New Year's Eve...2010

Another year is coming to a close... and what a year it has been! It's had the good, the bad, and the ugly... and everything in between. Here's hoping that the new year is a blessed one.

... And out the other side....

I had my MRI today... I can totally understand how someone with claustrophobia would have a hard time! I was okay, it didn't bother me all that much, but I do recommend closing your eyes... it doesn't seem to be as enclosed that way. And thank heavens for earplugs... noisy machine! (LOL).
When I registered, I asked approximately what the price would be - wanna take a wild guess???
The lady who was registering me told me that it would be about $2,300! (Give or take a few (hundred) dollars) Yes, you read it right - $2,300. Thank goodness for insurance - but even that won't cover everything. Still, I know people without insurance, so I feel blessed.
Because of the holiday weekend, I won't hear from the doctor's office until at least Monday... hopefully, they won't find anything too drastic... still, I hope they can figure out what is going on... otherwise it was just a very expensive photo shoot... and I didn't get to keep the proofs... :-)
Until next time....

Through the donut hole....

I get to have an MRI on Thursday ... fun...fun... NOT!

Comforting questions they ask you -

 1) Are you claustrophobic? ( umm...haven't been before- should I start now??? LOL) 

 2) Do you have any metal in your body?( You mean besides the plate in my head and my titanium will???   LOL)

I've been having issues with my back and leg for a while now.... figured I should get it looked at. They tried a few things, but they haven't worked completely, so now they want to scan it... seems to me that should have been one of the first things, but, hey... I understand they have to work around insurance procedures and all that...

Merry Christmas!

It has been a great holiday break so far. Last night my parents and I went to visit with my sister and her family to wish her husband a Happy Birthday - since he has the fortune (or misfortune) of being born on December 24th. We watched part of a Mormon Tabernacle Choir Christmas concert with them and had pie and ice cream for dessert. After we left my sister's house, we went up to watch one of my brothers' family do the nativity story. It was quite cute - from an eager angel, to a frowning Herod, to a toddler Jesus, not to mention shepherds and wise guys - I mean wise men... along with a couple of Christmas carols accompanied by by nephews on the piano. I am glad that my siblings are teaching their children the true meaning of Christmas, along with all of the modern seasonal trappings.

Today was a wonderful day with my family. First, after sleeping in just a little, my parents and I exchanged gifts this morning. (Thanks Dad and Mom for all you do.) We then went to visit several of my siblings and their families to see what the jolly man in red had left for them. I'd have to say that the man from the North Pole was very generous to all of us. This afternoon we got together to enjoy a wonderful dinner and good company. It is a blessing to have so many member of my family so close by. We also got to talk to family members that are not here at this time. All in all a lovely Christmas day. May your holiday season be filled with family, friends, love, and laughter.

Real Meaning of Christmas

My sister-in-law found this and shared it. I thought it was a great reminder of what the season is about. (Thanks, Megan!)
May we all remember the real reason for the season.

Merry "Christ"-mas!

And so it goes...

Today signaled the end of an era in my life... sounds ominous, right? Not really, but it is momentous for me. I can honestly say that I never thought I would be a principal in any stretch of my imagination. And yet today was my final day as simply a teacher. When I return to school in January I will be a principal. Fortunately, I will still be able to be in the classroom, so it won't be a complete change of scene. Today I found out who my "team" teacher will be  - which is a relief. At least now I know that I will be able to start the new year without having to be a full-time teacher as well as a part-time principal.
Today, we also said a big thank you to the current principal who will now be full-time at the high school. I think that he was touched by the thank you that the students created for him. I hope that he knows he will be missed at the elementary school, not only by the students, but the faculty and staff as well. It hasn't been easy for him to try and be the principal of two schools, especially in the current educational climate. I admire him for even trying. Reality is setting in. I only hope that I can do justice to the job and all those who are counting on me.

The only thing constant is change....

      I've heard that quote over the years and have found that it is so very true. Fast or slow, expected or unforeseen - change is always happening. The last couple of weeks have been filled with changes - positive, yet frightening, and a tad bittersweet.
      A week ago on Thursday (Dec. 9) the superintendent and elementary and secondary supervisors came to visit our school. They had decided, with approval from the school board, to create a half-day principal position at our school, thereby allowing the current principal - who has been splitting his time between the elementary and high school - to be a full-time principal at the high school. This is a change that has been needed for many years, but the timing of it came as a bit of a shock. In separate meetings, they asked to speak with the sixth grade teacher and me because we are in the administrative program. They asked if we would be interested in the position. If we both said yes, then they would set up interviews for the next week. We both expressed interest and the interviews were set up for this past Thursday (Dec. 16). It was a bit of a nerve-wracking day, to say the least. My interview began at about 10:30 a.m. and finished about 45 minutes later. It was a bit intimidating sitting across from a good portion of the district office, plus our local school board member. (Okay, there were only 5 of them, but it was still as intimidating as if there had been twice that number.)
       I felt that I was as prepared as I could be and had prayed for the ability to express my self in an understandable and logical way. When the interview was finished, I felt that I had done pretty well, but I really did not think that I would receive the job. I was simply grateful to have made it through the interview without making any glaring mistakes.
       I knew that the sixth grade teacher is highly qualified, as well, and I knew he would do a good job as a principal. He had several good ideas that he had described during our year and a half in the educational leadership program together and I knew he would present himself well in the interview. When I left the interview, the committee said that they figured they would have the decision with 30 minutes. Nearly 2 1/2 hours later, the elementary supervisor came and escorted me down the the principal's office. (Yes, it did feel as if I was going to the office as a child - my nerves were on edge.) After I was seated in the office, they closed the door and proceeded to offer me the job. To say that I was dumbfounded is the understatement of the year! They told me that it had been a very difficult decision to which I responded that I had not envied them the task. We were both very qualified applicants who brought a variety of strengths to the table.
   As they started to describe what would happen, and the timing of when I would start, it started to sink in that I am sailing into uncharted waters. Instead of having months or even several weeks to prepare, my duties begin on January 3, 2011 - less than three weeks away. I am excited, in that this will be a good change for our school, to have a principal on the grounds. Yet, I am nervous as well, because I want to do a good job and I don't want to disappoint anyone. Additionally, a very qualified person, and a good friend and his family were hurt by the decision,  and that made the moment even more bittersweet because that was the last thing I wanted to happen. My feelings have been on a roller-coaster, feeling torn between feeling grateful for this new experience and not wanting to cause any hurt. And yet, the very person who could be the most upset at this decision, has been very gracious and kind. I spent the day, yesterday, with his family, as we studied for the Praxis test that we have to take in January as part of our Master's program. It was a good day and I enjoyed the visit with him and his wife and children. They truly have become very close friends, and I hope that never changes.
       This experience is bound to be a growing one for me. I have no illusions going in that it will be an easy job. I know there are times when I will feel isolated and alone and my comfort will be in knowing that I am never alone, that my Savior will always be there to offer comfort and guidance. I also know that I will have the support of a loving family, wonderful friends, and a great faculty and staff as I begin this new adventure.