Be the Change

We all do it. We get busy with life and all the things involved with keeping schedules, appointments, careers, school, etc. We focus on each task and move on to the next, maybe even working on multiple tasks at once. We are concerned with being efficient with our limited time. Sometimes we don't realize that we do have a choice.

It is important to slow down and remember what is important. Remember what you enjoy doing, and do it. Think about things that make you happy and make time for them. If watching TV for 2-3 hours a day is what makes you happy, then do it (I feel bad for you though). If you want to start a hobby, workout, go back to school, or simply read more, do it.

Refocus. Evaluate your daily schedule, usually you will be able to find time you may otherwise spend on things you don't value as highly, but are habits. This may include spending time on the internet. If you'd rather work on a new hobby or read a book than go online, then do it. The internet will be there whenever you have time for it.

I am all for technology and think it's really neat that I can keep in contact with friends and family on Facebook and blogs, but that doesn't mean it should take away from what I would rather be doing, living. (Hence my low amount of blog posts since moving.) For me, personally, I like to get out and explore, hike, try new things. I am going to start geocaching on the few days a week that both kids are in school at the same time.

Bottom line: It's your life, make time for you. Do what makes you happy, just don't forget about your responsibilities.

Caleb is currently attending his first day of school at his new school. 2nd Grade, a big year to be sure. He met his teacher and saw his classroom last week and told me this morning (at 6:45am, school here starts at 7:40) that he was excited for his first day. I was excited for him.

I couldn't help but think about the recent happenings in congress. We cannot be cutting spending on public education in this country. We should be putting more funding into it. We should let teachers do what they do best: teach. We should get rid of certain standardized tests, especially those that test children in elementary school. Kids are not only learning many things, some testable, some not, they are learning how to learn. Let the teachers figure out how each student learns and be able to teach kids the best way they can. No teacher wants to teach kids answers to a test. They want the kids to learn and know how to learn on their own.

I also have been thinking about my own education. If a college professor was teaching me answers and not how to understand the content, I would be furious and drop the class. No one wants to PAY for that kind of education. I can see how taxpayers are upset about how the public schools are run, but it's not because they are over-funded or have bad teachers. All the rules and threats of losing your job based on students performance creates unnecessary pressure on teachers that already have each child's best interest in their minds and hearts.

I also think about my education and hope that I will still be able to further my education and that student loans will be available. Cutting spending on student loans also will not help this country, it holds it back. If fewer people are able to attend college and get that further education we all know is so important to not only each student's future, but to the country's future. I have yet to hear a parent tell their child they hope they do not go to college. It's not a right in this country, but it should be possible for any eligible student with the drive and desire to take out a loan to attend an institution of higher education (especially for in-state tuition).

I have recently received my voter registration card for our new district/state and education cuts and/or spending will definitely be a factor in my decisions come election time.