More Than Enough

"There is no passion to be found in settling for a life that is less than the one you are capable of living." - Nelson Mandela

I love my job.

And in all honesty, I probably don't say that enough. To have a career that gives me purpose every day is a blessing beyond relief. I know too many people who do not enjoy what they do, and as a result, it seems like an immense burden in their lives. I cannot imagine a life where I dread getting up every morning, where every task seems impossible and difficult. 

Every morning I wake up, I think, what learning is going to take place in my classroom today? It is more than enough. More than enough to motivate me to be at the school at 7:00 some mornings, eagerly planning the day's activities. It is more than enough to keep me awake some nights, thinking of new activities that will inspire my students to think differently, to think creatively, and to question the everyday occurrences in our world. 

Strong Together

It has been eight days since my last post.

Life has been very busy, my friends and readers, and it has been particularly stressful the past several days. That is, however, no excuse for not writing. Hopefully my everyday activities have calmed down somewhat, which is why I am back today with a new post.

Today's topic is about reserving judgment. We all say we try not to judge others, but yet it seems that we do it anyway. Reserving judgment is something that takes willpower and the ability to put aside impressions of others until you get to know them.

Success Is Not For The Lazy

Success is not for the lazy.

I remember my first meeting with my initial university representative as a freshman. He had asked me, "Do you want to pursue a four-year or five-year graduation plan?" I was baffled - my major of English Education with a Communications emphasis seemed straightforward enough, and I didn't see how it would take more than 4 years to complete. I mentioned as such to him, and he laughed, stating, "Some people enjoy spending more time in college. It's not that you can't finish in four years, but some people like to take their time."

Not me. I completed my degree in exactly four years. Why waste a year of my life stretching out my coursework? I was adamant, keeping close watch on my credits and GPA so that I could finish on time and pursue the profession I wanted.

National Poetry Day!

Let's take a break from the usual, shall we?

It's National Poetry Day! In honor of today I have compiled a special list of favorites for you: my favorite poems! But wait, before you freak out and go, oh my gosh I hate poetry, please hear me out. Poetry is a beautiful thing, but like you, I have not always loved it. It is something that takes time to fully feel and understand, but everyone has already experienced this in a way: music is poetry. I know you can name at least one song that made you feel something. Empowerment. Sorrow. Inspiration. Whatever it may be, poetry has the same effect. Without further ado, I present my favorites:

Hello October!

"I'm so glad I live in a world where there are Octobers." - L. M. Montgomery

Happy October 1st, my friends! I love October. It is my favorite month of the year. The crisp autumn air, the falling leaves, the explosion of color that only comes with the changing seasons. October is a time of transition into winter. It is a reminder to enjoy life in all its seasons and to have appreciation for things we so often take for granted.

What do you love most about your favorite season?

Don't make me choose!

"I was born with a reading list I will never finish."

When I tell people I am an English educator, they always comment on how much I "must love to read" (kind of a given in my profession, but thank you for stating the obvious). Then they proceed to ask, What is your favorite book?

OH, THE HORROR.

Asking an individual with an English degree what his/her favorite book is is just downright maddening. Don't make me choose! I love to read, and as such, I have categories of favorites (not just "one," as many seem to think). This post is for all those who have found themselves in a similar position, and for those of you who may be looking for something new to read. As such, I present my categories of favorites (and these aren't all of them, as that would be a long post):

Can Music Save Your Mortal Soul?

Now do you believe in rock and roll, can music save your mortal soul, and can you teach me how to dance real slow? - Don McLean

I was recently at Barnes & Noble (yes, I know, big shocker there) and thanks to my current nonfiction reading interest, I picked up a new title: This Is Your Brain on Music: The Science of A Human Obsession by Daniel J. Levitin. I am just starting it (book review to come in a few weeks), but it is making me reflect on my own musical upbringing. I figured, what a unique and different topic for Certainly Candid! So here I am writing to you today. As I know I have many musically inclined readers out there as well, I present my own background:

A Case Study, or, Can Music Save Your Mortal Soul?

Music has always been a big part of my life. While I played many instruments, piano has always been my first love since I started private lessons at the age of seven. It is a versatile instrument that can shine as a solo or accompany others. In high school, I would spend my study hall time down in the music department. I knew which practice rooms held the pianos that were out of tune, or had sticky keys, or the coveted new replacements for ones that had finally broken down. Nine times out of ten, I could be found in front of the black and white keys with my sheet music.

It did not matter what I played. It often depended on my mood. Sometimes it would be the rigorous classical pieces my piano instructor had assigned. Sometimes it would be jazzy Broadway tunes. If I was in a contemplative mood, it would often be Lorie Line arrangements.