I'm Just Saying...

If you really know me, you know I have an opinion on just about everything. I do really try to see both sides of the story even when I do not agree with you. However, on the first morning of my summer vacation while watching Good Morning America I saw an interview excerpt for a 20/20 spot on Rielle Hunter by Chris Cuomo. I really, really like Chris Cuomo, but I had to walk away from it and here's why. For anyone who has not listened to the news for the last six years, Rielle Hunter is the mistress of former presidential candidate John Edwards (I admit I use to like him,politically-speaking). She is also the mother of their four year old daughter. She is now promoting her book, which tells the story of their affair and her relationship with him in the past and now as parents of an innocent little girl. Having an innocent daughter does by no means make them innocent. Both of them are guilty of a number of very immoral acts that unfortunately are not punishable by law. At least according to the trial that just ended. I guess they will have to suffer with their decisions for the rest of their lives, but we do not have to waste our time or money to subsidize the sorry excuses they are trying to hand us. Both of them have irrevocably changed the lives of all the people around them and for what? Some simple sex, ego gratification, and their more than 15 minutes of notoriety? Who do you ask have been hurt? Besides the taxpayers who had to foot another bill for a corrupt politician's day in court, the loyal political followers who donated time and money to support a candidate on a power trip, the staff members who tried his dirty laundry from the nation and his family, all his children who had the burden of loving a father who thought more about himself than them, and his late wife who was humiliated in public while suffering from another bout with cancer. Rielle Hunter said in the interview, "I am not a homewrecker" and she may be right. She is so much more...both John Edwards and Rielle Hunter are selfish and immoral. Sure marriages fail all the time and we deserve to be happy. Yet, when you know the marriage is not working for you- do the right thing and get out. You are then to find your new perfect mate. If you fall in love or lust, do not act on it until you make it right. Most importantly, do not try to fool the American public and then continue to benefit through the need by some to be voyeurs. Let's get smart people...and we can start here. Do not watch 20/20 tonight and definitely let her book tank at the bookstands. I am just saying...

I'm Counting My Blessings...

Every day I say a mantra, prayer, affirmation or whatever you want to call it. I take a minute and look to the east and take a few deep breaths. I ask for strength to be a better person than I was yesterday, for guidance and protection for me and mine, I state I am in good health, at peace, and grateful for the blessings I receive (present not past) and the lessons I continue to learn from, I ask for forgiveness for my weaknesses as I forgive others theirs, I ask that the abundance of the universe flow easily and effortlessly into my life,I promise to use that abundance to help others- all for the common good, and I finish with, I believe my prayers will be answered. After I am done, I do not worry, obsess, or doubt that I am alright. I do not try to manipulate or control what happens to me during the day. I just trust in a higher power that dwells in me. Regardless of your religion or core beliefs, these simple words can change your life. Faith is believing in something or someone when no evidence is available. A knowing that if you live in a conscious way that you will live an authentic life. This does not mean that I expect there to be no glitches or bumps in the road. However, I hope or really believe that I will have the tools and the support to deal with what comes my way and I am forever grateful for the good things in my life. I always thought I would win the lottery some day or come into a lot of money. Do not get me wrong- I still would like that to happen. I could think of many, many ways to spend it, share it, and donate it to make life even better, but the difference from my wanting or wishing as I did before is that now I do not have to have it to be happy. It is not a magic fix or answer to getting out of debt or paying for a new driveway we desperately need. Money will not cure all my ills or make me content, but it could pay off some student loans. Maybe, I will win, but true happiness is not based on it anymore. Have I matured or as I have learned in my psychology classes, become self-actualized? Well, I hope so! Instead of feeling lucky that I have not had more bad than good, I am thankful. Even more so, I look to see how I can help others to weather their storms, as well. Anyone who knows me is aware that I am no angel, but I figure we need to acknowledge what we have, share our blessings, protect our resources, and learn live authentically. That is the real answer. Until next time...

Gurnee Grade School Validated for Students Hard Work

Over ten years ago, Gurnee School District 56 was feeling the pinch of a growing school population and planned to re-open the oldest building in the district, Gurnee Grade School.
Since its closure in June 1998, the building was being rented out to the Gurnee Park District and a local Christian School. However, the district was looking for an economical way to create more space for incoming students and reclaiming the school was the first step.
The obvious solution was to use real estate that was already available and configured for educational pursuits. Unfortunately, with its long history in the village, also came some long-standing issues and problems.
Being the only school in the village until Viking School opened in 1971 and its foundation just east of the DesPlaines River, meant the school was old and flood-prone. No nice modern classrooms, no climate-controlled hallways, and the yearly threat of the river flowing through the building, were only a few reasons that parents were not likely to move their children to Gurnee Grade.
To entice families back into the building, the district decided to make the school an option school. What it could not offer in amenities, it could give in choice. All-day kindergarten was initiated, smaller class-size, multi-age classrooms, and eventually housing kindergarten through eighth grade in the same building. Accommodating all siblings in one school was a boon to most families trying to work out the logistics of a typical school day.
No one was moved to Gurnee Grade against their will and they actually had to request in writing to be put on a waiting list. Parents who sent their children to GGS became great supporters and volunteers in a strong family of staff and educators that bonded over the years over sandbags, steamy classrooms, and crowded conditions.
This alternative program has payed-off big time for the village, district, school, and the students in it. Principal Jen Glickley was notified in late January that Gurnee Grade School earned an award from the Illinois State Board of Education. In her email to her staff, Mrs. Glickley said, “This is a HUGE testament to all the hard work each of you does everyday. It's more proof that EVERY CHILD can learn! Thank you!”
The 2011 Excellence Award for Exemplary Academic Performance on the Illinois Learning Standards was earned by GGS by meeting the following criteria:
* Must have made Adequate Yearly Progress in 2010 and 2011 as required by "No Child Left Behind".
*In schools serving eighth grade and below, 90% of the students must have met or exceeded state standards in reading and math for the three most recent years.
Throughout the state, 438 schools earned this award, but this is the first award in Gurnee School District 56. Gurnee Grade School is not a pretty school, it is not spacious, and it is definitely not new, but the family that has formed since the re-opening in 2003 has made a difference that really counts.
The Illinois State Board of Education recognized Gurnee Grade School with a certificate commemorating the inclusion on the 2011 Illinois Honor Roll stating, "...you and your faculty on all the good work required to sustain academic excellence in your school".
Next year the students will be moved to another building and Gurnee Grade will be no more, but the heart of the school will remain. Having a safe and dry environment in a comfortable setting is only the icing on the cake for the teachers, staff, and families who took a chance by being part of this worthy experiment.
The statement on the certificate further reads: "Demonstrating long-term commitment to the highest quality of education, students, educators, and families at Gurnee Grade School have earned a 2011 Excellence Award".
A strong validation for the decision the district made for practical reasons, yet garnered so much more for the district. Superintendent John Hutton added his congratulations to all the staff at Gurnee Grade School through a letter last week.

Remembering 9/11/01

Of course with any major event that is experienced in our lives, we look back and think about what we were doing when it took place. With Sunday’s remembrances for 9/11, I looked at what I was doing and where my life was when I heard for the first time of the plane crashing into Tower One of the World Trade Center. The names read, the six moments of silence, touching music, and the eloquent words spoken by leaders both present and past touched my heart deeply.
Just ten years ago, I watched with others to see our lives changing irrevocably and forever. Our contentment and nonchalance that violence was not going to touch America and the fear of terrorism, war, or that the threat of fanatics taking away our security on home turf was no longer a distant thought. The Towers being attacked, the Pentagon in flames, the heroes going down in Pennsylvania, the last Tower falling, and the death toll climbing brought us together in solidarity, pain, and patriotism.
We have learned a lot in the last ten years. The tributes both nationally and locally on Sunday have once again allowed me to remember what has been lost, endured, and treasured in my life. Listening to how survivors or the loved ones of the almost 3000 people, who perished that day, have coped and subsequently moved on in their lives was so moving. The children and grandchildren born after the tragedy give me hope for a better future for all of us. Those victims are in our memories with each smile or mannerism repeated through the generations to come.
The realization of unbearable loss of those people who died are multiplied by the first responders who gave their all, and the ones lost in the subsequent war on terrorism ripple in our public consciousness like the memorial pool at Ground Zero
Seeing our nation, mourning their deaths, yet celebrating their lives and heroics- humbles me. We truly will not forget that Tuesday, ten years ago and hopefully the recollections from that awful day will keep us strong, focused, and dedicated to the freedom we all deserve.

New Year, New Me???

Okay, this year I did not even think about New Year Resolutions. Yeah, I did run through the "getting in shape", "learning not to procrastinate", and my all-time favorite, "spending within my means" scenarios, but the truth is that I am older and wiser. I know that making a list with all my potential improvements will remain a list for the next year with only a hint of guilt for not following-through.

I have gone with a new approach. I am trying to be better in some way everyday. Maybe it will be eating right, or doing a project early, or maybe just not buying that book or gadget that I was dying for in the first place. Or maybe it will be thinking about the act and deciding that I really do want it and will make it work accordingly.

Like me, I am sure you know what I am talking about as January 1st comes around each year and a new plan is needed to make a fresh start. However, I have a feeling that it is not necessary to restart or begin over again, but maybe like tortoise and "keep a-goin".

The point being that I am going to live in the present in a meaningful way- each and every day. No matter worrying or planning out what will never be accomplished from a insignificant man-made list. I do have to do all those things I mentioned, but for me and not because I am suppose to do it. Quality, not quantity is my new philosophy.

I will work on my weight and exercising to be healthier and live longer. I will whittle away at my "to do" list a little at a time, and I will use my money to make my life better and the people around me. Making time to enjoy my pursuits as well as handle my responsibilities. So, I will pursue my classes, finish paying my credit card debt, work and volunteer on a regular basis while allowing myself some all important "me" time for writing, creating, and actually relaxing on occasion.

With a new granddaughter, two wonderful grown daughters with their own lives, and a husband of a gazillion years, I have learned that they are what makes my life whole. Having that in mind, I know that they are my priority this year and every year. If I miss with them, I miss completely. So, I believe that this year there will be a new me. It will one day at a time even if it takes all year. Persistence is the key...

Life is What You Make It...

I have not posted a blog since July. It is now October and the weather is turning to the cool crispness of Autumn. This summer I was preparing to be a grandmother for the first time and although I certainly feel way to young to be one- the prospect was wonderful. Instead of feeling older with a Grandma next to my name, I feel miraculously alive in an amazing way. Suddenly, I have so many reasons to be everything I can be and more. This gift is not lost on me either. All the great plans for the future mean so much more with a new life to share it with(as long as her parents will put up with me). Let the adventures begin.

So, on July 23rd at about seven minutes to midnight my first born gave birth (just minutes before being 10 days late) to her first born, Olivia Belle. At nine pounds, eleven ounces, 22 inches long, and did I mention almost 10 days late(?) my husband and I became grandparents. Life as we knew it changed once again. Blessed beyond measure over the years with family and friends to enrich our lives, the next chapter began.

However, this does not mean all things, all the time are copacetic. The majority of the time it is a great life. I might not have as much money as I would like, my last few classes for my degree are stalled because of funding, a little too much credit card debt, and some house repairs that keep popping up on a daily basis, yet I remain a happy camper.

Do not get me wrong- financially speaking life can be rough. I keep waiting for the proverbial pot-of-gold to land in my lap and allow me to fulfill my dreams, but I have come to realize that if it never gets here I will be okay. I keep dreaming and learning while I am finding time to do what I want to do for me. Putting things on hold until the right circumstances appear is crazy. Tomorrow I might not be here and I will only be a memory to the ones I love. Nope, not me...I am going to enjoy it while I can...until next time.

Relay for Life Gurnee/Wadsworth, IL

So,last Saturday night the communities of Gurnee and Wadsworth once again came out in force to celebrate another successful Relay for Life. This is a homecoming of sorts for so many people each year. By my last count there were well over 70 teams participating and many more who volunteered in one way or another. At last count, they had not reached their goal dollar-wise, but donations are still being accepted into August.

Many of the people sharing their time, are friends and acquaintances that come out like myself to honor the ones who have had cancer or to remember the loved ones we have lost. Either way- the number are far too many!

Seeing the survivor lap in the opening ceremony and luminaria with glowing lights around the track or in the bleachers will choke anyone up. If that was not emotional enough, when the looping footage of all who have been touched by cancer appears on the big screen, the love and strength are palpable as everyone continues to walk in the darkness and charged silence.

I was just a lightweight this year in the volunteer department, because of the impending birth of my granddaughter. I worked the accounting tent for awhile, donated some money, and walked for a bit on the track, but being part of this amazing event for even a little bit makes me feel part of the effort and so proud of my neighbors and friends.

This year the RFL was headed by Heidi May, Samantha May, and Megan Kile. They did an awesome job!! Hot as it almost always is, the Warren Township High School athletic field (Home Sweet Home), the weather held for the 12 hour walk. Lightening, dark clouds, and humidity, was all-around Gurnee, but above the track not a cloud in sight. It was wonderful!

Entertainment, silent auctions, and lots of donated food to feed the masses, it was a feel good night for all! A time to give, to meet with friends, and exercise those muscles does not seem like an obligation, but an honor instead. Next year, I will be there for the whole thing as we all work again to eliminate cancer forever. Until next time...