Comfort is 4 snow days in a row forcing me to stay inside (to avoid Texans attempting to drive in the ice and now 6 inches of snow) under fuzzy blankets, drinking tea, watching endless cooking shows, and baking & cooking until I ran out of the essentials (eggs and flour). After about 6 loads of laundry, completing the dirty cleaning that you never want to do, organizing paperwork, watching a couple movies that were on my list, baking brownies & muffins & bread, and cooking two different soups & risotto, I am left with updating my blog! There is really no excuse not to at this point! In fact, it was my new year's resolution to continue with this blog.
Comfort Food (that these past snow days have given me):
1. Cocoa Brownies
2. Apricot-Almond Muffins
3. Irish Oatmeal Bread
4. Spicy Vegetable Bean Soup
5. Butternut Squash Risotto
6. Cranberry-Walnut Pumpkin Coffeecake
7. Tempranillo Red Wine ( a "food friendly" Spanish red wine)
I continue to find comfort in cooking and baking for myself especially during the cold weather and during failing teaching moments. Although I find joy in cooking and enjoying homemade meals for myself, I have started to become tired of using a great deal of my energy after school and yoga to cook... only to appreciate it with myself and a glass of red wine (and maybe Glee, Modern Family, or the Food Network). Any takers on coming over for dinner every night? I would find even more comfort in cooking for those that I love and savoring each bite with them. I was able to find this comfort this past weekend when my parents came to visit. We were able to cook and relish in numerous homemade meals together. Grilling fresh fish outside in the 70 degree weather was a big hit!
It has been difficult to find a great deal of comfort in my teaching since the holidays. I cannot imagine how it will be after students are at home for the summer, because two weeks of winter break creates an extreme lack of motivation that has carried over to me as well.
I have been able to find comfort in a few creative teaching ideas:
1. The Justin Bieber Fever- My main student, the 13 year-old girl, couldn't be more motivated than when we read Justin Bieber lyrics! This is used as a warm-up to reading lessons and once she reads the lyrics at an appropriate pace, we listen to the song as she follows along. Don't question me if you hear me humming these songs, I have a legitimate excuse now!
2. The "Never Again" Bag- Master a reading worksheet 1 time gets you a staple (a tactual marker), master it 3 times with 3 staples gets it in the "Never Again" Bag, 10 completed worksheets each with 3 staples gets you a dollar store prize, AND... 5 bundles of 10 completed worksheets earns you a field trip ( I really hope we get to this)!
3. Individualized Spelling Lists- My main student and I create weekly spelling lists together containing words that she consistently spells incorrectly, new words from her academic classes, or new words that she thinks are important to learn (i.e. her new friend's name or the month).
4. Collaboration! - Not exactly anything new, just the key to education! I have only recently recognized the true benefit from my collaboration with my students' Orientation and Mobility (O& M) instructor. We have not only become great friends, but we have created valuable and fun lessons together including field trips and cooking.
I have also found comfort in a few of my main student's cute & humorous quotes:
1. "Thank you for getting mad, I really was falling asleep" - After yelling at her for completely losing concentration
2. "How beautiful, that is so wonderful, he wants to help" - After reviewing the lyrics to Bieber's song, "I Pray"
3. "I really appreciate you teaching me that...I can't wait to go home and tell my family what I learned" - After teaching her the story of Louis Braille
Yoga continues to bring me some of the greatest comfort. It brings a great deal of optimism into many aspects of my life. I have even been able to do yoga during these snowed-in days at home. I plan to begin a 21-day yoga challenge in the next few days!
http://21daychallenge.yogajournal.com/
Following Anna's journey in Malaysia as a Fulbright Scholar gives me so much comfort! I love to read her inspiring stories and learn about a new culture through her adventure.
I am not sure if I will find much comfort in the weekend ahead and my experience with the girls' next door, Holly and Bridget...I am looking forward to my time at the Leather and Laces Super Bowl Party though! If anything, I get to dress up, spend time with good friends, and experience the best people watching!
