... because, life is a lot more than 'brainy' academics and it's healthy to branch away and indulge the playful every now and again. I recently ran across this article and loved the idea of bringing it into our elementary classrooms as well for some time-out, embracing the social breeze bonding for a few. On 5 individual index cards, and no set order, students select any five questions, and if desired substitute or include a fun one of their own making to share with their class buddy, who will then share one question and answer reveal with the larger group at the beginning or end of our school day. And in fairness, teachers are also expected to participate and share their answers too. My kids held me to this from that very first teaching year, finding us at my favourite beach spot hangout decades ago. I've never forgotten that eventful day. In short, have some close-knit, maybe even quirky, fun...
1. What are you looking forward to right now?
Actually, meeting up with my good friend for our cozy and casual catch-up weekend lunch at a loved low-key and rustic burger barn. It's not so much the eats per se (although it's really good), but hopping on our spacious and luxurious city streetcar, and enjoying the much slower ride, all 30 minutes of it one-way, to the end of the line pretty much, chatting our heads off and having some good laughs, all while enjoying the outdoor view and hearing the latest in each others' larger world. It's like picking up from where we last left off regardless of how long ago that may have been.
2. What do you do to 'escape' the heavies of life?
I don't think we can truly escape it, as it still spins in its own fragile web in the here and now. But a few 'soothes' include, disconnecting for a day each week. Other things include losing myself in music for little bits of the everyday and often discovering new-to-me artist. Just last week, I ran into this video while streaming music in the background and loved everything upbeat, freeing and effervescent with the track. Plus, doing something creative such as working on a blog post, making ice cream, trying a new recipe, and indulging myself in some outdoor nature captures as is. Usually quiet solo activities, they refuel the soul to get back into the many simultaneous layers of life.
3. Who is your favourite superhero?
That would be Jeannie (Barbara Eden), from the fantasy hit sitcom, I Dream of Jeannie. Freed from her bottle (by an astronaut, of course, Anthony aka Larry Hagman), and on a beach(!) too, I've always enjoyed her whimsy personality, playfulness, and magical prowess with the blink of an eye or nod, ponytail and all. :) Their years long relationship on screen is filled with all the ups and downs of couple life mixed with lots of magic, wildcard effects, living and enjoying the moment, and having a happy and very do-able balance. I can relate.
4. What's the best thing that happened to you this year?
Knowing that my dad is still around and all the unexpected ways he communicates his presence and even when he's going 'travelling' for a few; I'll get a heads-up. From a brush against my shoulder or playing with the ribbon on my bag, to cloudy frame silhouettes or mid-air swirls, a sudden whiff of his favourite old cologne, images on my screen to a place he's been and when googled there's a message, feeling him hovering behind me and watching me work, and even playing with my sister's cat while they are asleep at night. It's not so much dreams these days, but these strong physical experiences that are always a surprize. I never know until it happens. So I guess I still can't go rogue as he's keeping watch. :)
Is there a charitable cause you support or are interested in?
Creating educational material in the mathematical arena that spark an engaging, I want to do this and learn more mindset with our young children, especially our most critical of the junior grades, Grade 3, where complex skill-building really takes off. I started here, and then branched out to work with larger collaborative groups, and highly highly recommend Adapted Mind, an interactive and online from the comforts of home, work and review Mathematics and Reading concepts website, covering Kindergarten through Grade 8. Being a part of a wholesome cause greater than the self is what makes us a higher species (fingers-crossed here).
Photos via. :)
