Taken For Granted

I can’t quite decide how I want to approach this. I have a lot of thoughts in my head, but no organized way to write them. I have been thinking a lot lately about our country and what people think we’re entitled to just because we live in America. There has been a lot of news lately about schools cutting budgets and therefore having to eliminate certain programs or classes. A district in the area recently cut their music program. I’ve heard of a nearby school cutting their extra physical education classes. Some have considered cutting athletics. Some are cutting teachers and having bigger class sizes. With every cut, there are more and more complaints. Each program has an argument for why they should stay in schools. The arguments are good. Obviously the programs are all going to have some sort of positive effect on students, or they wouldn’t have been added to the school in the first place. I think it’s hard to say that one program is more important than another. It’s not fair to say that music is far more helpful to students than PE. I understand that schools shouldn’t even be in the position where they have to cut programs. I understand that in America, one of the things we take pride in is our educational opportunities. I understand all that. I guess what I don’t understand is why we think we’re entitled to all this extra stuff.

I think we take pure, basic education for granted. Other countries have so many kids that would love to be educated in conditions like ours. They value their education that is given to them in huge classes and taught by only one teacher. They don’t have extra sports programs or music classes or aerobics or home economics. They just learn. The important stuff. Whatever happened to the basics? What’s wrong with going to school for just Math, English, Science, Social Studies? There were smart, genius musicians back in the day when kids didn’t get to go to music class during school. There were amazing athletes back when sports weren’t an expected part of school programs. There were healthy kids before PE. There were medical doctors before kids could take biology, chemistry, anatomy in school.

There's a quote that says, "together we have come to realize that for most men the right to learn is curtailed by the obligation to attend school". How true is that? We have this amazing right to learn and to attend school...but because we are so blessed to have it be of such importance in our country, we lose sight of what a great blessing it is. There is a foreign exchange student at Kuna that has been in a class or two of mine when I substitute. Most kids goof off and bag their work when there's a sub...not this kid. He is so focused on his textbooks and assignments. I have been told by a couple teachers that he is amazingly gifted and has an incredible desire to learn more. Not something you see in many American students.

I guess it’s the principle of cutting programs that bothers people. My sister and several of my relatives are school teachers…so I get the stress in budget cuts and the concern for our educational systems. I’m just tired of people thinking we’re entitled to all these great privileges. We are SO lucky to be in a country where we can learn about what we want, when we want, in a nice facility, with nice books, with desks, with binders and pencils and pens and highlighters, with so many other kids, with so many class choices. The fact that I, a 23 year old girl from Kuna, Idaho, can go to law school is amazing to me. I can get the loans I need. I can live in a little apartment. I can have textbooks. I mean…even being able to graduate from college in 4 years with my psych degree is a blessing.

I understand that we, as Americans, expect more and will always want something better. But can’t we step back and look at all the amazing privileges and opportunities we have in this country?! Obama’s been in office for awhile now. Despite the fears people had/have… I’m still living. I have a job. I have a roof over my head. I eat. I drive. I go to the doctor and get care. I am going to school in August. I have student loans. I go to church and get to practice my chosen religion. I have all my basic rights. Life is going on. I am blessed to have the opportunities that I do. I am grateful to be so privileged. The world continues to turn. The sun continues to rise. Get over it people. You’re not dead yet.

To watch a really great video...click HERE. This is a video filmed last summer at the Kuna Boys & Girls Club. I get such a laugh every time I watch. Scout is one of my favorite kids from last summer...when the kids are asked who their favorite staff is, they go down the line and Scout shouts out "MA-WEN". He can't say his "r"s...so my name was pretty difficult for him. haha.

I can't wait to be back at the club this summer. It is such a blessing to get paid to be a kid. Can't get much better than that! I am looking forward to a fun-filled, carefree summer before heading off to law school in August. Last summer I worked as the lead staff over the 5th and 6th graders...this summer I will be the lead over the 3rd and 4th graders. I'm a bit sad to not have my same kids...but I'm excited to work with the new group. Since one of my goals is to NEVER grow-up...this job is very helpful :)

This video was recorded by one of my kids (not my literal kid...one of my 5th/6th graders) last summer. He was pretty much running around the room with my camera...seriously, you might get a headache watching. This basically captures the essence of my entire summer...TOTAL CHAOS...but fun chaos. Can you believe the girl hopping around, leading the dance train is going to grown-up school this fall ... and on her way to a legitimate career in a few years time? Yeah...kinda scary!

Ohh Volleyball

I am DONE coaching volleyball!! It's such a relief to have one less thing to worry about...but it is SO weird to think that I'll be away from volleyball for a couple years. Sure, I'll still play...but I won't be able to dedicate a good amount of time to coaching school ball or club. It'll be weird because my time is measured by volleyball seasons. When I was playing it was: season, off-season, summer training, repeat. Coaching is: season, club season, summer camps etc., repeat. Now my world will turn by school semesters I guess...GROSS.

This season was unbelievably frustrating and stressful. My girls were good, but did not show the kind of dedication I would have liked to see. We didn't have a single practice during the season with the entire team. I had an average of 5 girls at every practice. That is the perfect amount to teach individual skills...but you can hardly do any good drills with so few. With such a low number, I was able to really help each individual girl...and I saw HUGE improvements in several...but the team was never able to improve together. This group had such potential to be great...but just didn't want to put in the time or the work. SOOOO frustrating. When they DID show up to practice, several girls would just complain about everything. Complain about not playing well (DUH...how can you expect yourself to be good when you practice MAYBE once a week...and lazily at that), about a hard or confusing drill, and mostly about having to condition at the end of practice (I didn't even make them do it every practice...and it was NOT hard stuff...I don't think. haha). It was just frustrating to put time into it and not have the girls invested.

In the end, though, we had a blast and the girls learned an awful lot. I probably shoved too much into their little volleyball heads. A couple girls became such AMAZING players throughout the season and I can't wait to hear about how well they do in school ball. When the girls were there, they listened to every word I said and really tried to do everything I told them (with some complaining at times...but they never disrespected me). It's so weird to be done...club season is so long that the end is always bittersweet...but I'm glad I no longer have to go to Saturday tournaments at 7 AM.

I will definitely miss my girls...and I will miss coaching for a couple years for sure. Perhaps it will make it more satisfying when I come back after some time away! Now bring on summer volleyball! This will be the first summer that I really get involved in all the outdoor vball Boise has to offer. I have really enjoyed playing indoor stuff (LOVE reverse coed 4s [even if we get 2nd every tourney UGH]...and city league 6s)...so hopefully grass doubles will be just as good. It's just fun to actually WIN at this stuff after having such TERRIBLE college seasons. haha. I guess I'll keep you all updated :)

Here are some shots from our last tourney for your viewing pleasure:


That would be me, giving some great advice. Or saying something inspiring. Yeah.


Giving the sign for where to serve. Area 1 was not my team's fave. For some reason giving a 1 usually resulted in a missed serve.


Northeast Hills 18 Gold. Aren't we presh?!


I have a million of these pics and I couldn't even find ONE with all of us smiling at the same time. This one is the best we've got. Loved it :)

Hilarity

So I was going through all the pictures on my computer the other day...and I came across several that just made me laugh out loud. There are a bunch, but I'll share a few. Maybe I'll do a few different posts. I'm sure you won't laugh at every pic...but if you're in it...you'll probably know why it makes me laugh. So if you have no idea...just humor me. Maybe a few will make you chuckle.

-Abby, Reed, and I were dressed like this one winter Saturday and Dad commented on how nice we all looked. So we decided to document the embarrassment.....and clearly, Reed wouldn't cooperate.

-Heather and I were in Vegas and she couldn't decide what shoes to wear that night, so we took pics to see which looked best...and I was modeling the bed runner as a scarf?! hahaha

-I took this picture of Elsina and Bethany (Christmas of 2008). When Elsina saw the picture she said it looked like she was being "crucified or something". hahahaha. Maybe she was thinking of exorcism...I don't know. Oh man that's a laugh.

-My cousin got married last summer and we had a fun night with our whole family, plus his wife's family. We had a 3-legged race. If you look closely behind me and Reed, you can see Kevin and Lauren on the cement. They took a bit of a spill. hahaha. It was funny, then it wasn't funny because Kevin was hurt, then he was better and it was REALLY funny.

-Our friend was participating in a physics launch thingy...so Heather and I decided to go and support. We brought Colby along (he's on the phone). He obviously was embarrassed to be seen with us. Everything about this picture makes me laugh out loud. Bless our hearts.

-Oh the locker room time before every game just makes me laugh. Any picture will do. Just reminds me of all the laughs we had before games. I especially laugh about the time Alisha was doing the growl voice from House Bunnies (we all were trying. Mandy and Lish were pretty darn good. I just got a sore throat)...and then proceeded to sing Josh Turner "baby lock the door and turn the lights down low". hahahaha. It was so hard to keep our laughter in when coach came in for the pregame talk. We had some funny times!

And that's all for now. There are many more to come. BE AFRAID... You might turn up in one or more!

Vampire Lovers Beware

Turns out I finished the Twilight series the other day. Yep, I read ALL 4 books (well...saying I read them completely would be a lie...I DID skip several pages here and there). So here I am to share my thoughts on this crazy phenomenon.

Okay okay...so I guess I somewhat enjoyed parts of the series. I really liked the story in the 3rd book, Eclipse. The history of the werewolves and the stories about how each Cullen became a vampire, etc. That stuff had me wanting to read more. It was a good story. However, Stephanie Meyer just ruined all her great stories by mudding it over with this completely unrealistic love story. I guess that's the interest for most girls...but let's be honest, it's not even a good representation of "young love". It's sickening, literally. The thought of a more than perfect vampire falling in love with this extremely regular, clumsy, cynical girl is just not one that my mind will entertain. Sure, I get it...forbidden, unexpected love. Well, I'm not into it and I don't want it ruining a good story. (This is why I skipped a lot...anytime it was all about Bella and Edward, I just skipped a page or two until the story was back on). Meyer's ideas had potential. This could have been Harry Potter-esque. But it wasn't.

The thing I love about Harry Potter is that I want to be a part of the magical world. I want to be friends with Harry. I want to cast spells. I want to play quidditch. Rowling doesn't ruin things with a side story that overpowers the magic. Twilight's love story takes over the magical world that I would want to be in. When it was all werewolves and vampires and their strange, magical life, I found myself wanting to read more...because I saw myself in the magic...wanting to work with them to destroy evil (nerdy? maybe a little). Then all of the sudden my imagination is stopped by Bella and Edward using corny love lines in the middle of the action. Ugh...get out of my magical world Bella!

Okay...last thing I have to say about Twilight. This might upset some vampire lovers. TEAM JACOB all the way! I absolutely hate Edward. I do. Everything about him and the way he is. I cannot stand him. I cannot stand a word he says. Jacob has a way better personality. And who wouldn't want a werewolf instead of a vampire? I mean, CHELLO!

So that's all I have to say about Twilight. I tried to understand the hype. I tried to enjoy them all. Sorry...fell short. Now I can go back to not being a Twilight fan. Is that so wrong?

My Nightmare

I'm currently substituting for high school Language Arts. This morning I had a senior class and right now I have sophomores. I know what you're thinking, "why is she blogging while subbing?...Shouldn't she be doing something?". Great question...I do actually feel a tad bit guilty. But, I'll tell you why. I'm SO bored!! All the teacher left for them to do is: READ. Independently. Quietly. BORING.

The seniors this morning were so silent. Crickets. Literally. It was so hard for me not to fall asleep. Luckily I knew one of the kids in class and he came to chat with me towards the end...so that kept me awake. Now the sophomores are doing the same thing. All you can hear is pages turning, loud breathing now and then, and my typing. Eerie. Since when are high schoolers like this? Especially the first day back from Spring Break...CHELLO, don't you want to talk to your friends about your week's adventures?! I know this is like every substitute's dream...but this is a nightmare. Look alive kids, look alive!

The worst part is...I forgot my book. Grrr. I organized my planner for the week/month last hour. Now I'm blogging this hour. If my next class hour is this creepily quiet, I don't know what I'll do.
So I guess what I'm suggesting is this: If you are in high school and all you're supposed to do is read for an hour and a half of class...please don't read the whole time. Please entertain me with hilarity and stupidity at some point. Let me over hear your dramatic conversations about who did what over break so that I can silently laugh to myself. Give me something...ANYTHING!

Let's find a happy medium between this silence and then the chaos I created last time I subbed when I taught the math class how to more effectively make a paper-ball for trash can basketball. (The wadded up paper that they were using to shoot into the trash can was WAY too light and not wadded tightly enough into a ball...they were struggling...so I helped them make a better "ball" and then told them to set the trash can against the wall so they could use a "backboard"). Not my best idea...but possibly one of my funnest. Don't worry...the students were all completely finished with the assignment the teacher left...so what do you expect me to do? I mean...I can't allow an intense game of paperball every class period...but

This. Is. Torture.

Back By Popular Demand With a Story About Teeth

Back by popular demand!! Okay...so only one person demanded...but still. My dear cousin is keeping me in line (Las, I believe this is shout-out number TWO on the blog!) and demanded some more entertainment. I made my weekly to-do list yesterday and "blog" was one of my to-dos. What is this world coming to?!

Anyways...I went to the dentist today. Can I just tell you that I absolutely LOVE going to the dentist. This seems weird because I CANNOT stand when people slide their teeth on their forks...even the thought of metal on teeth is making me cringe right this second. I have the chills the entire time I'm getting my plaque scraped off...and I'm usually sore after from being so tense the whole time. BUT, I love clean teeth. So so much. Clean white teeth are perhaps one of my favorite things.

Perhaps I have become obsessed with teeth in general because of my horrifying history with orthodontics. Let's go through my timeline of teeth misery and you will see why I now care so much about my teeth.

It all started in the fourth grade. I had lost all my front teeth through the prior years and most of my permanent teeth had come in...but turns out my bottom left middle tooth didn't want to grow in. So...I was bottom left middle toothless for a few years. Now that seems very sad, I know. Is it more sad than the fact that one of my top front teeth had grown in completely sideways? I'm talking perpendicular to my other teeth. I'm not sure whether my top or my bottom situation was worse.

So 5th grade brought the days of the retainer (dun dun dunnn). I was in a retainer for a short time and then got braces on my front teeth. Luckily my front tooth turned fairly quickly and most of my teeth were facing the right direction. I also got several teeth pulled, and then had a chain glued on my tooth that wouldn't come in (the chain was glued to my tooth under the gums and then attached to my braces to that it would be pulled up). With all of this work done, I now had a bottom left middle tooth. Well after that year, we moved to Idaho. I got my braces taken off in Utah so that I could start new with a new orthodontist in Idaho.

I went through sixth and seventh grade without any orthodontic appliance (thank heavens...I was awkward enough)...but in my eighth grade year, the nightmare started. I went to get braces back on and the orthodontist decided I needed...wait for it...an EXPANDER! Yep, the good old expander on the roof of the mouth that you crank every day to create more space. It was sooo embarrassing. Let me share an experience with you that will illustrate why this was such a nightmare: I was an 8th grader (that's a nightmare in itself) and I was sitting in Ms. Faude's History class (another nightmare considering this lady was like 70 and had long gray hair like a witch would have). I had had my expander on for some time and the gap between my front teeth had been obvious for quite awhile. Well good old Ms. Faude came up to me in the middle of class and said "Wow Maren...have you always had that gap between your front teeth? You could practically fit a finder through there!". I. Was. Mortified. The whole classroom heard her. I mean, obviously everyone could see that...but the fact that she said it out loud was horrifying. Poor me.

Luckily after a few months of embarrassment, I got braces back on. I wore braces from 8th grade through my sophomore year of high school. About 2 1/2 years. Ever since I got my braces off I have been obsessed with straight, clean, shiny, white teeth. It is one of the first things I notice about people. I'm very put off by crooked, yellow teeth. It gives me flashbacks. Horrible flashbacks.

So this is why I love the dentist. I love knowing that my mouth mess days are over. I love having all my teeth. I love that my teeth all face the same direction. I love it all. Thank you orthodontics. Thank you dentistry. Thanks Mom and Dad for paying for it all. If it weren't for these things, I'd still be sporting the closed-lip smile in all my pictures. Classic...but not cute.