UNPLUGGED

UNPLUGGED--Being totally who you are without cares of what others think.  Hmm, when I first read this word before viewing the video clip I though it was leaving technology alone, "unplugging".  Guess I was wrong on this one!

For me, being UNPLUGGED is something that must be earned.  I have to totally trust someone before I can become UNPLUGGED.  I'm not sure why that is, but it is!  And throughout this journey of really trying to analyze my words of the day, many goals have been set of words I need to work on.  Even though I know I'm not UNPLUGGED, I don't think this is one I can set a goal to develop right now.  Maybe it's because majority of my time I do need to be professional.  I do become very UNPLUGGED around family and away from work though.  So maybe I'm wondering more about when does UNPLUGGED seem appropriate???  I know that answer for me. 

LOVE

LOVE--Well this was supposed to be the Valentine's Day post, but that didn't happen!  I consider myself very lucky to have found my soul-mate!  My husband is my best friend and I am blessed to say that, know that, and feel that!

I'm blessed to have 2 children I LOVE and feel loved by them.  Not everyone feels love from their children, but again, I'm blessed that I do!

I'm blessed to have been raised in a home where my parents LOVED me and still do, regardless of the mistakes made or disappointments caused, but still LOVED!

My family LOVE is unconditional.  No matter what, I will always LOVE my family and I think that's a reflex feeling!  Unconditional LOVE is what I'm trying to teach several of my students I work closely with--no matter what, you'll always be LOVED.  And isn't that a great feeling!

HONESTY

HONESTY--Seems like such a simple word but is not for many.  I don't quite get it.  I've seen people's careers ruined by lack of honesty.  Bottom line--honesty is the best policy!

What's hardest is being honest about people you love who maybe don't want to hear what needs to be said.  I've also had to have many courageous conversations with teachers that isn't always easy or the most confortable; however, I would always want someone to be completely honest with me, so I am honest with others as well.

PERPETUATE

PERPETUATE--continuing with intention.  So, what is it I'm doing today that I'd like to continue.  WOW, this was going to be a whole blog itself, but now I can include it here!  Here's what I'd like to PERPETUATE because it makes me a better person:

• Exercise--It started out in DEC by going to Boot Camp.  I wanted to challenge myself physically, spend time with a friend, and hopefully lose some of the 25 pounds I gained the last 10 years riding in my van all the time for my job.  The first couple of weeks were tough, but I was sleeping better, feeling better, and had so much more energy!  Boot Camp would continue through January.  Now, I have "LIKED" several FB pages and have added extra exercise to my day.  This past week I met the push-up challenge 2 days a week (that was the challenge) and started the glute challenge today, which is a 7 day-challenge, with different exercises each day.  Then next week the ab challenge will replace the glute challenge.  I had hoped to also add running to my schedule the 3 days I don't attend boot camp using the C25K ap. Can't wait for the weather to cooperate so I can add that.  Fitness junkie I've become--but I feel so wonderful!  And, I've lost 12 pounds so far.  I'll settle for only 8 more pounds to lose, but my goal is 13 and then maintain my weight there!
• Eating--In January, I resolved that I'd eat better.  Over the past 10 years I had gotten into some poor eating habits from being in my car all the time, running in and out of schools.  I'm not a huge sandwich person, but never had time to heat up lunches since my van doesn't have a built-in microwave and my school appointments were always back-to-back that heating up in schools wasn't an option either.  I saw the no-sugar challenge and knew that's what I needed.  Oh, the first few days were tough as chocolate USED to be my BFF!  The first time I went to the grocery store it took me an extra 2 hours because I had to read all the labels to make sure I wasn't getting a "trick sugar".  It took me 20 minutes alone to find a loaf of bread that would work!  Oh, the learning that occured!  I began the challenge JAN 2 and didn't have any sugar until FEB 4--cheesecake for my birthday dinner, and not even chocolate cheesecake.  Then on FEB 10, we celebrated my birthday at work and Tina made me a chocolate cheesecake--that was the first chocolate I had in 5.5 weeks.  It was DELICIOUS, but I also noticed it made me walk away with a shorter fuse.  Yes, I'm planning on sticking with the "no sugar" daily, but not feeling that I can't have something if we go out to eat or go to someone's house.  And, did you know, that Miller Lite has sugar but Bud Lite does NOT?  The things I've learned!  Yes, I want to PERPETUATE good eating habits.
• Reading--My escape is reading, whether professionally or "for fun".  I love to read and unwind.  Sometimes I am too tired at night to indulge in a good book, but it is a de-stressor for me and helps me clear my brain before I sleep.

So, now you know 3 things I PERPETUATE--continue with intention.  What about you?

REGRETS

REGRETS--I have only a few!  And here they are:

• not snuggling in bed and reading books to my kids when they were in middle school and high school--oh, they would've been embarassed, but those were some of the best family times!
• not exercising the last 10 years!  Since December 2011 when I started Boot Camp and then JAN 2012 when I really monitored my foods and have tried to cut nearly all sugars out of my diet, I'm now feeling like I did when I was in my early 30s.  So much energy, so less stress, so fewer lashes at people, such calmness about me
• not being able to get together with friends more often

You see, early on I've never wanted to live a life of regrets.  I've always wanted to be able to make the most out of every day and not leave anything behind. 

SACRIFICE

SACRIFICE--I think as a parent we sacrifice all the time.  We give up things for ourselves so our kids can have instead.  But, John Maxwell says SACRIFICE is when we give up today for what could be tomorrow.  That, I can honestly say I don't do too often.  I feel like I have to do as much as I can today in case there's not a tomorrow. 

For almost 19 years, as a married couple we've made lots of sacrifies.  We've given up lots of "me/us" time so that we can do things with/for our children.  Not sure they always see that, but it is the truth.  So, in reality maybe I am giving up today for what could be tomorrow.  Too quickly (3.5 years) tomorrow will be here.  Kevin and I will then have lots of time as a couple (better have a vision for that!), but I'll know the SACRIFICE was all worth it!

VISION

VISON--A leader takes a vision from me to we!  I totally see that in the VISION of my campus.  WE are all working to make every student be successful and sharing ways to make that happen.

I sometimes feel that I have VISION for short roads ahead, but it's hard for me to determine long-range visions.  Here are some questions I was recently asked that made me feel I don't have long-range visions determined:

• Do I want to be a principal?  (Gosh, this is only my first year and I still have sooo much to learn.  Hard to think that far ahead.)
• What is one life-goal you have?  (It's been raising a happy, productive family.  Well, in 3 years, that will almost be accomplised.  Guess I  better start thinking of a new one!)
• What are you going to do all summer?  (Is just read my NOOK all summer long a bad vision?  I've worked every summer for the past 10 years, that I don't know another vision!)

Maybe those questions weren't visions because they were about me and not taking it to we.

HUMILITY

HUMILITY--Thinking less of myself and more about others.  This word is a challenge for me as a leader.  There are many times when I'm trying to explain something to teachers that I use an example from my past experiences in the classroom or from research I've recently read.  Unsure that's how to live humility.  Rather, I should think about others and who they are and what they can do.  Looks like I have another goal for myself!

LOYALTY

LOYALTY--seems like a word that is fading in our society, yet one that means so much to me!  You see, it is loyalty that I judge others by.  Unsure if that's right or wrong, but it is who I am.  When someone does something that does not show loyalty, it is hard for me to forgive and forget.  And I know that's not right, but it is who I am.

Since 1988, I have been LOYAL to my work.  I've been in the same school district all these years.  And in those 23.5 years, I've only been at 3 sites. 

I am LOYAL to my family.  Although at times it may not seem like the come first, they always do!  I think it's the loyalty I show them that helps them understand when my focus is channeled somewhere else at times; however, they always know I will drop what I'm doing for them.

When you show LOYALTY you will receive LOYALTY. 

AGING

AGING doesn't scare me.  Mr. Maxwell says it's the seasons in life--do you enjoy them or resent them?

I have no control over yesterday or tomorrow.  I only have control over today.  Today matters.  It is up to me to enjoy the day I have and make the most of every day!

And today, I took a mental health day--maybe it's because I felt I was aging.  So much to get done around the house and I needed a day to do it without distractions:  FAFSA done!  Taxes going to accountant today!  Desk files organized!  Piles ALMOST gone! Will get groceries and pick up around the house!  Complete a little school work too!  Once I get all of this done, it'll make today very JOYOUS! 

JOY

According to John Maxwell, JOY is a choice word.  I make it happen, not others.  He says it's far better to fake JOY than show genuine depression.  I'm still massaging the idea of I make JOY happen, because there are so many instances where others have caused me JOY:

• Kevin just saying I love you
• Our kids giving 110% effort in all they do
• Talking to my family
• Friends sending a special card
• Spending time with family and friends
• Hearing or reading silly events from Ky
• Seeing the dimples and big white teeth of the child who kicks me repeatedly
• Having students tell me "Have a great day Mrs. Suddendorf!"
• Parents thanking me for helping their child
• Notes from staff members of appreciation of something I've done for them

But then there are times where I create my own JOY too!

• Thinking of ways to surprise my family
• Writing notes of appreciation for staff members
• Sending pictures to others of fun times
• Surviving Boot Camp
• Freezing meals for Gene
• Baking for others and not licking the beaters! 
• Books, books, books!

So, Mr. Maxwell, I think JOY is a 2-way street!

(There, Ky, I'm caught up!)

DEPENDABLE

DEPENDABLE--funny this word should've been my Saturday post!  I was at a workshop all day and our opening activity was I had to share 3 words that describe myself to someone in the class I didn't know.  DEPENDABLE was one of the words I used! 

When I'm asked to do something, I'm one that you can count on.  I'm a person of my word and if it's not done in 24 hours after the request I feel like I've failed.  Since failure is not an option, I'm most DEPENDABLE!  One thing I've learned about being DEPENDABLE is that it is okay to say "no" or ask for help.  I have to learn to depend on others as well and that is hard for me!

If you want a job done, I'm the one!

ANXIETY

ANXIETY--gosh do I feel like I know that word all too well!  I get myself so worked up at times and it's usually about things I have no control over.  Maybe that's why I get so anxious?

What I need to remember is to share my anxiety with others, rather than keep it to myself.  I need to remember to share my anxiety with my friends and family and quit thinking I can handle it all myself.  What I've noticed is that if I don't share my anxiety it'll hit them one way or another anyway and usually in the negative!

ANXIETY, when I can't deal with you, I'm passing you on!

SPEAKING

I thought it was interesting listening to John Maxwell describe SPEAKING.  He is a professional speaker.  He said that when you are SPEAKING think about how is the audience going to apply this to their life--how will this help them to succeed? 

So, at first, I thought that I might just skip this word.  I'm not a professional speaker, how does this relate to me?  WHAT WAS I THINKING???  Every word I speak is being heard by so many and the impact my words leave is great.  How I speak and what I speak needs to be said with great care.  I am often one who speaks what I'm thinking immediately rather than think before I speak. 

SPEAK with care--another goal of mine!

SELF

It would seem appropriate that my birthday fell on this word.  YEP, I'm behind in my postings, but not for long.  It's catch-up time while the Super Bowl is on.  (I'm catching the commercials!)

SELF--so the way to make my family and my campus better is by making mySELF better first.  I have to grow myself!  What a great time to think about this as I turned 47.  So, how do I grow myself?  I think I figured this out as I thought about what 2012 would bring.  I have really committed to living a healthier life--eating better and exercising. 

I participated in the No Sugar Challenge for the month of January.  I really was unsure if I'd be able to complete the challenge because I love chocolate and all desserts.  Surprisingly enough the lack of sweets didn't bother me, rather it was finding all the sugar in things I didn't realize and not eating those--breads, crackers, and chips. 

Exercising has been like finding a long-lost friend.  Prior to Kole's birth I Jazzercised my afternoons away.  Oh, how I loved Jazzercise.  When I tried to take Kole to the nursery, it was a disaster, so Jazzercise ended, and basically exercise ended.  Oh, we tried the Y.  I attempted to learn to run (until I stepped in a crevice and hurt my knee).  I was good at walking for several months, but nothing has hooked me like Jazzercise, until Boot Camp!  I absolutely love challenging my body--even when I think I can't go anymore.  The feeling I have when I leave is unexplainable, but I do know it gives me so much more energy. 

The 2 other parts that I'd like to continue to work on to "grow mySELF" is being more of a consistent reader and writer.  Blogging is helping me develop as a writer.  I love to read, in fact I finished a book on my Nook today.  However, it seems like the only time I find to read is on the weekend.  I'd so much like to make reading part of my daily routine. 

To completely "grow mySELF" I need waking hours in the day!