Saturday, July 21, 2012

Have been in a slump lately---could be the summer classes. The English 100 is such a mixed group. achievers are there in abundance, but dropped out in the third week. Three high school class members come to class and do nothing. One has turned in one paper and incomplete research paper; the others nil for out of class papers. Oh wait one did turn in three late papers which in the no grade zone the day the research papers are due. One has no text and can not do online as she has no net and will not come to attendance center or the library to type a paragraph. In class assignments are rushed, poorly done and incomplete. They say the class will allow them to graduate early. Surely they have to pass it.

Spanish 1 is a delight. Eight women one of whom is 82 and semi deaf laugh and learn.No failure except for number 9 who dropped out. Tuesday and Thursday are great

The thing that gets me is the waste of money. Those who dropped did not withdraw so it is an automatic "f" . Also they stopped coming after the money back date. Several hundred dumped for nothing. Amazes me is a mild description though it happens every semester.

The heat is also getting to me.I am a definite cold weather person. 30-70 degrees is my comfort zone. South Dakota fit me better that way, but Kansas has been good to me.

Enough of the downers, life is good. I have much to be thankful for and I am always aware of that. He is good and He is the one who leads me. I may make decisions but i Know they are part of His plan for me.

Monday, July 2, 2012

the fourth

Story circle had celebrations as the July prompt. I have already replied to that but am having thoughts about the fourth of July. So here goes. First it begins here on the 3oth of June which is the first legal sale day of fireworks. Rather it begins that night as neighbors begin firing them as soon as it is dark enough usually around 9pm and continue it for an hour or so. It ends the fifth( if they have not oversupplied themselves.). EACH NIGHT IT GOES LONGER AND THE LAST NIGHT OFTEN RUNS UNTIL 12 OR LATER.

This year it is dry, dry, dry and that is due to the triple digit weather we are having. Fire hazards abound and just last night a house in Wichita burned due to fireworks misuse. People need to be careful but many won't be as it is their American right to do what they want in the way that they want. Others however are like one young man I know who is doing it right. Lawn is cut short,watered down and dirt is handy to toss on stray sparks. He is planning a huge display from looks of the loot on his Facebook page, but he is doing it in the right way.

Fire is not the only thing that can bother neighbors. My yard becomes a collection point for spent fireworks and debris carried by wind from other yards--especially from those yards where it is not picked up and taken care of properly.Now I do sound rather witchy but dang it is annoying.

Noise is another factor. Past eleven is enough already. Booms and yelling several nights in a row gets old.It also can disturb small children and pets. Last night Winston was out for his before bed walk in the backyard. The whistles and small frizzling sounds made him sit and listen. His head turned almost every second as he tried to locate the origin of each sound. I stood by him giggling at his reactions. BOOM!! A huge thunder bombshell went off and so did Winston right for the door. 30+ lbs of running bulldog pup nearly pulled me off my feet as he drug me behind him to the door. Inside he went to sit under my computer chair but then ran to his kennel and went inside without a treat. Funny , yes it was, but he was scared. The chis were in the house so they just shook.

Now this is somewhat of a rant and it did to start out to be so negative. I love fireworks in the sky, my heart swells as they bring lines form our anthem to my inner vision but they need to be done safely, with consideration of others and in a size appropriate for their location.

Sunday, July 1, 2012

Sunday and I realize I have not yet written for quite awhile. Promise to self write even if it is mundane and not reflecting on anything in particular. Winston is playing with his toys--first one and then another. They all end up in the bed he has claimed as his. The chis are doing nothing as only older dogs can do--ignoring the adhd pup that lives here. A pork roast is in the crock pot, papers await my red pen and I am enjoying this ramble.

Story circle's July prompt is about celebrations and reactions to them.For me holidays are okay but is the private moments of celebrations that affect me in the deepest way.The birth of my girls gave me a joy that is relived on the birthdays that followed. Each of those days the wonder of that little person in my arms for the first time as I counted toes and fingers claims me and I rejoice in the gift of their lives and their accomplishments since that day. Celebration of our joined histories never ceases.

Small celebrations happen when something good happens unexpectedly. Yesterday a friend( a chosen sister) called and a bit of joy entered my life. Someone praises my work , a student says that I have done something that made them feel good are all reasons for small fire bursts of feel good hormones.

Quiet moments spent reading or knitting can release the "feel good" waves also.Perhaps that is why early moments with coffee start my day off well.But I suspect it has more to do with my acceptance of life as a journey which not always smooth is well worth the trip. It also comes from knowing He has my back and will care for me if I accept his will. I find that last easier each year even in bad or uncertain moments.

Big event and big holidays are good things. Who would not enjoy those(but I admit even these are better for me if not in a huge bunch of people)? However for me the true joyful bursts are quiet, small, and personal.