February | 2014 | BulgingButtons

February 17, 2014
by BulgingButtons 5 Comments

My Little Valentines

Friday we celebrated Valentine’s Day in my fourth grade classroom. There was no avoiding it, and honestly I enjoy this celebration.

I’ve always worked to keep it low key, since for the majority of my teaching career I worked in a school where many of the children come from rather dire situations. Sometimes there isn’t money for Valentines, and sometimes there isn’t anyone at home who cares whether a child has Valentines to bring to school or not. It’s really very sad, since a box of store bought Valentines can be had for a dollar, far less than the cost of a pack of cigarettes or six pack of beer or another tattoo, but I digress.

I don’t work in that situation anymore, and the atmosphere on Valentine’s Day was electric. The children were so excited to share their cards and candies, and I couldn’t help but enjoy their enthusiasm. We had a wonderful morning and accomplished all that we set out to do, then after lunch we finally distributed cards. I had a couple of kids who didn’t bring their own cards distribute mine, and I soaked in the atmosphere. The kids were happy and cooperative and they reminded me of my own elementary school Valentine’s days. I also watched as my little bag overflowed, and heart shaped boxes of candy piled up next to it. These kids spoiled me like crazy! Along with the cards and hearts, I received a giant kiss, a pink Webkinz fish, and a Starbucks gift card. All of these are great, but my absolute favorite is the little solar powered pig with wings that I was given by one of my little boys. O.M.G. It’s adorable. The kids know I love my flying pigs, and this little guy found the perfect one. It has a place of honor in the classroom.

I’m so fortunate to work with these children, and with these families who go out of their way to help their kids out and show appreciation for their teachers. I definitely felt the love this Valentine’s Day, and for that I am so grateful.

February 16, 2014
by BulgingButtons 5 Comments

Olympic Dedication

I’ve really been enjoying the Sochi Winter Games. As I’ve been doing all sorts of home improvement projects, I’ve caught several different events. Some of these I didn’t even know existed, and others I had heard of, but knew nothing about. It’s been entertaining and educational.

Watching these Olympics has also made me wonder how it is that Olympians get started. How does someone wake up one day and decide that they’re going to train to be an Olympic skeleton racer, or an Olympic ice dancer? People don’t have ski jumps in their backyards, do they? They don’t have luge courses or mogul hills down the street, right? So somewhere along the way these athletes were introduced to these sports and they began training. I understand figure skating and hockey, snowboarding and downhill skiing, but some of those other sports really puzzle me. How exactly do you begin your short track racing career, or your training in the sport of curling? You just pack a bag and head off to bobsled camp? Enroll in slope style academy? I just don’t know.

In all of the sports, it is clear that the athletes are dedicated and most of them, in my opinion, are fearless. They take incredible risks in order to perform at their peak. Many of them risk life and limb, literally, in order to beat the clock and the competition. They have a fire and dedication that I can’t help but admire, even if I don’t understand it.

I love that every two years we check in on the athletes of the world, and every four years we revisit our favorite events and learn about new ones. I also love that the athletes show us that hard work and dedication do pay off. That’s a message that we can’t hear often enough.

February 13, 2014
by BulgingButtons 6 Comments

My Imperfect World

The race is on. It’s mid-way through February and the house isn’t on the market yet. That’s my fault. There are things that need to be done, and they’re getting done, piece by piece. Boxes have been packed, tubs have been filled, and multiple trips have been made to the storage unit. Whew!

Slowly but surely the house is getting into shape. The new light fixtures look great, and the long unused satellite dish has finally been removed, as has the broken screen door. We’ve power washed the exterior, pulled up all the weeds, and washed the windows. Item after the item on my list has been checked off, but the list is long and there are still plenty of items on it. This is where I need to say to myself, “STOP!”

It’s time to put everything away, wash the floor and wipe down the appliances one more time, and list it. Seriously, I could spend forever trying to make it perfect, and it will never be quite the way I want it. We live in it. A potential buyer will just have to deal with it. It’s not messy, it’s not dirty, it’s a nice house. Want to come see?