Have You Noticed?

"When their eyes stop laughing. Their throats can still make the sound, but if you look at their eyes, you can see they've shut off something inside." -Dr. Martha Collier

An excerpt taken from Barack Obama's Dreams from My Father: A Story of Race and Inheritance

A Security Blanket for a Dog?

Daisy has one! We call it bunny. She's on her second one although she could probably use a new one. You'd be surprised how hard they are to come by. We take it everywhere we go and yes it has to be washed. It all started when she was a puppy. We had placed the bunny in her cage when we left or when we were eating to keep her from begging. One night at dinner I heard the most peculiar noise. When I glanced over at Daisy I noticed that she was sucking the face of her bunny with a gentle whimper. I thought it strange at first, but I remembered how her dad used to do the same thing with a tennis ball. The habit stuck. She sucks bunny when she wakes up, when we come home, when company comes over, and after it's been washed. I often wonder if Doobie still does it.

TAGGED!!!

8 Facts and Habits of Mandy:
1. I have a t.v. watching ritual for every night of the week! I think that's why I'm single!
2. I need to drink a pepsi when I get in the car.
3. My dog Daisy is named with a D because her mother and father are Daphne and Doobie!!
4. I don't like to read to learn! Show me!
5. I have pasta with parmesan cheese at least 1 night a week!
6. I claim to have adult ADD.
7. I don't like fruit.
8. I have an eye disease called uveitus.

4 New x 2

4 things that are new to me in the past four years:
1. I am a first grade teacher.
2. My apartment
3. My new sister-in-law.
4. I am a great aunt-believe it!!!!

4 things that I would like to accomplish/experience in 4 years:
1. Rock Climbing
2. Habitat for Humanity
3. Get my masters
4. Get married-wait....I'll save it until I can think of something better! :)

Misunderstood

For anyone who knows me and knows me well understands that I speak usually only when spoken to or when I feel strongly about the subject and have something to contribute to the conversation and accepts me.

For anyone who is a mere stranger searches for something more in me. And results in them perceiving me as cold, distant, snobby, and all other adjectives that associate with withdrawn. I am misunderstood.

Get to know me and you will find a girl who loves and trusts with her whole heart, mind, body, and soul. A person who strives to make people happy. A person of observance and patience. A girl who finds that the people she meets are supposed to be in her life for a reason.

I have been blessed to have people in my life who have touched my heart and opened my soul.

Grandpa Williams, you have brought me such joy with your compassion for animals. I know I have learned this from you. I love you!

Grandma Williams, my angel, has taught me acceptance. She loved all and thought of them as family. She willingly opened her house and heart. I miss you and know that you watch and understand. I love you!

Grandpa Greulach has the greatest advice. "Stay happy" he says whenever we part. Your loves makes me happy and makes me believe that I am strong. I love you!

Grandma Greulach, wise is she. You have a remarkable memory of your life and the lives of your children and grandchildren. One day I will write my music. Thank you for the inspiration. I love you!

Dad-we are kindred spirits. You are the man in my life. You always seem to have the answers, although we at times don't see eye to eye. You never say no to anyone who needs help and offer help to all. Among the many things that you have taught me, these will always make me smile: Never let your gas tank get below a 1/4, oil change every 3000 miles, you can't pitch to Pujols, and definitely can't dribble between two players. I love you!

Mom-the woman I aspire to be. You told me that I broke the mold. I think I'll find it. I would be happy to be half the woman that I have seen in you and grandma. You are strong and beautiful and taught me to go, be, and do. You're unselfishness shines! I love you!

Scot-my beloved brother. You told me that I have paved the way for your success. You are loved by all. Remembered by all. Respected. Envied. You have taught me to show people the person you know. The person I am. I'm learning! Always remember...the times we've shared. I love you!

Lori-my whole sister, you have taught me trial and error. To try things on. Don't be afraid to let go and to be let go of those that don't fit. I admire your strength and your fearlessness. I love you!

Jill, my new sister-in-law. From one self-proclaimed black sheep to another. You are one of a kind. Your sense of humor is something to be admired. You have taught me a new vocabulary. To be different is to be unique. I find it hard not to smile when you're around. I am happy that you are a part of my life. I love you!

Nikki, my soulmate, hold's on to what she finds true. Nikki you have taught me many things, most of all courage. To be who you are and to speak what you know. Your character is true. I love you!

Melissa, my dancing queen. You have taught me hope. My life will piece together. I will one day find my fairy tale. You went for your dream and found it. I love you!

Emily, my carefree mom. You have taught me what love is supposed to feel like. Your wit and charm are magnetic. Your patience in life is my relief. You and Nathan have made me feel like family. I love you both very much. Thank you!

Steve, my live for the moment friend. You have touched my life. There's a reason we met and became a part of each other. You share with me my fascination of music and nature. You have taught me to experience life and that I CAN do it alone. Music is an unspoken ispiration and way of life to us. Keep sharing your gift. I wish you all the best wherever you may be and whatever you may be doing.

To my fellow teachers: I continue to learn from you each day. Your passion for teaching is inspiring. We are so lucky to do what we do and believe in it. I feel fortunate to be surprised everyday. The future is lead by us. Our hearts touch, our words light a fire, our hands lead.

To everyone: take a moment to look at the world around you and what it has to offer. Slow down and stand still. Smile. Touch. Listen. Look. Dream. Teach.

I'm learning to smile often, to touch lives and to listen with an open mind; no words on my tongue, to look at the beauty we have been given, to dream and to make it happen, and to teach what I have been taught.

Invest in Self-Love!!

A New Smell

After reading a friend's blog about the smell of a new book, it inspired me to write one about the smell of a new purse. I went to a purse party last night hosted by the author of "the smell" and splurged on two new purses. One of which has this smell of burnt hair (a.k.a. leather). I found it funny to listen to others justify their reasoning on whether or not to buy a certain purse. Some people said that they don't take very good care of their purses and wouldn't want to get white because it gets dirty. I completely agree-I am one of those. I know that the appearance of a purse can change, but will the smell stay? I keep thinking about all things new. A new car, book, purse, shoes, etc., and find that the new smell eventually fades. What a shame!!

Do you ever feel that you're efforts are moments of wasted breath? Like one less sentence you say can save you from a sore throat the day after? There were many days when my color was blue. The best recovery: realizing they were listening!!!

My First Blog

After seeing how excited some of my colleagues were about blogging, I decided to give it a try. We'll see what develops!