Have you ever gotten a headache from laughing too hard? Tonight I have one but I couldn't be happier to have it.
I hate to admit that such sad circumstances were what brought almost all of the old gang back together, but I appreciate the chance we had to laugh and tell stories together. There were cases and cases or Henry Winehard's Root beer (in honor of Seth- one of his favorites). Not a single hug, "I love you" or "It is so good to see you" was forgotten. We told story after story of our crazy younger years. I thought I knew all the stories but I was very wrong.
A reunion of high school friends wouldn't be complete without a game of Signs, and soon we were in my parents basement playing games until we were all losing our voices from laughing so hard. I wish every kid had as great of friends as I do. How many kids these days can go on for hours about the things they have done to create fun? Farmington, New Mexico may never have a star on a map, but it sure has character. I am grateful for this two Walmart town and the characters I grew up with- and plan on continuing to grow with- even if there may be a little more distance between us.
Sunday, May 30, 2010
Wednesday, May 26, 2010
Friend
“Life is partly what we make it, and partly what it is made by the friends we choose.”
What a rich life I have led, simply because of the friends I have chosen. Many of them I don't even feel like I have chosen them because they have always been a part of my life. We were too young to know it was a choice to become friends, and 20-or-so years later, here we are, still friends.
Today I found out the sad news that I lost a friend. Seth.
I am so grateful that the news was delivered by someone I consider to be much more than a friend, and more like a sister. Emma called me this morning to let me know of Seth's passing. I was on my way to work. She let me know which ones of our close group of friends she had called. I soon found myself on the phone with dear friends whose voices I hadn't heard in far too long. As I listened to each voice on the other end of the phone, I couldn't help but contemplate what it is exactly that made my bond with them so much stronger than many of the others I call friend. There is just something about a friend who has grow up with you, knows your family, your strengths, and each glaring flaw, but is by your side anyway. They ran down the same streets as you as a child, and helped you laugh through all those awkward self-discovery years as a teenager.
As I talked with each friend about Seth and how they were dealing with the grief, I didn't feel like I had to say or try and be anything other than what they knew me to be. We weren't worried about catching up on each other's lives or getting after each other for not talking more, but rather taking a moment to be a friend and remember a friend.
Seth will be missed. I smile as I think of his goofy laugh and contagious smile. I don't know how many "run-ins" with the Farmington Police Department I had while hanging out with Seth-and-Boys, but that is why I loved being with them: there was always fun to be had and trouble to make. Seth was always a good sport when I would get up on my high horse and reprimand the boys for being destructive, careless, or what ever else it may have been that I was chewing them out for. I never once remember him getting angry with me or my bossiness. The last time I saw him was at the movie theatres at Christmas. He was so handsome and happy. That is how I will always remember him. I just wish now that I would have hugged him a little tighter and told him one more time how much I loved him and all his shenanigans.
I found myself reminding many of my friends that I loved them and reminding myself to remember how much each one of them means to me. As we are coordinating our drive home for the funeral, I look forward to hugging each of the them and recommitting to caring less about the distracting things, and more about those who have helped me become Me.
“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”
What a rich life I have led, simply because of the friends I have chosen. Many of them I don't even feel like I have chosen them because they have always been a part of my life. We were too young to know it was a choice to become friends, and 20-or-so years later, here we are, still friends.
Today I found out the sad news that I lost a friend. Seth.
I am so grateful that the news was delivered by someone I consider to be much more than a friend, and more like a sister. Emma called me this morning to let me know of Seth's passing. I was on my way to work. She let me know which ones of our close group of friends she had called. I soon found myself on the phone with dear friends whose voices I hadn't heard in far too long. As I listened to each voice on the other end of the phone, I couldn't help but contemplate what it is exactly that made my bond with them so much stronger than many of the others I call friend. There is just something about a friend who has grow up with you, knows your family, your strengths, and each glaring flaw, but is by your side anyway. They ran down the same streets as you as a child, and helped you laugh through all those awkward self-discovery years as a teenager.
As I talked with each friend about Seth and how they were dealing with the grief, I didn't feel like I had to say or try and be anything other than what they knew me to be. We weren't worried about catching up on each other's lives or getting after each other for not talking more, but rather taking a moment to be a friend and remember a friend.
Seth will be missed. I smile as I think of his goofy laugh and contagious smile. I don't know how many "run-ins" with the Farmington Police Department I had while hanging out with Seth-and-Boys, but that is why I loved being with them: there was always fun to be had and trouble to make. Seth was always a good sport when I would get up on my high horse and reprimand the boys for being destructive, careless, or what ever else it may have been that I was chewing them out for. I never once remember him getting angry with me or my bossiness. The last time I saw him was at the movie theatres at Christmas. He was so handsome and happy. That is how I will always remember him. I just wish now that I would have hugged him a little tighter and told him one more time how much I loved him and all his shenanigans.
I found myself reminding many of my friends that I loved them and reminding myself to remember how much each one of them means to me. As we are coordinating our drive home for the funeral, I look forward to hugging each of the them and recommitting to caring less about the distracting things, and more about those who have helped me become Me.
“Even though we've changed and we're all finding our own place in the world, we all know that when the tears fall or the smile spreads across our face, we'll come to each other because no matter where this crazy world takes us, nothing will ever change so much to the point where we're not all still friends.”
Tuesday, May 18, 2010
M.I.A.
I realize I have not blogged in a while. Here are my explinations.
A. My life really isn't interesting. I got to work. Come home. Choose from three other options: go to job #2, Go to the gym, or hang out with Nathan while he studies Arabic
B. My computer contracted a virus. Yes. A stupid stupid virus. This meant I had to go buy an external hard drive (which I should have done long ago and before the smallest one you could get was 500 Gb's) Transfer my pictures and music, and completely wipe out my computer. After ordering some stuff from HP to reformat it, we are back in business.
C. I would much rather look at your blogs than write on my own.
A. My life really isn't interesting. I got to work. Come home. Choose from three other options: go to job #2, Go to the gym, or hang out with Nathan while he studies Arabic
B. My computer contracted a virus. Yes. A stupid stupid virus. This meant I had to go buy an external hard drive (which I should have done long ago and before the smallest one you could get was 500 Gb's) Transfer my pictures and music, and completely wipe out my computer. After ordering some stuff from HP to reformat it, we are back in business.
C. I would much rather look at your blogs than write on my own.
Friday, April 23, 2010
Need a little help
I recieved this letter from a close friend from college. Take time to read it and realize that my teaching certificate is in the same pickle. Let me explain a little bit. I majored in Early hildhood/Special Education and BYU-Idaho. Upon completing my upper level classes and several practicum experiences, I took TWO Praxis exams. These are standarized exams that are required by the state of Idaho, along with an institutional recommendation from the university I graduated from, and transcripts proving my completion of my degree,to recieve a teachinglicense in the state of Idaho. My two exams were for Special education preschool/early childhood and Education of young children. After completing all of this many graduates before and after me have been told that we were certified to teach Special Education and/or regular education up through 3rd grade. Idaho is not saying we have to get a THIRD credetial by taking and THIRD Praxis exam to teach above kinderg. Something they never imformed us about. Shouldn't our degrees and passing scores on the licensure exams count as highly qualified according to the regulations in palce at the time we took them count as highly qualified? Read Rebecca's letter below for an even better explination and a way to help.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
April 23, 2010
To whom it may concern:
I am a graduate of BYU-Idaho. I went to this school by choice and was very proud of the degree and the credentials I earned. I currently teach Kindergarten for District 91 at Longfellow school. It came to my attention a couple of months ago that there would be an opening 2nd grade position here at Longfellow. After discussing personal reasons to move classes with my husband, I decided that 2nd grade would give me a better opportunity to expand my teaching and grow as a professional. The teachers and community were notified just last Friday that I was to move to this position.
As it seems with every mountain we climb, there is always some kind of small trial to overcome. This is the reason I am writing to you. I was notified on Wednesday, April 21st that the State would be requiring me to take another Praxis so I could become “Highly Qualified” to teach in my second grade position.
This was very confusing to me and after talking to the State myself, I found that I would need to add a third certification to my degree. This was instituted without any written notification or warning. I believe in my degree and the Idaho Education Credential I have. I believed the University when I took the two Praxis exams (in my field of choice) that passing those would allow me to fully be qualified to teach K through 3rd grade.
I understand the need to be highly qualified. The objective of this letter is to express the concern I have that I was told “if I did not pass this summer- then I would not be able to teach Second grade.” This gives no regards to my field of degree or the two praxis assessments I have already taken and passed. I hold an Idaho endorsement that says I can teach K-3. If I had known to take a different certification for 1-3rd I would have done so. I received no notification by the State.
It is my intent to take this test and pass with flying colors. However, I feel that my Idaho Education Credentials are being taken as not. My certificate clearly states: Birth- Third Grade. I graduated just a year and a half ago and took two praxis assessments that certified me to teach K-3rd by the State of Idaho. If I had applied for 2nd grade last year, I don’t think I would have been told I couldn’t teach it- because of my certification. To make a comparison, if a Doctor receives his certification and new changes are instituted, they give him the opportunity to continue his schooling- but they don’t take away his certification. Or if my students all pass the IRI and then the assessment changes- they still get to move forward to the 1st grade.
My only desire is to receive some kind of “grace period” that still justifies my certification. The piece of paper that I worked hard to receive; a certification that gives me the opportunity to teach 2nd grade as I was promised. I understand the accountability of every teacher and I value this as a professional.
But I still have faith in the system that gave me an education for my credentials and for the kind of teacher I am. All I ask for is an appropriate kind of grace period ensured by state of Idaho. At least a year or until my Idaho credential expires in which I could continue my 2nd grade teaching position that my and earn yet another credential. This would validate my State Credential for which I have earned.
As a professional I believe in the educational system. I believe in constant nourishment of knowledge. Even though I have no desire to teach up to 8th grade- I understand the worth it brings as an educator. I value the opportunity to succeed as I am currently taking the Math Initiative Class. I am also perusing my Masters and have high hopes of receiving a Doctorate as well. I celebrate the need for better equipped and responsible teachers. But I also am an advocate for the training and certification I have already received and from a University that I have great respect for.
I have entrusted in you my schooling and certificates and would request your help with this following matter.
I ask you to please help assist me in seeing that my profession and the time spent at BYUI is not disregarded. Please help me find validation with the State and providing an ethical decision for the teachers of my field.
You may call:
Christina Linder
Director of Certification/
Professional Standards
(208) 332-6886
And
Katie Rhodenbaugh
Professional Standards Coordinator
(208) 332-6885
Or D91 (208) 525-7500
Sincerely,
Rebecca Robison
An Early Childhood Educator
robirebe@d91.k12.id.us
_____________________________________________________________________________________
April 23, 2010
To whom it may concern:
I am a graduate of BYU-Idaho. I went to this school by choice and was very proud of the degree and the credentials I earned. I currently teach Kindergarten for District 91 at Longfellow school. It came to my attention a couple of months ago that there would be an opening 2nd grade position here at Longfellow. After discussing personal reasons to move classes with my husband, I decided that 2nd grade would give me a better opportunity to expand my teaching and grow as a professional. The teachers and community were notified just last Friday that I was to move to this position.
As it seems with every mountain we climb, there is always some kind of small trial to overcome. This is the reason I am writing to you. I was notified on Wednesday, April 21st that the State would be requiring me to take another Praxis so I could become “Highly Qualified” to teach in my second grade position.
This was very confusing to me and after talking to the State myself, I found that I would need to add a third certification to my degree. This was instituted without any written notification or warning. I believe in my degree and the Idaho Education Credential I have. I believed the University when I took the two Praxis exams (in my field of choice) that passing those would allow me to fully be qualified to teach K through 3rd grade.
I understand the need to be highly qualified. The objective of this letter is to express the concern I have that I was told “if I did not pass this summer- then I would not be able to teach Second grade.” This gives no regards to my field of degree or the two praxis assessments I have already taken and passed. I hold an Idaho endorsement that says I can teach K-3. If I had known to take a different certification for 1-3rd I would have done so. I received no notification by the State.
It is my intent to take this test and pass with flying colors. However, I feel that my Idaho Education Credentials are being taken as not. My certificate clearly states: Birth- Third Grade. I graduated just a year and a half ago and took two praxis assessments that certified me to teach K-3rd by the State of Idaho. If I had applied for 2nd grade last year, I don’t think I would have been told I couldn’t teach it- because of my certification. To make a comparison, if a Doctor receives his certification and new changes are instituted, they give him the opportunity to continue his schooling- but they don’t take away his certification. Or if my students all pass the IRI and then the assessment changes- they still get to move forward to the 1st grade.
My only desire is to receive some kind of “grace period” that still justifies my certification. The piece of paper that I worked hard to receive; a certification that gives me the opportunity to teach 2nd grade as I was promised. I understand the accountability of every teacher and I value this as a professional.
But I still have faith in the system that gave me an education for my credentials and for the kind of teacher I am. All I ask for is an appropriate kind of grace period ensured by state of Idaho. At least a year or until my Idaho credential expires in which I could continue my 2nd grade teaching position that my and earn yet another credential. This would validate my State Credential for which I have earned.
As a professional I believe in the educational system. I believe in constant nourishment of knowledge. Even though I have no desire to teach up to 8th grade- I understand the worth it brings as an educator. I value the opportunity to succeed as I am currently taking the Math Initiative Class. I am also perusing my Masters and have high hopes of receiving a Doctorate as well. I celebrate the need for better equipped and responsible teachers. But I also am an advocate for the training and certification I have already received and from a University that I have great respect for.
I have entrusted in you my schooling and certificates and would request your help with this following matter.
I ask you to please help assist me in seeing that my profession and the time spent at BYUI is not disregarded. Please help me find validation with the State and providing an ethical decision for the teachers of my field.
You may call:
Christina Linder
Director of Certification/
Professional Standards
(208) 332-6886
And
Katie Rhodenbaugh
Professional Standards Coordinator
(208) 332-6885
Or D91 (208) 525-7500
Sincerely,
Rebecca Robison
An Early Childhood Educator
robirebe@d91.k12.id.us
Thursday, April 22, 2010
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Blogging award
My sister nominated me with the Beautiful Blogger Award, and then stole all the people I would nominate by recieving this award. But, none the less, I'll give it a try.
Brittani is my beautiful sister that nominated me for the award. Brittani was born second in my family of eight children, and I was born seventh. While I was only eight when she left for college, a mission, and eventually marriage, I have never felt like she was a stranger. Brittani has more patience and kindness in her little fingernail than I can ever hope to possess. I remember when I was going through a heart break with a silly boy, Brittani realized how much I needed a friend and would call me each day to check up on me and be a listening ear. When you have Brittani by your side, you don't need much else. I am lucky to have such a great cheerleader, confidant, and friend as my sister.
The next part of the award consists of me sharing seven interesting facts about myself and then nominate seven other beautiful bloggers.
1. I like graveyards. It all started when mom and dad took us to an old cemetary in Alabama with gorgeous spanish moss and magnolia trees. In high school my friends and I would frequent cemetaries when we had nothing better to do. Just today Nathan and I drove through the cemetary near my apartment and looked at different style headstones. A litte wierd I know, but a peaceful place.
2. I miss/love teaching. I didn't realize this until I stopped teaching. When I watch others teach I crave to be up front doing what they are doing. I don't feel like I am particularly good at it, but I love teaching.
3. I am grateful I was born with confidence. I did not realize this was something I had until my college years. I am who I am and that is that. I still have my moments of insecurity, but I have never really struggled with not having confidence in myself. It really is a hard trait to gain, and I somehow was born with it.
4. I'm a sucker for love songs. Yep. I can't get enough of a good love song. I am also a sucker for a good heart break song. I guess that is why I like country.
5. One of my biggest regrets in life is giving up dancing. I was obsessed with it. Life just didn't have it in my deck of cards for it to last longer than a few years. I often wonder how different life might have been if I continued with dance. I'd probably be rich and famous. Ok, probably not, but at least I'd probably be skinny.
6. I am addicted to sunlight. Somehow I find myself living in frozen wastelands. Hmmm... This sucks. Time for a tanning package!
7. I love love love movie theatre popcorn. I know everything about it fake and it will probably give me cancer. It is jsut so delicious! Especially the day after...
Now I am supposed to nominate 7 people but I will save that for later. Beware!!!
Brittani is my beautiful sister that nominated me for the award. Brittani was born second in my family of eight children, and I was born seventh. While I was only eight when she left for college, a mission, and eventually marriage, I have never felt like she was a stranger. Brittani has more patience and kindness in her little fingernail than I can ever hope to possess. I remember when I was going through a heart break with a silly boy, Brittani realized how much I needed a friend and would call me each day to check up on me and be a listening ear. When you have Brittani by your side, you don't need much else. I am lucky to have such a great cheerleader, confidant, and friend as my sister.
The next part of the award consists of me sharing seven interesting facts about myself and then nominate seven other beautiful bloggers.
1. I like graveyards. It all started when mom and dad took us to an old cemetary in Alabama with gorgeous spanish moss and magnolia trees. In high school my friends and I would frequent cemetaries when we had nothing better to do. Just today Nathan and I drove through the cemetary near my apartment and looked at different style headstones. A litte wierd I know, but a peaceful place.
2. I miss/love teaching. I didn't realize this until I stopped teaching. When I watch others teach I crave to be up front doing what they are doing. I don't feel like I am particularly good at it, but I love teaching.
3. I am grateful I was born with confidence. I did not realize this was something I had until my college years. I am who I am and that is that. I still have my moments of insecurity, but I have never really struggled with not having confidence in myself. It really is a hard trait to gain, and I somehow was born with it.
4. I'm a sucker for love songs. Yep. I can't get enough of a good love song. I am also a sucker for a good heart break song. I guess that is why I like country.
5. One of my biggest regrets in life is giving up dancing. I was obsessed with it. Life just didn't have it in my deck of cards for it to last longer than a few years. I often wonder how different life might have been if I continued with dance. I'd probably be rich and famous. Ok, probably not, but at least I'd probably be skinny.
6. I am addicted to sunlight. Somehow I find myself living in frozen wastelands. Hmmm... This sucks. Time for a tanning package!
7. I love love love movie theatre popcorn. I know everything about it fake and it will probably give me cancer. It is jsut so delicious! Especially the day after...
Now I am supposed to nominate 7 people but I will save that for later. Beware!!!
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
Hosers
Guess where I'm going. I'll give you a clue (other than the title of this post). While deciding how to name this place, they pulled letters out of a hat. After each letter was pulled it sounded like this, "C..ay, N..ay, D..ay." CANADA! With this socialized health care stuff, I thought I should go check it out with our friends up in the attic.
Ok, that's not why I'm going there. I am am going to a conference on biomedical treatments for autism. I'll be gone Thursday-Monday. I am excited although I think it is completely RIDICULOUS that Delta charges to check baggage. Isn't that kind of like charging for tap water at a restaurant? Gay.
Ok, that's not why I'm going there. I am am going to a conference on biomedical treatments for autism. I'll be gone Thursday-Monday. I am excited although I think it is completely RIDICULOUS that Delta charges to check baggage. Isn't that kind of like charging for tap water at a restaurant? Gay.
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