A demonstration of being "directionally challenged"

So, a little "maggie's travels" story. I had this very cool experience a few weeks back where I found my way to Whole Foods (both of them). Somehow, I thought I had followed the SAME road all the way to get to both (and Briarwood Mall). So, yesterday, I wanted to get back to that road cuz it also had an Art Van store along the way as well. I knew how to get there from 23 by taking 94.

However, as I tried to exit from 23 onto 94, (which by the way, is a horrible idea at 6:00 on a Friday evening), I couldn't exit - too many cars and no one was letting me in.

No problem, I thought. There is an exit for Washtenaw Street (which is the street I THOUGHT, I wanted anyway) further up.

I knew enough to know that I wanted to head west toward Ann Arbor. Yay me!!

So, I exit happily on Washtenaw. Indeed, I find the first Whole Foods. Great, I think. Right on track.

And I drive. And I drive. And I drive. Next thing I know, I am in downtown Ann Arbor! And, I'm saying to the dogs, "I don't think we are in Kansas anymore". I was certain, by then, this is was not the road I wanted to be on. So, I drove through Ann Arbor/UM. I found my way to 94 (where I had to head EAST cuz I really drove that far!), to State Street (where Briarwood Mall is) and to Eisenhower Hwy - not Washtenaw. I guess it pays to actually REMEMBER the name of the streets I'm driving on.

I got to Art Van, to Whole Foods and back home again by 8:00! All of this to say, that all my other travels and exploring really did help me find 'landmarks' to find my way back.

I did have my phone, but it was in my purse and turns out it was running out of juice. Turns out at some point, I should have gotten on Stadium Road, which hooks up to Eisenhower. Ah yes! It all came back to me then :)

Maggie (Sunny and Lucas too!) on the move

Yes, its true. My time working for TBAISD was short but very fruitful and energizing. As a sort of lark, in late August, I applied for a job with a school system just south of Ann Arbor, Milan Area Schools. Those of you who know me well, know that I am always looking. I don't often act on the things I find. For me, it has always been about looking around and seeing what skills I might want or need to update and what my skills pay on the open market (of course, it is often the open market in education - not all that profitable!).



To my surprise, they called and asked me for an interview. As I drove through the town, I was charmed! It reminded me a bit of Empire, but also of my 'real' hometown, Farmington. Some lovely large old homes, a subdivision of ranches/saltbox homes snuggled up again the two churches and the Milan Elementary and Middle School. Further out of town, is the "other elementary school", the high school and the central office on property that is beautifully, well, farm like.

These buildings have clearly been recently renovated. As I would soon learn, more renovations are scheduled (but more on that later).


The job is working with data systems - a student information system, state reporting functions and the new initiative taking K-12 education by storm related to assessment and data for student success. I know that doesn't sound like me, but since working at Glen Lake, I learned a tremendous amount about state reporting, graduation rates, etc. But, more importantly, I also found myself interested in how data (good assessments) could help inform instruction, and transform good instruction into great instruction!


And, I suspect the educational/instructional technology 'side' of me will find a voice at the school as well. They are in the process of building a Center for Innovation, for their high school seniors! Yep, a little farming community with a Center for Innovation! I may also continue to offer teachers throughout Michigan the opportunity to participate in the 21 things for educators through regional educational media centers throughout the state.


So, I have been looking for rentals in the area. The key is having space for me, Sunny and Lucas.

I know I am fortunate in that Empire will always be my home and place I will return to - both for vacations and in retirement - or sooner!

Maggie

A letter to Congress

A former colleague of mine @ GL posted this on FaceBook. No matter your political affliations - I laughed.

Dear Congress;
Last year I did not keep a close eye on my funds and this year I cannot decide on a budget. Until I have come to a decision that fits all of my needs and interests I will have to shut down my checkbook and will no longer be able to pay my taxes. I'm sure you'll understand. Thank you very much for setting an example the citizens of the USA can follow.

There is some irony to April 15, isn't there?

A gentle spirit...

In August of 2002, I met a very handsome golden retriever who was the sweetest, most gentle boy dog I had ever known – Dakota Casier. So just a little background on my experience with dogs - when I was growing up, my family only had girl dogs. Somewhere in the back of my head, I thought boy dogs were meaner or less gentle. Boy, was I wrong.

Dakota was THE faithful companion to the owner of Sleeping Bear Orchards, Bill Casier and he may have been a father of some pups at some point in his life.I have a vague recollection of seeing some “marriage” photo when he was younger, perhaps, just before ‘hooking up’ with some golden retriever girl! For most of his life, I think, Dakota was never far from his master’s side. In the orchard, in the truck, in the house – where Bill was, Dakota was never far behind.I recall Bill’s nephew, Michael, telling me about the day Bill went to close on his house in Empire. Dakota was not in the car, so when Bill left to go to the bank, Dakota started to follow him on foot! The amazing thing was he seemed to realize following the car was futile and returned to the orchard (and Michael) on his own.

His impact on me drove me to buy the most beautiful girl dog, Sunny. She is a lighter golden than Dakota, but she has a similar temperament. Ok, let's be honest - she IS a bit more high strung than laid-back Dakota.

What was so amazing was how he could be trusted. Bill, I’m sure will take credit for great training – but I think Dakota was just that kind of dog. He certainly never needed a leash for getting in and out of the car or in traversing the orchards. He came when he was called – EVERYTIME. He was the most patient dog with my high-strung, ear biting puppy Sunny (when she was little).He would just shake her off and keep walking – even when she was hanging on his ear! Poor Sunny just could not get him to fight back, but he would chase her now and then - and was always pleased to find a drink of water at the end of the run. I’ve watched Sunny with her ‘rescue dog’ brother and figured she learned to be a patient ‘sister’ dog because she remembered how Dakota treated her when she was a growing pup! I suspect, she learned most of her manners from him.

A few years ago, I bought Dakota some beefy bone to chew on. It was the funniest thing, Bill said, ‘bones don’t seem to be his thing, he picked it up and dropped it in the middle of the floor and hasn’t touched it since then’. I stopped by one day – weeks later - and Dakota went over the bone and started chewing it! Bill and I were both dumbfounded. I am sure he never touched it again.

This weekend, Bill lost that faithful friend of 14 years. Bill was quite stoic when he told me – and I drove away weeping. You are already missed ‘baby boy’, Dakota!