My Supports
This assignment comes at a trying time in my life, so it is an easy one for me to answer. I was laid off in August and still have not found a job and was denied my extension on unemployment for Maryland because my last wages were earned in Washington D.C.
My Mom, my sister and my boyfriend have been a wonderful support to me. But I would think they would be. However I have five very good friends that have not left my side, like 3 others that have. My Mom is there everyday to encourage me to go and follow through with my Master's Degree, my sister is there to listen no matter what time of day it is, and my boyfriend hears my complaints everyday and takes on my sadness and does not complain. My friends are also going through very difficult life situations. One has a Mom with cancer, another with a child that has severe anxiety, two that are 5 year breast cancer survivors, and the last that went through a very difficult divorce. They all understand what life can throw at you and are there to listen and give advice. The fact that they can put what is happening on their end on "the back burner" and talk to me makes it very comforting and I do the same thing for them.
Luckily my Mom is in a good place in her life, my sister however is not. About 2 weeks after I was laid off she called with the news that she was divorcing because after 20 years of marriage her husband came out of the closet. So we have spent every day on the phone for about 1-2 hours talking and working through what we are going through. I am sorry she is going through it but we both know how life can, and excuse my language, suck. It has brought us much closer. Jeff has listened, taken my emotional stress, and tantrums like a trooper. I don't know what better supports I can have!
As far as sharing a challenge I think it would have to be someone in my family having cancer. I look at what my friends went thought and I hope I would have the same support system if that ever happened to one of my family members. I had that support when my Dad was really sick and am pretty sure I would have it now. I just need an ear to listen to and a shoulder to cry on if needed, and I know that I have it from my family and friends.
As of right now I am not sure where I would be without these supports. They have kept my head above water for the past 8 months! When I am at my lowest emotionally they come forward and walk me through it. It is true friendship and family relations that help you get through life!
I would post pictures but my computer died and I am using Jeff's I-Mac. Talk about an adjustment!
Saturday, April 7, 2012
Monday, March 26, 2012
Sunday, March 25, 2012
My Connections to Play
My Connections to Play
Ok I am frustrated! I do not know why my pictures are not showing! I will try again later....
“The ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health.” Ashley Montagu
The Universal Nature of Play (http://www.waldorfearlychildhood.org)
“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” (http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/61105.Dr_Seuss)
My parents always encouraged us to play. I grew up in the country and had lots of room to play. I can remember sledding down the hill and running through the woods. When we were not outside my sister and I played house, Lego’s, and other games. We played cards and Monopoly as a family. When I was little I always looked forward to the weekend knowing that we would have family game night.
I don’t feel that play is the same today as it was when I was growing up. I look at my nephew, who is 18, and he grew up playing video games. His sense of imagination is not there. Technology is good to an extent but it also can cause damage.
Play has had a big role in my life. Lessons were learned and life roles learned. I am not really sure where to go from here. Play is a VERY important part of childhood and should not be pushed aside. Unfortunately in today’s time it is. There is to much focus on computers and video games. Imagination is a thing of the past.
“The ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health.” Ashley Montagu
The Universal Nature of Play (http://www.waldorfearlychildhood.org)
“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” (http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/61105.Dr_Seuss)
My parents always encouraged us to play. I grew up in the country and had lots of room to play. I can remember sledding down the hill and running through the woods. When we were not outside my sister and I played house, Lego’s, and other games. We played cards and Monopoly as a family. When I was little I always looked forward to the weekend knowing that we would have family game night.
I don’t feel that play is the same today as it was when I was growing up. I look at my nephew, who is 18, and he grew up playing video games. His sense of imagination is not there. Technology is good to an extent but it also can cause damage.
Play has had a big role in my life. Lessons were learned and life roles learned. I am not really sure where to go from here. Play is a VERY important part of childhood and should not be pushed aside. Unfortunately in today’s time it is. There is to much focus on computers and video games. Imagination is a thing of the past.
Ok I am frustrated! I do not know why my pictures are not showing! I will try again later....
“The ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health.” Ashley Montagu
The Universal Nature of Play (http://www.waldorfearlychildhood.org)
“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” (http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/61105.Dr_Seuss)
My parents always encouraged us to play. I grew up in the country and had lots of room to play. I can remember sledding down the hill and running through the woods. When we were not outside my sister and I played house, Lego’s, and other games. We played cards and Monopoly as a family. When I was little I always looked forward to the weekend knowing that we would have family game night.
I don’t feel that play is the same today as it was when I was growing up. I look at my nephew, who is 18, and he grew up playing video games. His sense of imagination is not there. Technology is good to an extent but it also can cause damage.
Play has had a big role in my life. Lessons were learned and life roles learned. I am not really sure where to go from here. Play is a VERY important part of childhood and should not be pushed aside. Unfortunately in today’s time it is. There is to much focus on computers and video games. Imagination is a thing of the past.
“The ability to play is one of the principal criteria of mental health.” Ashley Montagu
The Universal Nature of Play (http://www.waldorfearlychildhood.org)
“Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try!” (http://www.goodreads.com/author/quotes/61105.Dr_Seuss)
My parents always encouraged us to play. I grew up in the country and had lots of room to play. I can remember sledding down the hill and running through the woods. When we were not outside my sister and I played house, Lego’s, and other games. We played cards and Monopoly as a family. When I was little I always looked forward to the weekend knowing that we would have family game night.
I don’t feel that play is the same today as it was when I was growing up. I look at my nephew, who is 18, and he grew up playing video games. His sense of imagination is not there. Technology is good to an extent but it also can cause damage.
Play has had a big role in my life. Lessons were learned and life roles learned. I am not really sure where to go from here. Play is a VERY important part of childhood and should not be pushed aside. Unfortunately in today’s time it is. There is to much focus on computers and video games. Imagination is a thing of the past.
Friday, March 9, 2012
Relationship Reflection
Mom and Jeff 
Relationships are very important to me. My relationships with my family have guided me through a lot of ups and downs over the past 15 years. My Mom has been a strong backboard for me. When I decided to go back and finish my Bachelors Degree she was there to support me and help in every way she could. She was even more supportive when I decided to get my Master’s Degree. We became very close when my Dad got sick 15 years ago. Mom and I spent every day together at the hospital and at home. It was then when I really realized the importance of having a good relationship with your parents, I was Daddy’s girl and now I am Mom’s girl. Dad will be gone 10 years this month. I miss him every day but I appreciate the relationship that I developed with my Mom during the time he was sick and since then.
My boys, Jeff and Izzy
My boyfriend Jeff has also been another positive influence in my life. He has always been there when I needed a shoulder to cry on and has been there to support me in job changing decisions and most of all being laid off! We have had our ups and downs but he has always been there for me.
My sister Karen and cousin Kathy
My sister is another person that I have developed a close relationship with over the past several years. We have two totally different personalities and have always butt heads. However life throws you hicc-ups and things change. I have always appreciated my sister’s talents, singing and acting, but resented that I had to attend every concert, play, and musical she was in. Now we are close and there to help and lean on each other daily. Unfortunately we are both going through rough times but having your sister as a best friend makes them better!
Child Care Conference 2009
When I worked at the Resource and Referral Center for Harford and Cecil Counties I made several close friendships. I still keep in touch with them today. One of my childcare trainers has been a large influence in my career decisions. I also made many friendships/partnerships with Directors and Family Providers.
Izzy
My cat, Izzy, has also been a positive influence in my life. I grew up with dogs and he is the first cat I have ever had. He has always been a lover, but since I have been laid off he has been like glue to my side. I think he knows how I am feeling and wants to be there to comfort me. He has helped my mood in a big way! I am worried what is going to happen with him when I do go back to work.
Everyone that I talked about has been very supportive in my journey in education. They see my passion and reinforce it daily. It is because of them that I am per-suing my Masters and stay in the field of Early Childhood Education! I love them all and there are so many more that support me!
Relationships are very important to me. My relationships with my family have guided me through a lot of ups and downs over the past 15 years. My Mom has been a strong backboard for me. When I decided to go back and finish my Bachelors Degree she was there to support me and help in every way she could. She was even more supportive when I decided to get my Master’s Degree. We became very close when my Dad got sick 15 years ago. Mom and I spent every day together at the hospital and at home. It was then when I really realized the importance of having a good relationship with your parents, I was Daddy’s girl and now I am Mom’s girl. Dad will be gone 10 years this month. I miss him every day but I appreciate the relationship that I developed with my Mom during the time he was sick and since then.
My boys, Jeff and Izzy
My boyfriend Jeff has also been another positive influence in my life. He has always been there when I needed a shoulder to cry on and has been there to support me in job changing decisions and most of all being laid off! We have had our ups and downs but he has always been there for me.
My sister Karen and cousin Kathy
My sister is another person that I have developed a close relationship with over the past several years. We have two totally different personalities and have always butt heads. However life throws you hicc-ups and things change. I have always appreciated my sister’s talents, singing and acting, but resented that I had to attend every concert, play, and musical she was in. Now we are close and there to help and lean on each other daily. Unfortunately we are both going through rough times but having your sister as a best friend makes them better!
Child Care Conference 2009
Izzy
My cat, Izzy, has also been a positive influence in my life. I grew up with dogs and he is the first cat I have ever had. He has always been a lover, but since I have been laid off he has been like glue to my side. I think he knows how I am feeling and wants to be there to comfort me. He has helped my mood in a big way! I am worried what is going to happen with him when I do go back to work.
Everyone that I talked about has been very supportive in my journey in education. They see my passion and reinforce it daily. It is because of them that I am per-suing my Masters and stay in the field of Early Childhood Education! I love them all and there are so many more that support me!
Friday, February 24, 2012
THANK YOU!
Thank you! I appreciate all of the support, information, and discussion we have had with each other over the past eight weeks. It has been wonderful working with all of you and I look forward to working with you in future classes. I wish everyone the best in moving forward in this adventure.
"Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate." ~Anonymous
“A child miseducated is a child lost.” ~ John F. Kennedy
“Even a minor event in the life of a child is an event of that child's world and thus a world event.”~ Gaston Bachelard
"Children are great imitators. So give them something great to imitate." ~Anonymous
“A child miseducated is a child lost.” ~ John F. Kennedy
“Even a minor event in the life of a child is an event of that child's world and thus a world event.”~ Gaston Bachelard
Saturday, February 11, 2012
I am torn about formalized testing. I do not take written tests well and I know other people that feel the same way. I believe to really learn what a child is going through is by observing. School age can be a very fragile time for children; they are going through major physical and biological changes. I am not to familiar with this age group, so I am going on what I experienced… As a child I was always worried about how I did because of testing, it controlled my life. Official assessments can show what a child can do on paper but an observation can show what a child does best!
Primary school (Scuola primaria/elementare)
School in Italy is compulsory from the age of six onwards. Recent legislation changes means that children may start scuola primaria from the age of five and a half onwards (this is Testing for Intelligence:
to bring Italian schools in line with European schools regarding school leaving ages). All children who will be six years old by 31 December following the start of the school year can register for primary school.
At primary school children learn to read and write and study mathematics, geography, Italian, English, science, music, computer studies, religion (optional) and social studies.
Primary school lasts five years. Classes have between 10 and 25 pupils each. Until recently pupils had to pass an exam at the end of year five before they could progress to secondary school, but this is no longer the case.
http://rome.angloinfo.com/countries/italy/schooling.asp
Primary school (Scuola primaria/elementare)
School in Italy is compulsory from the age of six onwards. Recent legislation changes means that children may start scuola primaria from the age of five and a half onwards (this is Testing for Intelligence:
to bring Italian schools in line with European schools regarding school leaving ages). All children who will be six years old by 31 December following the start of the school year can register for primary school.
At primary school children learn to read and write and study mathematics, geography, Italian, English, science, music, computer studies, religion (optional) and social studies.
Primary school lasts five years. Classes have between 10 and 25 pupils each. Until recently pupils had to pass an exam at the end of year five before they could progress to secondary school, but this is no longer the case.
http://rome.angloinfo.com/countries/italy/schooling.asp
Friday, January 27, 2012
Violence
Violence
Approximately 11 years ago my sister was raped. I can remember the call from Mom when she heard about it. They never found the person that did it and she is still skittish to this day. Her husband was not there for her. He needed hand holding because he was the one that left the slider door unlocked, which is how the rapist got in. After it happened Karen came to Mom’s for several days. The police were involved but were not much help. She went to counseling for a couple of months and stopped. I am not sure if she has really gotten over what happened. Montgomery County Police have never followed up with my sister.
The Occupy Movement has moved across the World! Unfortunately violence comes with them. I just looked up violence in Italy and this is what came up. So sad that this is what we have come down to. It also covers other Countries going through the same thing.
Italy tallies damage from 'Occupy' violence
Italian PM vows crackdown after Rome protest turns violent
CBC News
Posted: Oct 16, 2011 10:06 AM ET
Last Updated: Oct 18, 2011 11:43 AM ET
Read 173 comments173
The Occupy Denver demonstration turned violent on Oct. 29, as police fired rounds of pepper spray and arrested at least 15 people. Here, a man is arrested while clashing with police in downtown Denver. (Craig F. Walker/The Denver Post/AP)
Approximately 11 years ago my sister was raped. I can remember the call from Mom when she heard about it. They never found the person that did it and she is still skittish to this day. Her husband was not there for her. He needed hand holding because he was the one that left the slider door unlocked, which is how the rapist got in. After it happened Karen came to Mom’s for several days. The police were involved but were not much help. She went to counseling for a couple of months and stopped. I am not sure if she has really gotten over what happened. Montgomery County Police have never followed up with my sister.
The Occupy Movement has moved across the World! Unfortunately violence comes with them. I just looked up violence in Italy and this is what came up. So sad that this is what we have come down to. It also covers other Countries going through the same thing.
Italy tallies damage from 'Occupy' violence
Italian PM vows crackdown after Rome protest turns violent
CBC News
Posted: Oct 16, 2011 10:06 AM ET
Last Updated: Oct 18, 2011 11:43 AM ET
Read 173 comments173
The Occupy Denver demonstration turned violent on Oct. 29, as police fired rounds of pepper spray and arrested at least 15 people. Here, a man is arrested while clashing with police in downtown Denver. (Craig F. Walker/The Denver Post/AP)
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