Lesson 98: SAT

Today while reading the morning newspaper, I learned a little piece of good news: Washington state has the highest average SAT scores in the nation for the fourth year in a row. In addition, more than half of all eligible Washington state students took the test, a statistic that usually leads to lower test scores.

I've never been a huge advocate of standardized test scores being the sole indicator of success, but I do believe that Washington's accomplishment is significant. There has to be some kind of metric to indicate whether or not students are learning what's supposed to be learned and whether or not teachers are effective in the classroom. Multiple factors should be brought into the equation, but I believe that these test results are a piece of the puzzle in building a better education system in our state. Sure, there are students who learn creatively and don't do well on tests, but the bottom line is that these tests measure the basics of what students should know. And being a "creative learner" who can't pass a standardized test won't get you too far in life...unless you're one of those one in a million artistic talents.

Do we still have a long way to go? Of course we do. But I'll take every little gain because they all matter to that child sitting in that desk.

Lesson 97: Hershey Kisses

I think that by now all of my coworkers know that I like to stash candy in my desk for the midday slump. Hershey Kisses are one of my favorites because they satisfy my chocolate craving without the interference of crunchy nuts or gooey centers (although you can opt for the fancier varieties that include almonds or cherry cordial centers (I don't recommend the latter!)

Today while unwrapping a Hershey Kiss, I noticed that the plume no longer simply bears the "Hershey Kisses" name. Instead, once I pulled that strip of white tissue, I notice that the faded blue writing said "You Rock" and another said "Looking Good." Just what I needed to get motivated for the rest of the day.

Hats off to you, Hershey's marketing department! Way to make give us little self-esteem boosters where we least expect them.

Lesson 96: Invisible Teardrops

I've never been one to show all of my emotions when I've been hurt. There have been times when I think that crying equals weakness, and no one wants to be around a crybaby. But today I came to the realization that no one can go through struggles alone and come out okay.

Humans weren't meant to be alone. Sure we have those moments when that alone time is refreshing, but ultimately, we're better together. And the thing about hiding those sad emotions is that no one can dry invisible tears. It's better to swallow your pride and let those emotions out so that someone can wipe them away.

Lesson 95: Stars Fall, Too

There are so many people in this world who I admire or am even a little jealous of, and I can't help but think my life would be better if I had their circumstances.

But today it hit me:

No matter how great a person seems or how well things seem to be for them, they can still fall. Even people who seem to have perfection down to a T have something about themselves that they'd like to change.

Learning how to be satisfied with what you have may be one of the greatest gifts you can ever give yourself.

Lesson 94: Lies

My brother and I had a long talk today about societal expectations. We spent some time recounting how we were brought up and what life was like when we were kids.

Back then, I didn't expect to be where I am now. I imagined myself living my life in a sequence that women are expected to live it: Graduate from high school. Graduate from college. Become a doctor. Get married. Move into a mansion. Have children...all before the age of 30. Here I am now with less than two years until the big 3-0, and I'm chose not to become a doctor. I'm not married. I don't have kids (unless you count the 4-legged variety) I'm cutting back on my cost of living, so that mansion is nowhere nearby.


Maybe all of those things will come to me one day (except for the doctor thing--I don't do blood), but if they don't, I'm choosing not to accept societal lies that I'm lacking in value just because I didn't meet these expectations that some amorphous "they" set for me. And I learned that such a choice is okay. No matter what, there will be some people who accept me as I am, even if they don't seem like they're nearby.

Lesson 93: Stand Up to Cancer

Who would have thought that 1 in 2 men and 1 in 3 women will get cancer in their lifetime?

I'm terrified.

Lesson 92: Sensible Shoes?

I love heels. They make me feel grown up, and I feel like people take me more seriously when I wear them. That's why, when I'm in a position where I'm in charge of adults who are older than me, I wear heels. The higher the better. But today, I learned that my new position isn't always conducive to 3-inch heels.

Today I was wearing tan Steve Madden heels. So cute. But heels, coupled with a long work day and going between three different buildings make me realize that I may need more practical footwear. I've never been one to wear flats, but I'm afraid that I might have to start wearing them as I go between the offices. Besides, there's a reason why I like to carry big bags...There's room for shoes. :-)