Look for the Helpers

Howdy, all! So this morning, as I exercised and prepared for my day, I pondered what I wanted to write to you all today.  I was thinking about humor and how much it has helped me through all of this.   An example is a text thread I have going between my sister, and brother and myself.  A week or so ago, my brother made a funny comment about the way our family is quirky and weird, and we all got to sending Gif's and Memes back and forth to communicate our feelings about the comment.  By the end of it, I was laughing so hard that my kids got out of bed to see what was so funny.   Only my siblings really understand the hilarity associated with the interworkings of our childhood, so the continued text thread has been one of the sources of humor that has kept me afloat these past few weeks.  Nevermind that no one else would get it.  It's fun for us!     I tell you this story, why?  Because the idea of shari...

Happy Monday Everyone!   After a stormy and rainy day yesterday, and more of the same expected today, I wanted to give you a quick reminder to move your body even if you are stuck inside!  Here is a little bit of inspiration... I am NOT a dancer, but this one even makes me want to get up and move!  You can find all kinds of good exercise inspiration out there, so don't be afraid to mix it up and get your heart rate up today.  You'll feel better both physically and emotionally if you do!   Here are some other suggestions for staying physically active throughout the pandemic.   -Get up to the higher elevations and take advantage of the remaining snowpack.   Get a few turns, or bring along a sled and take a few quick runs.   -Download the Strava app (or other fitness tracking app), and track your run, walk, or bike.  Compare with friends or family via online sharing, or just make something beautiful ....

Good Sunday Morning Students and Staff, In honor of one of my favorites, Kenny Rogers, who passed away this past week at age 81 of natural causes, I figured I'd share a little bit of his (and Dolly's) wisdom!  Those outfits really were cool in the '70s, can you believe it!  That song was released in 1976 which was the year I was born!  If you are looking to explore some old (country) music while stuck inside today on this rainy day, check out some of Kenny Rogers's greatest hits.  I promise you won't be disappointed!  😉 We love all of you, and we're making plans to show you just how much!  Stay tuned for more info to come!   I also wanted to post a couple more Spirit Week photos.  Ms. Huff out and about on Nature day, and Britta's Family Day selfie in front of Crossett Brook, because, "we are all her family," and Mrs. Hudak and her crew enjoying the outdoors as a family on Friday.   Tha...

This will make you feel good on a Saturday Morning!  Saluting the Heroes & Heart Warmers

Good Morning Students and Staff, We find our selves yet again waking to a new directive from our Governor and a new understanding of what the remainder of the school year will look like.   It's hard to put into words how I am feeling.  Disbelief, sadness, worry, shock, grief, but also hope, promise, love, anticipation, and strength.  By sheer will, I stubbornly believe that we will get through this and be stronger for it on the other end.  I think if you ask my husband or my parents to describe me, one of the words that they might say is stubborn.  It's not generally the first thing I think about my self, but I do acknowledge that I am quite stubborn... When I was a kid I had a hard time in school, struggling with learning the things that came much more easily to my older sister.  I worked like a dog to figure out how to learn.  I worked with special education instructors, took extra time out of my day to study one on one with my teachers...

Good Morning CBMS Students and Staff, I have a little bit of this, and a little bit of that for you all this morning.  First, I want to give you a reminder of some self-care practices.  I liked this little checklist, as it's very simple and quick. Other essential tasks might be school work, choosing a fresh outfit, or brushing your teeth...anything that will make you feel more human and like you aren't stuck in a loop of Groundhog Days!  As for tending things...pets, siblings, or even your parents (they need hugs and reassurance too!) are all good options.  Sensory feelings are things you can smell or touch.  For me, spiritual practice means reading and thinking about wise words from others.  Today I particularly liked these words from Brene Brown, a researcher who studies courage, vulnerability, shame, and empathy.  She offers this thought suggesting what kind of people we should try to be during this epidemic.  I have had ...

There are moments in our lives that are so surprising, unexpected, shocking, important or momentous that they become defining moments.  Moments that shape our understanding of the world, moments that teach us about our common humanity, and moments that cement our faith in people or higher powers.  Here are mine...there are three In January of 1986, when I was in the fourth grade, I watched with excitement alongside, my teacher, Mrs. Terrien, and classmates as the Challenger Space Shuttle launched from Cape Canaveral in Florida.  I was nine years old.  We were watching because a Science teacher had been selected to go into space alongside the Challenger crew.  That space launch ended in tragedy when the shuttle suddenly disintegrated over the Atlantic Ocean.  At first, I remember my teacher's confusion, and then I remember her turning the TV away from the class, and then off.  Finally, she left the room to go across the hall to speak with Sister Ann...

Yesterday was a Monday, and it was a hard Monday for me.  I felt like I struggled to prioritize my work, had issues with using the technology I needed, butted heads with my kids about their work, and spent too many hours looking at a computer screen.  (It's hard to have good boundaries when your work is in your home).  At the end of the day, I felt both emotionally and physically drained.  (I think I mentioned it in my evening blog post).   I wanted to acknowledge it this morning and talk to you all about it for a couple of reasons.  Mostly, because it's important for us as humans to acknowledge and address our emotions.  All emotions are valid and normal, and worth examining so that we can do better, or maybe just feel better, the next day.  If we stuff our emotions or refuse to address the ones we perceive as negative, we don't become the best version of ourselves in the future. Additionally, emotions unaddressed tend to turn i...

Good Afternoon Everybody, Today was a long day, and a bit harder for me than the first few days last week, but it's good to acknowledge our feelings and emotions and remember that tomorrow is a new day with new opportunities and plenty of time to accomplish all that we are responsible for.  One step at a time! Additionally, we have each other to lean on, and fun times to share together even if we can't be physically together.  I know that the teachers and staff had a great day in their PJ's!  I hope all of you students did too!  Here are some staff pictures from today... Keep sending me shots of you in your jammies, and I'll add them to tomorrow morning's blog.  Don't forget that tomorrow is Mud Season Day...although there may be more snow on the ground tomorrow morning than mud, it's supposed to be 42 degrees in the afternoon, so the mud may become abundant! As I look out my window right now, I can see that it is starting to snow u...