Happy New Decade---2010!

My daddy always said that as we get older, the time flies by even faster. This was no exception with the last decade. Just from reading facebook posts to comment on the new year, everyone was reflecting on the past ten years and how much has changed (and not changed) throughout our lives! I guess this was time to catch up on my blog to make myself remember...

Of course all of us can recall the scare of Y2K and we all held our breath when the clock struck 12 on January 1, 2000. The computers didn't crash, and this was the first New Year's Eve I spent away from my parents. However, I still watched the ball drop on television with Dick Clark's Rockin' New Year's Eve. Who would have thought three years later, I would be in Times Square on that special night!

At the beginning of the decade, I became a college student at Appalachian State University. This was before they won three national consecutive national championships and beat Michigan, so Boone was still just a little mountain town found teeny tiny on the map. Being three hours away from home was scary at the beginning, but eventually the hours flew by due to my eagerness to get up the mountain.

My blood will always flow black and gold for the love of my alma mater, and it makes me proud to have both bachelors and masters degrees from this university. Only missing two homecomings in the past 7 years, the most memorable was when I was crowned Homecoming Queen in 2001. This was the first day my parents had spoken since their separation and it was unforgettable to have them on each arm when they escorted me on the field.
Even though I was born in Boone (but moved to Moore County when I was 4 years old) I never appreciated the unique mountain culture until walking to class in freezing temperatures and trying to make it through "take your breath away" winds. I miss the mountain people's slow paced life and genuine "southern friendliness". I still can taste the stewed apples and homemade biscuits from the Daniel Boone Inn---probably one of the main reasons I gained 30 pounds in college (thankfully losing the pounds after returning back home).

When 9/11 happened, I was in disbelief and didn't realize what truly happened until watching it on television in Dr. Jamison's education class. Surrounded by friends, we all were left in silence and tears. The entire campus was quiet that day.

I still cannot decide which political party in which I belong because I see both sides to all issues. This became a problem during the close presidential elections, who was the best choice for our country?

Cannot remember the main reason we are STILL at war with Iraq?

Hurricane Katrina made me want to work with the Red Cross, then even more when fire destroyed three homes of children at our school.

I have kept old friends and enjoyed the new ones. Each have added to my life in a different way. Thank goodness for facebook ensuring that we all keep in touch on a regular basis. During the last ten years, wedding season began and it was an honor by watching them walk down the aisle, and many of them actually serving as bridesmaid.

Motherhood still scares me, but after the birth of my beautiful niece, Lelia Kate, I was able to understand the miracle of life. Maybe one day I will be ready?

I have fallen in love (and out of love) numerous times. I have had my heart broken and in some instances, I was the "heart breaker". However, each relationship taught me something new about myself and emphasized different meanings of love. Some of these guys ironically remain friends, which shows how the strongest relationships are built with the foundation of friendship first.

After eight years of debt to NC Teaching Fellows, I celebrated when the $26,000 loan was paid after my 4 years of teaching. 26+ more to go!

I will never forget the nervousness in the pit of my stomach when checking the computer for my National Board certification. Just the first word CONGRATULATIONS left me screaming and crying.

After being immersed in the Hispanic culture with my ESL students, my main goal is learn Spanish. The "browning of America" is occurring and so many people refuse to change their prejudice judgements.
North Carolina is the most beautiful and diverse state from the coast to the mountains. During my Regional Teacher of the Year travels, I truly understand what makes our state so wonderful. This experience allowed me to spread my passion for education while creating an instant bond with eight fellow educators who share this same enthusiasm for the teaching profession. We remain each other's great supporters and dearest friends.

Even though I remain a mountain girl at heart, I fell in love with the Outer Banks after spending time at Ocracoke Island for NCCAT seminars. I could even see myself retiring there, in my own little world.


Cindi Rigsbee, former NC Teacher of the Year, reminded all of us about the impact of a teacher. She used Good Morning America to locate her 1st grade teacher, Mrs. Worneke, after 40 years. Just for a simple thank you is all it takes...Can't wait to read her book!
I traveled to the happiest place on earth last summer---Denmark. The Danish pastries and culture changed my life forever. However, this world traveling experience also made me despise airports (check out the Denmark blog under June)!

Each time I look at the moon, questions overwhelm me with space travel. Attending NASA Space Camp in Huntsville, Alabama, was an unforgettable experience. International Space Camp connected numerous teachers from across the world and made us all astronauts. The blue space suit was so worth it!

My life's lessons have been learned through the eyes of my students. My classroom was my world. My students become part of me with their stories and personal experiences. I have learned more from them than they have from me.This year has been a little different in my role as instructional facilitator, but now my eyes have been opened to other realms of public education.
Teaching is not easy, but loving to teach is natural. This must run in our family since Dad is approaching his 35th year in education and my younger sister is an incredible high school English teacher. This is where and why we belong in this career....

Always a cat lover, I never would have thought to be fond of dogs. This quickly changed after meeting a sweet boxer puppy, Elvis. He defined the true meaning of "man's best friend", he still resides in Boone so I miss him greatly. I would not survive without these close companions. My heart ached after losing Bailey (great dane) and my Alvin (Pom). I still visit the Pet Loss/Rainbow Bridge webpage for comfort. However, I smile as the new addition to the family is barking downstairs wanting to play. Paige, my boxer, was named after Page Street since I bought her the day I was hired in Montgomery County.

I am a creature of habit, but still successfully adjust to change. I had to adjust living in Asheboro, but drive 30 minutes to what I know best. I still go to the dentist in Robbins, doctor in Pinehurst, dry cleaner in Troy, thinking in Highfalls, shopping in Boone, and visit friends everywhere in-between. Maybe this suggests that I have more than one home?

I still cry each time I go through Highfalls, my childhood was just that wonderful!

I remain addicted to diet coke, the caffeine needed to get through the day. However, slowly getting the acquired taste to drink coffee.

Clogging remains an intricate part of my life, but quickly learned that competition and dance studio drama could make one lose the love of this dance. That is why I stopped teaching (for now)....However, one of my fondest memories was watching four young ladies watch Lord of the Dance in Greensboro and then "nail" their own Riverdance routine to win the 8 foot trophy and bragging rights of becoming National Champions. You can still find me clogging down the aisles of Walmart, just call me Happy Feet.

Turning 25 was horrible for me (quarter life crisis)...realization that my youth was over and I also discovered my first gray hair. Learned that plucking it out doubles it. Hopefully, this will make it easier when I turn 30 in two years?

The past is done, enjoying the present, and preparing for the future...HAPPY 2010!

I look forward to see what the next ten years holds for me and all of us...

Summertime

It is hard to believe it is July and the summer continues to fly by so quickly. After returning home from Europe, I have found some time to relax and enjoy the sunshine. Still no vacation since Will is helping coach junior legion baseball, which means over 40 games in a month! So I have been able to clean the house from top to bottom, play with the dogs, and spend time with Beth and Mama. It hasn't even been a month since the last day of school, and I miss my students terribly. There have been so many "little happenings" that would have definitely been shared as Mrs. Muse's off the subject stories with my 24 fifth graders, so blogging provides the opportunity to still ramble on as usual.

Let's see...
Alvin had his annual summer haircut last week and it is obvious he feels so much better because he rubs his head on everything. He now sleeps cuddled up under my arm because the ceiling fan no longer keeps him cool, but makes him freeze. He still runs in a circle chasing his furless tail...haha!

Beth and Matt have bought a new house in Seven Lakes, so I spent days painting and moving furniture. I was sad they moved 15 minutes farther away from Asheboro, but the drives has become easier and sometimes a little faster. She is getting a small baby bump and we find out if Nemo is a he or she on Thursday. Beth has the entire summer to make the house into a home and I can't wait to start painting the nursery.

I guess painting Beth's house motivated me to repaint some of the rooms in my own house. My project was to touch up the master bathroom since the black walls seemed to have faded along with the white reappearing. Now it looks like a new room, still black walls, but as mama said, "it just looks fresh."

The news of Michael Jackson's death left me in shock as I have felt a piece of my childhood was taken. This was something that we would have discussed in class since we have talked about many tragic deaths of celebrities. I grew up listening to Michael Jackson's music, including some of the "oldies" such as "ABC" and "Rockin' Robin", and my first tap routine was dance to "Bad" including learning the moonwalk. He was the King of Pop because of his ability to bond generations with his upbeat rhythms and unique dance moves. I will never forget when mama first played the Jackson 5 hit, "I'll be There", on our old record player as she mouthed every word when she picked up Beth and me when we danced around the room. This was the first time I had ever seen my mom sing! Each of you now have memories of learning the simple dance moves of Thriller, his famous album that is considered having the largest gross earning than any album ever recorded. Michael Jackson created social controversy with his questionable personal decisions. but his legend will continue to live on forever.

I hope everyone is having a wonderful summer and I look forward to our cookout in August!

Ode to Odense and Goodbye to Denmark

The day began with the rushing of hotel check out and preparing for our overnight stay with our host families. We enjoyed a 2 hour scenic tour or quick nap by bus before arriving to Odense. This name is pronounced completely different than it looks (ooddnnsa). I still have to think about it before I say it. Odense is the third largest city in Denmark and is the homeplace of famous author, Hans Christian Andersen. We arrived to Sct. Hans Skole (school) and were happily greeted by the principal, Lars Eriksen. He briefly told us about the school and the pictures below will clearly depict the differences between the US and Danish educational systems.

This is the popular teacher's lounge where teachers spend their free time during duty free lunch/recess. It intrigued me that the students can be unsupervised during those times. Instead of someone making their coffee, a machine does it for them (located in the corner).




Just like our middle and high school students in the states, these students also take life skills classes. Obviously, I missed those cooking classes since I NEVER touch the stove!






The science classrooms left some of us worried since chemicals were exposed and not locked in cabinets. I was also amazed that students start learning chemistry in seventh grade. My dad would be teaching a different age group in Denmark.






Some of us visited a fourth grade classroom and since this was the last day of school, things appeared a little crazy. The teacher told us she would be moving up to 8th grade next year since most primary teachers usually switch grade level or subject area each year. The students go to school 200 days a year. If you pay close attention to the homework board, the students learn English starting in grade 3 along with Danish. Our 9th grade tour guide has already learned 5 languages!






This school has a dentist office to provide dental health for all students FREE of charge. All health care and education costs are paid by the government. The students are not expected to even pay for field trips outside of school.
We enjoyed a custom Danish meal to conclude our visit at the school pork, pickled heron, red cabbage, new potatoes, and the usual rye bread. For dessert, we enjoyed fresh strawberries and soft ice cream. We were very shocked that a selection of Danish beer was also served!

Our host families came after lunch and I was thrilled to meet Anne Lisbet and Svend Erik Larsen. Svend had contacted me prior to my visit via email, so I wasn't as anxious as some who had spoken with their host families at all. As soon as I entered the library to collect my backpack, since they told us to pack "light", I knew who they were as soon as we exchanged our friendly glances. As were approaching downtown of Odense, I realized that the gift I had brought was left at the library. So within 10 minutes, I had already made an impression of being the most forgetful person. I wanted to share the Our State magazine with the Larsens along with giving them their piece of Jugtown pottery to tell them more about North Carolina. I told the couple that I just wanted to see ordinary life in Denmark so we just spent the afternoon walking down the main streets of Odense. I actually enjoyed a cup of coffee (I am not a big fan of coffee) and a chocolate pastry---I already dread getting back on the scales after this trip! I learned that Svend is an avid coffee drink, just like most Europeans, by having at least eight cups per day, so one wouldn't hurt me.

I loved the atmosphere of Odense even after the hours of thunderstorms, unexpected rain, and the usual cold win (reminded me of Boone weather). It was a good thing that I had become accustomed to stay out of the way of cyclists since Odense is known as the City of Cycles. I was enticed with the statues found all around the town that represented HC Andersen's stories.

Remarkably, we ended up Hans Christian's house, where he spent the majority of his childhood. I stood in the small empty space where this young author was inspired to write many of his unforgettable tales that children around the world would read over and over again. I walked through the garden where he became inspired to write one of my favorite stories, "The Snow Queen."

We were able to drive through the beautiful countryside of Odense that I had initially imagined of Europe with green open fields, windmills, and small cottages. Svend and Anne Lisbet took me to the castle where HC Andersen was inspired to write "The Happy Family." It was much different than the typical castles of Denmark. The castle was found at the end of a gravel road and the public was prohibited to advance across a certain point. It was so peaceful here...



We drove to a town 30 minutes outside of Odense to Tommerup, the house of Svend Erik and Lisbet of 20 years. It was obvious they had worked extremely hard to make their "house a home." Their gardens were inviting and colorful. The greenhouse produced all the vegetables that would sit on their table. I immediately felt right at home and wish I could have stayed longer than just two days with them.



I have never felt so welcomed in a home like this before in my life! Anne Lisbet went out of her way to make the most delicious Danish meals and Svend pulled out the American and European maps to share about our traveling experiences. We also shared pictures of our family and friends. Of course, I told more about North Carolina and it was interesting to hear more about ordinary life in Denmark. The couple had grown fond of showing hospitality to others since they have hosted foreign exchange students in the past. Their own son went to Colorado during his senior year of high school. This brought me back to the realization that the Larsens have traveled to more places than I have in the United States. They gave me the perfect give, a collection of 80 stories by Hans Christian Andersen! I can't wait to share these with my future niece/nephew along with my own students. Guess which story I will read first...The Happy Family of course!The next morning, the couple had to attend a family birthday party, so I spent the afternoon with the host family advisor, Sys. I enjoyed spending more time in Odense, including going to the HC Andersen Museum, the birthplace of the famous author. We entered a library that housed all versions of HC Andersen's fairy tales. They have been translated into 151 different languages! We found it ironic that we were greeted by ducklings since one his stories is "The Ugly Duckling" (which is based on the torments of his own life). The author hated having his picture taken because he considered himself to be unattractive.

We experienced two other popular places in Odense including the market and the Cathedral.


It also became interesting to see an Iranian protest in the square. I am not sure exactly what they were saying, but it lasted for at least an hour!
Our last night was spent together as we reflected on an incredible educational experience. This was the last time for our NC Teacher of the Year team to be together and I was excited to make new friends with other teachers from North Carolina.


Saying goodbye to my favorite things: soft ice and HC Andersen!

We returned safely to Newark AND North Carolina ON TIME! It took me several days to get readjusted to the unbearable heat and time change. Even though I could talk for hours about my wonderful experiences in Denmark, sometimes I am left speechless regarding how much it has changed me as a teacher and an individual. I look forward to encouraging my colleagues and students to see the world a little differently as we prepare ourselves to thrive in a global economy.

Special Thanks to:
The country of Denmark for welcoming us into your country, especially in your schools and businesses.

The Center for International Understanding for allowing teachers to have a greater appreciation of the world around them by traveling to unforgettable places.

Angie Bolin for planning every detail of this trip and ensuring we had meaningful learning opportunities. Even though you were not with us, we thought about you and your husband each day.

Lindsey Moulsky for remaining a fearless leader who made sure the "Raleigh folks" arrived to Denmark sooner or later. Also for the interesting evening in the King's Garden.

Bill Ferriter who always challenged us to think even more about our experiences and if "different was better?" Most of all, I am greatly appreciative of his willingness to take care of the Paris group who thought we would never get to Copenhagen and who fought for us to always find the silver lining.

Cindi Rigsbee, my roomie and BFF, who managed to stay an entire week with me (and my suitcase) in the smallest hotel room imaginable.

Anne Lisbet and Svend Erik for welcoming me into their home and showing me the true side of Denmark. I will never forget their thoughtfulness!

Dr. Peters, School Board, and Montgomery County Schools for providing the never-ending support this year during my TOY journey, and especially my participation in this program.

Janice Harless for granting me the use of the mini laptop for my technology ventures, it saved my back!

My Page Street family for your messages and eagerness to hear all about Denmark!

Mama, Beth, and Daddy for giving me the courage to go this far away from home. Thanks for your love and support everyday!

Will Muse, my devoted husband, for taking care of the dogs, buying me a new backpack, and for understanding why I am gone for an entire week. Also, for making me realize how awesome Skype can be thousands of miles away!

Curious in Copenhagen

I now understand the true size of Denmark's largest capital city after walking miles (approximately 12 miles) through Copenhagen. This day was designed specifically for our independent research to prepare for our teaching lesson. My initial idea of lessons revolved around making inferences about a culture using pictures and videos through technology. However, after spending hours in Copenhagen, I am sure this plan will change due to the numerous information I obtained today.

We started our morning walking to the eastern part of the city in another area called Christianhaven. We explored Christiania (you tube video), which has been a so-called free town since 1971. There are around 1,000 people who live in this area, who have a very liberal view on laws, especially concerning the use of drugs. The town was founded by a group of hippies in the 1970's and the Danish Parliament legalized the city in 1989 and exempted these citizens from the heritage and environment conservation. The Christianans live in a "free zone" meaning there are no cars along with maintaining their own schools and ways of living. People may visit this area, but no photographs are allowed due to the government constraints. I felt somewhat uncomfortable walking through this "village", but it was very quiet during the early morning hours. It became an unforgettable learning experiences for these NC educators.

We briskly walked to our next stop in the heart of the city and probably the most famous tourist attraction in Denmark-The Little Mermaid Statue located in Langelinie Pier. Hans Christian Andersen wrote a fairy tale about her, while Disney created a movie about her, and she has become the most photographed statue in the world. HC Andersen published the story in 1837 about little mermaid who saves the life of a shipwrecked prince and sets off on a quest to win his love. The price she would pay is dear because she would have to sacrifice her voice and her beautiful mermaid tail in order to become human. If he decides to marry another, she would turn to sea foam and disappear forever. Her statue looks as if she is waiting and searching for her prince.

Another popular statue was the Gefion Fountain, which is the largest monument in Copenhagen. the goodess, Gefion, is the main figure of this "wishing well."

After these sightseeing endeavors, we ventured to the Danish Resistance Museum. This included artifacts that focused on the Danes' reaction to the Germans occupation during World War II. The resistance was created for the Danish to work secretly against the Nazi takeover. It is very similar to the concepts of the Underground Railroad or the American colonists' plan for revolution from Great Britain. Sonya, who teaches US History in Edenton, gave me the idea of using Lois Lowry's Newberry Award Winning novel, Number the Stars, with my fifth graders.

After Hitler's declaration to deport Danish Jews, many Danes offered support to find hiding places for the Jews. The Danes felt that the persecution of minorities was not acceptable in their culture, so they took immediate action against it. After walking through this museum, I left with somber emotions of how the world treated a race so terribly.

More information about Danish Resistance

We walked quickly to the Queen's Church to watch the changing of the guards, which occurred each day at noon. Prior to this event, we had enough time to view the beautiful St. Frederik's Church. The churches in this city are amazing!

This ceremony reminded me of the changing of the guards at the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier in Washington, DC. These soldiers reminded me of toy soldiers with their march and their bear fur hats.

Being in the Queen's Square encouraged me to learn more about the royalty in Denmark. After hearing bystanders talk about the Queen, it was obvious she was highly respected and admired. From my understanding, their monarchy is similar to Britain because the Queen has no official power (she does sign the Parliament Bills) in the government. It was recently voted that the first born of the royal family an be king or queen since the queen was the eldest of three sisters. The Royal Family can be found everywhere---post cards, magazines, books, and even huge billboards. I learned more in the gift shop about the royal family than anywhere else!

I guess we were so inspired by the royal family that we decided to take a tour of the Rosenborg Castle. This is a beautiful historic building that has some of the Denmark's greatest treasures, including the Crown Jewels and the Danish Crown Regalia. We were not allowed to take pictures inside the palace, but I was one again left speechless after entering each room full of history from hundreds of years ago. I did notice that the precious gem, amber, was used in chandeliers and jewelry by the kings and queens. Therefore, I purchased an amber charm for Beth as a Denmark keepsake.

By this time, we had been so busy we had forgotten to eat lunch and it was already 4:00. Instead of ruining our dinner, we decided to find the corner pastry shop. Denmark is known for their delicious sweets, so I would not have been experiencing culture without my delicious cinnamon roll.

I think after an exhausting day, most of us looked for something familiar from home. So what better place than the mall? The hometown girls (Cindi, RuthAnn, and myself) walked along the canal to find the mall less than a mile from our hotel. The mall wasn't much different from the ones found in the United States. We ate at an Italian restaurant with a buffet and we were served by a Lebanese waiter with Danish customs (not tipping at restaurants is expected in Denmark). That was a multicultural experience, say the least. We were all somewhat anxious about tomorrow since we would be spending the night with our host families in Odense.

Lesson Learned:

There is nothing better than a cinnamon roll after touring the entire city of Copenhagen.