by iteach
Maria is a student in my classroom. She always has a smile on her face and a bounce in her step. She wears a cute ponytail that is always swishing around to a joyful beat. I also think she is the bravest little girl I know. She has been in America for only 20 days and you wouldn't know it unless your tried to talk to her. I just admire the confidence she has when she comes to my room. Everything is new and strange to her and she takes it on like it is a neat adventure.
She doesn't know any English, yet, but I'm sure it will come fast. The way she just dives into every challenge with zest and strength that I think learning another language will come easily to her. I do have two children in my classroom who translate for me which is a blessing. They whisper into her ear and I can tell they are doing a great job with her. I watch them count in Spanish with her and then in English. I love watching them play "teacher".
So as I reflect on little Maria, I wish I could have some of her confidence. At times I feel like I'm in a rut and I'm too scared to leave my comfort zone. I would love to try new activites, try new foods, meet new friends, and not always worry about failing.
I have determined that it is a sign that Maria is in my room this year. As I try new adventures this year, I will always think of brave Maria to help me boost my confidence.
103 comments:
♪♪ Happy Birthday to you ♪♪
♪♪ Happy Birthday to you ♪♪
♪♪ Happy Birthday dear Goldie ♪♪
♪♪ Happy Birthday to you ♪♪
All your owl friends in the nest, would like
to wish you the best Birthday ever!
Enjoy!
From cpgem8 to Goldie:
Happy Birthday, I am sorry I am not here to share in your day, I hope your day today is spent with family and friends and its very special, Enjoy!
:O)
Don't bother congratulating me on first cause I wasn't first. Well technecally I was first but I wasn't first. Carol should be first. You're probably thinking "Carol can't be first cause first of all she isn't here to be first", which you would be right, but when you think about it, that is a first. To be the first person to get first and not really be here to get first, is a first. Congratulations Carol on being the first to get first and not be here! Whew, glad we got that straightened out!
CAROL...congrats on first (you bigger cheater then me!!)
SHIRLEY...congrats on REALLY being first!
GOLDIE...HAPPY BIRTHDAY! May your day be filled with wishes come true.
ITEACH...beautiful blog. Maria is lucky to have such a caring and engaged teacher. Together you will both reach new heights this year.
Happy Birthday Goldie!! It's 25 right?
Iteach what a lovely blog! Maria sounds like a sweet little girl that may be able to teach you something this year.
Morning Maureen!
Morning Glories!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY TO GOLDIE!!!
Congrats to Carol or Shirley, I am not sure who the heck got first! LOL
Hi Mo!
Iteach Maria sounds delightful. When do we lose our adventerous spirits that we had as children? I to wish that I could get mine back along with the wonder they have at new things and situations.
Somewhere along the way cynicism, feeling or looking foolish seem to get in the way.
Have fun with her and re-learn everything you can! Then share it with me.
Waving a wing at everybody!
Good Morning Hooters!!
Congrats on 1st--??? I'm confused, lol
THANK YOU SO MUCH for the birthday wishes. THANK YOU Carol and Shirley, MO and Lynn.
In answer to your question Shirley, no it is not 25. It is 26
BAAAAHAAAAHAAA.... Ok, I fess up- it is 49.
iteach- I think that Maria may be your gift. You already see the shining light she is and remard about her. Lucky you, and lucky little girl because she already has a friend and advocate in you, one of the most important people in her life.
Happy Birthday, Goldie!!
Good morning, Shirley, 'weenie, and Lynn D!
Now let's see... should I be saying good morning to Carol, too, even though she won't see it?
If a feather falls in a nest, and Carol's not around to see it, does it get around?
iteach: Let's go out and make it a Maria day!
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Good Morning - I am late this morning. I didn't even make it into the top ten. The doggies let me sleep. I am still only half awake. I will be back.
Happy Monday!!
Good Morning...
Goldie - Happy Birthday!!
Cpgem - congrats on FIRST
Shirley - thanks for posting cpgem's comments for us!!
waving howdy to cpgem, Shirley, MO, Lynn D, Goldie, Whabby and all who land!!
Dianne - I'm READY!!!
:-)
Iteach - thank you for your blog today.. may you and Maria have an excellent school year!!!
:-)
i hope everyone has an excellent day!!!
:-)
Hey Tinka!! Good Morning...
Happy Birthday Goldie. Hope you have a great one.
Good Morning Shirley - Congrats on first, Maureen, Lynn, The Birthday Girl Herself, Whabbear and Mek. Wishing you all a "Maria" day.
Iteach - Your blog is great. I can just see Maria bouncing into your classroom full of optimism. It makes me feel good just reading about her. I am going to try and have a "Maria" day too.
Our weather continues to be glorious so I am going to get my mom out into the sun. The day is just perfect. They have a beautiful inside courtyard at her lodge. It is full of flowers, trees, birds, and the odd little squirrel. Unfortunately, there aren't many days that are suitable for sitting out there. It is either too hot, too cold or too windy. But like it says in the "Three Bears" story. This one is just right. See you all this afternoon. Hi to all who fly in after me.
Congrats on first Shirley! Because I can't figure out what you were trying to say, you're first in my book!!!
BTW, your singing voice is wonderful firt thing in the morning!
HAPPIEST OF BIRTHDAYS TO YOU GOLDIE!!!
iteach: I'm home on lunch break, and I was really dreading going back to work. Now that I've read your wonderful blog, I'm going to go back and try to make it a "Maria Day!" :)
I have Girl Scouts after work. The older the girls get, the tougher it gets. I'll try to make that a "Maria Meeting!"
Feeling better today. Just tired.
Hope all is well with all of you!
Good Monday morning, Owls!
It's a day of marking for me so I had better get to it, but I just wanted to say...
Goldie...I hope this is your best birthday yet! Happy, happy birthday!
iteach...what a sweet and caring person you are. And what a wonderful teacher...I wish I had have had a primary teacher like you! And I think that you have already met your goal of being brave and confident. I have seen that over the last while as you dealt with an unknown health problem and your husband's work situtation. You have inpsried me to face things head on as you have! You are an amazing teacher and person!
Happy Birthday Goldie!! Have a "Maria" day!
iteach~ I remember my first day in school. I couldn't speak a word of English. My parents held me back to go with my younger sister. I never thought that was fair. I always felt out of place. Maria is lucky to have others to interpret for her.
Funny thing, Mr Mary didn't speak a word of English either. He was raised speaking Finnish in northern Michigan.
I'm sure Maria will adapt well and learn English. My hope is that she maintains her mother language and not made to feel ashamed of it like I was as a child.
Shirley~ huh? LOL! Clear as mud "who's on first" "whats on second" & I don't know is on third"
Happy Birthday, Goldie!!! I wish for you a wonderful day!
Congrats on first ShirleyCarol!
iteach, I so admire "Marias" for they truly get the most out of life. May you both have a wonderful school year as you inspire each other! Thanks for sharing her with us.
Hi everyone--have a good day!
25?
Thank you for the birthday wishes
hart
bear
vig
mary
sandie
tink
MEK!!!
You guys are great- and thank you for all the emails and comments on ms too!!! Can't imagine celebrating without all of you.
Mr. Goldie surprised me with flowers a cake and a diamond and sapphire band! We are not supposed to exchange presents (my rule)so I asked him why the ring??
He said that since 50 is next year I would no doubt be expecting something- so he wanted to surprise me when I expected nothing. He's a keeper!!
But damn, his birthday is in 2 weeks- what the heck am I going to get him????
I am just loving how the Maria story is turning into a "Maria kind of day!"
Congrats on first Shirley!
Happy Birthday Goldie!!
Hello to all: Shirley, Mo, LynnD, Whabby, Mek, Tink, Goldie, Sandie, Mary, Vig & Hart (if I missed anyone, hello and good afternoon!).
Goldie he is definately a keeper! How sweet of him! I bet he'll get thanked tonight! *wink*wink*
Now for his present I say put those red tassels on, stick a big bow on your head and say "Here's your present baby! Come and get it!"
Thanks bebbi
Shirley, you are probably right- if I did that he would be a happer little camper!! *wink,wink* and I will be saying thanks for the b-day gifts tonight.............
Good afternoon all ... just checking in while I'm taking a work break. :o)
Happy Birthday to Goldie! I hope this day brings you lots of joy and sunshine!
Having my boy out of the nest is more work than having him home. I cleaned his room yesterday and did loads of laundry that we'll ship because he had no room left in his car. He made it to TX yesterday within hours called me to say he forgot to take his birth certificate to get his TX driver's license. I'm sure this was the first of many calls for things he's forgotten. He spent waaaayyyyy too much time with his friends taking him out to say farewell to be concerned with planning an organized move. Boys!
I'm hungry for a big juicy steak or hamburger but I still can't chew well. The tooth I lost was my best grinder, darn it! My dentists and I have been nursing it for over 25 years. Seven months of morning sickness with my first child wore all the enamel away. Amazing to think of the financial investment in one tooth, now reduced to hazardous waste. Oh well. Next step - implant - never thought I'd see the day I'd sign up for that!
Awwwww, Mr. Goldie is a sweetie!
I don't think I acknowledged everyone today so here are some hi's going out to
Lynn D
Goldie
Maureen
Whabbear
Mek
Tinka
Hartldo
Vig
Mary
Sandie
Bebbi
Goldie I hope you are going to share some cake with us later. Don't worry Bebbi it's calorie free. I put up a birthday banner and some streamer in the main dining hall of Owl Manor. There are also some strategically placed balloons throughout the Manor. The strippers might stop by later for a show. Ha!! Get it...they preform a show and they show us what they got! Ha! I cracked myself up! Lol!
Hi Outatuune! Didn't want to miss you. Sorry about the tooth.
SHIRLEY - Congrats on first!!! Oh, wait...or was that CAROL!! LOL!!
ITEACH - Great blog, and Maria is totally blessed to have such a warm and caring teacher. I'm sure that you will learn much from each other this year!!
GOLDIE - I posted this in Area 51, but wanted to post it here, too!! Happy Birthday!! I hope you have a special day. You totally deserve it.....and what a great surprise from MR. GOLDIE!!!
Outatune- sorry about the tooth- but cake is easy to eat! OF COURSE I am sharing with everyone! Ice cream too. Thanks for the b-day wishes.
Strippers?? Okey dokey!! But hold my water balloons please.....
JODI- Thanks! Thanks for the call earlier today too!! SWAK
I hit the jackpot with that one. Drives me nuts every once in awhile, but ususally its because he is worried about me. You know, like thinking you were a serial killer when we first were going to meet...LOL
Goldie - HOW EXCITING!! love those surprise gifts!!!
:-)
it's sacBarb's fault - but Mr. MEK has been having a craving for carrot cake!! SOOOOOOO, there is one in the oven -
Zona - the thunder is rolling in - and it's started to sprinkle!!
waving an afternoon howdy to hart, VIG, Mary in MI, sandie, bebbi, outatune and Jodi..
GOOD AFTERNOON EVERYONE!!
HAPPY BIRTHDAY GOLDIE!!!!!!!!!!!!
extra exclamation points for you!! :)
ITEACH: Loved your blog today..it was so sweetly and well written. I could just picture little Maria in my mind. I have the same struggle as you...extreme lack of confidence. I've been fighting it most of my life. I'm also one that does not do well leaving her comfort zone...but maybe this is the year to jump in with both feet and try. I was so surprised to find this past year that I could actually talk to people from the blog on the phone without stuttering and stammmering. I have trouble talking to my family!! I take this as a step in the right direction..and maybe one step will lead to one more and this battle against shyness and lack of confidence will finally be won.
Great blog today ITEACH!!
ZONA - Thank you for taking that leap of faith with me. I enjoy our little "chats" more than you know!!!
MEK - It's been raining here most of the day, too!! Just the thing to help me take my nap this afternoon. :D I'll take a piece of that carrot cake....and I hope it has cream cheese frosting!!
I better go get my dishes done. I have to pick Sam up at school, then can't wait for Oprah today. David Cook is singing on her season opener!!! I'll bbl.
SHIRLEY: OMG...you had me spitting out my Diet Pepsi...that post about who was First...hysterical!!
CONGRATS on FIRST and FIRST2 CPGEM and SHIRLEY!
MO: I have never seen a scorpion, so don't worry 'bout that. I also have never seen a snake...wait..I've seen the two legged kind, but we won't let them in the house...ok?? ;)
LYNND: Amen...I wish I could get that innocence back too. I think the only way to do that now is to spend time with children and see the world through their eyes.
GOLDIE: Did I say HAPPY BIRTHDAY!!!!!!!! ?? 1959 sure was a banner year... ;)
TINKA: Your mother's lodge sounds beautiful...enjoy your day with her!!
MEK: We had a HUGE thundertorm here this morning..it was like waking to a dream come true..only I went back to sleep..lol...
Waving a BIG HELLO to HART, BEAR, MARY/MI, JODI, VIG, SANDIE, BEBBI and OUTATUUNE!!
JODI: Me too! LOL!! :D
GOLDIE: What a great surprise...he certainly is a keeper...and so are you!
OMG - my bestest friend just sent me pics of her kids first day at school pics!! OH - I miss them SOOOOOOOOO much!!!
jodi - yes, after the cake cools down it WILL have cream cheese icing on it!!
off to nap to the rain fall...
MEK: Could you bring some of that carrot cake up here?? ;)
Carol~ congrats on first? (shirley has been in the brownies again!)
iteach~ what a fantastic blog~ I can see that pony tail swinging in the air and Maria's carefree smile! I think we can all learn from her~
Zona~ honey.....I think you are out of your comfort zone and off and running~ (i hope!) :D
Goldie~ Happy, happy birthday~ That hubby of yours is awesome~
goldie - I can soooo do ice cream!
iteach - wanted to comment on your blog today...it sounds like you and Maria were destined to meet. I applaud her bravery, knowing that language barrier presents so many obstacles. Sounds like she'll always be able to find light in the darkest of places.
I'm the shy, don't-try-anything type as well but I am planning to face one of my fears on our cruise trip on Oct/Nov, my extreme fear of heights. I am planning to do this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w5inyAbL2T0
The other thing I would like to try is parasailing.
We're also going snorkeling, something I've never done but as soon as this tooth heals enough I plan to take a lesson.
I promised myself to try many new things for my 50th birthday and now I have Maria to think of if I start feeling hesitant!
mmmm, carrot cake....MEK is it okay if I just have some of the frosting?
pretty please?
Hello again all!
Mek, the carrot cake sounds yummy!
Area 51: Your welcome, Mek. Jodi, I don't know why it is called pretzel salad but that is the recipe's name. My daughter made it in her cooking class at school and she has loved it as her favorite dessert ever since.
I hope everyone had a wonderful day so far.
TINA: Are you talking about my march yesterday to 69??..cuz that isn't part of my problem..it's this darn shyness...
DIANNE & SACBARB: Are ya ready, huh, are ya..are ya???
OUTATUUNE: About four days after I had a molar pulled, Mr Z and I were at Jack In the Box because he wanted some french fries. He asked me if I wanted any onion rings...I said "Better not, they might get stuck in my hole.." the counter guy's eyes just bugged out...THAT's when I realized what I had said. You might want to be careful about that...LOL...
MEK: You should be well on your way up here with that carrot cake by now...I've got my fork ready.. ;)
Nikki has started in on my toe earlier than usual...so off to feed her...I wonder if she'd like to share some carrot cake for dessert?? :D
Deleted comment was mine..spelling errors...
Cake is iced and ready to go..
Zona - here I come!! I see you have your fork ready!!
(and I can just imagine the look on the counter guys fast!!!) love it!!!
Outatune!! - yes, there is icing left over!! you are more than welcome to it!!
and - another Happy Afternoon to Tina, and Zona!!!
OH - and Tony is back on Ellen - I hope it's not just for the first show!!!
(I know you all wouldn't have gotten thru the day without knowing the above!!LOL)
Hey y'all!! My laptop broke over a week ago, and that's why I haven't been around! Thanks to BONO for giving me the link because I couldn't get into my laptop to find the nest lol
Also, thank you to whabbear for the email...I have missed you ALL:)
I have a lot of catching up to do but don't know when I'm gonna be able to...I am on a friend's computer now! Happy Birthday Goldie...I know I've missed a lot!
Is Carol back from vacation? I hope you all are doing well!
I'll periodically check in.....
Can't wait for everyone's 50th b'day next year!!! One can never start planning too soon....just sayin'!!! lol!!
Waving a wing @ JOEY!!! Good to see you. :D
Carrot Cake and Birthday Cake and Ice Cream...oh my!!
GOLDIE...your birthday sounds delightful!
I hope everyone had a Maria day today.
JODI...I wish I could wait until next year for the big 5-0.
Oh, what the hell am I saying, this is the big 2-8...again!
MO - Hang on tight!!! :P
GOLDIE - You need to post pics of your new ring!!!
MEK & DIANNE - Gonna put the game on.....GO BRONCOS!!!
Going to do VIG's trick and quietly sashe to 69!!!
swing to the left
swing to the right
stand up, sit down
fight, fight, fight!!!
My new orange and blue tassles/pom poms worked like a charm!!!
ahhhhhhhh!!!!! Now I can go to bed!!! I'll see all my fav HO's later when I get up for work.
Good night all!!!
It's not too late to say it again~~
H*A*P*P*Y B*I*R*T*H*D*A*Y G*O*L*D*I*E~~!*!*!
Iteach~Thanks for giving us a new name for the days we move beyond our comfort zone. My plan for a Maria Day is to go white-water rafting on the Rogue River this fall. Can't wait!
MEK~I'm too stuffed for carrot cake, but I'll take some of that rain, please. 90* here again today. (And I enjoyed seeing Tony back on Ellen---love her new digs at Warner!)
Bebbi~Didn't share congrats when I popped in last night. Keep on steppin!
Zona, Dianne, SacBarb, Jodi~Care if I jump in the football pool, too? My Hawks are all 'broken'. I'm feelin' sad for Mike Holmgren in his final year of coaching.
Joey~Glad I could help...Come back soon!
Shirley~Who's on First again? I forgot :--)! Hey, do ya want to help me look into getting a discount on RED HATS & purple boas? I think we're going to need a lot of them soon!
Thanks for the b-day wishes Zona, tina and joey. Boy, I have tried to keep up all day and I sure hope I haven't missed anyone- if I did FORGIVE me!
I am salavating here thinking about that carrot cake- but I am passing out all the chocolate turtle cake Mr. Goldie got me. It is sooooooooooooooo good.
Luv you guys- thanks again and hope you all have a great night. I am spending the rest of mine with Mr. Goldie :)
Thank you bon bon!!!!!!!!!!
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75!!!
Well, I guess everyone is watching football except Goldie who is otherwise occupied with Mr. Goldie.*wink*wink* Oh look some cake. Think I'll help myself. Mmmmm this is good! Thanks Goldie!
JustLin how is your throat? Better I hope.
Ibb are you home from the beach yet?
Bonnie...white-water rafting? You go girl!
Scirish how did the acupuncture appointment go?
Joey good to see you!
I'm popping in real quick to wish Ms. Goldie a wonderful Happy Birthday!!
Tonight was Grandparent's night at my school, so I've hardly been home.
I'm going to put the kids to bed and I will pop back later!
and I see Joey, MO, Bono and iteach!!
Jodi - dancing with her Blue and Orange Crush tassles on!!!
Federer won - Shirley were you watching??!!!
I hope everyone had an excellent day!!
:-)
Happy Monday Evening Owls.
Iteach, loved the blog today. Maria is so lucky to have such a caring teacher. You are as good an example to her as she is to you.
I am getting ready for some FOOTBALL!!!!!! Bon, jump right on in.
Goldie, Happy Birthday again. Thanks for sharing your cake with us. How incredibly sweet of your hubby to get you a surprise gift.
MEK, I can't believe you baked a cake in the Arizona heat. I know you baked it in the oven, but isn't it too hot to even turn the oven on?
Tinka, I hope you enjoyed your visit with your Mom in the Victoria sunshine.
Bear, How did Linda in Squamish get that pic of your legs on her MS page?
Hart, I'm glad your are feeling better and that the play went well. I miss doing those kinds of things with my kids. It's been a long time.
Waving a wing at all the other Owls. Gonna go watch the game now.
One more time...Happy Birthday Goldie!!
BONO: Sure you can hop in the football pool and what size shirt do I need to send you?
JODI: I am so proud of you wearing your tassels and shirt and even putting in writing on the blog "Go Broncos"!!!
Time to go and watch the Raider slaughter by the Broncos!!!
SACBARB: Where the heck are you? Just to let you know SSL has been standing her ground for the Raiders to me!!
Oh there you are SACBARB...I think we were typing at the same time. I still haven't tried any of that poison ice cream you sent me last night!
Great blog, ITEACH. My granddaughter had a little girl in her class a couple of years ago that couldn't speak English and they all helped her. She is one of her best friends today!
**This is just a nervous rant so feel free to ignore it and scroll by**
I got a call a while ago from the lady I will be working with when tax season starts next year. She wants me to come into the office tomorrow and meet with the new boss. Two years ago I would have been excited, but I have built up such a cocoon around myself I'm nervous as hell. My fears are taking over and playing havoc with my brain. Everything from seeing a cat to falling down to forgetting everything I know about taxes to breaking a chair or not fitting in a chair. Boy my brain is working overtime now. I have to make sure I get up early enough. I haven't had a hair cut since March cause I couldn't afford it and my hair is a mess. I have the same clothes I've had for the last five years. I know this all sound ridiculous and you're right it is. It makes no sence and I don't know why I'm even writing this. Oh well there it is.
My favorite part of any cake is the icing! My husband always scrapes his off and gives it to me.
Isn't that terrible!
Shirley we have always been your biggest fans.
Just think of us and know how much we completly adore you.
Too bad it wasn't next week and I could send you a little owl pin to wear on your shirt, so that you know that we are with you.
I will be sending wonderful hugs and great vibes your way.
Joey, thank you so much for checking in, I was worrying about you.
Mary- I have a girl in my room Esmeralda who speaks fluent Spanish and English and she is very proud about it.
Then I have Javiar who is also fluent in both languages, but for the first week of school did not want anyone to know. I'm not sure why, so I think I will talk to him more about it.
SHIRLEY...You will be fine when you meet the bosses. I understand your fears...but think about seeing you as we do. You are talented, smart, funny and kind. And you know your taxes. So walk in there with your head held high and a sprint in your step and blow that guy away...the way you blow us away. Fingers crossed for you! {{{{{{hugs}}}}}}}
Shirley..best of luck tomorrow. I know you will do well. I will be thinking of you and I understand the fear about chairs totally.
Have your outfit ready. I find that if I mentally go through it, it makes it a lot easier when I do go to do it.
Good night everyone! Thanks for all the nice comments today. :)
Shirley, You will do fine tomorrow. Pretend you asre going to see an old friend. We will all be thinking good thoughts for you.
Dianne & MEK, Your team is kicking A$$.
Good night Iteach. Sweet Dreams.
Thanks Iteach, Maureen, Bebbi, Sacbarb and Bonnie. I've had my panic cry, now I'm going to bed. I have given myself a headache. Good night everyone.
Shirley, above all, cut yourself some slack here. You're deep in the grip of depression, and that's a mighty deep well to climb out of.
We believe you can do it. I believe you can do it. The first step would be something simple, like getting your hair cut.
Go for it, I say! One small step at a time, you can recapture some feelings of control over your life and its direction.
Shirley - walk in there like you have your super soaker gun and your water balloons!! You'll be fine!!!
SacBarb, zona and Dianne (and bono if you are watching) - these announcers are terrible!! goodness.
and - i must say - there are a few VERY brave people to have worn their Bronco jerseys into Raider nation!!!
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96
Good Night, Shirley and Iteach..
98
99
100
HAPPY DANCE!!!
Doing the happy dance!!!
LOL! MEK, I think you nailed it for Shirley!
Whabby - howdy back at ya!!!
well - the game is over - I'm off to bed..
I hope everyone has an excellent Tuesday!!
:-)
SHIRLEY: Good advice from MEK!!!Be careful not to shoot the boss though!
Well ZONA, I guess your shirt worked along with JODI'S! Please wear it each week to see if it keeps working.
Night to all...
Shirley~ I think if you go in there with your head held high....picturing bear nekid....everything will be A-okay~ Of course, they'll want to know why you can't stop laughing~ :)~
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