Nervous!

March 20, 2015 by ramblingsofaperforatedmind in Teaching and tagged SHH, Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica, Spanish Honor Society | Leave a comment

I had been stressing about tonight since the beginning of school. Seriously. Months of stress for a ten-minute ceremony.

Every spring (ish), qualifying Spanish 2 students are invited to join the Sociedad Honoraria Hispanica. In English, that’s the Spanish Honor Society. The ceremony is usually small, attended by parents of the few students who have earned a spot, but since students run most of the ceremony (in Spanish), I always worry. It’s what I do best.

I came home a bit after 4:00, relaxed for a few minutes, showered and “put myself together.” Tonight I even put on my “bling.” I went on to school after I made Bela take a picture or two of me dressed up instead of messed up. (Usually I run amuck in ratty jeans and a T.)

My students did a great job running the ceremony and serving out the refreshments after. I shouldn’t have been so worried. After ten minutes of Spanish, I could really relax and focus on visiting with some of the parents. I then moved on to have a piece of cake. 🙂

Wordless Wednesday

March 18, 2015 by ramblingsofaperforatedmind in Twists and Turns and tagged blocks, building blocks, Goodwill | Leave a comment

Coolest things ever….found for $3 at Goodwill.

State Shoot!

March 16, 2015 by ramblingsofaperforatedmind in Twists and Turns and tagged air rifle, shooting, state competition | Leave a comment

Bela was not interested in being photographed, but I managed to snap a few pics anyway. I am proud of her because today’s state shoot was only her second competition. She’s been practicing, of course, but a meet is totally different. The kids in her age group have been shooting air rifles for years, and Bela started in February.

Bela was bobbing and weaving to avoid the camera.

Our club shirts look awesome.

Don’t Wait!

March 14, 2015 by ramblingsofaperforatedmind in Twists and Turns and tagged grief, grieving, no regrets, tears | Leave a comment

Our community has had so many unexpected deaths lately that it feels like we are in perpetual mourning. I wonder how many more tears must be shed before we can heal.

From my perspective, I must offer some advice to those who have not yet been touched by tragedy. Pay attention. You don’t want to live with regrets.

Don’t wait to take that “special” vacation with loved ones. Travel when you can. Thinking you have all the time in the world is a huge mistake. Nobody is guaranteed tomorrow. One thing we all know for sure is that nobody gets out of life alive.

If someone needs a hug from you, give it happily. They may not ask again. I know sometimes I get in a hurry, but my Ysabela opens her arms for a hug. I hug her. What if she never asks again?

Special occasions happen daily. Did you get up this morning? Victory! Wear your best jewelry! Use the fine china for supper! You don’t need a reason to celebrate life.

Work hard for what you want out of life. Play hard, too. There’s a time and place for everything.

If you feel like you want to get to know someone better, make the effort. Next week may be too late to grab a cup of coffee with him or her.

Don’t wait to live your life. Putting things on hold will haunt you.

Getting With the Program

March 13, 2015 by ramblingsofaperforatedmind in Twists and Turns and tagged cats, puppy sling, snuggling, wearing dogs | Leave a comment

These girls found a place to snuggle.

Jinx finally settled in to the “puppy packer.”

Jinx discovered she wouldn’t be dropped, so she took a nap.

It Started Innocently Enough

March 11, 2015 by ramblingsofaperforatedmind in Twists and Turns and tagged pets, puppy wearing, sling | Leave a comment

My friend, Laura, said to try “wearing” our dog. She tried it in self defense because her new dog kept getting under her feet. Bela took her advice, and this is what happened.

This happens every day.

Purrful was fine after she figured out what was happening.

Jinx wasn’t so impressed.

What self-respecting cat would sit still for this?

Chance was feeling the love!

National Language Service Corps

March 10, 2015 by ramblingsofaperforatedmind in Twists and Turns and tagged foreign language skills, language skills, National Language Service Corps, NLSC, OPI exam, volunteering | Leave a comment

In my quest to do something different, I signed up with the National Language Service Corps. I learned about NLSC at the ACTFL conference in San Antonio in November. The rep knew her business, and I was hooked on the idea of using my language skills in volunteer situations (in or out of the United States).

When I got home after the conference, I visited the website and filled out an application. I had to provide detailed information about my language skills, of course, and documentation as requested. Fortunately, I had already taken the OPI exam, so I knew my language competency, and I provided a copy of the results. I think it’s awesome (and smart!) that additional training is provided if an assignment is given. It’s also nice to be able to accept or reject assignments based on work schedules and other things. After all of my information was verified, I was accepted as a member.

I love having a certificate to add to my portfolio!

If you speak a second (or third) language, please check out the NLSC. You could be a bridge between cultures.

http://www.nlscorps.org/Default.aspx

Torrington Jackpot

March 8, 2015 by ramblingsofaperforatedmind in Twists and Turns and tagged barrel racing, Harley, jackpot, Shambo, Torrington, Wyoming | Leave a comment

My friend, Deb, was kind enough to babysit me today. She took me with her to the barrel racing jackpot in Torrington. Since I still consider myself “new” to Nebraska, I took for granted that I’d be in Nebraska for this shindig. I was a bit surprised when we crossed the state line into Wyoming. It wasn’t that far into Wyoming, but I was excited to see some new territory just the same.

Deb was kind enough to pull over so I could get a shot of Scottsbluff.

Deb’s rig is quite comfortable for humans and animals.

I tried (and failed) to record Deb’s run, but Harley (the young horse) did well. (My daughter needs to give me lessons on how to use her video camera.) I was so disappointed to not have the whole run on video, but I will do better if she ever invites me again.

I had plenty of time to stroll around and photograph many beautiful horses. I had the pleasure of meeting a nice young lady named Bailey. Actually, I saw her run in the arena, loved her horse, and followed her to her trailer to ask if I could get a picture of the horse. Bailey was kind enough to let me take a picture of Shambo. I hope Bailey visits the blog to see the picture. 🙂

Shambo is a beautiful buckskin mare.

Bailey caught this horse during our chat.

This lady was kind enough to pose for me.

Subway, Deb’s ~~dog~~ furry child, was quite indignant because Deb put his collar and tether on him for safety. There was a road right beside the rig, so she made sure he was safe in spite of his protests.