Fun.

If you have watched TV or listened to the radio in the last 6 months you have heard this song....

And I am loving their newest single release as well. 

The whole CD is actually very good... and their group name is well, Fun.

Little bit of happiness: Another great summer day to be grateful for. It started out with a missed call from my great-grandma, so I gave her a call back. Turns out she was "playing with her phone" and accidentally called me without knowing it. But that's okay because it was good talking to her, going to have to call her more often! :)

Daily quote: "Where ever you are, be all there." -Jim Elliot 

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Crafting like Crazy

6 buttons and 5 minutes turned into 3 new pair of earrings!

In the process of turning old lamps into new ones... wrapped one shade in hemp rope, going to work on the felt flowers next.

Turned old burgundy throw pillows into fresh new ones for the living room.

Little bit of happiness: After sleeping in, I made a quick trip to my favorite place, Hobby Lobby! Then I worked on the 3 projects you see above. YAY!! :) Trash into treasure complete.

Daily quote: Art washes from the soul the dust of everyday life.  

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Zebra Cake!

Crossed another thing off my bucket list for the year... Bake A Cake! Not just any cake, a ZEBRA cake!! :)

Little bit of happiness: It was a great day here in Spearville, America for this girl! My parents came out for the day. Then I baked the cake that you see above... and got to share it with some of my closest friends here and catch up on some girl talk.

Daily quote: Your life is your message to the world. Make sure you're inspiring.  

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Five Truths About Reality of Teaching

Saw a great article from the Wichita Eagle about the reality of teaching that I thought I would share since it's about that time to gear up for a new school year...

"As a 33-year veteran of the public high school classroom, I am increasingly both puzzled and disheartened by the overwhelmingly negative criticism of teachers – puzzled because each school year I meet hundreds of parents who seem genuinely appreciative of the excellent education that their children receive, and disheartened by the knowledge gap between public sentiment and the challenges that teachers face.
Thus, I’d like to “teach” a few truths about the realities of teaching, in hopes of closing this gulf of misunderstanding:
• Schools have changed dramatically over the past decade because of technology, changing federal and state mandates, economics, and a host of complex sociological factors at play. If you have not “darkened the door” of a school in the past few years, then you are not qualified to criticize teachers.
• Students’ needs are overwhelming – so much so that teachers alone simply cannot meet them. Students are not empty vessels, sitting quietly with hands folded, eagerly awaiting their teachers’ outpourings of wisdom, which they quietly record in their notebooks. Poverty is their greatest foe, second to hunger and lack of adequate guidance from parents. If you believe that all kids jaunt off to school well-fed, well-clothed and ready to learn after a good night’s sleep, then you are sadly mistaken. Teachers simply cannot meet all the needs of children – although many desperately try, by committing their emotional energy and money from their own pocketbooks.
• Teachers do not work eight hours a day, 10 months a year. The eight hours a day that school is in session is only the beginning of a teacher’s day. Teaching demands countless hours of planning, reading, grading, coaching, writing, meeting with colleagues and taking classes. Teachers often work 12- to 15-hour days, often sacrificing time with their own families. Unless you are a teacher or live with one, however, you likely do not fathom what goes on behind the scenes on behalf of students.
• Most teachers are capable, caring and competent professionals. However, just like in all professions, a few are probably better suited for other jobs. Such is the case with lawyers, doctors, businesspeople and politicians. To hold teachers to a different standard than other professions, and pay them much less than they might otherwise earn in the private sector, makes no sense.
• Our best and our brightest students are not entering the profession because of poor salaries, lack of public respect, and impossible and unrealistic expectations. Older teachers are retiring the minute they possibly can, and young teachers often leave the profession after only a few years. This trend spells disaster.
Understanding the challenges that teachers face, and supporting and recognizing them for their efforts, are the first steps in address this serious problem that threatens to undermine our civilization."

Read more here: http://www.kansas.com/2012/07/15/2407402/five-truths-about-reality-of-teaching.html#storylink=cpy

- Jennifer Stark Fry

Little bit of happiness: Got the house cleaned and ready for a visit from my parents tomorrow. Also, the dog and I got a change of scenery when we took a different route on our evening walk... it's the little things :)

Daily quote: "You never really understand a person until you consider things from his point of view -- until you climb into his skin and walk around in it." -To Kill A Mockingbird

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Puzzled Pieces

Little bit of happiness: I spent the day working on my 1000 piece puzzle!! It's done... but only has 999 pieces, which is just my luck. Oh well! I'm still crossing it off my list. :)

Daily quote: Forget all the reasons why it won't work and believe the one reason why it will.

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Pitt. State Gorilla!

Little bit of happiness: I am making the next step in starting my Master's and becoming a Gorilla. I just had one hold on my account... from 2005. Yes, I was still in high school. Very confusing, but it is all straightened out and I hope to get enrolled next week. I will be getting my degree in Educational Technology with an emphasis of Library Media Specialist!

Daily quote: "If your ship doesn't come in, swim out to it." -Jonathan Winters

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra

Lion King Wisdom

Got to LOVE the Lion King. I think it is about time to start counting down the days until the Broadway show in Wichita!! :)

Little bit of happiness: This morning we went over to work at the Learning Center and then onto lunch. When we got there there was at least 50 Amish getting off the bus to eat there. It was a sight to see!

Daily quote: "All your dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them." -Walt Disney

Cheers to Happiness,

Audra