Fourth Grade and Mrs Knoll

Growing up in a large Catholic family, of course I went to Catholic school, like all my brothers and sisters before me.

In the 1960's, most of the teachers were nuns, but there were a few stalwart souls who braved the low pay and were lay teachers. I'd like to tell you about my fourth grade teacher, Mrs. Knoll.

Looking back as an adult, I can appreciate now the things she did for us... back then you pretty much sighed and put up with it, because you had to; But now, I can see where the woman was a qualified miracle worker.

Mrs. Knoll was a no-nonsense Caucasian woman of advanced years (at least it seemed to me being only 9). She probably was in her 60's and after my class graduated, she retired. She wore her hair in a take-no-prisoners bun, but still gave off the reassuring grandmotherly vibe with her plump visage and twinkling blue eyes. She ran her classroom with discipline but kindness and her heart was as big as anything, even if she WAS awfully uncool to a 9 year old.

She brought in her own personal electronic organ and played and sung with wild abandon; it didn't matter that she had a terrible voice, she raised her voice in praise, with great joy. She taught us songs and ditties and sometimes played songs while we worked. She did the most important thing, which was make that classroom a safe, secure place where children could learn.

She taught us the arts and made us memorize poetry and prose and then recite it in class. Not only did that teach us memory skills, but it introduced us to art and literature and provided public speaking skills. This was in the time when Catholic schools did not have art or music classes, and most teachers did not include these subjects.

Catholic schools are notorious for no air conditioning, and we all watched the outside temperature gauge because, as childhood rumor went, if it went over 103F we got to go home. As a child I never realized what a scheduling nightmare that would be to call all those parents and hope they were available to pick up their children; and of course, this was before the days of cell phones and instant contact solutions. So, I can only remember one time we got to leave early.

On those very hot days, when you had gulped down lunch so you could get out to kickball and get picked for a team (even if it was last), you tore around the playground and when the bell rang, you stood in line, panting and sweaty, ready to go back into the classroom. Being a smart lady, Mrs. Knoll had us line up, girls on the right, boys on the left. She would wait for all the other classes to go inside and then she would march us to the restrooms, where the girls would go in first and then line back up; then the boys would go in. You got paper towels and wet them and wrung them out. You then put them around your neck or on your head, or you sucked on them to get the coolness on your face. She would march us into class, where we would all lay our heads down on our desks and she would start to read aloud. Instantly, we calmed down and were transported to the Island of the Blue Dolphin, following Karana, the Indian girl on her island as she discovers she is alone. Just when it became exciting, she would close the book and tell us to get out our math books.

In later years, I would teach elementary school and I marvelled at her wisdom. She might have been old and underpaid, probably underappreciated; but she knew children. She understood their needs and took them to places to open their minds. She inspired them to learn and provided a safe environment where everyone was equal.

I wish I could have let her know how 40+years later, I can still recite the lines of poetry she assigned me; how I remember her math games and holiday homemade treats she made in her wee hours at home. How the love came through and we were better for it. We need more teachers like her today so our children will use their imaginations, read, sing and learn. So, up there in heaven, thanks, Mrs, Knoll. You made my fourth grade something I have remembered all these years. You made me a better teacher and touched a new generation of children.

Contigo Water Bottles Appeal to Seniors Like No Others

If you are like I am, "up there in years," trying to drive and manipulate your water bottle while doing so can be dangerous to your health. This doesn't even take into account the major inconveniences (such as, dropping the cap while trying to steer, spilling your water, or maybe even the bottle springing a leak around the lid because you didn't get it capped just right).

So then you are left to drive while continuing to hold your water bottle (and maybe even with wet clothes) until it's convenient to pull off the road and dive for your lid that has fallen down onto the floor out of sight (not an easy trick for us age-impaired citizens!), or maybe it landed somewhere in the middle console, or maybe it even bounced way back under your seat.

Whatever, it is a bothersome situation.

Well, you need to become acquainted with Contigo water bottles, because they can alleviate all of the above! Yes, you read that right.

Contigo has a line of water bottles that will fill all your needs for water on the go and that eliminates the need to screw with a cap (pardon the pun!), because Contigo has come up with an ingenious little alternative that allows you to press the button to drink and then release it, all of which allows the bottle to re-seal itself so that it cannot leak!

So how's that for simplicity in modern technology? (Of course, those of us farther along in years know that modern technology is usually anything BUT simple, right?)

Now if you don't like the idea of drinking out of plastic, rest assured that the kind of plastic that Contigo employs to provide these little beauties is 100% free of BPA, which, according to what the Mayo Clinic states on its site that "... there is 'some concern' about the possible health effects of BPA on the brain, behavior and prostate gland of fetuses, infants and children... The FDA now shares this... concern and is taking steps to reduce human exposure to BPA in the food supply... and in food containers."

Another really handy feature of the Contigo bottles is the carabiner clip that they have attached to the bottle's handle, making it really handy to carry around, as it can be clipped onto a belt loop, purse, backpack, or anywhere else you can think of where it would be feasible.

A couple of other things you will like is that the Contigo water bottles are dishwasher safe and come with wide open mouths to accommodate your adding ice cubes, whereas so many similar products do not.

Here are a couple of "don'ts" when using the Contigo:

1 - Never ever put it in the microwave.
2 - Never ever use harsh cleaners like bleach or abrasives.
3 - Never ever put it in the freezer.
4 - Never fill it above the lid threading.
5 - Never fill it with carbonated drinks; as with any other container, the carbonation may cause it to spray or leak.

Conveniences and features aside though, Contigo provides a large selection in a variety of gorgeous colors, from turquoise to hot pink to charcoal and many others, so you're sure to find one that appeals to you. Tip: Contigos make great gifts, and you're sure to find one in just the right color for whoever you are gifting.

Start A New Career After Age 50

Do You Need To Make A Career Change After Age Fifty?

In my opinion, it is a lot easier for younger people to make career changes. Younger adults may be more flexible, have fewer current obligations, and find it easier to get hired. However, there are still some good careers that middle aged people can consider. These jobs offer reasonable salaries, on the job training, and a chance to start over after age 50!

Many older job seekers cannot afford to go back to school for a long time. That is why I tried to find suggestions that would offer on the job training so employees can begin to earn money while they learn their new jobs. I also choose jobs that offered reasonable salaries for people who already have some financial obligations and are hoping to save money for retirement.

Finally, I wanted to select jobs that were actually available. These are all real jobs that my online visitors or friends have gotten when they needed to change careers in mind-life. Hopefully, these suggestions will help you make a good career transition. You may use one of these ideas, or you may become inspired to come up with your own.

Sales Jobs

Lots of people say they would be horrible at sales, and yet they may actually have very good sales skills. Every sales person does not have to engage in cold calling or high pressure tactics. It genuinely does help if you like your job and believe in your products. Some sales jobs also lead to promotions, which could put you in a management position if that is your desire.

Retail Furniture Stores

Consider furniture stores. If you become employed at the right location, you have an opportunity to begin earning a good income quickly. If you have the skills, you may also be promoted to management, either in a store or in the corporate office. Have known several older workers, from teachers to bank managers, who ended up enjoying their second career in furniture sales. And yes, they have moved into various types of management. Better yet, they all started working at a furniture store when they were over 50 years old.

Finance And Insurance

Insurance and finance is another industry that has room for older professionals. If you are interested in these topics, and like people, you may be able to begin a flexible and profitable new career. Many states only require a test to license insurance agents, and most people can pass this test after taking a course that only lasts a few hours. The key to success is finding a good brokerage or insurance company that will train you.

3 Tips For Dressing Up Your Baby During Winters

In most cases, babies are not that adaptive and resistant to cold as adults are and you need to be extra careful if you want to keep your baby safe and healthy. The winter might be quite dangerous to your baby's health and some safety precautions must be undertaken. However, don't think that you have to overdress him. Here's more information for you to soak up, especially if you are a parent for a short time and you are interested in keeping your baby as healthy and comfortable as possible.

1. Extremities. It is vital to keep your baby's head, feet and hands protected. Usually, those are the most exposed and vulnerable parts, even for adults. Therefore, make sure that you buy a hat that completely covers your infant's ears. A scarf would also be very helpful. Secondly, make sure that you keep your feet warm by purchasing adequate shoes. Also, the hands must be protected with gloves as well. Make sure that your kid is feeling comfortable as well. Try to opt for shoes that are not that heavy and they have fur. In some cases, you can use the scarf to cover his nose as well, if the day is too cold.

2. Extra blanket just in case. It is a good idea to take with you an extra blanket as well. Whether if you travel with car or you just go for a walk with your little one, keep in mind that you can't possible know if your baby is warm and comfortable enough. If you hear him crying or screaming a little bit then it perhaps means that he is cold. That extra blanket might be very helpful in those moments. You can touch his hands and cheeks in order to find out how comfortable and warm the child is.

3. Keep it simple. Remember that you don't need to be overprotective and overdress your infant. You don't need to let it tremble because of coldness either but if he it is too warm, it can be quite uncomfortable. Just make sure that you dress him as you dress. For any eventuality, try to have another jacket or coat with you all the time, if it makes you feel safer. As another tip, try to avoid going out with your kid in very cold winter days because it can damage his health.

It is highly recommended to get your kid out in winters because it is beneficial to his health. If you dress him correctly and he is feeling warm and comfortable, it can be quite an exciting for both you and your kid. Additionally, you can speak with your pediatrician and ask him for more information regarding this subject. He will be able to tell you more details regarding what your kid should wear and when.

9

My Embarrassing Love Affair

It was love at first sight. I knew I shouldn't indulge my desires. I'm usually very practical, but I couldn't help myself. In the past I secretly snickered at people who were drawn to these wanton wishes. What was happening to me? Was it lack of excitement in my life? Literally and figuratively I knew it WOULD add spice to my life, but really, it boiled down to the fact that now that I was in my 50s I no longer cared what other people thought.

So I did it.

I whipped out my Visa card, marched over to the register and with only a hint of embarrassment I purchased two adorable, brightly-colored salt and pepper shakers in the shape of a cow. Now the cute little bovine pair is grazing on the occasional oregano and parsley flakes that litter my kitchen counter top.

This was not an easy round up. I had to halt my own negativity for wanting something I didn't need, cart the little bovine pair from where I purchased them in Arizona, carefully wrap them in bubble wrap, cushion them in a sweater, pack them in my carry on luggage and schlep my little herd back to Port Angeles, Washington.

Part of my dilemma is I have very simple tastes. For example my favorite color is beige. How boring is that? I don't even like patterned fabric. With the exception of striped surfer shirts I wore as a child (one blue, one red) almost all my clothing and most of my furnishing consisted of solid colors. Well maybe I did like the occasional hint of color in my wardrobe, but I limited it to my socks and underwear. Yet here I was yearning for a pair of salt and pepper shakers with festive designs on their little cow bodies and heads.

I noticed similar behavior when I attended my high school's 40th reunion. I hit the dance floor (no longer waiting to be asked) and watched a couple of my friends, Jan and Patsy. The pair had always been fun, but when it came to moving to the beat, they had been like the rest of us, restrained and reserved. Now they were hooping it up, throwing their arms in the air and sporting two of the biggest grins I had ever seen.

"You didn't dance like that in high school," I said with admiration.

"We're old enough we don't care anymore," they both replied in unison.

They exemplified William Purkey's quote, "Dance like no one is watching, love like you'll never be hurt, sing like no one is listening and live like it's heaven on earth.

It made me think of those wasted years I spent concerned about what other people thought and said about me and others. Not only did I refrain from sporting splashy colors, I limited my thoughts and behavior to what I deemed "acceptable" and "appropriate." What a waste of fun and creativity.

Peer pressure is a strong force. It did not shackle my thoughts, but I let it govern my choice of clothing and behavior. Of course I was resentful. When I was younger I blamed nearly all the negative things in my life on someone else. Later I learned I had better results when I no longer tried to put my focus on fixing others and try my hand at taking control of my own life. If you have thoughts that smell like manure, here are a few tips.

Negativity is not limited to the behaviors of others, it is rooted in how you perceive yourself. You've heard it a million times, but it really is true. You need to learn to love yourself. You may think you do, but look at your words and actions. How do you treat yourself? Do you say negative things about how you look, act and think?

It is essential that you stop all critical self talk. Self negativity puts a grinding halt to success and happiness. Every time you say a disparaging remark about yourself your subconscious soaks it up like a sponge. Your brain cannot distinguish between self ridicule and an offhand "I was just kidding" remark. Whatever you say or think, the brain just takes it in. It's a big "yes" machine. If you say, "I'm stupid," it writes the "Yes, I'm stupid, program." If you declare, "I will never be happy," the message becomes fact and you will never be happy. The irony is that it isn't your enemies who fling the majority of these toxic statements about. You do it to yourself.

Your wishes, good, bad or indifferent, become your brain's programming. So why not try for something that will bring you joy? That does not mean that everything wonderful you wish for will instantly become reality. But if you surround yourself with positive thoughts and begin a course of action to achieve the things you want in life, you will move your life in a happier direction.

As they used to say on the old television shows, "meanwhile, back at the ranch... "

Here is how things shook out for me and my ceramic cows.

There is no practical reason for those "move along little doggies" to live in my kitchen. My motivation is simply this - I think they are cute and they make me laugh. And that is no small thing.

Why not spice up your own life a little? Take some advice from me and the rest of the optimistic herd. Forget what others think. Dance, love and laugh with abandon. It will be a truly "mooving" experience indeed.