- Sometimes I have thoughts like "perhaps I should shut down the old blog." I'm obviously stupidly irregular in posting. But as soon as I have such thoughts as the one above, I remind myself that my blog is one of my outlets (when I want to give the hubz a break from listening to all the very, very important things I have to say). I post what I want when I want. That sounds selfish. But it's true. So ...okay is going to stick around. And I'm okay with that. Irregularity is a good thing, right? :)
- Many of my students feel the social stigma of receiving SPED services. My internal reaction to their very real emotions is often, "Why!? We're here to HELP you, not to embarrass you! You cray-cray." However, yesterday I received a dose of my own "you cray-cray" medicine. In one of my CSS classes (essentially it's a general education English class with a handful or so of students with special needs...and I'm in there as a co-teacher), I've been taking about half the class to my room during work time just to calm the chaos that is inevitable during independent work time. Aside from the students with special needs, I also snagged a few gen ed kiddos to join the partay in the Carlson classroom. Well, when my co-teacher told the students yesterday that the same students who went with me on Monday would be going with me again, one of the gen ed kids threw a mini hissy-fit. My read on the situation is that he didn't want to go with me because I'm the SPED teacher...thus not as smart and he would then be labeled as needing extra help. Internally, I was fuming. Embarrassed. Irritated. Lots of internal choice words. Not my proudest moment. Later in the day as I was processing my emotions, I realized that how I felt was probably similar to how my students with special needs must feel at times. Most of them appreciate the extra help and don't mind working one-on-one with me or being "pulled" from the regular class for support. But there are still times when receiving extra help is somewhat embarrassing (apparently it's not cool to walk down the hall with Mrs. Carlson...what!?!?). In an effort to wrap up this very rambling-happy story, let me just say that I love my kiddos with special needs. LOVE them. Like, I want to adopt all of them and make them cookies every day. And I'm not even joking. And I'm thankful for the opportunity I received to feel a bit of what they have felt so many times in their educational journey. <Stepping off soap-box>
- Tonight I'm making a baked ziti for supper. And I am pumped.
- My house is officially decorated for Christmas. Perhaps I will take some pics this weekend when it's not dark 5 minutes after I get home (cue collective ugh).
- Today I was actually LOOKING for something to do. Now that is crazy. The last month has been nuts - writing a bajillion IEPs while trying to stay on top of everything else about drove me bonkers. A wise SPED teacher said to me at the beginning of the year, "Your schedule as a SPED teacher will ebb and flow." And boy was she right. I'm definitely in a calm season right now (*crosses fingers*) and I don't hate it.
- Dansie hubsie and I are just home tonight. I love nights like this.
- Have a happy one!
November 28, 2012
juhuslik: it's Estonian
November 12, 2012
3 years
What follows is what I wrote 3 years ago. Makes me smile. Love you, Dans.
Wednesday, Daniel texted me and asked if I would go out to eat with him at Red Robin tomorrow.
I, of course, said yes, and instantly began secretly wondering if a proposal would occur.
I told only Roxanne about Daniel’s request, and we chatted briefly about it, but neither of us could figure out if it was for real.
On Thursday, I asked Daniel if I should wear a hoodie or if I needed to dress up.
He said that he would wear what he wears to work (which is typically jeans and a t-shirt). He also said, “It’s really not that big of a deal.” This had me confused. He knows that I would not want to get engaged in jeans and a hoodie, so I decided to dress up anyway. You never know. (When I told him later that he took a risk – I could have worn sweats, he said, “I figured you knew me well enough that you would just know to dress up.”)
When he showed up to pick me up at 4:30 Thursday afternoon, he was wearing my favorite shirt (which he rarely wears to work). He was also quite awkward. In fact, I don’t remember a time more awkward than our first “date.” The drive to Wichita was full of chatting, but Daniel never even tried to hold my hand, which was also weird (especially since I hadn’t seen him for 3 days).
At one point I suggested that my parents could join us for dinner since they were in Wichita as well. He promptly said no. That was odd because normally he’s quite gung-ho about including either of our parents. Once again, I became suspicious. (In reality, I knew at this point, so instead of continuing to badger him, I backed off and just enjoyed the ride.)
Once we arrived in Wichita, instead of driving straight to Red Robin, he awkwardly drove around the parking lot by the place where he first said, “I love you” to me. Finally, he pulled into the parking lot by Abuelo’s and I said, “This is not the right place.” And he replied, “It’s okay.” At that point, I knew what was to come.
We got out of the car and he went to the trunk to retrieve a large, wrapped picture frame and his man-purse. We started walking toward “our spot.” He said, “Are you nervous?” To which I replied, “No, are you?” He responded with a confident, “Nope.” So we walked and walked and walked (I swear it was the longest walk ever). I tried to savor it as much as I could. I thought, “This could be the last time I walk as a single woman.” (I occasionally have odd thoughts like that. No big deal. Just go with it.)
I knew where we were headed, but before we arrived there, he tried to get me to go somewhere else, but I said, “I think you want me to be over there.” And he said, “Oh, you’re right.” So we kept walking. It was very sweet.
We finally arrived and sat by each other. He told me to open the picture. As I was opening it, he reached into his man-purse and pulled out a ring box. It (the wrapped, framed picture) was a beautiful water-color painting—done by sweet LynAnne Wiest—of him proposing to me at that exact spot. (He later told me that it was reminiscent of the commercial that makes me cry about the guy who takes cell phone pictures and sends them to his girlfriend and then the last one is a picture of her – and he’s home! He knows I love that commercial, so it was super special that he remembered such a sweet detail.)
He said, “Heidi Lynn Glanzer, will you marry me?” I might have jumped on his words, but I responded with an excited, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Much merry-making and picture-taking followed. It was truly beautiful and the walk back to the car seemed much shorter.
When we got to the car, we couldn’t figure out where we wanted to eat. I had strangely lost my appetite. He was still starving, so we decided on Red Robin. So for our engagement supper, we had burgers and fries. I kept trying to flash my new bling to our server so we could perhaps receive a free dessert, but to no avail.
After dinner, the flood of communication began. I had been “hiding” a list of people to call in my phone for the past month, so I was definitely ready to break it out. My parents happened to also be in Wichita, so we found them and recounted the evening with them. My sweet brother went crazy on the phone when I told him – I think this was the first instance of “Oh my word, this is really happening!”
The evening was perfect, the ring is flawless, the proposal was so personal, and Daniel is now my fiance. I can’t wait to spend my life with him!
In the past week, we have both felt loved by so many people. Thank you for your loving support and intentional prayers on behalf of our relationship. We look forward to sharing many exciting times with many people in the coming months!
Wednesday, Daniel texted me and asked if I would go out to eat with him at Red Robin tomorrow.
I, of course, said yes, and instantly began secretly wondering if a proposal would occur.
I told only Roxanne about Daniel’s request, and we chatted briefly about it, but neither of us could figure out if it was for real.
On Thursday, I asked Daniel if I should wear a hoodie or if I needed to dress up.
He said that he would wear what he wears to work (which is typically jeans and a t-shirt). He also said, “It’s really not that big of a deal.” This had me confused. He knows that I would not want to get engaged in jeans and a hoodie, so I decided to dress up anyway. You never know. (When I told him later that he took a risk – I could have worn sweats, he said, “I figured you knew me well enough that you would just know to dress up.”)
When he showed up to pick me up at 4:30 Thursday afternoon, he was wearing my favorite shirt (which he rarely wears to work). He was also quite awkward. In fact, I don’t remember a time more awkward than our first “date.” The drive to Wichita was full of chatting, but Daniel never even tried to hold my hand, which was also weird (especially since I hadn’t seen him for 3 days).
At one point I suggested that my parents could join us for dinner since they were in Wichita as well. He promptly said no. That was odd because normally he’s quite gung-ho about including either of our parents. Once again, I became suspicious. (In reality, I knew at this point, so instead of continuing to badger him, I backed off and just enjoyed the ride.)
Once we arrived in Wichita, instead of driving straight to Red Robin, he awkwardly drove around the parking lot by the place where he first said, “I love you” to me. Finally, he pulled into the parking lot by Abuelo’s and I said, “This is not the right place.” And he replied, “It’s okay.” At that point, I knew what was to come.
We got out of the car and he went to the trunk to retrieve a large, wrapped picture frame and his man-purse. We started walking toward “our spot.” He said, “Are you nervous?” To which I replied, “No, are you?” He responded with a confident, “Nope.” So we walked and walked and walked (I swear it was the longest walk ever). I tried to savor it as much as I could. I thought, “This could be the last time I walk as a single woman.” (I occasionally have odd thoughts like that. No big deal. Just go with it.)
I knew where we were headed, but before we arrived there, he tried to get me to go somewhere else, but I said, “I think you want me to be over there.” And he said, “Oh, you’re right.” So we kept walking. It was very sweet.
We finally arrived and sat by each other. He told me to open the picture. As I was opening it, he reached into his man-purse and pulled out a ring box. It (the wrapped, framed picture) was a beautiful water-color painting—done by sweet LynAnne Wiest—of him proposing to me at that exact spot. (He later told me that it was reminiscent of the commercial that makes me cry about the guy who takes cell phone pictures and sends them to his girlfriend and then the last one is a picture of her – and he’s home! He knows I love that commercial, so it was super special that he remembered such a sweet detail.)
He said, “Heidi Lynn Glanzer, will you marry me?” I might have jumped on his words, but I responded with an excited, “Yes! Yes! Yes!” Much merry-making and picture-taking followed. It was truly beautiful and the walk back to the car seemed much shorter.
When we got to the car, we couldn’t figure out where we wanted to eat. I had strangely lost my appetite. He was still starving, so we decided on Red Robin. So for our engagement supper, we had burgers and fries. I kept trying to flash my new bling to our server so we could perhaps receive a free dessert, but to no avail.
After dinner, the flood of communication began. I had been “hiding” a list of people to call in my phone for the past month, so I was definitely ready to break it out. My parents happened to also be in Wichita, so we found them and recounted the evening with them. My sweet brother went crazy on the phone when I told him – I think this was the first instance of “Oh my word, this is really happening!”
The evening was perfect, the ring is flawless, the proposal was so personal, and Daniel is now my fiance. I can’t wait to spend my life with him!
In the past week, we have both felt loved by so many people. Thank you for your loving support and intentional prayers on behalf of our relationship. We look forward to sharing many exciting times with many people in the coming months!
With the Glanzer parents at the Hyatt.
We
went to Emily Railsback's art show at Little Pleasures in Hillsboro and
found Katherine among the crowd. She let out a piercing squeal that
both scared me and made me feel very loved.
How precious. Our guy friends were so happy for us.
Please notice the red spot on my hand. My mom has one in the exact same place.
The watercolor LA did for us. Love it!
November 6, 2012
Cray-cray
Helloooooooooooo, friends. Whew, long time, no see! Life in the Carlson casa has been cray-cray as of latelay (did ya catch that rhyme?). However, in the midst of all the craziness, I'm finding lots of time to mentally process and jump on the "be thankful in November" bandwagon. As well as maintain a relatively picked up house, exercise my right to vote, and write 5 billion IEPs (not an exaggeration...).
My picture supply is currently quite low, but I did find this sweet one. Unfortunately, this little sweetie isn't mine. But I'll take him (or any of the 18 thousand nephews) any day. :)
So there ya have it. Enthralling, I know. Happy election day. Go vote! Then go to Chik-Fil-A for a free sandwich!!!
My picture supply is currently quite low, but I did find this sweet one. Unfortunately, this little sweetie isn't mine. But I'll take him (or any of the 18 thousand nephews) any day. :)
So there ya have it. Enthralling, I know. Happy election day. Go vote! Then go to Chik-Fil-A for a free sandwich!!!
October 7, 2012
Happy Heart
We spent the last 24 hours with dozens of our closest friends from out college years. My heart is so full. Every year I wonder who I'll see at homecoming and who I'll be encouraged by. The day never disappoints.
Funny how easy it is to dive right back into meaningful conversation...even with people I haven't seen for several years. Funny how some things never change: the pep band still has a trap set at football games, Mary is still the most amazing cafeteria manager who ever lived, the beloved choir director still produces an awesome choir, and Kaylene still knows everything.
And funny how some things change: the coveted townhouses are no longer "new," professors have moved on to bigger and better ventuers, the stadium is no longer just a bunch of rotting bleachers, and the football team is back to being superb.
Two of the most enlightening conversations I had over the weekend were at a young alumni "reunion" of sorts that I didn't even want to go to in the first place (people, my feet were FREEZING and I was ready to sit on a couch). Here are my thoughts after these two conversations:
Funny how easy it is to dive right back into meaningful conversation...even with people I haven't seen for several years. Funny how some things never change: the pep band still has a trap set at football games, Mary is still the most amazing cafeteria manager who ever lived, the beloved choir director still produces an awesome choir, and Kaylene still knows everything.
And funny how some things change: the coveted townhouses are no longer "new," professors have moved on to bigger and better ventuers, the stadium is no longer just a bunch of rotting bleachers, and the football team is back to being superb.
Two of the most enlightening conversations I had over the weekend were at a young alumni "reunion" of sorts that I didn't even want to go to in the first place (people, my feet were FREEZING and I was ready to sit on a couch). Here are my thoughts after these two conversations:
- People in their mid-twenties are all in the same boat. We went to school for 4 (cough...or 5...cough) years for something we thought we would probably want to do for the rest of our lives. Some people graduated and found a meaningful job immediately. Others of us found what we thought to be a meaningful job but ended up realizing that we are more confused than ever. Regardless, we're all in this together. (And those of us who are still figuring out what we want to do with our lives want to smack those who already know...only out of jealousy, of course.) This trying to figure out what life after college looks like. This feeling like an adult but not really. This learning how to be in relationships of all kinds after college. It's not always fun. Seriously, it's not. BUT it will be fun to look back at our twenties and all the ridiculous things we did. Life is all about seasons. It's just that no one tells you about the mid-twenties season full of wondering and wandering.
- At my tiny school, everyone did everything. Well, sorta. Can't say I ever played on a competitive team, but I did try my hand at intramural volleyball, tumbling class, student senate, and a plethora of other activities. All that to say that once college ended and we moved to a new place, I felt devoid of involvement. In a brief conversation I had yesterday with a dear friend, she told me about a sermon she heard recently...the speaker spoke about how instead of throwing yourself into every little activity for involvements sake, perhaps it's best to slow down. Take life in. SERVE the people around you, but don't sign up for everything to just sign up for everything. Dans and I are currently trying to figure out what being invested in a community looks like, so that conversation was definitely food for thought.
September 28, 2012
Y'all, it's fall!
Hooray. I heart fall so much. This post has nothing to do with fall. I just like it. And I like rhyming. Boom.
Moving on.
I am a domestic disaster 90% of the time. You think I kid. I don't. If you come to my house and it's a planned visit, my house will look picked up. However, if you stop by unannounced, your heart will be saddened. Carlson casa stays pretty clean Sunday through Thursday. But something strange happens Thursday night. I call it "end of the week exhaustion" or EOTWE. When EOTWE hits, all motivation to keep the casa clean leaves me. Every last bit. So by Friday afternoon, when I literally crash on our couch the moment I walk through the door, our house often looks like this:
No crusty food anywhere, I promise.
As you can see, I'm too lazy by Friday afternoon to even edit the pictures.
So here's what I did. I set my timer on my dying microwave (people, it is on it's death bed...worry not, a new wave is in the budget for October) for 20 minutes. Turned on some jams. May or may not have danced for 10 seconds to jazz myself up. And then cleaned for 19 minutes and 40 seconds. Yes, I had 20 seconds to spare.
Not perfect, but MUCH better.
People, sometimes I am L-A-Z-Y, so a 20 minute timed cleaning session is just the motivation I need. Do it sometime.
On another note, here are some cute pics of the 1-year-old nephs. Super presh, I know.
Oh my goodness. Seriously. What is not to love. Ahhhhhh. They're making me cray-cray with aunty loving.
On another note, I have a bruise on my hand. Random, I know. No clue how it got there. But it does hurt. So weird.
Happy Friday, y'all. Remember, it's fall!
Moving on.
I am a domestic disaster 90% of the time. You think I kid. I don't. If you come to my house and it's a planned visit, my house will look picked up. However, if you stop by unannounced, your heart will be saddened. Carlson casa stays pretty clean Sunday through Thursday. But something strange happens Thursday night. I call it "end of the week exhaustion" or EOTWE. When EOTWE hits, all motivation to keep the casa clean leaves me. Every last bit. So by Friday afternoon, when I literally crash on our couch the moment I walk through the door, our house often looks like this:
On another note, here are some cute pics of the 1-year-old nephs. Super presh, I know.
Happy Friday, y'all. Remember, it's fall!
September 27, 2012
Geek-out
I'm totally geeking out today due to a google form I made after school. Because I'm so slap-happy-pumped about it, I'm going to tell you about it. **Note: unless you love education and/or special education, the following will make no sense and/or be completely pointless.**
Prior to beginning the writing of an IEP, SPED teachers are to gather information from the student's regular teachers. There are a billion ways to go about this, and I've been longing to use google forms for such a task. So today I made a form and sent it out...and I've been thinking about it ever since. Nerd. Alert.
And because I'm so crazy-ecstatic about it, I made a sample to show you. (I know, I'm a hot mess.)
So, please, go to this link and take the survey. I thank you in advance.
Heidi's Pointless Survey of Awesomeness
Prior to beginning the writing of an IEP, SPED teachers are to gather information from the student's regular teachers. There are a billion ways to go about this, and I've been longing to use google forms for such a task. So today I made a form and sent it out...and I've been thinking about it ever since. Nerd. Alert.
And because I'm so crazy-ecstatic about it, I made a sample to show you. (I know, I'm a hot mess.)
So, please, go to this link and take the survey. I thank you in advance.
Heidi's Pointless Survey of Awesomeness
September 23, 2012
randamach: it's Irish
Oh my heavens, it has been awhile. Since we last chatted, there have been a few more "happenings" in the Carlson casa or the ol' school house. Let's dive in.
- One of the kiddos I work with is on the autism spectrum and I adore him more than life itself. He brings me immense amounts of joy. A few weeks ago, I saw him in the hallway before school and we were both wearing blue-striped shirts. So I said, "Hey look! We're practically twins!" To which he responded, "Um, not really," and promptly turned and walked away. He wasn't being rude, he was just telling it like it was. Then, since he had nothing else to say, he saw it as an appropriate time to exit my presence. Love him.
- Another kiddo had been giving my para and I grief for awhile, so I instigated a behavior plan last week. And, what do you know, it's been working marvelously. I can't wait to see if what we're doing will actually impact him positively in other areas of life.
- Yet another student I work with daily has seemed, as of lately, to be much less intelligent than I earlier thought. However, after getting to know him better and visiting with his instructional manager, I came to find out that he actually is quite bright but his self-esteem is so low that instead of trying and maybe doing something wrong, he just assumes that everything he does is wrong. It has been my absolute joy to pour into him and try to show him that he is capable of doing much more than he ever thought.
- I tripped on a pencil while walking through the halls during passing period a few weeks ago. Yes, a pencil.
- Dans and I are doing Dave Ramsey's Financial Peace University right now. We're getting all fired up, so beware... If you ask us (well, me in particular) any financial-related questions, I will promptly get on my Dave-Ramsey-Soapbox. This is your fair warning.
- We caught one of the lizards outside. He is now in the classroom of one of our teacher friends.
- Dans saved up and bought himself a used riding lawn mower. Perhaps now our lawn will look less overgrown now.
- I've been taking less pictures as of lately. I'm considering doing 2013 in pictures like I did in 2009. I loved that project.
- The gals in my small group from church gathered a few weeks ago to make some freezer meals. And our system was awesome. Perhaps I will tell you about that later this week. So great.
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