Good People...

You know what?

I think one of the most important discoveries a person can make is...

...people make all the difference.

Especially the good ones.

Where Am I Going From Here?

I'm all over the place these days.

I can't really figure out exactly what I want or who I think I want to be.

I keep finding myelf inspired, then dejected, then motivated, then stagnant.

I look at other people and admire how they got where they are, and wonder why I can't get where they are.

Then I kick myself because I know I will never be anyone else.

But there is always that lingering hope...and guilt.

I have goals and dreams and wishes. Its just that none of them are actually being fulfilled because I don't know how to do anything to make them happen.

Sometimes I really feel like I am wasting my time.

Sometimes I really feel like I am failing at life.

Somtimes I really feel like flying away to a remote village in the Himalayas to try to solve all my problems.

Sigh...

Canned Food Drive...

Today at school we were listening to morning announcements and the principal announced that we would be having a canned food drive to help the poor. Our school's goal is 2009 cans.

I often let the announcements speak for themselves because (shhhh) they aren't that important most of the time anyway.

However, this time, I felt that this was a worthwhile cause and worth repeating to my kiddos.

After I explained what a canned food drive is, and gave about 45 examples of kinds of things they could bring in (Yes, you can bring creamed corn. No, you can't bring cooked lasagna...) I called on one more girl...

"Miss Andersen,

I will be bringing in lots of cans,

because my dad drinks at least 4 Diet Cokes

every day.

I'm glad I'm not the one who will have to go through the bins to count and collect the cans of food. And Diet Coke cans.

P.S. I'm a Dreamer.

Dreams are made of funny things--

hopes and clouds and thoughts with wings.

Dreams are big and small and far,

like fireflies dancing in a jar.

Some dreams are simple, others deep,

some require taking a leap.

Dreams can seem so out of reach,

life's lessons tend to weather, but teach.

But dreams are precious, hold them near.

Mull them over, make them clear.

Never let them slip away,

For dreams are not like sunlight's rays.

Dreams are made of funny things--

hopes and clouds and thoughts with wings.

Dreams are big and small and far,

like fireflies dancing in a jar.

(by Kimberly Andersen 13 Nov. 2009)

Happy Veteran's Day!

(Thanks google images!)

Being the daughter, grandaughter, niece, and friend of many veterans, I find today to be a special day.

I grew up around soldiers, airmen, sailors, etc. and I feel blessed to know them. There are so many who sacrafice everything: time, money, family, energy, and life to support and defend this country. I know the disadvantages and I know these people do this willingly and with dignity.

I don't always support the government's choices, and I don't always love the things we do as a country, but I will always and forever be grateful to the men and women who work so hard to give us the choice to agree or not. I am grateful to be able to believe and choose what I may because of the freedom in this nation.

To all the veterans in my life...Thank You.

To all the veterans of this country...Thank You.

Thank You from the bottom of my heart.

It Speaks to Me...

I really love this song. It really speaks to me. I feel like it is my life...along with some other songs I could reference. Remember? I'm that crazy hippie-girl who wants to change the world and bring all that good world peace and love for all stuff. However, I really think this song is fab.u.lous! Plus I just love Carrie Underwood's work. (This is not an official video, but it was the best I could do to find the song/video.)

Running faster than you are able...

Sometimes I get to feeling like I am just running at a pace that is so much faster than I can sustain. Not just that, but I don't even like to run, so running is a struggle for me anyway! So to speak...

I don't know, I guess some days I just start to feel like I am doing way more than I can possibly handle.

That's when I have to step back and realize WHY I am doing the things I am doing. Even if they seem crazy...

1) I am teaching 2nd grade.

Why? Because somewhere in my rational and educated mind, I know that I love my job. I have a passion for teaching and learning, and I am not half bad at teaching.

2) I am taking 2 classes on top of teaching.

Why? Because I like to learn. I am an obsessive learner and I really love being in school. I just can't get enough education to suit myself. Plus, the classes I am taking are highly stimulating and useful to my day job!

3) I am very involved with various committees at school.

Why? Because someone who pays my salary asked me to. No, but really, its because I like to be involved, I love knowing things, and I like to be in charge. And, it is extremely important to add involvement like this to my experience.

4) I am constantly attending some kind of workshop or training conference.

Why? Because, again, I like to learn. I also like to be "in the know." I also find it important to take advantage of opportunities that I don't have to pay for but which can be highly beneficial to my career and life.

5) I sleep less than 6 hours a night, every night.

Why? I have no idea. Other than the 4 previous topics might have something to do with it...

I am not sure if I feel better now that I have made this list...

Hmmm...