Does this count?

Ok, so in my one a day challenge, I made some promises to myself. 

I read a LOT on line today...information about different beaches, mostly.  Is that worthy of my time?

I also organized using the computer, the phone, and paper...but that was organizing a vacation - which has been sorely needed for my/our sanity.  It's not moving "objects" around, rather setting up activities, making reservations, ensuring proper payment, etc.  Does organization include event planning?

As for activity, I danced while cleaning the kitchen (unloading and reloading the dishwasher).  And, I was in and out a lot playing ball with the dogs while working...somebody's got to throw the ball for them so they'll do their business.  I even walked down the hill to the mailbox.

And, my creative piece is a poem (posted below) for school. 

Here's the thing, I think that really I am the one who has ultimate say, right?

So, I did the creative writing thing.  I am satisfied with the organization - it HAD to be done...though now it's time to make packing and grocery/Wal-mart lists for the trip. I guess I would say I did shortchange myself on the something active.  And, I didn't read as much as I would like to out of an actual book. 

But, today I'll be satisfied that I did "enough."  Tomorrow, I will endeavor to do "better." 

Diatomic Elements

Seven common elements
A friend by their side     
Diatomic molecules        
Couples bonded tight     

They can make up many things   
Forming different bonds             
And when they get together       
Splitting up is fun                                

Hydrogen ____, & Oxygen ____    
Always hang around                   
Sometimes with a twin - in pairs    
Or as a compound                       

Chlorine _____, Fluorine ___, Bromine ____, too
Then, there's Iodine ____
Hang together in the chart
A nonmetals line

There's one more you might not know
It's called Astatine ____
One that you will never use
When in class with me

Diatomic molecules
Aren't all the same
But the seven up above
You must know by name

Taking on the Challenge

Today I was inspired by an amazing woman who possesses the tenacity I've longed for in myself.  I've always admired her. 

She has taken on a "One a Day" challenge - one which is certain to transform.  I chose to join her in that endeavor and will be doing my own one a day.  I will do each of these things every day for 30 days.  I suppose I can say that I will spend ONE hour each day on these...or work until it's accomplished, whichever comes first. 

1.  I will read something worthy of my time in addition to God's word, daily.
2.  I will do something active daily for 30 days. 
3.  I will do something creative daily (photography, poetry, writing, other arts)
4.  i will organize SOMETHING in my home, car or classroom daily for 30 days.

Today was day one...I did them all.  Compelled by what to keep my word to myself, I don't know.  But, within the process I found a part of myself that I'd been missing. 

1.  I'm reading books from my students' reading lists this summer so that when school resumes, I can discuss whichever book each child chose to read.  Today I read Uprising, about the Triangle Factory Fire (though it's fiction).  I'm enjoying getting some history in with an interesting tale of young ladies who represent actual lives that might have been affected by this tragedy.  In addition, I had a special answer to prayer during my time with God today.  ...more on that in a separate post.

2.  It doesn't sound like much, but I spent time cleaning my house today as my "something active."  I got a lot done.  It's nice to look around and see that not only was I not my previously lazy self, but I now have a nicer space in which to live.

3.  Before writing this entry, I wrote a more creative metaphoric piece.  I'm not especially proud of it...well, not at all really...however, it is the first creative something I've done in a long while.  I have a lot to write this summer for school next year...poems, stories, and songs for my students about our various science topics.  So, I suppose this was a decent enough starting point....we'll see how it goes.

4.  Organization is something I did WELL today.  I re-organized several kitchen cabinets and got my "new food" put away...more on THAT in a separate post, too. 

Life is better when one has a challenge to meet and isn't simply taking up air, existing.  So, I owe my inspiration a giant THANK YOU. 

Don't know if she'll read this, but Miss Hannah, I love you, woman.  You continue to raise the bar and just your "going for it" encourages me to reach farther and try harder.  I may never measure up to the gold standard you set, but I'm a better me than I was when I follow your lead.

Encased in a Cocoon

I've lived my life as a caterpillar
Plump and juicy
About my Father's business...sometimes

With purpose...often

Living to eat...for a while

Voracious appetite
for knowledge...and food

Not really watching the consequences

In my quest for MY way
I became destructive to myself and others

I saw myself as ugly
I'm sure many others did too

I continue to be far from what my Maker created me to be

God sees what I will become - He has always known

Only recently did I decide
It is time

Total transformation
Letting go of the caterpillar I am

The process has begun
I am now encased in God's cocoon.