This past week held two big milestones for me–my 15th wedding anniversary with my Prince Charming and my new adventure into the world of “Middle School Teacher.”
My Classroom
This afternoon I skipped (yes, skipped–I do that sometimes just to scare the students) down the hall to obtain a large sheet of white butcher paper so I could start my “Character Traits” poster with my classes. As I walked back to class, I started thinking (and yes, smoke did blow out of my ears), if I was the main protagonist in a book, what kind of character traits would my students, and better yet, my own family, write down for me?
I’d like to say my list would look like this: loving, joyful, patient, kind, good, faithful, gentle, self-controlled, compassionate, forgiving, grateful, honest, helpful, well-mannered . . . or anything halfway close to my own protagonist in 18 Things. The best time to catch me displaying some of these traits are after a few cups of coffee in the morning 🙂
Reality probably looks more like this: frazzled, frustrated, angry, busy, grumbling, bi-polar, worried, brutally honest (to the point of being insensitive to others), oversensitive (when comments are directed toward me), a “yes person” (most can see that “YES” sticker plastered across my forehead from a mile away which is why I get roped into too many activities). This Jamie appears after working all day without chocolate because she’s trying to be a healthy role model for her students and is therefore now suffering massive sugar withdrawals.
Not a pretty picture, aye? I’d say that’s more of the “home” Jamie than the “Mrs. Ayres” at school. If I acted like my real self at school, I’d probably get fired! Luckily, my family hasn’t figured out a way to get rid of me yet.
It’s not like I want to be this way. So it’s funny when I opened up my book to do my bible study tonight and read the words of Paul in the book of Romans, chapter seven: “For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out. For what I do is not the good I want to do; no, the evil I do not want to do–this I keep on doing. Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it, but it is sin living in me that does it . . . What a wretched man I am!”
Yep. Luckily I believe in a very forgiving God who gave me a very patient husband 🙂
Our wedding kiss *don’t everyone aww at once*
My faith has taken me through 15 years of marriage with two beautiful daughters and no doubt will take me through my years as middle school teacher!
At the end of my Bible study today, I had to write a description of a good role model. I simply wrote this:
Someone who always loves. Without love, actions are empty. A role model’s criterion for their actions isn’t based on what they like best, but what’s best for those around them.
While I’m on the subject of love, Ima gonna break down dat definition for ya like it’s 1990 and it’s Hammertime at my middle school dance:
Love isn’t a feeling *Gulp* I don’t think I could ever “fall out of love” with my husband. Instead, love is a decision to meet the needs of others before yourself. It’s not a natural inclination past those first days of marital bliss. Love is something we must choose to live every day.
Now, as a writer of love inspired stories and a teacher, I’m an expert on definitions, so there’s no need to confer with Webster *steps down off pedestal*
I’m taping my role model definition to my bathroom mirror as a reminder of the type of person I should be each day, not just on the days when I feel like it and not just at work. There’s a quote by Erma Bumbeck that goes, “When I stand before God at the end of my life, I would hope that I would not have a single bit of talent left, and could say, ‘I used everything that you gave me.”
Or as Master Yoda puts it: “Do or do not. There is no try.” Talk is cheap. Words without action=failure. When I look back at the chapters of my life, I want my traits to resemble the characters in the books that inspire me.
What’s your definition of a good role model? (Lord help us if anyone says Justin Bieber, lol. Thankfully, I don’t think any of my middle school Language Arts students have found my blog yet! *looks around with crazy eyes*
Until next week, Live~Laugh~Love!
Jamie Ayres 
Jamie, that’s so true – love isn’t a feeling. It’s a commitment. And I agree with your definition of a role model.
Thanks, Alex . . . if only everyone agreed with me, the world would be perfect 😉
So beautifully written! Congrats on 15! And yes, Awww! My DH and I are 21 years and counting : ) My ideal role model was my mom…even if I can only be half as loving and generous as she was, I’ll be doing great!
Aww, that’s sweet! I’d also look to my G’ma . . . she passed away from cancer when I was 20 but her impact will last for generations to come–I hope I live that kind of life!
Happy Anniversary, Jamie! 😀
Thanks, Carrie!!
Skipping along the school hall – priceless!
Maybe I’ll add singing tomorrow 😉
LOVE.
I had to blog today to show you that your edits didn’t kill me, hahaha ❤
Beautifully written and might I say, I’m impressed that you skip down the halls!!! The kids must love you!!
HA! They don’t know what to think of me yet . . . but my first period class actually groaned when the bell rung today and thanked me for such a fun lesson 🙂
Congratulations on your anniversary. For me, a role model encompasses one who is able to yes, love and be gentle, and yet know her mind and be willing to take risks to live the life she knows she was meant to live. She lives her Christianity practically and truthfully but not like sword ready to slash. I know several women, older than me, who do this so very well. They seem to inhabit peace.
LOVE LOVE LOVE that definition!!
Happy Anniversary! 15 years is a huge accomplishment. Good for you both!
My idea of a good role model is anyone who is always patient. I envy those people who aren’t in a hurry!
And you’ll be such a great teacher. Those kids are lucky to have you!
“Never hurry and never worry.”–some of the best advice I ever received from Charlotte . . . some of my best role models came from the stories I loved growing up!
A good role model is someone who holds onto their dreams and doesn’t let go. They’d be a great role model if they can tell me how to do it without sacrificing sleep. 🙂
Keep skipping, Jaime.
Argh! Jamie. Not Jaime. I’m tired. Too much WRITEONCON tonight. Bed time!
No worries, Jenn! I’ll keep skipping . . . just don’t tell the Little Blue Lady on me–I’m afraid she’d blow me up 😉
Depends on the mood she’s in. Some days she might join you 🙂
AW! (Yes, I’m going to do it.) Congratulations on the 15 years!
I totally agree with your not falling out of love. My husband’s simply a part of me – whether I want to kiss him or punch him in the nose (which, of course, I’d never do).
Glad to see you’re skipping! Keep it up 🙂
Oh yeah, there are plenty of times I want to punch him in the face, but with God’s grace, I haven’t (yet . . . hahaha)
Happy anniversary!
Your Yoda quote made me think of my goofy junior year sociology teacher’s favorite quote from Abraham Lincoln, his hero, “I say try; if we do not say try, we shall never succeed.” This guy was seriously obsessed with President Lincoln. I’m also reminded of a line from Lao-Tzu, “Whoever got to be a master carpenter by just talking about wood?”
A good role model is real to life, with realistic flaws instead of being perfect, who practices what s/he preaches, the kind of person people in the community know they can always come to for advice and personal guidance.
HA! I’m sure my students will be saying “Mrs. Ayres was seriously obsessed with Star Wars” 10 yrs down the road!
OF THE TWO, WHICH HAS BEEN MORE CHALLENGING….???? 🙂
http://bythemightymumford.wordpress.com/
Marriage or teaching ms? Marriage for sure!!!
Yeah, I found that eventually the semester ended and a new batch would come in. Marriage is the learning environment you go home to! 🙂
Awwww… Happy Anniversary, Jamie!
A good role model for me is someone who overcomes adversity and fulfills their dream anyway. If they can laugh and love while doing that, they are my hero!
I love that Erma Bombeck quote. I need to tape that one onto my laptop. 🙂
Yeah . . . my 13yo daughter said she wants that on her headstone . . . kinda morbid, but I get it 🙂
Congrats on your anniversary! And yeah, no way I’d act at work like I do at home.
Excellent post, Jamie! I think that on any given day we could all look like that crazy woman you described. We’re all human, after all. But I hope I’m more like your first description most of the time. P.S., I have been known to skip through the woods when no one is looking 🙂
I got chills when I read that Bombeck quote. I’ve read it before, but it always give me chills. Big congrats to you on your 15th anni!! That’s amazing! It’s not always easy being married, and lucky you for picking the right guy!
Hope your middle school endeavor is every bit as wonderful as you are. Role models are so important, and love really does trump all–even when it has to be tough love.
What a gorgeous post… congrats on the anniversary:) So sweet.
Aww! Congrats on your anniversary. 😀
Wonderful post. 🙂
Happy Anniversary! I love the picture of you skipping down the hall. Your students must love you. Defining love, wow that’s too heady for me this morning, but does 33 years mean I’ve found it? Or did I just quit looking? 🙂
Amazing. Your words can be so humbling and powerful but most of all really heartfelt. I’m so blessed to have met you when I did. Congrats and many more…. And of course aweeeeeee
Reblogged this on By the Mighty Mumford and commented:
FAITH AND A FAITHFUL HUSBAND AND FAMILY…THAT’LL GET YOU THROUGH MIDDLE SCHOOL TEACHING!!!!!!
Thanks, Jonathan!!! 🙂