A Variety of Events

So much has been happening and I haven't taken the time to update my blog.  All is so positive and I usually don't have any trouble writing about the good things!!   

Best news for Gilbert Public Schools is that the Override and Bond passed.   I continue to be impressed with the hardworking and dedicated community members who did so much work and made sure that this passed.   I can only hope that our entire state (and country) can come together on such important issues and find a common ground to solve problems. 

October was a busy month for me.   My dear friend, Susie and I, went to the Garth Brooks concert in downtown Phoenix.  We took the light rail and had dinner and then saw Garth.  It was an amazing concert!!!!    I couldn't believe the energy that  he had for the entire concert.  It was well worth going to it.  And taking the light rail was fun!  It was filled with people going to the concert.    

The next day I went to Vegas with my dear friends, Elise and Jessie.  They picked me up in the morning and we drove to Vegas.  While waiting for them to get here, I felt something crawling up the leg of my pants.  My worst nightmare--a scorpion!  I was stung three for four times before I could get it out.   Having never been stung by a scorpion, I wasn't sure what to expect.  Although it burned and stung most of the day, I was very happy that was the extent of it.   

We got to Vegas and met some friends from Douglas who flew in to meet us at the Palms.  We had tickets to see Bill Maher.  This is the third time that we have gone to Vegas to see Bill and he didn't disappoint!!!!   I love his humor and I love his politics!!!!   It was a great evening.   We stayed until Tuesday.  I love to play slots, but haven't done much lately as my luck on them has not been good.  I hate to put money in and lose it all right away!!! So I did other things while Jessie and Elise played the slots.   The Palms is a great place to stay and they have a movie theater so we saw a couple of movies.  I have been to more movies in the last few months since I moved back than probably in the last 20 years!!!

Tuesday night after getting back, I met my friend, Patty for drinks and dinner at the Red Robin.   We had been there a little over an hour when a Mesa Police Officer came in and asked if anyone had a red CRV.  That was me!!!!   He told me that a school bus had backed into my car after letting the band kids off to eat at a fast food restaurant nearby.  The bus was from Safford.  So I went out to the parking lot.  The bus driver and band director were really upset.  I told them not to worry because I totally understood and I know that schools have great insurance.  If they had to have an accident, I think it was good it was someone like me!!!   All is fixed and now I am just waiting to be reimbursed for my deductible!!!

Then on Friday, we had tickets to the "Book of Mormon" at Gammage.  My friends, Jessie and Elise, came up for that and stayed with me.  Once again, we took the light rail to Tempe, had dinner and then walked to Gammage.  We saw the musical in Chicago a few years ago and it didn't disappoint at all.  It was great and we had a fun evening!!!!  I love being able to take the light rail to events!!!

Elise and Jessie spent the weekend.  Saturday night, Lloyd and Amanda (more friends from childhood) came to dinner.  We had a great time and played my favorite board game--Cards Against Humanity!!

I can't begin to explain how much I am enjoying my retirement.  I have one project I am working on through ASU in that I am mentoring a first year principal.  I have had to go to several all day workshops so at least I am keeping current on a few things in education!! But for the most part, I have time to do just what I want.

I have Teresa often.  She was with us for about 10 days and we ended up in the emergency room last Saturday night after church.  I was really worried about her, but it turned out to be a UTI and she is well on the mend.  It continues to sadden me to see the decline in her mental faculties. Teresa having to leave Douglas has been and continues to be very difficult for her as she was born at 858 in 1922.  However, her being with us is the best thing for her (and us).   When she is here, I try to take her out with friends and keep her mind going, but it is getting harder and harder to get her out and about.   My cousins came over for lunch on Tuesday and brought the three darling little girls.  Teresa loves the babies so that was really good for her.

I joined 24 Hour Fitness several weeks ago.   It is free with my state retirement insurance.  So I go to the gym several days a week and have really enjoyed working out.  I think I am in the best shape of my life!!!  I have been involved in a "fitbit challenge" and I have won it three out of the four weeks!! Never won any kind of athletic event in my life!!!!

So this kind of sums up the last several weeks!  Just want to keep a little journal for myself and what is happening!  It is fun to go back and read after time has passed.

I absolutely love this time in my life.  My 43 years of hard work have paid off and I am so happy to be back in my house and back seeing old and dear friends and being able to see my wonderful cousins much more often!!!!  LIFE IS GOOD!!!!! 

The Importance of Public Education

Last Friday afternoon, I went to Fry's to get some groceries.  All of a sudden, two little girls came running up to me.   One of them told me that she was in kindergarten the last year I was principal at Gilbert El and now she is a sixth grader.  They were there with their parents and the mom reminded me that she was also a student when I was the principal.  That can happen when you spend 20 years somewhere!!   I was so touched that she remembered me and wanted a hug.   As I walked through the store, I got a bit teary as these relationships are so important to me.

When I got home I did a post about what had happened on Facebook.   I did a bit of a "rant" about what is currently happening in Arizona and around the country to public education.  The lack of funding in Arizona in particular is a travesty of such major proportions that I believe we are in a real crisis.  Here is what I wrote:

I just don't understand why education is taking such a beating by politicians, in Arizona especially. The unwillingness to fully fund public education is beyond scary and is such a disservice to the future of our country. The reason the US is a leading country in the world is that ANYONE can get an education here. I always remember my mom telling me that we should always vote yes in every election that was for funding education even though we went to a Catholic school because of the importance of public education. I don't care what political party anyone belongs to...we need to wake up and take care of our children and keep good people in the field of education by adequately compensating them. I hope that everyone out there (who can) votes YES for the Gilbert Override and I sincerely hope that people will reflect on who they vote for in the next election and determine if that candidate truly cares about the future of Arizona and our country. I read today that there is a surplus of money in Arizona but there is still going to be a huge fight about how much (or how little) will go to the schools. I had an incredible 43 year career in education and I hate that things are in such a mess. I know getting a hug shouldn't set me off, but it is all about the children and the relationships that are built.

Since I have been back in Gilbert, I have done some work on the GPS Bond and Override Campaign.  Last weekend, I walked neighborhoods both Saturday and Sunday going door to door asking people to vote yes.  It was a very rewarding experience.   I continue to be so impressed with the Gilbert community coming together to take care of the great schools here.  The committee is bi-partisan and there are people on the committee who are conservative Republicans and liberal Democrats.  But they all understand the importance of public education.  It has been good for my soul to see this happen.   

A few years after I left Gilbert, the Board majority became a "tea party" majority.   In just a few short years, this Board did so much damage to the wonderful District that I had worked in for 39 years.    The superintendent, all of the assistant superintendents, many quality administrators and teachers left the District because of this.  I believe it will take years to repair the damage.  However, it is well on its way to getting better because of the support of the community.   They were able to get the Board majority reversed the last election to bring some sanity back.  

I am proud to be a part of this effort.  I have always "preached" that we have enough outside forces trying to destroy education that we should all be working together.  This was one of the sad parts of my previous position in that a very few "very" narrow minded people did their best to try to destroy the good things that were happening.  They tried to take the focus off of what the real problem is--state funding.   But as I have said before, I still believe "what goes around, comes around" and they have to deal with the extreme damage that they have done through the years.........

The comments that I got from my post on Facebook were amazing!!!!!!  I may post some of them on my blog.  

I am loving being able to be involved in so many different activities now that I have time.  I am looking forward to being able to do more in the future.  I have even been asked to run for the Board here by several people.  Not sure that is something I want to do, but will definitely leave my options open!

A Few Days in "My" Paradise!

Last weekend,  I went to Douglas and took Teresa down to spend a few days as she really misses 858 and Douglas. The move up here has been very hard on her as Douglas and 858 have always been her home.  We left early on Friday so that she could play bridge with her friends.  I was able to connect with some friends who I worked with Friday night   It was great!!!

The main reason I went down was to spend a few days at the cabin.   I hadn't been there for awhile and it was so nice to get up there.  My friends, Elise and Jessie, went up there with me, as well as my pugs.   

We left early Saturday morning.  It lightly rained most of the day and it was beautiful.  We had a nice fire going outside most of the day.   Jessie cooked our steaks on the wood fireplace which has a grill.  Steaks cooked on the wood are absolutely delicious.   We had to eat inside because of the rain, which turned out to be a very good thing.  Right after we ate, Jessie went outside for something and there was a huge (and beautiful) skunk right outside the back door.  She sort of chased Jessie who ran quickly to get back in the cabin.   If the pugs had been outside, it would definitely not have been a good thing.  I don't remember seeing a skunk around there before.

Sunday was clear and beautiful.   We decided to hike up the road, which has been closed for over a year.   Last September, the hurricane did incredible damage.   The road became the creek right above the cabin.  I hadn't really been up very far so it was unbelievable to see what damage water can do.   We basically hiked up a creek with so many rocks.   

The mountain right behind the cabin is beautiful.   When you climb to the top, you can see all the way out to the Animas Valley in New Mexico.   Because of the trees, I had never really seen how beautiful the rocks are.   There was a place right up the road where the trees were taken out by the water so we were able to see the rock formations.   They are breathtakingly beautiful!!

 The Chiricahuas are so beautiful and I love the solitude of the cabin.   It was good for my soul and it was great to spend time with Elise and Jessie.  

Monday a big storm was coming in so we packed up and left as soon as we could.  The rain was really coming down hard through the trees.

I hope to be able to get down more often now, even though it is a bit of a drive.   It is so relaxing and so rejuvenating.

Good Friends, Good Times!

For the past many years, four of my friends and I have gotten together for a "girls" few days and have gone out of town for a few days for some fun times or just meet for happy hour or go to a movie.    This week we we went to Flagstaff for three days of fun!!!

We were all administrators together for many years in Gilbert.   Jill was a junior high principal, Sharon and Susie were elementary principals, and Bev was curriculum at the District.    Jill was hired the same year I became an administrator-1988.  

We were trying to remember how many years we have been getting together and all of the places we have gone.  We figure it is about 14 years.   We have been to San Diego, Rio Rico, Casa Grande, downtown Phoenix and downtown Tempe.    We met in Bisbee several times while I was in Douglas.  The times in Bisbee were so great for me!   We always have an incredible time when we get together. 

When we get together, we talk, eat, and are "merry" most of the time!    So many laughs are shared and stories about our lives and families are listened to and advice given!!!   I found this quote and it is so appropriate for our times together:

"Most of us don’t need a psychiatric therapist as much as a friend to be silly with."~Robert Brault

I cannot express how much getting together with these friends means to me, especially the last few years.    They have been such great friends.   I am so thankful for our time together!

SUCH FUN TIMES!!!!!!

Introducing Baby Colton to the Family!

A couple of weeks ago, we had a family party/shower to introduce Baby Colton, Ryan's new little guy, to the family.    He was born in April and this was the first time we were able to get everyone together.   All of the cousins came with all of the little kids and very generous gifts for Colton.   Colton is Teresa's great grandson and Judy's grandson and he is precious!!  He looks so much like Ryan.  He is a very happy baby and has big smiles.

I love all of my Phoenix cousins.   It is so nice to be back here and be able to get together with everyone.  I hope that we will be able to get together a lot more often.

The kids were all able to swim and we had hot dogs, hamburgers, and beans (of course)!  And always there were plenty of ice cold beverages!! 

All of the little kids are so sweet with Teresa and she is in her glory around the family.   I am going to try to arrange more time for us to get together so that she can be around the family.   It is what is most important to her (and to all of us).   

We are so fortunate to have such a great and loving family!!!!

A Beautiful Poem

I haven't written much lately--not sure why.    It has been a quiet two months for me and I have had a chance to unwind and relax.     This is something that I haven't been able to do in many, many years!   It has been absolutely great!

I love how technology has allowed people to reconnect in various ways.   Social media has to be used responsibly.   When it is, it provides so many opportunities.   One of the greatest things for me is being able to reconnect with former students and families from many years ago.   All of the students are adults now--some were in my third grade class and others were at Gilbert El when I was principal.

Several years ago I received a beautiful, framed poem from a family that was absolutely amazing.  I think they gave it to me when their daughter finished sixth grade.  I always had it displayed in my offices.    When I was unpacking and putting things away here at home, I placed it in a special spot in my room.   Yesterday I posted a picture of it on Facebook and thanked the family for giving it to me.  I am friends with most of them and it was so nice to be able to say thank you again many years later.   I continue to be amazed at the many blessings I have had over the years and very thankful for the opportunities to work with so many wonderful people!!

 

Flag for Hope

Last June when we went to Alabama, we visited Nashville for a few days.   While we were in Nashville, we were able to participate in an incredible project called "Flag for Hope."   Kerri, Cam and I were able to have our hand prints on this flag.  It was so touching and I was so excited to be a part of this amazing project!

Here is the info from their website about what Flag for Hope is about:

 

What is Flag for Hope?

 

The Flag for Hope project was started to help promote UNITY among all Americans.

 

It is about honor and respect for the men and women that have proudly worn a United States Military Uniform and fought for our freedoms. It signifies appreciation and gratitude for those individuals who serve in our communities like police, fire, teachers, doctors and nurses. It calls us to remember all Americans who have made the ultimate sacrifice at the hands of both foreign and domestic enemy attacks. We are all one country and one people. If an American is harmed ANYWHERE, we all suffer and mourn.

This epic mission was started at the Indianapolis 500 on May 23, 2015. The Flag for Hope team will travel across the United States and go to over 120 cities and roughly 300 locations. Our goal is to collect approximately 5,000 American hand impressions on a giant canvas to create the American Flag. Each participant will put their impression on the flag in either red, white or blue paint. There will be 50 American Gold Medal Olympians representing the 50 states. This symbolically will show the solidarity of the entire nation. Lastly, the 50 stars will be Iconic Americans that have greatly contributed to the strength of our country. They will be honored in 5 categories of significance. They are as follows:

1. Humanitarian/Philanthropy/Business
2. Entertainment/Music
3. Sports Legends
4. American Heroes/Veteran
5. American Heroes/Civilian

The Flag For Hope will be completed on Veteran’s Day, November 11, 2015 at the Arlington National Cemetery. Finally, the flag will be donated to a museum like the Smithsonian Institute for all Americans to view for generations to come.

In August, I was contacted by Darcy from Flag for Hope.  She said that they were coming to Arizona and asked if I would like to host a private party.   Of course I said "ABSOLUTELY I WOULD!!!!!!"    What an honor!!  So on Sunday, August 30, 2015, we had Don and Marcos here at my house from 2:00 through 5:00.  We invited several people and ended up with 35.   Most everyone stayed the entire time.   By now the flag was very filled compared to June so everyone put their fingerprints in red on it.  Then Marcos videotaped each person on what the flag means to them.  My aunt Teresa was able to participate also and she was very touched.

In order to go along with the theme, I made red chili meat, got blue corn tortillas chips and had white tortillas (also beans and salsa) for everyone who came.   There will only be around 5000 people who participate in the entire country.  They hope to put it in the National Museum and eventually the Smithsonian.    And we all got to be part of history!  I was so honored to host this party.

Here is what Darcy wrote on Facebook about our event:

Here is a great story from Gilbert, Arizona. These Flag for Hope Day pictures are from a gathering hosted by Sheila Rogers. We originally met Sheila in Nashville, TN but when she heard we were in Arizona she contacted us to host an event. It was especially nice to hear Sheila talk about how far the Flag has come since she saw it initially. Sheila, as well as most of the guests are current or retired school teachers. Thanks for the great work and support Arizona! ‪#‎flagforhope‬ 

While they were in Arizona, they added the first three of 50 stars to the flag...John McCain, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor, and Muhammad Ali!   What great company we were in!!!

This week they have been in New York City of the 9/11 anniversary.  I cannot begin to express what being a part of this has meant to me and how honored I was to be asked to host an event.  I know everyone who was here that Sunday feels the same way.  We are blessed!!!!!!