“I need to know," we tell ourselves. "No," God answers softly, "You need to trust.” ― Joanna Weaver

A friend of mine happened to post this today on Facebook.  It was very timely for me.

Re-do...

The story of my life... or at least my new life!  Re-do... it's better than No Can Do...

I am finally able to catch a breath between readings and assignments and research to reflect on the week.  This week is much different than last - not in terms of intensity but in responsibilities. Last week we were taken away from family and chores and errands and bills and cooking and cleaning and laundry to focus on our new beginning.  This week we were back in the saddle... learning how to manage both worlds, and let's just say I am getting the hang of it.  But, not before I passed out Monday night at 8PM in my clothes and jewelry and awoke the next morning!

The hot item of the week deals with core values and how they define me.  I got a great idea to talk with Chris about "who I am" (how people see me) from a team member of mine.  I asked for his input which went absolutely NO WHERE.  In his words, I am energetic and uhhhhh, uhhhhh outgoing and uhhhhh, uhhhhh.... You get the picture.  So, I will DIG DEEP into the pit of who I am to share with all what I believe.  For those of you who know me, I may have to paraphrase at this point and embellish to protect my true identity! BAHAHAHAHAHA

Jeni

PS: In case you are wondering, family and education are my top two core values.  What defines you?

It's Good to be Home!

Home: my kids, my husband, my bed!  We went out to dinner, watched a movie that Zac wanted to see, and made David's birthday cake for his party today.  I made a pact with myself that I wouldn't return to the books until after David's party.

After this first week, I decided to take a look at my own life as mom, wife, daughter, sister, aunt, friend, neighbor... all very important components.  How am I viewed from their perceptions?  How can I be a better person? 

And, I was glad to be home, protected from the realities of the world, realities that I never really thought about until yesterday... 

Yesterday shook the very being of who I am.  I have never been faced with anything like that. Without saying too much (to protect the integrity of this program), what happened yesterday morning took me to a place I have never been before that tested my core values, my faith and my patience.  But that one incident will also make me a better leader.  I needed that one incident to remind me of those very real realities.  

So, here's to you "Mr. F-U".  May I never meet anyone like you again, but, if I do, I will have a foundation from which to start.

On a lighter note, I find myself laughing at stories I heard all week.  My husband looks at me and just shakes his head... yes, it's good to be home!

It's Only Day 4...

How did you infer the post title?  Did you interpret it in a negative or positive way?  

Tuesday was a tough day for me.  I felt inept and anxious and not in control.  I have always been in the know. I have always been in control, queen of my own castle.  I drowned my sorrows all day with coffee, tea and Mountain Dew.  And, guess what?  All night, I tossed and turned and got to thinking.  Why am I not being true to who I am?  Why am I allowing negative thoughts drag me down?  

So, thank you caffeine!  Being awake made me realize I don't have to be in control.  This is learning in the making.  I walked into class the next morning with a zip in my step - even though I hadn't slept - and I informed the group that I WAS BACK!

Today I proclaimed IT'S ONLY DAY 4! It is not month 4 or day 364.  I am at peace with the understanding that I do not know everything.  I am at peace knowing it will be an uphill journey from this point on.  I am at peace with the unknown...

On a brighter note... I have met 19 amazing educators who have come together from all walks of life with the same goal.  We are already close and IT'S ONLY DAY 4!  They say laughter is the best medicine which has helped us keep our sanity this week!

So, here's to day 4 and 5 and 6 and....

Perfection is so yesterday!

So, here's cohort 3... looking all professional and full of life!  I wonder if our coaches took this picture the first day for a reason???

Today was a good day.  We learned lots... and a lot about each other. Walking into the unknown was a little unnerving, and I got a tad queasy with the realization that I am a principal intern. Mistakes will be made and that is okay... which is good news for me because I have a good feeling that there will be some in my near future!

Mountains are not perfect. They're rugged, chipped... flawed by various elements. Yet, they are still beautiful. Like those mountains, I will not be flawless, but those imperfections will pave the way for some pretty amazing learning!

Twas the night before class...

Twas the night before class and no cohort member did stir.
I sat staring at words that soon became a blur.

Okay, enough of that already! 

I chose to write a blog to chronicle my next year as I move from teacher to administrator. I decided I needed a way to unpack my thoughts as this year progresses.  So, the lucky few of you who will suffer through my wit (or lack thereof) will get to share a small glimpse of my world.

...I am sitting here in my one room/one bath accomodations at NCCAT putting away my books after one last review/cram session.  I have two alarm clocks set for fear I will oversleep.  (I have also informed my Moore County pals to knock on my door if they don't see me by 8:30.) I have IRONED my clothes for the week.  (Shhh... If Chris finds out this piece of information, I will be forced to assume this role at home.) 

I have read MORE BOOKS IN THE PAST MONTH THAN I READ MY WHOLE HIGH SCHOOL CAREER! However, those ideas have now massed themselves together into one mutated blob.  May the good Lord keep that blob intact until I wake tomorrow and get a good two cups of coffee in me before the "fun" begins.

Good night!