What I learned in 2013

Hi Everyone!

I hope the first month of your new year has gone well! I say that after we have had many days of snow and sub-zero weather...I don't know about you but my cats and dog are going stir crazy!!!! I have never been so eager for spring to arrive!! Being an outdoorsy person, I'm feeling pretty stir crazy as well!!! Chin up, everyone!!! Every day is a day closer to Spring!!!!

Well, I meant to get this blog out earlier, but my own laziness got in the way. Make no mistake- I had the time. I was just lazy. I think it's a direct result of the weather. (Hana would say "Way to blame your bad habit on the weather, Mom!!!!!"...and she's probably right :) )

I have decided to list everything that made an impact on me in 2013...dare I say learned in 2013..? When I initially decided to write this I thought it would just be a review of my year, however, it turned into a nice review and inspiration for 2014. Here goes!!!!

• I learned that the media has a long way to go in their portraying of women/girls. I saw some pretty crappy ads. I saw some fabulous ads. I saw some appalling ways photo shop is used to make us, as women and girls, think we have to live up to a specific "ideal". However, I saw just as many call-outs of the media. We need to continue to call out the media on their sexism and unrealistic portrayals of women and girls. Period. See my blog of 12/04/2013.

• I learned that we need to make it unacceptable for women and girls to be treated as property and objectified by the media and celebrities. While I respect Beyonce's talent, I am appalled at her constant "sexing up" of her videos. I am even more appalled that she makes a point to stand for strong women, but allows herself to perform on stage to a song that glorifies AND makes acceptable domestic violence. You don't need to be trashy to make a point.See my blog of 7/21/2013.

• I learned that there are plenty of fantastic companies out there. They know how to treat their employees and customers and they should be applauded for it. Westjet...way to go!!! Costco...way to show other companies how to treat employees!!! On the flip side... shame on you Papa John's for threatening to lay-off employees because you are now mandated to spend some of your millions on health care for your employees! Shame on you Walmart for taking up a collection for your employees who don't make enough money to have a Thanksgiving dinner! (maybe you should pay them more?) And above all... SHAME ON YOU multimillion dollar companies and CEO'S who make over $7 million/year, yet cannot seem to give their employees not only a current contract but a RAISE FOR 10 YEARS!! (Yes, I'm talking to you United Airlines/Jeff Smisek). Please see my blog of 10/5/2013 for more about some lovely CEO'S and what they do.

• Bullying...seems like an "old" topic. And you know what? It is. But it hasn't stopped. And not only has it not stopped in our schools and neighborhoods, it has become more prevalent in our adult lives as well. I will always stand up for my students who are victims of bullying. 100% of the time. No question. But you know when it's hardest to stand up to bullies? When it's an adult bullying an adult. It happened to me just last week. I had a parent of a student try to bully me into doing something I did not want to do. At first, I was just shocked it was happening, but then I stood my ground. ADULT BULLYING??? Have we not learned anything???? This has to stop.See my blog of 5/19/2013.

• I learned that being authentic is the best way to go. I can't do it all the time. I have to remind myself not to cop to someones idea of what I should be...but in the end I feel better when I am authentic. See my blog of 08/30/2013.

• I learned that there are many heroes in this world. Some we all hear about but mostly people who do great things every day and don't want/need/get any recognition for it. Let's celebrate these people. Better yet, let's become one of these people. My goal this year is to "Pay it forward" as much as I can. I think we'd all be a whole lot happier if we tried this on a consistent basis. 

• I learned that I have some pretty fantastic students. My home, private voice students never cease to amaze me with their insights, comments and sense of humor. I love them. My Musical Theatre/Glee students are constantly rising up to my challenges and surprising me on many levels. My SEASPAR students...warm my heart and inspire me every single day to be a better person. I wish EVERYONE had a job like mine with the people I work with. I couldn't ask for better.

• I learned that my daughter can handle a lot more than she thought she could. I like to think it's because I taught her a few things? I also learned that she's a pretty fantastic person...almost said kid...but she's turning 21 (oh man!!! I have a 21 year old?????) and she is an Adult now :) And a pretty fabulous one at that!

• I also realized that Lad cooks better than I do. I know!!! Most of you are saying...well, DUH! Have you ever tasted his cooking???? Well, you need to. Let me know when you want to come over for snacks/dinner. Let's set a date. You'll be impressed.

• I learned that although I LOVE LOVE LOVE my sister and am seriously proud of her in what she has accomplished, Pilates is just not for me! Sorry Bran!!!

• I learned that I want to have my nieces here for the Summer EVERY year!!! Lots of fun!

• I learned that as my brother and I get older we like each other more. Kinda funny since I spent the better part of my childhood devising ways to kill him.

• I learned that Mom is doing pretty well on her own. That is a great accomplishment since dad's passing.

• I learned that every day I miss my Dad and that just because time goes on it doesn't make me miss him less. 

• Lastly, I learned, and probably cemented the thought, that Music does make a difference. It is a powerful tool to help you get through a day, week, year of conflict and ups and downs. Make a play list of "Happy tunes"....play it when you're "not right"... see what happens. If you want to know what Music I use for my therapy classes and other classes...just ask. I'd be happy to help set up some music to make a positive impact on your life. I can guarantee you it would work!