Moment of clarity...

I had a really rough day with my 3rd Period students yesterday and could not shake it off. I was just frustrated that my students were not putting forth effort and disappointed that I could not motivate them. Then when I woke up this morning I realized why I was so frustrated. It was because I love to achieve and get things done and when people don't have that same drive it frustrates me.

I realized that the sound of my students working energizes me! So I changed up my lesson into 3 mini assignments and my students did well. They worked the entire period and I was able to throw in some encouraging words in the end. A VERY energizing and good day!!!

So what energizes you about your job? How do you recover/refocus after a rough day at work. I look forward to reading your thoughts.

New book to read..."Learnt"...

I ran accross this book, "Learnt" by Edward Baldwin a couple of weeks ago while visiting my brother in Orlando. I was drawn to the book because of the title and was pleasantly surprised to read that the author lives in Jacksonville. I have since exchanged e-mails with Mr. Baldwin. He is definitely the REAL deal and I am looking forward to starting Learnt this weekend. He gave me some good pointers on writing and how to focus and get your point accross. If you get a chance be sure to pick it up. It is not everyday a book is written about High School students and the struggles of teaching.

Another good book around a similar primace is Wonderland by Michael Bamburger. Bamburger ended up spending a year at a High School up in Pennsylvania and writing about his experiences. I gulped that one a couple of years ago.

So have you read any good books lately? Look forward to reading your thoughts!

Watch Oprah on Friday!!!

I am not the biggest Oprah fan, but will be watching this Friday. She is doing a show dedicated to people who hate their jobs and Marcus Buckingham will be on. It sounds like a neat premise. He took a group of women over a 5-month period and coached them through their career crisis' through the use of StrengthsFinder and his Trombone Player Wanted Short-Film series. I am interested in seeing the show. Marcus is an AMAZING speaker and has a PASSION for the Strengths Movement.

I am not sure what time Oprah comes on in your area, but check your local listens or you can go on her website at http://www2.oprah.com/index.jhtml

I hope y'all are having a GREAT week. Mine has been full of many ah-ha moments and laughter with my students. As well as taking friends through strengths-coaching. I love to help people to reach their full-potential. I am TRULY living the dream.

What is your Hi-Light of the Week so far...I look forward to reading your thoughts...more later.

I LOVE LA...

Not only is it a great song by Randy Newman, but it expresses my feelings for Los Angeles. Just got back from my trip and it was GLORIOUS! I am a huge fan of LA and it was fun experiencing StrengthsFinder training and eating at In and Out.

I am excited to bring the Strengths Movement to Jacksonville, not only in the classroom, but to my church as well. The possibilities are endless.

I saw three enjoyable movies over the weekend.

My Blueberry Nights - A great road trip movie about a young woman's journey (Norah Jones) as she finds herself and encounters many unique people along the way. Definitely worth your time. 3 1/2 stars.

Run Fatboy Run - A great comedy about the importance of commitment and persevering through life. If you are a fan of Simon Pegg (Sean of the Dead), you will enjoy this one. 3 stars

Leatherheads - George Clooney and Renee Zellwigger are great in this fun movie about pro-football in the 1920's. This one is not to be missed. 3 stars

I was reminded of how sweet the journey of life is while I was in Los Angeles. May you take some time to enjoy yourself today and experience life fully where you are.

Christmas in April...

I am in the middle of Spring Break and enjoying EVERY minute of it. The list is long of why I love being a teacher and Spring Break is certainly one of them.

I am off to Los Angeles tomorrow and am SO excited I can hardly contain myself. It has been 4 years since I have been back and Iam looking forward to visiting places that were dear to my heart during my time in 2003 (Ameoba, In and Out, Cafe 101). Should be a good time. I am also looking forwad to watching Leatherheads at the Arclight. Tonight feels a little like the night before Christmas and hope that I am able to get some sleep tonight. If not I will have plenty of time to sleep on the plane. I love to fly!!!

I ran accross a cool talk by Dave Eggers yesterday. It is well worth your time. Dave's passion for students is SO contagious. I look forward to reading your thoughts and will be back next week to blog about my experience in Los Angeles. Until then, I hope you are inspired by Dave's words!

http://www.ted.com/index.php/talks/view/id/233