Dara and a good January

So, it's almost the end of January and so much has happened in a short amount of time. I went back to work, made new friends, managing 2 groups on Facebook, continue to work on this blog (which has received very positive reviews...thank you!!), finishing up classes for graduation (I'm completing my 3rd college degree; an Associates in Human Services), and staying positive. I even met one of my favorite news reporters! With all this snow and me slipping and sliding all over the place (icy sidewalks aren't fun), it's been a good start to 2011! I even bought a new phone. I'm not a techie kind of person, although I like new technology. I'm proud I actually bought a phone that's up-to-date and beautiful to look at! I'm loving it!

I look forward to more surprises and possibilities. I believe there's more surprises to come, and I'm excited for its arrival. Maybe this will be the year I meet someone special. A lady can dream big right? :)

A photo time line of my start in 2011...

My little tree

My little tree stands tall under all weather conditions. I notice her everyday I walk to work. She hangs over calmly, although when it's windy she has a hard time standing up straight. She seems relaxed, not caring if it snows, sleet, or rains. She still looks beautiful and healthy. I'd like to think of myself as this tree. That despite anything, I will stand tall. I always want to be calm when things don't go my way, or feel confident when there's uncertainty. Sometimes I feel I am leaning like my tree. Our reasons are different of course. She leans because this is how she's built. I lean because I feel lost, lonely, or sad. I lean when I don't know what to do, or can't solve a problem. At least during bad weather, she sustains it without too much damage. Unfortunately, I have the constant reminder that in icy weather, I can slip and fall. When I slip, it's uncomfortable, when I fall it cripples me. I cannot walk, and I no longer feel whole. Like my tree, I want to be beautiful beyond any situation. Beauty is a great thing to have and it's not only physical. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder. I'd like to think I'm beautiful like my tree. I wonder how much abuse she had to take to remain her beauty? Abuse can take away a person's beauty if allowed. It almost happened to me.

My tree and I lean, sustain all types of weather conditions, and may take some form of abuse, but overall we maintain our beauty. We continue to stand tall.

Monday is a Brrrrr

It's the beginning of a new week and it's COLD here in New York City! Seventeen degrees this morning with an afternoon high of twenty-four degrees. By night, it dropped. I could tell by the tingling in my fingers. I probably wouldn't have minded if I didn't have to wait over 20 minutes for the bus! I could barely feel my feet once I sat down. Getting off was a challenge since majority of the sidewalks were icy and slippery. Walking home was a journey in itself. Mother Nature is definitely giving it to us hard! I guess I shouldn't complain, there are places that have worse weather than we do. One thing I am not happy about is the changes with bus service. Soon buses throughout the five boroughs are going to have reduced service on both weekdays and weekends. This includes my bus as well. For as long as I could remember, my bus never had any delays, reduced service or needed a reason to add a limited buses to its route. Time has truly changed. What worries me is we are still paying more for service we are not getting. Something is wrong with this picture. So I guess this means I'm not getting home early, nor am I going to have a comfortable commute to work. Did I mention the overcrowding on buses and trains? On cold days like today, delayed service is a no no. Not only does it cause a longer commute to and from home, but hypothermia, frost bite, and cold just to name a few. This is a brrrrr all the way.

And here comes the criticizers

I have come to the conclusion that this world is filled with criticizers. I am not suggesting people should not express their opinions, or have their own beliefs. In fact, I welcome that. But what I don't understand is the level of ignorance some people have; those who takes facts and twist them to appease their own egos. In other words, they don't want to actually "see" what is happening or what someone is doing. Instead they want to criticize, poke fun, or simply disregard it. There are people working hard to get answers to things that deeply affect us. Why do they do this? It's because they care and want to make a difference. This is a difficult task, and even more difficult to gain respect. I believe when someone is able to overcome those things, they shouldn't be put down in any form or fashion. There are two types of criticism: constructive and negative. Constructive criticism is correcting someone's mistake, and giving advice on how they can improve. The constructive criticizers I respect, because they are looking at the facts and try to understand what the person is doing. However, the negative criticizers take one fact and run with it. They don't try and see the situation for what it is; just look at one thing and put it down.  I guess this saying is true, people always have something to say whether good or bad.

Enigmatic Him

Drawn

by your uniqueness

constantly on the go

wondering about

your next move

Mystery

traveling along your thoughts

wanting to know

the plot

of your experiences

Artsy

photos filled with colors

buildings, food, nature

shares a story

along your path

Magical

creativity flourish

through your words

body language influences

a curious audience

Kind

humble to the unknown

gently smile

to the hearts of many

Lures me

into your world

of simplistic joys

that is you

Original poem by Dara K. Fulton

Cloudy Monday and a smile

On this cloudy Monday, I am feeling a little "hum drum" because it's gray, icy, and slushy outside. Ahhh how much I DON'T like the ice. And since I know a lot of people who don't like this kind of weather, I've decided to do something that can take the "glommy-ness" away.

Here's a BIG SMILE from me to you:

Remember to smile, even on the gloomy days. The sun is only hiding behind the gray clouds and will peek out when its ready. Have a good day!!!

Change

Change is something most of us need. Whether it's change with jobs, environment, relationships, or within ourselves, change is apart of life. On this special day, Martin Luther King day, a man changed the minds and feelings of people within a society divided by race. He had the ability to preach love and tolerance, bridging together communities of people. Dr. King was able to pave the way for African-Americans, and believed that all men and women are equal and shouldn't be divided because of race. I admire him very much, because I feel the same way he did. I am passionate about people, and love to help others. I believe that race shouldn't be the reason for fear, hatred, or any form of prejudice. Everyone has the right to be who they are and should have the opportunity to learn from one another that's unfamiliar to them. I believe change has been done since Dr. King's legacy. We have an African-American president, we as a country are comprised of many different nationalities, races, cultures, and beliefs. We have freedom of expression through voice, music, writing, and so much more. Because of Dr. King, I have opportunities presented to me I probably wouldn't have had if he didn't make a difference. He has given people, like me, hope that we can be united as a country where we love one another without hate. Love is truly the answer. I hope someday I can make a difference in people's lives. It's my goal that I can bring people together through love and tolerance, like Dr. King, and help people around the world. This is my dream, one that I strive to accomplish everyday in my line of work--teaching.

Happy MLK Day 2011.

public office and New York City--are they for me?

With all the news that's going on today, sometimes I ponder about getting involved in public office. Although I was never one to be interested in politics, I feel more compelled to keep up with what's going on in our local, state, and federal government. As a New Yorker, I'm very concerned with the way this city is being ran, especially when it comes to our transportation system, housing, education, and job market. Of course, these issues aren't limited to just New York, but since I live here, I can only express how these issues affect me. I feel our housing costs are too high, transportation is okay but could be better, unemployment still exists, and education needs a lot of improvement, especially with adult education. I don't mean to single out adult education, but since I am an adult educator of English as a Second Language, I feel adult literacy gets pushed aside and not considered a priority. Also, I feel the response to problems in this city tend to be insensitive or nonchalant especially from those individuals who are in charge of public safety, transportation, or job security. I feel this place is becoming cold, not caring about the people. It's sad because I've lived here all my life and feel instead of us getting better, we are losing our priorities and image of being the "greatest city in the world." I'm starting to doubt that we are the "greatest city in the world," more like the most difficult. I hope to become involved in public office someday to fight for the people and stand up for what's important. Maybe someday I'll get that chance.

Eight-thirty Aspiration

"Okay everyone, thank you." I point to my watch. It reads 8:30pm. "Good job today, have a good weekend!" "Thanks teacher, have good weekend!" I stand up from sitting in a very comfortable chair and walk to my desk. "Clang clang," the sounds of chairs being put on students' desks. I begin sorting out my papers. "Here teacher." He hands me his homework. "Thank you Jet."  We smile. I stack my papers and books together. I look up, "Bye bye everybody." "See you teacher," some students said waving goodbye to me. The door closes. Silence creeps in. All I hear is me putting students' homework papers in my bag, books thrown in another bag I leave at work, and chalk pieces falling on the floor. I finally look at my hands and they are full of bright orange, yellow and pink colors. I chuckle silently. I erase the board as chalk dust creates a cloud around me. I sneeze, and realize the cloud left its mark on my black vest. I don't mind. I walk back to the desk, take another gulp of, now cold, tea, hold the empty cup, grab my coat, bag of books, and strap my bag on my shoulder. I get to the door, place my hand on the handle, and suddenly feel the urge to stop. I look back at the desks, chairs, and board. "I want my own classroom," I said to myself. I smile, take a deep breath and turn off the lights. I close the door behind me, and walk down the school hallway emotionally in silence.

The hype was upon us

Okay...the 10 to 14 inches of snow was actually 9.9 inches (so to speak) instead of the "foot" of snow predicted. Many of us thought this storm was going to be treacherous, but it wasn't that bad. Sanitation did well in clearing the streets, and the MTA was running on or close to schedule with the exception of the Long Island Railroad (LIRR) and Metro North trains. One thing that was true is the drop in temperature. It is COLD outside! Unfortunately, this means icy streets, sidewalks, and makes walking difficult for the body.

Today, I was under the weather with an ear ache, shoulder/back ache, and leg pain. Need I say more? I stayed home to rest so I can be ready for my class tomorrow. I can't be away from my students for too long, they depend on me and I miss them :)

So what will Mother Nature bring to us next time? Guess we have to wait and see. I'm happy the Mayor, Sanitation commissioner, and MTA reps kept their word in keeping New York City moving. I hope I'm not speaking to soon...if you live in NYC anything is possible!


This is how it looked around 3am this morning

Are we ready?

In New York City it's predicted we will have 12-14 inches of snow from tonight until all day tomorrow. It is 3:15am and the snow is really coming down. The mayor and MTA commissioner has assured us that the city will do better in snow removal, public transportation, and informing the public of up-to-the-minute updates about the weather. Let's hope that will be the case. I don't think we want a repeat of the December 2010 blizzard. Neighborhoods were at a standstill, people stranded, and lack of communication. It was terrible.

Will we be ready this time? Stay tuned.

Going through my thoughts

8:25pm

I'm sitting here listening to music and thinking about the snow that we received on Friday. I admit I'm not much of a snow fanatic, but it was beautiful walking through the park with snow flakes falling on me...especially on my eye lids. I don't know why but I like it! I even played in the snow, smiling in it and taking pictures as the snow fell over everything! This is the first season I am enjoying the snow. I guess I am changing as I get older...strange.

Tomorrow is Monday, second week of the new year already. Time is going by fast. I have so much to do this week, and although they're all positive things, I still become anxious about the new challenges I may face. I have a few waiting for me, but I promise myself I will keep an open mind and stand tall. I am happy I am keeping busy, and have the ability to walk again. This time last year, I slipped on ice and hurt my hip to a point I couldn't walk. Going from doctor to doctor, physical therapy and constant examinations, I was miserable. I feel thankful I can walk and enjoy the things I used to do before my injury. I believe one shouldn't take things for granted, because you never know when it'll all change.

They're talking about snow for this week again. Let's hope it won't be another blizzard. But if it is, then I'm ready to make my snowman! :)

New week, new beginnings.

A lonely train ride

Heading to a training class, I found myself alone on the train. Usually I feel nervous, but for some reason I didn't. I felt calm and relaxed. The heater beneath the seat warmed me from being out in the cold. I listened to my music and began to daydream. I reflected on my first week of class, the new students I met, seeing my co-workers, and adjusting myself to my new work schedule. I thought about getting close to finishing school, doing my internship, and the joy I will feel when I walk down the aisle. I daydreamed about the newness of 2011 and what I want to accomplish. I daydreamed about my future and the people I'm going to meet. I thought about someone I admire and hope to meet someday. "This is Broad Street,  last stop on this train." I heard the announcement as we pulled into the station. I knew I had to break from my daydream and walk off the empty train. I didn't feel lonely anymore.

Meta-Me

This is one of my first poems. I've written it back in high school in the 10th grade (1997).

Meta-Me

Red heat splashing down
into darkness
Tiny specks--fragile and new
growing out of the dirt
Such a glow of red orange light
I see it clearly
Shades of all colors joined together
Like a unified rainbow
The pressure felt upon me is unbearable
The heat that surrounds me
changes my look of disfigured specks
and mixes my internal structure
The energy I posses
has been sent down upon me
from Mother Nature's many elements
Where I come from is like no other
My world is never the same
I can be anything
Me today or someone else tomorrow

I am a rock
I am metamorphic

Original poem by Dara K. Fulton 

In the poetic mood

Today I am in a poetic mood. I am posting some of my poetry here. Hope you like them. I am definitely living up to the name of this blog by being CREATIVE! :)

Hope everyone is having a happy new Monday of 2011!!!!

Falling Leaves

Scattered tears
Running away from fright
Conscience in mind
Scrupulous in sight
Searching for a place
leaving depression behind
Time to clean up this waste
that's plaguing our minds
Falling leaves--find the way
Show us
what is it your trying to say?
The gentleness of one
can be a solution to many
Guide us along the right path
tell us what can be done
Lets be free and alive!
Let us all one day survive

Original poem by Dara K. Fulton  Fall 2000 

I am Rasmussen! 2010-11