To hope...

I'm thankful today for reasons I can't mention in a public blog. I just want it to be known that sometimes life brings wonderful, unexpected hope. And dare I even say the word... miracles?

Let's just hope it lasts!!

To a graduating sib...

At Sibshops today, you did something so brave. You stood up in front of all of your peers and performed a rap you had written for Sibshop Idol. At first you said, "I can't do this," but after much encouragement from the small audience, you took a deep breath and began.

"I know a place, yeah I know a place,
If you wanna talk, if you wanna have fun,
A snowball fight, scavenger hunts,
But don't lose the time cuz it's over at half to one.

Going around, talking about sibs and their needs,
Talking to Aunt Blabby, doing whatever she says
And at lunch, at 11:30 you can get some sugar
So be sure afterward you be takin yo meds.

If you don't believe me and you got a lot of time,
Come down 520 bridge, hook up with Montlake Boulevard.
I guarantee it's no joke, it's just a bunch of average kids,
This isn't no bologna, this ain't no bowl of llama's lard.

I was here in the third grade, I've been here ever since.
2011 is my last year to do all my hops,
But I be back in 3 years for some volunteering, but for now I'm at S.I.B.S.H.O.P. Sibshops!"

Thank you for your courage, compassion, and willingness to step out of your comfort zone. We'll miss you next year!

To our nation's current and past presidents...

Your job certainly isn't easy and often thankless (at least by 50% of the population), so thank you.

Also... much appreciation for the day off.

To CNY...

It's not often that a holiday reminds me of my regrets, but Chinese New Year happens to be one of them.

Why, you ask?

Because I still know far to little about my heritage.

I was born in a household that celebrated everything. Chinese New Year, Santa Lucia Day, St. Nicholas Day, Epiphany, Solistice... to name a few. We learned so much about so many different holidays, that I never took the time to really understand this important holiday of my ancestors.

Today marks the first day of the the Year of the Rabbit and I know this because one of my friends (himself Chinese) invited me to a Chinese New Year's Reunion Dinner last night and... Facebook headlines told me so. Yes, I learn much of my relevant news from Facebook links my family and friends post (call it cliff notes for the news).

As we sat around the food laden table, my friend regaled us with the traditions of Chinese New Year. I made sure to eat noodles (for longevity), fish (for prosperity), and all of the other important dishes he shared with us.

Now, partaking in a meal with a group of friends almost always brings me joy and last night was no exception. The only regrets that night were spurred from my disappointment of not being able to be the one to share these wonderful traditions with others.

However, though I'm disappointed in my own lack of knowledge, I am forever appreciative for my friend teaching and reminding me what Chinese New Year is all about.

After all, it's never too late to learn!

Thank you Marcus!

To school counselors and social workers... a week early

We were told a surprise guest would be joining us at 10 am.

Our guessing got us nowhere.

Finally, after a productive hour and a half of group work, the door opened wide and in walked... members of the School Board.

Now, the immediate reaction in a room full of counselors and social workers to the arrival of the School Board is usually one of anticipatory trepidation. What did we do this time? Or, for that matter, what haven't we done?

This time though, the ensuing announcement was one of appreciation and celebration. They told us that next week is National School Counselor Week. The visitors were there to present us with Certificates of Appreciation and to read to us an official proclamation.

Once in awhile, the bigwigs get it right.

Thank you to all school counselors and social workers everywhere! You deserve it.

I should know.

To me?

Sometimes it feels good to be thanked yourself...

5th Grade Boy to me today: "Ms. C., thank you for letting me listen while you problem solved with my friends. Now I know what to do with my little brother."

To a 5th grader...

Last week I decided to check in with a 5th grader who I worked with regularly last year.  She's been struggling with some pretty major changes in her life.

While we were talking, she started to tell me something and then stopped.  Then finally she said, "I'm going to make a WWMCD bracelet!"

"What's WWMCD?" I asked.

She smiled and then replied: "What would Ms. C. do?"

Thank you for making my day.