Don't Sweat the Small Stuff- Part 1

I just finished reading “Don’t Sweat the Small Stuff…and it’s all small stuff” by Richard Carlson and I am feeling quite peaceful and energized.  It’s a great book, quick read, and very impactful.  It’s full of some great suggestions on how to live a less stressful and more peaceful life.  While some of it gets a bit repetitive, I would definitely recommend it to everyone!

There have been a few small stresses in my life in the past few weeks, but the ideas in this book have helped me change my perspective and I have been working hard and practicing to not let those small things get to me!

I’m going to blog a few different posts to share some of my favourite ideas from the book.  Here’s part 1!

Let Others Be Right Most of the Time

Cassie and I were just talking about this the other day- how it’s really hard to shut your mouth and let someone else be right.  While you may not agree with someone else’s point of view, you need to ask yourself if it’s really worth the time, energy, and emotion to fight back.  Many times it’s not (but it’s still so hard to not react and defend your position!)  That is not saying that you are not passionate about your stance, it’s just letting a potentially stressful situation end peacefully.

Be Grateful when You’re Feeling Good and Graceful when You’re Feeling Bad

Gratitude is something that I’m trying have more of.  There are so many things I have in my life to be thankful for!  And when I’m feeling bad I need to just accept that we all have our low periods, but that they, too, shall pass.  If I can accept that gracefully and ride it out (with an attitude of gratitude for the positive things in my life), then I think I will be able to deal with my stresses better.

Think of Your Problems as Potential Teachers

I think that this is a big one for me.  I need to start changing my perspectives and seeing obstacles as opportunities.  We talked about this in one of my masters courses this summer in the idea of “seeing and seeing again”.  It’s important to look past the obvious negativity and see that the problem could be a chance for you to grow as a person or to practice a hard skill (such as patience or tolerance).  You know what they say: when life gives you lemons, make lemonade!  What can you learn from overcoming your problems?

I will be trying out many of the ideas in this book.  Will it be hard? Absolutely.  I won’t let that stop me though, because I am on a road to happiness!  And if I can get past the small stuff in life, I’ll be able to focus on the more important things- living, laughing, and loving with people I care about.

La Rumba Va Sola!

Week 1 with students is officially complete, and what better way to celebrate than with a long weekend (a "puente")?  I had a great and tiring week with my 20 new grade 3s.  I have a good feeling that this will be a challenging, but rewarding year.  The kiddies are adorable and are starting off the year with a positive attitude!  It was also so nice to have old students visit throughout the week to say hello.  Can you believe that the students from my first year here in Colombia are now in middle school?  They grow up so fast!

 Grade 3 homeroom teachers looking good on the first day of school

Welcome to 3D!

Coming back to Colombia has been an easy transition.  So far my adventures have taken me to fistball finals at the World Games, Mr. Wings (obviously), the market, and a sweet Chiva party for our friend Carlos.  I've done more painting and played more music to satisfy my artistic soul, and now I just need this cough to go away so I can sing my heart out!

 Fistball at the World Games.  Brazil vs. Austria

 Cow on Grapes!

Chiva fun! Dance party on a bus! And a crowded one at that!

An update on my goals for this year:

• Staff teambuilding was a success!  I had a great team helping me out, and everyone seemed to have a good time while meeting new people
• I think the triathlon in San Andres is out (too expensive!).  However, a sprint triathlon is still in my future and hopefully I will do one in the next 2 years
• Writing every other day has not been happening, but I have been writing more! It's a good start
• A new one: Make more music!
• I am well on my way with everything else :)

I miss the friends who have left, I am happy to have the friends who are still here, and I am excited to get to know new friends better.  All in all, I am loving life and loving being back in Cali, Colombia.  Here's to another amazing year and new adventures!

Summertime Memories

In 4 days I'll get my new grade 3 kiddies and start my fourth year as a teacher.  How has time flown by so fast?  As school approaches and summer draws to a close, I reminisce about the fun times de este verano...

*Enter Sam's mental slide show set to the sweet tunes of Blurred Lines, Take Back the Night, and Inner Ninja*

End of the School Year
It was a great end to my 3rd year in Colombia.  Every year is tough when some of your closest friends leave for good!  This is the parody video we made for three of our friends, Jess, Jeff, and David: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uzOktjbjZSU.

We also did our annual dance for the teacher talent show, to Bieber, my love.  You can check out our dance to Beauty and Beat here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ry87-17AZyM

We went to two fincas at the end of the year with the G.I crew from Armenia, where a dear friend Amanda works.  A finca is like a cottage...like a giant luxurious cottage that can have a pool, jacuzzi, and even it's own dance club building!  The first time we went there were 16 of us, the second finca we went to there were 25 of us!  It is definitely a new tradition.

Top left, clockwise: The Beliebers, 902 housie love, finca times with my sister from another mister, zoo animals at the despedida, making lots of burgers finca style

Gonzaga
I went to Gonzaga University in Spokane, WA for a masters course.  I met some great people there and I was able to reconnect with my friend Lacey who I met last summer in a course!  I will be finished my degree in December!

 Lacey and I at Gonzaga

L.A
I love L.A.  I love it a lot.  This summer was different than last summer in that I felt more at home there and less like a visitor.  Plus I had so many friends visit throughout my month there!  From Disneyland to Bollywood dancing, to twilight concerts at the pier, to froyo, to beach parties, to fireworks, to tandem bikes, to Whole Foods, to drinks, to dancing, to hiking and more...it was a month of awesome.  A big thank you to the Folsoms and to Kelsi for hosting me this summer!

Top left, clockwise: Stetsy, Kelsi, and I out for my birthday; Canasians on a 3 person tandem; 3/4 Gossip Girls; some Fulcrum love; HOLLYWOOD tiger

Markham
Being back home in Markham was so nice.  It was busy (and not exactly relaxing), but wonderful.  I got to celebrate weddings and engagements, and catch up with friends and family over way too much food!  I loaded up on my Chinese food and sushi, and learned to be a public transit queen (well, let's be honest- that's not completely true.  I still got lost almost every day).

So many visits with lovely people.  Too many to caption.  But they are all wonderful and I love them a lot!

I am excited to be back in Cali, Colombia and I have a great feeling about this upcoming school year!  Stay tuned!