#sol23 July 25 You Have Money

 

For teachers, there are no 'end of the year' bonuses, nor are there 'bonuses' for helping struggling exceed their goals. There are simply the 'pay steps' in full view of anyone who wants to search the internet.

So, when my niece sent me a note saying, simply, 'you have money' on an unclaimed funds site, it felt like sort of a 'once in a lifetime bonus' that I immediately explored.

Magically, in just a week, the unclaimed funds were at my house as if they had been sitting out there in cyberspace just waiting to be found! While a far cry from an annual bonus for a CEO, it was a lovely surprise.

Leading me to an unexpected dilemma of what to do with my 'windfall.'  I realize I don't have the stress I would have if I won the lottery, but I don't want to put my found money into my general funds!  

I could provide finder fees to my nieces; that would be fair.  OR

I could go to a spa for a massage; that would be fun. OR

I could donate it to the local back to school backpacks for kids fund; that would be generous. OR

I could go on a shopping spree; that would be fun, but I don't need anything. OR

I could take a lucky someone to dinner and a movie; but, it would be hard to decide who to take!

Thank heavens I did not win the lottery!  I would be a mess!

#SOL23 July18 A Tree Fell On Me

 

Let me go back to the beginning of the story. 

"How did you fare in the storm last night," I asked expecting to hear of a power and or internet outage in her rural, woodsy area that was clearly in the path of horrific storms that have plagued our area this summer. 

"Well", she began, "the biggest challenge was hail that really didn't last long but really banged up my roof and destroyed my garden.  It also left me with a tree branch that is hanging over my house.  Amazingly, I only lost power for just a few minutes this time."  We reminisced about past storms where she was out of power and internet for weeks and I thought things were in a good place.

Until she called to talk about the report from the insurance adjuster who found a destroyed roof, damaged gutters, mangled screens, and at least one tree that needed immediate removal. "I am trying to find a roofer, carpenter and tree removal service that can be here asap," she said with urgency.  I was a little concerned until she assured me she knew a great tree removal service and so I was optimistic she was in a good place. 

"Well," she began the next message, "a tree fell on me and I spent the day in the ER. You know the drill, CAT scans, x-rays, and lots of stitches to close the hole in my head.  I'm going to be OK, but now my porch is destroyed."  I was a lot concerned, but returned the call to offer care and support.  

For so many in our area, a pattern of intense summer storms with flooding rains and damaging hail has resulted in damaged homes, businesses, and roads.  I'm not really sure if this is due to 'global warming' or just bad luck, but the old song about "Rain, rain, go away," is playing on repeat around here. 

sol23 July 4 Beginnings & Endings

 

June is always a busy month for those of us in education as it marks the beginning of summer vacation and the ending of the school year.  

I've wondered how "anyone" would plan a wedding or other big event that might wait during June!  Yet, the calendar, inevitably fills with special celebrations as we work towards that longest day each year!

This year, I witnessed a Christening, wedding, graduations, retirement, and a celebration of life. 

I've reminisced and remembered how such moments have marked my own life. 

I've wondered how the trajectory of others might unfold?  

I've thought about the powerful sunsets (thanks in part to Canadian wildfires) and the days that mark endings to chapters of our lives.

I've remembered that we all, walk towards the future, towards new, unknown beginnings every day.