaew2tViI-zySekViqrI0uCXuvDlLWthDGa1xcbSMea-rBbjIYzkEYQKc4avXE1KvVH9q_2tDjDKqIn6GFoOlPg5goZ_IS-t5bBkMGz3J1j6kQ4BTdds2Mld8RE/s640/IMG_7563.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I need to preface the rest of this post by saying that my district had expectations around keeping teachers and students accountable by showing up and learning as much as possible. This required teachers and students to be engaged as much as possible. We made instructional videos, had Zoom meetings, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">took attendance, had daily assignments, and put at least 2 grades in the grade book every week.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qAq73rdxU0tRQmaLx5c9pdS_NHsHQCihYI_7MsawMVS7pI4DqTB2dTFYjgEFs0AlKp2dwfYNoevifB3zIR5EfZv4398RRLUmaIk4VvJcXEj3dxsnTu4EEx79HXpTmawludebP82rdC4/s1600/Screenshot+2020-05-10+at+3.12.35+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1207" data-original-width="1242" height="619" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2qAq73rdxU0tRQmaLx5c9pdS_NHsHQCihYI_7MsawMVS7pI4DqTB2dTFYjgEFs0AlKp2dwfYNoevifB3zIR5EfZv4398RRLUmaIk4VvJcXEj3dxsnTu4EEx79HXpTmawludebP82rdC4/s640/Screenshot+2020-05-10+at+3.12.35+PM.png" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">There were many supports given around the use of technology and working through gaps in technology availability for teachers and students. I have been impressed with how so many people helped those who may not have access to the tools needed for remote learning. Also, the school I work at is probably a 90% 1:1 device school meaning almost all of our kids had a device to use for learning. I recognize how incredibly lucky we are to have this. I recognize that this isn't true for much of the world. I recognize that I feel grateful that the technology hurdle wasn't very high for me and my students. But, please know that I recognize that the philosophical layers of how to do remote teaching well and with equity are as layered and complicated as a Croquembouche. {I know, fancy!}</span><br />
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<a href="https://www.blogger.com/u/3/blogger.g?blogID=3120198301209792615" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i> </i></span><img alt="Croquembouche - Cookidoo® – the official Thermomix® recipe platform" 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5OuKMvKqWNP2TnBNhqGXH/aO9z8I6bII1JXvSo5TYNNkEnU/kOiIlWbuFy0FsXvfvsq2o2CR06aKk0SDKQFJCcZTkwPumADnR6lOssm2dSNoTrUkDHJXAoZSSrIDBXIMy5MRUBy6U0EayNR0OVhwqg0kFz2i8Bs3Kq8109TKlqxmi406kOSbwLNv6SqVryCDrEfzum8xJJOp6omlOhItxxYuY4OiY5SNJ6EKsffVBl+eyNvf5/wgKroa8npb8vhPMflBc4WaCSRpbqNfzS04P+Zt69FE42yo6g9lKCXAgt3I3/RROVRbRcI3JJlJ44pB8PqvYGxNNtMyXCBDnOI5W+gKw2FZWr1G4epUApsY8h3NkDGgvMTEmbQe2yd49inik1jyWuBLCDqIg2B01A2sIWaoY5/0tuTtb027GPdYqClHY7EMajj5fJoMRmq0zRFSAAWgC7iCcxtrfW28oMLhBQYx9VznudZjSYAEaHSTb0vCqeGvFKqwuJAtLoJdaS2PUkeyl8Ze94a9tN+Ro1ynQa54FtN0Lh1+X7DBGOy2L3HcVc2kGtLiJaMh1gm2UGdSBy317rsbWxdPCkAwwiABBLpc3MXQZEMDtj67LP4bGl7qYaTDOYEdQdPYre+F8SypULDTBaQNeYCJIMXGX99VnkaxyVIWaMW210F4FxIZh6j6kRTABkTJJ5fWbfBVxUipSqNLiIdmc0aObOZs75dJiNtrLH48CgKtATla9pDtC6zi2R0y2t1K1bq9LyzUJcOSmDHMHSARAN5Nh76LyZG6M5QV7fnop8c9uamGMvBz5QTo8id4dYzFtFoPD8U6ZLzAjffQkn4VJVx1MObTDQCBEi8S4h2liLD3U/xBTphnmMPMGFnLIOWrlJEDeWDQeyeOFzVjlVa/M0iTMm8Ax5pskHNkbIi8wJkdU7UYW6iPWy7JyHw6LZvEWhuQk3br0JEKmc752TZqzpf8kTSpQUcA6bn4H7pxjIuNeqFGCqoVltSwQeyRY7/47KBXphroBmNfVO0MblaANb+kFNVX5iTETc+qmN3yJjbikhLCSVqiWKEq5cmIoWvToKaaEayNQwnGFMhGHIQx8I2qO1ydpuQA+1O0xcJpqk4atlvErOTGkTq+CysB9SVmfFOOZTw7y8E5rNA1JFz7AArU1uIcogTI326rF+L8AcTTdSBAcJeACRaIM9Qbj3WMpJ99G/jRua26PK+K8fLxkytLQbTJ37yrLwvgBX812VjCAHMAEAt584EaRDPlUOG4W51XKQ6BOota5E6aStAyoKLQ5tnxA9HS3LlJ0dAv2I6S9VVROpmVy1RHwddhq021RLc8Og/Udcs6i4Nx0XpXAcTSbULCG5AAJ0bpf229l5HgqhNYaQJqGJM5xaMoOgnbdyvmYm7Wy4Z8wDcusbB25O/ZZZcbVV65PJ22mdU4fgW1sQ2nWIEvfRyiWh0S2mGi+XMS30hXPB6pp0nEZS6A4tmASBoXRpMrF4+gxlY06Z1DHEiC5jublDtRH3kK4o4p7G6k5gBJuYuN1GSOyTs0g0uBj/ibar8kG85yXGHOcJcYERduk6/bWHAtrNpkZm+U0OAmGweQ2i7okDoHH1Xn7eFvaSQLZhA+TAJ9QvQvDWPaxpa/dhBJAMNuSQdLT9leSUYx47N5qMocf4E8MYJlV+R8h5zGZEG8uEdLkTqLLW0qLWOa1rRBaL/1AzLTB7HXssrwYFzm16ZdlDSdDILrExAINtAthQLSTBBdve9rT9ljCN5Dx55Ov9EqgXCzXOv3RYygSGlwJMGSfXdO4FrZlx9FP4lBGUECBuV00zmvszxEJEbyghUgDlKECVUSOtKNMgogUUOxzMkIQpQqRLFXLoXIEUbCjSAIgFnRoc1GGpAjCAsD1R0yuhE0JUUPscnGlMgImlS4jTJEqBjmtzPc5pOQCYmHGIHv/qfZSwVQ8Q4kRDTOkExDXh0kxuDYfZePyWoxPR46cpcFHi8PTYwmrmc/NLWNIa7KQDmB9Y26dLwXcIY6ia9QEkudla0/SA5pkERJkjsITvidtV1TOWEMcSGRP9MWtqQIEaoaOMDWGhUIbDswNjaBIBBn8l54t1we9t9hYLheHbncJAAplrTF+Y7jYTom+P4z8JiW1WNblqMDREZmua8OIE6AyN1FZiczHZAX81Ob3iXtIzGI+r8lnvFWLqGqzO0hrZAsCCSBeZtf9FrjhKcvi9mUmkqLTjuDdiMa6tTyN8zKXACwdaXOEDXW3VS+OcBqNoCrTfytIDiJB2Fr6Sfy1ULh+P5mvbBkMsf/AGti37q/8T8caMKKIPPVP0jsLu9L/ZKUp7pfn7lRVLgTw62nVYKddxNMuBy6RrcuHMSZG+3utJW4HSpVbuc+nUD23iQZJkWgm4226rEeGnQ60l8S0EEA6ZSARe49/Za7iOOzNBdJIGUZW5pc60B5IEgC5GmYb2Wcrb1Q5LkcwGCqUiHQAwgZpgti8NgbwY905WwNVtUVWDlLQGDmlpBp29CCDBjR0pvhuLdWYaLHBg2ceYwDq12hkb6yd1c4PzWVMj/pMke2UR95227q8S0nTJySlG7r+i2lBXqSZKAuhNFy6WpyrEqJoo3IYVpEsVpRBA0pwKhBLguC4JiFKJpSQuCBBpUISpiKdclIXQoosUIwgRhIYoCOEgRBFBZzSjCABEEAOZoWfxdVgZLoLjDW77GZGkzb2VpiapLvLbrYuj+28iZtYfcKh4k1mTM+Gtbm/wCnH1HQExAM6mDp7rm+ZNNqPyOh4sKVv2dwrFGjTcXOzABzhm1DiQJAncArGcTq5z5jjLukyb/lY/cLSZf+XdVexppuBLc2YG080j06EGPdVHB+HUsUHNdVNN7vMyQJaHAS0vm5noIWcW0uT0cLkJ2KZTwdNlO5ILnGxuX21uDbVQeOVWVaTKbr1LgZb3Omu0b7QkwHCsQym51RgDSwEscRIh1zaYsbj/aqZ5qPeXMEZAXGT1lsCNStYRW93+4WqoscHwQZzlqkFsOyAggtZIa2dbgC8LRcD8M0nszCRUF8wuTbRwmHN21GuoWe4Kyu976gpVXC7jykbZhBNpsY6yrrwlxQ0XZM0HR7XyHg7yNU/Jn8v3NpY4JLQlccEHD0zT8uqxtQnLIaWvswidiZJB0LPmThMV5jSCIGUtBE5g0yLRqYJud5KHjfmVMSKkDym0w1ovn5SSSQWwBLo1OiawtJ/kuq0zkI+sEHzGAkAHKXaztNo328jdq0yV6sl8JwtSgynXy02B5yljTJGYB0OMdBNra2nXaHENezNBDspIn0mLdwvPuHYkOqFoLi1z+WmIyMcLEtJ0ABiLrYGm4ckQMgIkwCDvbaR9lpOU9uejPLG6vssqdUOAI0P6Wg9xohc5ReEYE0aTaZdmImT3JmykkLsR6ORNJSaj0ckKWUh1VUQDCcYhhKEBY4uSJYQIILgFwSpiCCVI0rkCKuF0JcqUqTQABEEgRwgDgiSJUAKEYQBGkADnBoqOlrTkDZPTntba5Xnoxbg5zdWxN95zdfX+bb7GYdtRpa45bE5rQI6zqLxHqsXxPh7GhwNSHtMEAcs9tS68XXL8pPc6niNa8kTjmNc6nTphxDMreW2UOFo7i1vdRfBT20+IZ3gEMp1HNBuM1hPw5ydweCc8ikwtcXFpOawDrNPtqY/K6r/EfBTQrZW1neY2btADRIgxczb808fH8mkkmaXj2MFd7g4QCHW0tYgeth8lYrgOIaK1PPFiSJFhbcTpOUx2V74ZweIxzqpdlpMZ/1KlzLjfKxnWLm9pGqXiHgpgzOpVX5mlrpdBME5XDKAJ1HuAN001C9/Yo88Iu+EY5pr5arszXTA5gyJI+htotI12TXjXCUfxFN7frYw23yPLiy51jI/wBnLIV318PiKbHNDiYyOB5C03n2E2/8rZf8OZXNJ7xmc+WF5cRlcyXNkBwtDjawuffGa1f3+RaVu76D4BiXPLiXugaARHUGCNbD41ULx5xYMNFzBmdUa/OTIORhA/pga7kHso3GnVcLiG0Moc0tDmPIIBDnBpBHUaH/AClpeGDjpqVq72vgDQFovmNjtJ6oxxUZJy6K2V7DHBi0t8xguSA6HQ7T6gAJnv23XovDamcMzHK6CNZMHftJvG3dZLA+F3YaoGeYCwgEPbYu0mb2tOnVbXFUmua3JDREAgDlNr302PeEsjUpOgzyi2qDo6fP5kBEQo+GxIdoZuZBiQddBoPVSF1fHyKeNV9jjZoOMmmCUkIiuWxkClaEsJQgBVwXSlQAoSpAlCYmK1KuXIEV0JYSgLgFJYGVFCIBLCABhcihJCBnIgkC57oBSboFyRuJ1nMplzT/AGyLbnL/APpee8Xw/O97nmDL3QYm2g3E6/K2mNrNqSZIYw5YmC50STOzQCNN/RZfxLjaVfDEU2luTQzM3Gs30HfRcuU1LNt6Ox4sNUoyM/wzxK2hVGVpDDIJkkgnR1ztMR0JT/FcUHF9Wbm8za5UfBeCcQ6X1IbTafqDgWvizg1wt/NlJr8Fomk4Of5YZfKCJgXkyDbmPr1hXk/TUjTI038JeeHKlSjgXtqNNM1HvdTDhGflZN/7uUwDchpt1b4H4ibRJzCXuewCe9gB0vF0TKgxWCqeac1I1jAkwXMFiDvAdJ79VjMQ2MS3yWuyB1mlxdpeJN/T0Uxgpy5MldGj47/zOI891VjCAcjYcW3JbeGnLJNztI11Q4HGSwAiSXQIF2kENtbXUJ/DeFsbkLxQzTtnYHmJAOUkRIJ5bG6f4T4XFXOKjnUqopvc8QQ+Qbam0CAbX1m6WVRaSPU/04q4MLxNimv8gB8vAc+JnKx5BBB9WT8dU5wDG1Gu8pxBzX5Zgi4n/aOUzPQ33WdwvhPFebVdyloJa5znhpMmQRm3sDe1ltvD+Dr0gyW9A4gtIME/27ERHooyLHDGknbJuLh9SRxfE1BUpMZRdUEEFzG2kASDsLfAjZWGKNWlQktF5uCIbtfpMwAJUtrD9TKV3t5nNkAZQS03jN/lSsFXL6ZaRDoJuBr6bheeCi3yYSnSVFJwwCfMnmBhwjKMpkAAbG0j+Rdyo9I5hmBOxkROkb+pTzAYE2sut4kaj9zn+VLaQa6UIKVes8oqVIF0oAUBKuBXBAChEEiUIEdKVISuTEUv409Al/GHoFHSgqTQf/GHoEv4o9AmRHRGI6IAc/EO6BKMQegQiOigYfiodiKtDJHlhhzZtc4J0i0R1KltLscU30WL8SQCTAAkknYDVZSp/wCoVNtRzDTMf0mRc7Zp+kHrdS+PcVPkVAGgcvr/AFQR7j815tXfL20wACXNBdEmTEm+3MLdt1nvt0dDxvGi4uU0b7G8TacO1xaRmLi1ub+l2UzMdZ9h3WO/Hi7T626+itqfFMlJzHsFXK9olxv9AaMv9sSdOp2sq9lBhAhsHy2vJnUkhpHYSZ/krw/od/Vnt1cXRoMbxsPw1ODDQxjA3fOG8w+dfULKUeLNY5xqczYOYHU2gAWttr0PZTBgmtJgknW5MA8xECdeXXuqxuAY97KYEZiXEm/0yIAt/PvtHCl2TKEooPhnFR+GawH6XGR3N5/nQq58E4in+KFSq5oyBzmCblzrSewGaP8Aws/xvhjKJlljOttDBiCI3T9DAhgc9pIME9TZzREn1Hwqnjirr2Zxx5JPWv8Ah6fwzxGBUzkAtJ0/tG36p3xnx6nSp069OM1QVKfctgG/WDovPeEMcadR5eeWCAIGhI3lOeJ2yKYMQzzMoAiAS0n5LvsF5FglF03wbvBdTS+hL4DxvzA4u5uY5p0JBkfEr0bgmJa+nEXiRA5vT0gGxXiuIY6geR1iSIjoJn3W08MY+s0Ph4lrHGcuw2F7Hv2Rl8dq5LoU4NrntFziPFIol9EAl+YtEE7mMxJAGxIjeUeAxVV7GZYmP6nCNYBeAS7rtss5ieKfiajwabWCkCAWWcctQi7ukmYiNRdQqGMIxD2tkBrsovvmAJsANzHQQJOpUPGtKzaPj2vqbd3FRQBzxM8ozNgjRokxBsO1+iseG8QNamHxlMkEWMEd91hw7zKRef7DAkmwc9ha6TzTkJPdytvC+PNOnlAnM8XcZN2NPuvZiksUVfR4vK8P4W13Zq857/C7zClo1czQ6NQCiDuy9idq0cdqgfMPf4XCoe/wjCUJiA8w/wACTzT3+EeZOBMQ15rl3muT4C5FBYx5ru/wuT4C5Ogs/9k=" style="text-align: left;" /><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> </i></div>
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<i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">{I have been watching a lot of baking shows.}</span></i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlSP0JlKS23B6LvF3K-dIMaZiPzqsN-3TsXMZ6kg-1jvR8G8UrEBDdcT7XvedeAn7dBVb7C1CVZpVMgym23GxVEW8Ne5jPnjdTebWdwcvEzN2ZiwkINMY2M5PzP6YQ3qLkuCPUr3ImK8/s1600/IMG_7737.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="1242" height="627" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqlSP0JlKS23B6LvF3K-dIMaZiPzqsN-3TsXMZ6kg-1jvR8G8UrEBDdcT7XvedeAn7dBVb7C1CVZpVMgym23GxVEW8Ne5jPnjdTebWdwcvEzN2ZiwkINMY2M5PzP6YQ3qLkuCPUr3ImK8/s640/IMG_7737.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MLGVvwn4hsZPmB-TQqA4dlEdXWAqKuYzZqhfrzgQk7wui4amVQrwCTLxI0eS-6l8zv-JM1NuSCDJlqHq898gUXXUU6bZWm3npjPS6gnV121jFAcKXSlqkr9FamXx_K_8py-nFci6vuU/s1600/IMG_8218.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1202" data-original-width="1242" height="618" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0MLGVvwn4hsZPmB-TQqA4dlEdXWAqKuYzZqhfrzgQk7wui4amVQrwCTLxI0eS-6l8zv-JM1NuSCDJlqHq898gUXXUU6bZWm3npjPS6gnV121jFAcKXSlqkr9FamXx_K_8py-nFci6vuU/s640/IMG_8218.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> That said, technology <i>almost </i>killed me. I work with 130 kids and t</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">he only {non curse} word that captures my life over the past 11 weeks is Tedious. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">EVERY SINGLE TASK THAT I DO IS TEDIOUS! </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The ease of quick check-ins with learners, or the simple "do you understand?" assessment is virtually impossible {pun not intended...but...} when remotely teaching. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwj-prL3OZNG_-tHr1f2hbxN0QdX1IWpx4_f54zXmbHbL1zf8FscGGVALwJcjrYr3Bita3wv6mxkvikJf1VSLEHnw1iHD_nkzsQV_k86oE-IGgORbTi6wbAyayCo77LAZiCOvF1j5Gy8s/s1600/IMG_7538.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="720" data-original-width="960" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwj-prL3OZNG_-tHr1f2hbxN0QdX1IWpx4_f54zXmbHbL1zf8FscGGVALwJcjrYr3Bita3wv6mxkvikJf1VSLEHnw1iHD_nkzsQV_k86oE-IGgORbTi6wbAyayCo77LAZiCOvF1j5Gy8s/s640/IMG_7538.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Part of the problem is the steep learning curve to turn EVERY interaction into something involving technology. I had no idea how deeply I took for granted the simple checks for understanding and the ease of joking around with kids and being myself with them. The computer screen has robbed teachers of any sort of normalcy in how we interact with kids. It sucks.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrv_IVVmY68QUn9PNtv3hfb2Ds9yYXb7kH98PFC0IfkA0-f8PGYoOsUWG07uUzTgaKgzWx7HBOUUcpZzkmSKSSvFhJk_7uWdisl7hM1ymw4rm79cm3C-SEFvv9WmhPqWNUgiYh0WUgzg/s1600/IMG_7946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1190" data-original-width="1242" height="611" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrrv_IVVmY68QUn9PNtv3hfb2Ds9yYXb7kH98PFC0IfkA0-f8PGYoOsUWG07uUzTgaKgzWx7HBOUUcpZzkmSKSSvFhJk_7uWdisl7hM1ymw4rm79cm3C-SEFvv9WmhPqWNUgiYh0WUgzg/s640/IMG_7946.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And then the layer of putting together assignments. Did I mention tedious? My God. To think of EVERY single detail and worry over EVERY single detail is draining. I have painstakingly loaded assignments on Google Classroom and then see this over and over and over again:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktGv8DDbPHPP1R8-2qQ2vZJS58dbh2-tfhQ8hgki20w0P4vmllXzDKjoI0JevAXLYYej3xUyHL3Vnj8NbXlxGmLAezFW-uuVBZpO5fbwSOCiHPZjvnFrAAlYFQPGhvtPOOvU-zcX4zp4/s1600/IMG_7789.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1216" data-original-width="1242" height="625" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgktGv8DDbPHPP1R8-2qQ2vZJS58dbh2-tfhQ8hgki20w0P4vmllXzDKjoI0JevAXLYYej3xUyHL3Vnj8NbXlxGmLAezFW-uuVBZpO5fbwSOCiHPZjvnFrAAlYFQPGhvtPOOvU-zcX4zp4/s640/IMG_7789.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I had no idea how time-consuming this would be. No. Idea. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This is my #1 favorite meme for this element. It is ridiculously accurate!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyDMRv_-pgVir0bUQicA3x9EoZ8D78fU_slikhkEFKQEg7vY6yWf2uN-NvMX-2S0f956ajeIdTGUvn1Gdtb56Pw47c7Le-tUMtA7IPbVUnGur6l2WPeemTpmZEu5glDgzSe01MsK8tTo/s1600/IMG_7836+%25281%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="1242" height="627" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoyDMRv_-pgVir0bUQicA3x9EoZ8D78fU_slikhkEFKQEg7vY6yWf2uN-NvMX-2S0f956ajeIdTGUvn1Gdtb56Pw47c7Le-tUMtA7IPbVUnGur6l2WPeemTpmZEu5glDgzSe01MsK8tTo/s640/IMG_7836+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Which then led to this: </span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Vh-uehewV6elmXyy5hYVRTaXXNlN-5xA91TkCIpts1auqBYC7g-34sz0B-uadQ5PX65RhkYzLWPthxg6AGj5NAnLPimIRcR7prxJ9QLNhFBwE8-TYXBvryj2YUXYDKXK6ky0q5Jivyw/s1600/IMG_7658.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1201" data-original-width="1242" height="617" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-Vh-uehewV6elmXyy5hYVRTaXXNlN-5xA91TkCIpts1auqBYC7g-34sz0B-uadQ5PX65RhkYzLWPthxg6AGj5NAnLPimIRcR7prxJ9QLNhFBwE8-TYXBvryj2YUXYDKXK6ky0q5Jivyw/s640/IMG_7658.jpg" width="640" /></a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I have had some amazing moments as well. And for these I am extremely grateful. This little blog started out as a recognition of "miracles in the mundane". If I were to ever look for miracles, this hell of the mundane is ripe for harvest. One place I found miracles was in my once a week check-in. It was great to learn about students' families, ways to decompress, learn what stresses kids out, and what doesn't. I learned from one superstar student how to make whipped coffee and grow romaine lettuce in a cup of water from the stalk. Amazing I tell you!</span></div>
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<a href="about:invalid#zClosurez" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img alt="How to Re-grow Romaine Hearts | August's Edible Patio | Garden Tip ..." border="0" height="179" 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" 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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I learned that snacks and the outdoors has helped every single person right now. {I am grateful this damn pandemic hit during spring and not winter. Nature is healing.} I also had my instincts confirmed that the mental health staff at my school are top-notch and would do whatever they could for anyone, no matter what obstacles were {inevitably} in the way. They were quick, thoughtful, and just all-around incredible.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7DRoQBEL5od-2vArwmJi0VBV2sNXspxh24Kvuq9hMdYeCJnPjQ55zbysauZd-4gQy5KTbtCQP1dpM6BkcbVpK4GuUAo28-aGKOpPX3zFlUkeBThr4hBrVo7W7WLfNa7NEu7Qw7hx9qw/s1600/IMG_8013.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="979" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiR7DRoQBEL5od-2vArwmJi0VBV2sNXspxh24Kvuq9hMdYeCJnPjQ55zbysauZd-4gQy5KTbtCQP1dpM6BkcbVpK4GuUAo28-aGKOpPX3zFlUkeBThr4hBrVo7W7WLfNa7NEu7Qw7hx9qw/s640/IMG_8013.jpg" width="390" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But my most favorite miracles were some really nice emails of thanks and appreciation from parents and kids through all of this. They mean the world to me. In the weirdest way possible I also learned that kids are kids are kids. Some habits were amplified and some were dulled but at the end of {the very long days} I realized that these darn kids--and ALL of the crazy they bring-- are why I am in this gig. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">So as I continue into the unknown of what will be happening next, I will continue to look for miracles in the mundane and know that those are enough. They have to be.</span></div>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-18776322030744228672019-12-23T13:23:00.000-07:002019-12-25T12:50:24.994-07:00The Holiday Edition<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy Holidays from the Laniels!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We hope you and yours have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">During the month of November, I do a little kindness campaign with my students. I challenge them to do one kind thing a day like make someone laugh, help someone work out a problem, help a stranger, or simply smile. One of the challenges is to listen to each other. Like, really, really listen. I tell them that every generation has needed to learn this skill but in our day and age where we are so easily distracted by our social media accounts or the alerts ringing on our phones, we have to work extra hard to </span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">really</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> listen to others. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">After my spiel, one of my students, {who is an incredible human being!} shared with me something he learned that might connect with this idea of listening to each other. He told me that in South Africa in one of the languages called Xhosa, one greets another person by saying "</span><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">Sawubona</b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"--which is translated to </span><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"I see you"</b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. The reply is "<b>Ngikhona</b>"--which means </span><b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">"I am here"</b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">. When he told me this I realized how very important these words have been to us this year. </span></div>
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<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;">I see you. </b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Brian's process of completing his business degree has been a huge transition for our family. He took 20 credit hours at UCD this semester and he did an amazing job getting everything done and done well. I am so proud of him!<br /><br />This process has taught him a lot about himself and about how advocating for what you need and being honest with what you are able to do and not do changes everything. He has had to be vulnerable and willing to let his professors see him as a student and he has had to embrace his fellow students for who they are. This has been a unique process. Going back to school in your 40's is a different ballgame than when we are in our 20's. Seeing people in the midst of self-discovery is a trip. Brian has had to slow down and see people in a new way. I wish this could be added to his resume somehow. He's amazing!</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And, for the record, his ability to see me for who I am and what I am trying to do this year has been astounding. There isn't another person in this world who sees me as he does. I treasure him for this and for 1,000,000 more reasons that I don't have time to write about here.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For me, the "I see you" has been a struggle. Teaching has been difficult for the last few years. I am going through a "crisis of faith" of sorts around how I am supposed to navigate my teaching career's future. I am feeling weary about how I see my students and the ins and outs of the job itself. I feel like I struggle every day with seeing the good and helping my kids see themselves as good. But when my superstar student told be about Sawubona, I realized I needed to stop spinning and start seeing again. It's why I got into this crazy job. I <i>see</i> students. I see them as viable humans that have so much to give and so much to learn. I want them to see how they fit in this world because they do. I want them to see why they're important. I also want them to see why reading and writing is life, but that might be asking a bit too much. :)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am in the process of not throwing in the towel, but I'm not out of the woods yet. I am trying to see if who I am and what I do professionally is congruent. If you have any insight into this process, if you know winning lottery numbers, or if you think I would be good at a different job, tell me! I'll send you my resume! {For real.}</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>I Am Here </b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">When I start seeing, I become more present; more <i>here</i>. There is a lot of power to be in <i>the here</i>. A lot is missed when we're not. You won't be surprised that the ways we've been in the here have been through Baxter and Waffles. Baxter will be 10 in March and as he continues to age, he has become more and more loyal to us. He gives us hugs, brings us toys, plays with Waffles and is just generally here with us--no matter what. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We got Waffles in June. He was a tiny kitten when we got him but he is now 13.5 pounds. That's huge! He has adjusted to being a Laniel just fine. He is a daddy's boy to be sure. He can't get enough of Brian. It's super cute. He has a wonderful purr, loud meow and he snores, loudly--just like Brian. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">These silly fur lovies help me so much. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">They help me catch my breath. They help me smile. They help me slow down. They help me feel loved and appreciated. They help me be <i>here.</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We hope that as we jump into 2020 we continue to embrace </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sawubona and </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Ngikhona because to be seen and to be present truly is the best gift of all. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Cheers!</span><br />
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-7010668490226619272019-08-07T13:34:00.000-06:002019-08-10T17:19:05.060-06:00Recognizing the Magic<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our kitchen chalkboard holds the inspiration for our month. August isn't my favorite, for many reasons, but I know that if I look, magic is all around. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;">{Written 6 years ago, you can read</span><a href="https://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2013/08/please-remember-me.html" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank"> this</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> or </span><a href="https://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2013/08/august-16th.html" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: small;" target="_blank">this</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: x-small;"> if you want to deep dive into my disdain for August </span></div>
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<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">(besides the heat and the end of summer)...}</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Magic is the unknown finding its way to a place of recognition and sometimes inspiration. This is both exhilarating and a bit scary. The unknown can be overwhelming but the excitement, that's tangible and electric, is unique to beginnings. If you think about the beginning of anything new, a new job, a new relationship, a new transition like a move or a new home, these feelings take over your senses and this is the magic I am trying to harness.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For me, as I start year 12 of teaching, my goal is to trust the magic of this new school year. The kids, the staff, the rhythm, and all of the craziness holds magic--the overwhelming parts and the exciting parts and I want to embrace it all. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For Brian, he is transitioning to being a full-time student. He has worked for the same company for 16 years and they are downsizing. Before he searches for a new job he will have the opportunity to finish his finance degree by going to school full time. He will be taking 12 classes over the next school year. YIKES! This will be new for all of us! </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But as these new beginnings unfold we will be reminding each other to recognize and trust the magic that is all around us.</span></div>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-38902948405132527822019-07-17T23:45:00.000-06:002019-07-18T14:06:50.036-06:00Thanks, Universe<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I just got this email from a former student and guys, it is pretty much the single best email I have ever received. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "calibri" , sans-serif , serif , "emojifont"; font-size: 14.6667px;"><i>Hi miss Laniel, I am just emailing you to thank you for turning me in the right direction. I just got accepted to CSU. I do not think I would even have this opportunity if it wasn’t for you so thank you for caring about me so much. I hope all is well. </i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For a teacher, this is a textbook example of thinking you are not making any sort of difference in a person's life and boom! Five years later, there it is...a fruit of my labor. I feel very lucky that he sent this to me at this time. I needed the Universe to get me to year 12 of teaching, and this little email is doing the trick.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> T</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">his also inspires me to reach out to those who have helped me turn "in the right direction"...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Maybe it will inspire you to do the same. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcmEME_dyIfL8FY3duR3YCH37H8JQbip-L5dIqeCaay9EKhHh6ApogRRXSmKyiIBUM8hcKMbjGJ10ya_1a9bq5i-F8KGPw4jvApiA0Wq-LyNKCGyMx1_V5DVl62ZjhSMTSpbC2ZWNVkY/s1600/IMG_2577.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1447" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMcmEME_dyIfL8FY3duR3YCH37H8JQbip-L5dIqeCaay9EKhHh6ApogRRXSmKyiIBUM8hcKMbjGJ10ya_1a9bq5i-F8KGPw4jvApiA0Wq-LyNKCGyMx1_V5DVl62ZjhSMTSpbC2ZWNVkY/s640/IMG_2577.jpg" width="578" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>My grandma's peonies also remind me that the Universe offers inspiration when</i></span><i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;"> we look for it. </i></div>
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<i style="font-family: Georgia, "Times New Roman", serif;">Thanks, Universe.</i></div>
Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-79544287623405648962019-06-26T08:32:00.000-06:002019-12-23T13:39:38.659-07:00WAFFLES!<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We got a kitten.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Like a kitten, kitten.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquHs1uJI5RJoSEMuRzrHNaawvOFFN-8PgNwzqpPF2jxFsnhcjJTgIXH5MVvRM2vjspUEgkHljQdPDEVne1P_QOuVcnibHqrEWqa-eN3-WCa0rG-FwDqkbr_n6KsExMDf8dxjpQc4N4xg/s1600/IMG_2923.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiquHs1uJI5RJoSEMuRzrHNaawvOFFN-8PgNwzqpPF2jxFsnhcjJTgIXH5MVvRM2vjspUEgkHljQdPDEVne1P_QOuVcnibHqrEWqa-eN3-WCa0rG-FwDqkbr_n6KsExMDf8dxjpQc4N4xg/s640/IMG_2923.jpg" width="480" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Like a little, baby kitten... </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXgzfmypuwBRmiXf_xrZFem5Myt8oCBKBpqKLrZec8toprL1FvnlLrklgfwrBHI06NRKNpOIOiZIPH7zlsZ59tX0sHXWt32w5uc80gCmWI_gPyL92LgUpSQevqgFG10viIp11opfaHQY/s1600/IMG_2771.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1218" data-original-width="1600" height="486" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgRXgzfmypuwBRmiXf_xrZFem5Myt8oCBKBpqKLrZec8toprL1FvnlLrklgfwrBHI06NRKNpOIOiZIPH7zlsZ59tX0sHXWt32w5uc80gCmWI_gPyL92LgUpSQevqgFG10viIp11opfaHQY/s640/IMG_2771.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am a cat person, I've adopted cats before, but I have never had a kitten this little.</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6OwOM3Y-D6nE3dL2yFWECEHNRZUibO_4ergp55kfuljpWmdli1wJo0Q2qHEGnWdvMiua4whbZDttUJj_1bv71WfApKqcbZH0e85vox2fAmI_ZdyHo8-GQy730LvRIeNzTS_oaAhCVO8/s1600/IMG_2838.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgg6OwOM3Y-D6nE3dL2yFWECEHNRZUibO_4ergp55kfuljpWmdli1wJo0Q2qHEGnWdvMiua4whbZDttUJj_1bv71WfApKqcbZH0e85vox2fAmI_ZdyHo8-GQy730LvRIeNzTS_oaAhCVO8/s640/IMG_2838.jpg" width="480" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> He is so tiny! </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQy2wgUrvlsiSpQppKvqv7Ai00Jrz46bsS2PLsBNr5ja8O1DBCQmzTQcQ8Ii-VLtAOcw-MrXiIYkZBJa5SWzqIyjY6s2zAGTlYbEtwR_b-9KsBVJgkxWxGpmYzJpL2k6FixkfcgZzU8KU/s1600/IMG_2928.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1290" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQy2wgUrvlsiSpQppKvqv7Ai00Jrz46bsS2PLsBNr5ja8O1DBCQmzTQcQ8Ii-VLtAOcw-MrXiIYkZBJa5SWzqIyjY6s2zAGTlYbEtwR_b-9KsBVJgkxWxGpmYzJpL2k6FixkfcgZzU8KU/s640/IMG_2928.jpg" width="514" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> Getting another cat did not come without a slew of emotions. <a href="https://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2018/10/birneysavedmylife.html" target="_blank">Losing our Birney</a> hit our family hard. I wasn't sure if my heart had space or the ability to love another cat. But as the year progressed and I talked about summer plans, getting a kitten felt more and more like the right thing to do. And then when I mentioned this in one of my classes, one of my students told me that her friend's cat just had kittens. She showed me a picture of them and I knew it was time, even though I was still unsure of how to give my heart to this new kitten.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxyDW-67ZITW0GiWNklwh4vQxu_mfE-qtcas_LdKa4ppSOZKboHdhJKVRHkB9AmHvYxphuDEDW4mxucwYVtzxd_Rh0nb-F3Jz-JxKRDKv9FKXqTsOty4FwtnJ1uVUVVBdHanKHMNLwyc/s1600/IMG_3052.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1432" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIxyDW-67ZITW0GiWNklwh4vQxu_mfE-qtcas_LdKa4ppSOZKboHdhJKVRHkB9AmHvYxphuDEDW4mxucwYVtzxd_Rh0nb-F3Jz-JxKRDKv9FKXqTsOty4FwtnJ1uVUVVBdHanKHMNLwyc/s640/IMG_3052.jpg" width="572" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> All of these emotions came to a head when I brought the kitten to his first vet visit. When I saw our vet I burst into tears and so did she. {She had known Birney for 10+ years!} Our vet was instrumental in helping us know what was best for Birney and she was an integral part of my grief process. She assured me that feeling this range of emotions was normal. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> She told me about her "heart dog" who passed away and the difficulty she had bonding with her new dog. Birney was my "heart cat" but she encouraged me that while it might take time to fully bond with him, that this little nugget needs our love and we have it to give.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKshj95Egm4zExlDrbtoHm42J5R7VT4nzW44IdJzqZwWNTMoZITLi1hZ-6NIclmhfGPpcMp0yBftrJQiUcy5XWRng9bsjaGNGWkTnj10lUghfAboCvvkFf22BwluOqLz6pSiCphsqkw84/s1600/C62A815B-E912-45A4-8C90-FB9EF2B575FC.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjKshj95Egm4zExlDrbtoHm42J5R7VT4nzW44IdJzqZwWNTMoZITLi1hZ-6NIclmhfGPpcMp0yBftrJQiUcy5XWRng9bsjaGNGWkTnj10lUghfAboCvvkFf22BwluOqLz6pSiCphsqkw84/s640/C62A815B-E912-45A4-8C90-FB9EF2B575FC.JPG" width="640" /></span></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>This is our"Birney bloom". Some friends gave us this plant after Birney died and, of course, the Birney bloom showed up the day we got Waffles. </i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Helping Baxter be a big brother has been another layer of emotion. I googled, read books and even prayed a little to figure out how to do this introduction well. </span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30ZJUh1w2LkAFOKupH0_lzeWe6-1ucKsJwhAUkjI6vXOFzPT1dxewe4SHmOyFo2Et6z5mLSJYAFUeJmdjVGzgOZIcUKLtZ6KdrEeJ3xRYSL_MQtPZFJEH1s4IHJBTMq2qURArwZKJQWw/s1600/IMG_2721.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh30ZJUh1w2LkAFOKupH0_lzeWe6-1ucKsJwhAUkjI6vXOFzPT1dxewe4SHmOyFo2Et6z5mLSJYAFUeJmdjVGzgOZIcUKLtZ6KdrEeJ3xRYSL_MQtPZFJEH1s4IHJBTMq2qURArwZKJQWw/s640/IMG_2721.jpg" width="480" /></span></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5qpSDOA0GDuieY98caS23_OWPKo9-WaZ8tGBRF7WTziyrsbiGTMIfPeQw2aQJ0w07ox6QW2H1L4kbLLg0V6m9tg_nCxeUnVT5fECYLFpBnaQUP8PWEymhGORCEAsD2CxQvVK1XImk2g/s1600/IMG_0575.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1106" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEja5qpSDOA0GDuieY98caS23_OWPKo9-WaZ8tGBRF7WTziyrsbiGTMIfPeQw2aQJ0w07ox6QW2H1L4kbLLg0V6m9tg_nCxeUnVT5fECYLFpBnaQUP8PWEymhGORCEAsD2CxQvVK1XImk2g/s640/IMG_0575.jpg" width="442" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">But when you have a dog you call<i> "The Sheriff"</i>, because he is so protective of us, it is bound to be a bit complicated. Baxter is always aware of what is happening around him and he is always vocal about it. The first introduction to the kitten put Baxter past a 10 and it was so, so hard!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq04WDAtfzlH0yb9-3-IaPxvLNiXON4yPDP2fdozKKD67I9RSDf-RVPr88g64ceOjiot2MC0meZ-l23mLk4UUPKseFniUsWqRWXNp20lB8_Ho8LreiZIe9Cae_9eK3wFP1ijXEPzFFxlg/s1600/IMG_2788.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1118" data-original-width="1319" height="542" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgq04WDAtfzlH0yb9-3-IaPxvLNiXON4yPDP2fdozKKD67I9RSDf-RVPr88g64ceOjiot2MC0meZ-l23mLk4UUPKseFniUsWqRWXNp20lB8_Ho8LreiZIe9Cae_9eK3wFP1ijXEPzFFxlg/s640/IMG_2788.jpg" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>Poor buddy. He's not aggressive, just full-on {LOUD!} worried barking. UGH!</i></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">To top it off, Brian had to go out of town for the week. I lasted 30 minutes without him and called my parents in complete meltdown mode. Luckily they were here within an hour and Baxter is spending the week on a mini-vacation with grandma and grandpa. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> I am clinging to the fact that everything is in process. My friend, Shana, sent me this text and it has been a lifeline for me: "<i>Baxter will get it...it all just feels so new right now...for him and you! Trust yourself...your heart and gut know what is "just the thing" for this moment." </i>I know that when Brian gets back we will start the introduction process again, but with a better plan and more consistency. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I know we can do this!</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXPcAsimQCo3hmDo85sWT2j17WJqTuk8UNqISoxeSmjBUsnRgN1TtBdkwr7fHELRgNNO2lMohuRv5Edym4HVfNpNLlWc7kJozpegb1a8iSdZ8POG3vv0ACLLfM_B70HmPAGPK_LaGLto/s1600/73E63E1D-5469-4738-9DF8-809B05B51237.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNXPcAsimQCo3hmDo85sWT2j17WJqTuk8UNqISoxeSmjBUsnRgN1TtBdkwr7fHELRgNNO2lMohuRv5Edym4HVfNpNLlWc7kJozpegb1a8iSdZ8POG3vv0ACLLfM_B70HmPAGPK_LaGLto/s640/73E63E1D-5469-4738-9DF8-809B05B51237.JPG" width="640" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Choosing the name Waffles was layered as well. I had a list of many, many names but kept coming back to Waffles. I first heard it as an option when a friend at work told us about the shenanigans his neighbor's cat, Waffles, got into. I loved Waffle's stories and I thought that his name was so cute. My coworkers and I also decided to use his formal name every now and again which is Lord von Waffles, Duke of Waffleton. I think he is deserving of the title:)</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another layer to the name--is kinda silly--but Brian and I have been, what some might call, connoisseurs of the waffle throughout our entire relationship. We own the best waffle iron you can buy and we are always on the hunt for the perfect waffle recipe. We try them in restaurants and we have strong opinions about what makes the best waffle. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The last nod to waffles goes to my TV hero, Leslie Knope from the TV show Parks and Rec. If you are not familiar, do yourself a favor and binge-watch this show and you will agree that waffles are flawless.<i>{For about a day we were thinking of naming the kitten Lil' Sebastian...maybe that will be his middle name.} </i></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3cTBbVWbKaPbtZCIjV6uxM6LdC2sfshyf6UJErCiAHpsJt9JFqoem-RKos-FYtFzJOgPPVvs6B1iq9cg9HeuISYKb-xeME-GFhdhdnBoa-2YbRBQ6hpeOVB94jyWPBMtlhnui8SKGVg/s1600/IMG_2726.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1223" data-original-width="1242" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjT3cTBbVWbKaPbtZCIjV6uxM6LdC2sfshyf6UJErCiAHpsJt9JFqoem-RKos-FYtFzJOgPPVvs6B1iq9cg9HeuISYKb-xeME-GFhdhdnBoa-2YbRBQ6hpeOVB94jyWPBMtlhnui8SKGVg/s320/IMG_2726.jpg" width="320" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">For my Instagram posts, I chose the hashtag #wafflesmakesyousmile because I think that is so true. I also think it fits the part of my heart that needs to smile again and this sweet {smiling!} face is just the ticket.</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWsH8rRHm40p9lf5rNRPQ1uQ1t1wJ24XA1WCZPMa8Rb2JifojDXs2k5xZnvxlaaG_AsX5khrbY2HL-jRpxnUEufTKGEU2krzDWCmlNh3cPAdj80iJ5NSkAQ1rkfvHxKnuC_r1Td0WTw8/s1600/IMG_2946.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEirWsH8rRHm40p9lf5rNRPQ1uQ1t1wJ24XA1WCZPMa8Rb2JifojDXs2k5xZnvxlaaG_AsX5khrbY2HL-jRpxnUEufTKGEU2krzDWCmlNh3cPAdj80iJ5NSkAQ1rkfvHxKnuC_r1Td0WTw8/s640/IMG_2946.jpg" width="480" /></span></a><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sweet baby Waffles, we love you! You will soon rule the roost and you will know how good it is to be in the Laniel family. I will continue to take hundreds of pictures of you and you will always have treats.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">And, I think if your dad got this on his trip for us, we're gonna be okay. </span><br />
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-40522727740788347492019-06-04T19:24:00.000-06:002019-06-04T20:24:24.684-06:00Welcome, Grey!<div dir="ltr" style="background-color: white; line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">On April 26th the world got a little brighter and better.
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<span style="color: #333333; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="white-space: pre-wrap;">Grey Frederick Russell Lesley was born and I had the extreme privilege of meeting this sweet miracle within hours of his birth. There are no words to describe what an absolute privilege this was.</span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; white-space: pre-wrap;"> To hold a newborn is truly one of life's purest miracles. To cradle this tiny person is to tangibly experience love and it was a sacred experience for me. Thank you, Hannah and Nick, for allowing me to be a part of this day.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Before I met Grey, I wrote Hannah a poem using what's called the "Golden Shovel" form. I discovered this type of poetry with my students. In this poetic form, the poet takes a "striking line" from an inspirational poem and uses words from that inspirational line or stanza in a new poem. The striking line then appears, word for word, at the end of the lines in the new poem. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">I used a stanza from a Mary Oliver poem as my striking line </span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{I included it at the end of this post}</span></span><span style="background-color: transparent; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> and I intended to have my part of the poem sound like Hannah's voice--as if it were her musing on this sweet miracle entering her new life as a family of 4. I post the poem here as a reminder to myself to Listen and to See what is around me. To embrace the messy parts and learn from the noise in my life. I want to slow down and be Mindful of the beautiful miracles surrounding me--which isn't difficult with Prince Grey on the scene. </span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">{To Listen and to See} </span><span style="font-size: x-small;">by Kari Laniel</span></b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b><span style="font-size: 12pt;">is to be {Mindful}</span><span style="font-size: x-small;"> by Mary Oliver</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Your fingers and toes and </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b>every</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">tiny eyelash greet the </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b>day </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">and give me pause. </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b>I </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">cherish the coo and the sleepy snooze. I </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b>see</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the morning light in all its stages--</span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b>or</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">maybe it's in all its possibilities. I </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b>hear</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the noise that gives me headaches but it also gives me </span><span style="background-color: white; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><b>something</b></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">I can't name. It's <b>that</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">part of the process that gives me <b>more</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">insight into what it's all about.<b> Or</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">maybe what it's not. I know it's not<b> less</b>.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">The mess <b>kills</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;"><b>me.</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">I can't help it. <b>With</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">all the ways I am wired {my enneagram knows the <b>delight</b>}</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">I have learned to embrace <b>that</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">the mess is part of it. It never<b> leaves</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;"> and</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">it's not just a mess of toys. It's a mess of <b>me</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">and I know it's okay.<b> Like</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">I know that the color of mustard brings me joy or <b>a</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">new planner with fresh pages just needs my <b>needle</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">like handwriting and my underlined dates. <b>In</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">my world, it makes sense. <b>The</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">organized mess like a <b>haystack</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">of cleaning supplies just makes sense...{Sort <b>of</b>.}</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">I also know and I also embrace the many, many places of<b> light</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">that show me hope. <b>It</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">reveals itself in ways that always surprise me. <b>Was</b>
I not seeing it before? <b>What</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">blinded me from it? <b>I</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">am figuing out how to integrate what <b>was</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">with what is; my past and my present, and then you were <b>born</b>. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">You changed it all <b>for</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">the better. The millions of magical ways<b> to</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">capture hope are found in one <b>look</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">of you. <b>To</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">savor the quiet spaces and <b>listen</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">to the mystery is <b>to</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">recognize the depth of possibilities open to us. We might <b>lose</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">the light if we are caught up in the not listening. I know <b>myself</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">and I know I have to be disiplined in the listening because<b> inside</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">of the noise is the hope. <b>This</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">has proven itself before. That<b> soft</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">murmur that reveals love. The<b> world</b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">is too big and too small<b> to </b></span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">miss. I must <b>instruct</b></span></span><br />
<b><span style="font-family: "georgia";"><span style="background-color: white; white-space: pre;">myself</span></span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span></b><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">to listen and see what is to be seen<b> over</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">the noise and the chaos<b> and</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">the places that scare me. <b>Over</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">the self-doubt and fear because <b>in </b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">the midst of the mess there is<b> joy.</b></span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">There are light and magic and hope in the mundane tasks <b>and</b> </span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; white-space: pre;">I welcome it with<b> acclamation</b>.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 12pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre;"> </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAg8khACPTQw_cBKwICrFslBtIrlgp3d2yzZ_uQ3aluvuLDS5HjzBMNsTvvtlfti5YBlpPi140OC_JGD4CP03dMycStuhAXXMF6Al_Xy1-oIr1a7g3TQQux96S930IvIJdWa0wJyyWGc/s1600/IMG_1440.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="background-color: white; margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1378" data-original-width="1446" height="609" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVAg8khACPTQw_cBKwICrFslBtIrlgp3d2yzZ_uQ3aluvuLDS5HjzBMNsTvvtlfti5YBlpPi140OC_JGD4CP03dMycStuhAXXMF6Al_Xy1-oIr1a7g3TQQux96S930IvIJdWa0wJyyWGc/s640/IMG_1440.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<b>{A stanza from} Mindful</b></div>
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<b>by Mary Oliver</b></div>
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Every day</div>
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I see or hear</div>
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something</div>
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that more or less</div>
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kills me</div>
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with delight, </div>
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that leaves me</div>
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like a needle</div>
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in the haystack</div>
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of light.</div>
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It was what I was born for--</div>
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to look, to listen, </div>
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to lose myself</div>
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inside this soft world--</div>
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to instruct myself</div>
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over and over</div>
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in joy,</div>
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and acclamation.<br />
<br />
<i>By the way, Grey is Nora's little brother and Georgia's cousin.</i><br />
<i> I wrote about these miracles in <a href="https://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2016/10/on-night-you-were-born.html" target="_blank">this post. </a>:)</i></div>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-72460231779493979122019-05-28T12:45:00.001-06:002019-05-28T20:01:34.783-06:00Various Miracles (AKA, Goats in Trees)<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMnXWena0FA05_nwigsGOAYigSK4kTiyd5a0RJm7iiqVtBe262FIBYGhLDwMSVINBE436fapys__3XC-cLblpVdQJf6WKFN_cTXFqZTBMpwdBREjn69N_r6TgjgkrHWGAeQwvFKaTXuI/s1600/IMG_2108.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1357" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSMnXWena0FA05_nwigsGOAYigSK4kTiyd5a0RJm7iiqVtBe262FIBYGhLDwMSVINBE436fapys__3XC-cLblpVdQJf6WKFN_cTXFqZTBMpwdBREjn69N_r6TgjgkrHWGAeQwvFKaTXuI/s640/IMG_2108.jpg" width="542" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The title "Various Miracles" is borrowed from <a href="https://www.carol-shields.com/" target="_blank">Carol Shields</a>, an amazing writer with a book of short stories of the same name. I've read a few of Carol Shields' stories with my students and happened upon this treasure of a book because I wanted to soak in more of her amazingly gorgeous writer's voice.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> In one of her stories she writes this sentence:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><i>"New York was immense and wonderful, dirty, perilous and puzzling."</i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">It hit me that if you exchange the words "New York" with "Middle School" the same descriptors are true; and as I </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">reflect on finishing my 11th year of teaching, I can't help but borrow these words to describe my year and the various miracles it held.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Middle School Is:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Immense</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The rumors about the middle school are true; drama is lurking behind every corner. The scale of drama in the halls of a middle school rivals that of the Burj Khalifa. The layers of emotion displayed on any given day---or hour!--boggles the mind. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">{The topic of braces, rubber bands for braces and general maintenance of braces brings immense drama...} </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Kids are going through so much and as a teacher, I have to build a reservoir of patience--and trust me, I use every ounce! I had a few incidents this school year that truly made me question how and why I do this job. I know I will find my balance again, and perhaps I am being a bit dramatic myself, but the emotional toll of being a teacher is, well, is immense. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Wonderful</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I'm not sure there is another profession that has a "that moment" where everything falls into place and the miracle of a new understanding or the "ah-ha" changes everything. These moments show up for me through the various layers of reading, writing and speaking that my language arts students do every day. This year was no exception. I got to see and hear the writer's voice emerge and find a foothold. I got to see "that kid" actually like reading and make a connection to characters in stories and 'get it'. I got to see the terror in a student's eyes the first time they learn they have to publicly speak and then see confidence 6 months later. The wonderful parts of teaching are difficult to capture. While some days are harder than others to see these wonders, when I do see them, I cherish them and hold them close. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Dirty</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I don't think I need to give too many details here, but it's truly unbelievable how messy {and smelly!} kids are. I'm blaming the hormones. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Perilous</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The perilous moments of middle school could be connected to the immense drama as described above, but truly the perils of this job show up in my personal and emotional investment that is often in a fragile state. This job is personal. We put a lot of ourselves into multiple aspects of this job and when we do this, the margin that our efforts will be crushed narrows. Teaching is certainly not for the meek.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> {</span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Another layer of peril rests in the political mess of education. We've got to get it together, folks!} </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Puzzling</b></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALseLYTEbStWw-RiT6w7btpNUnFds1cP_awgJSSQQ_XhkSJPUJb8kBTfal6Mf0ow3lJNfGdS4BIGKGdOiYFmuaoOJIh6zAMt0W6-6FJaWoDXEg_4Yz41jFcskkP-1JvY6_TCIwbaxjSw/s1600/IMG_2109.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1299" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiALseLYTEbStWw-RiT6w7btpNUnFds1cP_awgJSSQQ_XhkSJPUJb8kBTfal6Mf0ow3lJNfGdS4BIGKGdOiYFmuaoOJIh6zAMt0W6-6FJaWoDXEg_4Yz41jFcskkP-1JvY6_TCIwbaxjSw/s640/IMG_2109.jpg" width="518" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Goats. In. Trees.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Is that random? Difficult to picture? Kinda silly? Weird?</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Yes.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In January I purchased a "goats in trees" calendar {yeah, it's a real thing!} for our team's work area because I thought the ridiculousness of a goat in a tree perfectly captured the essence of middle school life. It is freaking scary how right I was! This job is as puzzling and ridiculous as goats in trees!!!! </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I am so grateful for my team and how we navigate these goats in trees and how we try to put the puzzle that is middle school together every day. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Various Miracles</b></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The bottom line is this: middle school is filled with various miracles that give me hope and give me life and I am so very grateful for every aspect of this crazy place. </span></div>
Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-66863502301392660192019-02-18T10:01:00.001-07:002019-02-18T10:01:21.330-07:00The Inspiration of a Pinterest Fail<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Sometimes life doesn't fit the picture in our head. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Or the picture on Pinterest. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">In fact, there is a whole following for </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">"Pinterest Fail" pictures on social media, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and they are really, really funny.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Last week, in an almost accidental conversation with my coworker, I found myself fully inspired by her "Pinterest Fail" and she graciously allowed me to write about it here. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Her son, who was celebrating his 5th birthday, is into the planets and the solar system, so in order to celebrate this, she went to Pinterest for cake inspiration. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She found this:</span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTtUC2pHjdZerQLswcvxDpUglw_RT2lI4iuquPAvIGRFnT6TeALMRoi-V3GIxrhPwj4GjXeujzVAhZjFBDiMijU-Bxy_0gqaG9YPG2QspRkdHcsBUCn6gwn7-M6BhkU1ZYIhRbWemRew/s1600/IMG_1217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="537" data-original-width="747" height="460" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJTtUC2pHjdZerQLswcvxDpUglw_RT2lI4iuquPAvIGRFnT6TeALMRoi-V3GIxrhPwj4GjXeujzVAhZjFBDiMijU-Bxy_0gqaG9YPG2QspRkdHcsBUCn6gwn7-M6BhkU1ZYIhRbWemRew/s640/IMG_1217.jpg" width="640" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Before she showed me her version she told me that the planets were cake pops wrapped in melted white chocolate on a standard chocolate frosted cake. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">She prefaced that it's clearly impossible to frost a cake without the top crumbling off, and I agreed. She also said that she had trouble with the molding chocolate...</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Then she showed me the final version of her cake:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">While we howled with laughter at the stark difference of the two cakes and the clear winner of any "Pinterest Fail" contest, something about her cake struck a chord in me and I couldn't stop thinking about it. She sent me the pictures of the cake and I kept looking at it in awe. I was in awe that despite all of the mishaps, she kept going. Every single planet is represented, with color, {I can't get over the detail of Earth...} *almost* every bit of it is frosted, there are stars in the background and it is...well, it is truly terrible. And yet she kept going.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">As I thought about it more, I felt in awe of her clear and deep love for her son and her dedication to giving him the best darn birthday cake she could make. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">No matter what. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">This cake represents the tangible reality that life doesn't always go as planned but that doesn't mean it's short on love or passion or effort. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">All we can ever do is our best for who we love--even if it's not what we pictured it to be.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">The next day she sent me a picture of her son with the cake and I got all teary. The unadulterated joy and happiness on his face is the embodiment of that unconditional love that is usually found in the intangible. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">My theory of what I felt in seeing her cake was right all along. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Our world is a mess. It seems like no matter what we try, Pinterest Fail is the norm.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> But this planet cake reminded me that even if it doesn't look like we planned, or even what we hoped for; if we make it with love and passion it may very well be the best thing we ever do. </span></div>
Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-38888196286449172622018-12-20T19:17:00.000-07:002018-12-20T19:17:58.176-07:00This is your 2018 holiday card! Cheers!<div style="text-align: center;">
Happy Holidays!</div>
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The Laniel family embraced places of Light and Hope this year and we are so grateful for you to share in a few of these through this little holiday card blog post. </div>
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<i>The Light</i></div>
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To me, Light is the unexplainable miracles that show us that life is bigger than what we see. It is the moments of joy that seem disguised at first. Light is that <i>knowing</i> that we are not alone and that<br />
life is good. </div>
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Your kids are Light to us. It is becoming redundant, I know, but we sure love all the kids in our lives. Choosing not to have kids does not mean that we don't love kids. We do. Very much! And we are so grateful for the ways that our friends and families invite us into their lives so we can be Aunt Kari and Uncle Brian. We cherish these moments so very much and our lives are richer because of it! </div>
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<b><i>{New Year's resolution: Get more pictures of <u>all</u> the kids in our lives!}</i></b><br />
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The CABIN! will always be a place of Light for us. We are grateful for the many memories that get created there year after year. </div>
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We celebrated <a href="https://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2018/05/were-10.html" target="_blank">10 years </a>of marriage this year--whoop! We didn't do too much outside of eating at a delicious restaurant in our neighborhood, but we did upgrade my wedding band! It's a family "tradition" to upgrade rings on the 10-year marker of marriage...<br />
I'm not going to say no to tradition, right?</div>
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<i>The Hope</i></div>
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To me, Hope is tangible optimism. We look for something good--usually in a difficult situation--and when we experience it, we <i>know </i>it's Hope.<br />
<br />
Our family experienced the loss of some very special and important people. Two of my cousins died in June and our family is devasted. Both of them embodied the idea of loyalty and they displayed a sense of generosity that truly can't be captured in words. Because of these incredible souls, I have found myself offering a helping hand where I can and doing it without the pretense of needing something in return. This is how they both lived their lives and it helps me see Hope.<br />
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We felt hopeless when we knew we had to say goodbye to our dear family member, Birney. We are truly heartbroken. This loss feels oceanic. We talk about him every day because there are a million little things to be remembered.<br />
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We are all trying to live in this "new normal" of life without Birney. We have tried to help Baxter cope by having him see Grandpa and Grandma a bit more--he loves that!</div>
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We know that our family will never quite be the same but we also know that Birney will <a href="https://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2018/10/birneysavedmylife.html" target="_blank">continue to save us</a>--always. We are so grateful for the outpouring of love and support from so many people during this sad time. It has reached the depths of our souls and to us, this is Hope.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We see Light and Hope in the little things that make us happy. Things like Trader Joe's or sparkly iPhone cases. We see it in those days that we really like our jobs and know we are being our best selves. We see it in our friendships with <u>you </u>and we know that this brings us strength. </div>
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We hope that 2018 had places of Light and Hope you can reflect on and that 2019 is one of your best years yet! Cheers!</div>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-46510032198684418682018-10-18T19:48:00.001-06:002019-10-20T12:55:55.840-06:00#birneysavedmylife<div style="text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_pwPmIhUevcxMmTLKlijVIahZZmCpl5JP4VwFeKeHWBEGD7pDYAjKsfRmUbugLG8VnpHfe1Ki0B9Uo4cZreBdJKVfchCSd21nbbE_Kb3h94HNMgF2yzXiE1p7bHpQt_iugaDjhHAsgY/s1600/IMG_8931.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="915" data-original-width="915" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgD_pwPmIhUevcxMmTLKlijVIahZZmCpl5JP4VwFeKeHWBEGD7pDYAjKsfRmUbugLG8VnpHfe1Ki0B9Uo4cZreBdJKVfchCSd21nbbE_Kb3h94HNMgF2yzXiE1p7bHpQt_iugaDjhHAsgY/s640/IMG_8931.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
I had to say goodbye to my best friend Birney today.<br />
He has been saving my life for 15 1/2 years, and even though he is no longer here physically, I have a sneaky suspicion he will continue to save me.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
Birney saved me because he was a witness to everything.<br />
He was a witness to my most vulnerable moments when I thought of myself as alone.<br />
He witnessed the countless times I cried in frustration, anger or fear, and<br />
he held me in those moments without judgment.<br />
He witnessed all of the good, bad and ugly parts of me, and loved me unconditionally.<br />
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He also embraced and loved Brian unconditionally and they had a very special bond. Laying on Brian's lap, any chance he could, was his favorite pastime.<br />
We were a family and we are all so very heartbroken.<br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">I wrote</span><a href="https://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2011/07/miracle-in-mundane-birney-perfect-cat.html" style="font-family: "times new roman";" target="_blank"> this post</a><span style="font-family: "times new roman";"> </span><span style="font-family: "times new roman";">about my best friend 7 years ago and it really does capture the best that Birney is to me. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "times new roman";">Below is an excerpt from it: </span><br />
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<i> If you haven't met Birney, your life is not quite complete, sorry. </i><br />
<i>Even the "non-cat-people" agree that Birney is one cool cat.</i><br />
<i> (I mean, he smiles! Come on!)</i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-C2jIJPaa_paA36yofeJQTtmwz5Y9F7HZzZVMWQZSYNVDKE3uqNK6ERxL_cJWipNuMePr3DxAFAyc6qb26gt_sC1q1gUemeODq88Pv04NLKMRkMjjLHw39hjELIKe0ds6YMcHYX4q_hk/s1600/IMG_7033.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-C2jIJPaa_paA36yofeJQTtmwz5Y9F7HZzZVMWQZSYNVDKE3uqNK6ERxL_cJWipNuMePr3DxAFAyc6qb26gt_sC1q1gUemeODq88Pv04NLKMRkMjjLHw39hjELIKe0ds6YMcHYX4q_hk/s640/IMG_7033.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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<i>He came into my life randomly, yet really it was an "ordained by a higher power" sort of way. He was a stray kitten that was brought to me the morning of the funeral for Matt.</i><br />
<i> {Read <a href="http://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2012/05/my-story.html" target="_blank">this post</a> for further backstory.} </i><br />
<i>This is very tragic, I know...I feel a bit naked writing this, but it's how I got him. He was wandering around Sheridan, WY and a friend of Matt's brought him to me. It was illogical and quite ridiculous to bring a pet into my life when I didn't even know what day it was or how I was </i><br />
<i>going to take my next breath. </i><br />
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<i>But there he was. Ready to love me unconditionally and make my life bearable. He moved with me to Denver and I reinvented my life with Birney in it. </i><br />
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{<a href="https://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2015/05/happy-birthday-birney.html" target="_blank">This post</a> is another good one to read if you want to know more about<br />
how Birney came into my life.}</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmdffzkZ0YpjsLoSdTPp0jQTYv9G70E7jC6VgoTyNG_NH5n0gx7heB_sBIhqkKy_cuEv0RIfzPUR7kaclbGy5IotfARSFc2p2M4ZF6TT9Cr_vYPEpnFN3MQffGo2BiC20y9dWafAKM3A/s1600/IMG_0580.JPG" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOmdffzkZ0YpjsLoSdTPp0jQTYv9G70E7jC6VgoTyNG_NH5n0gx7heB_sBIhqkKy_cuEv0RIfzPUR7kaclbGy5IotfARSFc2p2M4ZF6TT9Cr_vYPEpnFN3MQffGo2BiC20y9dWafAKM3A/s640/IMG_0580.JPG" width="480" /></a></div>
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Oh, Birney.<br />
Thank you for saving me.<br />
You are, and always will be, a miracle to me and I will always be thankful that we found each other.<br />
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<div style="text-align: center;">
We will love you forever. For the rest of our days and even all of the days after that.<br />
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-79507668590749238672018-09-29T12:38:00.000-06:002018-09-29T12:52:32.720-06:00Live With Unlimited Dedication<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmV734mHw3EE7kRv-ybLRn61slTqa7KjP6UQZO8HqzD1V6lBZ2wUaH8Mjd66eH_qzWYqfGtngpG3jV4kAkDAogsDLZQfAQvmQTmTalhaZYivUCVJqEBJ-SfyGpkExTfCIUVuy2qZY4lqM/s1600/IMG_9112+%25281%2529.jpg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1080" data-original-width="1600" height="432" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmV734mHw3EE7kRv-ybLRn61slTqa7KjP6UQZO8HqzD1V6lBZ2wUaH8Mjd66eH_qzWYqfGtngpG3jV4kAkDAogsDLZQfAQvmQTmTalhaZYivUCVJqEBJ-SfyGpkExTfCIUVuy2qZY4lqM/s640/IMG_9112+%25281%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His Unlimited Dedication knew no boundaries. </div>
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He humbly loved, spoke, acted, lived. </div>
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His fierce loyalty </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for his family</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for his friends</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for his Broncos</div>
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for his Buffs<br />
for the cabin </div>
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for his work</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
is unmatched.</div>
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<br /></div>
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His legacy can't be bound. </div>
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His light can't be extinguished. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His spirit dances.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Because of him we were changed and inspired to live life with more intention.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
We learned that fully embracing all life gives us is the only way</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
to live.</div>
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We learned that humility is priceless. </div>
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We learned that generosity is immeasurable. </div>
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We learned to love--</div>
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fully, wholly, sacrificially. </div>
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<br /></div>
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We learned this because</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
his Unlimited Dedication</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
knew</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
no </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
boundaries.</div>
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~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
This is dedicated to my cousin, Phil.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
His influence on my life was quiet and infrequent; but powerful and present. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
{It's truly so difficult to explain...}</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The evil, that is ALS, took him from us way too soon, but his influence on so many people is unending. This little poem has been ruminating in me since his memorial service in July, and then last night we got to witness thousands of people meet him for the first time at a CU game where ALS awareness was highlighted and Phil was honored.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And in those moments, where strangers and family became one, I knew that I needed to try to put words to my feelings. I knew it because last night, he was with us and he was telling us to live with<br />
Unlimited Dedication.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
~~~~~~~~~~</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>If you are looking for a way to give charitably, please consider donating to <a href="https://www.alsphiladelphia.org/" target="_blank">this ALS association</a>.</i></div>
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<i><br /></i></div>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-85285808303792393152018-07-24T14:05:00.000-06:002018-09-23T14:44:46.084-06:00A little post about a big part of my heart<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Summertime means I get to spend almost every waking minute with this sweet, perfect face. </span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcLFl2X2snZymD4sQwDBz-b9K6A4m3EQvKLbnJWXGjJlRLJFAZOtouF-nIpRucG8ZSXsMA7O5iO46fuxS-fTgv057ZKAsRZcyYJrrhvVVRwpsbx3yBU-Q_lLtaXOfHfvdCVQ72R_w8K0/s1600/IMG_9264.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1542" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhAcLFl2X2snZymD4sQwDBz-b9K6A4m3EQvKLbnJWXGjJlRLJFAZOtouF-nIpRucG8ZSXsMA7O5iO46fuxS-fTgv057ZKAsRZcyYJrrhvVVRwpsbx3yBU-Q_lLtaXOfHfvdCVQ72R_w8K0/s640/IMG_9264.JPG" width="616" /></span></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Baxter gives me such joy. There is something about how he</span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"> knows </i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">me that is comforting and unmatched. Part of me worries that I love him too much, but then I read this and it all makes sense:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px;"><i>What began as a mutual-services contract between two very different species became something much more like love. None of that makes a lick of sense, but it doesn’t have to. Love rarely touches the reasoning parts of the brain. It touches the dreamy parts, the devoted parts—it touches the parts we sometimes call the heart. For many thousands of years, it’s there that our dogs have lived.</i></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 14.6667px;"><i> {</i></span></span><i style="color: #212121; font-size: 14.6667px;"><a href="http://time.com/5342964/human-bond-dog-thoughts/" target="_blank">Why Dogs and Humans Love Each Other More Than Anyone Else</a> by </i><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-size: 14.6667px;">Jeffrey Kluger}</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Dogs just get it and they most definitely take up that sacred space in our hearts. My life is so much better because of Baxter. He is my stable companion and I don't know what I would do without him. He is my Miracle in the Mundane and he is a big, big part of my heart, forever.</span></div>
Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-31414142942693876082018-06-25T09:00:00.000-06:002018-07-19T12:21:38.386-06:00Loving You, Always, Chris Jones!<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>"People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, </i></div>
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<i>but people will never forget how you made them feel." ~ Maya Angelou</i></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDAOCS7Eo4IdSZrliaK_3-UaiRCy4-sQwMyGZIN8rWhmtMBGPpfzOAGWiYV9bVKsOKNm00hpGHf71icSur_fLAczNf0zWxpuyADoAdKN0Rbw8t-kbJGbWER7v-0iJkKfL8-msQE27-6c/s1600/IMG_8644.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1550" data-original-width="1600" height="620" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDAOCS7Eo4IdSZrliaK_3-UaiRCy4-sQwMyGZIN8rWhmtMBGPpfzOAGWiYV9bVKsOKNm00hpGHf71icSur_fLAczNf0zWxpuyADoAdKN0Rbw8t-kbJGbWER7v-0iJkKfL8-msQE27-6c/s640/IMG_8644.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you, Chris Jones, for being the mainstay person in my life that makes me feel </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: small;">seen</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">heard</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">important</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">right:)</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">funny</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">accepted</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and above all,</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">loved--and loved fully. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You are the friend in my life who knows EvERyTHinG about me.<br />You are my constant that knows my past, present and will be a part of my future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Neither of us have a biological sister, and from day one of knowing you, I have felt a sisterhood with you that is most certainly a part of my molecules. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Thank you for being my friend who just gets it. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We have lamented over the "Why's" of the unjust world we live in. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We have cried many, many tears--for each other's heartbreak and for the</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"> heartbreak of those lamented "Why's".<br />We have laughed enough laughs to fill an ocean. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We have sat together in silence, holding each other in sacred spaces. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We have also witnessed the BRONCS! stomping cry-baby Brady and the Patrio-cheats in the 2015 AFC Conference Championship game at Mile High. {!!!!!!!!!!!!!}</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">You were the person that was with me in my deepest pit of despair reminding me that Love is is a verb. During this time, you were the person that introduced me to using the present participle "ing" to the word Love because it makes it a verb of movement--a continuous verb. Saying "Loving You" is stronger than just "Love you", because it is always in motion and it's always there; always <i>present</i>. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">I celebrate you today, on your 50th birthday, </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">{Is this a good time to remind you that I will always be younger than you?}</span> </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">and wish you nothing but peace and happiness as we make our way to our retirement plan of living together on a beach, drinking from our margarita fountain, reading books, and laughing til we fall out of our rocking chairs. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Loving you, always, Chris Jones!</span></div>
Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-4304796523174624762018-05-24T11:23:00.000-06:002018-09-23T14:46:10.256-06:00We're 10!!!!!!!!!<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">We are celebrating 10 years of marriage today! </span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">TEN YEARS!!!</span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVfouFsG3G8tcZ_7BOHAFJz981wu2jISLM6Kuo75LxS8C0tEa_g1myOsPOYFTqdPJL2Vb2-nX-37-gO39ePk7XANQgyzPHo_K8Z-e0r9DEr_Uz4FlOlG9Ud1dYUNs9XFzLxgzHcuZ73g/s1600/Laniel_24808.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtVfouFsG3G8tcZ_7BOHAFJz981wu2jISLM6Kuo75LxS8C0tEa_g1myOsPOYFTqdPJL2Vb2-nX-37-gO39ePk7XANQgyzPHo_K8Z-e0r9DEr_Uz4FlOlG9Ud1dYUNs9XFzLxgzHcuZ73g/s640/Laniel_24808.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre-wrap;">Our wedding day was perfect; I mean it. There is nothing I would change. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1oNQRxgwPBTDVWbI8a_osZMAAigWdC2kllkfsorvu-HiF3KQaxSUxWMzgZgClbQAANV2LO2HtsQsSL4IABSeCXxdXZga4Iz199uWsRVR8qHnbbFXHYWFx_N6udujfkhW8FMmOdaJy_A/s1600/Laniel_25275.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1072" data-original-width="1600" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgx1oNQRxgwPBTDVWbI8a_osZMAAigWdC2kllkfsorvu-HiF3KQaxSUxWMzgZgClbQAANV2LO2HtsQsSL4IABSeCXxdXZga4Iz199uWsRVR8qHnbbFXHYWFx_N6udujfkhW8FMmOdaJy_A/s640/Laniel_25275.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
{<i>See for yourself in <a href="http://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2012/05/our-picture-perfect-wedding.html" target="_blank">this post.</a></i>} </div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">When reflecting on the 10 years since that magical day, I can truly say that our marriage is pure joy and I absolutely feel like I am in love with my best friend. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We probably say "I love our life" 3 times a week, minimum. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We truly love being with each other every second we can be. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We embrace each other's rough spots and happy places. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We say "please" and "thank you" and mean it.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We work through arguments with respect, patience and </span><a href="http://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2018/04/the-magic-of-etch-sketch_19.html" style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;" target="_blank">the use of our Etch-a-Sketch.</a><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We laugh together, a lot. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We are obsessed with our pets.</span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"> {Okay, maybe I am the obsessive one...but Brian is the best dad!} </i><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTLoGnwkwnFyag6NhvsDbmGMv5B-oZP2UqCpf2vXqoM3EwKOYLZzCxtbV3dWbNuArHOiP65LfK3MWSS4h9p0ExsA6u1DHmsJhprZg3c8jrmzjjS1a1sq5330NkjLFW19U8yxHV-bECTU/s1600/20110313_1858.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDTLoGnwkwnFyag6NhvsDbmGMv5B-oZP2UqCpf2vXqoM3EwKOYLZzCxtbV3dWbNuArHOiP65LfK3MWSS4h9p0ExsA6u1DHmsJhprZg3c8jrmzjjS1a1sq5330NkjLFW19U8yxHV-bECTU/s640/20110313_1858.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We talk about everything and we don't don't hold any secrets from each other.</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72fPHJ5Dz3_UeVXjhvMRafp8nwa6MmnzN3popOR4LXedLtOMqaYDLK-0xHNtND_3FC9y4Q9-59lJmvJEDz1ef2LKDyAn7uKkvgYtClkMODP3RQiyRuZqqfkwsqU3-meOK0IpTOOP7OaE/s1600/IMG_8185.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="635" data-original-width="473" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj72fPHJ5Dz3_UeVXjhvMRafp8nwa6MmnzN3popOR4LXedLtOMqaYDLK-0xHNtND_3FC9y4Q9-59lJmvJEDz1ef2LKDyAn7uKkvgYtClkMODP3RQiyRuZqqfkwsqU3-meOK0IpTOOP7OaE/s640/IMG_8185.JPG" width="476" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">We.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Are.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Happy. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1OfnZoDC1jOEHL6pWvKDYiCiy8W-nrR2tc-M3aTR6-JR1o-leKfW18eXTKjc5kv20-vGYIlmSGT8I_9se8-xpdkrbQowKGCDkjllil3mSUzt1fg0cycWU0RPfpEqubgx2so4mnvgDAk/s1600/IMG_8405.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="640" data-original-width="640" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjp1OfnZoDC1jOEHL6pWvKDYiCiy8W-nrR2tc-M3aTR6-JR1o-leKfW18eXTKjc5kv20-vGYIlmSGT8I_9se8-xpdkrbQowKGCDkjllil3mSUzt1fg0cycWU0RPfpEqubgx2so4mnvgDAk/s640/IMG_8405.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">I need to steal a poem written by Ulysses the Super Squirrel </span></span><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">{<i>AKA Kate DiCamillo in her magical book, </i></span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><u>Flora and Ulysses</u></i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;"><i>--please read this book!</i>} to capture how I feel on this 10- year marker of our life together. I am only changing the title; instead of "</span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Words for Flora</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">", these are my "</span><i style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">Words for Brian</i><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif; font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">" because never have the 26 letters of the alphabet been so perfectly organized to capture how I feel about this man. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">He's truly my everything. </span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCR-4tJhzQgwWgVPxKCFetNwTvPiBikVc2cEDy5BnGqYp-ty3gP-jA9MOB-Va5oWLq5njI5YqOhckgtgT3ew_MvdQf6MnuG2lmGS_xgsWVPa9ShtPaX0hJECfzjFpqlnQXvWPOficuO8/s1600/Laniel_25212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1072" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwCR-4tJhzQgwWgVPxKCFetNwTvPiBikVc2cEDy5BnGqYp-ty3gP-jA9MOB-Va5oWLq5njI5YqOhckgtgT3ew_MvdQf6MnuG2lmGS_xgsWVPa9ShtPaX0hJECfzjFpqlnQXvWPOficuO8/s640/Laniel_25212.jpg" width="428" /></a></div>
<b style="font-family: georgia, "times new roman", serif;"><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;">Words for </span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><strike>Flora</strike></span><span style="color: black; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"> Brian</span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><br /></span></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Nothing</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>would be</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>easier without</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>you,</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>because you </b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>are</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>everything,</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>all of it--</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>sprinkles, quarks, giant</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>donuts, eggs sunny-side-up--</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>you</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>are the ever-expanding</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>Universe</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><b>to me.</b></span></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfMA32dFG4VNZCcW5eKC1m_LbG1ATXTfJyzp5DkPsuEb3efb1NeJ_Sp8-QIQfuW_b5rywnL78utqVrEm9Cnw7dhFcWrWMx-LC4jUA4k5EBEaj7a7cZK_7tFnsfOI8UcWsicHlRD9ory0/s1600/IMG_7527.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1600" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBfMA32dFG4VNZCcW5eKC1m_LbG1ATXTfJyzp5DkPsuEb3efb1NeJ_Sp8-QIQfuW_b5rywnL78utqVrEm9Cnw7dhFcWrWMx-LC4jUA4k5EBEaj7a7cZK_7tFnsfOI8UcWsicHlRD9ory0/s640/IMG_7527.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Happy decade of love, my love! </span></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre-wrap;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Growing old with you is my most favorite thing. </span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><span style="font-size: 14.6667px; white-space: pre-wrap;">xoxo</span></span><br />
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-87413291886819944852018-04-19T13:19:00.000-06:002018-04-19T14:26:05.507-06:00The Magic of The Etch-A-Sketch<div style="text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;">Brian and I can't quite remember what sparked our philosophy of using an Etch-A-Sketch to save our marriage, but whatever it was, we are living proof of its magical powers. We have made it a major part of our relationship and I often give a trusty Etch-A-Sketch, with the directions below, to newly married couples in hopes that this magic saves their marriages too. </span></div>
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<img alt="Image result for etch a sketch" height="331" src="data:image/jpeg;base64,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" width="400" /><br />
<br />
<b>Congratulations! </b><br />
<b>You are holding in your hands the secret to a successful, happy marriage!</b><br />
<br />
<b><u>How to properly use this very powerful item:</u></b><br />
<b><u><br /></u></b>
<a href="https://www.blogger.com/blogger.g?blogID=3120198301209792615&pli=1" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"></a><br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b style="font-weight: bold;">Step 1</b><b>: </b>Have an inevitable stupid* argument. <i>*Stupid is the key to the Etch-a-Sketch working. Determining what a "stupid" fight means may take practice, but you will know it when you yell it.</i><br />
<b style="font-weight: bold;">Step 2</b><b>: </b>One person will recognize that you are fighting about something legitimately stupid.<br />
<b>Step 3</b>: That person asks the question: "Etch-a-Sketch?"<br />
<b>Step 4</b>: {<i>Step 4 is where the lines may get blurred, but pushing through the blur will be worth it.}</i> The person listening to the question, "Etch-a-Sketch?" is the one who will say "Yes!" or "No!"</div>
<br />
<u><b>If the answers to "Etch-a-Sketch?" is a "Yes!":</b></u><br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>1</b>. Retrieve the Etch-a-Sketch from its place of honor in your home.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>2</b>. Both people hold the Etch-a-Sketch and raise your hands above your heads.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>3</b>. Shake vigorously.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<b>4.</b> The magical power of the Etch-a-Sketch will allow you to start at ground zero; recognize that the fight was stupid and talk rationally* about what's going on.<i> *Rational is ideal, and it might not happen right way, but again, like everything, it will happen with practice.</i></div>
<i><br /></i>
<b><u>If the answer to "Etch-a-Sketch?" is a "No!":</u></b><br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
The person saying "No!" is usually saying no because there is a deeper issue for them to talk through. At this point, the argument doesn't feel "stupid". What they need to say or what they are figuring out as far as feelings may take a bit more time. It is recommended that the person asking the question, "Etch-a-Sketch?" stop everything and ANY and EVERY listening skill EVER learned should kick in. <i>Your partner needs to be heard; hear them.</i></div>
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The person who said "No!" is the person who asks if the Etch-a-Sketch should now be used. Both partners should agree and you can reference the "Yes!" directions above for further guidance.</div>
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<u><b>Does it work?</b></u><br />
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Research* shows that couples who use the Etch-a-Sketch method on a regular basis reduces fight time by 85%. {This data is not to scale.} Further research revealed that the reduction of fighting, especially over "stupid" things, allows the elusive "live happily ever after" become a reality.</div>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-3120198301209792615.post-25560918870109256292018-04-01T21:32:00.000-06:002018-04-05T15:21:46.607-06:00“I am so much more than my body.”<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.38; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6ATJf0ZoSSun45Ec8LYus8Wiu-9y34vVaKr05mahNEPse0Ec_bWcUsOgb2Vio82Q6xr-b8G8BsaVpm577DV6aI_ey5pRIFYsqAufa-RLs5gWA6vf1m7iq7jH74BbeAn1JZqNwLLaHr8/s1600/IMG_7836.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><span style="font-family: "georgia" , "times new roman" , serif;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1350" data-original-width="1080" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6ATJf0ZoSSun45Ec8LYus8Wiu-9y34vVaKr05mahNEPse0Ec_bWcUsOgb2Vio82Q6xr-b8G8BsaVpm577DV6aI_ey5pRIFYsqAufa-RLs5gWA6vf1m7iq7jH74BbeAn1JZqNwLLaHr8/s640/IMG_7836.JPG" width="512" /></span></a></div>
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<a href="https://www.instagram.com/jennakutcher/?hl=en" style="text-decoration: none;"><span style="background-color: transparent; color: #1155cc; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: underline; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Jenna Kutcher</span></a><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> is my hero.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I didn’t even know who she was last week but that's </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">the funny thing about life;</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Miracles in the Mundane are everywhere. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Jenna and I </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">lead wildly different lives, </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> I'll probably </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">never meet her in real life, but she</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> reminded</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> me to </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">believe the </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">truth</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> of who I</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> am and </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I am so very grateful. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Her story of being body </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">shamed went viral and in</span><span style="color: blue; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> t</span><a href="https://www.today.com/style/jenna-kutcher-responds-being-body-shamed-marrying-mr-6-pack-t125383" style="text-decoration-line: none;"><span style="color: #1155cc; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">his article</span></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> she explains</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> that someone messaged her </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">and told her they </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">were shocked “she {a "curvy" woman}</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> could land a husband like</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> “Mr. 6 pack”. </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Part of her response to the troll was,</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; white-space: pre;">“I am so much more than my body…”</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">When I read these words I started crying. Those </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">words, which</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> I have heard before,</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> have been lost lately and I needed to put them</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> back out front.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I have struggled with body image my whole life.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> <i>{</i></span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><i>I wrote about it in <a href="http://karilaniellifeonmadison.blogspot.com/2012/03/9-picture-that-makes-you-nervous.html" target="_blank">this post</a> and if you </i></span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><i>read it you will the same stories that I am telling in this post....hmmm. </i></span><br />
<i><span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">Maybe I need some more </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">therapy for this issue?} </span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I have an early memory--</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I was probably </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">4 or 5 years old-- </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">of a lady at church calling</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> me a Pillsbury Dough Girl. </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">While there is cuteness involved with that</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> sweet little giggle, I am pretty sure</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> that it wasn’t because of that; probably because </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">she would </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">poke my tummy while saying it…</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">My middle school years started my obsession</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> with sizes.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> I didn’t understand then {or now!}</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">that the number didn’t really matter--the fit did.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> I cringe at the times </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I probably stuffed myself </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">into a 10 when</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> I should have been in a 12 or 14</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">At one stage of my up and down</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> size cycle I was able to buy a pair of the much </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">coveted Guess </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">brand jeans that were</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> in fashion. I also remember when I couldn’t fit into </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">them anymore and finding out </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">that Guess jeans weren’t made in my size.</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><img height="243" src="https://lh3.googleusercontent.com/KSIT1APlbOqEroNs_rCps5lyib5_OzsGRSLqFnUS8KEZ06ZwRrDQd0f8coBmBQYi3kkb_hmQW_nQvjH0E7LLIo52DkrR6w-Xj8KxPnvna9uFE8txGuY1GxXTmi1KvCT4jIrX8K4A" style="-webkit-transform: rotate(0.00rad); border: none; transform: rotate(0.00rad);" width="371" /></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">In my desperation to fit into the fashion scene and in </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">my desperation to</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> ignore who I really was,</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I literally *cut* </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">the Guess symbol out of my </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> too small of jeans and sewed it onto a pair of</span></div>
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<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">non-brand jeans that fit.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">High school also brought one of my most </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">painful memories. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Some very mean boys at</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> school</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> “mooed” </span><span style="font-family: georgia; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">at me in the cafeteria.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> I was carrying my tray of food back to my </span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">table and they mooed. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">The humiliating pain </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">of that moment still haunts me today.</span></div>
<div dir="ltr" style="line-height: 1.2; margin-bottom: 0pt; margin-top: 0pt; text-align: center;">
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">{I wish it didn't, but alas, scars from our </span><br />
<span style="background-color: transparent; color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-variant: normal; font-weight: 400; text-decoration: none; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">youth never really go away...}</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I never had a boyfriend in high school. I didn’t go to </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">my proms.</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I didn’t date much at all</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> throughout </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">my 20’s. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">This was not my choice. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I desperately </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">wanted someone to</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> like me and </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I was convinced </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">that it was because I was too </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">fat to date and </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">that I wasn’t worthy </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">of being in relationship.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I could go on and on about all the highs and lows of</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> my weight</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> issues, but I won’t. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Many of the </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">experiences</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> I’ve described</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> continue to be a part </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">of my story. </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">It might not </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">be as </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">tangible as a</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> “cute” </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">poke of a </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">finger to my </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">belly or a moo</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> in the </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">cafeteria </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">but I</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> struggle </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">daily with how I look.</span></div>
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<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">That being said, however, my journey is also</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> filled with light and </span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">healing </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">in my places of pain. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">Countless people have shown me</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> through the years that </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">I am definitely so much more </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">than my body. Jenna's post helped remind</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">me of the fact</span><br />
<span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> that</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> </span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; font-style: italic; font-weight: 700; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;">I</span><span style="color: black; font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; vertical-align: baseline; white-space: pre;"> truly believe </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">this and</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> it is so freeing. I know that there </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">are</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> many, many </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">places of joy </span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">that shape who I am</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> and I am deeply</span><span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> grateful</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;"> for all the light and love in my life; </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "georgia"; font-size: 11pt; white-space: pre;">no matter my jeans size. </span></div>
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Karihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13749015545402579929noreply@blogger.com2