Today I smile!!!

Ok I was challenged to a writing assignment this am....ok Lainika Johnson!?!?

2012-Ok let me say that I am pooped from all of the celebrations over the last week or so....my eldest turned 24, completed his studies at UofA and moving to chi-town to dance professionally; my youngest graduated from 8th grade and his band received high honors in their competition; my only princess turned 17 today and is headed to her senior year with a full AP load.....

WOW this status brings me to a moment of gratitude and some fear. Today’s status will read….on this day my only princess is gearing up for her high school graduation and her 18th birthday on Saturday. Until now, I wondered why I didn’t feel some sort of despair or mixed emotions. But it is the excitement of knowing that I have succeeded yet again in raising a wonderful child into a responsible adult. She has graduated from high school….and God’s grace has kept her away from all of those negative distractions that normally prevent the young mind from excelling. She will attend U of A in Fine Arts Department, Film and Production. My youngest is completing his freshman year of high school and I can’t keep the high school football coaches away….but we are focused on education first and football second (see you in junior year). My eldest just turned 25 years and he is dancing in California, Washington and Oregon. I am living my passion....Philanthropy and Service....what more can I say! I have come through so much yet received so much more and I am bursting to share it with others!

I DID IT! I survived! I am still standing! He did not break me! And I am ready to concur another year….I think God knows I can handle his assignments…I am a little fearful of how high he believes I can soar…I am seated, strapped and wearing my sunglasses…I am ready to pass the sun!

This writing assignment brought back a great feeling. Boy have I missed sharing through blogging. I think I am back!

With love and service....Bettina

Money Saving Tip at the Gas Pump

I received an email which provided this Money Saving Tip at the Gas Pump, not sure if it actually works, but what the heck, I decided to share it anyway......


TIPS ON PUMPING GAS


I don't know what you guys are paying for gasoline.... but here in California we are paying up to $3.75 to $4.10 per gallon. My line of work is in petroleum for about 31 years now, so here are some tricks to get more of your money's worth for every gallon:

Here at the Kinder Morgan Pipeline where I work in San Jose , CA we deliver about 4 million gallons in a 24-hour period thru the pipeline.. One day is diesel the next day is jet fuel, and gasoline, regular and premium grades. We have 34-storage tanks here with a total capacity of 16,800,000 gallons.

Only buy or fill up your car or truck in the early morning when the ground temperature is still cold. Remember that all service stations have their storage tanks buried below ground. The colder the ground the more dense the gasoline, when it gets warmer gasoline expands, so buying in the afternoon or in the evening....your gallon is not exactly a gallon. In the petroleum business, the specific gravity and the temperature of the gasoline, diesel and jet fuel, ethanol and other petroleum products plays an important role.

A 1-degree rise in temperature is a big deal for this business. But the service stations do not have temperature compensation at the pumps.

When you're filling up do not squeeze the trigger of the nozzle to a fast mode If you look you will see that the trigger has three (3) stages: low, middle, and high. You should be pumping on low mode, thereby minimizing the vapors that are created while you are pumping. All hoses at the pump have a vapor return. If you are pumping on the fast rate, some of the liquid that goes to your tank becomes vapor. Those vapors are being sucked up and back into the underground storage tank so you're getting less worth for your money.

One of the most important tips is to fill up when your gas tank is HALF FULL. The reason for this is the more gas you have in your tank the less air occupying its empty space. Gasoline evaporates faster than you can imagine. Gasoline storage tanks have an internal floating roof. This roof serves as zero clearance between the gas and the atmosphere, so it minimizes the evaporation. Unlike service stations, here where I work, every truck that we load is temperature compensated so that every gallon is actually the exact amount.

Another reminder, if there is a gasoline truck pumping into the storage tanks when you stop to buy gas, DO NOT fill up; most likely the gasoline is being stirred up as the gas is being delivered, and you might pick up some of the dirt that normally settles on the bottom.

To have an impact, we need to reach literally millions of gas buyers. It's really simple to do.


Anonymous

Re-Birth in 2010....Living a life of Happiness!

A friend described the choice and steps you take to remove yourself from an extremely difficult and (emotionally) harmful situation is like the birth of a baby....

....starting with the onset of labor-you've decided to remove yourself from the situation, you've developed the steps necessary to move out of your situation, and now you are putting your plan into motion;

....actual labor /contractions-implementing your steps, moving through a dark place, feeling despair, not able to see the light at the end of the tunnel, feeling as you are moving through this place all alone;

....the birth canal-experiencing the pain of moving out of the situation, overcoming the pressures of your choice, experiencing pain so great you just want to give up, maybe feeling some distress;

....the birth-your rebirth, the new you, accomplishment of survival, pleased with your choice, HAPPINESS!

As with labor, everyone's experiences are hugely different, but the process is the same. We recognize when a situation is harmful, feel the pain and know what is needed to live pain free. We have to go through "some things" to get to a happier place. But sometimes we live in our situations because it's easier and no effort is needed.

But your happiness is necessary! Why not seek it and attain it.

I am living in the birth canal....I will be re-born in 2010!

I will WIN in 2010!

Is Technology Helping or Hurting Us?

Recently, I experienced the total break down of my cell phone. Yes, after taking an important call, which required more important telephone calls, I was no longer able to use my cell phone. TOTAL BLACKNESS! This phone would not power up after turning it off or even after removing and reinstalling the battery. I wanted to cry. All my contacts were in there, personal and professional. Notes....those little reminders, of which I knew I wouldn't remember, were listed in my cell phone. Yikes, while on the go that day, I couldn't even read my email. I felt like I was out of touch with the entire world. I couldn't even call my mother on her cell, whom of which is just as or even more busy than I am, because I don't remember her cell number. I quickly began to think that maybe I shouldn't have put so much dependence on this piece of technology.

Is the old fashion way of writing things down obsolete? Does anyone keep a phone book anymore? I'd bet you don't even keep a check book register because you can sign onto your online account and monitor your activities and review your balances.

What would you do if you could not use your cell phone or computer for 1 day? What if technology shut down for 24 hours? No Facebook! No Twitter! No online News Updates! No Email! Would you be ready for them to wrap you up in the white jacket? Well I was totally ready for them to wrap me up and place me in the padded room.

My phone was fixed by a representative at my network provider. I was not aware a hard reset could solve that problem. Awesome I thought. But I lost everything, no contact, no notes, no old emails. But my phone is working...yippee! But my brain is blank....I have to recapture everything, or will I ever be able to? I should have written it all down.

Xavier, Jingle Bell Rock

November 14, 2009, Xavier College Preparatory Mothers' Guild hosted its 40th Annual Holiday Dinner and Auction, "Jingle Bell Rock. The Annual Holiday Dinner and Auction is the School's 1st major fundraiser of the year. It was a huge success.

Each year the committees within the Mothers' Guild work hard by selecting a theme and color scheme. The colors were awesome and are shared as early as in the invitations.

This Silent Auction event displays a host of donations made by businesses ranging from the communities of Scottsdale to Ahwatukee. Xavier designs an Auction website, which is a great tool for marketing and advertisement for these donors since a photos and/or company logo along with a direct link to the donor's website is provided. Xavier also recognizes its donors through program recognition, mentions in other publicity and printed materials. Xavier further encourages their families to patronize these donors and businesses that participate in the Annual Dinner and Auction.

The decorations this year were out of this world, and also provided by local business as well as designed by Xavier's theatre staff. Of course, the color and theme was carried out in the decorations.

The weather was perfect for the evening. There was a huge turnout and large participation in both the silent and live auction. Items donated ranged from gift cards to local restaurants, to FBR tickets and vacation stays in places like Sedona and Mexico.

All of the money generated from this year's event will be used to build Xavier's new "Founders Hall", a multi-purpose building that, in addition to including a cafeteria, classrooms and larger chapel, it will give the student athletes, club members and activity participants a much needed place to gather.

Again, Xavier College Preparatory Mothers Guild works extremely hard to make this event a huge success, and I have to say they pulled it off again this year. I am glad I was a part of it all!

are there GREAT Schools in the Phoenix area?

I shared a tour with my good friend and business partner yesterday to learn about her daughter's school and to learn more about their expansion. Now I believed I was doing simply that....attending the tour to identify where I could be a physical help to the school and possibly build business relationships. Well I received a whole lot more!

When I arrived on the campus, I was greeted by my host, a young man, age 11. He was polite and courteous, and held a meaningful conversation. Now to us adults, we may think a meaningful conversation, with an 11 year old, means that he answered all of my questions in order to maintain the conversation. Well I was totally surprised. He actually asked me questions, which gave him information about my 11 year son, what school he attends and that he as well as my son keep all parents on their feet by always being busy. Now let me point out, this young man, was opening the door for me, extending his hand for me to enter the way first, and articulately directing me to my destination, while having this conversation.

My surprises did not end there.

After meeting and introducing myself to the other attendees. I listened to the dream and vision of the school director and immediately became emotionally attached. Now I know my personal educational journey for my children and how I can truly be anal when it comes educational choices for them, but to hear of another personal journey and to see the bricks and mortar result, was really emotionally. I was totally ready to see these children.

Now, I will share that my eldest child (now 21 years old) attended a Montessori school from pre-school age to 5 yrs old, but I was no way prepared for the experience that took place over the next 50 minutes.

First, we entered the infant to 18 month old classroom. This room is completely "shoe-free". Yes, all of us on the tour had to take our shoes off. We entered a room totally designed for these "little people". I call them little people, because the school has designed the room with no limitations for them and allows them to explore their independence. The beds are on the floor; there are no cribs, bouncy seats, high chairs, etc. Yes, no high chairs. These little people have tables that are designed for them low to the floor and as soon as the children are able to sit on their own, they sit at the table. They will drink from cups/glasses, no sippy cups, and use "little people" sized bowl, plates, and silverware, as well as their fingers should they choose to. It was joyful to see.

Next, the school shared how the 18 month to 3 year old children, explore their independence during their lunch. After the children finish eating, they remove their plates, clear any remaining food from their plates into the trash, and wash and rinse their dishes in another area completely designed for "little people". Of course, these items are thoroughly cleaned later by the school.

In the 3 to 6 year old classroom, we observed another of the school's methodology of teaching the children early skills in public speaking. These children were sharing an item they brought from home with explaining all the details about their item.

Of course, witnessing the children in the 6 to 9 year old and 9 to 12 year old classrooms revealed a who different level of independence and respect along with a huge appetite for learning. These classrooms showed children learning while seated on the floor, independent learning on a sofa full of cozy pillows and some working on the computer, researching.

Another of the school's methodology is to include the outdoors into the full scope of the children's education. The environment is strictly a natural environment, with trees and plants. The children are prepared to have a complete learning experience outside, with books and educational toys as well. I do not remember seeing any swings, play gyms, etc outside. Additionally, the children beginning at ages 3 enjoy their lunch outside, with their teachers. Each table provides the children with a family style environment and teaches them the etiquette of sharing while enjoying a wonderful lunch.

Aahhh, I saved one of the best for last.....the school provides a hot, ORGANIC, lunch. Now, I always talk of adding organic groceries to my meals, organic fruit, organic chicken, and maybe even organic nuts. But reading a sample menu of lunch at the school taught me that I am in no way organic. Heck, I am not even on my way. But I would love to have lunch at Desert Garden Montessori. Desert Garden also has a wonderful organic garden, in which the children share in the work of the garden.

OK, for those that are reading this and know what the true methods of a Montessori school are, may be thinking that I have not really shared anything significant or different about Desert Garden Montessori. And may be I didn't. But until you experience the truly welcoming and loving environment of the school, you will never know how truly different they are.

On the tour, the director shared that when she was searching for a school environment for her 3 year son, she looked for key qualities in the school....Did it smell, or have an odor when you walked in? What was the vibe of the school? Was there a community unit within the school?

Well I can tell you, Desert Garden did have an odor when we walked in. An odor of cleanliness. Each classroom, smelled clean, and fresh and our tour took place between 10:00 to 11:00. (I would love to know what products they use). The vibe was welcoming, each teacher, and staff member we passed, greeted us with eye contact, verbal hello's and smiles. The children talked with us, and smiled. I watched them run over, hug the director and share their grades from a project. The entire school is a community...the parents are involved in the school, whether as staff or volunteers.

Again, I am a true advocate of strong primary education, my eldest in his senior year at University of Arizona after two years at University of Oregon, my daughter a freshman at Xavier College Preparatory, and my youngest at Benjamin Franklin Charter School, a 6th grader completing 7th grade curriculum. But, if I had 11 years to do all over again, I would have been right there when Desert Garden Montessori opened and my children would have completed their primary education there.

For more information on Desert Garden Montessori or tour information, visit their website www.desertgardenmontessori.com.

(opinions in this blog are of Bettina Vance Johnson)