As a chemist, I understand that little things make a big impact. In fact, one of my greatest achievements was born from this "simple" understanding. Don't worry, I won't bore y'all with my five minutes of material regarding the importance of the link between the microscopic and macroscopic world. But, I will re-emphasize my firm belief that anyone can make a difference.
The post-undergraduate/pre-professional limbo often leads me to ponder how to get/earn/deserve the things I desire most in life. Of course, it is not exactly fair of me to challenge such thoughts when I, in all honesty, do not know what the heck I want. What do I want...what do I want...what do I want?
Love? Duh. Joy? Yes, please. Health? God willing. But, beyond all that...I want to know/feel that I am using my talents to do what I am meant to do. Cryptic, I know.
So, how does this relate to little things-->big impact? Well, the other day I received a message from a high school classmate that really inspired me. She stumbled upon this blog (which begs the question, how many people actually read this thing?) and took the time to send me a note of encouragement. Her thoughtfulness really touched my heart. Her sweet note reminded me of the great impact that small gestures can have.
As September rapidly approaches, I must remind myself why I am here in NY training to become a high school chemistry teacher. I firmly believe that the best way I can positively affect my community is to be a good influence in a young person's life. (Can you feel the optimism embracing you?)
Right now, I'm trying to figure out how I can achieve this goal...is teaching the pathway to my purpose? I'll find out.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Sunday, July 27, 2008
young & foolish
to enhance your reading experience, listen to this, this or this
I can hardly believe that it's been three years. To celebrate year 1 we explored San Francisco & walked the Golden Gate Bridge. For year 2 we ate like ballas at Chez Panisse.
What did we do this year? We went gallivanting in our new city :)
day 1
first stop...Coney Island!
After our day at the "beach" we walked the Brooklyn Bridge around sunset. While on the other side, we ate at the famous Grimaldi's (y'all can make your own judgment call on this place) and had ice cream on the pier with a kick butt view of the waterfall.
going thattaway
read the woman's shirt. HA
mid bridge midtown view
day 2 (We couldn't pack all the love into one day.)
We started with brunch at Alice's Tea Cup. Then, it was off for a grand tour of Central Park :) After our stroll, we dined in the theater district and ate our Magnolia cupcakes at Bryant Park.
one was taken a year ago
the other was taken two days ago
which one is which?
I can hardly believe that it's been three years. To celebrate year 1 we explored San Francisco & walked the Golden Gate Bridge. For year 2 we ate like ballas at Chez Panisse.
What did we do this year? We went gallivanting in our new city :)
day 1
first stop...Coney Island!
yummy, but we're more partial to top dog
the Atlantic Ocean!
call me a snob, but this is NY's poor excuse for a beach
the cyclone
where we almost lost our sunglasses...and our lives
a battle of epic proportions
we all know who dominated...
scoch, you would not want to ride the blue or red carriages
don't be fooled by the fearless smile
it took me 3 years to discover that he's afraid of big, slow moving ferris wheels...
the Atlantic Ocean!
call me a snob, but this is NY's poor excuse for a beach
the cyclone
where we almost lost our sunglasses...and our lives
a battle of epic proportions
we all know who dominated...
scoch, you would not want to ride the blue or red carriages
don't be fooled by the fearless smile
it took me 3 years to discover that he's afraid of big, slow moving ferris wheels...
After our day at the "beach" we walked the Brooklyn Bridge around sunset. While on the other side, we ate at the famous Grimaldi's (y'all can make your own judgment call on this place) and had ice cream on the pier with a kick butt view of the waterfall.
going thattaway
read the woman's shirt. HA
mid bridge midtown view
day 2 (We couldn't pack all the love into one day.)
We started with brunch at Alice's Tea Cup. Then, it was off for a grand tour of Central Park :) After our stroll, we dined in the theater district and ate our Magnolia cupcakes at Bryant Park.
belvedere castle
bethesda fountain (of course)
relaxing at sheep meadow
bethesda fountain (of course)
relaxing at sheep meadow
one was taken a year ago
the other was taken two days ago
which one is which?
As you can see we had a GREAT weekend. Independent adventures are fun, but I prefer exploring this big city with him by my side.
Friday night while riding the train a sweet, inebriated man looked at us and said, "Y'all look good together. You two compliment each other."
Thank you very much, sir :) I agree.
Friday night while riding the train a sweet, inebriated man looked at us and said, "Y'all look good together. You two compliment each other."
Thank you very much, sir :) I agree.
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
1.2..THREE!!!
Here's what goes down when students start to get curious...
Preface: At the beginning of class my cooperating teacher was sharing an anecdote about her date the previous night. Then, the students proceeded to get nosy about me...
Happy 3 Years! Time flies :)
Preface: At the beginning of class my cooperating teacher was sharing an anecdote about her date the previous night. Then, the students proceeded to get nosy about me...
Student: Miss A, you need to get datingHigh school students can get all up in your business.
Miss A: Thanks, but I'm not looking
S: You got a boyfriend?
Ms. A: Yes, I do
S: How long you been dating?
Ms. A: [holds up 3 fingers]
S: Three months?
Ms. A: Nope, three years.
Multiple Students: whoooooooooah, WOW, daaaaaaaayum, three years??? [shocked expressions and general noises of awe]
Ms. A: :)
S: Do you love him, Miss?
Ms. A: [nods head]
S: So, Miss, have you ever cheated?
S: Yeah, Miss, are you faithful?
Ms. A: [deer caught in headlights] Alright, that's enough questions...we should get started with today's topic, reproductive systems!!!
Happy 3 Years! Time flies :)
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
commence countdown
10. 9. 8. 7. 6...
There's a lot to look forward to! In one week there will be cause for celebration, in two weeks training will finish (thank God!) and, in three weeks I'LL BE BACK IN CALIFORNIA (thank God, again)!!! If I could do Scoch's signature dance move right now, I would.
Since my last sad and lonely post, the few truly amazing people around me have helped me get past my little emotional roadblock.
I really appreciate my cohort; we are a dynamic group of passionate teachers-to-be. The fact that we can spend every afternoon together (from 1pm to 6:30pm) and hit up happy hour afterwards is a testament to the bond we've managed to form in a quick four weeks (it's also a testament to our need to unwind). We're a ridiculously convivial group of fellows.
fellow fellows en route to lunch after Friday workshops at Pace
The past couple of days I've had the pleasure of meeting up with friends from California who brought some sunshine with them. It was fun playing tour guide, but I definitely need to educate myself on the places to eat around here. Suggestions, anyone?
Fr. Demo Square
an impromptu friday night jazz performance
central park (of course)
ny philharmonic on the great lawn
my former salsa partna and hot date for the concert :)
now for other thoughts...and more shots
I am blessed with three adorable nephews who really keep me on my toes. They are brutally honest, just like their auntie (e.g. before I left my middle nephew asked, "Auntie, do you watch CSI: NY?" To which I replied, "Yes, I've seen it before." "See? That's one reason why you shouldn't move.").
On Monday my oldest nephew turned 13 and it kills me that I couldn't be there to celebrate this momentous birthday with him. When we spoke on the phone I was suprised to hear that his voice was deeper. He's definitely not a kid anymore and he's definitely got four inches on me now :(
the impressive altar
giant hello kitty i saw on my way to church
who wasn't obsessed with sanrio as a little girl?
apparently thoth has more talents than being a selfproclaimed hermaphrodite
east village
i had to look twice at this...
I'm really excited for what lies ahead and for a special arrival. Even though my schedule has only gotten busier I'm all smiles, baby :)
There's a lot to look forward to! In one week there will be cause for celebration, in two weeks training will finish (thank God!) and, in three weeks I'LL BE BACK IN CALIFORNIA (thank God, again)!!! If I could do Scoch's signature dance move right now, I would.
Since my last sad and lonely post, the few truly amazing people around me have helped me get past my little emotional roadblock.
I really appreciate my cohort; we are a dynamic group of passionate teachers-to-be. The fact that we can spend every afternoon together (from 1pm to 6:30pm) and hit up happy hour afterwards is a testament to the bond we've managed to form in a quick four weeks (it's also a testament to our need to unwind). We're a ridiculously convivial group of fellows.
fellow fellows en route to lunch after Friday workshops at Pace
The past couple of days I've had the pleasure of meeting up with friends from California who brought some sunshine with them. It was fun playing tour guide, but I definitely need to educate myself on the places to eat around here. Suggestions, anyone?
Fr. Demo Square
an impromptu friday night jazz performance
central park (of course)
ny philharmonic on the great lawn
my former salsa partna and hot date for the concert :)
now for other thoughts...and more shots
I am blessed with three adorable nephews who really keep me on my toes. They are brutally honest, just like their auntie (e.g. before I left my middle nephew asked, "Auntie, do you watch CSI: NY?" To which I replied, "Yes, I've seen it before." "See? That's one reason why you shouldn't move.").
On Monday my oldest nephew turned 13 and it kills me that I couldn't be there to celebrate this momentous birthday with him. When we spoke on the phone I was suprised to hear that his voice was deeper. He's definitely not a kid anymore and he's definitely got four inches on me now :(
three important boys in my life
When my 3 year old nephew got on the phone he serenaded me with Lupe Fiasco's "Superstar," seriously.
Lately I've been attending mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. This place is gorgeous, but it's kinda weird that the priest welcomes the present congregation and all the catholic listerners who join us via Sirius satellite radio. Also, since this church is on 5th ave. it's kinda weird to see it juxtaposed to the LV and H&M stores.
Lately I've been attending mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral. This place is gorgeous, but it's kinda weird that the priest welcomes the present congregation and all the catholic listerners who join us via Sirius satellite radio. Also, since this church is on 5th ave. it's kinda weird to see it juxtaposed to the LV and H&M stores.
St. Patrick's Cathedral
the impressive altar
giant hello kitty i saw on my way to church
who wasn't obsessed with sanrio as a little girl?
apparently thoth has more talents than being a selfproclaimed hermaphrodite
east village
i had to look twice at this...
I'm really excited for what lies ahead and for a special arrival. Even though my schedule has only gotten busier I'm all smiles, baby :)
Friday, July 11, 2008
tears of peace
Every semester in my good old college days there was a time when the load was too much to emotionally bear. As an undergrad the endless midterms, hours of studying, and self imposed pressure to kick academic ass eventually drove me to tears. After drying my eyes I was always thankful for the opportunity to release all that I had pent up inside me.
Right now my eyes may be red and puffy, but I have a much lighter heart. I confess that I have put on a braver face for the sake of my parents' sanity. I don't want them to worry any more than they naturally do. As my dad said, "You can't tell us not to worry, that's our job. We're your parents."
Let me tell you what it's like (for me, at least) to move to the big bad city. There are times when being in this city feels empowering: I can explore nyc on my own terms, I feel more independent than ever, and I am learning more about myself as an adult (it really feels weird to call myself an adult...); it's all very exciting. However, I quickly found out how easily I can feel alone in a city of over eight million people.
If you really know me, you know how necessary it is for me to talk out my feelings, frustrations, and accomplishments. There was a reason I was voted most talkative roommate in the house (a title which I completely accept...now). So, y'all can imagine how hard it is to come home after long and challenging days to women I barely know. I don't have the luxury of sitting on the couch and relaying the highlights of my day in exquisite detail to someone who truly understands me and has patience for my stories. I am missing the supportive environment that keeps me sane. So, I turn to my journal (the pen and paper version) and just let my thoughts flow out. In a way ny has made me more introspective, which has its pluses and minuses.
Of course I utilize my cell to talk to those nearest and dearest to me. But, not all "phone relationships" are created equal.
Today I shared my innermost thoughts with someone who has been detached from my experiences. The flood gates opened and I released all the emotions I didn't have the chance to voice: loneliness, frustration, and homesickness. A good cry was exactly what I needed.
Right now my eyes may be red and puffy, but I have a much lighter heart. I confess that I have put on a braver face for the sake of my parents' sanity. I don't want them to worry any more than they naturally do. As my dad said, "You can't tell us not to worry, that's our job. We're your parents."
Let me tell you what it's like (for me, at least) to move to the big bad city. There are times when being in this city feels empowering: I can explore nyc on my own terms, I feel more independent than ever, and I am learning more about myself as an adult (it really feels weird to call myself an adult...); it's all very exciting. However, I quickly found out how easily I can feel alone in a city of over eight million people.
If you really know me, you know how necessary it is for me to talk out my feelings, frustrations, and accomplishments. There was a reason I was voted most talkative roommate in the house (a title which I completely accept...now). So, y'all can imagine how hard it is to come home after long and challenging days to women I barely know. I don't have the luxury of sitting on the couch and relaying the highlights of my day in exquisite detail to someone who truly understands me and has patience for my stories. I am missing the supportive environment that keeps me sane. So, I turn to my journal (the pen and paper version) and just let my thoughts flow out. In a way ny has made me more introspective, which has its pluses and minuses.
Of course I utilize my cell to talk to those nearest and dearest to me. But, not all "phone relationships" are created equal.
Today I shared my innermost thoughts with someone who has been detached from my experiences. The flood gates opened and I released all the emotions I didn't have the chance to voice: loneliness, frustration, and homesickness. A good cry was exactly what I needed.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
hopes, blessings, and ridiculousness
During this busy week I've had a lot of thoughts that I've yet to communicate to people, so...here I go!
hopes
___________________________________
Today a student asked me, "Miss, are you mean?"
To which I responded, "Do you think I'm mean?"
"No, but teachers are different in the summer."
This got me thinking about the kind of teacher I want to become in September. I don't want to be the teacher who constantly yells and I don't want to be the teacher who gets stepped on by her class. I want to exude confidence even though my heart will probably be beating like crazy.
___________________________________
A dear mentor of mine has a Confucius quote at the end of her e-mails that I fell in love with. "Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." That is what I want. I don't mind if the job I love is one that requires a lot of me. If every morning I can look forward to the day ahead, then I'm golden. Here's hoping I find that in my lifetime...
___________________________________
I'm an inquisitive person. Since I've arrived in NY I've had tons of time to ask a lot of questions. Hopefully the answers I seek will come in loud and clear.
blessings
___________________________________
I am blessed to have healthy relationships with the fam. We can talk about anything; I love it.
___________________________________
I may not know what it's like to have a biological sister, but I am blessed to have girlfriends who feel like family. I can call these womyn after weeks of no contact and pick up right where we left off. We've celebrated accomplishments, we've weathered the storms, we've survived the transitions from childhood to adolescence and are now seeing each other into adulthood (btw I am not ready to call myself an adult).
ridiculousness
___________________________________
I am a minority. I have never been so keenly aware that I am until I got here.
___________________________________
In the past 5.5 weeks I have experienced two instances of ignorance that really made me feel uncomfortable. I don't want to get too into them, but one involved a reference to the model minority and the other included an insinuation that I may infect someone with SARS. wtf
Don't worry, a much more coherent post will come later
hopes
___________________________________
Today a student asked me, "Miss, are you mean?"
To which I responded, "Do you think I'm mean?"
"No, but teachers are different in the summer."
This got me thinking about the kind of teacher I want to become in September. I don't want to be the teacher who constantly yells and I don't want to be the teacher who gets stepped on by her class. I want to exude confidence even though my heart will probably be beating like crazy.
___________________________________
A dear mentor of mine has a Confucius quote at the end of her e-mails that I fell in love with. "Choose a job you love and you will never have to work a day in your life." That is what I want. I don't mind if the job I love is one that requires a lot of me. If every morning I can look forward to the day ahead, then I'm golden. Here's hoping I find that in my lifetime...
___________________________________
I'm an inquisitive person. Since I've arrived in NY I've had tons of time to ask a lot of questions. Hopefully the answers I seek will come in loud and clear.
blessings
___________________________________
I am blessed to have healthy relationships with the fam. We can talk about anything; I love it.
___________________________________
I may not know what it's like to have a biological sister, but I am blessed to have girlfriends who feel like family. I can call these womyn after weeks of no contact and pick up right where we left off. We've celebrated accomplishments, we've weathered the storms, we've survived the transitions from childhood to adolescence and are now seeing each other into adulthood (btw I am not ready to call myself an adult).
ridiculousness
___________________________________
I am a minority. I have never been so keenly aware that I am until I got here.
___________________________________
In the past 5.5 weeks I have experienced two instances of ignorance that really made me feel uncomfortable. I don't want to get too into them, but one involved a reference to the model minority and the other included an insinuation that I may infect someone with SARS. wtf
Don't worry, a much more coherent post will come later
Saturday, July 5, 2008
independence day(s)
let freedom ring!
I thoroughly enjoyed my first national holiday in NY. Thanks to the hospitality of a friend of a friend of a fellow (who is also my friend) I spent the holiday on, what I like to call, an "urban picnic." We sat on a rooftop in Brooklyn eating, drinking ;) and watching the fireworks. Take a look
Other shots I'd like to share:
This is the first time in my life that I have ever been on my own and completely uncomfortable. Though this thought can be frightening it can also be surprisingly exciting. I am actually grateful for this opportunity to see what I'm made of...it's not just sugar and spice
New York is my adventure and I'm going to try my best to see each day as another opportunity to grow up and to grow stronger (no matter how scary, frustrating, or challenging that day may be). What is my passion in life? How can I do God's will? These are the questions I am seeking to answer.
I thoroughly enjoyed my first national holiday in NY. Thanks to the hospitality of a friend of a friend of a fellow (who is also my friend) I spent the holiday on, what I like to call, an "urban picnic." We sat on a rooftop in Brooklyn eating, drinking ;) and watching the fireworks. Take a look
manhattan as seen from brooklyn
brooklyn
empire state building in red, white & blue
an urban picnic
great company
ooooh
empire state building in red, white & blue
an urban picnic
great company
ooooh
Other shots I'd like to share:
CUNY Lehman. *hopefully* in 2 years y'all can call me master
it's where Daryl Kitzens hangs out
(Little Manhattan reference, WATCH IT!)
times square after dark
W 42nd St.
I guess y'all could say I'm in the upswing o' things. Y'all may be asking, why the sudden change in attitude? Well, (as much as it pains me to admit this) Kuya was right. He called me out like no one else can...I was feeling sorry for myself. I really cannot complain; I have been blessed with a lot. Things got tough once I forgot that. So, I took off the sulky sweater and now I am wearing my courageous cardigan :) 
it's where Daryl Kitzens hangs out
(Little Manhattan reference, WATCH IT!)
times square after dark
W 42nd St.
This is the first time in my life that I have ever been on my own and completely uncomfortable. Though this thought can be frightening it can also be surprisingly exciting. I am actually grateful for this opportunity to see what I'm made of...it's not just sugar and spice
New York is my adventure and I'm going to try my best to see each day as another opportunity to grow up and to grow stronger (no matter how scary, frustrating, or challenging that day may be). What is my passion in life? How can I do God's will? These are the questions I am seeking to answer.
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