Do you remember, the month of September?

I hardly do. It went so fast that I can hardly believe October is already here! But honestly, September was a great month. I am so happy to be back at school. Even though there are stresses here and there, I am loving all of my classes.
The recap of the month:
(oops, this was actually August but you get it)

My Dad, Vicky, and Jessica went to Sacramento for a 'The Real World is Back' pre- relaxation trip. We got to eat at my parents favorite restaurant, Dawson's, and hang out for a day. Jessica and I even spotted a mural from one of Ryan's favorite artists. Made me realize how much I miss Ryan, Lorelei, and Jase when they aren't with us. I was also very lucky to have my dear Rose watch Ralphy.

Speaking of my dear Rose: After months of waiting she finally left. Last year there were a group of students who had a truly remarkable impact on my life. They saved me when I was in the worst year I had ever experienced. We grew so close and as they all left- I still had Rose here. Man I am going to miss her. We did have a lovely evening of homemade soup before she left. Yum.... This is just more proof of how amazing life is and how sometimes, for whatever reason, people are put into your world who make you stronger and better. Each one of these kids holds a special place in my heart. Especially my Matilda.

Even with the carrots :)

I don't know if I have mentioned lately what an amazing nephew I have but if I haven't, let me state for the record : JASE IS AMAZING! He is adorable, kind, talented, intelligent, funny, a little sarcastic, and when he says 'I love you Auntie Kenen' my heart melts. I got to babysit him a few times close together and in the end, the crying until Mom and Dad got home was over and we would laugh and play. On September 19, 2011 he turned 3. We had so much fun at his birthday party! I just can't believe his is 3 and how proud I am to be his Aunt. Also, how proud I am of what amazing parents Lorelei and Ryan are- man he is one lucky kid.



Last but certainly not least, one of my dearest and oldest friends called me to tell me that she was expecting a little one. I am so excited for Rick and Damasa and their future 'Miller Lite'. Another lucky kid to have two such amazing parents.

I hope this blog entry finds everyone feeling blessed and loved. If you aren't, try and find something positive to think about. Your attitude does truly shape your outlook. That is one lesson I have learned over the last month.

"If you don't like something, change it. If you can't change it, change your attitude". - Maya Angelou

Hope and Faith,

~Karen

Just thinking about some things...

Forgive me if this seems scattered and random. Sitting here at work on a Saturday and avoiding actual work for a moment I decide to update my new classroom website and tweet some homework reminders and a quote to my amazing student leaders. As I was sending out the quote I thought how the quote meant something to me:


Do not believe in anything simply because you have heard it. Do not believe in anything simply because it is spoken and rumored by many. Do not believe in anything simply because it is found written in your religious books. Do not believe in anything merely on the authority of your teachers and elders. Do not believe in traditions because they have been handed down for many generations. But after observation and analysis, when you find that anything agrees with reason and is conducive to the good and benefit of one and all, then accept it and live up to it. ~Buddha

I wondered why it was we couldn't just believe others, or history, or how some rumors and gossip become more truth than actual history is believed as fact. I also wondered about character and how hard it seems sometimes for even the best of people to do the right thing.

There are so many blessings in this life. My wonderful family and friends. My amazing job that, while sometimes stresses me out and tests my faith and patience, proves that there could be a much brighter future for us. More than that there are lessons and ways to 'live up to' what we should. There are time when patience is tried and while at the time it seems doomsday- it opens itself up to be something that you learn from and makes you better.

Maybe it is that we can't tell people about character and how important it is. They can't see it from history or tradition but instead they have to experience it for themselves. My hope is that as we all continue to mess up that we learn from out mistakes. More than that I hope we accept them, our role in them, and instead of blaming others, we figure out how to better ourselves from the lessons provided. Also, remember that we are not what we promise or tell or think, we are what we DO- our actions speak louder than words. It is when we live up to our potential that we truly shine.

Even days today when my faith is tested- I am going to continue to believe that those in my life will learn from things and continue to shine and make the world a better place. It is never too late...I am speaking from experience.

I never had a policy; I have just tried to do my very best each and every day. ~Abraham Lincoln


- Lamb