Beautiful Things March 11, 2013

Every once in a while, I like to look around and simply appreciate the beauty surrounding me.  This morning, as Mother Nature has once again blessed me with a Snow Day (and the added stress of rescheduling a major test for my students), I took the opportunity to look around my house and notice that beauty.

Certainly, the crisp white snow outside is beautiful, though not as beautiful as it was while it fell yesterday.  It was at its most beautiful around 8:30 in the morning.  As  I read the paper and perused the ads filled with brightly colored spring clothes and flip flops, it seemed odd to look out the patio door and see snow blanketing the ground.  Odd, yet beautiful.

The hutch that sits in the corner of my kitchen is filled with pink Depression glass.  I’m not sure exactly how long ago I decided to start collecting it, but at some point in my recent past (10 or so years), I did.  Though many Depression glass collectors have a particular design they collect, hoping to find multiple pieces of the same pattern, I appreciate the beauty of every one.  From the intricate adam pattern of the relish tray to the textured hobnail pattern of a plate, I love the mismatched, yet elegant look I can give a table when I set it using my Depression glass.

In the same vein as my Depression glass, every morning, I have the opportunity to observe the beauty of a coral cameo, given to me by my wonderful Uncle Tom.  I have always admired the beauty of cameos, and a few Christmases ago, Uncle Tom gave me my very own (inside an equally lovely box).  I love how a piece of jewelry, like this gorgeous cameo, can not only be beautiful when worn, but can be just as beautiful gracing the top of my dresser.

During Lent, my parish, St. Wenceslaus, has encouraged adults of the parish to read  My Life with the Saints, by James Martin, SJ.  It is part memoir, part assortment of biographies.  It is the story of how Martin has gotten to know each of the saints highlighted in the book through his life.  The royal blue rosary on top of the book was given to me by my grandpa, Frank Dolphens, upon his return from a trip to Italy and Medjugorje (with my previously mentioned Uncle Tom!)  This rosary, which was blessed, was woven through my wedding bouquet, to give my “something blue” even more meaning.

Speaking of Lent, this year, I have once again given up sweets.  Anyone who knows me well, can tell you that I have a major sweet tooth, which makes this a true sacrifice.  So, the four boxes of Girl Scout cookies hibernating in my pantry are certainly beautiful, as is the anticipation I have of finally enjoying them come Easter Sunday!

Above all, the most beautiful things in my life are the people with whom I get to enjoy it. My incredible husband Dave is so much better than I could have even imagined.  Seeing him is the very best part of every day.  My supportive parents, Mary and John Mimick, are the ultimate role models in virtually every aspect of life (marriage, teaching, hard work, faith, determination) except maybe worrying (too much, Mom!) and driving (too fast, Dad!).  I am supremely blessed to have such amazing parents.  My sister Amanda is my best friend – we have more jokes than we can remember (Good night, sleep tight, don’t let the bed bugs bite!) and are always sure to make time for each other each week (like our Friday morning coffee dates!).  She makes me laugh like crazy and is truly one of the most caring and gentle people I know.  I love so much about my brother, Matt.  He is super smart and has an inhuman ability to remember the details of everything political and sports-related, as well as almost every movie line ever spoken.  I also greatly admire how well he is able to maintain relationships.  He makes time to see his high school friends weekly (if not more often!) and keeps even longer distance friendships strong.

The Mimick Family – Disney World 2009

Combine these relationships with my awesome extended family, strong group of friends, and work colleagues I love to hang out with, and there’s no question that people are the most beautiful of all.

Writerly Notes February 22, 2013

It’s kind of funny; sometimes the universe sends you a message in any way it possibly can.  Lately, the message I’ve been receiving is about my writing.  Allow me to explain…

1.) Revision Workshop

About a month ago, I read a posting in the Omaha World Herald about a revision workshop that would take place at The Bookworm on February 23 (tomorrow!).  It was inexpensive, with a discount for SCBWI members (score!), at a place I love (with connected coffee shop – win/win), and the focus is something I need – revision.  We are bringing multiple copies of the first 5 pages of our current work-in-progress and an assortment of highlighters.  I have no idea what kinds of exercises are in store, but I’m looking forward to getting feedback on those vital first 5 pages from some new sets of eyes.

2.) Another Agent Politely Declines

Over the summer of 2012, I sent out a number of queries to agents.  A couple responded quickly (polite “no thank yous”), some did not respond at all (a different way to say “no thank you” in the agent world), and one responded this week.  Yes, you read that correctly.  This week, approximately 9 months later, with….a no.  Which is fine.  After a number of potential agents say no, the rejections don’t sting as much, but I was surprised by the email.  I had already assumed this particular query was a “no” since the agent had been radio-silent for 9 months, but I did appreciate his recognition of receiving my query and sample of my manuscript.  It would have been easier for him to simply ignore the query.  As a writer, I appreciate knowing that someone has looked at my work, even if it is to determine that it’s not for them.  It’s classy.  And I like it.

3.) A Contest!

I am a member of a number of associations for teaching (International Reading Association, Nebraska State Reading Association, Metropolitan Reading Council, Nebraska Association of Teachers of Mathematics).  Because of this, I often receive emails updating me on the goings-on of each group.  One of these emails brought something interesting to my attention.  The National Association of Elementary School Principals Foundation, along with a Boston publishing company, Charlesbridge Publishing, is holding a children’s book contest.  Contestants (me!) can submit picture books or chapter books to become one of at least two books that will be published by Charlesbridge.  There will be 25 finalists and at least two of them will result in publication.  I just so happen to have a picture book AND a chapter book that are currently seeking a home.  Perfect opportunity, right?  Time to brush up my manuscripts and put them in their Sunday-best.

4.) Fine Lines

As you, my beloved readers, may remember, last summer, I participated in some writing workshops and camps.  One of these was Fine Lines Summer Camp, held during June.  I attended as a camper, and was grateful not only for the time to focus on my writing, but the opportunity to network with fellow local writers.  I was recently contacted by the wonderful David Martin, editor of Fine Lines journal and organizer of summer camp, and asked to be an educator at this summer’s camp.  I will work as the assistant coordinator for the elementary side of camp and and am very much looking forward to it!  I’m hoping that I can recruit some of my current students (and future students recommended by some of my colleagues – hint, hint) to attend summer camp.

It’s been a bit of writing whirlwind lately with things popping up when I least expected them.  But the things that surprise us are often some of the best things in life.  I’m hoping these will be just some of those things.

Girls’ Night January 5, 2013

Last night, I had some of my very favorite people over to my house for our annual Dolphens Cousins Girls’ Night!  Though not every Dolphens girl cousin was able to attend (We missed you Katie, Tami, Lindsay, and Kayla; Time to move to Omaha, Jessica and Rachel!), the five of us who were here had a fantastic time.  Through our very casual (I’m talking pajama pants and no lip gloss) yet so-much-fun evening, I came to a few realizations:

1.) The Dolphens family really likes cheese.  Weird first realization, but with the exception of Megan (who brought deviled eggs, which didn’t really fit the “appetizers and pjs” theme, but we enjoyed them anyway), everyone else brought something with cheese in it.  We had beer cheese dip, swiss cheese dip, cream cheese dip (x2), and actual sliced cheese!  Luckily, cheese goes well with wine.

2.) We are hilarious.  Now, we may or may not (most likely not) be hilarious to other people, but to one another?  Tears-running-down-the-face funny.  In fact, it’s why I intentionally wore water-proof mascara yesterday.  I know my cousins well.

3.) We can say anything to each other.  We talked about silly little things and terribly important things.  From recurring nightmares (which had some very strange and eery similarities among sisters) to marriage and children, there was only one lull in the conversation (due to each of us eating some type of cheesy app).

4.) Big families are the greatest.  I have always loved having a plethora of cousins.  From the time we were little kids, it was so much fun to go to family parties and see all of my aunts, uncles, and cousins (and of course, our wonderful grandparents!).  It’s especially wonderful when the majority of your big family lives in town.  We still get together as a big Dolphens clan, and no matter how old we get, we have an absolute blast.

5.) We all take after our incredible mothers.  It’s in our looks, our mannerisms, and our laughs, but most of all, it’s in who we are.  Each of my cousins has become the amazing woman she is through the influence of her equally amazing mom (and our awesome dads too, of course!).

6.) I am very, very blessed to have these women in my life.  Enough said.

Thanks for a wonderful Girls’ Night, ladies!  Who’s planning the next?

Welcome 2013! January 1, 2013

Happy New Year!

I’ve bid adieu to 2012 and greeted 2013 with excitement and high expectations.  I have a couple of resolutions to share with you all.  Here’s what I plan to do in 2013:

1) Write more.

(I know, you’ve heard this before.)  I will try to dedicate a little bit of time each day to writing, and more time on days when I can.  I’ve started writing in my journal again (my previous entry was from June 15) and I am participating in Small Stones 2013.  Each day in January, I will take a moment to really see something, then write about it.  I have a lovely little notebook ready to go and will be documenting these small stones right here – on The Write Timing.  (Check out the icon on my sidebar for more info on how to participate!)

2) Read.

I am very good at reading during summer break and winter break.  I can usually even fit in a couple of novels during my spring break.  But during the school year, it’s a lot more difficult to find the time to read.  As a person who identifies herself as a true reader, this is torture.  2013 will be the year I dedicate more time to doing the things I want to do for myself, and reading is one of the first I plan to do!

3) Keep balance.

I am a very dedicated teacher.  I love working with students and spend countless hours preparing lessons that will engage and motivate them.  But, I have to admit, I often sacrifice my own sanity and time with my family and friends in order to do it.  So 2013 will be the year that I remind myself to keep balance.  I am more than a teacher.  Teaching is a part of me, but it is not all of me.  I am dedicating myself to keeping balance among my career, my hobbies, my passions, and most importantly, my family.

4) Stay healthy.

Over the past year and half, I have made a lot of strides in living an overall healthier lifestyle.  I am active (not a gym-goer, but the gym itself isn’t necessary to keep me moving!), I eat healthy (lots of fruits and veggies, plus cooking at home), I drink a lot of water and rarely drink pop.  I plan to continue these healthy choices and make even more!  I no longer bring microwave meals in my lunch, instead choosing to make sandwiches, salads, or wraps.  I’ve tried to eliminate some of the processed foods I used to buy and instead try making things myself at home.  I plan to “up the ante” on this and try even more new recipes this year!

And that’s it!  Four resolutions should be attainable (I hope!).  There are other things I’d like to accomplish this year (keep the house ever-tidy, eliminate my student loan, go through the mail every day), but these are the big ones.

I hope that you have set good and attainable goals and wish you a very happy 2013!

2012 in review December 31, 2012

Happy New Year’s Eve!  I’d like to take a moment to thank all of YOU – my loyal readers (and those of you who just pop by once in a while) for making my blog a success.  Here’s to an even better 2013! Love, Michelle

For all you number people out there, what follows are a bunch of numbers and stats from my blog this year.  Enjoy!

Here’s an excerpt:

The new Boeing 787 Dreamliner can carry about 250 passengers. This blog was viewed about 1,400 times in 2012. If it were a Dreamliner, it would take about 6 trips to carry that many people.

Click here to see the complete report.

Merry Christmas! December 25, 2012

I’d like to take a brief moment to wish all of you, my wonderful readers, a very Merry Christmas!  I hope you are able to spend the day with the ones you love most and are able to take time to enjoy one another’s company.  Once the presents, the food, the music, and the sparkles are taken away, Christmas is all about family – and it all started with the most important family – the Holy Family.  Merry Christmas and many blessings to you and yours this holiday!

Love,

Michelle

The Wonderful Thing(s) about Snow Days… December 20, 2012

Knock, knock, knock. (Echoing knock; door creaks open.) “Hello? Is anyone there?”

Yes! I’m here (finally). It’s been far too long since I’ve blogged and Mother Nature has granted me an early Christmas gift – the opportunity to spend the morning blogging (and doing countless other tasks that need completing) – through her precious gift of a snow day. (On a side note, I apologize for my absence of months. I could offer a plethora of excuses, but I’ll just say “sorry” and move on.)

As a young child, I remember the excitement, the anticipation, and the overwhelming joy I experienced when I saw the message scroll across the bottom of the TV screen. School closings – Omaha Catholic. “Yes!” we would screech. My brother, sister, and I would jump up and down and envision the endless amounts of fun we’d have on our surprise day off of school. There’s no way this could be better, we’d think.

And then I became a teacher.

Snow days, if it’s possible, are just as exciting, if not even more so, for teachers. Now, don’t start judging me. Allow me to explain. As much as I love my job (I do!) and as fantastic as my students are (amazing – I’m so lucky), doing my job the way it should be done (and the way my students deserve it to be done) takes a lot, and I mean A LOT of work. And that’s fine. I’m happy to do it. Because as a teacher, you know when what you’re doing is engaging your students and when you should have spent a bit more time planning. It’s worth putting in the extra hours before school, after school, and at home. But getting a surprise day off of work? Particularly around the holidays? It’s a pretty nice surprise.

Being a planner, I can never (repeat: never) simply relax. I’m the person who can’t even watch a TV show without doing something at the same time (Ask my mom – I’ve been like this since birth. I mastered multitasking as an infant; pretty sure I could cry and squirm at the same time.). So, because of this (sick) permanent need to be busy, here is my plan for the day:

1.) Test the whole nearly-no-makeup thing and a new hairstyle inspired by Pinterest (the Princess/Kardashian bun) = check! (Though I’m not prepared to post any photos of the result.)

2.) Oatmeal, coffee, Today Show, Twitter, last minute gift ideas = check!

3.) Blog = almost check!

4.) Address Christmas cards/Watch Kathie Lee and Hoda

5.) Help hubby with driveway/shoveling (simultaneously burning calories – score!)

6.) Eat lunch (I’m thinking soup.)

7.) Wrap Christmas gifts while watching a favorite Christmas movie

8.) Read a holiday issue magazine while catching up on the final two episodes of Gossip Girl (tear…)

9.) Decide what I’ll be making for Christmas Adam (Please come back on December 23 for an explanation.)

That should take me up to dinner time! I have a wonderful day ahead of me with much to do and thankfully, a lot of time in which to do it. I wonder if I’ll have time to switch my closet to winter clothes…