The Daily Sales Pitch

Every single day, I walk into school having a uniquely blessed energy that has joy blissfully drizzled all over it. The only thing that I can profess is that in seeking God's grace daily, I firmly believe in his provisions for me. Yes, there are days when I've slept little to zero the night before or where my mood is crusty even before I set foot into the building BUT having said that, there is this amazingly subtle, loving and reassuring joy that's settled comfortably in my being.

Since I was a kid, I've always adored children...having this connection & being drawn to them. This I can't explain either. I only know that I feel my most natural self when I am in the midst of children whether that'd be in the guise of playing, reading, chatting or teaching. Fast forward to my role as a teacher and I know that I find joy in being with my students...being their teacher, listening, teaching, reprimanding, establishing rapport, caring, laughing, smiling...

Every single day I walk into my classroom, I am a salesperson presenting the next or newest sales pitch to beautiful young minds. The question of the day is not what they will learn today but what ideas will they buy into today?  Man, that's such a powerful honour!


The teaching journey continues...

A Laughter and Smile

We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.

Mother Teresa

Read more at http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/authors/m/mother_teresa.html#ZKKyq4uLugyvslqF.99


The Oxford American Dictionaries defines laugh as:

laugh |laf|

verb [ intrans. ]

make the spontaneous sounds and movements of the face and body that are the instinctive expressions of lively amusement and sometimes also of contempt or derision : she couldn't help laughing at his jokes | he laughed out loud | [with direct speech ] she laughed, “Not a chance.”

laughter as:
Laughter |ˈlaftər| noun the action or sound of laughing : he roared with laughter.

smile |smīl|

verb [ intrans. ]

form one's features into a pleased, kind, or amused expression, typically with the corners of the mouth turned up and the front teeth exposed : she was smiling

It has been said that laughter is the language of the world.  No matter what culture, religion, creed, race, or ethnicity, laughter is a common expression that crosses all differences.

Laughter is a therapeutic mechanism that not only at once is joyful but also, simple and on many levels, effortless.  Closely related to its cousin, smile, it doesn't take a genius to know that laughter can heal wounds, bring light to a situation, diffuse a heated moment and be calming and soothing.  At its best, laughter can cause one to undergo a serious ab workout and release the tear ducts to the effect of Niagara Falls!

Laughter brings me joy and its what inspired this blog entry today.  I love when I see people smile and together with laughter, it seems like you can forget the world and enjoy that immense and satisfying moment.  Either laughing myself or hearing another's laughter evokes comfort and assurance.  I feel peaceful when someone's genuine smile and laughter are expressed in the moments of daily living.  Something so simple and quite effortless can have a magnifying effect on those we interact with and encounter.

A smile can cause rejuvenating ripples in one's life and transform their mood on any given day.  Laughter is contagious and can seriously cause a hardcore following!  Haha.  It's fun, attractive and alluring.  Who wouldn't want to laugh and bust a smile?  Hmm, those serious types?  Well, everyone I dare say, needs to feel the comfort that comes from being the recipient or giver of smiles or laughter.

This may be selfish to say, but one of the greatest gifts we can have on this earth is a genuine and warm smile.  It's touching to my core.  It represents beauty and serenity.  Laughter is a hidden gem only in that we can choose to initiate laughter through our words, thoughts and actions or engage in receiving it.  Either way, the benefits of such a state are endless.

I went for a massage today and I always enjoy the conversations I have with my awesome, RMT (Registered Massage Therapist) and of course, she helps my overworked body to heal by getting all the kinks and knots out (for which I am very grateful) but I just always find myself enjoying her laughter.  I feel that I find a lot of happiness in making people laugh and that at a young age, it became a natural part of my repertoire of interacting with people ~ it feels natural, almost effortless and fun.  At the same time, I must confess that I also really appreciate when people make me laugh too!  It's fun to be the tease of a joke.  I can't explain why but that's been my life story and I'm convinced that there's a permanent label on my forehead that reads: Please Tease! (haha).  Making people laugh and laughing yourself can be very fun.  I highly recommend both!

Many of the simple things in life are  free and we don't have to look far for them.   Smile a little...or a lot.  Laugh often and laugh well.  I promise both will do you very well.

-S.

Arc'teryx Bora 75 Pack

Arc'teryx Bora 75 Pack
In purchasing this travel pack I carefully considered and researched multiple ones on the market and consulted the advice of other fellow travellers. In the end, the decision to go with the Arc'teryx Bora 80 was based on my travel style, needs and comfort. Not everyone has the same preferences, needs or tastes so you'll have to find the "best" one that fully and uniquely compliments you.

Purchased: 2002

Survived: travel by boat, plane, train, car, rickshaw to Central America (Yucatan, Belize, Guatemala), China, Japan, Taiwan, Singapore, Western Europe (Portugal, Spain, UK, Austria, Germany, France, Italy, Sardinia), Morocco, and East Africa (Ethiopia, Tanzania).

Current condition: Excellent

Below is a list of what I feel is important when considering the best pack for you.
1. Fit
A good and comfortable fit is absolutely crucial in selecting the pack for you.
• My pack is specifically engineered and made for a woman's back with the metal backing being able to mould to the user's spine.
• adjustable shoulder harness that allows you to adjust the height of the shoulder pads to better fit your specific back length.

2. Comfort
Especially since I've had to carry my back walking, going up and down elevators, etc. it's important to have padded straps; hip belt (hipbelt is on a pivot system that follows the movement) and sternum straps to off-shoot a fine balance when wearing the pack

3. Accessibility
My pack includes 3 entry points: 1) top opened/closed by drawcord 2) bottom opened/closed wutg zipper and can become a separate part on its own with a drawstring to close off to the main bag; 3) side zipper that runs the length of the core part of the pack

4. Practicality
When I was in Spain and Sardinia, I went a little nuts with regards to the wine selection there and with their cheap wine prices. I must have carefully packed 6 bottles in my pack! There are also loops for a pair of ice axes or hiking poles.
• The top lid can detach and transform into waist pack

5. Durability
My pack has been chucked, smashed, squished, thrown and on planes, trains, boats, ferries, rickshaw, mini buses, buses, taxis, golf carts, trams, subways, & cars...10 years and counting. Tried. Tested. True.

6. Price Factor
I remember my Arc'teryx pack costing me just under $400. That can be viewed as pricey. However, here's the lowdown. It's been my ever constant and reliable companion since 2002. That's over a decade of reliability and durability for my style and kind of backpack travelling. Many years ago, I chose to put money into investing into a travel pack in place of a suitcase....I never regretted that choice.

Final word: Consider the above mentioned things and do a little research around a variety of packs.  Then try several on to see which gives you a good fit.  Some stores (ie., mec.ca) provide weights so that you can stuff your pack to get a "mock" feeling of putting the pack on and seeing how the fit feels.
Once that's all done, choose the one that best matches your needs. I don't think you can go wrong if you use that as the ultimate deciding factor.
Fast-forward to 2012 and here is the Arc'teryx Bora 80 updated, lighter and with a few upgraded changes such as hydration compatibility, etc.
http://www.mec.ca/AST/ShopMEC/Packs/MultiDayExpedition/PRD~5012-991/arcteryx-bora-80-backpack.jsp?pdtTab=3
Arc'teryx
http://www.arcteryx.com/?EN

Happy Travels!
-S.

My Fear of Heights...Enter Rock Climbing

Being afraid of heights has always been my Achilles Heel .

Being so high and looking down greatly terrifies me...it's that feeling of not being enclosed in safety and being so vulnerable to the elements that petrifies me. I don't think having this kind of feeling you would be surprised when I say that I hate roller coasters. The worst feeling for me is the freefall of a drop.

Scaling the pyramids in Palenque (Mexico), Tulum (Mexico), Chichen Itza (Mexico) & Tikal (Guatemala), I could have sworn I had moments of what could only resemble a panic attack. Once I steadfastly reached the top only to turn around and frantically say to myself, HELP, there's only one way down!!! In each of these cases I was certain that upon looking down I was going to truly be dead meat!! Aieyo! While on the top of Temple II in gorgeous Tikal National Park (Guatemala), I actually entertained the idea that a helicopter is going to have to get me down because I can't do it!!! Well, here it is: the remedy to solve all my dilemma? Go down backwards! Haha! Besides not being able to really have a visual picture of what I was doing, as I carefully maneuvered each of the steps down, I had to make haste with the placement of my hands as the blazing heat of the sun hitting off the stones gave off heat like that of a burning stovetop! Ouch!

Surprisingly, in 2007 I did make the summit of Uhuru Peak, Mount Kilimanjaro at 5,895m! This accomplishment has been the most special physical feat in my life. Although widely known as the world's most climbable mountain, there were definitely some tricky parts to the climb and hike that truly tested my courage to meet my fear of heights straight in the eyeballs!

In recent years, my grade 5 students have regularly gone rock climbing before heading into the Christmas break. As a result of this fun field trip with the kids, I took a risk a few years back and started to give rock climbing a chance. I must confess that I do enjoy the challenges that this activity presents. However, the fear is still very much there and I try different strategies to allow me to climb and challenge my body yet put into place preventative actions such as not looking down to help alleviate my fears.

It is true when they say mind over matter...when I psychologically prepare to climb, I'm calm, focused and determined as opposed to feeling anxious while being fixated on my fear...

The climbing continues and I'm glad for it....Look your fears right in the eyeballs....

Coming Full Circle

"One looks back with appreciation to the brilliant teachers, but with gratitude to those who touched our human feelings. The curriculum is so much necessary raw material, but warmth is a vital element for the growing plant and for the soul of the child." Carl Jung

As a young child I didn't particularly fancy school and learning. The thought of studying and school work was just downright boring and insanely annoying. My vocabulary at such a young age only included one serious word: "play"! The allure of school came in the guise of athletics. "Sport" was everything to me. Throughout elementary school to high school I always had exceptional teachers who encouraged and nurtured both my interests and joys. They really paid attention and saw where my interests lay and allowed me to thrive and begin to "like school" from that starting point. School = sports
Two paramount moments that really affected my sense of identity at school and really helped me to find my niche and place were the following:

1) My elementary school Principal was Mr. Petrou and he was the most amazing and gentle human being who unequivocally supported my love for sport (I still remember his office having small carcass' laying around that he had collected! Ha!). He coached our school's Cosom floor hockey team. I was most smitten by his attitude towards my participation and encouragement despite being a girl. That reality didn't seem to derail his coaching decisions and ultimately, he allowed me to play between the pipes in the championship game for our division. As the back-up goalie, I knew that my chances to play were slim but at the last minute, the boy who was the regular goalie got suspended for fighting in the school yard and Mr. Petrou called on me to start in the finals! As a result of his actions, attitude & encouragement, it made me believe that despite gender, working hard and giving a dedicated 100% could help you to excel. Mr. Petrou made me a believer and it was his influence and example that provided that motivation, surge & encouragement to participate in sport right through to high school. Before I end, I must share one of the most amazing moments of my childhood...As I mentioned, I was in goal for the final game of the championship game when after a hotly contested match, we prevailed over our opponent to win the division pennant. After the game, we were lining up to shake hands when I lifted my goalie mask. Some of the player's jaws dropped to the ground as they noticed that I was a girl! I suppose the reaction was one of shock - shock that a girl could show up and actually play some hardcore hockey! Suckers, that was a terrific crowning moment of glory [I humbly kept my composure despite loving every moment of observing the player's reactions. I just kept it inside...a quiet monumental moment of triumph!]

2) My High School Guidance Counselor & Softball Coach
Through sport, I learned the fundamental values of commitment, dedication and a good work ethic. It is here that I gained a glimpse of what it meant by going that proverbial extra mile. Mary-Lou Parissi was not only a mentor, my guidance counselor, and coach but a genuine and caring individual who I greatly valued and appreciated. Due to school policy, in order for me to be able to remain on school teams I had to maintain a 70% academic average. This was the "motivation" that pushed me to work hard in my classes so that I could keep my grades up to avoid being kicked off any team. Whether that was right or not is besides the point because eventually, being on various school teams in high school particularly softball taught me to translate the attitude of hard work into my studies. So, naturally, because of my ongoing love for sport and dedication to specific teams, this attitude eventually translated into how I felt about school. I believe in the taste of success in that once you taste it, you surely want more!

These two prominent individuals had long lasting positive impressions in my life. Their actions and words echoed throughout the years in helping to imprint and shape the individual that I have become and the teacher I am now many years later.

As a result of such positive influences and currently being a in a position of great privilege as a teacher, I have become a huge advocate of providing ample opportunities for children to participate in sport and athletics. Whether it be a school team, extra-curricular intramural sports, or simply a gym class, outlets such as these can be
the most important vehicle in which life skills are planted, nurtured and grown. They can be sacred places of comfort, familiarity, release and extreme joy. Furthermore, it can be the place where self-esteem and self confidence blossom into beauty. And, these opportunities can be places where children realize that there is giftedness and opportunities for further skill development become a possible reality to pursue - a place where dreams are born, nurtured and given a chance.

Children find interests and places of belonging in school. Their "in" can be in any area that encompasses all that is indicative of school life including classes, clubs, and teams. My job is to help these students find success in whatever avenue they should decide to pursue in school but in order to do so, opportunities need to be provided to help them to discover what it is that captures their interest, joy and happiness.

There is no greater joy than being able to impart the same joy and awesome opportunities that I was able to benefit from as a young child to the students I interact with.

My journey in teaching is still quite young and this profession certainly humbles me each and everyday. Many roads have traversed to lead me to this, the 12th year of my teaching career. Many uphill battles, tears, laughs, and incredible moments. As I reflect on my current state as a teacher, one truth is foresure. I know this life...this career as an educator is without a doubt, a serious and demanding yet completely rewarding and fulfilling calling.

The Book Thief

By Markus Zusak
Knopf, Borzoi Books © 2005
http://www.booksattransworld.co.uk/thebookthief/

I recently finished reading the book, The Book Thief and felt a resonating brilliance about this uniquely written story. Right from the beginning, although grim and filled with sadness, I was attracted throughout with the notion of enduring friendships and relationships that triumph even amid life's cruelties and chaos. The sensitivity and gentleness that represents compassion and selflessness in the story is perhaps what I connected most with. It's a beautiful thing to imagine and a wonderful journey to engage in as author Markus Zusak does an amazing job painting incredibly personable and vivid images of grace, love and compassion.

Another prominent aspect of the book is the great love that Liesel, the story's protagonist has for reading which then spawns this great sensational love affair with words and books. Furthermore, judging from the enduring difficult times of war, suffering, and depression, there is a recognizable power of words that permeates throughout the pages and deeply touches those recipients who were fortunate enough to somehow interact with some aspect of the written word. The resilience of a girl at such a young age and to see that blossoming trait positively impact and affect so many others was really encouraging.

The intricacies of paradoxes...
"I wanted to explain that I am constantly overestimating and underestimating the human race that rarely do I ever simply estimate it. I want to ask her [Liesel] how the same thing could be so ugly and so glorious, and its words and stories so damning and brilliant." ~Death, The Book Thief

We read for many different reasons: as a form of escape from our daily lives, to gain knowledge and heighten our awareness and knowledge of the issues of our day, or to pass time and have fun and simply for pure enjoyment. For all these reasons and more, I discovered a genuine enjoyment with the book and highly recommend it to anyone to read.

In Christ Alone

Just before today's communion breaking of bread and partaking of the wine, we listened to the song, In Christ Alone and watched the images of the passion of Christ...I was moved at the powerful reminder of how deep is Jesus' love for each one of us...


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=As8opDEkc9o

"In Christ alone, I place my trust and find my glory in the power of the Christ; in every victory let it be said of me, my source of strength, my source of hope, is Christ alone... 

By His strength alone, I overcome...beautiful song & beautiful voice of Brian Littrell

"I can do everything through Him who gives me strength."
Philippians 4:13