I will be exporting Funderburk Follies to my new blog (new name, new life...). It's title will be What Love Has Done and it can be found at www.whatlovehasdoneforlori.blogspot.com.
This will be my last post at this blog. All the posts from here are moving and all additional posts will be found there. I will wait to delete this blog for a couple of months to allow people to see this information.
(giggle) I get married in 8 days!!!!!!
Love you all and hope to see you at whatlovehasdoneforlori!
Lori
Friday, June 04, 2010
Friday, May 07, 2010
Seasons Come and Go
Ah...the end of a school year marks a change in mindset for all teachers. We turn into students as many of us attend professional development. We turn into domestic goddesses, finally catching up on projects around the house, doing the spring cleaning that most of us put off for grading papers, and actually cooking instead of ordering out. We finally find time for leisure reading, hobbies, or just hanging with the kids at the park or the pool. Just when we've had our fill of all that, it's time to jump back into the excitement and exhaustion of another school year.
I love teaching, but the political, financial, and community atmosphere of the last 2 years has really lowered my morale. I keep asking myself...why do I do this? I could be making more money at an easier job that recognizes my talents, skills, and appreciates my contribution. I get tired of being vilified by the community who THINKS they know what I do for a living, or looked at as a commodity to trade according to the whims of others. I tire of being a pawn for political manipulation. I'm exhausted from trying to meet the never ending demand of "more for less!" - all employees have their efficiency plateau. Teachers, it seems, are not allowed to have one. If they reach one level of productivity, well, then everyone seems to think they should be able to take that one more step... everyone seems to continue to expect BMW's at Pontiac prices. Or worse, many in the community are under the ridiculous impression that we are mere babysitters who work part time and are therefore overcompensated. It wears on the spirit, the work ethic, the professionalism. So why do I do it? I love it. I am gifted at it. I believe it is a vital, important job. Is there something else I could do? Absolutely. And I'd be wealthier financially. But I would not be as fulfilled. I would not feel the mandated purpose I feel now. Being a teacher, to me, is as important as being a parent. It's why I get up every morning. It fills my life with a mission. And I enjoy my clientele believe it or not. I did not choose teaching because it was an easy way to make a buck. I can name FAR easier professions. Visualize with me for a moment...you are attending your son or daughters sporting game, or practice, or rehearsal, or performance. If there is anyone sitting in the stands or in the audience doing work...who is it? A teacher. Teachers are not only "on" from 7 to 3. We are "on" 24/7...often doing work, answering e-mails, planning, spending our "free time" and our money on things for our students. Sometimes even to the neglect of our own families (i.e. report card week, week before a big concert or play, etc.)
If people want schools to be run like businesses, they had better be prepared to pay for it. As it is now, if the one thing that makes or breaks a school, your teachers, are considered overpaid...just wait until you have to pay us private sector prices. Right now, we are quite a bargain.
Enough of my tirade. Another season about to end for me is my season of singleness. It has been an important season for me. I've learned much about myself, my kids, my friends, my family, the body of Christ, and my God. Most of it has been good. I have also learned much about my previous 18 year relationship. Those were hard lessons. Hard to accept that much of what I thought or believed was simply untrue. That one person could go from best friend to worst enemy practically overnight. That someone you trusted implicitly could become the person you trust the least. That someone who you thought had your back was actually stabbing a knife in it. Betrayal is a bitter pill. It still lingers, creeps back into my heart and head from time to time. Its ever ready to consume me if I am not diligently working towards forgiveness.
This summer will be a whole new season...professionally, spiritually, relationally. I will be learning a new husband, new children, new domestic routines, all the while helping the other 5 members learn me and each other. No one said it was going to be easy...
But, then, I've never been one to take the easy road. ;)
Bring it on! I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me...
I love teaching, but the political, financial, and community atmosphere of the last 2 years has really lowered my morale. I keep asking myself...why do I do this? I could be making more money at an easier job that recognizes my talents, skills, and appreciates my contribution. I get tired of being vilified by the community who THINKS they know what I do for a living, or looked at as a commodity to trade according to the whims of others. I tire of being a pawn for political manipulation. I'm exhausted from trying to meet the never ending demand of "more for less!" - all employees have their efficiency plateau. Teachers, it seems, are not allowed to have one. If they reach one level of productivity, well, then everyone seems to think they should be able to take that one more step... everyone seems to continue to expect BMW's at Pontiac prices. Or worse, many in the community are under the ridiculous impression that we are mere babysitters who work part time and are therefore overcompensated. It wears on the spirit, the work ethic, the professionalism. So why do I do it? I love it. I am gifted at it. I believe it is a vital, important job. Is there something else I could do? Absolutely. And I'd be wealthier financially. But I would not be as fulfilled. I would not feel the mandated purpose I feel now. Being a teacher, to me, is as important as being a parent. It's why I get up every morning. It fills my life with a mission. And I enjoy my clientele believe it or not. I did not choose teaching because it was an easy way to make a buck. I can name FAR easier professions. Visualize with me for a moment...you are attending your son or daughters sporting game, or practice, or rehearsal, or performance. If there is anyone sitting in the stands or in the audience doing work...who is it? A teacher. Teachers are not only "on" from 7 to 3. We are "on" 24/7...often doing work, answering e-mails, planning, spending our "free time" and our money on things for our students. Sometimes even to the neglect of our own families (i.e. report card week, week before a big concert or play, etc.)
If people want schools to be run like businesses, they had better be prepared to pay for it. As it is now, if the one thing that makes or breaks a school, your teachers, are considered overpaid...just wait until you have to pay us private sector prices. Right now, we are quite a bargain.
Enough of my tirade. Another season about to end for me is my season of singleness. It has been an important season for me. I've learned much about myself, my kids, my friends, my family, the body of Christ, and my God. Most of it has been good. I have also learned much about my previous 18 year relationship. Those were hard lessons. Hard to accept that much of what I thought or believed was simply untrue. That one person could go from best friend to worst enemy practically overnight. That someone you trusted implicitly could become the person you trust the least. That someone who you thought had your back was actually stabbing a knife in it. Betrayal is a bitter pill. It still lingers, creeps back into my heart and head from time to time. Its ever ready to consume me if I am not diligently working towards forgiveness.
This summer will be a whole new season...professionally, spiritually, relationally. I will be learning a new husband, new children, new domestic routines, all the while helping the other 5 members learn me and each other. No one said it was going to be easy...
But, then, I've never been one to take the easy road. ;)
Bring it on! I can do all things through CHRIST who strengthens me...
Monday, May 03, 2010
Signs of Spring in Southwest Ohio:
1. rain
2. lilacs
3. bright green grass
4. warm/cold temp fluctuations
5. allergies
6. KINGS ISLAND!!!!!
been twice already - opening day and this last Saturday. I'm so glad my kids are roller coaster junkies.
By the way - I am down to about 40 days until my wedding. And I basically have all the big stuff done! Yeah, me!
2. lilacs
3. bright green grass
4. warm/cold temp fluctuations
5. allergies
6. KINGS ISLAND!!!!!
been twice already - opening day and this last Saturday. I'm so glad my kids are roller coaster junkies.
By the way - I am down to about 40 days until my wedding. And I basically have all the big stuff done! Yeah, me!
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum
Ah, my "last" show at Lakota East for a while. It's a big hit! The students have done very well, no major glitches, and the audience has responded favorably for all three shows we've done so far. I've decided not to take the supplemental contract next year - if it's even offered. Lakota is faced with a budget crisis and I am getting married and will instantly become a family of 6 and the stepmother of teenagers (eek!), so I'm circling the wagons so I can concentrate on what is most important. I hope to volunteer my services some, but this way I won't be required to put in the many hours of work that it takes to design, set, and execute the sound and lights. As my kids get older, I certainly hope to start getting back involved in community theater for myself. There is nothing quite like the stage. I miss it when I'm not doing it, then miss all my free time when I am! LOL!
Friday, April 02, 2010
Spring Candids...
Spring has sprung...
Marsh Lake, Fairfield
I just couldn't resist getting a few dusk pictures.
Hamilton COG Easter Egg hunt
Marsh Lake, Fairfield
I just couldn't resist getting a few dusk pictures.
Hamilton COG Easter Egg hunt
Good Quote
I believe in Christianity as I believe in the sun: not only because I see it, but by it I see everything else- C.S.Lewis
I have always like Mr. Lewis - Lori
I have always like Mr. Lewis - Lori
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Loss
Wow. It's been an melencholy start to the week. First, a former student of mine lost her life in a tragic accident with a school but early Monday morning. It was the perfect storm: dark, rainy. The bus just did not see her. I feel for her family but also the bus driver.
It's made me stop and contemplate: am I reflecting Christ to my students? I get so little time with them. I know I cannot outright proselytize, but am I living clear enough that Christ shines through? This young lady was Cambodian and Buddist. Did she know Christ? Here is where I must trust in the character of my God. He is just, yes. But He is also love - the very definition of love. I cannot dare to speculate beyond that truth.
Second, my dear Grandma Bertha's heart is giving out on her. She has lived as a widow for nearly 8 years. Not only lived, but thrived. She did not let the death of my Grandpa Bill send her to her grave. She morned, she grieved, and she celebrated his home going. She is at peace, knowing completely what lies before her. She knows that soon, she will get to see Grandpa again. And her parents and siblings who have gone before her. And most of all...her Savior and the Lover of her soul. While my entire family rejoices with her on this level, there is a gloominess underlying the inevitable. We will miss her. Her smile, her giggle, her quiet strength and unwavering faith. As it is, we vow to cherish each moment of borrowed time we have left. And we pray for a quick home going - no lingering pain or discomfort.
Loss has a way of making you stop and take stock. What is important? What is critical. And more importantly...what is eternal? The answer to all three: your relationships. People.
I don't care if I never travel the world, live in a fancy house, drive an expensive car, have the "right" clothes or accessories. I don't care if I'm never famous or important to anyone except the people I love dearly. I consider myself very fortunate, indeed. I have more than my fair share of family and friends. I have lots of aquaintances, too. There are very few relationships I have made in my life that have ended. And really only one that ended badly - because of the other persons choosing. I think that is wonderful. I hope I never forget that people are eternal. Things are not.
I know I am not perfect in my relationships - I often wish I had the tenacity of my friend James Brooks when it comes to keeping in touch with all of my friends. Alas, I often rely on electronic correspondence. I suppose that is better than nothing, but it's not as personal as I wish I could be. And one drawback to having friends all over the country...I can't be there in body when they need me. But God can. And we will always be connected through our Father.
It's made me stop and contemplate: am I reflecting Christ to my students? I get so little time with them. I know I cannot outright proselytize, but am I living clear enough that Christ shines through? This young lady was Cambodian and Buddist. Did she know Christ? Here is where I must trust in the character of my God. He is just, yes. But He is also love - the very definition of love. I cannot dare to speculate beyond that truth.
Second, my dear Grandma Bertha's heart is giving out on her. She has lived as a widow for nearly 8 years. Not only lived, but thrived. She did not let the death of my Grandpa Bill send her to her grave. She morned, she grieved, and she celebrated his home going. She is at peace, knowing completely what lies before her. She knows that soon, she will get to see Grandpa again. And her parents and siblings who have gone before her. And most of all...her Savior and the Lover of her soul. While my entire family rejoices with her on this level, there is a gloominess underlying the inevitable. We will miss her. Her smile, her giggle, her quiet strength and unwavering faith. As it is, we vow to cherish each moment of borrowed time we have left. And we pray for a quick home going - no lingering pain or discomfort.
Loss has a way of making you stop and take stock. What is important? What is critical. And more importantly...what is eternal? The answer to all three: your relationships. People.
I don't care if I never travel the world, live in a fancy house, drive an expensive car, have the "right" clothes or accessories. I don't care if I'm never famous or important to anyone except the people I love dearly. I consider myself very fortunate, indeed. I have more than my fair share of family and friends. I have lots of aquaintances, too. There are very few relationships I have made in my life that have ended. And really only one that ended badly - because of the other persons choosing. I think that is wonderful. I hope I never forget that people are eternal. Things are not.
I know I am not perfect in my relationships - I often wish I had the tenacity of my friend James Brooks when it comes to keeping in touch with all of my friends. Alas, I often rely on electronic correspondence. I suppose that is better than nothing, but it's not as personal as I wish I could be. And one drawback to having friends all over the country...I can't be there in body when they need me. But God can. And we will always be connected through our Father.
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