tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-43620536216919013292024-02-07T09:55:38.248-08:00Dolce VitaDolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.comBlogger112125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-5326433646511236572016-10-28T20:22:00.003-07:002016-10-28T20:27:12.114-07:00I'm back in my beloved India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s1">Woken up at 5:54am by the sound of POPOPOP in fast succession: Its firecracker time in India: It’s Diwali.</span></div>
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<span class="s1"> I’m lying in bed wondering to get up or not, and I begin to mull over my whole bank account opening issues, and realize, gee whiz B- it’s so Indian! I say this in general terms but indulge me, kind reader; I’ve lived in India enough to know that they say ‘Yes’ to see you happy, even when they mean ‘Yeah right-as if!’ If the person you’re dealing with has good experience with westerners, they won’t be so quick to say ‘Yes’, and their ‘Yeah right-as if!’ is colourful and poetic, making it less infuriating. Oh India!</span></div>
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<span class="s1">Take, for instance, a banal auto rickshaw example: You want to get where you’re going, you ask the Rickie (auto rickshaw driver) and he head bobs away. Sweet. Next thing you know you’ve stopped too many times to count because actually, he doesn’t know where you want to go, but wouldn’t dare say ‘No’ to your foreign face. Now there’s Uber and Ola, options I didn’t have the last two times I lived here. But I still encounter the ‘Yes’ when they mean ‘Yeah right- as if!’</span></div>
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<span class="s1">I’ve been here over three weeks, and opening a bank account has proven to be an unpleasant and drawn out ordeal. I have signed my signature soooooo many times now it’s literally a wobbly line (note to self: work on signature). I’ve had to produce document after document, and still the bank isn’t satisfied. I have a Work Permit goddamn it, in a valid passport- what the hell more do you want from me?!? The finance manager at my school told me, ‘It’ll be open at 7:30 this evening…. It’ll be open by 11pm today… it’ll be open by 5pm this evening most certainly.’ I was losing my mind. I actually believed the finance manager was just trying to get me off his back. So, I went directly to the bank but got the exact same treatment, ‘ Oh there is a scrutiny check on your account, but no tension mam, it’ll be open by 7-7:30 this evening, I will call you’. No call. I go back. ‘Oh hello mam- what a sweet dog! (Let’s talk about your dog to avoid the statement I’m about to spew out) Your account will be open surely before Diwali, no tensions, mam.’ She gets on the phone and says, ‘…a foreigner is here, sitting in front of me only, and is feeling many tensions. Hmmhmm hmmhmmm ok ok ok, thank you.’ She hangs up, assuring me that when Mumbai contacts her, she will contact me. Me: ‘You have my number, right?’ Bank woman: ‘Yes, mam’. Me: ‘Even if it’s not good news, you’ll call to let me know the status of my account, right?’ Bank woman: ‘Yes yes mam, don’t worry, I will call you, and surely your account will be open by 3-3:30 this evening.’ This bank manager has promised to call me 6 times, and not once has my phone rang. </span></div>
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<span class="s1">This morning listening to the Poppoppos drowned out by my air conditioner, it dawns on me: Why resist? They (the auto rickshaw drivers, my finance manager and the Bank woman) aren’t trying to be dicks, they want to please me, and think by placating me with what I want to hear I’ll feel better (actually- if I may be honest, dear reader- in the moment of a ‘Yes’ delivery, my innocent self smiles, and I do feel better!). Sadly, it’s turns into more of a ’Don’t Cry Wolf’ scenario and my cynical west-African-experienced self should know better. Shit- I should know better! </span></div>
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<span class="s1"> I don’t have any alcohol at home to numb this adventure; I’m not teaching; I haven’t made any friends in Chennai and my husband hasn’t joined me yet. B U T I feel at peace here: I burn incense, stretch, and eat paneer every day; I’m with my lovely (but dirty-and-knotty-gotta-find-a-groomer-but-she’s-so-cute-looking-right-now) pup, and she opens a lot of doors that would otherwise be closed with her friendly and funny disposition. I’m in a land of dazzling fabrics, the sacred cow, ghee and daal. India: Would I have it any other way? Yeah right- as if!</span></div>
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Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-45040633185982039702016-10-27T23:17:00.000-07:002016-10-27T23:17:02.227-07:00Teaching Children Emotional Intelligence: Breathe into Being<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span class="s2">You have probably heard the term “emotional intelligence” many times before. But what exactly is it, and why is it important for children to develop their emotional intelligence? How can children develop emotional intelligence, and, what does breathing have to do with it? Kindly read the following, dear reader, and learn the answers to these questions, and more!</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>What is Emotional Intelligence?</b></span></div>
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<span class="s2"><a href="http://www.diffen.com/difference/EQ_vs_IQ">Emotional intelligence</a> (EI) is a person’s ability to identify; evaluate; control and express emotions. This kind of intelligence helps us communicate with others, negotiate situations, and develop clearer thought patterns. Emotional intelligence is the insight into and understanding of how your emotions can positively or negatively impact your life and capacity through your behavioral skills. EI is the process of recognition (understanding what you are feeling) and assessment (deciding on the best way to be the best version of yourself). Simply put, EI is awareness.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>What Emotional Intelligence is not</b></span></div>
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<span class="s2">Whilst EI and understanding your own emotions helps with remaining calm, EI is not, in itself, calmness; it is not joyfulness, hopefulness, <a href="http://www.psychologytoday.com/blog/the-personality-analyst/200909/what-emotional-intelligence-is-and-is-not">agreeableness or other personality traits</a>.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>What do Emotional Intelligent people look like?</b></span></div>
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<span class="s2">Emotionally intelligent individuals stand out! Their ability to empathize; persevere; control impulses; communicate clearly; make thoughtful decisions; solve problems and work with others earns them friends and success. They tend to have higher self-esteem; are more confident; lead happier lives; and have more satisfying relationships. At school they are more productive and spur productivity in others and help create a safe, comfortable classroom atmosphere that makes it easier to learn (and teach!).</span></div>
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<span class="s2">Psychologist and author Daniel Goleman popularized the term "Emotional Intelligence" in his landmark 1995 best-selling book of the same name. What emotional intelligence is, says Goleman, "…is the capacity for recognizing our own feelings and those of others, for motivating ourselves, and for managing emotions well in ourselves and in our relationships." It's the set of abilities that helps us get along in life with other people in all kinds of life situations.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>Mindful Breathing</b></span></div>
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<span class="s2">In my years’ of teaching (and living), I have realized that integrating mindful breathing is a sure-fire way to tune in - and in turn - generate EI. Kids: aren’t they too young? NO- not at all! I have been surprised time and time again how children gravitate to a quiet moment. There are plenty of ways to teach mindful breathing. One of the simplest is to have children lay down, close their eyes, put their hands (or a stuffed animal) on their belly and breathe to the count of three (see their hands/stuffed animal go up) and then breathe out to the count of three (hands/stuffed animal descends). Repeat a few times. Once they are comfortable with this, the teacher could introduce affirmations, such as “I am caring, confident and intelligent” or any other positive statement. The children are in a space of love and acceptance through the simple act of breathing mindfully.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>Self-Awareness and Empathy</b></span></div>
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<span class="s2">Characteristics like self-awareness and empathy play a big part in every facet of life. We all know that how we feel about others and ourselves can profoundly affect our ability to concentrate, to remember, to think, and to express ourselves. Children without EI don't follow directions well, continually go off-task, can't pay attention for long, and have difficulty working cooperatively.</span></div>
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<span class="s2"><b>SEL</b></span></div>
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<span class="s2">I came across this simile that describes my sentiments exactly! “Teaching without implementing social and emotional learning (SEL) is like leading kids without shoes on a trek across the Himalayas. Count on a short trip with lots of whining!”</span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span></div>
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<span class="s2">Social and emotional learning, (SEL) the increasingly common term for EI instruction, can be expressed in a multitude of ways: it can be a lesson on the hurtfulness of insults, followed by discussions on ways to share compliments effectively. It can be the daily morning meeting, where students share feelings, such as the sadness of their pet dying or the joy of a family outing. In literacy lessons, it can be an analysis of a conflict and a dialogue about different paths the character might have taken. It can be a common occurrence, like everyday mindful breathing, to take a moment to think, rather than react automatically, and often aggressively, to stress. </span></div>
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<span class="s2">Many teachers, I included, see the results of such instruction in school because of its effect on both the school environment and education. Disruptions due to acting out, arguing or talking back decreases. We spend less time disciplining, and more time teaching. Energy flows in a positive classroom, where students and teachers alike respond with heart, instead of react in haste.</span></div>
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<span class="s2">EI learning is not a quick fix or a one-time lesson. The best programs take years to get to a place where teachers and students are comfortable and the benefits substantial. While a growing number of school programs include elements of instruction aimed at a child's emotional needs, too many of those programs are fragmented, short-term, and not well integrated into the curriculum or school structure. Just as we don't expect children to learn a language in a year, we can’t expect children to learn social and emotional skills in one year, either. Indeed- it is a practice. And like every practice, it’s about process and determination. Emotional intelligence is a skill that a child develops over time as they interact with you and the world.</span></div>
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<span class="s2">Schools are beginning to use SEL in classroom settings, still; parents and caregivers are in the best position to teach and enhance a child's EI. SEL programs work best when parents and teachers become partners, which means schools need to educate both parents and teachers in ways to promote behavior that improves communication, empathy, self-awareness, decision-making, and problem-solving.</span></div>
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<span class="s2">Here are some suggestions for how to develop EI in your child (and you).</span></div>
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<li class="li3"><span class="s4"></span><span class="s2"><b>Take a deep breath.</b> Breathe in through your nose for a count of 4. Hold your breath, feel it in your belly for a count of 4. Breathe out through your nose for a count of 4, and then hold that for a count of 4. This is 16 seconds </span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span><span class="s2"> and the result is astounding. This ‘pattern interrupt’</span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span><span class="s2"> is all you need to respond rather than react. </span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span></li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s4"></span><span class="s2"><b>Accurately name your own emotions. </b>Children learn by watching. The first rule I learned in my Cultural Anthropology degree was: Observation - Imitation. If you're sad and crying, or angry, take some time to name those emotions out loud with your child so they can learn to identify what you're feeling, and in turn will be more comfortable in identifying their feelings.</span></li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s4"></span><span class="s2"><b>Use a rich vocabulary. </b>Emotions aren't just "happy" or "sad." Sometimes, emotions are complicated and layered (i.e. we can feel bittersweet about saying goodbye to a terminally ill pet). A rich vocabulary of feeling words can help unfold the complexity of the emotions. Use many different words to describe feelings, so your child can listen and learn. You could ask your child to also notice where feelings live in their body. This helps them connect to their body so they notice the feeling when their body gives them the signal. (i.e. When I feel frustrated my jaw tightens, I get a lump in my throat when I feel sad, etc.)</span></li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s4"></span><span class="s2"><b>Validate your child's feelings. </b>If your child is having a meltdown, take some time to acknowledge their feelings, even if you don't give in to them. Instead of ignoring a tantrum, you can say, "I know how frustrated you are that we can't go to the park right now, and it's completely reasonable to feel that way."</span></li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s4"></span><span class="s2"><b>Teach empathy. </b>Talk about compassion and empathy for others' feelings, and model it yourself in your interactions with others. Remember: Observation - Imitation.</span></li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s4"></span><span class="s2"><b>Appreciate different points of view. </b>If your child comes home from school feeling angry or sad with a friend about a disagreement, take the time to talk through the conflict and help your child understand their friend's different point of view.</span></li>
<li class="li3"><span class="s4"></span><span class="s2"><b>Model effective communication. </b>Use effective (and age appropriate) communication as you navigate your own relationships. Remember: your child is <i>observing</i> you, to then <i>imitate</i> you. Yelling at your partner and storming out of the house won't do it. Instead, use feeling phrases, an “I statement’, like, "I feel angry with you, and worry about the consequences for our family when you don't follow through with paying the electricity bill like you said you would." </span></li>
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<span class="s2">‘I statements’ are a wonderful tool to engage in healthy conflict resolution and open dialogue. Create a sign that reads: I feel _____ when you _____. Affix it somewhere in your home, and refer your child to the sign when needed. For more ideas, check out this website.</span><span class="s3"><sup></sup></span></div>
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<span class="s2">With these useful tools, children can start to practice mindfulness and develop their EI. When they recognize the signals, they can help balance these feelings by identifying the root and reversing the stress response to feel calmer and becoming emotionally intelligent.</span></div>
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<span class="s2">Now, could you imagine an amazing world to live in, where children become the kind of adults who take responsibility for balancing their emotions, as opposed to using alcohol, food, addictions or blaming others?</span></div>
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<span class="s2"> This is about a whole new vision of education that believes educating our hearts (emotions) is as important as educating our heads.</span></div>
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NB- There are footnotes in the original that didn't follow the article when copied into my blog.</div>
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Please check out: davidji <i>destressifying, </i><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 0, 255); color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 0, 255); color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;">http://www.edutopia.org/blog/research-social-emotional-learning-todd-finley</span><i style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </i><a href="http://www.danielgoleman.info/focus-changed-thinking-emotional-intelligence" style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 0, 255); text-align: center;">http://www.danielgoleman.info/focus-changed-thinking-emotional-intelligence</a><span style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: initial;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 0, 255); color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;"> </span><span style="-webkit-text-stroke: rgb(0, 0, 255); color: blue; text-align: center; text-decoration: underline;">http://www.compassioncoach.com/blog/when-use-i-statements</span></div>
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Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-71386539946312442042016-10-27T21:11:00.001-07:002016-10-27T21:11:01.629-07:00Ways to Cultivate Wellbeing in the Classroom, and Beyond.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Athelas Regular;">--I wrote this for school... so I added 'isn't it?' because I knew Indians would be the only ones reading it, isn't it- head bob? But when my colleague put it up online I thought hmmm this is my writing and I used to write a blog, so.... here I am putting it in my old blog. Easier to read, too! -----</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">We all want to feel
good, isn’t it? Well, as a teacher, I too want happiness in my classroom and in
my life.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If my students are happy, then
my school day becomes much more fun and rewarding. Here are a few tips to
cultivate wellbeing in your world. If you have school age children, see if
their educators and school environment are including and celebrating the
following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">1. Slow Down<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">When
we slow down, we notice more, we appreciate more; we take stock of
relationships, learning, and goals. Everyone can benefit from slowing down: students,
teachers, and administrators. There's a direct correlation between our levels
of contentment and the pace at which we live our lives. In the classroom, this
might look like spending more time in a morning meeting with students, or
lingering over a read aloud, or taking an extra 10 minutes to engage kids in a
game outside after recess. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">2. Get Outside<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Being
outside, even for just a few minutes a day, can heighten our state of well-being.
We breathe fresh air; feel the elements on our skin -- the warmth of the sun,
the sting of wind, the moisture of rain --, which connects us to the natural
world. Even when it's cold out, or when it's warm and glorious, we can take our
students outside for a quick (5 minute) walk, or we can do silent reading
outside and our feelings of wellbeing will surely increase. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Furthermore,
when the weather is comfortable, why can't we have some of the many meetings we
all have to sit in outside? Switching it up (weather permitting) by taking
students outside under the shade of a tree could keep lessons fresh and fun.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">3. Move Your Body<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">We
all know this already, but I'm going to remind you anyway: Moving our bodies
increases our wellbeing. Even if you can't take your students outside, you can
incorporate stretching breaks into their days, play quick games that get their
hearts pumping and their energy out, or put on music and dance. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 11.95pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">4. Blast Good Music<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Music
in a fast tempo and in a major key can make us feel happy and it has a
measurable positive impact on our bodies -- it can even boost our immune
system, decrease blood pressure, and lower anxiety. Playing music as your
students enter the classroom can be welcoming and can create a positive
atmosphere. Parents and caregivers- you can listen to music at home with your
child whilst cooking, or folding laundry, any time!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 11.95pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">5. Sing<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Now
sing along with those tunes, or sing in your car or in the shower -- and see
how you feel. Singing requires us to breathe deeply, which makes us happier.
Singing along to some of our favorite music makes our brain release endorphins.
If you teach elementary school, then it's easy to get your kids singing every
day. Teach them a simple song and start the day with it. Use singing during
transitions or to signal the end of an activity. Find songs that connect with
the content you're teaching -- they'll remember it better -- and they'll feel
happier. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 11.95pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">6. Smile<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">Even
if you're not a smiley person, try smiling more often -- aim for authentic,
genuine smiles, but if you can't produce one, go ahead and fake it. Yes, even
fake smiles can move you along towards a more content state of being. And more
than that, they can have an affect on those looking at you. So teachers,
administrators, and parents: just see what happens if you smile more often at
the people you interact with on a daily basis. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; margin-left: 0cm; margin-right: 0cm; margin-top: 11.95pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">7. Incorporate
Quiet Time<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">There's
an abundance of evidence about how meditation causes changes in our brain
chemistry that produces feelings of calm and wellbeing. Start by taking a few
deep long breathes with your eyes closed. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: "Athelas Regular"; mso-bidi-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Arial Unicode MS";">There's
so much more to say and do on this subject, but I hoped to start with some
practicle ideas. If you have thoughts, please share with me here...</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Athelas Regular';">thanks for reading</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 6.0pt; mso-layout-grid-align: none; mso-pagination: none; text-autospace: none;">
<span style="font-family: 'Athelas Regular';">now go outside and smile! </span></div>
</div>
Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-2941134758692659202015-06-11T05:45:00.002-07:002015-06-11T05:47:51.016-07:00To try is not to do.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: Century;">Now I’m not one to shy
away from commitment. After all, I have several tattoos, have been in long-term
relationships and am about to be married (yay! eating cake and dancing all
night!). I’ve committed to wearing the same studs for what seems like forever,
and I practice the five Tibetan rites every weekday morning…When I was in my
teens, I used to give myself these weird month-long commitment challenges, “No
chocolate for a month!” or “No beer for a month!” A commitment-phobe? Ah don’t
think so! </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century;">So why am I bragging about
how awesome I am at committing to things? And what in the world does commitment
have to do with the title of this post? <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well, let me tell you. You need to <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">commit</i> to DO, and you need <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">nothing</i> to TRY. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century;">And, although I see myself
as a committed person, I too, catch myself ‘trying’…. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century;">Trying to get the
underwear/pencil/flip-flop out of the puppy’s excitable jaws; trying to
understand an important website; trying to tidy up my desk; trying to express
my feelings. When I think or say <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">try</i>,
I end up not achieving much. No- that’s not true- I become impatient and
demotivated. Awesome.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century;">Tim watches me ‘trying’ to
playfully retrieve the pencil I was writing with from Portion’s mouth, and says,
“ B! You gotta commit to catching her! 100%!” And, with those smiling words
hanging in the air, he pounced off the couch, lunged at the dog and reclaimed
the pencil (Tim played (almost) pro rugby so really, he was reliving his youth
and showing off small).</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century;">Truth is, when I decide to
stop procrastinating (way more fun to pretend to get my pencil back from the
pup-pup then lesson plan); when I walk away from the tormented computer and
take a break from attempting to fill out an online form; when I consciously put
the objects back in their designated place (or as my mum says ‘where they live’)
or when I organize my thoughts into logical sentences that contain pretty and
precise words, I get shit <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">done</i>. </span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century;">The idea to blog about
trying v doing happened when chatting with Tim’s best friend, who told me about
his former business partner that said, when a deal fell through, “ …Well buddy
(insert sigh here), we tried.” and how, he explained, implicit in that word 'try' is a lack of commitment.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century;">With this news my brain
exploded- DUH! When you lack commitment, you’re low on passion, dry of drive
and ultimately, fall short on the road leading to success, personal and
otherwise. The word ‘try’ prompts laziness: a half-baked attempt at the world,
a lukewarm sentiment for change. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century;">The dots connected, the
pattern strikingly clear- “OH MY GOD I KNOOOOOW!” <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I almost shouted back at Tim’s friend, “My
students say ‘Oh, I’ll give it a try, or- my favorite ‘Well, I tried! But Miss
B, I tried my best!’ And I always, and I mean <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">always</i> retort with: Don’t try your best. DO your best.” </span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Century;">Don’t try to memorize your
timetables. Just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">memorize</i> your
timetables!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Century;">Don’t try to put your
stuff in order. Just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">put</i> your stuff
in order!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Century;">Don’t try to not push and
shove when lining up. Seriously that’s wicked annoying; just <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">keep your hands and feet to yourselves</i>,
geez!</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century;">So- with that, I’m going
to extract the verb TRY from my vocabulary. Let’s be honest: trying is
worthless and accomplishes nothing. It only makes you feel better when you
fail. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Well then, I’m going to stare
failure straight in the kisser and Dare to Do.</span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century;">P.S. Tim last night started a sentence with " oh yeah and then I'll try to do it- no, no I mean I'll do it-...." Love this, and love him. Stop yourself from using the word and you'll see how empowered you are. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Century;">Ciao for now xox</span></div>
Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-85741971608146933302015-05-15T09:10:00.002-07:002015-05-15T09:10:52.387-07:00A beginning<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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As some of my former Dolce Vita followers witnessed, living
in India opened me in a wonderfully wordy way- I had so much to say there, and
a lot of time to say it. Choosing to begin my weekdays at 5:30 and then again at
the same time in the afternoon, all I basically did was practice yoga, drink
oceans of chai, eat a mountain of samosas, teach grade 1 (wow they were cute),
teach a social skills program (gee whiz I learned a lot), and blog. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Blog about observing a place ablaze with colour
and odor... in love with malas and saris, dupattas, and the clang
clang jingle jangle of bejeweled wrists… sigh… head bob.</div>
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<br /></div>
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But now, I am in Nigeria, and I have nothing to say. Well
no, I have tons to say. Yet. Yet I can’t harness the passion to share with
others how I feel about working here. Gripped with guilt about not really
jiving with my second West African experience; riddled with insecurities of
sounding unoriginal; racist; and worst of all- cold hearted and unfair. Working
in Nigeria has awakened a dormant self I am grateful to meet face-to-face, with
all her trepidation and ugly truth. I met a side of me that comes to terms with
LIFE. Life can suck. People can suck and can be content doing the minimum, all
the while chortling to themselves and their neighbour, feeling mighty superior
in giving their very least and getting away with it. And with this dawning came
a clawing, hungry desire to better myself; raise my standards; give my 100%
and, actually Do Everything With Love. (Oh- and to find true balance by
mastering the blasted HANDSTAND!) I have upped my game. Being satisfied with my
less than perfect work self is gone. (I am not a perfectionist, I actually
believe perfectionism is a waste of time. Yet you can strive to DO your best
WITHOUT agonizing over every detail or turn perfectionism into procrastination…
but I digress) Now a striving, strong, and ever smiling B lives in my heart and
head; knowing that a life well lived is a life where you go to bed properly
knackered, sandwiched between your loving partner and a soft scruffy scrappy
pup pup with the faith that you DID. YOUR. BEST. </div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
With my Nigerian time coming to a close, my stomach grumbles
with appetite to write.</div>
Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-61319865150898929262012-06-22T05:47:00.003-07:002012-06-22T05:47:26.464-07:00a photo a day? Eh!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAseRGetNJHBR3DVlbbc157AV1jjeIv3NBTDofGQoNWulVUutJrRtoQBr8_MN4vIV_GLS-XYXz84qbDqccsm85RA9gs7m2e2bLH7xsvSopVCUQtAHmLhhaZdJscJVf5T5MPzueedmNSN4X/s1600/Bianca-1-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAseRGetNJHBR3DVlbbc157AV1jjeIv3NBTDofGQoNWulVUutJrRtoQBr8_MN4vIV_GLS-XYXz84qbDqccsm85RA9gs7m2e2bLH7xsvSopVCUQtAHmLhhaZdJscJVf5T5MPzueedmNSN4X/s1600/Bianca-1-4.jpg" /></a></div>
<br /></div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-23357419319503718572012-06-22T05:39:00.000-07:002012-06-22T05:39:04.798-07:00it's been a while, right?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgig7pnyHoNa3GMQaBo0v8u3z1VHKL0i_jsZ0N0iRosnuacHxSOhvEfK8bmnU2kvv35MR_lYqLkrJ-gEQEmpuWaIb1eCibzUWECpmRXRZYumbrN4kCST54GqPR3g9wYyfJHpDbEO9F_HxG4/s1600/Bianca-1-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgig7pnyHoNa3GMQaBo0v8u3z1VHKL0i_jsZ0N0iRosnuacHxSOhvEfK8bmnU2kvv35MR_lYqLkrJ-gEQEmpuWaIb1eCibzUWECpmRXRZYumbrN4kCST54GqPR3g9wYyfJHpDbEO9F_HxG4/s1600/Bianca-1-3.jpg" /></a></div> “Receive without conceit, release without struggle.” <br />
</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-20717707392865792302011-12-14T17:43:00.001-08:002011-12-14T17:43:52.819-08:00Working together<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuYxhaqxVSY4ZlLGxeTYdr0_f4HIJ6FaWHp0hPWh6v4NaPEXEV6v0qk93wpnS_oDglK_KQ-Alx3UTnGY2xGTT9KNG834ZQ_YZwdiJUaPvgxCvxSOA1sW00-0b54wPUjgKSRhij2U7fM2L/s1600/Bianca-1-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikuYxhaqxVSY4ZlLGxeTYdr0_f4HIJ6FaWHp0hPWh6v4NaPEXEV6v0qk93wpnS_oDglK_KQ-Alx3UTnGY2xGTT9KNG834ZQ_YZwdiJUaPvgxCvxSOA1sW00-0b54wPUjgKSRhij2U7fM2L/s1600/Bianca-1-4.jpg" /></a></div><br />
</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-42306098036801334922011-12-12T17:47:00.000-08:002011-12-12T17:47:37.806-08:00It's about the people no doubt... but<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG8qeaaCzpbCA5o7SixDs8GOhbGH_E-TeWy7GlKgOZNDux_gdrjQdcDBK7R3rk9kQx8ucSCaTMRx9DXX8-ycmdMe7SzT-MxPL5OaKYbkFGFpDkW9n-661h_XQE7DkMtrYCyt4CtBvd5pW/s1600/Bianca-1-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjsG8qeaaCzpbCA5o7SixDs8GOhbGH_E-TeWy7GlKgOZNDux_gdrjQdcDBK7R3rk9kQx8ucSCaTMRx9DXX8-ycmdMe7SzT-MxPL5OaKYbkFGFpDkW9n-661h_XQE7DkMtrYCyt4CtBvd5pW/s1600/Bianca-1-3.jpg" /></a></div>... I miss Sierra Leone.<br />
I love my job here and although my kids are a motley crew of creative unruly animals a lot of the time, I love them so much and beam at seeing them progress and evolve right before my eyes. I'm so lucky to have made good friends; inspiring people that make an effort to not let negativity rule their lives. <br />
<br />
Yet I look at pics from Salone and glorify the black skin, the white teeth. the heat, the beat. A primal something I can't quite put my finger on.... I think I need a change of scenery, even if for a few weeks.<br />
Happy Tesday y'all!<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-56409921525284099772011-12-10T06:09:00.000-08:002011-12-10T06:09:33.126-08:00Keenan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9tTJFQBePS-xEt6HoHgvY4uGZ5AN73UeA7MxSewuZD9my8f3Fys_VYjcgaFSE_UzPV64IACcuTHwszuGN57xxxFh_qbp3cb0-ysNzADfiTHPyucOixz29VHKJiTdmHF17a9z-152L8dw/s1600/Bianca-1-10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ9tTJFQBePS-xEt6HoHgvY4uGZ5AN73UeA7MxSewuZD9my8f3Fys_VYjcgaFSE_UzPV64IACcuTHwszuGN57xxxFh_qbp3cb0-ysNzADfiTHPyucOixz29VHKJiTdmHF17a9z-152L8dw/s1600/Bianca-1-10.jpg" /></a></div>KEEEEEENAAAAN!<br />
Preeeeeeeeehsent, he says, in his quite posh and polished English accent. Keenan is definitely coming into himself. He joined the class late October. He was stuck up and very much a goodie goodie. Now he dances all around the class (he has some ratha good dance moves, I must say), farts openly and laughs (gross) and generally has a grand old time.<br />
I use a BBC Kids website for science stuff sometimes. The lady voice is very posh. She sounds like a female Keenan. It's funny.<br />
Although I'm too excited to go home I will miss these little guys. so much </div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-35418872145372349952011-12-09T03:16:00.000-08:002011-12-09T03:16:59.342-08:00my bad<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj6L205z-sO3gGikCRAuUjKnJMn8b9gzIkev1X84xV8wKlokYfGMR7m1-wuwd3mr6ygNUjHJpfNyJ5xc75QishkiwNiLL8Hbw8QvFTKsLHM_MEycjrQsyzzr2MaakWQy6KaPzYYmdNo5n/s1600/Bianca-1-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZj6L205z-sO3gGikCRAuUjKnJMn8b9gzIkev1X84xV8wKlokYfGMR7m1-wuwd3mr6ygNUjHJpfNyJ5xc75QishkiwNiLL8Hbw8QvFTKsLHM_MEycjrQsyzzr2MaakWQy6KaPzYYmdNo5n/s1600/Bianca-1-9.jpg" /></a></div>I went to sleep with a feeling of unfinished business. ok lessons are ready, kids know their christmas songs, lunch is packed, indigestion meds taken, half baked idea about what to wear tomorrow... what can it be? AH- my photo a day!<br />
oooops.<br />
here is another photo of my precocious student, Jean Baptiste. Happy weekend everyone. I will edit some photos, go to a craft fair, make a desert, go to a party, take photos for my friend's website, and buy last minute gifts. It's gonna be a good weekend. I hope to squeeze a massage and January lesson plans in there (hahahah, as if)<br />
word.<br />
B</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-87134339709775696132011-12-07T03:47:00.000-08:002011-12-07T03:47:59.163-08:00'Nuff said.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabVqLFIj8XGpU8b-rwFg7sNBLyT1yTtGUf6XX8YxB8vViZaa-F0-cdLRhI5Q3pVuKlLU3VwWyQ-oD0eeEO8UmIsVHU2R1l38TXVjsxhA2okENUKVC6GEX7rYh5NkpPPEXMnRXACF8kNJt/s1600/Bianca-1-8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgabVqLFIj8XGpU8b-rwFg7sNBLyT1yTtGUf6XX8YxB8vViZaa-F0-cdLRhI5Q3pVuKlLU3VwWyQ-oD0eeEO8UmIsVHU2R1l38TXVjsxhA2okENUKVC6GEX7rYh5NkpPPEXMnRXACF8kNJt/s1600/Bianca-1-8.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Oll Korrect.</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-63249860819250361032011-12-06T02:51:00.000-08:002011-12-06T02:51:03.683-08:00If you want it.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDi8NobaqrakDW5cgQneoB4e4p2mjp8n2Pmu-SVfT3KwOrQu-6bQ20Sc5-SEUlzeXlkhTAcFQVdIAqqe0rYWxT0MhVABCt6GhryNqe9lIZTKpPUFzHzNLlXnKt5KUpx3wC7eaeH1kSDtM/s1600/Bianca-1-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcDi8NobaqrakDW5cgQneoB4e4p2mjp8n2Pmu-SVfT3KwOrQu-6bQ20Sc5-SEUlzeXlkhTAcFQVdIAqqe0rYWxT0MhVABCt6GhryNqe9lIZTKpPUFzHzNLlXnKt5KUpx3wC7eaeH1kSDtM/s1600/Bianca-1-7.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Went to a production of Lysistrata over the weekend. This play - originally performed in 411 BC in Athens- is a comedy about a woman's pursuit to end the war, by convincing the women of Greece to boycott sex. <br />
Peace for sex. And sex for peace<br />
Word!<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-13264583441607890772011-12-05T02:20:00.000-08:002011-12-05T02:20:58.448-08:00Yipee! It's better no?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TvMHa7D_UG_34_F8TJW6G7vZgbg9Mb9VOOwq2zjpSdFyYVuUN2CbY8sPLHV7KjrIxpQ3v-ryHuG-P31iEayxILTvVpukfu-UcF9KRWzoLzjVgKwtQRhOXHRGv3rDLDm3i3U6UAjOx1Dd/s1600/Bianca-1-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2TvMHa7D_UG_34_F8TJW6G7vZgbg9Mb9VOOwq2zjpSdFyYVuUN2CbY8sPLHV7KjrIxpQ3v-ryHuG-P31iEayxILTvVpukfu-UcF9KRWzoLzjVgKwtQRhOXHRGv3rDLDm3i3U6UAjOx1Dd/s1600/Bianca-1-6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Yipeeeeee! It's better to fully enjoy every minute of your weekend NOT just working but living it up, no?]Yes!<br />
I took this pic because seeing the word 'yipee' in print made me smile.<br />
YIPEEEEEEEEE :)</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-65463590797867251652011-12-03T20:03:00.000-08:002011-12-03T20:03:41.741-08:00Before it's a saree.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUqudYtSdHirlKtz3PQLqd3oXDxbeW6YuFmNZCev3YvC3XCCLi7bTG3wRylVsazhqjbzImVyz9UajoiIrwx7ig4y7oo7FGD_9_pi7zHWHfjfQEqOlPb2QI7TQQoO7WGTe-4T0FaqL2jYR/s1600/Bianca-1-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXUqudYtSdHirlKtz3PQLqd3oXDxbeW6YuFmNZCev3YvC3XCCLi7bTG3wRylVsazhqjbzImVyz9UajoiIrwx7ig4y7oo7FGD_9_pi7zHWHfjfQEqOlPb2QI7TQQoO7WGTe-4T0FaqL2jYR/s1600/Bianca-1-5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Shopping for family and friends (and myself, of course) on Commercial St. I needed to use the loo. Syed the shop keeper turned friend told me to use his, upstairs.<br />
<br />
I walk up the white ceramic stairs and see a man pressing fabric onto stencils. I keep going up and now I'm on the terrace, which is inhabited by forgotten print screen panels.<br />
<br />
Peonies are my fave.</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-2956014409362572752011-12-03T05:05:00.000-08:002011-12-03T05:05:19.281-08:00Smiles<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtej9-rNyiHUj1hGqmBHkZHR35FURJh7h0mBX1KPMbQ0TtifX0RnfpErfKett1sd-EAMkosm6ljSMKG-zbAYcG06D0dKJUqDVso4FREbPtJaeO4G0R0y5kfWzsE4KRYzvw9s7E2g54U-g/s1600/Bianca-1-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdtej9-rNyiHUj1hGqmBHkZHR35FURJh7h0mBX1KPMbQ0TtifX0RnfpErfKett1sd-EAMkosm6ljSMKG-zbAYcG06D0dKJUqDVso4FREbPtJaeO4G0R0y5kfWzsE4KRYzvw9s7E2g54U-g/s1600/Bianca-1-4.jpg" /></a></div> Not a great shot, but this bloke was giving me the big-up smiles... so I took his picture.</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-48137755187352711562011-12-02T07:44:00.000-08:002011-12-02T07:44:39.132-08:00Hugs<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhhqxr36_s9RYlsNvTOoLbbvmHeKamSDPi7-lIW6pqMd4Qx7-6-0BgC09aaH61kc0gxloWP2l_Bf21sMzhX44YVBovFuX1u5CcjbSdkjJfNiwjIPacEpDjDM1ACblh2S58kEXiDjJ5SWr/s1600/Bianca-1-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhuhhqxr36_s9RYlsNvTOoLbbvmHeKamSDPi7-lIW6pqMd4Qx7-6-0BgC09aaH61kc0gxloWP2l_Bf21sMzhX44YVBovFuX1u5CcjbSdkjJfNiwjIPacEpDjDM1ACblh2S58kEXiDjJ5SWr/s1600/Bianca-1-3.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Don't they feel the best? A good heart-to-heart hug is priceless indeed (not sure this one pictured turned out to be a melting heart-to-hearter. It being a mega busy swarming Punjabi wedding and all).<br />
<br />
It's a rare breed of hug though; not easily obtainable. Then you meet someone that hugs you just right and warmth and energy radiates onto you, and you onto them. Yummmm... my best friend gives hugs like that, a tumultuous ex-boyfriend, my sister.<br />
<br />
<br />
Of course they can be contextual, timely; a delightful surprise! You hug a potential love interest and smile at the fact that that hug felt so good.You make a new friend and you hug for the first time and think wow- this person gives good hugs! Or you hug a student cause she's feeling happy and gee whiz, that kid gave the best hug! Or you hug a student because he is feeling hurt, and again, boom! <br />
<br />
My Great Dane Lola (Lola Girl Kubrick was her full name, ahem!) would stretch her long grey front paws at me and nuzzle her sweet face into my neck. I felt that love, man. Did I ever. And my insane cat Miles (good old Milesy). He would curl his soft black paws at my neck and purr, with a dreamy/angry expression in his big greens eyes. Miss that little fucker.<br />
<br />
Have you had a satisfying hug today? I haven't, actually!<br />
I'll rub my feet instead.<br />
I really need to get a pet.<br />
<br />
Thank god I'm a primary school teacher. Hugs aplenty. <br />
<br />
</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-65789402462471088192011-12-01T03:34:00.000-08:002011-12-01T03:34:56.409-08:00Liam<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mPOKqGVQSQmm3ZzBJmlKIxQvKBQo1V1IItCrxw-YxB57HMfKbC3Y_XVH82_KcrCGlrKhZCYbvKcgADAQg8ySyjRmKnsM-J3j3i2eRgwaSmv1-2DjEP9IUmQEbSCLmKwPPUt49R-JCIki/s1600/Bianca-1-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg0mPOKqGVQSQmm3ZzBJmlKIxQvKBQo1V1IItCrxw-YxB57HMfKbC3Y_XVH82_KcrCGlrKhZCYbvKcgADAQg8ySyjRmKnsM-J3j3i2eRgwaSmv1-2DjEP9IUmQEbSCLmKwPPUt49R-JCIki/s1600/Bianca-1-2.jpg" /></a></div>LEEEEEEAAAAM!<br />
My trouble maker gone good. This precocious little boy is bff's with Jean Baptise. Gangbusters.<br />
Liam says the best stuff, but out of context it will seem odd and trite and not so awesome.<br />
I love this little man. We talked about the ozone layer one day. He looked solemn, and kept wiping his eyes. Are you okay Mr. Liam? I ask.<br />
Liam: Miss, can I talk to you outside?<br />
We go to out into the hallway.<br />
me: Was someone hurting you Liam, what's wrong?<br />
He is sobbing now....<br />
Liam: The ozone layer! Why do so many bad things have to happen to our planet?<br />
me: Oh Liam! We as a society need to change our habits. Isn't it? (head bob)<br />
Liam: Why don't Indians care? There is rubbish everywhere and I see them throwing it all over the place! Why don't they use rubbish bins?<br />
me: I don't know why, babes. <br />
He is our green warrior. He always uses the bin, asks if something can be recycled, loves when I use recycled paper for lessons...<br />
He is the future.<br />
<br />
</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-3682642603634390992011-11-30T03:43:00.000-08:002011-11-30T03:43:43.923-08:00Oops<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0OrMW6Z4OSzBRgWshJQsODARlnseYeWOKwql7WaTFCKbIefbas8dAQWnbsC6jXTQujNKK_coh5BmokuMh2roLurCBeoceKj4WPVcJYaCAyNS4Vg6JICO0oFX1Ikl-nXTfo0-6wxz6Qiq/s1600/Bianca-1-7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-0OrMW6Z4OSzBRgWshJQsODARlnseYeWOKwql7WaTFCKbIefbas8dAQWnbsC6jXTQujNKK_coh5BmokuMh2roLurCBeoceKj4WPVcJYaCAyNS4Vg6JICO0oFX1Ikl-nXTfo0-6wxz6Qiq/s1600/Bianca-1-7.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Taken from Sachin's balcony.<br />
<br />
I'm losing steam! Yesterday was a great day and again today, but I think I need to take vitamins. Man, I'm knackered.<br />
And-<br />
My horizons yearning to explore more more more ('cause that's how I like it).<br />
But I love my life! I have an awesome life! Why are my ambitions so worldly? What's better in the Dark Continent? What's better in China?<br />
I have a rug, I have the best kids, I am learning so much at work, I never wake up dreading to teach, I get to eat samosas whenever I want. My life is pretty perfect, safe for the lack of disco night life and someone to cuddle. Maybe I should get that dog after all.....<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-83942557452604309682011-11-29T07:32:00.000-08:002011-11-29T07:32:56.879-08:00This photo taken by Sachin Pillai<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbDZt7tKvyrDkPntdJs9gJ5p0I_gV56FPHKYaP1GPM40HoYoyFrAp5s7L0PmvuKXJccDls8PnODmgIE6bnLZ6VkwbNPI2EuyTe-9TQB-mxbFWXnO7KcWqPODDcSg_QeQslk1GMWdXpZ50/s1600/Bianca-1-6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjRbDZt7tKvyrDkPntdJs9gJ5p0I_gV56FPHKYaP1GPM40HoYoyFrAp5s7L0PmvuKXJccDls8PnODmgIE6bnLZ6VkwbNPI2EuyTe-9TQB-mxbFWXnO7KcWqPODDcSg_QeQslk1GMWdXpZ50/s1600/Bianca-1-6.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Today ruled! I understood that you must act with good will and creativity, and the rest will follow!<br />
And if it's not how you envisioned it to turn out...<br />
ah well,<br />
So be it!</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-42180163059870354072011-11-28T09:26:00.000-08:002011-11-28T09:26:25.811-08:00Rickshaw in Bombay<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWRYLzii4G2n_m11QGOZeTkBUNl47ZA6WUiBxfdx8ydWSziG2_SHYZ2lvVFReYtV5KLTT7xddd7kMZgKkQ4Vt8w5VgK_OrJ0ZQckH9RTfeHLsSJfmycZTQzVqqGaoGdha2yVLnbA5bjQ9/s1600/Bianca-1-5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwWRYLzii4G2n_m11QGOZeTkBUNl47ZA6WUiBxfdx8ydWSziG2_SHYZ2lvVFReYtV5KLTT7xddd7kMZgKkQ4Vt8w5VgK_OrJ0ZQckH9RTfeHLsSJfmycZTQzVqqGaoGdha2yVLnbA5bjQ9/s1600/Bianca-1-5.jpg" /></a></div><br />
sigh....<br />
<br />
Mumbai was a whirlwind. Now back to life: teaching and photocopying and planning and listening to my kids.<br />
Yoga class<br />
facebook, gmail, ffffound: you know the drill.<br />
<br />
I am nowreading the Bhagavad Gita.<br />
"You have choice over your action but not over the results at any time. Do not (take yourself to) be the author of the results of action; neither be attached to inaction."<br />
huh?<br />
Plan and act indeed, but if your results weren't as you had hoped, it's not your fault! You're not a failure! These are the laws of nature.<br />
So, let it be.<br />
Cool beans.<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-40910710899745290402011-11-27T07:37:00.000-08:002011-11-27T07:37:10.577-08:00I missed Saturday....<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcebq74EuIAWTxSECoUe-7EbABJhTS4GADFR0hf02tEKcCZHrHzE4w4WnKXQxLuZLvXGEyY9sYNQUDl0x9M9oj_Qp5z6bCgDYxAYn5UWvEStidYDrC5p_kzmzmp7bMzlThe5iHVA2Szdx/s1600/Bianca-1-4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqcebq74EuIAWTxSECoUe-7EbABJhTS4GADFR0hf02tEKcCZHrHzE4w4WnKXQxLuZLvXGEyY9sYNQUDl0x9M9oj_Qp5z6bCgDYxAYn5UWvEStidYDrC5p_kzmzmp7bMzlThe5iHVA2Szdx/s1600/Bianca-1-4.jpg" /></a></div>...my bad...<br />
<br />
</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-70581380489647971412011-11-25T03:41:00.000-08:002011-11-25T03:41:48.179-08:00It's Friday<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qJ_MdLLDJRo5YqdiYSS_7KNY4TVgrN-jIsGUl3JEjCviFEQHtSKkW-rid_18kEx94Vk5Nn6sRo8ODmJ2UAJVGtMGM5LbIsjWC8zC8owAxkhLGR7QXCwCrzn8alO4Wd86sRaviTUqppHt/s1600/Bianca-1-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6qJ_MdLLDJRo5YqdiYSS_7KNY4TVgrN-jIsGUl3JEjCviFEQHtSKkW-rid_18kEx94Vk5Nn6sRo8ODmJ2UAJVGtMGM5LbIsjWC8zC8owAxkhLGR7QXCwCrzn8alO4Wd86sRaviTUqppHt/s1600/Bianca-1-3.jpg" /></a></div>I woke up and went to yoga. I took this photo at 6:05 a.m. A coconut kiosk.<br />
In a couple hours I will be in Mumbai and I am PUUUUMPED! So, indeed I am dedicated to a photo-a-day, but Saturday I will not post.<br />
<br />
I must have a think, too. Something exciting has presented itself to me, and I need to see if I will grab the opportunity, or not.<br />
See you Sunday.<br />
B<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-5002456654447758662011-11-24T02:52:00.000-08:002015-05-16T01:45:09.473-07:00Perspective<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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Meet x. My creative, off-with-the-fairies, class clown. He is sweet, comical, naughty, bright, and dreamy. And he is rowdy. Oh! rowdy! He was making us all laugh (even me, depite my better judgement) by singing and dancing to the tune of 'Move it' but instead of singing 'I like to move it move it' he was singing 'I like to sing it sing it' with this pointer finger in the air, his hips gyrating about. He was killing himself with laughter too. Indeed, it was hilarious. Then I had an idea: Eureka! Bargaining power.<br />
<br />
Me: x, let's make a deal. I'll give you five minutes of clown time, every day, where you get the attention of the class to be your comical genius. But- with this you must focus for the rest of the day. Whaddaya say?<br />
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x: OUI Miss B!<br />
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Nice. Let's see how he fares. In truth, I'm looking forward to it. He is a fascinating (if not overwhelming) child with zany humour and original thoughts.<br />
<br />
It's all how you see it, isn't it? Instead of getting angry and growing tired of his antics, I am trying to harness his unquenchable energy and hilarity.<br />
<br />
To be continued....<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4362053621691901329.post-61103383923220933772011-11-23T07:27:00.000-08:002011-11-23T07:27:44.221-08:00Intimidate<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZkxiqOG6kOqNSw5DBYvJh9bm-tYA9opnW1pSyC_iXdC5XpaqCZ0Ulndl_UdQfP-HRbUQ5QdcOUUyI_eDnrFgIbfHWENpEjwyFbp6mvZY5UpbS2JOlkOVB35L4JRezf88V4PBXORluVWY/s1600/Bianca-1-19.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNZkxiqOG6kOqNSw5DBYvJh9bm-tYA9opnW1pSyC_iXdC5XpaqCZ0Ulndl_UdQfP-HRbUQ5QdcOUUyI_eDnrFgIbfHWENpEjwyFbp6mvZY5UpbS2JOlkOVB35L4JRezf88V4PBXORluVWY/s1600/Bianca-1-19.jpg" /></a></div><br />
Yeah. Bring it on.<br />
<br />
I took half a day sick leave this afternoon. I'm working my samosa ass off with planning and report card commenting. I'm knackered, man! I got all the right signatures, explained the lesson to the teacher that was taking over, spoke to my kids before I left, made sure they understood what they had to do, and walked home. I opened my door and smiled, seeing the sun shine on my new wall hangings, on a school day! And so I sat on my dining room table and worked some more, despite wanting to nap my afternoon away. <br />
<br />
I then get a passive aggressive email about unplanned absences and following procedure, about appropriate signatures and blablabla. This is communist China or what? I don't feel well, geeez! I have a lot of work to do- dayum! I have paid sick days and I plan to take them. So there!<br />
<br />
Hmphf! (my kids love when I do that, <i>hmphf</i>, bringing my shoulders up then jerk them back down, lips persed, eyebrows furrowed-<i> hmpf</i>!)<br />
<br />
I will not be intimidated.<br />
<br />
<br />
</div>Dolce Vitahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/18428171876869203500noreply@blogger.com0