Oh the things you will find in a backpack of mine...

I cleaned out my backpack today.
I found the normal stuff: I-pod, contacts lubricator, money, comb, chap-stick, lip gloss, writing utensils, band-aids, jump drive, lotion, femininities, etc. Use your imagination, or really, just look in your own backpack.
However, I also found (not surprisingly):
--A-440 tuning fork
--whistle
--glue-stick
--ultra fine point black sharpie
--art pencil and gum eraser
--napkins
I have also been known to find the following:
--markers
--scissors
--tape
I think one's backpack can say a lot about a person.

I keep so much stuff in my backpack. This is why I take my backpack places when I don't need to sometimes. It's too much of a hassle to transfer it to a purse.

Maybe I should decrease the number of items in my backpack. It can get really heavy between carrying around books and food. Maybe the books aren't the problem... I could shed a pound or two if I got rid of half the little stuff.
But what if I need that extra something special in my backpack?

Nightmares in the south bedroom of G6

Normally, I don't remember my dreams, but lately this has not been so...
Instead, I have woken up the past two nights with signs of relief mingled with remnants of fright and terror.
Unfortunately, these dreams cannot be recounted perfectly. Only fragments of my feelings remain, and only faint scenes can be replayed in my mind. I would rather not review those dreams anyways.

Friday night could have been a happy dream full of love and peace. Instead, this dream was full of loss, shock, and betrayal. Meagan met a boy, fell in love, and got engaged... all in the same day. I didn't understand--how could Meagan leave me... alone!
(Note: This is an exaggeration.)

After a visit to the Draper temple open house and a visit with an old friend (Actually she is is only 22, and we are still good friends... except she's married), only pleasant dreams were to be expected. We even watched a lovely movie full of short 5-minute films about love, called Paris, je t'aime. One could only expect dreams full of "happily ever afters." But, alas, 'tis was not meant to be.
Instead, my dreams were full of vampires--in the disguise of children. Myself and others were supposed to be protecting and watching these children. Eventually, we were protecting others from these children. However, I felt weak, vulnerable, and scared. I wasn't much help and depended on those older, wiser, and stronger than I. I don't remember much more than that. Thank goodness! My alarm clock this morning had never been a more pleasant sound.
It must have been that short film about the love of vampires...

It's the start of something new...

The beginning of every semester always starts the same old way. You'd think I'd learn.

1. Denial of my enrollment in classes and the subsequent homework.
2. Acknowledgment but apathy. Forget homework... let's play!
3. ACK! Too much to do! I do care after all...
WARNING: This phase includes high stress levels, possible grouchiness, and much self-pity.
4. And finally... adjustment. I rock at school.

Pondering..

I just wrote entries for two other journals... why not one more?

I have 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6... at least 6 different journals, oh wait... make that 7. Yikes. Journals in so many different plays cannot be effective.

The educators of future elementary school teachers have a thing for journals. Supposedly, they're good for you. Okay, so they are. However, when they are an assignment they are not always as much from the heart as they should be. As of now, three of my classes require the students to write a journal or various reflections.

Then, I have a personal, daily journal. My New Years' resolution is to write in it thrice weekly. I have written in it once... Elder Holland was right.
I also have my scripture journal.
Thirdly, I have a physical journal with about 10 pages left. I wanted to say I had at least filled up one journal in my life, so I can't quite be done with this one yet.
Then, of course, I have this blog thingy. I think this one wins for the most consistent entries as of late.

Well, I am off to... you guessed it! Write in another journal...

Marissa, the El Eder???

Well, I have officially started the elementary education program, a lifelong goal. (Okay, actually the goal is to become a teacher, but ya know...) I loved elementary school and had great teachers, and pretty much ever since then I wanted to be a teacher. Even once I was in the music program, I debated about whether I wanted to teach a regular classroom or music. Academic subjects were easier for me, and I wanted to continually work with the same 20 kids. However, the elementary music education program slowly molded and redirected my passions. Recently, I decided that yes, I am in fact going to teach music. I love it.

Now in the elementary education program, I just feel different than everyone else. First of all, I doubt half of them are really that passionate about teaching kids. But, ah, such is life, I guess. Second of all, I feel older and wiser than them. Yes, even though half of them are married. Partly because I basically just finished the music education program--I know a fair amount about education. And, I am 1-2 years older than them. Thirdly, I believe in the importance of a well-rounded education, including the arts. Not all of them do.

Something is wrong in the public school system today. Why are some kids at-risk? The traditional school setting and teaching methods are obviously not working for all children. I mean, "Hello!" we are all different and different methods need to be applied. Children need to gain experiences and not just digest a bunch of inapplicable facts.
I believe and in fact, I know, that pushing arts out of the schools and viewing them merely as a "frill" is part of this problem. Some children may learn concepts better through the arts--you would be surprised at how much music can teach you. You can develop many different skills while studying music--physical,emotional, volitional, social, and even mental. (If you don't believe me, I'll send you the 16 page research paper I wrote last semester.) Some kids may simply need music as an outlet and a source of pleasure in school.
Anyways, today's school system and people's disregard of the arts drives me nuts. Period. The next 2 years in the elementary education program could prove quite interesting...

Also, I have discovered a pet peeve: pessimism. This is not directed at y'all (namely, Meagan and Jenn) but to classmates. Venting with close friends is quite different than negative comments from people you don't even know. There are people griping and complaining in some of my classes about the structure and layout of a couple classes. Honestly, the teachers have a heck of a lot more experience than them. I think they know how to educate future teachers. (Even if they don't, they are typically under someone else, who designed the syllabus). Plus, there is nothing you can do to change the structure and format of the class. Focus on the positive stuff. If it bothers you... drop the class.