Why Life and Oatmeal?

Good question…it just came to me is the short answer.  But the more I think about it the more I realize just how fitting an analogy it is for my life.  First, you must understand that I LOVE oatmeal, especially in the winter.  It’s delicious, warm, the smell emanating from the stove as it cooks makes my mouth water in anticipation, and it’s definitely filling.  And let’s just talk about the variety of flavors, holy chow!  You can buy instant oatmeal in flavors ranging from apple cinnamon to vanilla chai to lemon ricotta pancake.  If you’re not interested in instant, you can create your own flavors full of berries, or cinnamon, or whatever you fancy.  You can even go a little nuts with walnuts, pecans, or almonds; the possibilities are endless! 

Teaching is like oatmeal for my soul.  I LOVE teaching.  It’s warm, full of hugs, high-fives, and wonderful notes and pictures from caring and loving students who are so excited you’re their teacher.  It’s fulfilling.  There is nothing in the whole world like that moment when you help a student realize their potential, or get to witness the “a-ha” moment when the lessons click and the learning light comes on in a child’s mind.  You certainly can’t beat the variety. 

Each year as the end of summer draws to a close I find myself shivering with anticipation as I think about oatmeal for breakfast on chilly school mornings and the many different students who will be in my class.  I look forward to their smiles, their excitement, their stories, and yes, even going a little nuts with their challenges.

Breakfast tomorrow:  Peaches and cream, I think.  YUM!     

P.S.  Drumming went well!  I felt better and didn't throw any sticks, knock over the ball, or crash into anyone!  

Me? Blog?

So today as part of a leadership course in technology I was challenged to create a blog.  I'm not really sure what I'm going to blog about but here it is, my first official blog.

Last week I started attending a "drumming" exercise class.  It is loads of fun!  You have to be able to laugh at yourself though because in the first session I threw my drumsticks twice, almost knocked over my drum, which was an exercise ball on a large plastic bucket, and crashed into a lady because I wasn't watching where I was going.  Tonight is session #2 and have a terrible head cold...either the endorphines will make me feel better or medecine head will make me a mess in which case I should warn my fellow drummers to watch out.  I'll let you know how it turns out.

Today I leave you with this...try something new!  Whether it's in the classroom, an exercise class, a new recipe, a new cleaning plan, or a blog.  The what isn't what's important.  What IS important is stretching yourself by challenging yourself to grow, change, and be vulnerable.

What are you going to try???