I am grateful for having friendships like this. That is all and it's more than enough. #lucky ~Christina
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In Fajardo, Puerto Rico, it's the rooftop views that initially draw in tourists to Gladys' Las Vistas brunch restaurant, but certainly the food & hopsitality that drives in natives & repeat customers alike. Gladys is a one-woman show. She is the creator, owner, and chef of her beautiful cafe and it's no wonder we waited (without complaint) 1 hour to be seated. My name is Christina, and I am addicted to my cell phone.
I'm totally that girl who has my phone all of the time. For people who want to reach me, it's fantastic! My family never has to worry as I maybe go a total of 15 mins before calling them back (and that's because cell phones don't work in showers), and my friends know that most of the time, I am pretty rapid-fire with text, email, phone call responses. I think I am a master communicator in the digital world, and while that's not a bad thing in moderation, it's probably not the best in excess. And I use excessively. Now, I don't plan to permanently change how I am because, for the most part, this shouldn't be offensive to you: I am respectful at dinners if you're across from me; I can multi-task and do many things at once while I respond to texts; and no one else is awake when my phone is the first thing I reach for at odd waking hours of the night. The last time I was truly off grid was back in 2005, when I spent 3 weeks visiting family in Cyprus. I didn't have a smart phone then, but I could still text… and since that wasn't an option, I went with no phone. It was great and I often use it as a frame of reference for thinking, "oh wow…I lasted this long without checking emails or being an overactive part of digital life." And it was so great that I waited 3 days once I returned to even turn my phone on again. Little did I know then how much of a digital vortex I'd soon be falling into with the inception of the Blackberry. Tomorrow, I leave for Puerto Rico, and my plan is to go off grid. You can email me, text me, and even call me, but I will be unavailable (unless you're my mother or father). I plan NOT to check email. I will make a concerted effort NOT to check any texts. Facebook? What's that? I will instagram a bunch of "latergrams because no one needs to experience what I am doing AS I am doing it. That's for me. My plan is to do nothing but enjoy the wonder of the island, and the company I am with, because life is too short & too beautiful to waste moments staring at a 4 inch screen. ~Christina The difference between "Spring Break" when you're a student versus when you're teaching students really only differs in how its celebrated. Both groups need it: students are bogged down by countless assignments/projects, and teachers are exhausted from drumming up, rolling out, and assessing all of the aforementioned tasks. The 1st graders in my school get as much homework as I did in 5th; this is not an exaggeration. My little 6 year olds get separate English and French homework and it looks something like this: Math in English- pg 45 & 46, Science in English- complete study guide; test Fri, English homework- Write a sentence for each of your 10 vocab. words, French- memorize the assigned poem, Math in French- do these 2 exercises… I know this because I tutor kids with these assignments. I know this, because I am one who assigns these types of assignments. Luckily, the French system has it right… they assign homework for the WEEK. That way, kids/parents can plan, and there are no surprises. And the point of all this is to say that kids really DO need the break.
Now, my Spring Break is a little different than most because I get a lovely TWO WEEKS off <swoon>. Of course I am still doing work on my days off, but it's minimal, and it's mostly so I can get ahead of the game for when I return. So what am I going to do on my break that I am oh-so-grateful for having? Here's my list of things planned or things done:
Being comfortable in your own skin doesn't just extend to liking what you see in the mirror. It's more than that. I have always been relatively good at doing things on my own, and not needing anyone else do them with me. I love people and I love doing things with others, but I don't need it all the time. Being this way is one of the traits that I truly like about myself and dare I say it, require as some sort of component of my day-to-day existence.
Yesterday, was entirely a me day…I was my own company; I did new things. I felt good about doing these new things. First, I decided to try out for a competitive softball league in Philadelphia. After a 10 year hiatus of playing competitive softball, and 6 years of having not lifted a bat or ball, I gave it a whirl. Did I know anyone there? No. Did I know where I was going? No. Did I know what to expect? Nah. Was I a little uncomfortable? Yes. And it was great! Following that, and a successful team placement, I decided to treat myself to some fresh tacos at a place I've seen before, but never tried. Alone. With respect to solitary public dining, it was back when I was 23/24 yrs old and wanted to take a lunch break when no one else in the office wanted to and I thought, "hey, why not?". Not in the company of Smartphones back then, I had nothing to stare at but the menu, and I worked on not being self-conscious about it as I downed my Asian noodles. It was the first and last time I ever felt weird eating alone outside of my house or college. So here & now, sitting with my lunch, at a table for 4 but only occupied by 1, I feel really content that I am comfortable being the kind of person who does things, sometimes, with me and for me alone: Without pause and without hesitation, but more-so without the necessity of a single other soul. ~ Christina This is a few days late but I wanted to say how grateful I am for good friends and their many talents. Heidi so graciously held a photo shoot for Bella's birthday pictures. She was so patient with her as well as trying to get Max to cooperate during his turn. I loved seeing her in her element and the sneak peeks were amazing! She even helped clean up the little, well, the huge mess Bella created. Thank you Heidi for a great day!
Ahhhh yes, the comforts of food. Nothing is better then the smell of garlic simmering mixed with fresh ginger and onions. Hummm, well maybe a few thing are - but right now I am drawing a blank. Oh wait, bacon cooking! In grad school I lived off of chicken fried rice. It was cheap, fragrant and delicious. As I chopped up the ingredients tonight I was brought back to my years living in London. I thought about my flat, my friends, my travel experiences. All while chopping ginger. I love how certain smells can shoot you back to a different memory. Always thankful for my time spent in London. Always. - Heidi 3.10.14
It's been a few days since I've been able to post and the main reason for that is due to a legitimate lack of time. Aside from a normal work schedule, I've had 2/3 days this week (even my Saturday) dedicated to parent-teacher conferences. And while 3/3 of me is happy they are almost done, I don't think they deserve a "thankful" post. In fact, at the moment, I can't choose just one thing I am thankful for today, so here are a few. Bullet-style.
The end. ~ Christina Today I am thankful for a mid day walk with a friend. I was able to capture the last few glimpses of winter. I have walked, run, biked, skipped, jumped, swam (well maybe not jumped or swam) past this field for years. Each season brings a different photo opportunity. Looking forward to green grass and wildflowers. - Heidi 3.6.14 Today my princess turned one and I cannot believe how quickly that happened. It honestly feels like it was yesterday that Heidi and I met at the zoo on one of my last days of maternity leave (and first real outing with 2 kids without Dan or a family member. This past year was filled with a smiles, tears, and overall growing our family. I cannot lie... I was so nervous having a girl after my baby boy but pink is a new favorite color in this house.
Max has grown into the best big brother and loves his sister so much. My heart melts when they play and laugh with each other. I am so grateful for my children and the times we spend together. - Hayley |