Themes

For every year or season, it seems to me like there's a theme.
In the past, I've written it out to remember it and think about it daily:

De aqui a poco...

Porque hecho esta.

As I'm starting a new school year, I was thinking, "What now, Lord?" And then, one day, God put in my heart and mind: New things. Nuevas cosas.

Aw! How awesome.
Confirmed? Yes, yesterday as I was walking out of my car in the mall's parking lot... How wild is that?
From little and basic things such as having new posters in my classroom, and throwing a whole bunch of stuff away that's not applicable to NOW, new things are coming my way... How exciting and awesome. Absolutely amazing.

With that, comes a learning process... But I'm sure that God will continue to make a way for me. Here I come, new school year!!! I'm reminded of those words in the Bible: "Do not fear." I might not be 100% ready as I'm always aiming for, but all things will work out because I love the Lord with all my heart. --Romans 8:28

PS: And no, I haven't quit facebook yet... Where's the "I'm outta here" button on that thing???

Ya!!!

No better way to end my project... Than by listening to a song that happened to be on online radio... I used to hear it ten years ago all the time...

"Yo sere tu amigo... Como Cristo es en mi...
Trabajaremos juntos,
Trabajaremos juntos...
Trabajaremos por algo mejor."

I thanked my brother for answering this one important question, that if he had not been there I don't know what I would have done. I don't think I could have called my school friends at 11 pm! as we're getting close to starting school this Thursday. I think I could have been stuck.

But thank God, that wasn't the case. My brother was here. And, he answered the question.

Everything was OK. Thank you so much, God :)

The End to a FANTASTIC! School Year with Donna Lewis & the Globe Trekker Crew

I even worded it that way on my end-of-the-year evaluation because I meant it. :)

In my years of teaching, (I sound like I have 35 years experience, hahaa..) I can honestly say that this was a great batch of kids. I knew I was going to miss them, so I created a Photostory for them. My kids loved it!!! And, I'm so glad because I wanted them to remember this year as a GREAT one!

You'll see pictures of our classroom, colleagues of mine, and some personal moments, since the kids are always asking personal Q's...

As for me, every teacher knows that having the freedom to teach and explore... and reach new heights with your kids, is the best thing that could happen in your job as an educator. That's how it was for me. I felt the freedom (thanks to our principal this year) to reach the stars and I reached the sky.

Martin Luther King, Jr. Day

On every third Monday of January, the United States remembers the birthday of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., Civil Rights Leader and Activist.

Today, Monday, Jan. 18th of 2010, I didn't go to work because I had the option of being off if I had all my "professional development" hours. Do I have these? Yes, I have met and exceeded the amount of hours needed for me to enjoy a day away from work.

What makes this possible? A federal holiday, MLK Day.

However, this day is a regular working day for most people, and those that are off, usually don't remember the real reason for this holiday because we're all tired and busy planning life stuff.

Some questions ponder in my mind: What if Dr. King was still alive today? How would things be?? How would history be different??? And if he could come back, what would he think about American society today???

A couple of years ago, I remember watching part of a cartoon that made me remember Dr. King's efforts and goals... and it just really made me think... a whole lot.

Although some might feel offended, please look at the bigger picture of the clip below. I think it attempts to answer at least one of my questions: What would Dr. King think of society today if he could be here for just one day? It is not meant to insult or destroy anyone with words, images, etc... Completely the opposite. The intention of the creator of this cartoon, Boondocks, was to pay respect to Dr. King and make us all, (yes, all of us) think about how we are contributing to American society. Are we being responsible members? Do we bring goodness with our actions?? Are we doing all that we can to live good lives???

My motive as a Social Studies teacher and rookie in the blogging world is to hopefully bring awareness to society (meaning my students), as I work with them on a daily basis, encouraging them to be their best, rise above current circumstances, and remain with a grateful attitude at all times.

Unfortunately, we (society as a whole) have lost that vision of living up to the dream that many people who came before us, like Dr. King, worked very hard for. That's just my humble opinion. Trying to find acceptance, wanting to build a better tomorrow so that it could be shared with our coming generations, etc... It's our duty to bring that dream back... that one dream that Dr. King had and worked for until his last day of life in order to see it reality in everyone. But as we think on this today, there are good news: The opportunity remains available. It is up to us as individuals if we are going to make it happen... and once we decide to go for it, we must hold on to it like dear life itself.

In this episode, things are so sad here in the U.S. that Martin Luther King Jr. decides to move to Canada instead. He dies at the age of 91, in Vancouver, B.C. ......Deep... and I'm so glad I get it.

In Memoriam... Here's to you, Miep Gies ~

"From the left to the right: Paul Gies, Fritzie Frank-Markovits, Jan Gies, Miep Gies and Otto Frank. Basel, 1971" (Click on pictures for source)

Yes, Miep Gies, the wonderful woman that helped the Frank family "survive" up until they were discovered in 1944... by bringing food, supplies, magazines, etc... has passed away today.

She was 100 years old.

Absolutely remarkable.

It is truly a blessing to live long and have blessed others in your life.

Survived by her son and three grandsons, all I can think of is: What a legacy.

Thank you, Miep, for having served as a kind reminder to humanity of what is important: To love each other as one loves thyself... and actually live and show that "brotherly" love, agape love.

May God bless your descendants, legacy, and of course, the sweet, kind memory of you!

With tears of gratitude, a girl that says thank you for helping Anne Frank and her family, and showing that unconditional, true love... thank you, God, for Miep. May she rejoice in your presence. :) Amen.

With all due respect and admiration, sincerely yours,
Carranza

(Reminder: I'm a 28-year old woman and now teacher, touched by Anne Frank's diary and the events of the Holocaust in 8th grade, spring semester, age 13).

New Year, Same Me, and a Future Wedding!

In case you're wondering, here's my "About Me" description:

I'm all about actions and not just talk. What started as a summer
project/requirement has now become a commitment to life-long learning. To me,
every day is a new opportunity to be a better everything! I work very hard on a
daily basis as a teacher to 120+ students... and treasure the few moments I have
to be me. Yes, the dreamer, adventurous, multi-tasker, sometimes too quiet,
appreciative, Carranza :) And at 27, learning and feeling
alive as if I were 17!

The line in pink has changed and will be erased! Why? A few days ago, I turned 28... But I definitely do feel young as if I were 17!!

And noooo, I'm not the one getting married... My time has not yet arrived. However...

Today's Moment in History: Shout out to my friend, colleague, excellent teacher, neighbor across the hall, mall buddy, super "runner" of an athlete, sister in Christ, and sweetheart of a good friend, Christie!!! :) Congratulations girl, God bless you and Taylor as you've gotten engaged!!! How awesome and what a testimony to those of us that are still waiting... LOL :) I am reminded of God's promises and how real & true they are. And THAT is greatness because I see it in your lives.

I'm reminded of scripture: Isaiah 40: 27-31 NIV

27 Why do you say, O Jacob, and complain, O Israel, "My way is hidden from the LORD; my cause is disregarded by my God"?

28 Do you not know? Have you not heard? The LORD is the everlasting God, the Creator of the ends of the earth. He will not grow tired or weary, and his understanding no one can fathom.

29 He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.

30 Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall;

31 but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.

When my friend and I were talking on the phone tonight and as she shared with me the awesome news, this passage immediately popped into my mind... And I'm thankful to God because it's a very good reminder to me... and it is God, once again, talking to me. Thank you Father God! Thank you for loving us first... and giving us your grace. Please continue to help me and continue to be patient and merciful to me... I know you are, but please be with me at all times because I need you soooo much. I also ask that you bless this wonderful couple that you have brought together, Christie and Taylor, with everything that they need... and I pray that you give them LIFE and your goodness in abundance! Thank you for their lives, thank you for their example; in your name I pray Jesus, Amen.

I am honored to be called your friend, Christie!!!

Love ya girl!!!! (And love ya too, Taylor!) lol :)

The picture below is my best attempt to reflect a happy, sweet, awesome couple. Although they look lovely, they are not my friends mentioned above. Picture thanks to here.

~ CONGRATULATIONS ~

Christmas Thoughts...

After living through Hurricane Ike last year (2008), the Houston flood of April (2009), and having one crazy, busy, super stressed summer and the months that followed due to major life changes... Well, you just get to have a different outlook on Christmas and general celebrations.

I grew up in a family where "celebrations" weren't really celebrated... Not because there wasn't anything to celebrate, but because unfortunately, it was just the way it was. Trust me, don't ask.

Anyway, from an early age, I learned to be content with little... But little did I know that I still had a long way to go before I could actually understand how to live life in "good times and bad." The efforts for recovery and getting back to the routine after these major life-altering events have been crazy, hard, and believe it or not, good. Yes, good and here's why.

To make my long story short, this Christmas I didn't even put up a Christmas tree since I've been between homes. I don't even know where it is at my house. It's always been me the one that "celebrates" things and moments in my family. This year, there were no Christmas presents, no birthday presents, no birthday "party" either, for me. I'm 28 now, and I still feel like I don't have it figured out yet. My soul thirsts for God, there are still many broken things in my life, and as the world gathers to celebrate the joyous occassion of the birth of Jesus, the Savior of the world, I can only think of one thing: I would love for everything in my life to be just right. I'm not talking about having more money, more material things, etc... But in an overall evaluation of everything I wish I could come to the conclusion that everything is right by actually feeling it. Isn't that the way things should be? Living "the right time" at the right spot, the right thing, the right moment, the right words, the right thoughts, the right actions... That's what I wish for. I know it's probably confusing to read this... Many thoughts come to mind as I'm hanging out at my parent's house and that always stirs a lot of different things within me.

The Bottom Line: May you and your loved ones enjoy the true meaning of one of the most popular English phrases all around the world, "Merry Christmas." It's not the presents. Not other stuff nor the decorations, although they're not bad to have (but actually pleasant and nice to look at!) if the focus is Jesus. It's about being in the company of each other, enjoying the peace that God can give in a family or individual, and having that profound, grateful attitude of being happy in abudance and in scarcity... the good times and bad, and recognizing that Jesus is the source for everything good. That's the real blessing and gift of Christmas, in my humble opinion.

What's up?

A lot since my last post :)

1. In October, reminisced about the year 1999 as I ran into a live, TV concert performance of the Backstreet Boys. Yes, you can laugh but they did define my junior and senior year of high school. I graduated back in May of 99. They also came out with a new CD on October 6. FYI in case you're wondering :)

2. I'm enjoying teaching my group of kids this year. I couldn't ask for a better year! :) In spite of the "busy-ness", meetings, more work and expectations, and less time to sleep and rest, I've had some great new lesson ideas on this great school year. Most of my students (like 93%) this year are sweet, smartER, caring, polite, and good-hearted. This formula = success.

3. Enjoyed a very happy Thanksgiving :)
Thankfully evaluating all the blessings I've received this year: New house, new car, new attitude for and @ work, and a new outlook on life. Aw, refreshing... and worth the wait :)

Source: Here.

4. Been using my acitvboard and loving it! Especially the speakers... Great sound! It makes grading papers, lesson planning and organizing your classroom OK when listening to music with surround system on those long afternoons.

5. Busy being a new homeowner :) And spending lots of $ on paying bills :(

6. Watching a kitten "grow up" (Vivo - check out one of my early posts) and become as big as his mamma, already!! And he's not even 5 months old yet until Dec. 18th. The awesomeness of life :)

7. Countdown to my birthday as December started! I'll be 28 soon... Yikes!!!

8. Watched an episode of strict parents on MTV, accidentally, and I'm glad to report that I'm on my way to good parenting! LOL :) Seriously, these parents were both coaches. It was cool and hilarious to hear the things I tell my students on TV!! At the same time, it was touching to know that care, going the extra mile, and redirecting children's behavior often and as needed, in order to help them stay on task or on the right track - pays off. Well, sometimes. Especially for the kid. And that is what it is all about when you become an educator. Helping kids change their lives, one child at a time, one day at a time.

OK. Enough nostalgia and perfect world thoughts.

9. The little and simple things make me happy. I attended a grade-level team meeting this week where our 6th grade AP had breakfast for us (yogurt, various kinds of donuts, fresh fruit, granola bars, and!!! chocolate and a candy cane on each one of our seats). I was excited to just be @ work! Hahahaaa... and was ready to listen to what he had to tell us. At the same time, with him being a guy and all, I was impressed at how sometimes people do try to make an effort to plese you and make you happy. And that is great to have, at work and in life.

10. Snow day! and early release at school @ 12:30 today because of the snow. It was exciting. Super fun. The kids had a blast. It's moments like these that remind us that working with kids is fun... Well, good kids that is :) Days like today are much needed. We even celebrated a colleague's birthday during lunch. You could see the snow storm happening before our eyes since my classroom is sorrounded with windows on two of the four walls... For a couple of hours, my class turned into a science lab :) At dismissal, I played with the snow, made snow balls, threw them at another teacher friend and the sorrounding areas... Froze my hands as I removed all the snow from my car before driving off, and walked in the snow and freezing rain as it was coming down my face :) Driving in the snow was a first for me. When I got home, went outside in the cold for like 20 min. looking for Vivo's mom - Minni, who finally came back inside after her adventure today... And as I waited for her, the neighbor's cat also showed up at the same time in our backyard. Yes, I fed him too.

After work today, I've been hanging out at my parent's house since we live 2 min. away from each other! lol and I'm staying here tonight.

11. Even the Weather Channel covered our story: Snow in Houston!? They sent their best, Jim Cantore, to report on the happenings all around the Houston area. When a city with an average temp of 67 degrees around this timeof year hits freezing conditions and 1 in. of snow at Hobby Airport (more than NY and Chicago, per the news media) - You bet it's news!!!

That's a Curveball...

Picture from here.

Wow, I never thought I would ever say this... But I think I got thrown off my little boat! I was sailing across the ocean, everything seemed to be fine, and suddenly - there I went. Down. Fast.

It happened so fast that I didn't really process it until 24 hrs. later.

So what happened, right? You might be saying, "this girl needs to get to the point!" You're right. And that's precisely the thing: It was one of those things where there was a chain of events that got started by this one thing... and everything else followed... But it all made sense. It was as if there was a massive, condensed, and intense lesson going on before me. And yes, I think I learned the reason, got the message, understood the lesson, whatever you want to call it. In addition, I also see where my mistake lied.

What did I learn?

It's in the times when everything is running smoothly, you're getting everything accomplished, God is blessing you in every single possible way, and you feel good - that you truly need to worry and be alert. In other words, WATCH IT.
That's the problem.
God wants to bless us beyond our wildest dreams, but it is up to us if we can handle it and live up to that level of "administration" of gifts. Does that make sense?
In difficult times, when there is adversity, we are drawn closer to God. But when everything is going great, yes, it's true, we neglect our relationship with the Giver of everything good because things are sooo nice. It just happened to me and I was not a very good fighter. Literally, BIG things going great in my life. Although I saw it happening, it was as if I couldn't do something about it... or just didn't react because I was lazy... I felt like I was slowly slipping away... I could see it and feel it. Because of my disconnection with God, one little thing caused me to slip, brought me down... and other things came tumbling down as my little rock at the top of the pyramid came falling down, all the way down, and bringing other things down along with it... Yes, it's called, "Still learning how to put God first above everything else" at age 27, knowing much, much better. Disappointed? Yes, in me. I even feel guilty for so many reasons. I know I can do better. So why don't I??? Aaaah! Self-analysis.

Yes, priorities matter.
I see it in a different way after today. In a greater, deeper way and I thank God for that.
I'm reminded of the life of David in the Bible... How he was this amazing guy that had a special relationship with The Lord, but messed up along the way. He was STILL a man from God, but the consequences of not being "connected" to God as he should have, were devastating.

What a lesson for me. I pray that never again do I mess up like that. I'm so thankful to God for being faithful, sovereign, and forgiving - no matter what, and for loving me with eternal love and grace like He does... Dios es bueno en todo tiempo. Thank you God for your forgiveness and comfort in times when I fall and you pick me up. Thank you. Thank you. Gracias con todo mi corazon.

Facing Reality As I "Retire" My Summer

Time to retire my summer 2009 Avatar: I love you, Swimming!!!
I attended today the Grand Re-Opening of the SBISD Natatorium and it just seemed like the perfect conclusion to my passion this summer: Swimming.
Labor Day already passed... It's starting to cool off... The A/C @ school is no longer breaking down, and swim team season started when school did... Sooooo, summer is officially over : (

As hard as it is to accept reality, at least I can say that I've had an amazing summer, filled with excitement and new things. Lots of learning, that's for sure... And that's great.

I have my YMCA instructor to thank, Juan, for teaching me so much without him knowing about it. Because of his example, I learned to swim, dive, try all the possible strokes and kicks, tread water, discovered and used muscles I had no idea existed, for the first time someone believed in me -- always teling me that I could do it! Without knowing me, he did believe in me and it was genuine. I learned to believe in myself, experienced the first real and genuine words of encouragement I've ever received in my life from someone that didn't even know me about accomplishing something new (had never heard that from people in my life), became 100% comfortable in a swimsuit, learned new levels of patience I had no idea existed, made me feel that I needed to become a better teacher :) (rude awakening... I needed that... All due to his quiet example. I felt like a kid wanting to be just like him!), and most of all: Saber que es posible encontrar a un hombre con grandes cualidades como son el ser humilde, inteligente, servidor, trabajador, educado, prudente, respetuoso, y siii! El ser agradecido; fisicamente fuerte y sano (en buena condicion fisica... De atleta!!!), con metas y proposito, y que ame a Dios por sobre TODAS las cosas. Me hizo pensar en lo que pudiera ser... Lo posible... Tanto asi, que senti el deseo de pedirle a Dios por su bendicion en mi vida de proveerme un esposo que sea increible y a la vez normal... un hombre que ES hombre... no perfecto :) con bastante que aprender y con el deseo de querer ser mejor... Que sea bueno con todos... y super lindo conmigo. :) Es posible. Ahora lo se. :) Y espero que pronto sea una realidad muy probable. Nunca habia vivido un ejemplo como el. Jamas. Y me quedo admirada de como Dios usa ciertas cosas/momentos/personas/ocasiones para hablarle a uno, hacerlo ver, refleccionar y despertar... Porque uso a Juan para bendecir mi vida en motivarme y en todo lo que ya mencione... Y estoy por siempre agradecida. :) Thank you God, thank you mom for your unconditional support, and of course, how can I forget?! --> Thank you, Juan.
I'm reminded of Scripture:

"In everything give thanks..."

and

"To everything there is a season..."

With no further ado, thank you God for my wonderful, busy, very stressful, adventurous, fun and exciting summer! I loved it. And I have You to thank for your provision of all the blessings in my life. Summer is over but your seasons aren't. I trust you and I look forward to a new time, new season, new beginning... a new adventure.

The World of "Firsts"

My first time

This post is not about what some people may think it's about... It's safe to read, promise! :)

I never thought that so many "firsts" would happen to me all together and at the same time... The timing so happened to be, I didn't plant it.

It happened immediately after my last day at school, which was the Saturday right before the Monday when everything started: June 8, 2009.

1. Started seriously swimming.
2. Closed on my first home.
3. Took a technology class but not in a regular "classroom" and started this blog.
4. Bought a new car, thanks to Cash for Clunkers.
5. Started a brand new school year as a teacher. For those of you that are educators, you know that it's a roller coaster of craziness the weeks before and after the first day of school.
6. This summer I have met and made new friends along the way... good people. :)
7. Actually started looking the part. Dressing nicer to work and looking "professional" as Harry Wong implies :) Someone told me two days ago that I was finally looking professional... and I laughed. I guess I was not professional enough before...?! *I think it's funny so it didn't bother me*
   
8. My first refrigerator (mine! I actually own it!!) was delivered to my house 3 days ago. It was a gift from my parents. :) Thank you mom and dad.
   
9. I'm having the best beginning of the school year - EVER!!!! I'm relaxed and enjoying it!!!
10. Last, I have received some of the nicest compliments from people I've met lately,
11. and yes, I guess it is a new beginning for me. Aw, what a feeling!
    A friend asked me,

    "What brought all of this change in you?"

    I thought about it... and at that moment I didn't have an answer. My mom, however, knowing me very well said it was the 25-year flood that happened in our neighborhood in April of this year that brought a whole new perspective on life and things. True. I think that sparked it... and I'm glad it did. Our house flooded and we faced tough moments that were different from others we've lived as a family.
    

I am reminded of Romans 8:28 in the Bible, "All things work together for good to those who love God, to those that are called according to His purpose." I guess I'm just not used to all these good things happening to me - and all at once!! How amazing. The only thing that I can say and give credit to as to why this is happening to me NOW - at a time like this - in the middle of a recession and lots of stress and work --> God's grace upon my life. And I'm so thankful for that.
I had never felt God's love for me so strongly like I did this summer and I'll never forget that.

There's nothing like having hope in Him who's the giver of all good things. God can take one's imperfections and make something beautiful with that if one surrenders all to Him, just like it's been happening to me since the beginning of June. My faith in The One that knows my past, present, and future has grown over the summer, and I'm deeply grateful for His mercy, grace, patience, and love for me.

And who am I?

Reminder: A struggling, single girl... but seeking Him with all my heart and finding purpose in the journey He leads me on...