For almost two years, I had become part of a duo. It was a long standing friendship that transitioned into dating. Both of us are “more mature” (read as OLD), so our relationship wasn’t a typical one. It was a low-key dating relationship, but it worked for us…until it didn’t.

Things happen. Stress causes distraction. Worries cause distance. Lack of communication causes tears. In April, he suggested we go “on a break”. I learned that “breaks” just confuse me, so in May…after experiencing a holiday without being at his family gathering…I knew it was time to call the break what is was. The end.

So, I’m learning to “be me” again. Just me. I’m taking myself out for meals and learning to make plans without waiting to see if “we” are doing something. It’s not an enjoyable experience, to be honest, but it’s part of life.

I’ll treasure the memories of the past two years, and sometimes I wonder if our paths will intertwine again in the future. However, for now, I’ll just keep putting one foot in front of the other….

I will….

1. Start writing again because putting thoughts and stories into words bring me joy.
2. Exercise regularly – I had been so consistent until overthinking stole my determination.
3. Remind myself that I’m worth it….and one day someone will realize it.
4. Find my identity in the One who created me and died for me rather than in being a part of a couple.
5. Love myself – with all my quirks and insecurities.
6. Be me. Whoever that is and whoever I will become.

On September 23rd, a sweet lady, good friend, devoted mother, and strong Christian was laid to rest after her sudden passing last Monday, September 18th. Her funeral was many hours and hundreds of miles away, and I was scheduled to make some meals….so I simply prayed for her kids and family throughout my day. As the hours passed, many memories popped into my head, so as a memorial to Marge…I thought I’d put words to my thoughts and share them with you.

Many moons ago, when I was in high school, a young married couple moved to town. The wife, Marge, was expecting their first baby. I remember sitting by her in the stands at the church softball games cheering for our church team. That was the earliest memory I have of this young lady who would grow to become one of my dear friends.

When the baby, Todd, arrived, she & her husband needed a sitter. They asked a different Jodie to babysit, but soon…her social life kept her from being available. Enter…a Jodi who wasn’t dating anyone who became their “go-to-sitter.” That began my relationship with the family.

During my college years, baby #2, Amy, joined to complete their family of 4. While I was in college, they would invite me over to have dinner with them usually once each break. One of my funniest memories shared with Marge was one of those meals. Bill & she would ask me the usual questions about how college was going. After the meal, I would help Marge wash the dishes. As we washed dishes, she suddenly exclaimed, “You don’t like anything I made tonight!” Yep, I was quite the finicky eater at that point, but I was also a respectful guest. So, as I saw her bring each dish to the table (baked fish, green beans, baked potatoes), I chuckled inwardly, but I also ate with a smile on my face answering questions and sharing stories. That meal would often get brought up in subsequent invites. “We’d like to have you over for dinner, and it won’t be fish.”

Upon college graduation, I had to wait four years before getting my own classroom. During the wait, I accepted the call to serve as the director of Baptist Student Ministries on a local campus from the Indiana Southern Baptist Convention. At that point,(early 90s) I didn’t have a computer in my house, so Bill & she would offer me their computer/office to work on ministry needs. Soon, they decided it just made more sense for me to have a key to their house, so I could work on ministry needs even if they were out-of-town.

Once, Todd & Amy were telling Bill & Marge that they should go out for dinner, so I could come over and babysit. That’s when they replied that I could come over even when they were home. I was family.

As family, we began a Christmas Eve tradition. I would go over during the late afternoon. I’d help Marge in the kitchen, then we’d exchange gifts and eat dinner. Christmas Eve dinner became “the Messer meal” in my thoughts. It was poppyseed chicken, cheesy hashbrown potato casserole, and, I think some green beans to have a vegetable on the table. At that point, I would exit to go to my church’s Christmas Eve service, then I’d join them at their church’s Christmas Eve service before going back to their house to help Marge finish Christmas candies or whatever Christmassy chore she needed to finish.

When their family moved (after Todd graduated from high school and before Amy entered high school) to Ohio, I visited them a couple summers. Marge & Amy would make sure our “Christmas Eve meal” was on the menu while I was there.

As happens in today’s world, my friends divorced, but I returned for another visit afterwards. I would stay with Marge & Amy, then Amy & I would go to Bill’s for a visit. It was different. Time had passed. Distance had lessened the bond, but the friendship remained.

After the divorce, Amy & Marge came to town for a visit & to do some dress shopping I believe. I ended up packing an overnight bag to stay with them at their hotel. The three of us had traveled to Corydon that weekend to visit Joannie, an old friend from the 80s/90s, then we went to some music festival down by the river. The two joined me for church the next day. I cracked up when the restaurant of choice for lunch was…Frisch’s! Frisch’s? Yep, Marge was determined to enjoy one of their strawberry pie babies.

Several years passed. A few times “Emily Court” would react or comment on one of my FB posts or I’d receive a message from her, and we’d message back-and-forth like no time had passed. She was that friend. A couple of year’s ago, she was taking a vacation with both Todd’s family & Amy’s family. I was tickled pink when I received a message asking me to join them at The Red Pepperoni for lunch. That was the last time I saw Marge – face-to-face, but our shared faith lets me know that I’ll see her again.

You see, she was a forever friend, and she’d call me on things and forgive me for others. She was a phenomenal mother; I think that was the calling that brought her the most joy. There was no doubt in anyone’s mind how much she loved her kids and subsequent kid-in-laws and grandchildren. Yet, as sincerely as she loved her children, I know she loved her God more. She knew that He was with her each step. Through moves, divorce, death of her father, and each day in between…her faith sustained her.

I never anticipated getting that message from Bill last Monday telling me that Marge had passed away that morning. I was floored. In the past week, anytime I would think of her, our friendship, and her absence from Todd & Amy’s life…the tears flowed…like now. No one saw her death was close. Gone too soon, but never gone from our hearts and memories.

I tell my students that every story has a purpose or a “take-away point,” and it’s easy to share the point of this one. No one is promised tomorrow. If someone means a lot to you, tell them If you have the chance to meet an old friend for a meal, go…you never know when it’s the last chance to do so. I’m glad they messaged me a couple years ago to grab a quick lunch. Go. Tell. And most importantly…shine. Shine His light through your actions, your words, and your inward joy. That’s what I’ll always see in my mind’s eye. Marge with her eye-sparkling joyful smile.

In closing, what will someone type about you when your last breath is breathed? I hope someone says that I shined His light, served others with joy, and…was a unique daughter of the One True God.

What do you want them to say about you? Are you living that life? If not, I challenge you to make the change and live a life that shines.

First, I’ve absolutely FAILED at one of my personal goals of 2023. That goal? To write at least one blog post each month. Apologies for those of you who actually follow and read my ramblings.

To be honest, there have been plenty of thoughts about writing a post. Like at the end of the school year….or about the 3 1/2 hour drive to try an ice cream diner…or my summer. All those thoughts….spiraled into nothingness.

However, this morning, our school-aged kids were mostly out-of-town on long-weekend excursions, so I had the unexpected blessing of actually being a “worshiper” throughout our morning service. I believe it was one of those God-moments because I needed to hear the message that Pastor Mike proclaimed.

Let me explain, he’s currently preaching through the book of Ephesians. Personally, I prefer these periods when he preaches through a book and challenges us with the Word directly from His Word. Today’s sermon was on Ephesians 2:1-10.

As a Christian since third grade, I’ve read this passage countless times. Sometimes, those passages that you’ve read and reread are the ones whose sermons hit us the hardest. Today’s was like that.

As most of you know, I’m a teacher. I love my career, but I don’t relish ALL aspects of it. Not a fan of grading – yep, I have a stack of student work to score after I post this. Would rather not receive negative communication from parents – so I’m always hesitant to click on a new message just in case it’s of that type. Then, don’t get me started on all the political decrees and regulations that make my blood boil.

However, I think most people who know me would say that I try to do my best as a teacher. Besides enjoying the job, I also know that everything I do as a Christian should be a reflection of Him shining through me. On days when my negative side rears its ugly head, my conscience generally convicts my spirit by the end of the day.

Scripture tells us that whatever we do – in word or deed – it should all be done for the glory of God. That’s my goal as a woman of God to exemplify His love and truth in my actions. Do I always succeed? Nope. But I try. Sometimes it may feel like it doesn’t matter in the grand scheme of things, but every little thing matters. Just like that old starfish story, it matters to that one, but it also matters to The One.

Pastor Mike shared a quote this morning by Mother Teresa, and it goes along with this line of thinking. What do you think?

Now, the title? Why did I choose THAT title for THIS post? The comment that triggered the prompt response of “I’ve got to write a post about this” was that we are poems and God is our poet.

For those of you who don’t know, I’ve self-published a collection of my poems . Some were written as a high school girl, others as a young woman in college, and others as a “mature” woman. So, the poetry metaphor struck a cord. Then, the teacher mind mixed with it to get me to this thought, “Hmmm, if I’m a poem, what type of poem would I be?”…

Perhaps, I’m a haiku. Short & simple but a bit abstract.

Maybe I’m a limerick. Bringing joy to others through laughter.

Then there’s an elegy. A formal yet sad and mournful writing.

I could be a narrative poem. A good story that …. seems a little long sometimes.

Do I go a step beyond narrative and explode as an epic? Extraordinary, and filled with superhuman abilities.

Perhaps a sonnet? Following the guidelines but often overflowing with thoughts of love.

Why not an ode? Expressing praise and adoration for someone/something.

What was my conclusion? I’m each of them; well, I don’t think I’m an epic. Yet, at times, the poem that comes out is one or another. To be honest, I don’t think it matters WHICH poem type I am. It only matters WHOSE poem I am. When people read the poem of my life, does it point them to The Poet?

What about you? What type of poem are you? But…more importantly, WHOSE poem are you.

To be honest, I had two ideas for my February blog post. I think I just may write them both before March marches in. I told my kiddos that one of my 2023 goals was to write “at least one” blog entry each month, so I’ll write two in month #2 [However, I doubt I’ll be writing 10 in October or 12 in December.]

I’m predicting that the title did not make you think this would be a Valentine’s Day post. Am I right?

For those who know me, I’ve never really been a fan of this month’s holiday. Those friends may be surprised by this post, or … perhaps if they know me well, they saw it coming.

To begin, the teacher in me had to look into this holiday that I’ve dreaded for over 30 years.

I was surprised to find that it has both Christian and Roman connections in its heritage. There were three Valentines that possibly could have been the namesake of this holiday. One legend decrees that a Valentine who was in prison sent the first “valentine” after he fell in love with a young lady who may have been the jailer’s daughter. Legend says she would visit him while he was imprisoned causing love to bloom. [And all together, “Awww.”] Later, before his death, it is speculated that he sent a message to his “love” and signed it “Your Valentine.” [Ahh, even if it’s not true, that’s a great connecter.]

However, opposing stories suggest that the Christian church scheduled the day in the middle of February to try and make a pagan celebration “more Christian.” The pagan celebration focused on Faunus, the Roman god of agriculture, and it was known as a fertility festival [Say what?].

Centuries pass, and it’s now a holiday that kids celebrate in elementary school. It’s a holiday where florists, restaurants, and other stores may increase their prices due to the increase in demand for their services. [Wow, this would be a GREAT illustration for an elementary economics lesson.]

For years, I would either grab an early dinner with a friend before all the couples arrived or I would simply go home & make dinner for….one.

Perhaps, it was part of my single-girl-struggle that made me become anti-Valentine’s. Perhaps it’s because I don’t understand why flowers or meals that cost one amount this week can cost so-much-more a couple weeks ago?

But…here’s what I do know.

This year, on Valentine’s Day, I was sitting at my desk during recess-work room, and one of the school secretaries walked in with a lovely vase of flowers. I asked who they were for (as in previous years, I’ve had kids who would receive flowers from their parents), and she replied, “They’re for you, Ms. Pflaumer.” The vase was filled with a “very Jodi” bouquet of flowers. They weren’t roses (that would make me sneeze), but it was a lovely mixture of pink and purple flowers -but mostly purple.

My kids were quick to notice as they walked in after recess and eagerly said…
“Are those from Joe?” {He rewarded them in October with a pizza party for meeting their AR goals.}
“I know they are; I see his name!”
“Oooo, he added purple!”
Then, together there was a big, “Awww.”

Now, it wasn’t the first time I received flowers at work. My family sent me roses, I believe, back in 1996 when I was hired. Then, Laura gave me a vase of purple tulips as a thank you for something. Likewise, my friend Sherry sent me flowers as a “thank you” for helping her update her resume. But…there was something special about this vase of flowers. Maybe…it was the color…or perhaps the one who sent them?

After dismissal, I went to Hickory Creek Senior Care Facility to make my usual Tuesday visit. However, it was cut short due to needing to get home and change clothes. Ms. Betty, aka Joe’s mom, told me as I left, “Go home and get ‘dolled up’ and ‘dress to the nines’ . Then you two have fun.”

Well, I didn’t take her exact advice, but I did go home and change from my jeans and “My Students Stole My Heart” shirt into something “nicer.” I was picked up a bit before 5 and enjoyed dinner at Clifty Inn. As we waited in line, we chuckled over the fact that most couples dining at 5 were older than us. We laughed because we both go to sleep…early and get up way before the sun does. Dinner was good. The salad & dessert were probably the best parts of the meal, but the company and conversation were my favorite part of the day…well…that and my flowers.

After he left from taking me home, I pondered my day. I realized it was the first time I was ending it without feeling “woe-is-me” or “sad-to-be-single” or “anti-valentines-day”. It wasn’t because of the “holiday,” but it was simply because I shared it with someone who has a special place in my heart. Someone who took the time to make me feel special. Maybe…I’ll be pro-Valentine’s Day now? We shall see…

Alas, this morning, as I was getting ready to head to work. I looked at my vase of flowers. Slowly over the past week, I’ve had to toss flowers into the trash. [Purple flowers outlasted the pink ones…just sayin’.] I’ve had to shut them in the living room to avoid my PURRfect roomies chewing them up and later…spitting them out. Yes, this morning, it was clear that….the flowers had died. It was a sad moment as I tossed them in the trash. But…they made me think.

Flowers….are temporary, but relationships last. And…my pictures and memories of the first Valentine’s Day that didn’t….stink… will remain.

In the end, why wait until “Valentine’s Day” to make someone feel special? Who can you show your appreciation to today? How can you convey your feelings to someone? Do it. Why wait? And…if you happen to give them a vase of purple flowers, I’m sure they’ll appreciate it. Just sayin’….

It’s a new year. New opportunities are ahead. New chances to grow and experience adventures.

Alas, before diving into 2023, the teacher in me decided to reflect on the lessons learned in 2022. The book I published in 2020 was “Lessons Learned Behind the Teacher’s Desk.” In like fashion, I’ve pondered my journey from January 1st, 2022, to December 31st, and made note of many lessons I’ve learned along the way. Some were positive, others were neutral, while others may have seemed negative. But…in Jodi-fashion, I try to see the good lesson even in the midst of the negative experience. Feel free to continue reading if you’re interested…or bored, your choice.

1. Words have power.
   I knew words were powerful, but last January (I believe) I received an email that had one sentence that overruled the rest of the email’s message. In that one sentence, 25 1/2 years of teaching were overpowered, and I began to doubt my abilities in the classroom. In the end, a meeting got me past the self-doubt, but the words are still in my mind and memory at times. The effect of them on my personal mindset may have been calmed, but the volatile impact on a relationship will take a lot longer to overcome.
2. Accountability helps.
   I started my current habit of exercising back in May of 2020. I post my workouts on Facebook in an effort to have people hold me accountable. I don’t like letting people down, so having Kevin ask me at work when he hasn’t seen an exercise post or seen me at the gym while he & Michelle are there helps me to go on days when I’d rather not. Likewise, Herman, an older member at my gym, has also started holding me accountable. In the fall, when my workouts changed from mornings to after school, it caused him to think I had quit. When he’d see me on Saturday, he’d ask if I was still coming in, so I shared that my school schedule had been started.
3. God’s timing is better than ours.
   About 15 years ago, a friend of mine and a friend of hers worked together to set me and the other lady’s brother up on a blind date. Turns out that it wasn’t “too” blind as he knew my family and had even gone to church with us when we first moved to town. He and I went out for a couple months, but it didn’t go anywhere. Last June, I needed directions (I’m definitely direction-challenged) to a teacher’s conference. I texted him for directions. In July, he invited me to a cookout at his sister’s. That was the beginning of a new journey.
4. Family matters more than money.
   In the spring, my school system created a stipend incentive for teachers to miss 5 or fewer days of work. I generally miss fewer than 10 for the year, so I was focused. I scheduled vet appointments during breaks. I had my sister schedule food-truck fundraisers during my breaks. I was determined. Then, on September 16th, my mom had a heart attack. That led to about 3 weeks in the hospital followed my another 3 weeks in a rehab facility. During the two full weeks she was in the hospital, I worked on Monday, but I then had a substitute for Tuesday through Friday. By fall break, I had missed 9 days of school. The incentive would’ve been a nice check in June, but…being there for my parents and sister was more important. Now? I’m not stressing over medical appointments. There’s always next school year to try again.
5. Goals matter.
   I don’t make resolutions because I fail miserably at them. I set goals and try to aim for them. Last January, I set a goal to complete 5 100-mile challenges since I had completed 4 in 2021. This year, I’m aiming for 6. Each time I completed a 100-mile challenge, I was fully aware that I walked or pedaled less until the next began. I would be focused on filling my pie graph, but I’d quickly ease up when it was complete. Most times, there was just a week or two between challenges. However, I finished my final 100 mile challenge back in August. I should’ve started another one, but I had met my goal for the year…so told myself I didn’t need to. Lesson learned.
6. Muscle strains can derail your focus.
   After Thanksgiving, while I was working out at the gym, I was trying to increase my sets and reps and also to increase the pound settings. While at the gym, I accomplished the goal. The final week of school before Christmas break, I had planned to opt out of the gym due to my busy schedule at school and in the evenings. During that same week, I noticed twinges in my side, and I didn’t think anything about it. The first week of break, I had planned to return to the gym, but those side twinges had become quite sharp. I opted out of the gym as it was now painful to even lift my left leg into the car. When I decided it was a muscle strain, I read that it would ease after 1-2 weeks, but it would be “safest” to give it 6-8 weeks to heal completely. Well, I gave it 3, but I returned with less pounds and a decreased number of sets and reps.
7. Don’t let Google be your doctor, but it can help.
   Googling my symptoms had me finding ALL kinds of things the pain COULD be. I told myself on Christmas Eve that if I was still in pain on the 26th, I’d schedule an appointment at the health clinic. By Monday, the twinges were minimal, so…appointment averted.
8. I’m lousy at following through on Christmas cards.
   I had them. I even bought more to cover the additional people I wanted to send them to. They’re all in my “Christmas” container to find next Thanksgiving in hopes of being more successful. I even purchased individual cards for my family and a few friends. Sadly, only one of those people actually received the card. Oh well, those card are also packed in the same container.
9. I’m a big fan of giving gifts.
   Whether it’s my students, my family, friends, or other special people in my life…I love buying gifts that I think people will enjoy. Some items are merely purchased from a ‘wishlist,’ while others are thoughtfully selected based on memories or reasons. Regardless, wrapping those items up and giving them are enjoyable parts of my holiday. Likewise, doing the same for my nephew’s birthday (5 days after Christmas) is just as meaningful to me.
10. In the words of my students, “You love everything, Ms. P.”
    On December 16th, several of my students excitedly brought in gifts to me. Whether it was a pair of socks, a coffee mug, or lotion, I would exclaim, ” I Love __. Thanks so much.” I hope I’m always that way. Giving gifts to someone who it criticial of what he opens is not enjoyable to anyone.
11. Visiting residents in a nursing home is always met with smiles.
    The mother of friends of mine went into a nursing facility the week of Thanksgiving, and it may likely be a longtime living arrangement. Knowing how much visits meant to my grandpa (even though his Alzheimer’s made him forget shortly thereafter), I try to stop by once a week just to pop in. If I pop in during dinner time, I end up sitting with her and three other ladies. The five of us sit and talk – often about how none of them received what they ordered – but we toss in other items of discussion as well. You should try it. You’ll feel like a celebrity as they begin to look forward to your visits.
12. Cat cuddles cure lots of things.
    Cold? Tired? Overworked? Stressed? Lonely? Bored? Busy? Any of those can be lessened with a cat cuddle. Of course, not all cats like to cuddle, but my two…they’re exPURRts!

I could come up with more, but it’s getting dark. School resumes tomorrow. I need to get this uploaded.

To any of you who are reading my ramblings, I wish you the happiest of New Years! May it be filled with adventures and pleasant surprises. The possibilities are endless, and I hope you learn lessons along the way.

Blessings,
Jodi Lea

I admit. This is not the post I planned to write. My birthday was Friday. My poetry book was published on Amazon over the weekend. I started setting up my classroom on Saturday. There were LOTS of potential ideas. Nope. They were all vetoed.

Why? This morning, my alarm was set before 6. A bit after, as I did a HUGE morning stretch, my room suddenly started spinning. I laid there for a bit, then I sat up and remained in front of the fan aimed at my bed. Why? Sweat was running down my face. I stayed in that position until the room stayed put, then I slowly and cautiously made my way to the restroom. I slowly got dressed knowing that a walk would not be wise since the room would stop and start spinning with head movements.

Thankful to have a small bag next to my recliner to collect trash in the living room, I used it for other purposes. [My cats during this time felt compelled to get close to me, which I vetoed.] My early departure to Room 404 was delayed. Temperature taken – below 97*. Apple juice drank. By 9:00, the room had stopped spinning and I headed to school. Grabbing something to eat on my way.

Walked into the school to see that waxing the hallway would soon be taking place. I worked on cleaning the shelves behind my teacher’s desk, and I realized that something was still off. At 11ish, I loaded up my laptop and returned home. Breakfast decided to meet the bag next to my recliner. I set my alarm on my cell phone for 1:30 and I dozed off….with two cats napping with me.

Next thing I knew, it was 1:25 and I sat up and realized….it had passed. Whatever IT was…it was gone. Testing my theory I poured the last of my Diet Spirt into a cup and grabbed a couple pretzel rods. By 2:00, I felt “mostly” normal [as normal as I ever feel]. I participated in the initial meeting for next week’s online training without one spin of the room or grab for the bag.

And I thought to myself, “Man, I’m glad that’s over.” Boom! Blog post detour.

Life is like that. Isn’t it? We can have plans. Good plans. But… They can get derailed. A 2-mile walk this morning would’ve been beneficial, but that same walk with my messed up equilibrium and nauseated stomach and mega-sweats (worse than my ‘hot flash’ perspiration) would’ve been unwise. Working all day in my room would’ve accomplished a lot and decreased my self-imposed stress, but meandering around my room with several trips down the hall in the midst of occasional spinning environments wouldn’t have been productive. Plans change. Direction shifts. That’s okay.

Even from those “I’m glad that’s over” things in our lives, we can learn something important. Here’s what I learned from those awful seven hours:
1. If you wake up with the room spinning, go ahead and alter your plans. Most things can wait until you feel better.
2. Always keep some Sprite or 7-Up in the house for days like this. Diet Dr. Pepper is not your friend on these days.
3. If you run through McDonald’s on mornings like these, opt for an English muffin or Bagel rather than a breakfast sandwich.
4. Just slowly lean back and go back to sleep. When you wake up, it might be gone.

So, what was it? No clue. I asked Google. It suggested low blood sugar, vertigo, or an inner ear issue. I figure when I go in for my annual blood work, I’ll tell the nurse practitioner it happened and see what she says. If it happens again before then, I’ll schedule an appointment. For now, I’ll just appreciate the perspective it gives me.

You see, there are times in our lives when we travel a path we didn’t choose or possibly we chose to be on wrongly. During those times, gather what you can from the experience, but be glad when it’s over…or when you realize you’re on the wrong path and redirect your steps. Those seven hours this morning made me SO THANKFUL for a non-spinning room. That’s not something I’m usually aware of to be thankful. Being able to bend over and stand up without holding on to something is not something I generally realize is a blessing. Finally, I often list a good meal as something to be thankful for on my gratitude list #gratitudejournalofjodilea, I rarely would list pretzel rods or a Nutrigrain bar. However, at this moment of the day, those things calmed a growling stomach, so they rock!

Some things in life…aren’t meant to be cherished, but they’re meant to make us appreciate what we had before they came or after they left. Let’s face it. Mountaintops wouldn’t be as wonderful if we didn’t know how hard the valleys are. Sunny skies wouldn’t be such a blessing if we hadn’t endured the storm beforehand. And…calm stomachs, dry skin, and unspinning rooms wouldn’t be as loved if we didn’t experience being nauseated, sweaty, and dizzy. Just saying.

Sometimes, I have to think and think…and think about what I should focus on in a blog post. Other times, like today, something happens which triggers a thought that prompts me to say, “I need to write about this.” Yep, that’s how the title above came to be.

If you know me, you know that during the school year my alarm goes off around 4. Most days I’m out of bed before 4:30, but I’m rarely still in bed at 5. Why? I like to get an early start in my classroom since I often leave by 3:30 to go to the gym. When summer comes, I turn off my alarm clock (unless plans dictate otherwise). So far, my body continues to wake me between 3:30 and 4:30 each morning, but I lay back down and try to fall back to sleep. Some mornings, I’m successful and sleep past 6. Today, Whoot! Whoot!, I didn’t get out of bed until AFTER 7:00. I was proud of myself. That may seem like a little thing to you, since most wouldn’t consider that sleeping in, but to me…that was HUGE!

Off to the gym I went. I’m currently in the midst of my 3rd 100-mile-challenge of 2022. My goal is to have it finished by the time I meet my parents for breakfast on Saturday. This morning, with my late-for-me start, I gave myself permission to do 10 minutes on the rower, 10 minutes on the arm cycle, and just enough arm resistance machines to close today’s Exercise Ring on my watch. On the rower, I maintained my current “normal” and finished a mile in 8 minutes, but I was thrilled to add another fourth of a mile during the final 2 minutes even though I slowed for a cool-down before switching machines. Then, on the Arm Cycle, I generally finish a mile in 5.5 minutes. However, I cranked those arms around enough to finish two miles in the ten minutes. That added over 3 miles to my 100-mile pie chart and I have less than 6.5 left. So…I’m pushing my target to finish to tomorrow by lunch instead of Saturday. It’s just a day. Not a big deal. But…to me, it’s HUGE.

Heading to my parents’ house to pick up laundry and dog-jog Banjo, I swung through Hardee’s to buy my favorite fast food breakfast. However, it’s regular price is over $5, which I won’t pay for fast food. Yet, with a coupon that expires next week, I paid only $3.20. Yes, it’s only $2.00, but that little savings made my morning. Just saying, if you haven’t tried Hardee’s Frisco Breakfast Sandwich, you really should. Just make sure you have a coupon!

During my dog-jog, Banjo generally stops…A LOT. Today, as we were at the bottom of the hill, he heard the bark of a “new dog.” In dog-language, the new dog must’ve been threatening because Banjo jogged nonstop all the way up the hill and back to his house. He had my pulse elevated higher than any of our previous dog-jogs. Was it fast? Nope. But…it was jogging, uphill, without stopping. I was proud of BOTH of us. It may seem little, but it was…you guessed it. HUGE!

Next stop was Dollar Tree. I know, I know. It’s really the Dollar-Twenty-Five Tree now, but let’s face it…rebranding would cause the prices to go up again. I went in to find a clear bowl for the trifle I’m making for small group tomorrow evening. Of course, I can’t go into that store without looking through almost every aisle. Guess what ! I found a lot of little things that brought smiles to my face. Whether it was a new placemat for RockyTop & BlackTop’s feeding station, wall decals for Room 404, Butterflies for my teacher corner (If you don’t know why I bought them, read my previous post.), a light for my no-light laundry room, or a large bottle of bubbles for feline frolicking, each item made me smile. Some made me chuckle And…even with the increase of a quarter, my 15 treasures came to under $20.

Let’s see… back on Tuesday, I made dinner for friends. The husband was injured at work and is off for several weeks. The wife is working, overseeing medical appointments, and had a lot on her plate. I provided them comfort food for dinner: Cheesy Potatoes, Homemade Sloppy Joes, and Garden-Grown Corn [Not my garden but a gift from friends.] Besides blessing them with a meal, it also provides a meal or two for myself. Well, last night, I had some cheesy potatoes with Chick-Fil-A nuggets (YUM!). I had a dilemma. The practical side of my brain said I needed to eat the remaining sloppy joes and cheesy potatoes tonight. The goal-oriented side of me said I should try this week’s new recipe [Yes, one of my summer goals is to try one new recipe each week.]. The problem rose when my grocery pickup order had the ingredients for the new recipe. I awoke with this inner battle (I know…stupid thing to be overthinking, but that’s how my brain works.).

Anyway, I walk into the kitchen and see….the cheesy potatoes still on the stove from last night. Decision made. As much as I LOVE my cheesy potatoes, I figured eating cheesy potatoes that had been sitting in a warm kitchen for 10 hours…was probably not the brightest idea. Guess what! The new recipe was delicious! I strongly recommend it. I included it below.

Okay, my little things for today are about finished. I’ll end with an email from a colleague. I responded to an email about professional development. His reply asked me if I’d been in the gym lately since he and his significant other [What do you call a girlfriend when you’re an adult?] go each day and haven’t seen me. See! That’s why I share my daily workout posts on FB. I’ve quit too many times, and I want friends to do exactly as he did. I assured him that when I go to the gym in the summer it’s generally in the morning and when I’m not there I’m either walking or pedaling my boring bike. Be a friend. Hold people accountable. It may seem like a little thing, but….it’s really HUGE.

In conclusion, what LITTLE thing can you do for someone else that could be HUGE? That meal ended up being provided on an evening when my friend was EXTRA stressed and overwhelmed because of work. That $1.25 bowl will hold a pretty trifle to feed my friends at small group. That bottle of bubbles will bring entertainment to my Instagram followers of Tales_From_Two_Kitties. Little things REALLY can be HUGE!

Speaking of little things. Why not visit Amazon and purchase one of my books. You can give it to a child or an elementary teacher. It would be a small thing, but to me…it would be HUGE!

What’s up with that title? Besides being a HUGE fan of alliteration, it also focuses on three good things in my life. Granted, two of the three can be hard, but with the right perspective they all three prompt smiles.

First, I’ll tackle CHANGE. My mascot for change is the butterfly. Why? It goes from a caterpillar to a cocoon to a beautiful butterfly. [We’ll overlook that their lifespan is anywhere from a week to a year; I choose to focus on the positive.] In fact, I now have butterflies on my phone case as well as hanging from my ears as a visual reminder that change can be good.

Most people aren’t fans of change. For the most part, I’m not either. However, a change needs to be analyzed. Is it a change for the good or simply a change for the sake of change? The first – winner, winner, chicken dinner! The latter – it could still be good. For instance, a couple years ago I requested a change in my teaching assignment. After teaching third grade for 24 years, I wanted to try something new. Well, not super new…it was just a grade difference, but it’s been a good change. Why? It’s challenged me (Ahhh, see how the first CH leads to the second?). I’ve learned things (or relearned things) that I hadn’t done in years. I’ve spent time pondering how to improve various avenues of the curriculum’s instruction. It’s stirred up the “new teacher excitement” that had faded in third grade.

At the same time I requested that change, I started a new one. It was part of my mid-life crisis. I restarted my commitment to the gym and exercising. In the past, this urge would last for 3-6 months then it would fade again. Alas, not this time. Whoot! Whoot! It’s been over 2 years now, and I’m still going to the gym an average of 4 times a week but exercising 6 times a week and often 7. Has this CHANGE been a CHALLENGE? Of course, but my daily pics serve as a reminder that it has been a good change. The sole reason for my workout pics are to serve as a reminder when FB tosses them back up the following year. When the scale doesn’t budge, I try and focus on better fitting clothes and more energy. However, the pic comparisons are their own type of CHEERLEADER to my journey.

Ahh, the CHEERLEADERS! What a blessing they are! I would guess that none of them wake up and say, “I’m going to bless Jodi’s journey by encouraging her to keep going?” However, their choice to spend a few seconds to say that they see the change – whether physical, mental, or whatever….means SO MUCH.

Oops, I almost slid right past challenges. Most of us are not big fans of those, but…as long as it’s presented in a positive manner…I like a challenge. In my career, challenge me to try a new teaching strategy or technique. I’ll jump in quickly and give it a try or two or several. I may not stick with it if it doesn’t fit me or my class, but I’ll rise to the challenge. With my quest for getting healthy, I will pay to participate in 100-mile-challenges as a manner of accountability. I’m currently 3/4 of the way finished with my 3rd of the year. Last year, I completed 4, so this year I’ve challenged myself to complete 5 of these challenges. Why? I mean, no one calls me to say, “Did you push yourself today? Did you add a mile?” However, this morning, I left the house determined to walk 3 miles to add to my pie chart. By the end of my first mile, I had decided to push myself to do 4 miles since my “usual” is a 2-mile route and today I’m free to walk more. I’ve also challenged myself to step out of the box and to ponder beliefs. Whether it was trying my first drink last May (wasn’t a fan) or teaching myself that saying “no” to people is perfectly acceptable.

I’ve also challenged myself to grow in confidence. How? When I restarted my exercising, I wouldn’t go to the gym unless my sister or nephew joined me. Now, it’s my usual to go solo. Eating in a restaurant solo was never something I chose to do, but now…why not? Next up? I’m pondering going to a movie by myself…I mean, why not?

So, my friends….I encourage you to EMBRACE CHANGE….

RISE to the CHALLENGE…

And BE a CHEERLEADER!

And THAT…is today’s lesson from Main Street.

Happy Easter! I love Easter. It’s my favorite holiday. I love Christmas (Don’t get me wrong), but when someone asks me what my favorite holiday is….my answer is Easter.

Easter, for me, doesn’t start today. It started over 40 days ago when Lent began. Then, last week on Palm Sunday I remembered how Jesus entered Jerusalem while palms were waved. This same crowd later would shout for His crucifixion. Last Thursday, we gathered at my church for a Maundy Thursday service. It was a powerful 30-minutes which had scriptures and songs taking us through the Last Supper that Jesus had with His disciples…including Judas. Yes, the one who would betray Him for a few pieces of silver was included in the final meal. On Friday, we returned for an interactive Good Friday service. Again, our pastors took us through scripture with readings and songs. Then, we closed with an interactive act of justification (nailing a paper with sin written on it to a cross), sanctification (clean water poured over our hands) and glorification (lighting a candle).

This morning, “my kids” (aka Calvary Kids) were able to help the praise team lead the Call to Worship. We ‘sang’ and (mostly) did the motions to “Glorious Day.” I’ll share the link at the bottom. Just so you know…if you sing the song while doing the motions, you can earn 2 points on your Smart Watch Exercise Ring. No joke. I earned 6 points today by doing the motions three times.

As kids were excused to go back to Calvary Kids’ Worship, I went back with them to help a visiting child make it back to the kids’ room. While there, I snapped pics of our three kids’ areas and even found myself in the nursery (NOT my place of natural service). Seems one of our little guys had to wake up a couple hours early due to the Easter schedule at church, and his little body wasn’t up to it. Alas, all my voices and sound effects and bouncing had no impact. He needed “mama” or “daddy”…and “Miss Jodi” just didn’t cut the mustard [Side Note: I used that piece of figurative language in my 4th grade class, and they didn’t get it.] Sometimes, no one but our Father will do when we’re hurting.

By the time I returned to the foyer, Pastor Mike was halfway finished with his sermon. So, I finished listening to it just a bit ago. The perk of offering our services on FB is that I can watch what I miss when I’m serving elsewhere. As he preached from I Corinthians 15, lots of parts stuck in my thoughts. One of the points I’m pondering is that the Name of Jesus has prompted more goodness and more kindness than any other. Schools have been started. Homes have been built. Children have been adopted. Why? Because as Christians, we are called to be the hands and feet of Jesus to His creation. His hands and feet…were nailed to the cross. Yet, Jesus rose from the dead to make us whole again. Nothing He asks of us can match what God planned for His Son. Oh to ponder the price He paid for my salvation. At the conclusion of our service, I returned to the door to extend wishes for a good week and a Happy Easter and to offer hugs to my church family.

Since my family had our Easter gathering yesterday, I enjoyed lunch with a couple of my friends before heading home and changing into exercise clothes. I headed out on a chilly afternoon for a 2-mile walk. As I walked, thoughts of the One I worship and whose resurrection prompts this holiday filled my thoughts.

When I stopped by the river, I imagined it not as the Ohio River but the Sea of Galilee and the One who is the Living Water on a boat speaking to His followers. As I looked at the trees with leaves that were beginning to pop out on their branches, I was reminded of the new life we have in Christ. When I walked past the home of a family who attends church with me, I thought of their three daughters as well as the nieces and nephews who joined them today at Calvary. The verses about children popped into my head as I thanked Him for gifting me in the area of working with kids. With a half mile remaining, I started a VERY SLOW jog home. Then, the verse about running the race started going through my head. Oh how thankful I am to have some verses hidden in my heart so that I can pull them out when needed.

As I finished my walk and sat down, I decided a few things. I decided not to “work” today. I’m not doing laundry even though I have a couple loads I could do. I’m not washing any dishes even though I have a few I could finish. I could grade some papers, but they’ll still be there in the morning. I’ve decided to just relax and enjoy this day. My felines will be happy as one of them has already napped on me. Why? This is the day the Lord has made, and I will rejoice and enjoy each moment.

Oh! I almost forgot. My first prompt to write a blog this weekend came on Friday as I listened to the passages being read at the Good Friday service. You see…I’m KNOWN for my love of purple. In fact, my former students remember two things…always. They remember I make “voices” when I read/teach and they remember my favorite color is purple. My favorite color at one time was red. At a different time in my life, it was pink. But….during my freshman year in college – the fall of 1988 – purple was planted into my heart and head. It imploded thereafter. Why? Our Comp 101 class had us writing a paper about our family’s holiday traditions. I wrote about Christmas and how at the time we had a white teddy bear on the top of our tree (because I loved teddy bears), and I shared that when I had a tree…it would have either a star or angel on top. Anyway, my friend Kelly decided to write about her family’s holiday traditions. Now, her family considered themselves Catholic, but they rarely went to church. So, she decided to write about my family’s Easter traditions. As she sat in my room, I talked to her about a lot of the things I wrote in this blog. I took her from Palm Sunday to Maundy Thursday to Good Friday to Easter Sunday. As I shared my family’s traditions, I read her the passages in John. When I reached John 19, I read about the purple robe placed on Jesus to mock Him. Yet, to me…it wasn’t a symbol of mocking but a sign of Who He is. A sign that He is the Prince of Peace and King of Kings. You see, my favorite color may seem like it’s “just purple”, but it’s not. Purple reminds me of the One who gives me purpose and peace. The One who saves me and forgives me. The One who loves me and reminds me that I matter to Him. I mattered to Him enough to die on a cross. You matter too. So, the next time you see the color purple…remember. He loves you. He died for you. But…Sunday came and He came out of that tomb. And…one day…He’ll be back again.

It’s been a while since my last post. Apologies for those who read it. Life happens and schedules get full. Plus, sometimes…I’m waiting for the right inspiration. Today, I found it.

It’s spring break. Many of my colleagues are heading to Florida or Tennessee or elsewhere for a family vacation. Me? I’ve not taken a vacation since I was a kid. After graduating from college, I would travel to Tennessee a couple times a year to visit friends. However, when you are not a fan of driving and are a fan of sleep, your plans change.

I opt for STAYcations. They allow me to do some needed things and some relished things. First, I attempt to get my house ‘back in order’ and to go through STUFF to get rid of STUFF. I LOVE the feeling of filling a box with items I no longer need and for the second year…clothes I no longer fit. Well, I’ve done that plenty, but starting last year, the clothes are too big rather than too snug. Great feeling!

I also READ. I love to read. Yet, when school is in session, I find myself limiting my chapters to 1 or 2 each night due to my early wake up the next day. I actually have 3 books at home currently, and I hope to at least have two read before returning to school on the 21st.

Then, I also schedule lunches with friends…where I don’t have to swallow my food in less than 30 minutes. Likewise, I find a few recipes that I want to try, which I just did this afternoon and filled my grocery pickup order to pick up sometime next week.

However, it was the first item I shared that has inspired today’s post. Decluttering. Today, I only partially filled 2 boxes. One with decorations and books and the other with a couple of clothing items. I am confident that over the next three days…I will fill at least a few boxes.

That got me thinking. I need to declutter my heart…as in my thoughts and feelings. Let go of things that are weighing me down. Honestly, I want to channel my inner Elsa…and “Let it go, let it go, don’t hold it in anymore.” Get it?

What do I need to get rid of? The negative and critical voice inside my head. The voice that looks in the mirror and only sees the flab that needs to be gone or the loose skin that hangs where the fat once was (Guess what! When you’ve been overweight for decades, your skin doesn’t ‘snap back’ when you lose a chunk of weight…even if you lose it slowly.). The voice that sees my hair when it’s frizzy or untamed rather than when it’s curly and cooperative. I’m sure most of us have one of these negative voices, especially most females who struggle with self-confidence…but I really need to kick it to the curb.

Then, there are the thoughts that tell me I’m not enough. I’m not an effective enough teacher. I’m not a skilled enough writer. I’m not a perceptive enough friend. I’m not a worthy enough female. I’m not enough. See, I know that I am, but that thought lingers.

Goodness! I even bought rings that remind me that “I am enough.” I post quotes often to remind myself and others that someone else doesn’t have to make me worthy by their approval. Yet, I still battle the persistent thought.

I disguise it. I disguise it with laughter. I disguise it with self-deprecating humor. But…it lingers. It needs to be gone.

You see. I’m the daughter of the King. I don’t have to be “good enough,” as He sees me through the sacrifice of the Prince of Peace. My Savior loved me enough to give up His life to purchase mine.

So, please…I pray. God, help me get rid of the clutter that mars the mind and heart of the daughter you created me to be. Remind me that in Your eyes…I am enough. In your eyes, I’m a beautiful daughter. That truth. Is enough.