Bitter Cold and Productivity

Good morning people!

In case you didn't know I live in that freezing cold tundra known as Minnesota where currently it's -15 F or  about -26 C. Basically it's really, really cold outside. School has been closed for the fourth time this winter because of the extreme cold being so unsafe for anyone, especially children. It only takes minutes for exposed skin to get frostbite and believe me, it's painful. 

And I live here. In all honesty I don't see the great need to complain though. Minnesota is beautiful and unique in so many ways. Yes, it's freezing outside and I definitely won't be caught wandering the streets until it warms up again, but people seem to forget one tiny detail- it's still a comfortable 60 degrees (Fahrenheit) or so inside. If the heat goes out, then and only then I might start to panic, but for now I'll take my warm beverages and extra sweaters. (I live in scarves during this time of the year!)

Love this scarf- so soft and so comfy! 

Scarf 1
Scarf 2
Scarf 3
Scarf 4

On the productive side, I'm currently sending in for my high school transcript- I repeat high school transcript (something I haven't used in 6 years) so I can start taking some classes at a community college to help boost my grad school applications

Fingers crossed it works :)
ash.blogger.mn@gmail.com


Cheers!

Ash

Frustrations of high school dance team coach

Hello folks,

Guys, I don't know about you, but I find working with teenagers exhausting. Was I really this difficult 6- 8 years ago? I love dance and I love teaching others to dance, but as the season gets more and more busy I find myself struggling to stay sane for the remaining weeks. I've composed a list of just a few of the frustrations I deal with on a daily basis.

Why coaching is aging me:

• Girls being late to practice- if practice starts at 3:30, that doesn't mean show up at 3:30, that means get your butt moving because practice has started.
• Girls skipping practice- I know what twitter is, I saw you tweet about going to the mall. Not cool.
• Parent's lying for their child- who does that? Just admit you're letting your daughter skip practice and stop babying her, we still find out the truth eventually. No your precious angel does not still deserve to perform this weekend because she chose to put her social life ahead of the team. 
• Unexcused absences- We have utilized facebook, email, and our own cell phones. You have zero excuse why you shouldn't be able to get a hold of us and explain why you can't be at practice. Furthermore we have told you at least ten different times that a parent needs to excuse you. This isn't rocket science. 
• Dance groupies- girls who join the team to get the clothes and then quit. I want to punch you. 
• Cell phones- touch your phone one more time at practice. I dare you.
• Hypochondriacs- How can you possibly have so many illnesses/ issues with your body? If something is going to restrict your dancing every single practice, maybe you should look at a different activity.
• My personal life- girls, stay out of it. I'm not your BFF, I'm your coach. What I do on the weekends when I am not working is none of your business. Don't ask me how much I drank or if I had sex with my boyfriend. Those are not appropriate topics.
• Lack of respect- just because I'm not working with you personally at this moment doesn't mean I can't see you in the corner of my eye sitting there doing nothing. Stretch, practice a skill without me, help a girl struggling. I'm not your babysitter.

I don't know about you, but I feel better after getting that off my chest. If anyone else feels the need to rant about something that bugs them please feel free to either email me personally or comment below, I'd love to hear from people :)

ash.blogger.mn@gmail.com

Cheers,

 Ash

A New Adventure

Yesterday at work I got the opportunity to tour our Youth In Government program as they had their annual conference. I can honestly say I had no idea such a program existed. It's amazing how big the program is and how amazing these high schoolers are!

For those of you who aren't aware of the program, YIG is a chance for 8th-12th graders to participate in a mock government. Students can work their way through the court system, House of Representatives, and one ambitious student even gets elected as the Youth Governor! These kids vote on bills, learn about lobbyists, argue in court, and so much more. I've never been that into politics before since I tend to believe that as a whole politicians are more concerned about getting things their way than actually helping people- not the point of my post though haha.

I met this year's Youth Governor and let me tell you, she is amazing. She's this beautiful young lady that's a senior in high school that is so polite and charismatic that I was blown away when introduced. Guys, this girl is is this tiny little thing and yet she commands more respect and authority than most adults I know. She was brilliant and confident while being humble at the same time.  Basically after listening to her talk to our group for ten minutes it made me:

- rethink my high school choices

- rethink my college choices

- feel completely inadequate as far as my life choices 

- feel utterly humbled beyond any level I've been to before

  

Bonus: I've never been to the capital building so of course I had to take pictures. I can not believe how beautiful the building is!

Cheers!

Ash