Those floral arrangements in Pumpkins for Thankgiving that I promised

I have been having fun with my fall floral arrangements.   These were done in pumpkins that I emptied and then put floral foam inside of them with a great deal of water. 
 

I got the pheasant feathers from a friend that hunts and purchased a nice selection of flowers from local grocery store. 
 

I love that they had the seeded eucalyptus because it drapes so nicely over the edge to give that added dimension.
 

Make sure you water generously and remember the pumpkin will get soft so do not keep it too long.
 

If you live in Minnesota and have a family wedding in the coming year please contact me for assistance with your floral needs.
 

With love your retired FACs teacher, Jane

Thanksgiving preparation, Center piece ideas

I have a lot of "stuff" but I use it over and over.  Most of the time it is purchased after the season on clearance, at a garage sale, an antique store, a thrift store, or the dollar store.  I love to decorate but I love a bargain more.

My bargain days started out of necessity because when I was first married I did not work outside of the home and my decorating was certainly considered frivolous. 

Here are a couple of Fall vignettes that I have set up this year. 

The first is so simple.  While on the motorcycle this fall we saw pumpkins for sale on farms.  I purchased them at two different places.  Most of time these places sell their products for a very low price.  The small pumpkins were $1.00 somewhere in Wisconsin and the larger light colored one was $3.00 in Minnesota.  I put these outside for Halloween and chose not cut them.  When it snowed I brought them it and they were all still very fresh.  (I lost one that was a bit rotten.)  The center is on a platter which looked a bit dull until I added the two different ribbons with twists and turns and then the three different candle holders and candles for added interest. 

The second is one of my favorites.  My husband comes home with some very "interesting" things from garage sales on occasion, but when he came home with a antique jar full of polished agates I was elated.  The rocks are my base on the tray.  The tray was purchased after Christmas at Target many years ago.  I then added several different candle holders and candles.  So simple and easy to put together.  I love the burnt down look which brings a lot of great texture.  Believe it or not, most of these candle holders have special memories attached to them which makes me love the piece even more.  (Tip: to wash rocks, put in your colander and spray with water, drip dry over night.)

 

 

The Last:  This is a table in my entry.  I am sure some may think it might be a bit much but I have fun changing the look of this with the season.  The vase is from a recent vacation to another country, The narrow platter has a lovely saying on it that reminds me of my mom, the glass pumpkin was a gift from a friend, the empty candy dish (empty so I don't eat anything) is a piece of pottery made by a friend.  We have a bitter sweet vine growing in our yard which I love.  Many of my friends go in search of bitter sweet each fall and I just go snip, snip in my yard.  A great vine to have.

 

Some of you are going to think that all of these things are so simple yet I know people that struggle putting home displays and center pieces together.  Remember right now it is in vogue to use different metals and colors in one display.  The display with pumpkins has a glass, silver and brass candle holder.  This and different heights gives added interest and variety.  The same goes for the tray on the striped runner.  To start your own centerpiece, look around your house to see what you have available.  Draw up a plan and then go to a thrift store or dollar store to complete your plan.  When you are finished, if you don't have storage, donate it back and try something new next year.  Decorating on a budget is really simple and a fun challenge.  And don't forget spray paint is always your friend!

 

Next week I am going to take those pumpkins up on top and empty them, add foam and make floral arrangements in them for my table.  I hope I will have time to take pictures to share.  I am cooking and entertaining for approximately 30.  Can't wait.  And I mean it.

 

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane

 

A story of resilience that changed my life and a link to a great video message from teachers to students

Sometimes I hear young people talking and I think, yep they have to overcome a great deal in their life.  Recently the news has had several articles about resilience and why some people overcome life challenges and some cannot cope. 

I think that as our society moves forward we will be facing more and more issues that will need resilience from our young and support from adults.  My questions are, what happens to children when the support in their family might not be there for them?  As a person that blogs mostly about education, I fear that educators have been carrying more and more weight on their shoulders because of the decline in family support and continued reliance on government and social systems for help.

Growing up, my family had pretty much what we needed when I was a young child.  Later on, there was difficulty in our home, and there were financial struggles.  I will not go into detail because I know that it is hard and hurtful for some of my family.  What I can reveal is that as children we received our survival skills and resilience from our mother.  She was a strong fighter and she worked very hard until the stress of her life made her very sick.  During the hard times my family lived with very little.  Her example of working extremely hard taught myself and my siblings to also have pretty good work ethic and to be advocates for ourselves.  (My friends that saw me retire early might argue with that.  ;-) )

When I was 19 (between my freshman and sophomore year in college) I got a job for the summer working in a factory.  I was sooooo happy.  It paid a bit more than minimum wage.  I worked days and nights in rotation.  When I started there, the job made me know that this was a great way to get money to go to college but I did not want to continue this assembly work for my whole life.  I did not have a car so a road my bike from my aunt’s house to work on a daily basis.  (She let many of her nieces and nephews live with her throughout her life.  A life blessing that we all cherish.)

One month and one week into my new great job something bad happened. 

I worked in the pit of a factory assembly that was very automated.  Sometimes when there were repairs on the line things had to be manually handled.  One day, I was manually pushing the item we made onto the line and plugging them in to the carts they were placed on to move to the next station.  While pushing the product I got my leg caught in a conveyer belt system.  I started screaming, of course the factory was loud with the noise of assembly, sometimes people goofed around and spoke loud, so it took a while for someone to stop the line.  The controls to stop the system were at my station in the pit, and I was not there.  When someone finally heard my screams and the line had stopped; 18 inches of the 8 foot cart had squished by my left leg.  

It is funny how you remember odd things, but this is what I remember and I am telling you because trauma does different things to everyone.  I do not remember the pain but I do remember going into humor mode.  Several people came to my side and removed the equipment, the foreman was one of them.  I did not look at or see my leg and I know now that it was by design of these people.  When the foreman was going to lift me to the walkway my first comment was, “Let me walk, I am too heavy for you.”  It was self deprecating humor and I did not know that I would not have been able to walk on my leg. 

When the emergency crew came I remember two young men teasing me to ease my mood.  I remember thinking they were very cute and I am sure I told them so.  (remember 19)  They immediately, cut my brand new jeans (Levi's, one day old, I asked them to stop, I really did)  up my and leg and put my leg in a blow up cast to secure it, took my vitals and I was off.    I often wish as an adult I would be able to meet those then, young men and thank them for their kindness that day.  I know emergency personnel are trained for those moments but they and their work really do stay in people’s hearts for a long time.

While in the E.R. my amazing doctor said, “Get an x-ray.”  Not seeing my leg, I casually said, “I didn’t break it.”  His response was, “You had to have broken it.”  It was not broken.  He was so surprised and pleased because this made the healing so much easier.  He later told me that because I road my bike everyday my muscles really protected my bones from a break.  During all of this I never realized I was hurt badly. 

What did happen?  I crushed my leg, fat tissue poured out of my calf, and my skin was scraped off.  

My nurse aunt came to the hospital with my young cousin who was like a little sister.  She conferred with the doctor and before I knew it I was in surgery.  I had a blood clot and would have to face skin graft as soon as the swelling was down.  That skin was taken from my thigh.  I did not see my leg until three weeks into the hospital stay.

While in the hospital I went to surgery nine times.   I was in the hospital one month.  During that time I was promised I would be released for one day to go to my Grandparents 50^th anniversary.  I was never released for that one day due to infection. 

I remember several things from that stay.  One was my strong, fighting mothers face.  She tried so hard to act as if things were not a big deal because for me they really were not, I did not think there would be issues.  I trusted the medical teams so fully that facing added trouble never crossed my mind.

When I was an adult my mother informed me that my leg was so badly infected that they were considering cutting it off. 

I recovered through several months of therapy always ignorant to what happened behind closed doors.  I went camping with my friends that summer; not allowed to go in or near the water.  I went back to college.  I was different though.  I knew deep down that I was lucky. 

I learned to live life fully, to embrace life with zest and passion.  But I also learned that sometimes you just can’t do everything right.  Sometimes you are not perfect, but giving up should not be an option.

Have I always hit those targets in the bull’s eye?  Nope.  I am not perfect.

I have also learned that some people are naturally resilient; some need to be coached to be resilient, to be able to comeback from a tough situation with strength. 

I do know that my mom gave me whatever strength I have through her example of hard work and love.  She was the glue in my life that always showed me the path to move forward.  

Did I have issue as a teen?  Oh yes I did, I was needy, very needy;  but I did have resilience.

I have included a link to you tube that a young teacher recorded after a sleepless night.  It amazingly expresses the feelings of a teacher….for me it is dead on. 

I have included two links.  One is the original and one is by a group of teachers inspired by the original.

With love, from your retired FACS teacher, Jane 

And I hope you find your students energetic and resilient. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-O7v4EJjx-g&spfreload=10


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=j3w_Zs1c6MU

This is what I ended up with.  So much better than a peg leg!!!!

December 3rd is being Promoted as National Family and Consumer Sciences Day, see logo for "Eating at Home" promotion

Recently the American Association of Family and Consumer Sciences and its affiliates made
December 3, 2014, National Family and Consumer Sciences Day.  And what a perfect way to promote
 and celebrate this group by using the theme, "Dining In". 

If you are a FACS teacher or business person you should have this logo on everything that you send out
to parents, families and associates up until December 3, 2014. I suggest you promote making a meal
together and eating together as a family at home for a classroom project.
  Give students credit for this meal: by making it an assignment with recipes pre-planned and required
pictures of the prepared meal and the family cooking and eating together. 

I am so excited for the association to come together and promote you/us and the work that we do. 

Remember this only works if those folks involved with food preparation in schools and business
 promote this project.  Try to send out press releases to your local paper to promote this day or make
 the promotion a classroom project.  I would personally like to suggest that letters should contain the
information with the title Family and Consumer Sciences/Formerly known as Home Economics when
promoting this day and project. 

I also recommend that you start working on this project now so that time does not sneak up on you and
you are ready to go on that day. 

Happy planning and cooking. 

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane

P.S. If you would like a copy of my lesson for the meal at home please leave a comment at the bottom.  There is also a link/lesson of the "Share the FACS" site and the Family and Consumer Sciences site.  Both on Facebook.  You must be accepted by a member to get on these sites.

How explaining Fabric Nap got me into a racial discussion, a touchy subject

This is a touchy subject and it has taken me a year to finally blog about this specific situation.  I can honestly say it makes me nervous because it is so, so sensitive.  I have seen the horror of children feeling bad and left out because of race, weight, popularity and learning disabilities.  There are so many ways for children to be hurt emotionally and feel bad about themselves. 

Last year when I was subbing for the person that took my job I was doing the usual handing out fabric samples, explaining their properties and what they are normally used for in clothing construction.

When I was talking about fabric nap I mentioned black hair and the term nappy.  I did it because it always a difficult term for students to comprehend.  I thought using a term that most students were familiar with would help in understanding.  One student in the room was not happy about my reference.  To be honest I was dumb founded.  I know that sounds ignorant, but I am sure that I am ignorant in many instances with modern culture do's and don'ts.  (And I know that ignorance is not a good reason for doing something.)

I grew up in the 70's when civil rights was at it's peak.  Fashion emulated the "peasant" look, which I embraced and it was "cool" to have an Afro.  I have very straight hair it was all that, at the time, to get a perm and have those tight curls stand up and be sculpted on your head.  In fact, I tried, I got a perm, I would have done anything to have a good Afro.  It was not pretty but I followed the trend in my small town with not one black person but the Lutheran minister's adopted child.  So you see, I. love. nappy. hair. 

Anyway, I mentioned to my former co-workers that a student was upset with me because I mentioned nappy hair when referring to nap.  They each looked at me funny and didn't understand how I could possibly use this term in class.  I never really told them what the comments were because it was a student and I am the adult.  If I make someone uncomfortable I should apologize and make things right.  I sought out the student and tried to talk to her about it but she was still not happy with me and I felt bad.  I knew her well from my previous year of teaching and we had a good relationship. 

The thing that I never told my co workers was that the first comment out of her mouth was, "Would you point out a white persons blond, greasy, stringy hair?"  And my first thought was, yes.  In fact, I use self deprecating humor all of the time and that pretty much described my hair at the time.  (Well not the greasy part, I do shower.)

But, what made me sad was that this child thought her hair was not good enough.  Our society has made straight hair the "look" to have and it is simply ridiculous to believe that straight hair is the best. 

The conversation upset me so much I did some online research and found a blog written by a young lady.  She wore a t-shirt that said, "It is a nappy hair kind of day", a white man asked her, "Isn't that considered racist?" 

There were many comments on the blog and most of them said that it depended on the context and who was saying it.  No real conclusion was formed.

There is no right or wrong answer to the situation.  At the time I asked the, "two" black adults in the building about the situation. (yes I said two)  The one that was my age said she didn't think it was a big deal and the one that was in his early twenties laughed and said loud with a chuckle, "Oh you do not talk about that with girls, you will have trouble."

But my question to all of this is; Is it racist to point out people's differences?  Can I talk about different cultures with out being racist?  Can I talk about people's eyes without being racist?  Can I talk about religion?  Why is pointing out a difference racist?  I can answer this specific question. I am sure it was the term that I used and I will not do it again if I am ever in the situation.

Several times in my classroom I found black students talking about and comparing student skin color.  I have always put a stop to it because it never ended well.  Someone would always feel better and worse in the situation.   I mentioned this to a black friend and she said, "Why does it bother you? We do this."  I was surprised and disagree with its acceptance. 

I am bringing this up today because I brought up race the other day while subbing because we had a heated discussion, in my family, about the "nude" bra color.  (Something for another blog.)  Whenever I bring up race with my former co-workers there is silence like they know a secret about me.  I keep talking they just sit in silence.  Honestly, what is the secret?  Do they think that I don't know that I say things that are not politically correct?  Yes, I do.  Everyone does.  But it does not mean that I am not always aware of the fact that racism still exists in our society and sometimes in my social circle.  You can not be a part of education in a metropolitan area without being aware of racial tone. 

I know that we can not act like everyone has been treated equally, for the last 40 years,  because it just is not true.  I know that there is white privilege.  But I also know that everyone has a story and if you don't know the whole story they should not be judged.  Sometimes it's o.k. to notice that I am white and my cousins husband is from Mexico or my nephews wife is black.  You can dislike the President's politics but still think he is a good guy.  I can dislike some of the food my neighbor eats because it is not my cultural norm.  That is the beauty of the United States.  We are all different.  Now.....if we could and would just all accept each other, and ourselves, as we are....that would be lovely.

Things are just not cut and dried, right or wrong, pink or blue, etc.  Society needs to keep working together and figure out how to educate children to be kind, productive citizens in society and hopefully as educators we can reflect that behavior back to them as an example.

With Love,
Your retired FACS teacher,
Jane

P.S.  On another note that is somewhat related.  I recently went to Jamaica.  My friend read about a new museum in Montego Bay.  We went to visit it and it was so interesting.  It was the history of the island including slavery and how they overcame the slavery.  It was very emotional but well done and I highly recommend a visit there if you are in the area.

 

A great project for adults and children. The American Bread Basket, the "Festival of Breads" and Wheat association announce there bread contest.

Two summers ago, after my retirement, I had the pleasure of being a national contestant in the National Festival of Breads.  It was a wonderful experience and I would encourage anyone that bakes bread to give this baking contest a try. 

I grew up in a rural area but have not been immersed in the farm setting for quite sometime.  The attention we received for our use of the Wheat Associations product was fun and honorable.  We explored the farm setting and each experienced a combine ride while harvesting, we toured a local mill and the wheat storage facilities. 

We spent a day baking and demonstrating our product and were then treated to a lovely banquet announcing the winner. 

I did not win the grand prize money but I loved the experience and truly enjoyed the wonderful people that worked with and assisted me. 

As a former Family and Consumer Sciences teacher I think that this would be a great opportunity for FACS students and thinking outside of the box.  There is a teen category for this contest.  What a great lab project to: write a recipe, test it and then prefect for the contest.   This is chemistry in action!

The rules link:
http://nationalfestivalofbreads.com/the-festival/contest-rules

Link to 2013 winners and their recipes:

http://nationalfestivalofbreads.com/the-festival/2013-winners

Entry form link:

http://nationalfestivalofbreads.com/the-festival/entry-form-2015

With love from your retired FACS teacher!  (But maybe not for long.  Come on, someone, please apply for that job in District 622, MN)

Jane

Stress can change your eating habits, but I am trying to keep mine in tune to weight loss. Simple sandwich recipe too!

It has been a while since I have blogged about my very, very, slow weight loss.  I have been at this for almost a year and although a negative is better than a plus it is going slow for me.

I suppose all of the things that I did this summer did not help but here I am down 11 pounds.  I feel better and I am handling crisis better than before.  I am a stress eater and there is no question about it. 

This fall has been interesting as I have been subbing for a sub, quite often, in a middle school for FACS.  I have promised that if they do not find anyone to fill the position, I will take that job second trimester.  There are some stipulations and really I hope they find a nice young 25 year old to take the job.  I am not good with the discipline that it takes to manage 6th, 7th and 8th graders.  Yep my big fear. 

Yesterday I came home from all day in the middle school and I was about to eat the house.  Instead, after a self talk, I went upstairs, got on my sweats, and went down to the tread mill.

This is want I have been trying to do when I feel like stress eating......switch it over to exercise.  It takes time to switch your brain over but well, most of the time I am managing.

I am still going to say I have goiter and my metabolism is slower than average but down is down, as my cousins say, and I will take it.

Here is a recipe for what I call vegetable salad.  I use it like a tuna or chicken salad spread as a sandwich.  It tastes so good but has few calories and helps with so many of the vitamins and minerals that you need.

Vegetable Salad Sandwich

1 onion chopped
1 yellow, green, or red pepper chopped
1 large tomato chopped (or two Roma)
3/4 to 1 cup packed baby spinach chopped (1/2 inch size)
1/4 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
2 tablespoons pickled yellow peppers chopped
1/4 cup mayo
1 t garlic powder
1/4 t salt
1/4 t pepper
1/8 t chili powder or red pepper

Mix all together and put on bread for a great sandwich.  I like it on rye bread, or a good wheat bread.

Serves 4-6

With love from your retired (for now) FACS teacher,
Jane

Family and Consumer Sciences teacher shortage is knocking at my door.

This summer one of our fantastic middle school teachers chose to move to another district and teach high school. 

This job is still not filled and there is now a person in the position that is not comfortable with the job.

I have been called and although my passion is FACS it was very difficult to think about going to work after the school year had started and develop relationships with these young energetic people.

I said I would take the position if there was not a replacement by the 2nd term but I am hoping there is someone out there looking for work in a good district.

If you are interested in relocating to Minnesota please look at district ISD 622.

There is one full time listing and one part time listing.  The link is here.  Please help out someone that wants to stay retired!

http://www.applitrack.com/isd622/onlineapp/default.aspx?Category=Teacher&subcategory=Middle+School

       My former place of employment.....

With love from your retired FACS teacher.....hoping to stay that way.

Jane

Using your Family and Consumer Sciences Degree, Talents and Interests for Career Changes and Development

I hesitate a bit to write this as I do not want to encourage others to leave the field of Family and Consumer Sciences Education while it appears to be growing and there is a teacher shortage in some parts of the world.

I have been away from the field for one full year.  This week my former co-workers are at workshop creating new technology spaces for their students.  I feel very removed even though it has been a short period of time and I subbed for many of my former co-workers last year.

But in reality we choose to leave education for many reasons.  Location, children, personal change and growth, retirement and the list goes on. 

While "discovering" the new me I have been doing many things. 

1.  Book work for our machine shop. 
2.  Making and selling items on Etsy
3.  Floral Design for a couple of weddings.
4.  Manage shipping and marketing for my husbands new venture, Pringle Bagpipes.
5.  Subbing to subsidize 2 and 3. 

The first is something that I think is related very much to consumerism and managing a household.  The computer applications for book keeping are so easy and simple these days that a couple of months in these programs makes it very easy to manage and learn.

The second two are creative outlets for me.  I am not making much money with these activities but I am having fun.  Although I know that having fun is very important for happiness, I also realize that I am very lucky to have an understanding husband that lets me dabble in these hobbies that might, in fact, cost more money than they bring into our household.

The fourth is also fun for me as I am really enjoying the aspects of social media.

The last is self explanatory. 

So you see if you think that I should have more time, and you think that I should be more active in the FACS association, you now know that I have over whelmed myself and I can't keep up with my "Retirement". 

Keep aspiring to find what components of FACS that you enjoy and maybe someday it will turn into a career. 

Below are a couple of floral pictures from weddings that I this summer.  So fun!

With Love from your former FACS teacher,
Jane

Interesting observations about just 25 cents

It is well known by those around my that I am frugal but also generous at times.  On the other hand my husband comes from a family of penny pitchers to the extreme.  This large family grew up during the 50's, 60's and 70's.  It became a way of life for most of them and it continues on into their adulthood.  The boys in particular.

I must admit that I have said more time than once to my husband "You can't take it with you."  He has sort of embraced that philosophy and I appreciate his effort.  I also make some compromises and one of them is to purchase groceries in the most economical way I can.

I shop at a store called Aldi.  Aldi was started in Germany and Klaus loves this place.  He and his family lived in Germany for several years while his Dad was in the military.  Sometimes there are things that are available that remind him of those good old days.  Klaus is from Iowa but we live in Minnesota.  For some reason Iowa had Aldi long before Minnesota.  The first time I went to Aldi I was like, "What is this place?"  It was much different back in the early 90's.  There were almost all generic items, not much produce, everything was stacked on floor pallets and they don't have bags unless you want to buy them.  I did not have much of an open mind.  We continued to shop there over the years as once a frugal family always a frugal family.  When Aldi moved pretty close to where I live I started shopping there although it is much improved compared to the good old days in Iowa. 

I love it because the locations are generally small and I can make quick trips for our basic household needs.  We don't need much these days.

But, the point of this ramble are the carts.  For me they have almost become a social experiment.  If you do not know this, when you get a cart you have to pay 25 cents to unchain one.  They do this so that people bring them back and they do not have to hire a "cart person".  Makes sense.

I most often purchase a cart.  I only purchase the amount of items that fit in my "grocery bag".  Once finished shopping I always try to give my cart to someone else once I have put the groceries in the car.  When you do this people always want to give you a quarter because when you return your cart you do get your quarter back. 

I know it is ridiculous but I like to give my cart for "free".  I always say, "It's o.k. just take it."  This brings on the most remarkable smiles on peoples faces.  It is amazing what a simple quarter can do for people. 

The funny part for me, is when someone is walking in the store with three giant bags and I offer my cart and they say no and run away because they think they have to give me a quarter.  I mean it is a quarter.  This small amount of money can bring out the most interesting looks and responses from people.  It really is a social experiment. 

Well, yesterday someone gave me a cart.  First time.  Pretty cool.  Yep, I paid it forward and gave it to someone else. What would you do?

What fun.

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane

P.S. My husband does not like that I give my cart away.  Those quarter add up you know.  ;-)

Family and Consumer Sciences: Are we going to be able to sustain as teachers retire?

Yesterday I had lunch with 4 Family and Consumer Sciences teachers from around Minnesota that I have gotten to know over the years at conferences and through meetings. 

We talked about many things.  One friend started talking about how she has spent much of her summer organizing her classroom.  She has been in her current location for over 30 years.  She was mentioning that she would be retiring in a year and then another said it would be two years for her and another mentioned 4 years for her. 

We all wondered at the same time how jobs and positions would be filled when there are currently such low numbers at colleges and universities with FACS degrees. 

This is a real problem.  We are seeing this trend arise year after year and the ratio of retiring teachers to new graduates only seems to be getting farther apart each year.  We also all agreed that rural areas would be the communities to suffer from the lack of FACS candidates as these small towns are much less desirable for young people. 

I know that I have written about this before but I really feel as though FACS teachers need to openly recruit in their classrooms.  Talk about your career, where students can go to school, the opportunities and the importance of Family and Consumer Sciences.

So many students often talk about wanting to be elementary teachers thinking that it will be easier to deal with young children.  Sometimes as teachers we need to put a little bug in these students ears to just get them thinking about different avenues for their future. 

As we continue to promote Family and Consumer Sciences because of the obesity prevention issue we also need to figure out how to sustain (and grow those that we have lost) each and every program that exists in the United States and other places around the world.  We need to work as a team, focus on the good that we do, hope that our example will inspire others to follow our steps so that they can continue and grow the programs we have developed. 

Happy summer! 

It is my hope that as you enter the school year this fall keep this thought in the back of your mind.



This is Becky.  Former Student now at UW STOUT

"Have I recruited a future Family and Consumer Sciences teacher in the last few years?"  If not, "Get on it!"

With love from your retired FACS teacher,

Jane

Old is new and New is old and we do it all over again!

When I was teaching my favorite subjects to teach were those that suggested students be creative and think outside of the box.  Often those classes were higher level classes that used the skill level that students retained from lower level courses. 

It is not always easy for a teacher to be able to conduct courses that are higher level because you really need to know basic content yourself.  You need to be ahead of your students so that when they get an idea you can help them figure out how to achieve their goals.

Pinterest has been a resource that many people love because creative ideas are openly shared with others. This is a quick source to find directions on how to produce a product, which makes creativity very fun.

When I retired I decided that I might try to get a position in industry.  I have a great deal of knowledge and have lived through sever decades.  I was not successful finding a position and I think that many HR departments are looking for young "fresh" talent.  This always makes me chuckle because so much of today's fashion is what we call in fashion history as "revival".  Sometimes I think I could have saved my closet from the 70;s, 80's and 90's, combined them all together and made a wardrobe for the 2000's.  (Of course I could only fit them on my right leg.)

Anyway the whole point of my long indirect story is that re-purposing is here......again!  My mom said this in the 70's when I was making skirts out of pants and I am saying again when I see my former students re-purpose much of their wardrobe.

Last summer my son's girlfriend saw a planter made out of a shoe for gardening and said she wanted to do that too.  My son started laughing and said, "My mom has been doing that forever, that isn't knew."

It is true, I have a couple of old boots with flowers in them.  I also rarely buy planters and my yard is filled with canners, metal tea and coffee pots loaded with flowers.  This isn't for everyone but my random personality embraces it.

I also covered one of my outdoor tables with broken dishes.  I screwed cement board onto the table and fit broken dishes onto the table with tile glue, filled the cracks with grout and then coated the table.  I did this project because someone in my house dropped a box of dishes and I could not just through them away.  I might add that this may be one of the most challenging project I have taken on and I will not being doing it again.

Seriously, I like to think of myself as an intelligent human being....I uploaded these pictures and had them rotated so that you do not have to lay down to see these in the correct direction but I can not rotate them in this blog.  So much for my technical savvy.   

 

What items have you re-purposed in your household?

Please share.

With love from your retired FACs teacher, Jane

 

AAFCS conference in review!

One of my last posts was a long list of all that I had to do before the American Association of Family Consumer Sciences conference in St. Louis and then my vacation with my husband.

The AAFCS conference went well.  There were new events that appeared to be successful and fun for those attending.  For me it is important to see new/young faces and keep those new people involved in the organization. 

The following are just a couple of notes on activities that I was involved in this year.

"Not your mom's PR"

I felt success during our education session and was happy to see the participation of young folks helping those that were slightly technically challenged enter the social media world.  Sometimes those that use social media on a regular basis can not fathom their world with out the android or I-phone in their hand. Yet, I met a great deal of members that were so happy to just understand how to get an account on Facebook and Twitter and use it.

Because we are a group that is so diverse, those that do not understand how to use technology need to embrace it and move forward and those that are constant users of social media need to be patient and teach. 

The presentation is posted on the blog before this.

ESAE

I have been treasurer for ESAE for two years.  I am not necessarily good at that job but took it on because there were not others that stepped up.  I am grateful for a new treasurer and someone to take over and hopefully be much better at the job than I was this year and last year.

The Secondary teachers have always had a silent auction to raise money to support the "Teacher of the Year" recognition.  This year the silent auction did not receive as many donations as in the past and there was some confusion with donations and where to leave them.  

Please remember that when something goes wrong or not the way that you think it should happen; the people organizing the event are almost always volunteers.   These volunteers are often new to their office/position and might not be perfect at all that they do.  Most of these people also have careers, work hard at all that they do; because there is such a shortage of volunteers they often do too much and find themselves caught in unfamiliar territory.

I made dumb mistakes this year....Not enough bid sheets were printed, forgot my change, used the wrong email list of affiliate presidents......and frankly the list could be longer.  But because I know myself, I am not shocked.  I am a total picture person but NOT a detail oriented person.  This is the reason I have NEVER taken on the roll of President of anything.  Can't do it, never will.

The thing is, when you work with someone that is different that you are you just have to accept it and move on.  I try very hard not to judge because I know what it feels like to be the person criticized.  Everyone is different and that is why the world works as it does.  (Let me point out that I am not perfect and I have been irritated by someone different than I but I most definitely appreciate their differences!)

So let us move on and get to the point.  ESAE is vital to the association.  We need to support this group and find a way to have more applicants for teacher of the year.  We need to make the Teacher of the Year experience good for all of the affiliate candidates and make them feel special.  Teachers are fundamental to the AAFCS organization as a whole and it is time to help and guide the group as much as possible.

Community Showcase

This event went so well.  I hope that those that did not know what a community is have a better understanding of them and become involved. 

The Public Awareness community is still looking for a new leader. 

Thanks to the community leaders for doing such a nice job organizing.

With love from your retired FACS teacher,

Jane

Slideshow for Thursday conference presentation, June 25, 2015, "Not your mother's PR"

If you would like the presentation from our Thursday, June 25, 2014, "Not Your Mothers PR" , here is the video version. 

Enjoy.

Jane

A message from "Taking it to the Streets" for the conference this week. Bring accessories you would like to trade.

Hi,

Hope you'll join the fun and bring some things to swap!

Taking It to the Streets/FERM TWICE IS NICE ACCESSORIES SWAP

Friday June 27, 6 to 7 pm Gateway West

Come have some fun!

DROP OFF accessories you no longer want or use following the opening general session at the  Community Showcase Thursday, June 26 10:30 to 11:45, Taking It to the Streets Table.  Receive a ticket to exchange for a new item(s) you can select on Friday night starting at 6pm.

“SHOPPING” available to those who do not donate at 6:30pm Friday in exchange for a $ donation to a local organization

GUIDELINES: items must be clean, sylish (or up to date?), new or gently used.

SUGGESTED ITEMS:  scarves, hats, belts, gloves, jewelry, shawls, scarves, shrugs, anything small so as not to overfill our suitcases…or closets!

Door prizes 6:55pm

Marilyn Swierk

Sometimes Busy People Get more work done. Are you ready for the AAFCS conference?

I am excited about the national AAFCS conference but I am worried that I may forget something.  This week before the conference is insane busy and so are the weeks following!

Monday:  Bookwork for our business
Tuesday:  Meeting with a family to get the flowers ordered for their wedding in August....yes I do floral arranging too.
Wednesday:  Photo shoot for Pringle Bagpipes new product line.
Thursday:  Catch up on FACS items, pack for the week-end and next week.
Friday:  Drive to Chicago for Scottish festival where we will be doing our first show with our Pringle product line.
Saturday:  Scottish fair and show
Sunday:  Drive home, do bookwork, finish packing.
Monday:  Organize all for conference.  Pack for vacation.
Tuesday:  Fly out for conference, meet cousins, organize for conference
Wednesday:  Excursion.
Thursday:  Present
Friday:  Silent auction, ESAE
Saturday:  Leave from St. Louis to San Francisco for motorcycle vacation

And the list goes on.  Do you think that I will be able to relax for our vacation?  Do you think that my brain will turn off and I will be able to focus on fun?

I hope so, my husband and I both need it!

But let's move back to the conference.

I will be presenting information on using social media to promote programs.  I hope that you visit Ashley Davis and I as we talk about the many ways to use technology in your work.  This is Thursday at 3 p.m.

I would also like to bring up the idea of a "Family and Consumer Sciences Day".  The Public Policy group contacted me about this idea. 

There are several items that I listed that need to be worked on with in the organization to make this happen.  I think it is a great idea and I hope that there are members interested in pursuing this concept, "full speed ahead".

This is the quick 10 point list that I have put together. 

Public Awareness:  National Family and Consumer Sciences Day/Week Proposal.

 

1.      Promote through all FACS entities with in the FACS family and in AAFCS, (FCCLA, HERO, Extension/4-H, HEIB, FDA, Restaurant Association, Local and national politicians, etc.)

2.      Choose a day and a week.  Suggested day:  Ellen Richards Birthday. December 3 OR Day Home Economics was started, OR Coincide with conference time in June.

3.      Encourage story writing about programs and strengths of the FACS field in business and education.  (All included, especially those that think they are “just doing their job.”!

4.      Use these stories to and send them to media outlets throughout the United States and national media.

5.      Encourage participation with small rewards.

6.      Prepare talking points for members and other FACS outlets to use for publicity.

7.      Make this a “STAR” event in FCCLA.

8.      Be Inclusive to all FACS professionals, not exclusive.

9.      Involve “Taking it to the Streets”

10.   Find sponsors for funding such as Restaurant Association, Publishers, Food companies, Nutrition companies, Weight of the Nation, etc.

 

Because of the list of things that I have to do everyday now that I am retired....ha, ha, I have decided to step down as chair of public awareness.  I am hoping that there is someone out there that is as passionate about Family and Consumer Sciences as I am to work on this project.

I believe that because so many think that Home Economics is gone we should use Home Ec as part of our promotion.  As one of our FACS staff pointed out Home Ec is no longer thought of as a domestic taboo. 

If you have any ideas or thoughts please comment on this site or contact me with those ideas.

Below is a sarcastic little thought that I want to scream when I see article about bringing back Home Economics...but on the other hand I DO appreciate that people are thinking about my profession and understand the value and importance of what we teach.

Let's bring back Family and Consumer Sciences into the public eye....Now!

Have a great conference, hope to see you there!

With Love, Your Retired FACS Teacher, Jane

 

 

Back to my Weight Journey:

I have been at this for 6 weeks.  I have lost 6 pounds. 

The first three weeks I was so darn close to chucking my plans it was not even funny.  I was exercising and eating approximately 1400 calories a day.  Healthy calories too.  I did not lose an ounce!

But on that last day when I was about to give up hope I finally lost a pound and that helped me stay in the game.

This is tough for old people that do not have much muscle to motivate that metabolism.  But I am determined and I will not give up.

I will once again endorse my fitness pal.  There are some great ladies and gentlemen on that free site that are helping themselves and others through this weight loss journey.

I want to shout out to them and thank them for the help.

I will keep you posted.....even if you don't care.  :-)

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane

Too Many Irons in the Fire.

As a FACS professional I have met a great deal of people that are very much like me.  Because our profession has many components to it, those of us involved are good at a great many things. 

I love to create things through sewing and decorating, I love to write, I love to talk about what we do through my blog, I love to promote, I am good with numbers (sometimes), and I love to speak to people about what they do and what I do.

When I retired early from teaching I decided to focus on creating items for ETSY to sell.  I was going to do this for me.  I knew that I would not make much money at it but it would be a fun hobby. 

I occasionally do floral arranging for weddings.  Two this summer.  But they are friends and it is not a real money maker.

I also knew that I was going to continue to do the bookwork for our family's machine shop. 

So, I thought I should substitute teach to at least pay for my health insurance.

O.k. that is four jobs.

Now, my husband has started a small new company that is really fun and has been something he has wanted to do for years.  Pringle Bagpipes, yes we are making bagpiping items.  I am helping him by doing much of the marketing and start up chores that a new business entails.

So you see my life is still the same chaos I thought I would escape when I left education.  O.K. Maybe not the same.  The stress is different, the jobs are my choice and I have less money.

But oh, I am having fun doing what I want to do;  still getting my kid fix and taking care of myself in a new way.  And still full of FACS passion.

With Love From Your Retired FACS Teacher, Jane

These are practice chanters that our company has made, "Aren't they Pretty?"
FYI traditionally they have been black.  We are starting the customization of color with them and we are causing a stir among the traditionalists.  Imagine me being a part of that.  Ha, Ha.

It is not easy to lose weight....But I am trying! Confessions from the heart

When I retired I decided it was time to take my promise to myself seriously.  I had always said I will lose weight when my kids are gone.  Well, let's face it, I got a slow start.  My son's are 25 and 26.

Last June when I took my early retirement I made a commitment to exercise at least 4 day's a week.  I have been keeping that up and most often exercising 5 day's a week.  The thing is....it did not do much for me weight wise.  In fact it did nothing for me. 

I created the class Healthy living at North High school while I was there, and I always addressed my weight by discussing my lack of metabolism.  Although the numbers from my blood test are always on the edge reaching the mid 50's for a woman, compiled with goiter makes things tough.  I know I was using this as an excuse.  I was also on the "Taking it to the Streets" team addressing obesity for AAFCS.  I was always the fat one on the conference call.  I remember someone saying, "Often overweight people don't see themselves as overweight when they look in the mirror."  I always bit my tongue when I heard that because I do see myself, and trust me it is not a thin person. 

I know that I have always eaten healthy but I will admit I like to indulge in sweet and salty items.  I do not do this on a regular basis but when I do, I do it with flare. 

Recently I started cutting more sugar, more carbs and counting calories.  I really thought that the weight would fall off because I am really following my plan.  I am hungry and that is o.k. I want results.  But man it is not easy.  I lost quite a bit of weight in the late 90's.  While teaching I gained that weight and more.  (60 pounds). 

I know logically that it will happen over time just like I gained weight over time.  But it is hard to keep that follow through and while not seeing many results.  Yet, I know that I will be much happier with myself cutting back and changing my look. 

I know exactly when I got off the wagon.  It was while I was in grad school, teaching advanced foods, reinventing that curriculum and my boys in grade school.  I told myself it was ok to taste my students food "just a little bit".  Then it got to be more and more and I slowly packed it on.  Because I AM a stress eater. 

It is going to take me longer to lose it this time, and sometimes I am going to fall off....but hopefully I can forgive myself and get back to the plan.  My stress is lower, my life is pretty darn peaceful, and I have to care about myself enough to let go of that comfort food that I have embraced for a long time.

For those of you that struggle with the same issues.  Your time will come and you can only do it when you are ready.  I think I am ready this time.

The hard part for us "FACS people"  is that we know nutrition and we can probably help everyone but follow through for ourselves is hard.  One source that I am using is myfitnesspal.com  I do not normally endorse product but this counts my exercise and food. It is easy and I can do it on my phone.  If you have been struggling look it up and try it.

With love from your retired FACS teacher.

Jane

I created a new soup last night: It was good, so I will share.

2 Tablespoons olive oil

1 chicken breast cut in small cubes  (Vegetarians leave out)
1 medium onion chopped
1 chili pepper, deseeded and chopped
2 medium carrots sliced
10 Brussels sprouts, end cut off and cut into 3rds.
3 garlic cloves chopped

1 -15 ounce can chopped tomatoes
1 -15 ounce can navy beans
1 -15 ounce can black beans

4 chicken bullion cubs (Vegetarians use vegetable bullion)
6 cups water
salt to taste
pepper to taste

Choose one according to your liking for HEAT

• 2 Tablespoons Franks sauce for mild hot
• 1/4 cup Franks sauce for medium hot
• 1/2 cup Franks sauce for Hot

Heat the olive oil in a Dutch oven (6 quart pan) sauté` the chicken, onion, carrot and chili pepper until brown chicken and onion is almost transparent.  Then add Brussels sprout, and garlic.  Once those are cooked add the can of tomatoes with juice to deglaze the pan.  Stir.  Add both bean, bullion cubs, seasoning, and water.  Let simmer at medium heat for 5 minutes and add the franks sauce.  Cook on stove top for at least 15 minutes and serve.  You can cook this longer and/or refrigerate and freeze for later use.

4-6 bowls of soup.

A fun day at St. Katherine's University, St. Paul, MN: A motorcycle accessory project for design students

Sometimes being out of the classroom leads to fun little projects that I would not normally be able to participate in when working full time.

Last week Anupama, a FACS colleague, and associate professor, from St. Kate's called me.  Her design students were working on a project for a motorcycle accessory company.  The company had products mostly for men.  The owner wants to expand the line into women's accessories.  Her students needed to research products in existence and they needed to talk to someone that rides a motorcycle. 

Anu doesn't really know anyone that rides but she knew from my Facebook postings that I am an avid rider.  She called and asked if I would come and speak to her class about riding and bring a friend(s).

I was so excited about working with students in design because of course this is a passion for me.  My friend was excited too. 

We were a good resource for this group as not a one of them had ever been on a motorcycle.  We talked about helmets, scarves, things to keep warm and of course how all of these things are "hair" issues.  We discussed the difference from being a passenger and driving the bike.  We shared about the extreme wind as a passenger and the types of protection you need because of the wind.  There was much more plus, just maybe, a few stories to give them to chuckle. 

I can't wait to see what they come up with for their project.  I am so excited for them as they learn and grow with their career's.

What a wonderful "real life" experience for these future designers.

Anu; thanks for the opportunity to work with your design class, even if it was just for a day.

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Jane







Design Students at St. Kate's, St. Paul, MN:  As you can see by some of their facial expressions I may have been telling a story.

My friend Lynn, at the table, and myself.  Yes Lynn did get to talk too.



Family and Consumer Sciences Teachers: Is there a shortage of teachers? Or, are programs being shut down due to shortage? Or, is it both?

This past year the Journal of Family and Consumer Sciences put out an article titled, "Family and Consumer Sciences Secondary School Programs:  National Survey Shows Continued Demand for FCS Teachers". 

In this article they state that although student enrollment is down at the high school level the middle school level has maintained its enrollment over the past 10 years. 

There has been somewhat of a national campaign to "Bring Back Home Economics" and although this is vital and prominent in social media it is clear that FCS programs continue to thrive throughout the United States.  Number of students in FCS programs and corresponding teachers are down.  It states that this could be anticipated with continued focus on "core" academic offerings and lack of funding.  And, in some states Career Pathways has left FCS struggle to find its place with the career technical curriculum.  (p44 vol 105, no 4, 2013)

Through out the 80's school budgets were struggling.  Many schools chose to cut electives.  Beside cutting these electives schools were feeling as though courses like "Home Economics" were not vital to education and that children could learn some of the concepts in the Home Economics curriculum at home.  Because of this transition many colleges and universities chose to cut the Home Economics education programs in their schools. 

As the FCS programs leveled off in the 90's many school guidance officials felt that they should not steer children into a career that was facing decline.  Therefore Colleges and Universities that did still have programs were seeing a decline in their FCS enrollment.  In the early 2000 I did a small study in the Minnesota.  During that year the University of Minnesota had 8 graduates in the Masters program and UW Stout had 18  (lower now).  When I graduated from Stout in 1982 there were between 80 and 90 in my graduating class.

Because there were not many jobs available over the late 80's and early 90's very few went into the field.  Now, as we face a time when many of those that started teaching FCS in the late 70's and early 80's face retirement schools are desperate to find replacements for these FCS classes.

Last year Minnesota State University, Mankato, MN received approximately 40 requests for FCS teachers.  They graduated approximately 4 students.  (Note:  The University of Minnesota,  original land grant university, no longer offer a FCS degree)

As we approach the end of the school year we see emails across the Minnesota list serve for open position for the coming school year.  Up until April 1 there have been 6 requests for FCS professionals for the coming school year. 

Schools that struggle with budgets can easily decide to end programs rather than wait until the finale hour to replace retiring FCS professionals.

As a profession, if we do not want to see the field die, several things need to happen to keep it alive.

1.  We must continue to be a positive voice nationally and promote the wonderful work that we do to educate children.

2.  We need to promote our field as a career choice for our FCS students through the courses we teach and extra curricular activities sponsored by FCS.

3.  We need to encourage those that have walked away from the field because jobs were hard to find at one time and "get them back into education". 

4.  Some of us that have left the field might need to go back until replacement can be found.

5. As professionals we need to stay current with trends and teach what is vital to sustain today, rather than what we have always taught. 

Our profession is in a scary state.  Our professional organization is struggling as a whole, our high school and college enrollment is declining and yet we have a shortage of educators to keep the programs that we have alive.

As a group we must be strong, be involved and fight to keep the positive work that we do in the public eye.

With love from your retired FCS teacher, Jane

Reusable sandwich/storage bags. I have finally gotten on the bandwagon.

 

 

Since I have retired from education a bit early I have been doing many things.  One of them is making things to sell on ETSY.  I know most of my readers know what ETSY is but if you do not, it is a site to sell art, crafts and homemade items to the general public.  If you think that it is a good way to make extra money please let me say that wealth does not come fast or easy.  I have been doing this for one year in April.  It takes a while for people to know that you are out there selling things, and for customers to trust you and your products.  I started doing mostly baby blankets and quilts.  To give you an example of the competition....there are approximately 40,000 baby and lap quilts on ETSY for sale.

 

Occasionally I make special order items.  I have adult inseam snap, elastic waist pants that get quite a few hits.  The length is never right so people order these specially.

 

I have not made more money than I have spent on supplies.  Typical.  The person that took my former position is always giving me ideas to make for my ETSY site.  The other day she had reusable bags on her desk.  I was thrilled as I have quite a bit of this water proof fabric and I needed some quick things to make with it.  PUL fabric is water proof, food safe but it breathes.  It was used mostly for diaper covers when it first came out. 

 

I like these fold over bags for reusing because the sewing is on the outside of the bag and the thread does not interact with the food. 

 

To wash these you turn them inside out and put them in your dishwasher or washing machine and then let them air dry.

 

If you are interested in seeing any of the items from my ETSY shop here is the link.  It is also on my blog.

 

https://www.etsy.com/shop/EmilHansDesigns

 

With love from your retired FACS teacher, Using up a lot of time but not supporting myself.  Having fun as always.  Jane