Driven

To be driven: that's what I was taught by my good parents in my early elementary school years, and later on, tried to emulate on my own. Having the drive to work hard at things no matter how bad the odds look, no matter what everyone else thinks or says. It started in elementary school when I learned that an "ok" completed homework assignment was really not ok or acceptable. Not (just) because we were sticklers for "A's" (ha-ha! :)) but simply because they knew that I could do better. And that's how I learned that I, and really anyone, can do better, that there's always room to improve and to elevate oneself past previous experiences, performances, etc., and do better and better every time.

And just like my parents worked hard to engrain this spirit and drive into my heart and brain, Hrishi and I are hoping to do the same for and with Ella. Maybe sometimes it feels like too much recognizing that she's only almost six but I think it starts early. 

A couple of days back we were at Target in the dollar section of the store (I love that part of the store, don't you?) where most of the time I find these awesome little gizmos, fun school and learning supplies, stationary and the such. Since I love flash cards, I grabbed quite a few on addition, subtraction, phonics, sight words, and world famous landmarks.  Knowing that Ella is tired at the end of her full-day of kindergarten, after-school and extra curriculars such as piano or ballet, I've been trying to figure out a way to squeeze in a bit of "home learning" into her already busy schedule, here and there. So last night, while she was playing in her toy den/closet, I went in, sat on the floor with her, flash cards, pen and paper in hand, and while we're playing dress-up with her stuffed animals, we're also doing additions and sight word reading. Pretty nice, I thought! She didn't seem to mind it too much, in fact when she realized she was getting it, wanted to do more.

And while Ella made progress with her addition skills, what I learned from all this is that I can always rely on the Spirit to teach me how to teach her, how to get creative and do the things which I know are right for her and for us, even with very little time on my hands.

Speaking of creativity, I remember some really neat stories told by my dad from when his dad, my grandfather, would have world geography lessons with him and his brother as young boys, using an imaginary map on their kitchen wall. He would teach and then drill them on major rivers, mountain chains, desserts, mineral riches, landmarks, or capital cities of the world. He was a wonderfully skilled man with his hands and an avid learner, mostly self-taught. He had a very rare love for learning and reading. (He even read Selections of the Book of Mormon before he passed away.) Needless to say that I share and treasure these stories a lot. But this is for another post.

It's not always easy to get motivated and stay driven amidst life's crazy ups and downs.... but it's probably the thing that helps us move forward and keeps life interesting and exciting. It has rewards. And speaking of rewards, I was very fortunate to be recognized for my work contributions yesterday with a BRAVO! company award. It's the first one in my seven-year tenure with the company, and so it means a lot to me. And although I know that my work is appreciated every day, a little official recognition doesn't hurt! :) It feels good, very good, in fact. The crazy thing is that I had a premonition the day before yesterday and all day yesterday that I would get it. I don't know why...maybe Hrishi is right: it's probably because I really really wanted it! :) (And Hrishi, even from out of town made a lot of funny jokes on me but I love him anyway! You see, for him this is a piece of cake since he's got quite a few BRAVO!'s and other awards under his belt.)