When you have a leaky pipe, do you call a plumber and then tell him he isn't fixing it correctly? When your car breaks down, do you stand over the mechanic's shoulder and say, "No, I think you should turn that clockwise?" Of course you don't. Why then, when people call me to help them with their cat problems, do they argue with everything I say? I cannot even begin to convey the amount of frustration this causes me. So, here it is, folks...my simple rule. IF YOU ARE NOT GOING TO LISTEN TO ME, DON'T CALL ME!
Last night, I responded to a call from a family who found three abandoned kittens in the woods behind their house. The kittens are about 12 weeks old and just big enough to be scared and bite really hard. So I drove out to their rural home to take a look. At first, they seemed very grateful that I was there and had responded so quickly. I was glad they were showing concern over the kittens because, all too often, I deal with people who just don't care. But then the conversation went downhill...fast. "Let me get you some thick gloves," the mother said. "No thank you," I replied, "I don't need gloves." "Oh yes you do!" she insisted, "The black one is wild." "No, I am better without them, but thank you. I can't use gloves when I handle feral cats." "You are going to want them, I'm telling you," came the reply. I said, "No thank you. I don't wear gloves when I handle feral cats because I can't feel the animal in my hands. It makes me more likely to get bitten and the animal is more likely to get away. Trust me, I am better without them." "Well, let me get them for you anyway. You are going to want them."
I wondered at that point how they knew the black kitten was wild. As it turns out, they had already caught 2 of them, but then released them prior to my arrival. Are you wondering why? So am I :-s.
So the daughter leads me to the area where the kittens were last seen. Behind us is her boyfriend who is YELLING, "Hey! Do you want me to bring the truck down and shine the headlights into the woods?" As the daughter is contemplating this hairbrained request, I am saying, as politely as I can, "No, let's hold off on that." In my mind, I am thinking, "Yes, THAT's what we need! A huge truck with a diesel engine and bright lights! THAT won't scare these little kittens..." I couldn't help but shake my head.
So we head down the hill and I almost immediately see one of the kittens, a little calico. So I say hello to her and offer her some food. She draws within 3 feet of me, indicating that she is clearly not feral. However, she is definitely nervous. It may have something to do with the 2000 candle flashlight the boyfriend has behind me and his loud voice saying, "I don't see the other two!" So I climb up into the woods and attempt to make friends with this little one. She isn't running away, but she isn't readily eager to approach me either. So after mulitple attempts to get closer to her, frustrated by the fact that neither of my "helpers" will shut up for 10 seconds, I mention that I may have to set live traps. "Oh, no, I don't think you should use traps," comes the reply. "What if a raccoon gets in there?" "Then I release it," I said. "What if the coon gets in the trap WITH the kitten?" she asks. "That cannot happen," I said, "unless the kitten is riding on the raccoon's back when it enters the trap, there is no way they can be in there together." "Well, I don't think you should use traps." So I calmly explain how the traps work and that, in 6 years, I have never had a cat injured by a humane box trap. "Still, I don't think you should use them," she says. Now, please keep in mind that she is basing this decision on the fact that her boyfriend was able to grab two of the kittens with his hands. However, he apparently got scratched pretty badly and, clearly, was unable to get the third one. When they put the black kitten in the kennel, the cat went crazy, bouncing off the walls of the kennel. So, they released it. Well, guess what...now that kitten is going to be very nervous and extremely difficult to catch in that manner again.
As I was in the woods and the pair of Einsteins accompanying me were on the periphery playing with their flashlights and talking in loud voices, I spotted another kitten. It was the friendly tabby who they had said came right to them when they caught her earlier. I called to her and then watched her run for her life as the boyfriend yelled, "Oh I see her!" and ran into the woods after her. "She is the friendly one," he said later. "I am amazed she didn't come right to you." Again, I couldn't help but shake my head. I tried to explain that, in the dark, I am not a human figure, I am just a bright light and a voice. I don't think I explained that well enough.
So I decided that the evening was going to be non-productive and there was no point in pursuing these kittens with the "help" that I had. I said I would come back the next day. The daughter proceeded to tell me her schedule, as if I was eager to have her join me in my attempts to catch the kittens. When I said it was pointless to try to see the kittens in the height of the afternoon, I was told I was wrong. I tried to explain that cats are nocturnal, having originated in the desert of Egypt, and are more active in the morning and evening when it isn't hot outside. I was told it wasn't going to be hot out the next day. That was not the point I was trying to make. So I said I would be back at 5pm. I was told the daughter should be home by then. I could hardly muffle my sarcastic "Oh goody!"
Before I left, we talked about the location of the cats and their proximity to the neighbor's long gravel driveway. The daughter expressed concern about the kittens getting hit because the neighbors drive quite fast up the driveway. We also talked about methods of capturing them. I mentioned again that I would bring traps. "I think you should net them," the daughter said. "I can't net them in the woods," I replied, "The net will snag on everything. Besides, I can't sneak up on them when I am walking on leaves. Their hearing is quite fine tuned, and especially heightened when they are nervous. But if you want to put some food out by the garage, you could draw them out of the woods and that would make netting them feasible." "I think they are ok where they are," she replied. "They are far enough away from the driveway, so let's just leave them there for the night." (Ten seconds ago, she felt they were too close to the driveway. Now, apparently, they are ok.)
At that point, I could do nothing more but leave. I am going back there at 5:00 this evening and I have no intention of putting up with the same crap I did last night. This may get ugly and I am sure they are going to think I am a major bitch. But, I am there for the kittens and to ensure their safety. If they don't want my help, they shouldn't have called me. I know a thing or two about trapping and caring for cats. I don't proclaim to know everything. However, when I have trapped hundreds and you have trapped none...and I have been doing this for 6 years and you have been doing this for 6 minutes...shut up and listen to me. If you still think you know everything, then go ahead and have at it. I have plenty of other things to do. Don't waste my time.
Thank you for letting me vent.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
Saturday, September 18, 2010
Final Wishes
Ok, so maybe I have death on my mind a little these days. One might judge that by my bucket list on yesterday's post and then today's topic of final wishes. I guess maybe I do. In the last month, my beloved cat, Ozzie lost his battle with diabetes. He was almost 10 years old. Then, my cat, Clint, passed away. And this morning, my beautiful black persian, Tucker (not to be confused with my dog, Tucker) passed away in my arms. He was 12. And in the midst of all this, my friend Deb lost her golden retriever, Kasey, and my friend Dawn lost her yellow lab, Ranger. Animal deaths...not human deaths...but painful deaths nonetheless. I have officially declared that I have discovered the single greatest drawback to having animals. We outlive our children. So this got me thinking...
When one of my animals dies, I have them cremated and placed in an urn. But, when I die, who is going to want the ashes of my animals? What will become of them? I have no direct heirs. I have no one who fully understands the love I carry for them and always will, for all the days of my life. So I decided that these are my final wishes...
When I die, I want to be cremated and I want my ashes mixed thoroughly with all of the ashes of my animals. Then, I want a handful of the ashes set aside. The majority of the ashes should be scattered off the Wisconsin River Bridge on a nice, windy day. The remaining handful should be casually (so as not to draw attention) scattered over the ivy wall at Wrigley Field. I am depending on my nieces, Nikayla and Jaime, to do this for me. So, Nik and Jaime, put a handful of your crazy Aunt Heidi in your pocket and get bleacher seats for the game. I don't care who the opposing team is so don't worry about that. I also don't care which one of you does this. Have a soda and then transfer me to the empty cup. During the 7th inning stretch, right when they sing "Root root root for the Cubbies..." stretch your arm, with the cup in your hand, over the edge of the wall and let me fall over the ivy. Be aware of where the tv cameras are at all times. If security sees you, run like hell, but don't drop the cup. It's evidence you don't want to leave behind.
If by chance you cannot get permission to toss most of me off the Wisconsin River Bridge, please mix my ashes into a litter box. It seems most appropriate...
When one of my animals dies, I have them cremated and placed in an urn. But, when I die, who is going to want the ashes of my animals? What will become of them? I have no direct heirs. I have no one who fully understands the love I carry for them and always will, for all the days of my life. So I decided that these are my final wishes...
When I die, I want to be cremated and I want my ashes mixed thoroughly with all of the ashes of my animals. Then, I want a handful of the ashes set aside. The majority of the ashes should be scattered off the Wisconsin River Bridge on a nice, windy day. The remaining handful should be casually (so as not to draw attention) scattered over the ivy wall at Wrigley Field. I am depending on my nieces, Nikayla and Jaime, to do this for me. So, Nik and Jaime, put a handful of your crazy Aunt Heidi in your pocket and get bleacher seats for the game. I don't care who the opposing team is so don't worry about that. I also don't care which one of you does this. Have a soda and then transfer me to the empty cup. During the 7th inning stretch, right when they sing "Root root root for the Cubbies..." stretch your arm, with the cup in your hand, over the edge of the wall and let me fall over the ivy. Be aware of where the tv cameras are at all times. If security sees you, run like hell, but don't drop the cup. It's evidence you don't want to leave behind.
If by chance you cannot get permission to toss most of me off the Wisconsin River Bridge, please mix my ashes into a litter box. It seems most appropriate...
Friday, September 17, 2010
My Bucket List
This is going to be an interesting blog for me. It will be the first, and probably only one, I will write that will decrease and increase as I add things and cross things off my bucket list. And I will add to it as I think of things. Bucket lists should be living, breathing things. I think everyone should have a bucket list. I also think everyone should publish their bucket list. Some things on your list may not be feasible without the help of others and they will never know what you want to do if you don't tell them. So, here is my bucket list. It is a work-in-progress.
(If you are reading this and I am dead, please disregard...lmao)
BUCKET LIST
1. Visit Cooperstown, NY and the National Baseball Hall of Fame
2. Vacation at a dude ranch.
3. See killer whales in the wild.
4. Vacation/work at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah.
5. Be a blaring tourist in Washington D.C. and see all the historical sights.
6. Attend a playoff or World Series game at Wrigley Field.
7. Things to See: Statue of Liberty
8. Things to See: Ellis Island
9. Visit Nelson County, Kentucky and research the Shields family history
10. Visit Webster County, MO and research the Walton family history
11. Visit my relatives in Germany
12. Visit Northern Ireland and research the Shields family history
13. Own an African Grey parrot or a Hyacinth McCaw
14. See tigers in the wild
15. Adopt and raise an entire litter of beagle puppies all at the same time
16. Things to see: The Alamo
ACCOMPLISHED THINGS THAT WERE ON MY BUCKET LIST
1. Attend a division-clinching game at Wrigley Field (September 27, 2003)
2. Attend an Olympic event (Baseball: Italy vs Australia, Fulton County Stadium, Atlanta Georgia - July 25, 1996)
3. Fly in an ultalight aircraft (circa 1985, can't remember where)
4. Things to see: St. Louis Arch (circa 1981 when my brother took us to Six Flags over St. Louis and again in 1999 when Tina Koyen and I drove to Arizona to see the Cubs in spring training)
5. See the Cubs in spring training (March, 1999 - Mesa, AZ - 6 games in 7 days)
6. But a brand new car (1994 Dodge Shadow, purchased March 2, 1994)
7. Things to see: Alcatraz Federal Penetentiary (July, 1989)
8. Things to see: Golden Gate Bridge (July, 1989)
9. Get a tattoo (Tiger with a rose in its mouth, left calf - 1993; cat silhouette with wording "This above all, to thine own self be true" on right forearm - 2010; dog silhouette with wording "The dream shall never die" on left forearm - 2010; Chicago Cubs symbol, right calf - 2010)
10. Operate a rescue/sanctuary for special needs and feral cats (2004 - 2011)
11. Have a dog named Dawson (Adopted on July 17, 2007, yellow lab; also have dogs named Wrigley, Harry, Barney, Charlie, Tucker, and Gretchen)
12. Go to Disney World (July, 1997 with Nikayla)
13. Go to Disney Land (July, 1999 with Nikayla)
14. See the Atlantic Ocean (Spring Break 1991, 1992, 1993; trip to Florida 1996; trip to Florida 1997)
15. See the Pacific Ocean (Trip to California, 1989, 1999)
16. Things to See: Legoland, California (July 1999)
(If you are reading this and I am dead, please disregard...lmao)
BUCKET LIST
1. Visit Cooperstown, NY and the National Baseball Hall of Fame
2. Vacation at a dude ranch.
3. See killer whales in the wild.
4. Vacation/work at the Best Friends Animal Sanctuary in Utah.
5. Be a blaring tourist in Washington D.C. and see all the historical sights.
6. Attend a playoff or World Series game at Wrigley Field.
7. Things to See: Statue of Liberty
8. Things to See: Ellis Island
9. Visit Nelson County, Kentucky and research the Shields family history
10. Visit Webster County, MO and research the Walton family history
11. Visit my relatives in Germany
12. Visit Northern Ireland and research the Shields family history
13. Own an African Grey parrot or a Hyacinth McCaw
14. See tigers in the wild
15. Adopt and raise an entire litter of beagle puppies all at the same time
16. Things to see: The Alamo
ACCOMPLISHED THINGS THAT WERE ON MY BUCKET LIST
1. Attend a division-clinching game at Wrigley Field (September 27, 2003)
2. Attend an Olympic event (Baseball: Italy vs Australia, Fulton County Stadium, Atlanta Georgia - July 25, 1996)
3. Fly in an ultalight aircraft (circa 1985, can't remember where)
4. Things to see: St. Louis Arch (circa 1981 when my brother took us to Six Flags over St. Louis and again in 1999 when Tina Koyen and I drove to Arizona to see the Cubs in spring training)
5. See the Cubs in spring training (March, 1999 - Mesa, AZ - 6 games in 7 days)
6. But a brand new car (1994 Dodge Shadow, purchased March 2, 1994)
7. Things to see: Alcatraz Federal Penetentiary (July, 1989)
8. Things to see: Golden Gate Bridge (July, 1989)
9. Get a tattoo (Tiger with a rose in its mouth, left calf - 1993; cat silhouette with wording "This above all, to thine own self be true" on right forearm - 2010; dog silhouette with wording "The dream shall never die" on left forearm - 2010; Chicago Cubs symbol, right calf - 2010)
10. Operate a rescue/sanctuary for special needs and feral cats (2004 - 2011)
11. Have a dog named Dawson (Adopted on July 17, 2007, yellow lab; also have dogs named Wrigley, Harry, Barney, Charlie, Tucker, and Gretchen)
12. Go to Disney World (July, 1997 with Nikayla)
13. Go to Disney Land (July, 1999 with Nikayla)
14. See the Atlantic Ocean (Spring Break 1991, 1992, 1993; trip to Florida 1996; trip to Florida 1997)
15. See the Pacific Ocean (Trip to California, 1989, 1999)
16. Things to See: Legoland, California (July 1999)
Friday, September 10, 2010
We Are All Americans
It's barely 8:30 am and my feathers are ruffled BIG TIME already. Right away on CNN this morning, I start hearing about this idiot who wants to declare September 11 to be "National Burn the Koran Day." WTF??? America is based on the freedom of religion. We would not even exist if it weren't for the desire of certain Englishmen to break away from the Church of England. And the bottom line here is that, unless you are Native American, we ALL come from another country somewhere down the line. So, why now are we so down on everyone?? Why shouldn't others have the same opportunities that our ancestors had?
That said, I do agree that illegal immigration should be better controlled (elimination is impossible). Border jumping is not what I am advocating here. However, legal immigration is a huge part of our history and is what continues to make America the melting pot it was born to be. And I do agree that English should be our national language. We were founded by the English and that should be enough to say English is our language. People wishing to live here should learn English so we can all function in harmony. That's a basic necessity. It has nothing to do with anything but the functioning of America as a whole.
A few months ago, some idiot I used to call a friend sent me a text message I am sure she thought was hilarious. It said something to the effect of "Foreigners go home." I was not impressed. If that had been the law in 1954, I would not be enjoying the freedoms I was born into as an American citizen. My mother came to the United States from Germany in 1954, less that 10 years after the end of WWII and Nazi Germany. She had already married my father, a serviceman with the United States Air Force. She was a full-fledged United States citizen by marriage then went on to earn her naturalization certificate on her own. And she has every right to be here. But, shortly after her arrival, my grandmother, a Baptist, took her son and new daughter-in-law to church to introduce them to her friends. My mother, a Lutheran, was shunned and ignored by these church-going, pseudo-Christians because she carried a thick German accent and spoke in broken English. My grandmother, a member of that church since the early 1930's, never went back after that day. She found a new church with people that believed in equality and love for everyone. She found a church full of true Christians.
This morning, there was a post on Facebook that said, "Dear Muslim Americans, I am sure you are very nice, peace loving folks. But there are bad guys disguised as you. If you feel your rights are being compromised and would like to file a complaint, please get in line behind the Japanese Americans affected by events after Pearl Harbor. In the meantime, here's a cup of 'shut up and take one for the team.' It's what Americans do. You are Americans right? If you don't believe me, stop at Arlington National Cemetery."
I was absolutely shocked to read this. Is that really the sentiment of America? Should all Muslims be punished for the terrorst attacks from NINE YEARS AGO because "that's what Americans do"?? When I read that, I am almost ashamed to be an American. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the United States government rounded up all the Japanese citizens they could find and sent them to designated areas that were, sans the torture and murder, very much like concentration camps. Was that fair? Was that just? We as Americans pride ourselves in our rights and our Constitution. You can bet that anyone arrested in this country is suddenly an expert on their Constitutional rights. But there sure are people out there who feel that they deserve these rights and others don't. It doesn't work that way, people. Constitutional rights are guaranteed to EVERY U.S. citizen from the time they are born or naturalized until the time they die, regardless of gender, race, national origin or religion. The First Amendment guarantees it. And before you get on your soapbox and preach about your rights, remember that it is only luck that made you an American citizen by birth. You could have just as easily been born in Communist China and may be singing an entirely different tune.
The next time you meet someone who practices Islam or speaks with a foreign accent, say, "Hello" and make a new friend. Take one for the team. THAT'S what Americans do. If you don't believe me, ask my mother.
That said, I do agree that illegal immigration should be better controlled (elimination is impossible). Border jumping is not what I am advocating here. However, legal immigration is a huge part of our history and is what continues to make America the melting pot it was born to be. And I do agree that English should be our national language. We were founded by the English and that should be enough to say English is our language. People wishing to live here should learn English so we can all function in harmony. That's a basic necessity. It has nothing to do with anything but the functioning of America as a whole.
A few months ago, some idiot I used to call a friend sent me a text message I am sure she thought was hilarious. It said something to the effect of "Foreigners go home." I was not impressed. If that had been the law in 1954, I would not be enjoying the freedoms I was born into as an American citizen. My mother came to the United States from Germany in 1954, less that 10 years after the end of WWII and Nazi Germany. She had already married my father, a serviceman with the United States Air Force. She was a full-fledged United States citizen by marriage then went on to earn her naturalization certificate on her own. And she has every right to be here. But, shortly after her arrival, my grandmother, a Baptist, took her son and new daughter-in-law to church to introduce them to her friends. My mother, a Lutheran, was shunned and ignored by these church-going, pseudo-Christians because she carried a thick German accent and spoke in broken English. My grandmother, a member of that church since the early 1930's, never went back after that day. She found a new church with people that believed in equality and love for everyone. She found a church full of true Christians.
This morning, there was a post on Facebook that said, "Dear Muslim Americans, I am sure you are very nice, peace loving folks. But there are bad guys disguised as you. If you feel your rights are being compromised and would like to file a complaint, please get in line behind the Japanese Americans affected by events after Pearl Harbor. In the meantime, here's a cup of 'shut up and take one for the team.' It's what Americans do. You are Americans right? If you don't believe me, stop at Arlington National Cemetery."
I was absolutely shocked to read this. Is that really the sentiment of America? Should all Muslims be punished for the terrorst attacks from NINE YEARS AGO because "that's what Americans do"?? When I read that, I am almost ashamed to be an American. After the bombing of Pearl Harbor, the United States government rounded up all the Japanese citizens they could find and sent them to designated areas that were, sans the torture and murder, very much like concentration camps. Was that fair? Was that just? We as Americans pride ourselves in our rights and our Constitution. You can bet that anyone arrested in this country is suddenly an expert on their Constitutional rights. But there sure are people out there who feel that they deserve these rights and others don't. It doesn't work that way, people. Constitutional rights are guaranteed to EVERY U.S. citizen from the time they are born or naturalized until the time they die, regardless of gender, race, national origin or religion. The First Amendment guarantees it. And before you get on your soapbox and preach about your rights, remember that it is only luck that made you an American citizen by birth. You could have just as easily been born in Communist China and may be singing an entirely different tune.
The next time you meet someone who practices Islam or speaks with a foreign accent, say, "Hello" and make a new friend. Take one for the team. THAT'S what Americans do. If you don't believe me, ask my mother.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
Teachers
Let's talk about teachers. Let's talk about those people who influence our young lives and the lives of our children just through the magic of their chosen professions. I can honestly say that I think teachers are some of the most underpaid, unappreciated people in our country. We pay athletes and actors millions of dollars to entertain us and yet we give peanuts to the people who shape our very lives and the lives of our children. What is more important than that? And most of the teachers I know don't do it for a pat on the back. They do it because it is their calling...their desire to make a difference in the lives of young people. They want to watch them grow and develop into fine human beings and, without anyone ever saying, "thank you", know that they took part in that creation. Parents send their children off into the world when they turn 18. Teachers send their children off into the world every year. It's called graduation.
We, as their students, put our teachers on a pedestal, amazed at their knowledge and ability to convey it to us so that we too can share in it. My teachers have been on my mind a lot in the last few years. Although they are still superheroes to me, things have happened that have made them more human to me. And it occurs to me that I never really said "thank you." I know they don't hear it enough, if at all, so I want to take this opportunity to say it.
I remember each one of my teachers. In kindergarten, way back in 1976, my teacher was Mrs. Sarah Smith. To this day, when I see her, she gives me a big hug and tells me how much she loves me. Thank you, Mrs. Smith, for being the coolest kindergarten teacher on the planet and for teaching me to color in the lines.
In first grade, I was blessed with Mrs. Bier. We lost her some time ago and I never got the chance to thank her for teaching me to read and write. I hope she knew how much I appreciated it.
In second grade, I had Mrs. Jolliffe. She is Mrs. Schultz now. I spoke with her one day on the phone while I was at work and she said, "This is Marilyn Schultz." It took me a few minutes to figure out who she was! It was funny. Thank you, Mrs. Schultz, for teaching me to accept the differences of others and to play fair.
In third grade, I had Mrs. Bortz. What an awesome lady! I still see her once in awhile and it's just like visiting with an old friend. Thank you, Mrs. Bortz, for teaching me patience while I was struggling with math.
In fourth grade, I had Mrs. Sprecher. I clearly remember discovering my love for social studies and knowledge of government and the law while in her class. Thank you for that, Mrs. Sprecher.
In fifth grade, I had Mrs. Mitzi Manthey. I remember thinking how cool it must be to have an exotic name like Mitzi! They say that when major current events happen, you never forget where you were when you got the news. I remember like it was yesterday, sitting in Mrs. Manthey's class when Mr. Pease (principal) announced that President Reagan had been shot by John Hinkley. And I remember Mrs. Manthey's reaction and how it really made me understand the impact of what had just happened. Thank you, Mrs. Manthey, for teaching me to care about others and to take the time to understand their pain and their happiness.
In sixth grade, I had Mr. Hull. Everyone wanted Mr. Hull for a teacher because he looked like Magnum P.I. (Tom Selleck). Mr. Hull had overcome polio as a child and walked differently than everyone else. On the first day of school, he explained that to us and it made the differences disappear. Thank you, Mr. Hull, for teaching me that the differences don't matter.
In seventh grade (junior high) I had a number of teachers, some of whom I also had in high school. Math was taught by Mr. James. I saw him recently and he thanked me for taking care of animals. His face lit up as he told me of his beloved dogs. It was a very cool moment. Thank you, Mr. James, for your patience with me while I continued to struggle with math and for never making me feel like I couldn't do it.
For Language Development, I had Mrs. Harmon. I loved that class and looked forward to it every day. Thank you, Mrs. Harmon, for making it interesting and for helping me discover a love of writing.
High school...it seems like such a long time ago. In 2009, my class celebrated our 20th class reunion. (That's 1989 for those who are math-impaired like me! :-) It hardly seems possible. Obviously, we would be here all day if I mention everyone from high school, so here are just a few...
For 6 consecutive years, I had Mrs. Casey for a teacher. She taught Language Arts in junior high and Spanish in high school. I can honestly say that I never had more fun in a classroom than I did in Spanish. I remember walking into class one day, shortly after the movie La Bamba had come out. I was singing the theme song to the movie and was quickly joined by some friends. Instead of telling us to take our seats and be quiet so she could start the day's lesson, Señora Casey got out the cassette player, turned on the song La Bamba and cranked the music while we all sang along and danced around the classroom. It was a blast and a memory I will carry for the rest of my life. And that is just one example of the fun we had in Spanish class. And guess what...along the way, amidst all the fun and laughing, I learned to speak some spanish too!
Señora Casey, gracias desde el fondo mi corazón para la enseñanza me divertirse mientras yo aprender. Gracias a la enseñanza me valoran el conocimient que tengo, a ser aceptación de otras y sólo para relajarse a veces e ir con la corriente.
Patti Smith...teacher of English and Speech. She assures me that now that I am pushing 40 I can drop the "Mrs." and call her Patti. I remember when one of our assignments in Speech was to tell jokes. Can you think of anything more fitting for me? What a riot that was! I even remember my joke. What is green and flies over Poland? Peter Panski! ROFLMAO! Thank you, Patti, for teaching me to have fun and laugh every day, to not take myself too seriously and to face my fears head-on. I dreaded taking Speech class ( a requirement) because I hated speaking in front of people. Not only did I take your speech class, I took Speech 2! And the fear of public speaking went away. Thank you for that, Patti!
Patti lives just down the road from me. One night, my brother had borrowed my car. No sooner did he pull out of my driveway, did I discover a kitten (Dante) who was in severe distress. I called everyone I could think of to try to get a ride to the emergency veterinary clinic. Finally, it occurred to me to try Patti. She answered the phone immediately and, without skipping a beat said, "Do you need my car? Come and get it!" Dante and I got to Patti's house where she was waiting with the keys. "Go help that little one!" she said. Dante had emergency surgery that night. How many people would just hand over the keys to their vehicle without a second thought in the rescue of an animal. Words cannot express how amazing that entire situation was. Thank you, Patti, for your love of animals and for being a great friend.
The last teacher I want to mention (and there are plenty more) is Linda Neef. Mrs. Neef, in a single day, had the greatest impact on my young life and I hope she knew it. She was born to be a teacher and no single person mastered the craft as well as she did.
When I was in high school, I was struggling a lot with math. I just couldn't seem to get my head around it and it was really getting me down. (Those of you who know me well know how dysfunctional I am when I can't understand something.) Beyond being afraid that a poor grade in Geometry would keep me off the softball field (my favorite place on earth), I was looking into colleges and feared it would block my entrance. Reading my face in her writing class one day, Mrs. Neef asked me to step out into the hallway. She said she could tell that something was weighing heavily on my mind and wondered if she could help. I explained my dilemma and, without words, she could read my anguish. She said, "Heidi, I am going to tell you something, but if you repeat it, I will deny I said it. I have been a teacher for a long time. I can add, subtract, multiply and divide. I can do fractions and percentages for purposes of figuring out grades. Beyond that, no one has ever asked me what x plus y equals and I have made it through just fine." And at that moment, everything fell into perspective and the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders. She was right.
I passed Geometry by the skin of my teeth, but I did pass. I played softball and I got into college. In fact, I graduated from college 17 years ago. And you know what? No one has ever asked me what x plus y equals.
We lost this dear lady last year and not a day goes by that I don't think about her and the impact she had on my life. I hope she knew how much I loved her and how important she was..and still is. Her funeral was a beautiful and up-beat celebration of her life and her presence was palpable throughout the entire ceremony. Thank you, Mrs. Neef, for being yourself and answering the call to teach. Thank you for teaching me perspective and acceptance of that which I have no control. Thank you for teaching me peace and happiness in all that surrounds me. And thank you for teaching me to treasure the little things and celebrate the miracle of daily life. I miss you.
I know this is a long blog today, but I can't leave without mentioning one more very special teacher...my niece, Rachel. She is a teacher in North Carolina. Rachel, I am so proud of you and I am so grateful, on behalf of every young person who comes through your door, that you chose to be a teacher. They may not realize it now and they may never take the time to thank you, but I hope you know that, each and every day, you are a good influence on them and you are instrumental in shaping their lives. Nice work, my niece, nice work!
We, as their students, put our teachers on a pedestal, amazed at their knowledge and ability to convey it to us so that we too can share in it. My teachers have been on my mind a lot in the last few years. Although they are still superheroes to me, things have happened that have made them more human to me. And it occurs to me that I never really said "thank you." I know they don't hear it enough, if at all, so I want to take this opportunity to say it.
I remember each one of my teachers. In kindergarten, way back in 1976, my teacher was Mrs. Sarah Smith. To this day, when I see her, she gives me a big hug and tells me how much she loves me. Thank you, Mrs. Smith, for being the coolest kindergarten teacher on the planet and for teaching me to color in the lines.
In first grade, I was blessed with Mrs. Bier. We lost her some time ago and I never got the chance to thank her for teaching me to read and write. I hope she knew how much I appreciated it.
In second grade, I had Mrs. Jolliffe. She is Mrs. Schultz now. I spoke with her one day on the phone while I was at work and she said, "This is Marilyn Schultz." It took me a few minutes to figure out who she was! It was funny. Thank you, Mrs. Schultz, for teaching me to accept the differences of others and to play fair.
In third grade, I had Mrs. Bortz. What an awesome lady! I still see her once in awhile and it's just like visiting with an old friend. Thank you, Mrs. Bortz, for teaching me patience while I was struggling with math.
In fourth grade, I had Mrs. Sprecher. I clearly remember discovering my love for social studies and knowledge of government and the law while in her class. Thank you for that, Mrs. Sprecher.
In fifth grade, I had Mrs. Mitzi Manthey. I remember thinking how cool it must be to have an exotic name like Mitzi! They say that when major current events happen, you never forget where you were when you got the news. I remember like it was yesterday, sitting in Mrs. Manthey's class when Mr. Pease (principal) announced that President Reagan had been shot by John Hinkley. And I remember Mrs. Manthey's reaction and how it really made me understand the impact of what had just happened. Thank you, Mrs. Manthey, for teaching me to care about others and to take the time to understand their pain and their happiness.
In sixth grade, I had Mr. Hull. Everyone wanted Mr. Hull for a teacher because he looked like Magnum P.I. (Tom Selleck). Mr. Hull had overcome polio as a child and walked differently than everyone else. On the first day of school, he explained that to us and it made the differences disappear. Thank you, Mr. Hull, for teaching me that the differences don't matter.
In seventh grade (junior high) I had a number of teachers, some of whom I also had in high school. Math was taught by Mr. James. I saw him recently and he thanked me for taking care of animals. His face lit up as he told me of his beloved dogs. It was a very cool moment. Thank you, Mr. James, for your patience with me while I continued to struggle with math and for never making me feel like I couldn't do it.
For Language Development, I had Mrs. Harmon. I loved that class and looked forward to it every day. Thank you, Mrs. Harmon, for making it interesting and for helping me discover a love of writing.
High school...it seems like such a long time ago. In 2009, my class celebrated our 20th class reunion. (That's 1989 for those who are math-impaired like me! :-) It hardly seems possible. Obviously, we would be here all day if I mention everyone from high school, so here are just a few...
For 6 consecutive years, I had Mrs. Casey for a teacher. She taught Language Arts in junior high and Spanish in high school. I can honestly say that I never had more fun in a classroom than I did in Spanish. I remember walking into class one day, shortly after the movie La Bamba had come out. I was singing the theme song to the movie and was quickly joined by some friends. Instead of telling us to take our seats and be quiet so she could start the day's lesson, Señora Casey got out the cassette player, turned on the song La Bamba and cranked the music while we all sang along and danced around the classroom. It was a blast and a memory I will carry for the rest of my life. And that is just one example of the fun we had in Spanish class. And guess what...along the way, amidst all the fun and laughing, I learned to speak some spanish too!
Señora Casey, gracias desde el fondo mi corazón para la enseñanza me divertirse mientras yo aprender. Gracias a la enseñanza me valoran el conocimient que tengo, a ser aceptación de otras y sólo para relajarse a veces e ir con la corriente.
Patti Smith...teacher of English and Speech. She assures me that now that I am pushing 40 I can drop the "Mrs." and call her Patti. I remember when one of our assignments in Speech was to tell jokes. Can you think of anything more fitting for me? What a riot that was! I even remember my joke. What is green and flies over Poland? Peter Panski! ROFLMAO! Thank you, Patti, for teaching me to have fun and laugh every day, to not take myself too seriously and to face my fears head-on. I dreaded taking Speech class ( a requirement) because I hated speaking in front of people. Not only did I take your speech class, I took Speech 2! And the fear of public speaking went away. Thank you for that, Patti!
Patti lives just down the road from me. One night, my brother had borrowed my car. No sooner did he pull out of my driveway, did I discover a kitten (Dante) who was in severe distress. I called everyone I could think of to try to get a ride to the emergency veterinary clinic. Finally, it occurred to me to try Patti. She answered the phone immediately and, without skipping a beat said, "Do you need my car? Come and get it!" Dante and I got to Patti's house where she was waiting with the keys. "Go help that little one!" she said. Dante had emergency surgery that night. How many people would just hand over the keys to their vehicle without a second thought in the rescue of an animal. Words cannot express how amazing that entire situation was. Thank you, Patti, for your love of animals and for being a great friend.
The last teacher I want to mention (and there are plenty more) is Linda Neef. Mrs. Neef, in a single day, had the greatest impact on my young life and I hope she knew it. She was born to be a teacher and no single person mastered the craft as well as she did.
When I was in high school, I was struggling a lot with math. I just couldn't seem to get my head around it and it was really getting me down. (Those of you who know me well know how dysfunctional I am when I can't understand something.) Beyond being afraid that a poor grade in Geometry would keep me off the softball field (my favorite place on earth), I was looking into colleges and feared it would block my entrance. Reading my face in her writing class one day, Mrs. Neef asked me to step out into the hallway. She said she could tell that something was weighing heavily on my mind and wondered if she could help. I explained my dilemma and, without words, she could read my anguish. She said, "Heidi, I am going to tell you something, but if you repeat it, I will deny I said it. I have been a teacher for a long time. I can add, subtract, multiply and divide. I can do fractions and percentages for purposes of figuring out grades. Beyond that, no one has ever asked me what x plus y equals and I have made it through just fine." And at that moment, everything fell into perspective and the weight of the world lifted from my shoulders. She was right.
I passed Geometry by the skin of my teeth, but I did pass. I played softball and I got into college. In fact, I graduated from college 17 years ago. And you know what? No one has ever asked me what x plus y equals.
We lost this dear lady last year and not a day goes by that I don't think about her and the impact she had on my life. I hope she knew how much I loved her and how important she was..and still is. Her funeral was a beautiful and up-beat celebration of her life and her presence was palpable throughout the entire ceremony. Thank you, Mrs. Neef, for being yourself and answering the call to teach. Thank you for teaching me perspective and acceptance of that which I have no control. Thank you for teaching me peace and happiness in all that surrounds me. And thank you for teaching me to treasure the little things and celebrate the miracle of daily life. I miss you.
I know this is a long blog today, but I can't leave without mentioning one more very special teacher...my niece, Rachel. She is a teacher in North Carolina. Rachel, I am so proud of you and I am so grateful, on behalf of every young person who comes through your door, that you chose to be a teacher. They may not realize it now and they may never take the time to thank you, but I hope you know that, each and every day, you are a good influence on them and you are instrumental in shaping their lives. Nice work, my niece, nice work!
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
50 Things I Believe
Just a list of 50 things I believe. Feel free to disagree.
1. Texas toast is just fat bread and the people of Texas probably don't even eat it any more than the French eat french toast.
2. Being an aunt is the most important thing I will ever do with my life.
3. Road rage is a good stress release as long as you limit it to yelling in your own car.
4. People with tattoos are expressive, independent and interesting. If you ask them the stories behind their tattoos, you will learn a lot about them.
5. People need to take better notice of the lessons we can learn from animals.
6. People who abuse animals should be subjected to the death penalty and should be tortured and killed in the same way they tortured and killed the animal.
7. The Duggars need to abstain.
8. People who drive slow in the left lane of the interstate should have their licenses revoked.
9. EMTs do not get the pay or respect they deserve.
10. English should be the official language of the United States. My mother came from Germany and she never once expected Americans to learn German to accommodate her.
11. Sarah Palin is dangerously misguided.
12. If Elin Nordegren didn't try to beat the crap out of Tiger Woods with a golf club, she should have. No one would have blamed her and no jury would have convicted her.
13. There are no dangerous dog breeds, only dangerous dog owners.
14. The legal structure of Columbia County is corrupt.
15. Wrigley is the smartest dog I have. Charlie is the cutest. Gretchen is the most neurotic. Barney is the most appreciative. Tucker is the most well-behaved. Dawson is the most protective. Harry is the most loyal.
16. If I could find a practical use for cat poop, I would be filthy rich (pardon the pun).
17. People have a right to live their lives free of the harassment of others as long as they aren't hurting anyone.
18. Life is a Melissa Etheridge song.
19. Ellen DeGeneres is the funniest person on the planet.
20. Cosmetic surgery is stupid.
21. Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston should be spayed and neutered.
22. Sandra Bullock is the epitome of strength and grace and serves as a great role-model for kids. Also, she is hilarious.
23. Martha Stewart has cloned herself. She is EVERYWHERE...Walmart, K-mart, Home Depot, PetSmart...
24. Fred Flintstone must have had an excellent podiatrist.
25. Some people will just never see their own selfishness.
26. Kate Gosselin absolutely cannot dance but she has a lot of guts to try on national TV.
27. Baked Lays rock!
28. It's a lot of fun to feed s'mores to an old person with no teeth.
29. The accident at Extreme World in the Dells should never have happened. No amusement park ride should be set up where one simple human error can cost a life. There should be fail-safe plans at every step.
30. Six Flags Great America Frightfest is the BEST!
31. The world would be a better place if everyone had a mom like mine.
32. There are people in this world who will never stop gossiping or taking joy in the misfortune of others.
33. The White House party crashers should be in jail for a breach of national security. Those people have some serious attention-seeking issues.
34. Grammar and spelling are important. If you don't know the difference between to, too and two, you need to go back to school.
35. Farmville rocks!
36. Friends are often more loyal than siblings because they know and respect you for who you are and not for who they think you should be.
37. Cancer robs many people of many things including the basic comfort in understanding the illness. It is impossible to understand its indescriminate ways.
38. I have been blessed to come to know some of the most outstanding human beings on earth.
39. Building a mosque near Ground Zero is a good idea. It symbolizes the healing of America by illustrating how we can take a huge blow like September 11 and recover. The people who want to build the mosque didn't fly those planes into the buildings. America is based on freedom of religion and it would be un-American to disallow a religious group to build a place of worship.
40. Arizona has the right idea, but the wrong methods to control illegal immigration.
41. "August Rush" is an awesome movie.
42. Mel Gibson has ruined his career.
43. It's great that the US can help all of these poor people in Haiti following the earthquakes and Pakistan following the floods, but how about the homeless people here? We need to take care of America first.
44. Water chestnuts are evil and should be destroyed.
45. There are people in this world who would drive into the ocean if their GPS told them to.
46. Daniel Kutz should be tortured until he tells police where Beth's body is so the children can have closure. LOSER!
47. The executives of BP should get their asses to the Gulf coast region, roll up their sleeves and clean up their freaking mess instead of sitting behind overstuffed leather office chairs saying, "Gosh, we're sorry." Sorry means nothing to the animals covered in oil and the people who have lost their ways of life because of this mess. Yes, accidents happen. However, when the environment is at stake, there is no way in hell it should take 3 months to get it contained!! LOSERS!!
48. Pete Rose deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. There is something very wrong with the NFL allowing Michael Vick to play professional football after he was convicted of felony dog fighting while Charlie Hustle is being banned from baseball and kept out of the Hall of Fame for betting on a few games. Which is the more heinous crime? Very, very wrong...
49. The cocaine either belonged to Paris Hilton or she is the most colossally stupid person on earth. Let me get this straight: it's not her purse, but ALL of the contents inside are hers EXCEPT the "gum" that turned out to be cocaine. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...
50. Being eaten by a shark is the worst way to die.
Thanks for letting me share...
1. Texas toast is just fat bread and the people of Texas probably don't even eat it any more than the French eat french toast.
2. Being an aunt is the most important thing I will ever do with my life.
3. Road rage is a good stress release as long as you limit it to yelling in your own car.
4. People with tattoos are expressive, independent and interesting. If you ask them the stories behind their tattoos, you will learn a lot about them.
5. People need to take better notice of the lessons we can learn from animals.
6. People who abuse animals should be subjected to the death penalty and should be tortured and killed in the same way they tortured and killed the animal.
7. The Duggars need to abstain.
8. People who drive slow in the left lane of the interstate should have their licenses revoked.
9. EMTs do not get the pay or respect they deserve.
10. English should be the official language of the United States. My mother came from Germany and she never once expected Americans to learn German to accommodate her.
11. Sarah Palin is dangerously misguided.
12. If Elin Nordegren didn't try to beat the crap out of Tiger Woods with a golf club, she should have. No one would have blamed her and no jury would have convicted her.
13. There are no dangerous dog breeds, only dangerous dog owners.
14. The legal structure of Columbia County is corrupt.
15. Wrigley is the smartest dog I have. Charlie is the cutest. Gretchen is the most neurotic. Barney is the most appreciative. Tucker is the most well-behaved. Dawson is the most protective. Harry is the most loyal.
16. If I could find a practical use for cat poop, I would be filthy rich (pardon the pun).
17. People have a right to live their lives free of the harassment of others as long as they aren't hurting anyone.
18. Life is a Melissa Etheridge song.
19. Ellen DeGeneres is the funniest person on the planet.
20. Cosmetic surgery is stupid.
21. Bristol Palin and Levi Johnston should be spayed and neutered.
22. Sandra Bullock is the epitome of strength and grace and serves as a great role-model for kids. Also, she is hilarious.
23. Martha Stewart has cloned herself. She is EVERYWHERE...Walmart, K-mart, Home Depot, PetSmart...
24. Fred Flintstone must have had an excellent podiatrist.
25. Some people will just never see their own selfishness.
26. Kate Gosselin absolutely cannot dance but she has a lot of guts to try on national TV.
27. Baked Lays rock!
28. It's a lot of fun to feed s'mores to an old person with no teeth.
29. The accident at Extreme World in the Dells should never have happened. No amusement park ride should be set up where one simple human error can cost a life. There should be fail-safe plans at every step.
30. Six Flags Great America Frightfest is the BEST!
31. The world would be a better place if everyone had a mom like mine.
32. There are people in this world who will never stop gossiping or taking joy in the misfortune of others.
33. The White House party crashers should be in jail for a breach of national security. Those people have some serious attention-seeking issues.
34. Grammar and spelling are important. If you don't know the difference between to, too and two, you need to go back to school.
35. Farmville rocks!
36. Friends are often more loyal than siblings because they know and respect you for who you are and not for who they think you should be.
37. Cancer robs many people of many things including the basic comfort in understanding the illness. It is impossible to understand its indescriminate ways.
38. I have been blessed to come to know some of the most outstanding human beings on earth.
39. Building a mosque near Ground Zero is a good idea. It symbolizes the healing of America by illustrating how we can take a huge blow like September 11 and recover. The people who want to build the mosque didn't fly those planes into the buildings. America is based on freedom of religion and it would be un-American to disallow a religious group to build a place of worship.
40. Arizona has the right idea, but the wrong methods to control illegal immigration.
41. "August Rush" is an awesome movie.
42. Mel Gibson has ruined his career.
43. It's great that the US can help all of these poor people in Haiti following the earthquakes and Pakistan following the floods, but how about the homeless people here? We need to take care of America first.
44. Water chestnuts are evil and should be destroyed.
45. There are people in this world who would drive into the ocean if their GPS told them to.
46. Daniel Kutz should be tortured until he tells police where Beth's body is so the children can have closure. LOSER!
47. The executives of BP should get their asses to the Gulf coast region, roll up their sleeves and clean up their freaking mess instead of sitting behind overstuffed leather office chairs saying, "Gosh, we're sorry." Sorry means nothing to the animals covered in oil and the people who have lost their ways of life because of this mess. Yes, accidents happen. However, when the environment is at stake, there is no way in hell it should take 3 months to get it contained!! LOSERS!!
48. Pete Rose deserves to be in the Hall of Fame. There is something very wrong with the NFL allowing Michael Vick to play professional football after he was convicted of felony dog fighting while Charlie Hustle is being banned from baseball and kept out of the Hall of Fame for betting on a few games. Which is the more heinous crime? Very, very wrong...
49. The cocaine either belonged to Paris Hilton or she is the most colossally stupid person on earth. Let me get this straight: it's not her purse, but ALL of the contents inside are hers EXCEPT the "gum" that turned out to be cocaine. Riiiiiiiiiiiiiiight...
50. Being eaten by a shark is the worst way to die.
Thanks for letting me share...
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