Oh, the Children

Me: So, tell me. If I went to your house right now, would it be clean or dirty?

Child: Clean.

Me: Good! That's what I like to hear. How do you know it's clean?

*child sighs and rolls his eyes*

Child: 'Cause I been in it.

Can't argue with that answer.

Calling All Fashionistas

Calling all shoe fiends, fashionistas, members of the skirt mafia, DIY-ers, shop-o-holics, recessionistas, clearance maidens, and bargain hunters!

Who's ready to participate in an online garage sell, swap/exchange, and bazaar of sorts (men's/women's/children's clothing)?

I will start:

I need to get rid of this Vintage Gucci Purse. Make me an offer.

Brand New With Tags Faux Croc Pumps by Guess. These are size 10. Keeping the other pair I have for myself!

Have something to post/sale/swap? Looking for a particular item? If there is enough interest maybe we could all start a new blog and promote via a social networking site. If not, I will post/blog about your item on my own blog.

How to Deal with _____ (insert annoying trait) People

I consider myself a pretty easy going laid back individual and can get along with almost anyone. As I get older I realize that there are just some personalities that I'd rather not deal with (whining, complaining, bragging). I think my tolerance level for idiocy is waning.

One recent type of personality that has presented itself is of the extremist variety. Examples follow:

1) If this person is sick, or has sick children, they are the sickest of all. Other pains and sicknesses are no match.
2) Oh, a broken leg? You can bet their leg was shattered in 60 different places, and required the surgeon general to fly in to give recommendations.
3) A research presentation for school? That's right! Their professor is the hardest professor within the state and the research is the most demanding.
4) New computer. They own the fastest, the best, and the greatest on the market!
5) Cough? They've got whooping cough. Pox? They've got small pox. New restaurant? They've eaten there 65 times within the last month, and will gladly give you a review. Service at a restaurant is sub par? Don't worry. They are quick to gripe, complain, and make someone's life extremely miserable.

Even though my tolerance is waning, I still understand that I will always have to work (at church, school, home) that are different. After some thought I decided to compiled a list of ways to deal with annoying character traits.

Don't take a difficult person's behavior to the heart. Their taxing behavior is consistent and affects many people with whom they come in contact.

Don't fight back (or even try to beat them at their own game). That is just as annoying and immature as the trait in question.

Don't try to change them. The only change that should occur is one’s response to a certain behavior.

Do look for the lesson. What are you supposed to learn from this person?

Do surround yourself with people that you are compatible with and can restore positive energy.

What else can you add?

A New Blog

I thought I'd let you know about a new blog I've started. As you may know, I am currently a social worker. After undergrad I decided to test the social working waters and found it to be a very interesting field. I initially applied to grad school to obtain my Master's in Public Administration with the idea to run a non-profit organization. However, after some prayer, I decided to put the MPA on hold and obtain my multiple subject teaching credential.

I am currently in the teaching credential program and plan to have my credential by summer and teaching by fall. I'm currently finishing one of three phases and begin phase two within the next month. Phases two and three involve half and full day student teaching. I decided to create a blog about the experience; I plan to post lesson plans I've created, reflect on my assignments/readings, and network with individuals in the educational community.

I have also created a Twitter account, and you can follow me if you wish.

The blog: http://thinkteachlearn.edublogs.org
Twitter: ThinkTeachLearn
Website: under construction www.thinkteachlearn.com