Sometimes it's nice to get recognized

Every quarter, we give awards to our students for honor roll, merit roll, character, improvement, attendance etc. It's nice, and you can tell some of the kids get really excited about it. Well unbeknownst to the teachers, the principal and asst. principal at one of my schools decided they would start recognizing teachers too. I wasn't present for the assembly since I was at my other schools, but when I arrived, our asst. principal immediately asked if I heard the news? Well after a very confusing conversation because she wasn't sure she was supposed to tell me, I find out that I got an award at the assembly. My principals recognized my positive attitude and hard work with the students. Awesome! So I was very grateful as they handed me the certificate. But what felt even better, was that throughout the afternoon, students who were at the assembly were proud that I got an award, and they kept telling me about it! Hey they were paying attention!! "Hey Miss Skoch, Congratulations!" "high five!" As nice as it is to get recognized for what I do from the principals, it's even nicer to get a little thanks from students!

That winning feeling!

When I compete in swimming, and triathlons, I am doing it for me. I like the challenge. They are both something that is physically difficult for me, and I push myself to get better. When I compete in sailing, it is a little different.  Its not the same intrinsic feeling of getting a personal best. But I have this competitive side... which anyone who knows me are probably laughing and nodding just reading this! But when I swim and do triathlons... I am not worried about the placing as much as I do in sailing. With Triathlons.. usually there are so many people that I don't expect to be as fast, and with swim meets, there are so few, that when you win out of 2 it doesn't feel the same. But that great feeling comes when you finish and you see your time, and you realize "hey I just did that better than ever before!!" Or, in your heat for swimming, you hit the wall first, and see that little 1 next to your lane. Although the people next to you may be in different age groups, or male, its such an amazing feeling to look up there and see the 1 plus a great time!! Today I was able to get a PR in 2 of my events, and placed 1st in my heat in one or 2 of them. Such a great feeling. And I got to share it with the support and excitement of our Lakewood swim group. We cheered for each other, congratulated each other, and supported each other. Overall... a pretty great day!!

Sometimes a compliment helps (tuesday)

Today was pretty much an ordinary day, students were good, classes went fine, came home and got some work done for a foundation I am on. I headed to a board meeting for this foundation, and I will admit, some days it takes a lot out of me. I have been on this board for several years, and am starting to feel my time is up. I have spent the past year as secretary, and have to admit, I feel like I could have done a better job. There are still loose ends I am trying to tie up. As tonight's meeting wore on, I felt myself getting frustrated, wanting to keep things moving. I know I am guilty of talking too.. :-) Then came the issue that I wish to retire from the secretary position. And no one steps up to the plate. I get it, i really do... everyone already has a lot on their plate. So as I am feeling like I am going to be continuing in this position, someone asks to clarify that I am JUST retiring from the position not the board, and I hesitated. Because, honestly I am not sure my heart is in it anymore. But the light in the tunnel at least for tonight's meeting was someone looking me in the eye and saying they really appreciate me being on the board and my strong personality is an asset. Thank you. Sometimes it helps to hear the little things. And to anyone reading this, who I may have snapped at during said meeting, Sorry...I get impatient when I am tired! ;-)