Travel for solely the option to learn!

I am fortunate to be an MAT (Masters Art of Teaching) program where a travel seminar class and experience is part of our graduation requirements.  They feel getting to know a different culture that has a big population in the states will only enhance and strengthen us as great teachers. 

With this, my program co hart and I are going to Nicaragua from April 7-14th and I cannot be more excited. During class tonight we were asked to journal about our thoughts pre-trip. I decided to focus on the question of why I am going on this trip?

For once I am embarking on an International trip to just learn- learn to understand the people, the culture and try to grasp the language even more! I am going to see the beautiful difference and similarities that make us all unique and different. 

For once I am traveling for an opportunity to better not just who I AM as a person but to become a better teacher. I am leaving my opinions out for once and opening my ears towards the stories, sounds and thoughts of the people and the country!

Oh excitement is taking over my body and my mind to really just learn and get enlightened about the  past and current Nicaraguan culture and attitudes of the country. To learn from the people that really know is such an organism idea, and one that I cannot wait to embark on. 

Adios amigos! 

what does yoga mean to me?

Today in my yoga class I was asked by my instructor "what does yoga mean to me?" Normally I don't take the time to answer these questions that are often posed to the class but this question struck me. Once I started thinking about this question I realized that yoga does mean a lot to me in my life.

Yoga is pretty much the one place, (althought I do try in the shower and definitely when I travel) where I can relax, clear my head and really be present in the moment. I wish I could say that I stay present all the time, but that would be a lie. It's a place where I can forget about all the homework I need to finish, or what will I have for dinner and really focus on me. It's a place where I am completely focused on my physical, mental and emotional needs as a person. It makes me aware of any imbalances I may have in those threee areas.

It allows me to go outside my comfort zone on a daily basis. I love yoga because it clears my mind and expands my creativity! Not only do I phsycially feel more energized, but my mind feels more energized thus helping to expand my creativity. Some of my most creative projects and ideas have come after I engaged myself in a yoga practice.

Yoga has taught me to breath! I am learning in every yoga session how to handle stressful and anxious situations better through using the breath. Engaging in yoga practices make me a happier person! It has even served as a mood changer for me.

So as you can see yoga is a powerful tool in my life! Yoga has taught me so much about who I am and who I want to be. But mostly yoga has served as this wonderful place where I can go to be completely free and completely present. I love yoga so much. I recommend that everyone at least try yoga if they have never tried it before. If you have tried it, then committ yourself to going at least once or twice a week because it can change or impact your life in a positive way.

CHEERS to yoga and cheers to life!

If you live in Salt Lake City and read my blog then I highly recommend you support this cause through eating delicious Indian food! 100 percent of the profit goes directly to the Wai community for educational supplies and towards building a library. This is a great partnership and one that really puts the money where it is advertised. Support a great cause in a time when we all can help each other! 

I hate double standards!

I hate double standards and I wish they would just go away. Why do we make such a big deal about age differences in relationships especially when it's an older woman dating a younger man? I personally feel that if two people (regardless of ages) are happy and or in love with each other than age really does not matter at all. I also feel that it's no one's business to comment on it either. We all know that these relationships can work and portray true love, heck just look at Ashton and Demi!  It's nice to have found an article that supports what I am saying and what I believe. 

If you are interested in reading it then check it out: http://www.realsexedfacts.com/relationships-age-difference.html

Education will save our future

"In fact, to every young person listening tonight who's contemplating their career choice: If you want to make a difference in the life of our nation; if you want to make a difference in the life of a child – become a teacher. Your country needs you," - Barack Obama - 




Let's start thinking of teachers like South Korea thinks of theirs like "Nation Builders."  America will only be as successful as our education system is. If we cannot PROPERLY educate our future generations, we will not continue to be this great, successful, and innovated country. 


Education cannot afford to be "cut back" anymore.  We all need to work together to make us rise up out of being in the 9 percent tile with math and science education. When I say we, I mean teachers, administration, parents, guardians, and OUR POLITICIANS. 


Three cheers for education, and hopefully a better policy than NCLB.