Do What Makes You Happy

{image via} 

While searching the world of blogs today, I came across this little sign. 

It is a little strange that I found this saying and in such way that I would love it. {If you haven't noticed, I love owls.} 

Do What Makes YOU Happy. 

The last couple of weeks, I have felt a little like I haven't achieved anything. I look at Facebook or in my own family, and I think well geez I have done literally nothing with my life. 

I know that this is a bit ridiculous because I have accomplished a lot of things

{Going away to Hawaii for school, London Study Abroad, Got Married in the Temple, Graduated from College, Got a Full Time Teaching Job Right out of School... etc.}

So I know I have done things, but I feel like they just aren't enough. With people having babies, traveling around the world, or continuing their education- I feel like I am just stuck in a rut, and in some sense, stuck on an island- literally! 

But what I realized is that these things are what OTHER people are doing. While it is hard not to- I cannot judge myself in terms of what others are doing. 

There is no need for me to rush through my life just to try to catch up with others.

Matt and I want to start a family- just not right now. 

We want to travel the world, but we want to build some savings first. 

We want to continue our education, but we want to have some real world experience first. 

See, everything that other people are doing is great, but it is their lives, not ours. 

Right now I am working full time to help Matt finish up his Bachelors in Social Work. 

And that is good. 

Right now we are planning our next adventure. 

And that is enough for right now. 

At the end of the day you have to Do What Makes You Happy. 

I hope you are doing the same.

Remember Remember... The 11th of September

So yes, I did steal this title from England and Guy Fawkes day, but I can't think of anything better.

The other day I was looking at the birth dates of my students and I noticed they were born in the year 2000!!!! 2000! They were just babies when September 11, 2001 happened. Their whole lives have been in a post 9/11 world, which I think is just crazy and little bit sad.

The school I work at is unique because I have a lot of students whose parents are serving the U.S. military in some capacity or another. I had a parent teacher conference and this student's dad was on his fourth tour! For this child's whole life, her dad has consistently been in and out of a war zone and this is all she has ever known.

I was in the 8th grade when 9/11 happened (just one year older than my students are)! I saw the second plane hit and watched the first tower collapse. I watched the news and saw people jumping from the buildings. I remember being able to go up to the gate to greet a family member... I remember the Twin Towers in movies and t.v. shows. And I think it is important for us to remember. When we forget, things become to casual and eventually they are put out of our minds. This attack is an extremely important part of our history and we need to remember and we need to share our experiences and our memories with the future generations.

My students may not remember 9/11 in the ways that we do, but let me assure you they are living with the consequences every day.

Regardless, of my belief in the war, or my political beliefs, I can tell you that I have complete respect for the men and women that are serving our country.

A Little Inspiration: The Starfish Story

The Starfish Story

Original Story by: Loren Eisley

One day a man was walking along the beach when he noticed
a boy picking something up and gently throwing it into the ocean. 

Approaching the boy, he asked, "What are you doing?"

The youth replied, "Throwing starfish back into the ocean. The surf is up and the tide is going out.  If I don't throw them back, they'll die."

"Son," the man said, "Don't you realize there are miles and miles of beach and hundreds of starfish? You can't make a difference!"

After listening politely, the boy bent down, picked up another starfish,
and threw it back into the surf.  Then, smiling at the man, he said, 
"I made a difference for that one."

I love this story. This reminds me of my little Chinese siblings and the difference my family has made to these little starfish! 

It also makes me think of my students and the impact I can have in their lives. 

If you like this story please pass it along! 

A Phrase to Keep in Mind

Happy Belated Birthday To The Great Dr. Seuss

Last Friday was Dr. Seuss' birthday. In looking at other blogs and things around school I saw a lot of his quotes... a lot of snippets from his books.... a lot of his famous characters... but what I did not see were excerpts of his political cartoons... YES that's right before writing children's books he wrote political cartoon.... I believe these are where we can a little more to the great Dr. Seuss... reading over a few of my favorite made me think what he would draw and write today!

Enjoy a different side of Seuss:

Maybe it's because I was a history major, but I find these a little more enjoyable.