MY HEART HURTS.
the past couple of days in america have been gut-wrenching. last night in dallas threw me over the edge. because unfortuately, with the amount of violence that is so prevalent in america, you become desensitized to it.
hearing about another attack on civilians, in a night club, at a traffic stop, in a movie theater...it seems normal and expected.
i am not saying those things are right. it is just normal america. we are attacking each other. for some reason or another.
but last night, the cops, the very men who are there to protect us, were killed. BY SNIPERS. as protests were ending, SNIPERS took out police. five. five men died who were their to protect others lives. it is the deadliest police attack since 9/11.
THIS IS INSANE.
america really needs to get out of it's own head for a few minutes. we are slowly killing this country. literally. are guns and racism really what's best for america?
all the lives lost due to violence is unnecessary. working against each is viciously isn't going to solve the problems we have. if this keeps happening, and it will, america will be at war with itself.
the social injustice, lack of meaningful progress and change, and brutality are our reality and our norms. if we are to survive, it's got to stop. we've got to make some changes.
i am not saying that gun reform is the only answer. it's part of the solution. but our issues and problems are rooted so much deeper than that. we need some heavy social reform too. tolerance. acceptance. LOVE.
LOVE > hate
hug your loved ones tight today. enjoy your day. let's make progress tomorrow.
xoxo,
ks
Friday, July 8, 2016
Thursday, June 9, 2016
Rodan+Fields
i am going to try not to gush about this too much.
for those who follow me on facebook and instagram, you already know the most amazing news. i have launched my own business. i have partnered with rodan+fields as an independent consultant. this company was started by the doctors who created proactiv. if you haven't used proactiv, someone you know has. and at the very least, you've heard of proactiv. proactiv makes up 90% of the global acne market. to say these doctors know what they are doing would be a huge understatement.
rodan+fields is their legacy company: it is a company which bares their names. they expect it to outlive them. and they love that they are now empowering entrepreneurs like themselves to create lucrative businesses around their brand.
i am a teacher. we all know that a career in education doesn't lead to millions. or even a comfortable lifestyle or easy retirement planning. sometimes making ends meet is challenging.
R+F is constantly growing. it is featured in magazines and news articles every month. i saw friends growing and becoming successful with this business. i watched. for months. before i started asking questions. it was many months after that before i jumped in. taking a leap of faith is scary. but here are some reasons why i took that leap.
R+F is also the #1 premium acne brand in the US, #1 premium anti-aging brand in the US, and the #2 premium skincare brand in the US in 2015.
i know this brand is successful. i figured - what do i have to lose? NOTHING.
as a teacher, i have summers off. so, my intent is to use this time to work my hardest to build my business. to see what i can do. this is me investing in myself. creating another financial avenue for my family. adding to my family's financial future.
this company excites me. it allows me to learn every day. learn about myself. learn about skincare. learn about growing a business and cultivating relationships. i am learning something new every day. i absolutely love that about this job.
another thing i love about R+F, it has given me time freedom. y'all, i can do this job whenever, where ever. it is a 100% mobile and virtual company. everything i need to work and be successful fits in the palm of my hand. how many other business models are designed that way?
if you'd like to learn more about our products or the business opportunity R+F has to offer you, i will leave all of my contact information below. i will also add a tab to the top of the blog [so that you can access it anytime].
for those of you who have supported my business financially, emotionally, though well wishes and positive thoughts, i truly couldn't do it without you. i have learned, in my short time with R+F, it truly takes a team to be successful. that team doesn't necessarily provide financial support [even though that is appreciated], but so much goes into running a business that every bit of support is what makes it successful. truly.
so, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
xoxo,
ks
for those who follow me on facebook and instagram, you already know the most amazing news. i have launched my own business. i have partnered with rodan+fields as an independent consultant. this company was started by the doctors who created proactiv. if you haven't used proactiv, someone you know has. and at the very least, you've heard of proactiv. proactiv makes up 90% of the global acne market. to say these doctors know what they are doing would be a huge understatement.
rodan+fields is their legacy company: it is a company which bares their names. they expect it to outlive them. and they love that they are now empowering entrepreneurs like themselves to create lucrative businesses around their brand.
i am a teacher. we all know that a career in education doesn't lead to millions. or even a comfortable lifestyle or easy retirement planning. sometimes making ends meet is challenging.
R+F is constantly growing. it is featured in magazines and news articles every month. i saw friends growing and becoming successful with this business. i watched. for months. before i started asking questions. it was many months after that before i jumped in. taking a leap of faith is scary. but here are some reasons why i took that leap.
R+F is also the #1 premium acne brand in the US, #1 premium anti-aging brand in the US, and the #2 premium skincare brand in the US in 2015.
i know this brand is successful. i figured - what do i have to lose? NOTHING.
as a teacher, i have summers off. so, my intent is to use this time to work my hardest to build my business. to see what i can do. this is me investing in myself. creating another financial avenue for my family. adding to my family's financial future.
this company excites me. it allows me to learn every day. learn about myself. learn about skincare. learn about growing a business and cultivating relationships. i am learning something new every day. i absolutely love that about this job.
another thing i love about R+F, it has given me time freedom. y'all, i can do this job whenever, where ever. it is a 100% mobile and virtual company. everything i need to work and be successful fits in the palm of my hand. how many other business models are designed that way?
if you'd like to learn more about our products or the business opportunity R+F has to offer you, i will leave all of my contact information below. i will also add a tab to the top of the blog [so that you can access it anytime].
for those of you who have supported my business financially, emotionally, though well wishes and positive thoughts, i truly couldn't do it without you. i have learned, in my short time with R+F, it truly takes a team to be successful. that team doesn't necessarily provide financial support [even though that is appreciated], but so much goes into running a business that every bit of support is what makes it successful. truly.
so, thank you, from the bottom of my heart.
xoxo,
ks
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
Pearl Jam: another canceled show
this pearl jam concert has got me thinking.
if you are not aware pearl jam canceled their raleigh show. if you are surprised, well, you shouldn't be. especially if you are a fan of pearl jam. as a fan you might know a little about about eddie vedder and pearl jam's stance on social issues, human rights, or any of their philanthropic involvement and charitable causes. they are deeply rooted in community, activism, arts and education, and social change. a simple google search will provide you this information [it's even on their website]. they are involved in not only their own foundation [vitalogy], but over a dozen others.
however, many fans are upset. i can understand at a superficial level being upset that my favorite band canceled. sure. i won't get to see them this year. bummer. but this happens all the time. for much seemingly more stupid reasons. a sore throat. illness. transportation issues. come on, like any of those aren't completely manageable!?!? yet, we as fans, and humans, whereas upset, are understanding.
yet when a band cancels a show on their morals, ethics, and the foundations of their band...ALL HELL AS BROKEN LOOSE. a true fan understands and appreciates why pearl jam [and any other band] canceled. it is a solid "fuck you" to north carolina. it is the strongest message a band can send to the state. the message is heard not only throughout north carolina, but throughout the country, and maybe the world.
some people said they should play and donate their money to grassroots efforts, lobbyists, and LBGT groups. a wonderful idea. and i support any band or organization that does this. this money can then be used to fight HB2.
however, when a band does this NC is still earning revenue on their show. people still traveled, stayed in hotels, ate at restaurants, and went out to bars and breweries. NO MONEY WAS LOST.
our government and governor has said they have no interest in repealing HB2. if this state keeps losing revenue and business, then they might reconsider. as i have said, i hate all of this for our state. i really do. we have been set back 50-100 years. our reputation is shit. the only way our government will work to fix things is through solid numbers and action. they have to see that businesses, organizations, concerts, festivals...NO ONE wants to come and invest their money here. they have to see the numbers. they have to see their state losing money.
at the end of the day, i think it is up to the band [or whoever] to make the decision that works best for them. either decision truly only helps us out. if they cancel, even though it may suck, it makes noise. and if they play a charity concert, that can help to get this law repealed.
i also think, as citizens of this state, we need to be prepared for more canceled events [weezer, please still come!] to continue to happen. we can't be angry with pearl jam for making a decision that aligned with their beliefs and principles. after, that is how we each live out our lives too. the people we can be angry at are the ones who made pearl jam feel forced to make that decision in the first place - our state government officials. remember that in november.
#WeAreNotThus
xoxo,
ks
if you are not aware pearl jam canceled their raleigh show. if you are surprised, well, you shouldn't be. especially if you are a fan of pearl jam. as a fan you might know a little about about eddie vedder and pearl jam's stance on social issues, human rights, or any of their philanthropic involvement and charitable causes. they are deeply rooted in community, activism, arts and education, and social change. a simple google search will provide you this information [it's even on their website]. they are involved in not only their own foundation [vitalogy], but over a dozen others.
however, many fans are upset. i can understand at a superficial level being upset that my favorite band canceled. sure. i won't get to see them this year. bummer. but this happens all the time. for much seemingly more stupid reasons. a sore throat. illness. transportation issues. come on, like any of those aren't completely manageable!?!? yet, we as fans, and humans, whereas upset, are understanding.
yet when a band cancels a show on their morals, ethics, and the foundations of their band...ALL HELL AS BROKEN LOOSE. a true fan understands and appreciates why pearl jam [and any other band] canceled. it is a solid "fuck you" to north carolina. it is the strongest message a band can send to the state. the message is heard not only throughout north carolina, but throughout the country, and maybe the world.
some people said they should play and donate their money to grassroots efforts, lobbyists, and LBGT groups. a wonderful idea. and i support any band or organization that does this. this money can then be used to fight HB2.
however, when a band does this NC is still earning revenue on their show. people still traveled, stayed in hotels, ate at restaurants, and went out to bars and breweries. NO MONEY WAS LOST.
our government and governor has said they have no interest in repealing HB2. if this state keeps losing revenue and business, then they might reconsider. as i have said, i hate all of this for our state. i really do. we have been set back 50-100 years. our reputation is shit. the only way our government will work to fix things is through solid numbers and action. they have to see that businesses, organizations, concerts, festivals...NO ONE wants to come and invest their money here. they have to see the numbers. they have to see their state losing money.
at the end of the day, i think it is up to the band [or whoever] to make the decision that works best for them. either decision truly only helps us out. if they cancel, even though it may suck, it makes noise. and if they play a charity concert, that can help to get this law repealed.
i also think, as citizens of this state, we need to be prepared for more canceled events [weezer, please still come!] to continue to happen. we can't be angry with pearl jam for making a decision that aligned with their beliefs and principles. after, that is how we each live out our lives too. the people we can be angry at are the ones who made pearl jam feel forced to make that decision in the first place - our state government officials. remember that in november.
#WeAreNotThus
xoxo,
ks
Sunday, April 17, 2016
HB2: the post i didn't want to write
i wasn't going to write anything about this. because i have said and posted enough already. but, if everything doesn't already bother me about HB2, there is an issue that hasn't been discussed much.
the women's bathroom.
HANG ON. i know what you are going to say: "we've heard enough about the women's bathroom!"
you've heard how this law keeps psychos out, right? it keeps predators out of your bathroom. it keeps women and children safe. RIGHT?
does HB2 really do that? is that even the point of the law - bathrooms?
this place has always caused me a bit of hesitation upon entering. especially the bigger ones that have stood empty for awhile (i’m talking about you, rest stops and public parks). as a woman, i don’t know who may linger behind those doors. i’ve always been cautious and on alert while in public bathrooms. who could be in here? a woman. a sexual predator. a criminal wanting to steal my things. children. teenage girls. an assailant.
i think about how i would respond if someone tried to attack me. scream. run. kick. punch. what if i was trapped in the stall? would i have to fight for my life? more often than not, keith is with me at these public places. thankfully, if things went wrong he’d be there to help. he’d notice if i was in the bathroom for too long.
that makes me feel better, a bit safer. but should it have to be that way? should i require my husband to be with me to feel safe?
the point is, i never know who is in the bathroom when i enter. it’s a bit unnerving. however, i will say, i have yet to encounter a male in a woman’s bathroom. and i have been in plenty of public bathrooms.
i will also say that that HB2 hasn’t changed or protected women and children anymore than before this horrible law went into effect. it is unenforceable, you know. the way i felt yesterday walking into this large empty bathroom was the same as i always have felt. a bit unhinged. because a criminal will break the law, no matter how it is written. that is why they are criminals, they do not care about the laws. it's cute that mccrory attempted to make HB2 about the safety of women and children when that part of the law no one can enforce. and those who want to commit crimes in bathrooms, will keep doing it, just as they always have.
and that is what i think has gotten lost in all of this - the law cannot be enforced thus the bathrooms are just as safe [or unsafe] as they have always been.
HB2 is far more than just bathrooms. in fact, the bathrooms are just smoke, a distraction from all of the far more atrocious things this sweeping law contains. if you haven’t read the bill, i encourage you to do so. because the other pieces of this law, minimum wage and discrimination lawsuits, those things the government can enforce. and they do and will affect you [more than the bathroom law ever will]. oh, and the executive order mccrory signed, didn’t change much regarding HB2. you can read it if you want. it’s truly not that important. just more smoke.
at the end of the day, HB2, has done [and will continue to do] so much damage to our state. all at the expense of our LGBTQ community. having a governmental power that will past their agenda into law, without citizen input and at the expense and discrimination of others is cowardly. it is disgusting. and unfortunately, happens too often.
our state is hurting financially. our reputation is tarnished. people don’t want to come here. the only way to fix this is to repeal HB2. nothing good has come from it. nothing.
#WEARENOTTHIS
xoxo,
ks
the women's bathroom.
HANG ON. i know what you are going to say: "we've heard enough about the women's bathroom!"
you've heard how this law keeps psychos out, right? it keeps predators out of your bathroom. it keeps women and children safe. RIGHT?
does HB2 really do that? is that even the point of the law - bathrooms?
this place has always caused me a bit of hesitation upon entering. especially the bigger ones that have stood empty for awhile (i’m talking about you, rest stops and public parks). as a woman, i don’t know who may linger behind those doors. i’ve always been cautious and on alert while in public bathrooms. who could be in here? a woman. a sexual predator. a criminal wanting to steal my things. children. teenage girls. an assailant.
i think about how i would respond if someone tried to attack me. scream. run. kick. punch. what if i was trapped in the stall? would i have to fight for my life? more often than not, keith is with me at these public places. thankfully, if things went wrong he’d be there to help. he’d notice if i was in the bathroom for too long.
that makes me feel better, a bit safer. but should it have to be that way? should i require my husband to be with me to feel safe?
the point is, i never know who is in the bathroom when i enter. it’s a bit unnerving. however, i will say, i have yet to encounter a male in a woman’s bathroom. and i have been in plenty of public bathrooms.
i will also say that that HB2 hasn’t changed or protected women and children anymore than before this horrible law went into effect. it is unenforceable, you know. the way i felt yesterday walking into this large empty bathroom was the same as i always have felt. a bit unhinged. because a criminal will break the law, no matter how it is written. that is why they are criminals, they do not care about the laws. it's cute that mccrory attempted to make HB2 about the safety of women and children when that part of the law no one can enforce. and those who want to commit crimes in bathrooms, will keep doing it, just as they always have.
and that is what i think has gotten lost in all of this - the law cannot be enforced thus the bathrooms are just as safe [or unsafe] as they have always been.
HB2 is far more than just bathrooms. in fact, the bathrooms are just smoke, a distraction from all of the far more atrocious things this sweeping law contains. if you haven’t read the bill, i encourage you to do so. because the other pieces of this law, minimum wage and discrimination lawsuits, those things the government can enforce. and they do and will affect you [more than the bathroom law ever will]. oh, and the executive order mccrory signed, didn’t change much regarding HB2. you can read it if you want. it’s truly not that important. just more smoke.
at the end of the day, HB2, has done [and will continue to do] so much damage to our state. all at the expense of our LGBTQ community. having a governmental power that will past their agenda into law, without citizen input and at the expense and discrimination of others is cowardly. it is disgusting. and unfortunately, happens too often.
our state is hurting financially. our reputation is tarnished. people don’t want to come here. the only way to fix this is to repeal HB2. nothing good has come from it. nothing.
#WEARENOTTHIS
xoxo,
ks
Monday, March 14, 2016
Moments in Life
yesterday i posted a seemingly meaningless blog about my workout regimen. today it appears meaningless because i read this beautiful blog about joey + rory. prior to reading this post last night, i had seen their names on my newsfeed several times. it didn't mean too much at the time as i had never heard of this couple. however, i kept seeing post after post about them. last night i finally read rory's blog. the post i read was about his wife's funeral service. she had recently passed away due to cancer.
it is so beautiful. every paragraph. every sentence. every word. it is so thoughtful. it is lyrical. it should be no surprise that his blog is so elegant being that him and his wife were singers and songwriters.
their story is painful to read about, but to read it through his eyes, is magical. to experience their love story through his eyes is earth shattering.
it made me feel ridiculous for writing a lengthy blog about working out.
who fucking cares?
life isn't about your diet or workout plan. it is about the moments we share with others - our family, friends, and loved ones. the wonderful moments. the adventurous moments. the painful moments. the confusion moments. the maddening moments. the silly moments. the scary moments.
life is about moments.
at this very moment, as i sit here and write this post, i am watching my sweet puppy lay in the grass enjoying every bit of warmth and sunshine this day has to offer. she is living in her sweet puppy moment.
keith and i often talk about how we only get this one life. one shot at it. so we might as well make it great. we better enjoy it. our life's memories should be filled with the moments we want not the moments we wish we had.
enjoy today, for there will never be another.
xoxo,
ks
it is so beautiful. every paragraph. every sentence. every word. it is so thoughtful. it is lyrical. it should be no surprise that his blog is so elegant being that him and his wife were singers and songwriters.
their story is painful to read about, but to read it through his eyes, is magical. to experience their love story through his eyes is earth shattering.
it made me feel ridiculous for writing a lengthy blog about working out.
who fucking cares?
life isn't about your diet or workout plan. it is about the moments we share with others - our family, friends, and loved ones. the wonderful moments. the adventurous moments. the painful moments. the confusion moments. the maddening moments. the silly moments. the scary moments.
life is about moments.
at this very moment, as i sit here and write this post, i am watching my sweet puppy lay in the grass enjoying every bit of warmth and sunshine this day has to offer. she is living in her sweet puppy moment.
keith and i often talk about how we only get this one life. one shot at it. so we might as well make it great. we better enjoy it. our life's memories should be filled with the moments we want not the moments we wish we had.
enjoy today, for there will never be another.
xoxo,
ks
Sunday, March 13, 2016
semi-organic life: what is HIIT?
welcome back!
and i say that to myself, not to my dear readers. gosh, writing has been difficult. i make no excuses nor do i offer any more lame attempts at an explanation. i have not been active in my blogging, and for that i apologize.
but i am here now, so now we blog.
i have a header on my blog called "semi-organic" life. this may come as a shock, but i do not post much there. due to how much i blog, i know this is truly mind blowing. i want to post more about that topic, but part of me holds back, mostly in fear. i don't want to appear to shove my lifestyle down your throat. i don't want to suggest that my lifestyle choices are better than yours. and i don't want to come off as a self proclaimed expert.
i want to share my lifestyle because it has been so successful to me. my goal in sharing is that anyone can take away any of the pieces from it. if you struggle with a workout plan, maybe what i do will help you find motivation. if you find that shopping for organic foods is overwhelming and expensive, maybe my tips could help.
i simply want to share because i believe in what i [we] do for our lives. i am not selling anything. i get no incentives by sharing my journey. but i am passionate about it. and i think that is a good starting point when it comes to sharing, writing, and blogging.
since spring is in the air, i want to touch on my workout regimen. we gotta work on those beach bodies! i feel that adopting a workout plan is easier than changing your diet. HEAR ME OUT. most people, when they decide they are ready to start a new workout plan, already have a general idea of what they want to do. or at the very least, what they are not willing to do. when it comes to food, eating healthy is so damn difficult. that is because the FDA doesn't give a shit about you. they just care about who is sending them paychecks [i.e., monsanto]. so when you make the decision to change your diet, you may think you've made good choices, but who knows, that granola bar could still be complete crap and full of sugar. you could still be filling your body with garbage. knowing what food is healthy, especially food from a box, is like solving a murder mystery. it really is ridiculous.
ok, i've gotten a bit sidetracked.
my workout regimen has been a very active part of my life for almost three years. i mostly do HIIT [high intensity interval training]. i like to include walking, running, and biking too. HIIT combines strength training + cardio in one workout. pretty great, huh? so you are not spending two hours at the gym trying to lift weights and get that treadmill time in. i can reap the benefits from a workout as short at 12 minutes [!!!!]. since it is interval training, i complete the workout in a continuous cycle of REST:WORK. the intervals just changes depending on the nature of the workout.
sample intervals:
10 sec rest, 50 sec work - repeat 12 times [total of 12 minutes]
15 sec rest, 45 sec work - repeat 12 times [total of 12 minutes]
sample exercises:
pushups
squats
tuck jumps
burpees
clean + press
lunge
row
bike abs
if you have ever heard of beachbody, insanity, 21-day fix, shaun T, P90X - all of those are based on HIIT. keith and i did insanity several times.
currently, i utilize bodyrock.tv [it's free]. they do offer add-on programs and equipment you can buy. however, the core programs are always free.
and if i want to change or manipulate anything, i do. i make it work for me.
it can be difficult to articulate what exactly HIIT is to someone who has never done it. you can start from scratch. you don't have to be in shape to do it [that is the point of exercise, right?]. i've had friends/family look at some of the stuff i do and say, "oh, i could never do that." well, i didn't use to be able to do that either. BUT NOW I CAN.
HIIT will teach you to move your body in ways you never expected nor thought you could. i encourage you to try it. what i love about it is, on days when i lack motivation, i always tell myself, "i can find 12 minutes, right?" or "i can make it through just 12 minutes...i got this." and once those 12 minutes are over, i almost always want to do more.
and i say that to myself, not to my dear readers. gosh, writing has been difficult. i make no excuses nor do i offer any more lame attempts at an explanation. i have not been active in my blogging, and for that i apologize.
but i am here now, so now we blog.
i have a header on my blog called "semi-organic" life. this may come as a shock, but i do not post much there. due to how much i blog, i know this is truly mind blowing. i want to post more about that topic, but part of me holds back, mostly in fear. i don't want to appear to shove my lifestyle down your throat. i don't want to suggest that my lifestyle choices are better than yours. and i don't want to come off as a self proclaimed expert.
i want to share my lifestyle because it has been so successful to me. my goal in sharing is that anyone can take away any of the pieces from it. if you struggle with a workout plan, maybe what i do will help you find motivation. if you find that shopping for organic foods is overwhelming and expensive, maybe my tips could help.
i simply want to share because i believe in what i [we] do for our lives. i am not selling anything. i get no incentives by sharing my journey. but i am passionate about it. and i think that is a good starting point when it comes to sharing, writing, and blogging.
since spring is in the air, i want to touch on my workout regimen. we gotta work on those beach bodies! i feel that adopting a workout plan is easier than changing your diet. HEAR ME OUT. most people, when they decide they are ready to start a new workout plan, already have a general idea of what they want to do. or at the very least, what they are not willing to do. when it comes to food, eating healthy is so damn difficult. that is because the FDA doesn't give a shit about you. they just care about who is sending them paychecks [i.e., monsanto]. so when you make the decision to change your diet, you may think you've made good choices, but who knows, that granola bar could still be complete crap and full of sugar. you could still be filling your body with garbage. knowing what food is healthy, especially food from a box, is like solving a murder mystery. it really is ridiculous.
ok, i've gotten a bit sidetracked.
my workout regimen has been a very active part of my life for almost three years. i mostly do HIIT [high intensity interval training]. i like to include walking, running, and biking too. HIIT combines strength training + cardio in one workout. pretty great, huh? so you are not spending two hours at the gym trying to lift weights and get that treadmill time in. i can reap the benefits from a workout as short at 12 minutes [!!!!]. since it is interval training, i complete the workout in a continuous cycle of REST:WORK. the intervals just changes depending on the nature of the workout.
sample intervals:
10 sec rest, 50 sec work - repeat 12 times [total of 12 minutes]
15 sec rest, 45 sec work - repeat 12 times [total of 12 minutes]
sample exercises:
pushups
squats
tuck jumps
burpees
clean + press
lunge
row
bike abs
if you have ever heard of beachbody, insanity, 21-day fix, shaun T, P90X - all of those are based on HIIT. keith and i did insanity several times.
currently, i utilize bodyrock.tv [it's free]. they do offer add-on programs and equipment you can buy. however, the core programs are always free.
and if i want to change or manipulate anything, i do. i make it work for me.
it can be difficult to articulate what exactly HIIT is to someone who has never done it. you can start from scratch. you don't have to be in shape to do it [that is the point of exercise, right?]. i've had friends/family look at some of the stuff i do and say, "oh, i could never do that." well, i didn't use to be able to do that either. BUT NOW I CAN.
HIIT will teach you to move your body in ways you never expected nor thought you could. i encourage you to try it. what i love about it is, on days when i lack motivation, i always tell myself, "i can find 12 minutes, right?" or "i can make it through just 12 minutes...i got this." and once those 12 minutes are over, i almost always want to do more.
Friday, January 29, 2016
montessori: special moments
i want to share with you guys something special that happened yesterday at our school. as most of you already know, i work at a montessori school. each year we host an evening for parents or other important grown-ups [grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc], to come to the school with the children so that they can show off and perform a work they are really proud of and confident in. i am sure other schools offer a similar event, such as an open house type experience. however, this event allows children to go into their own classroom, utilize the materials in order to show their family a work [or skill] they are most proud of.
us teachers are there, but mostly, if not entirely in the background. it is a night completely about the students. they come into the classroom, quietly, yet filled with excitement to show mom and dad around their space. they take a work to a table or get out a mat. most parents watch with anticipation. some students will complete the lesson in complete silence others will walk their parents through the work with verbal instructions of each step.
what is so amazing about this evening is that parents truly take it all in. they allow for their child to show them around their classroom, to prideful show off their environment and work. this night is not about correcting minor mistakes or suggesting to chose a more challenging work. it is about the time spent together. the engagement of adults with their child is enough to bring one to tears. it is moments frozen in time. parents can see independence, confidence, and leadership in their children no matter what works they choose off the shelf.
as a teacher who gets to witness all of these sweet moments, it melted my heart. it is reminder of why i am doing what i do. and why our families have chosen to be a part of our school community.
these precious moments are often hard to articulate if you don't understand it. if you are not a part of it. it is hard to even comprehend that a school family can be so united and feel like just that, family. when you and your children spend most of their day at school, shouldn't it be a community? shouldn't the people you share it with feel like family?
Montessori offered so much through her teaching, methods, and theory. the very least i can offer is an inspirational quote. i have worked with children since i was 17 years old. i cannot tell you a more amazing environment to work in. i know that i am a part of a pretty awesome school, it is due to the people that make up our school [staff and families], but also because of our very strong montessori philosophies. we create and live in this environment of grace, courtesy, respect and community.
these misty-eyed moments, tug at your heart moments...are what it's all about.
happiness.
xoxo,
ks
us teachers are there, but mostly, if not entirely in the background. it is a night completely about the students. they come into the classroom, quietly, yet filled with excitement to show mom and dad around their space. they take a work to a table or get out a mat. most parents watch with anticipation. some students will complete the lesson in complete silence others will walk their parents through the work with verbal instructions of each step.
what is so amazing about this evening is that parents truly take it all in. they allow for their child to show them around their classroom, to prideful show off their environment and work. this night is not about correcting minor mistakes or suggesting to chose a more challenging work. it is about the time spent together. the engagement of adults with their child is enough to bring one to tears. it is moments frozen in time. parents can see independence, confidence, and leadership in their children no matter what works they choose off the shelf.
as a teacher who gets to witness all of these sweet moments, it melted my heart. it is reminder of why i am doing what i do. and why our families have chosen to be a part of our school community.
these precious moments are often hard to articulate if you don't understand it. if you are not a part of it. it is hard to even comprehend that a school family can be so united and feel like just that, family. when you and your children spend most of their day at school, shouldn't it be a community? shouldn't the people you share it with feel like family?
Montessori offered so much through her teaching, methods, and theory. the very least i can offer is an inspirational quote. i have worked with children since i was 17 years old. i cannot tell you a more amazing environment to work in. i know that i am a part of a pretty awesome school, it is due to the people that make up our school [staff and families], but also because of our very strong montessori philosophies. we create and live in this environment of grace, courtesy, respect and community.
these misty-eyed moments, tug at your heart moments...are what it's all about.
happiness.
xoxo,
ks
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)