I Still Want to Be a Teacher?

The news in the last couple of days had me nearly convinced that I should change my profession. What with Utah wanting to pay teachers based on student performance, and three Ohio student's deaths. But then I went to a high school classroom and remembered that I really like teaching. I love what my friends term my "teaching voice." I love how lively high school students are, I once had a teacher exclaim "I love teaching high school! I get to suck the life out of you guys every day!" (Yes that was Ms. Pratt for those of you wondering). It's true though, there's an energy that can easily feed into a great learning experience. I love watching students go from "I don't know and I don't care" to "Show me more." I don't like adults, because I don't think I'm ever going to be one. Adolescents on the other hand, I'll probably relate with them until the day I die. I love that these students are so smart, they are always smarter than I am in one way or another and I look forward to learning from them daily.

So despite the fact that Utah is crappy for teaching (the English teachers at Sky View have a little poster that says "Utah: First in pavement, last in Education") and despite the fact that I was taught how to react to a student bringing a weapon to school (for instance how to position myself physically and what to say to try to keep calm) I still want to teach. So once again I return to the realization that I would love to be a teacher.

Enjoyment Deferred

For a while now I have just thought that I have been in a point in life where I would simply have to accept the fact that, for a moment, enjoyment was being deferred. I figured that I would have to enjoy life when this period was over. It's been this way for longer than I am willing to admit; however, I think this mind-set has come to and end. Don't get me wrong, I have had great enjoyment in the past year and a half. So many great things have happened, but I've just felt like I've been in a rut. Happiness has eluded me, at least lasting happiness.

I am happy to say that I think this rut has ended. The last week my face has hurt from how much I've laughed and smiled, I've met lots of new people, explored forgotten joys, and continued new ones. I think I am scared and excited for this :) Stay tuned for the happier adventures of my life of enjoyment.

Fun Loving

Anyone else as fun loving as I am?

Chances are I'm just going to buy this album.

Montage

So I think I've had a lot of thoughts rolling around in my head and I have no better way of getting them out than on my blog, and in a list. So here is a montage of my thoughts in the last couple weeks (don't worry, it's better than my rant from my last post).

Sometimes the two hour drive home is just what the doctor ordered. Good music, time to think, and almost a detox. It had a very calming effect and I'm glad I went home for my dad's birthday.

Wall-E. Yes I'm talking about the Disney movie that is about a little robot. The main thought I had: Wall-E just wants to hold Eva's hand. All Eva cares about is her "directive." It's not until after Wall-E seems to be broken beyond repair that Eva realizes that she is missing out on getting to know a great little robot, and she's especially missing out on holding this little guy's hand... er metal plates that act as hands. Anyway, moral of that story is that you really don't know what you have until it gets slightly crushed and beaten and then reverts back to the manufacturers drone without a personality. Don't take things for granted.

The best singers in my mind all have enormous mouths. Case in point:
Bon Jovi (Ok, his mouth isn't really that big, but whenever I think of big mouthed singers his name still comes to mind).
Steven Tyler (Who legitimately has the biggest mouth I have ever seen).
Nate Ruess (Lead singer of Fun [formerly known as lead singer of The Format] whom I may or may not have a big crush on after listening to their album "Some Nights").

It's better to look up. This is a talk from the October 2011 General Conference. It can be found in its' entirety here (and I highly recommend you read the whole thing) but in essence it discusses how we should look towards God in all things. I like it immensely.

Socializing (in any form of the word) = Exhaustion.

Waiting to hear back about a job interview = Exhaustion.

Chocolate Milk. Probably the best thing that anyone ever thought of. I think that's all I had yesterday just for lack of anything better to consume.

I kind of like clothes. This new realization almost goes against my whole being; however, I'll admit it. I have a thing for clothing. As of late if I like something I want to buy it in every color.

I'm sure there is more rolling around my head, but I think this list is sufficient for now. I hope your Friday is great!