Leaving New Hampshire

Once again it is that time to leave New Hampshire and working with children doing outdoor environmental education. I really do love working with children in nature, it reminds me of why I'm an environmentalist in the first place. To inspire wonder about the natural world in my students is my main goal while working here. For others it might be team building and anti-bullying, but for me it's getting kids excited about nature. Which is no easy task. It takes time to develop a relationship with anything, be it caves or computers. Children are more and more being encouraged by their parents to stay inside. Many reasons are valid, if you are in an urban area perhaps children running around in the streets isn't the best choice. But if you are in an area of the world which has forests and green spaces many children don't have access to those without their parents.

This is why the program I work at is important. It gives children access to nature and time to develop a connection. Children need nature, it's been scientifically proven that children with learning disabilities such as ADD, ADHD and social issues are more at home in nature. Often times teachers point out children who have disabilities as being challenges in their classroom only to be the best children in my field group. If a teacher hadn't said anything to me I would have never known that this child was having problems in school.

Thanksgiving Part 1

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays. This year, much like Halloween, I'm doing it in parts so that I can celebrate with the most people that I can. 

My friend Jen and I were talking while driving around in my car the other day and I mentioned that it would be fun to do a pre- Thanksgiving meal with some of our friends that we work with. My very close friends in New Hampshire have all become a bit of family for me. So Jen and I began to plan, this was our first thanksgiving in which we were in charge. We got a list together, planned our meal and then went shopping. Everything was fine and then we were in the store and we looked at the chicken vs. turkey options and decided that chicken was going to be a more suitable sized chunk of meat for us. Then as we were walking around I asked Jen 

'Have you ever roasted a chicken before?' 

'no. have you?'

'no.' 

'huh, this is going to be fun' 

So after buying everything on the way back home I did what I always do when I have questions about cooking, called my mom. She explained about how long she thought it would take and to put tin foil over the top of the bird.... blah blah blah. As Jen and I cooked the next day we realized that this wasn't actually that bad. Everything turned out delicious! 

 Everyone got together drank some wine, talked, connected, and generally had a great time. The house was full at the end with positive energy from being with those you love and value. This I feel like is the spirit of the holidays. I'm glad we found it. This year I'm thankful for friends and family, and friends who have become family. 

Voting

When people start talking politics I usually turn and walk away. Political debate really doesn't interest me. I know what the candidates stand for and I feel that I've informed myself to make the best choice which lines up with my own values. However, election day is the one day which I do become excited about politics. 

There are places in the world where people do not get the opportunity to vote, or if they do their votes don't matter. Corruption and lies unfortunately goes hand in hand with politics. The guy low on the totem pole doesn't always get his voice heard. I'm not saying the the United States is free from this kind of controversy, but at least I feel safe to go to the polls, cast my ballot, chose the candidate I want and leave without having to look over my shoulder. The United States voting system is far from perfect but I feel that everyone should participate. 

Those who chose not to vote are giving up their right to chose their leader. Apathy with lead us nowhere. Be proactive and vote.