An overcast Monday...

This Monday began like any other Monday. I prepared to head to work, prepared my mind to wind up my unit on Short Stories and administer an exam later in the week. I ticked off a list of to-do's as I was dressing.

I said my good-byes to my husband, brother and canine babies and out the door I went. I mentally checked to be sure that I had my purse, school bag, computer and cell phone - check. Then I called my son at his dorm - no answer. Okay, he is still asleep and does not have class until 10 AM. Then I texted him and requested that he respond to the text when he awakens...

Then I realized that I was going to be late for work, traffic is backed up. A trip that takes me exactly 12 minutes, took me 30 minutes...no accidents, no policeman, just Sunday drivers on a Monday. My cell phone rang just before I make my arrival on campus and it was my hubby. His medical transportation did not bring a van with adequate equipment to handle his Hoveround...really? This is an emergency appointment and not his regular appointment. He is having some symptoms that we are very concerned about and he says, "Oh, I'll just reschedule it." This is stated in a nonchalant manner. Do you know how long it takes to get a doctor's appointment in Shreveport, Louisiana - FOREVER! My stress level has increased exponentially.

Back to my son...I received my response as requested in the form of a texted "?" - Really? Mind you, my son has been suffering with a severe sinus infection and working through it. He goes to work at Red Lobster then medicates himself at night. Yes, I am a concerned mama and his response is a blasted question mark...Stress level doubled.

I get to my classroom door and pull out my lanyard - NO KEY! (I need to go back to bed at this point.) The key is always on my lanyard! I finally just dove into the bottom of my big red school bag and searched until I found the key at the very bottom underneath ungraded papers, books, receipts, etc. (Remember it's not 8 AM yet!)...this day has to get better...

Today is a new day...

The title of today's blog is a refrain that is sung every morning at my school. The lyrics to the song begin..."Today is a new day, a new chance, a new start..." I try to embrace that even more now that I am facing a lifelong battle with sarcoidosis. I was diagnosed in October and it has been and is an uphill battle right now. I have come to terms with the fact that I will live with this condition, but I am determined that I will live symptom free as much as is within my power.

I began oral chemotherapy - Imuran last week. My doctor prescribed this to counteract the effects of prednisone which I have been on since November. The chemo makes me nauseated...the prednisone makes me swell and depressed. In the midst of all of this, I have to try to teach my students who are already behind. Add to this equation, insomnia and you have a volatile state of health and mind. I am trusting God to see me through this though. He has never left me nor forsaken me...so I will continue to tell myself daily...Today is a new day, a new chance, a new start and keep a positive outlook. Be blessed!

Christmas is in the air...

The students are wild and the teachers are ready to send them home to "Momma." This is a sure sign that it is time for the Christmas Break. I will not use the term "Winter Break" because I am not celebrating winter! I am celebrating "Christmas." That said...Jay put up our Christmas tree on Saturday. I am so proud of my son! It helped me begin "feeling" the Christmas spirit - I haven't gotten there totally, but I do have a Christmas cd playing in the car. No gifts have been purchased...Yet, everywhere I look I see evidence of the Season. The neighbors' yards are overflowing with Santas and sleighs and boughs of holly! At my house, we do not do the "Santa" thing. It is all "Joy to the World" and Nativity scenes. I call that "keeping it real." Of course, my son's "Santa" has never been traditional. His is a five foot tall, African American female and there is no way she will fit down a chimney! Hopefully, I will be full fledge into the Spirit of the Season before Decemeber 25th. Maybe if the Browns win Sunday, I will get a big boost!

I am thankful for 2007. I have lost loved ones and friends. I have had disappointments by the score. I am still here though and so far, I have survived. This year has been a year of character building and spiritual pruning. I suppose I will adopt the mantra for 2008 that I developed for 2007 - What's to come is better than what's been...my change will come. Be blessed

I am still here...by the Grace of God!

And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee. Psalm 39: 7

Hello to all of my faithful friends! I haven't blogged for a while. Life has been hectic, but I am blessed, better than blessed! I shared a wonderful Thanksgiving break with my family...literally with my family. I was babysitter to no less than five children everyday of my break. I enjoyed every minute of it! I cooked a full breakfast everyday - pancakes, sausage, eggs, grits and I threw in cinnamon toast for fun. I was also responsible for lunch...in the midst of that, I (the youngest of the family) cooked a full Thanksgiving meal on my own. This was a first...I usually contribute a dish or my assistance. I was given the task all alone this year. I am thankful for the ability and health to do it. I am thankful for being tired after my break. I am thankful for a family to be there for...I am thankful for all things - large, small, good and bad. I am thankful for you...Be blessed!

So much to be thankful for....

Luke 23: 4
4 Then said Pilate to the chief priests and to the people, I find no fault in this man.

As the Thanksgiving Holidays approach, I think about Jesus' ultimate sacrifice. He gave His life for me - a wretch undone, unworthy from birth! Not just me, but for "all" -

Being or representing the entire or total number, amount, or quantity:
Constituting, being, or representing the total extent or the whole:
Being the utmost possible of:
Every:
Any whatsoever: beyond all doubt. (www.dictionary.com)

He did not leave out a soul regardless of race, creed, color, etc. and there was no fault in Him! He never did any wrong. Even Pilate was forced to admit that there was no fault in Him. He could have said - "Okay, Father, I'll go up on the cross, but only for so-and-so..." Some of us would get rid of famly members we do not agree with, church members who do not always go with the flow, people who have not attained the level of success we feel they should, etc...But He died and rose again for us all! Even those of us who have been washed in His blood had to be washed because we were not blameless. Even if our sins were not in "deed", they were in attitude, disobedience, mistreatment of our brothers/sisters, etc. He was "Not Guilty", but received your and my death sentence...and He did not grumble, mumble or pout. He did not insist on His innocence, nor did He protest the undeserved punishment. He willingly stretched out His arms and died, so that we would not have to...for our sins, not His. He gave us the gift of eternal life that we can take or leave freely. I pray for those who do not accept His precious gift. I am glad that He loves me that much. He loves you, too...It is already done! Receive the love of Jesus...When you do not feel good enough in people's eyes, remember you are good enough in Jesus' eyes! Be blessed and be thankful!

T. G. I. F.

Psalm 34:8 O taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him.

It is FRIDAY! We are all ready for the weekend. Most people got paid for all their wonderful efforts this week and are considering going out to eat, to a movie, etc. As you ponder these thoughts...think on the following:

Are you hungry...for love, peace, joy? You have been to various buffets seeking these three very important, yet missing items - the buffets come in the form of men, women, jobs, alcohol, drugs, etc...but you are still hungry? I dare you to try Jesus. O taste and see...He is better than Coke! Like Campbell's soup, He's "hmmm, hmmm good!" He's "good 'til the last drop" and you will not need Alka-Seltzer when you sit at His table. Go ahead, try Him...I dare ya!

An end...or a new beginning...(Last Class Blog)

This is my last official assignment before the "Survey." I have enjoyed my journey through the Web 2.0 tools with all of my classmates. Many of you have shared your stress and frustrations, but you have also shared your knowledge and wonderful ideas for using wikis, blogs, podcasts, etc. Thank you for your humor and openness. Thank you for reminding me that I am not alone because in MS - we are all in this together!

Blogs and wikis will be a mainstay in my classes simply because they are condusive to Language Arts. This will permit my students to venture into areas of writing that are not traditional, and all along I can guide them and encourage the use of correct grammar and punctuation. I will use podcasts and videostreaming as my units permit. I will also use RSS and social bookmarking sites for research.

Don't forget to stop by my blog every now and then. I will keep this blog as a way to vent and share with my friends and fellow teachers. This has been wonderful therapy! I look forward to hearing from you all every now and then. I can't wait to see what comes out on the web next...Be encouraged and be blessed!

I am still here...

And now, Lord, what wait I for? my hope is in thee.
Psalm 39: 7

Hello to all of my friends. I have been blessed with a good job that I absolutely love, a new home within walking distance of my job (gas saver!) and wonderful new friends. My mom is out of the hospital and recuperating at home. She is in good spirits and feeling better. I am still unpacking, but without complaint. My son and I love our new home. I am striving to continue in the walk God has placed before me. By His grace, I am encouraged to continue on my journey. The road is rocky and curvy sometimes, but I know "I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me." For those who are facing tough times, remember to keep your eyes on God, trust in Him and He will see us through! Be thankful today and be blessed!

That's what friends (& family) are for...

Proverbs 17: 17 reads:

A friend loveth at all times, and a brother is born for adversity .

I have pondered over this scripture often. The first part is really self-explanatory. Most of us have friends who love us in spite of our shortcomings. When we are down and out, depressed - we call our friends. But what happens when the friend tires of answering the phone at 2 AM or taking you to the grocery store when your car is down...The second portion of this scripture states that "a brother is born for adversity." Adversity is defined as "a state of hardship or affliction; misfortune; a calamitous event." We are assigned to our biological brothers and sisters, as well as our spiritual siblings, to come to their rescue. Hmm...We were born for that purpose according to that scripture. We are to assume the role of rescuer when our "brothers and sisters" are in trouble. How many times have said-"I feel sorry for so and so..." but never made the effort to see what "I" could do? We call them our brothers and sisters. Our purpose has been given. Have you checked on your natural and spiritual siblings today?

I am having fun with Wendy's!

Hello everyone!

I needed to do something fun today, so I stumbled onto the Wendy's site and decided to join the march for Hot Juicy Burgers. Please visit me there and vote for me.

http://www.hotjuicyburger.com/Suzee


I think all teachers deserve Hot Juicy Burgers (and more) for cultivating the doctors, lawyers, graphic artists, etc. of tomorrow! Be encouraged - It's Hump Day!