Teenagers can do amazing things.

Get the cookies & the kleenex...this is a long one:

I don't know what it is about spring time...but something suddenly changes besides the flowers, leaves, and temperature. People seem to have a new zest for life. I know I do.

Yes, I am a newlywed so this spring is extra special....and yes, I am leaving my beloved little job soon so I am extra emotional...but really touching things are happening all around me.

First, let me tell you about Linh (I'm using names here because I have about 3 readers).

Linh is an amazing senior girl that I just got to know in the past 7 months. I don't have her for a student...she is far from the kind of students I work with. She is class president, she takes hard classes like Calculus, she plans nearly every event at school.

On a crazy whim, I saw an ad on TV for the KOCO Free Ride Scholarship. The moment I saw it I KNEW I had to nominate her. I've seen the girl at school at ALL hours either painting signs, hanging posters, typing essays, or doing homework. Oh yeah, all with a smile. I knew she was special.

So...I began "interviewing" her teachers to learn more. The deadline for all the paperwork was January. Over the holiday break, I read essays her English teacher gave me, essays she had written about her life for other scholarships, and many times chills ran down my spine.

Did I mention that she immigrated to our country with VERY little ability to speak the language and in extreme poverty?

Once all the info was gathered, I sat down to compose an essay that I felt captured her spirit and truly explained how amazing this young girl was. Being that I wasn't even her teacher, this took some disciplined research.

And in March....she learned she was picked in the Top Ten of 2000 applicants for this prize (oh yeah...a new car and $25,000). However, the celebration was soon followed by many tears. See, she is an Oklahoma resident but was still in process with full citizenship. They disqualified her! I might mention here that is was due to Linh's full disclosure...she's the one that made sure they knew she hadn't completed the process and I was just ignorant & didn't know since I don't work with her closely. I admired her for her honesty about that.

I thank God that I've learned to never take your first "No."

"Linh, come on, this isn't over yet," I said to the most disappointed face I've ever seen.

We scurried down to the TV station and quickly met with the deciding powers-that-be. Linh cried. She didn't mean to, she just did. And, after much analyzing of legal work, the TV PR manager learned that as long as she was in process (a very expensive & long process, mind you...many of us natural-borns don't know that) and we were trying to expedite it, she could remain in the competition.

You bet your momma's homemade chocolate chip cookies that I started calling every "mover and shaker" I knew. I don't know tons, but my little singing career has made me a few contacts here and there.

And God bless House Rep. Joe Dorman. One of the hardest-working politicians I know. I sing for some of his events, and I've grown to respect him so very much. He truly works for the "little people." Soon enough, he had me in touch with U.S. Senator Jim Inhofe's office. After several follow-up calls with them...we were in business! With their help we were ensured that Linh was getting the paperwork she needed done.

Fast forward to late April: a Channel 5 news crew surprised Linh to inform her that she was one of the 5 Finalists for this prestigious award! Top 5....out of 2000 kids! She has asked me to join her & her family at a banquet in late May where they will reveal the final scholarship winner.

She is still plugging away at many scholarship apps. See, she wants to go to OU and become a doctor because her goal in life is to open a charity clinic to help others overcome poverty. And she'll do it, by golly.

But it wasn't until a few days ago that I knew, I KNEW, that this girl has a divine hand over her. God had merely used me as a vessel to help her receive this amazing opportunity.

See, I usually work with the "forgottens." Children who are labeled "retarded" or told they will "never amount to anything." At my new school, the story is usually that their parents don't speak English and don't have the resources they need to even get their child the help he/she needs. Sometimes, more often at my old school, these kids are raised by parents who abuse drugs and often abuse their offspring. The stories are endless as to the injustice I've seen in my field. There's a reason I wish reproducing was not a right but a privilege.

Well, one of "mine" has struggled to make it to senior year. She lives in poverty, her family shows no support....they won't even take my calls when I try to have an IEP meeting or even just tell them what a good job she is doing. I won't tell the many reasons why I felt like God put her in my life these last two years. It'll make you disgusted at how unfair life can be.

I will tell you that I walked into work recently and Linh was looking at pictures of this said girl on her computer. They were beautiful!

"Linh, who did these senior pictures of _____ ?"

You gotta understand....she was coming to school with holey shoes and made fun of constantly for some of her bathing issues. Some of us adopted all the siblings & her for Christmas just so that they'd get new uniforms and toiletries. (They won't take "hand outs" so you have to be sneaky to give them anything).

But these pictures showed a young girl smiling in a gorgeous sun dress with make-up and joy on her face.

Linh smiled and quietly told me, "I did, Ms. Curl."

As I probed, she recounted to me the story of how one day after school, she asked this girl if she could fix her hair, give her a makeover, give her a dress, and take her Senior pictures.

I glanced back at the happy girl in the pictures and tried really hard to fight the tears. I don't let my students see me cry.

I went back into my office, closed the door, and said a short prayer.

Do not tell me there is not good in this world. Do not tell me God does not exist.

I don't have any reason to question those things...times like these are all I need.

...and this is why we are kindred spirits

It's getting late. It's been a long day. I don't know where my phone is. Ahh, to keep up with that blasted little piece of plastic is beyond my ADD mind...

...speaking of, Gena: I hope you got my voicemail today! PS: One of my BFF's got to play with the Transiberian Orchestra last night. Can that make me cool by association?

I met an old friend for dinner tonight. Yes, sushi. I promise, it was her suggestion. ;) Anyway, it's a former co-worker who I don't see very often. Probably twice a year. Yet, we have many similarities as far as our personalities and when we talk it reminds me of why we have that 'connection.' Our meal turned into a 2.5 hour conversation of a very deep spiritual nature. It got my wheels turning a bit.

I got home to my husband and, being that I was pondering some big thoughts, I had to share.

This turned into a long conversation on the porch, one of our best 'thinking spots' due to the freshly-planted flowers, herbs, and newly-cut grass.

We probably bantered on some deep spiritual matters for over an hour. Often, our sentences began with, "But, you see, that's not true because... ."

We both would take moments to soak in what the other would say, whether or not we would agree with the counterpoint or not. I know there were moments when Tanner would challenge me to see it outside of my own view, and vice versa.

The dialogue ended with us holding hands and silently agreeing to disagree on a few (usually mute) points. Overall, we see many things the same...I think that is key to a healthy marriage...but we often come to many (often diverse) conclusions from different points of view...also key to a healthy marriage.

All in all, it is beautiful that we challenge each other to think from new angles. I hope we never see the day that we both sit back, arms crossed, smug grins, and proclaim, "Wow, we got this all figured out. "

It would mean we are done growing, done learning.

And this is why Tanner is a kindred spirit to my own. I feel secure to share my innermost thoughts, and he will take them in. Sometimes he will agree, sometimes he will challenge it. But he hears it & knows that what I am saying is coming straight from my heart (maybe even my soul). And he respects it with all of his heart.

That is love.

Good times with good folk...

Tanner & I had our first "married" date last night. I know it's dorky, but I love seeing him with his ring on. We are in the "honeymoon phase" despite the fact that we are not yet on our honeymoon....hurry & come, June!

On this rainy Saturday, we visited Blue 7 for their 7th birthday celebration. This great little store is owned by Caleb & Julie Arter, whose brother is my very dear Kevin Arter. We ate, hung around, and I bought some excellent Tom's. Army green. Yeah!

An hour or so later after we'd been home, Kevin picked us up to return to the store because his parents, sister, and nephews/niece were coming for the celebration. During college I had spent many a weekend in Enid with this lovely family. The Arter fam have a special kind of love that you just don't see everywhere, though one should. The siblings are all quite different from each other, yet that family has such a unique love & bond that I could only hope to have in a family of my own someday. It dawned on me today that this family has been in my life for 13 years now, and I couldn't even recount all the memories. Over the last year Tanner has gone to visit the Arters in Enid, and he "gets" why they are so important to me. In fact, they very much resemble the dynamics of my new in-laws. I am honored to be a part of them!

I'm happy to see so many wonderful things happen for Caleb & Julie with the store--they deserve every ounce of success that arrives. (plug: buy your gifts at Blue 7...it is one-of-a-kind).

Being that we rode with Kevin, we ended up being there for several hours...but it was a reunion of sorts. I bumped into many folks I truly enjoy seeing but rarely get to. Another newlywed couple, the Limpics, enjoyed swapping wedding stories with us. We also got to see the vibrant Samantha & Jerrod. They are always so fun to talk to.

Now it's 7:30 pm and I'm pooped. But this rainy day was well-spent. Relationships are key to a wonderful life. God blessed me with relationships that give meaning to this existence. All else in life pales in comparison.

March 28

Today my two best friends----Lindy & Gena----hosted a shower for me with their moms. Both mothers have been an integral part of my life and I feel very blessed to have such amazing friends in my life.

I wasn't sure if I'd be nervous about being the "guest of honor" yet everything went beautifully. Not to metion that it was Lindy's birthday and she still wanted the day to be all about Tanner and I.

I can not say enough how much my friends have shaped me. Nova, Lindy, Gena, Laura, and so many more. For these amazing women to be a part of my life is such a gift. They all bring a piece to the puzzle that make me a very blessed individual. Tanner sees how much my friends mean to me and he loves them for it.

I am thankful that they all love him so much because their blessing means the world. Love you girls!!

Mini-cultural day in NW OKC...

How is that possible, you may ask? Well, it all started because I was heading north up May. My destination was the Quail Springs area, chock full of mini malls & commercial strips. I don't venture there often. But the gift idea for my bridesmaids made it inevitable.

However, en route I noticed a nail spa that was open. I'm on the hunt for a place where all of us gals can do mini/pedis the day before The Wedding Date.

So, I go in & spontaneously get a $13 manicure. Yup, cheap! The woman spoke very little English, but after limited conversation I learned she was Vietnamese. Thanks to my pal, Ms. Bui, I do have SOME knowledge of the culture, so we proceeded to talk about the Lunar Calendar, Vietnamese New Year, and the best places for Pho. The place was charming & it was nice to do something pampering!

I pressed on & thought about how a little pampering goes a long way. So, while at QS mall, I noticed a massage 'kiosk.' Given there's no where to get a walk-up massage on a Sunday evening, I went for it. It was heaven. Who'd have thought that right smack in the middle of a suburban mall that I could find inner peace. My 20 minute massage was conducted by a sweet Chinese woman who proceeded to visit with her husband in said native language and accompanied by some soothing humming she sporadically performed. Perfect!

I was feeling relaxed & ready to tackle my mission when I noticed a peculiar site at the kiosk next to the massage area: a woman had thread in her mouth & was meticulously performing some odd procedure on a young girl's eyebrows. What?

Curiosity got the best of me so I lingered. It was called 'threading.' Have you heard of this? I started talking to the next customer in line for this weird ritual, and I learned it is the way many women in the east shape their brows. It is said to be more precise than waxing or plucking, not to mention it lasts much longer. It was $10. Sold!

When my turn came, I was nervous at how painful it would be. Not too bad I soon learned. The girl performing this artistry was from India. She says threading originated in Nepal. She spent a long time getting my arches just right, especially when I told her I was getting married in 3 weeks & that I was excited to not have to touch my brows until then! I am a new woman....threading is awesome. My eyebrows are the most well-kept I've ever had them. Boys, it is these little things that make us happy. Remember that. ;)

Lessons From Unexpected Places

Back to work after almost a week off...I got really, REALLY used to it. Not to say I don't like my job...I do. I actually love it.

Today consisted of: math lessons with two boys who struggle but are coming a long way, a pep talk with a senior girl who is just now starting to believe in herself, practicing a Radiohead song with a 7th grader who is about to be in the school-wide talent show (I know! Already has good taste, huh?), re-scheduling the show due to weather, visiting with a teacher on how he can better teach one of his students with a disability, lunch duty (ok, that part is lame), helping a student apply for Rehab Services through the state, and a motivational conversation with our vice-principal about following your life passions. It really is a great job for me. I'm at a crossroads, though. There are many classes I must start taking for my program that are offered all during the day. It makes it virtually impossible to have a 'regular' job. I am still chewing on what I am going to do next fall. One thing is for sure: I LOVE the kids I get to work with so much that I'd personally want to train whoever my predecessor would be. I just feel an obligation to make sure that what we've built will keep on building. It saddens me to think that I would not see some of them through to graduation...but at the same time, what I EVENTUALLY will be doing is also a service to these kids.

I have one student that I feel like, on a daily basis, is my reason for getting up & coming to work. He came to our school last year...it was his first time to ever attend "regular" classes after years of separate, special classes. I knew his IQ scores were (very) low. I fought the administration on even admitting him at first: "Our school is not prepared to give a student like this what he needs. He will be dis-serviced!" But he came, and I doubted.

Fast forward to 16 months later: he is attending a rehab program for job training half a day, he comes to his "regular" classes and teachers report that he literally works harder than anyone else there, he tries to get involved in any and everything he can, and he is my assistant for the school talent show (and a good one at that!). He has thrived SO much by people treating him like an equal, by the kids (our kids rock) including him in every day, regular things. Yes, there's been times when he has shed tears in my office: "Ms. Curl, someone made fun of me!" "Ms. Curl, I don't understand what this class is!" He even confided to me about some very traumatic early childhood experiences that no doubt contributed to his current disability.

But he is, daily, trying to overcome his hardships. He just wants to be "like everyone else." The thing is: he's not. I see more drive in that kid than many of the adults we all know. He has greater work ethic than I can hope to ever achieve.

I don't care what his IQ report says. He has taught so many of us at our little school some big life lessons, and I will always cherish that. I will watch him graduate in 2 years and feel as proud as a mother hen.

Yes, life is good.

Icy Days= Time to Reflect

I truly feel like I embrace pieces of myself that I tend to forget about when the world stops due to weather...I am sure you, dear reader, feel the same. Isn't it nice to take up that hobby that's collected dust in the corner? Or to experiment with recipes in the kitchen?

I only wish I hadn't been sick the first 3 of this unexpected 5-day weekend. But I tried to make up for lost time today.

I did some great bargain grocery shopping, went sledding at the park with my cousin & his family, swapped some recipes with my dear Lindy, and got some face time with a few peeps I rarely get to see during the normal swing of life. My dad & I grabbed coffee at the bookstore this afternoon. For many reasons full of laborious details I'll spare you of, we haven't had a close father-daughter relation, the type that I've always longed for, through most of my formative years. I'd say in only the last 2 have we found common ground that we've grown from. And today, I felt a genuine fatherly sentiment from my dad that I appreciate more than words can describe. I left with a few of those happy tears in my eyes that I refused to let come out.

I also spent some time with my beloved Kevin, a friend who I felt for sure I'd "grow apart from" as life progressed and we followed our chosen paths. Not so! I still feel love for him as strong as ever. It's always refreshing to know you have that. That your close friendships are built on solid ground. Sure, we've both made many new friends over the years, and good ones at that. But there's a tie there that no life circumstance can sever. (I'm not even gonna spell check that tho it pains me to not know if that is correct!) My fiance actually pointed something out to me about Kevin...one night Kev & I had gotten angry at each other over something silly. And Tanner said, "Lisa, he LOVES you so much. He'd never try to hurt you. He likes me and all, but he LOVES you." And Tan said it with all sincerity. Now, I'll correct him to say that Kevin has grown to love Tanner in a way that I could only hope anyone who loves me would feel about my future husband. (All my friends/fam love him, which is wonderful). But when I sat on that thought, and could come out realizing that my friend was a TRUE friend, it felt nice. It's so important to only keep those close to us that we know would defend our honor, would forgive us in grievances, would love us unconditionally.

I remember once fearing that another dear friend, Gena, and I would eventually grow apart because our lives are so different at this point. She's married, has her kids, her friends with kids, a different church, different neighborhood...all circumstance, of course, but daily differences that can grow large over time. Not so! I still bear my heart to her in a way that reminds me of why she is one of the important people in my life. She doesn't see me as an "old college buddy" but has an unconditional love.

And while unconditional love is something beyond this earth, something we should only hope to receive from our God...it's nice to think that God puts a few humans in our spheres that can give us a little glimpse of what it should be during our lifetime.