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Vicki's Blog

My thoughts on education, improvement, and life itself.  Enjoy!

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My Magical Kingdom:  Getting off the Roller Coaster

7/2/2015

1 Comment

 
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My son and his new bride may have gone to Disney World for their honeymoon and ridden all of the roller coasters and other exciting rides they could find, but I can relate to their experience and I never left my neck of the woods!  Welcome to my Magical Kingdom that I call life!  I seem to be taking a metaphorical travelogue as I reflect on the last couple of months!

Maybe roller coaster or whirlwind doesn't really describe my last couple of months, but it has gone by fast. There have been a lot of highs and even a few lows.  There have been smiles and laughter, bright lights, and unfortunately, some dark passages too.   As I got on this latest ride, my anticipation of things to come was high.  I knew I'd be a little anxious as so much loomed in front of me, but I also knew I would thoroughly enjoy the ride.  It may have started slowly, but it didn't take long to build to full speed as I raced through the many things that I'd been looking forward to.  But as I found myself hurtling down the track, at times seemingly out of control,  I wondered, on more than one occasion, when I would be able to get off and breathe a bit! 

Maybe it's been more like going through a buffet.  My plate is only so big, but somehow I manage to fill that plate to overflowing, all the while knowing that eating in moderation is always the best strategy.  But I somehow work my way through that plate of delicious food, wanting to enjoy every bit, but realizing that sometimes I put something there that didn't taste as good as it looked, or I just can't eat one. more. bite.

For me, this is a pretty typical life.  Whether it's a roller coaster or a buffet full of great looking food, I seem to be right in the middle of it all.  I race around trying to do too much, help too often, end up staying up too late, and find myself searching desperately for the light at the end of this month's tunnel.  But as each day progresses, and more gets checked of my "To Do" list, I allow myself a few minutes to enjoy this life I am leading.  

My son's wedding, noted in previous blog posts, was the fairy tale for which we all hoped and planned.  As much as I tried to take it all in as it was occurring, it was still a blur.  So many family and friends came to celebrate with us, and I am grateful for the photos that are emerging from the photographers that have truly captured many special moments.  Those pictures allow me to get back on that ride over and over again.

The 2 weeks spent hosting summer workshops were great.  I loved seeing and being a part of so much quality  learning happening with our area's dedicated educators.  Despite the recent roller coaster that education has been on in our state both politically and financially, teachers are continuously looking to improve their knowledge and skills so that they can do what's best for kids.  There is no greater ride than to see the light bulb go on in they eye of the learner.  These educators truly care and I am blessed that they find value in what we are trying to accomplish with our workshop offerings.  As this latest roller coaster ride ended, I found myself already looking forward to next year's ride! 

As I look around the Magic Kingdom of my life, I see lots of changes going on too that lead to new roller coaster rides to look forward to.  My daughter's family is moving which is causes both excitement and anxiety for all of us.  It's a new adventure for them, but one that will cause us to create a new normal.  There have been licensure tests passed and new jobs for family members that get us excited, but breakdowns that cause us to make new plans and to be grateful and hopeful for when the ride is up and running again.  There is new leadership in one of my favorite organizations that has led to exciting changes, but transition details  have occupied a lot of our time.  Our church is looking at building plans next week which continues the dream we started several years ago.  There is so much to see and do in my Magic Kingdom each and every year, I just keep coming back for more!

In all honesty, the ride through my Magical Kingdom wouldn't be possible or nearly as much fun if I didn't have supportive colleagues, friends, family, and a terrific husband who join me on these roller coaster rides.  They scream with delight and hold my hand to keep me from getting scared or lost in the crowd.  And when I need a break from the Magical Kingdom, I head to the mountains.  That will happen next month.  In the meantime, it's time for me to get on the next roller coaster ride and see what is over the next hill or around the next curve.  Hope to see you along the way.  I don't want to miss a moment of this Magical Kingdom Life!

1 Comment
Charlotte McDonald link
7/2/2015 03:21:30 am

Vicki,

Thanks for the update.

Reply



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    Vicki Bechard, 
    Owner and Lead Consultant

    I express myself best when I write, even though most who know me think I talk quite a bit!  

    I'm an educator first and foremost whether my students are kids, teachers, or my own children and grandchildren.  

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