Lessons Learned in 2008

Believe it or not, I began this edition in July…  There were many little tidbits that I knew I wanted to capture before I forgot them!  So, here we go, Lessons Learned in 2008:

1)  I’ve worked with soo many kids over the years that never fit neatly into any one “label” or category.  He or she may display strong characteristic of this or that label or diagnosis, but doesn’t quite fit the full definitional criteria.  Therefore, I have learned that a label is just that: a label.  Instead of treating someone based on the label, it is better to treat the person with which we are working.  (Actually, I learned this MANY MANY years ago from my amazing mentor during my undergrad days.  It’s just been so greatly reinforced lately, that it’s worth adding to the Lessons List.)

2)  I believe my friend Lauren said this one best, if you ever want to make God laugh, just tell him your plans.  As much as I am a PLANNER, there are just so many things that are simply out of our control.  Therefore, you can make plans, but must be flexible and willing to roll with the changes. 

3)  Alaska is a BEAUTIFUL, beautiful place.  I truly hope that it remains the last frontier.  If you ever have the opportunity to see the land, DO IT!

4)  ***Males, you DON’T want to read this one.  Just skip straight to number five NOW!****  When you’re trying to have a baby, and you know it’s close to That Time of the Month, you dread having to go to the restroom, for fear of disappointment.  And even AFTER you’ve taken two pregnancy tests -confirming that you are indeed preggo- it’s hard to understand that you’re period isn’t coming, so you’ll still *expect* it when you go to the restroom for a few days.  That, too, will subside with time.

5)  If you ever want to go to the beach, but can’t get away, put on The Beach Boys.  They’re like a barbershop quartet, with guitars.  They will instantly take you to a warm place, with sand and a cold drink.  ;o)

6) If you ever meet a mother who says she had an easy pregancy, AND/OR retained her figure instantly, SLAP HER!  Consider it a personal favor for yours truly.

7) As an expectant mother, I cannot read enough about prenancy or babies.  I cannot help but stare in awe at babies I see.  I have even become more motherly towards our good ol’ dog, Payton.  And I thought that teaching was a lifestyle!  Hello motherhood!  :o)

8)  It’s okay to have one room in the house that you just never get as organized as you want it to be.  No matter how much it bugs you, sometimes you have to just LET IT GO.  (I know, this is information is shocking to many of you — it still shocks me.)

9)  There truly is NEVER enough time in the day, in the week, month, etc. to get everything done.  And that’s okay.  Just do what you can, prioritize when you need to, ask for help when needed, and just enjoy the time that you have. 

10) July 15th is a day I will never forget for as long as I live.  It’s the day I went in for my lasik surgery pre-op.  It’s also the very day I realized I wouldn’t be able to have the surgery for quite some time.  I had an even better medical condition coming my way.  That was the very day that I took The Test, and discovered that Tim and I were going to become parents.  …okay, no lesson there, just a day I now have ingrained in my mind permanently.  (Along with those precious ultrasounds during which we got to “meet” our little girl.  …words simply cannot describe seeing that little image moving around, knowing that she was growing in me!)  I intend to enjoy the ride.

11) My life will never be the same again.  And I am absolutely okay with that.  I actually look forward to it: the very highs and the very lows that encompass parenthood.  I am not niave enough to believe that this little girl will always be a joy, or even easy, but I greatly anticipate watching her grow and raising her to be a responsible, compassionate citizen.

12) Once you go touchscreen, you never want to go back, be it phone, navigation or -gasp!- computer!

13) Similar to my comments in #8: Although I still truly believe that teaching is a lifestyle (beyond “just” a job, or even a career), there comes a time when you have to step back and let some things go.  One simply cannot work 10-12 hours a day, every weekday, plus weekends, and feel balanced or whole.  You cannot let a job consume you.  Don’t get me wrong — I LOVE the actual teaching and working with my students.  But the paperwork, planning, and politics on top of that are for the birds!  Welcome to teaching in the NCLB era!

14)  I fully understand the expression “don’t wish your life away”.  As a planner, I have always anticipated the next big milestone, making such comments as “only xx more days until [insert any significant day/moment/event]”.  While it’s fine to keep your eyes set on upcoming events, you have to live your life each day, and not just try and build for what may come.  You never know what the next week, day, hour, or even minute can bring; and what you expected to happen can change on a dime.  Be prepared to roll with the punches, and be flexible with the moment.  So, do not wish your life away!  …anyone care to count the number of cliches loaded into this one??

15) Pregnancy and its impeding motherhood change your life drastically, and forever.  Aside from the physical signs (STRETCHING ligaments are a killer!!) and visual cues (I look like a tank these days!!), my way of looking at things has altered permanently.  For example, while at a restaurant or ANY dept. store, I now note the places whose facilities have a changing table.  I’ve always been a germaphobe and have always thougth about public places and how I would handle them when I have kids, but I now keenly note who has facilities that are “kid-friendly”.  I also now look at song lyrics, television, and movies drastically different.  I’ve always looked at the media and thought, would I want my children to be exposed to this?  (More often than not, the answer was an astounding “no”.)  However, now I look even closer and reflect on if I would want my DAUGHTER to be exposed to, or influenced by, the messages this song/episode/movie presents.  Again, mostly, the answer is “no”. 

…I wonder if my little girl will grow up to be opinionated at all???  ;o)

16) If you’re looking to “rest” during a break, never, NEVER do a complete, simultaneous overhaul of 2 bathrooms, particularly while pregnant!  It’s not fun to have to climb stairs EVERY time nature calls!  And you know it’s killing me to look at the “mess” accumulating in the meantime…

17) Life is never short of miracles; the last seven months have been proof of that.  However, while I am reflecting and lamenting on the joys of this last year, and the wonders that lie ahead for me and my family, I am reminded that life is absolutely precious and fleeting.  A family I’ve grown up with is currently struggling with an impending decision they must make in a few days.  I do not envy them.  I can only pray for them and keep them in my thoughts, and let them know that myself and my family are there for them, in whatever capacity they need. 

And with that, I close my thoughts for 2008.  I’m sure 2009 won’t be as long-winded, as I will likely have less time to sit, ponder, and type!  I can’t wait!  So, to all of you reading this, I wish you a very happy new year.  I hope 2009 holds wonderful excitement in store for each one of you.  You wouldn’t have received this message if you weren’t, in some way, an important person in my life.  If you wish to write back, sharing your “lessons”, I look forward to reading them.  If not, I won’t hold it against you …not too much!  ;o)  Happy 2009 everyone!