Will work for stickers!

I'm posting a picture to share my motivation system with you all. Guess what- kids aren't the only ones that respond to incentives like stickers or working towards a goal! Something a simple as a sticker has the power to keep me going.

Each day I go in to the gym, I get to put a sticker on the calendar for that day. If I go at 2 different times (morning and evening), then I get 2. Then, on top of that, I divided a heart (for February- I know, how creative!!) into parts. Each time I go exercise, I color in one part. (On Monday I walked a 5k on the treadmill, so I let myself color two parts.) Once I fill up the heart I'm allowing myself $50 guilt free to shop for clothes.

It's funny how something as silly as stickers and coloring can be so motivating. I can't wait until I get home after working out to put my sticker on and grab a crayon!

Re-motivated

OK... now it's time for a sensitive subject- WEIGHT. I have always struggled with being the chubby girl. I was always bigger than my friends, but not in a terribly obese way. Just rounder. I can remember being hurt by my weight several times. I will never forget when I was young (couldn't have been more than 6 or 7), and my old lady neighbor called me over to talk to her. I helped her with something and she was about to give me the sucker she always gave us when we helped her. She looked down at me and said, "You know Jodi, you'd be cuter if you weren't so fat. You better lose that weight before you get too old." I remember going home, crying, and telling my grandma the mean lady called me fat. I have a feeling Grandma must've talked to her because she never commented again.

I'm sure any psychologist could blame my weight issues on any number of things. Being a child of divorce, father abandonment, poor self esteem, negative comments about weight to me as a child... any of these could be considered the root of my struggles. But, I don't buy it. Those memories never once have "made" me eat a whole pizza or shove chocolate in my face. I did that, all by myself.

OK, so I have a long drawn-out battle with weight. Sometimes I feel it's turning into the Hundred Years War! But, the tides of the battle are shifting... Recently, I looked at some pictures of myself from my heaviest. I hadn't noticed how my hard work IS noticeable! I can actually see my progress, and THIS has given me the fuel I needed to light the fire under my ass.  Have I lost a Biggest Loser amount of weight? Nope, but I'm working on it.

Thanks always for listening to my rants. I'm hoping that maybe someone out there can relate. If you feel yourself struggling, I encourage you to make some side-by side pics and see if there are any differences.

Motivation- Do you have any to spare??

Hi there! Today's thoughts have been mostly consumed with ways to re-motivate myself. I was doing really well over the summer. Went to the gym 6/7 days, ate lots of fruits and veggies, and really was trying to stay focus on getting healthy. Then, the school year started and all of it went to shit. I barely went to the gym 1 day/2 weeks. Went more for rushed, convenient lunches rather than healthy ones. Joined the in-laws out to dinner more often and skipped meals. It was really tough to stay focused on my health-so I just wasn't. I gave in and inevitably gained back all I'd lost, except for 3 lbs! I'm so pissed, but I can't be mad at anyone but myself. It totally sucks and I need to do something about it.

Here's the thing- I'm no stranger to this weightloss game. I've always struggled with my weight. I've tried all kinds of "diets" and "lifestyle changes". I know the programs and what needs to be done. In the past, I've been able to recommit myself and get excited about starting out again. Really focused and determined. But, this time? Not so much... I feel like I'm struggling to motivate myself. I feel very blah about this. I've never had this happen to me before, and quite frankly I'm worried I might be giving up. I can't possibly give up, but I need to find my "get up and go"!

What does someone do when seeking motivation? Well, this girl prowls Pinterest and adds to my "stay motivated board. I'm happy to say I was able to find some of what I desperately need. I'm going to continue looking for some more motivation/inspiration on Pinterest while the hubby watches Gold Rush. I intend to also create (and post tomorrow) my Healthy Vows. Check back soon! Good night, all!!

Your Time Is Comming

All of us have goals, hopes, dreams, desires. We have spent countless hours of our lives trying to make these dreams happen. Sometimes it seems like you work harder and harder and all you are met with are setbacks. Maybe someone disappointed you or you didn't get that promotion you'd been planning on. Wgst you need to know is that it's OK. Your time IS coming! Think about it, why would God place those dreams in your heart and not plan on giving you the means to make things happen?? He wouldn't.

I believe that God has a plan for every one of us. He has meticulously thought out and planned a bountiful and blessed life. I also believe that he has put people and events along our life's path. These people and events are meant to be life-changing. They are meant to either teach us or promote us.  In order to move us along our well thought-out path, God has placed these hopes and dreams in our hearts. You may ask, "how can you just blindly believe all of this?? Don't you think reaching your dreams is up to you alone?" I believe in the phrase Believing is seeing, not seeing is believing. I think we can definitely move things along on our path; however, I also believe that too much interfering might set us off course and delay our dreams. Obviously there will be trials and disappointments. There will be times to be upset, grieve, have pity. But, these are only moments in your life- not your entire life. Trust that you did not gave a setback, but a setup for great things to come.

So, what dreams has God placed in your heart? Looking back, can you see God's hand in those dreams that DID come to fruition? I can. Example: I always wanted to be married. Always wanted to find "the one", but I became really great at finding NOT the right one. I was trying hard to push things along and move at my pace. Things happened, life got a little messy, and I gave up looking. Then, BAM!! Brian came along and I was swept off my feet. I had to stop being pushy and let go before I could meet him. Things had to happen in a certain order so my life could work out as it has. I can't imagine changing any of those "bad" decisions because I know my life would be vastly different than it is today if I did.

This is only one small example, and I know I can tell you more if I wanted to. But, I'll save those stories for another day. I encourage all of you to think about your dreams. Think of those dreams that you've always had and told people about. Think about those dreams that you keep tucked inside your heart and haven't told anyone (we all have them). Know that your time IS coming. Wake up each morning thankful and expecting wonderful things to come your way. Be prepared for those moments where you know it couldn't just be coincidence, because those are the times you can be sure God is standing by and guiding you. The time is coming for ALL of us, and ALL our dreams.

God's Hand...

I have always believed in that catch phrase "God has a reason for all things".  Sometimes, believing in this has been the only way I've gotten through some very tough times.  Whenever tragedy strikes, it's hard to get past the heartache and devastation.  When people are suddenly and inexplicably taken from us, it can be so hard to understand.  In fact, it can seem impossible to continue on.

A woman that I work with is currently facing such a tragedy.  She has suddenly lost her daughter after only getting to know her recently.  It just seems so unfair that God would take this young mother and leave so many to grieve.  I had not met this young lady, but I know that her mother spoke so highly of her.  Her face lit up when talking about the fun they had just had, or the special look in her eyes when talking about her dreams for her daughter...

In 2006, a wonderful woman that I knew through work at a gym had her daughter brutally taken from her as well.  I remember just being shocked once I received the news that Christmas, and the sadness that I just couldn't shake for weeks.  But, I knew that my sadness could in NO WAY compare to what her mother must have been feeling.

Being a mother myself, I can't imagine the pain of burying your child.  I can't imagine ever recovering from such heartache.  I honestly can think of nothing worse that losing one of girls...  But, these women had it happen to them.  And, they are surviving.  God bless them, but they are continuing on.  They are amazing women.  

I'm not quite sure where this post is going, but I just want to put it out there that I truly believe that God does have a plan for all of us.  One day it will be made known to us- or maybe not.  But, I have to trust and believe there is a reason for all of this.  When times get tough, or when everything seems chaotic, please remember to stop- breathe- and believe that you are in important part in God's plan and it will all come together soon.  God Bless...

Chris* and Mrs. Brumbaugh

Good morning friends!  I have been absent lately, and I apologize.  Basically, I've been waiting to be inspired by something.  I hadn't had anything extraordinary happen or anything stand out.  So, I didn't write.  But, now I can!  I'd like to tell you about a boy that I don't think I'll ever forget.  He is an example of exactly why I do what I do every day.

You might recall that back in September I wrote about a particularly challenging child. I'm going to call this boy *Chris* for the purposes of my story.  He and I would butt heads all throughout the day. I asked him to sit, and he'd stand.  I wanted him to put his things away, and he'd start taking out more supplies and dropping them on the floor- while staring me in the eye.  Totally defiant, and pissing irritating me every day. It got to be totally exhausting for me (and I'm sure him, as well).  See, Chris hadn't had a very great time as school in the past.  Last year, he missed 38+ days between January and June.  I'm sure his kindergarten attendance was no better.  He did not make any relationships at school with friends or teachers, and his mom would let him stay home any time he wanted.  He would wake up a little late and miss the bus, so she'd keep him home the whole day.  There was a little baby at home, and I'm pretty sure he was often the babysitter.  School was simply NOT a priority for him nor his mother.  He had no friendships, relationships, and academically he was suffering (reading way below level and not able to do basic math skills).

At the beginning of the year, I called his mom from my cell phone while driving home.  I was nervous because I'd heard she could be difficult at times.  I introduced myself and said I was looking forward to working with her and Chris this year.  She seemed taken aback that I was calling from my personal cell, and thanked me for talking with her.  Ever since then, she's been very easy to talk with on the phone.  His attendance improved, but then it began worsening again.  My principal and I called the mother in for a meeting.  We basically tole her he MUST come to school- no matter what.  If he missed the bus, my principal said she would go pick him up from his apartment and bring him.  After that meeting, Chris seemed like a new kid.  He was helpful, talkative, supportive, and totally different.  He and I were bonding over jokes, stories, and he would often share things with me that would give me insight into his life.  If he missed school, I would text his mom and ask where he was, or let her know that I look forward to seeing him tomorrow, etc.  One day, he didn't show, and my principal (true to her word) went and picked him up and brought him to school.  Now, if he's absent, she will text me and give me a reason and assure me he'll be there the next day.  Is his attendance perfect?  No, but it's A LOT better than any past year.

Throughout the weeks, I saw a new child emerge.  He was smiling, making friends, standing up to bullies (when he used to pick on kids before!), and enjoying himself at school.  He would listen, participate, and offer to help kids that needed extra attention.  One day, I had a splitting headache, and went around the room and told all the groups of students "Be quiet!  Teacher's head hurts!"  It was sweet.  Chris was rapidly becoming one of my favorite kids.

The day before our Christmas break, Chris brought in a gift for me.  It was a simple mug with a packet of hot cocoa.  Probably something most teachers would typically re-gift or put into a white elephant.  But, I have already placed it in my special teacher memory box.  His family has no money.  Just 2 weeks ago, he teared up telling me that he thought they might be moving because his mom couldn't pay the rent.  Yet, he felt it important enough to bring me a gift, using what little money he had.  I was very touched.  Then, last Friday, he said, "Teacher, my mom told me that we don't have any money for presents this year, so we won't get anything.  But, guess what!  Yesterday, someone called and said they have presents to give us!  My brother is picking them up today."  My heart swelled.  I truly felt God's love at that moment, because I had referred his family for gifts.  I wanted to shed tears of joy.  After telling me this he said, "Teacher, are we going to be gone from school for 2 weeks?  I'm going to miss you... Can my mom text you if I miss you?"  I said "of course" and he leaned in for a hug.  My heart swelled again.

Now, why am I writing such a LONG story about Chris?  As a teacher, we know we affect the lives of others, but it's rare to actually see it happening.  I have been given the gift of seeing Chris' transformation into an amazing little kid.  I had been really struggling this past year.  It's been stressful and busy and I wasn't feeling like a very good teacher.  I wasn't feeling like I was doing a good job, but Chris has renewed me.  He gave me just the boost of confidence in myself that I needed.  He is truly an example of why I chose to be a teacher, and why I'll continue to believe in the positive power of being a teacher.  Yes, I believe that I've changed him in positive ways regarding school and positive relationships with teachers he hadn't had previously. But, he'll never know just how much he's changed ME and helped ME.  I feel this is yet another example of God bringing people together when needed.  There was a reason that I was meant to be his teacher this year, and God made that happen.

Perspective

I had parent-teacher conferences this past week. I learned so much about the families and backgrounds of my students this year.

I work in West Chicago, IL. It is a great city full of history. I love driving through the town and seeing horses at one house, an amazing park across the street, and 100+ year old homes. It's great!! However, I work in the part of town that is extremely needy. Many of my families dont make the rent, move several times a year, and dont always have $$ for food. It is definitely a poorer area of town. While the area may be poor financially; they are rich in heart. When we were on strike, we had parents bringing us food, warm drinks, even thrir own home coffee pots! They organized parent meetings to support us teachers.

But, it never fails that there are some conferences that shock me. Having parents cry is nothing new. There are always a few a year. But, never have I cried due to a conference.  I had one meeting this week that absolutely broke my heart and put things into perspective for me. I had met with the mother of a sweet, gentle, well-behaved little girl. She is new to the country with the family moving here less than two years ago. I told the mom how her daughter is sweet and very well behaved, but she needed more practice with speaking English.  Overall, it was an easy conference.  Until she asked her daughters to leave the room... She then proceeded to tell me how less than 2 years ago, the daughters witnessed family members murdered right in front of them. They lived in an incredibly dangerous part of Mexico. Men would drive around in trucks, pull over to the sidewalk, and randomly execute people walking on the sidewalk.  There was more she told me and with each thing my heart broke for my student and her family.

Hearing this made me think. We take our freedoms in this country WAY too much for granted. People complain about how expensive organic food is, how schools aren't funded properly, or bitch about "Obamacare". There are people that don't know if they'll live while walking down the street. Kids in fear that their parents might not come home because they were randomly executed. Children that have to live with the horrors that they've witnessed. I have no place to complain when people are experiencing this. No matter how annoying things might be, there are people that would pray to be in my situation.  So, the next time I catch myself bitching about being inconvenienced, I need to keep my student and others like her in mind.