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Updated August 9. 2023
Mrs. Fields' Tidbits
I would like to share some additional information about myself, including a few funny sayings and personal statements. These tidbits will give you a glimpse into my personality. Whether you agree or disagree is not important to me, as we all have the freedom to express ourselves in our own unique ways. I embrace who I am, and I am proud to be true to myself.
- I strive to be truthful and fair. If you ask me to be unethical and I get upset, that is on you - NOT ME. I have to answer to God for what I do, I don't have to answer for you.
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Regardless of one's intentions or experience, it is impossible to teach someone who lacks the desire to learn. In the end, the responsibility for learning lies with the individual, not the instructor.
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I am an adult. I don’t have to earn your respect. I am due your respect until I show you I am not worthy of your respect. In turn, I will treat you with respect, usually even when you've shown me you don't deserve it.
- ALWAYS TRY! Don't be afraid to be wrong or to fail. Have you been wrong (or failed at something) before? Do you think you'll ever be wrong (or fail) again?
- In my opinion, social media has spiraled out of control. Instead of inspiring conflict resolution, it has fueled the creation of so-called "keyboard warriors." I believe that the most effective approach is to either build someone up or challenge them in a respectful manner even if it means agreeing to disagree. By fostering constructive communication, we can enhance mutual understanding and promote positive change.
- If you're not brave enough to say it, you shouldn't post it. (MIC DROP)
- The most valuable lessons are the ones you struggled to learn.
- Competition breeds excellence.
- Don't just take someone's word for it. Do your OWN research reach your OWN conclusions.
- There will be things that we agree on, there will be things we do not agree on. Just because we don't agree doesn't make either of us better or SMARTER than the other.
- Please know the difference between an ordinance and a law. If you don't, the citizens of the USA are in grave danger.
- If you are worried about how "you" look to others, you need a new job/position because you are in it for the WRONG reason.
- A lot of people know who I am; however few people know me.
- Life isn't a popularity contest. You can't please everyone. Be honest, be fair, be kind.
- Your silence speaks volumes. If you say nothing when wrong is being done then, are you not in compliance with the wrongdoer? You are just as guilty.
- If the truth is told or a job is done correctly and you look bad, then maybe you are the problem. Be able to self-evaluate.
- There are times in life you have to put yourself/family first, others are just going to have to deal with it.
- I like what C.S. Lewis said that “Only real risk reveals the quality of one’s belief.”
- More times than not, the RIGHT thing to do IS NOT the popular thing to do.
- If you are the best (or smartest) in the room, you are in the wrong room. To grow and improve you must be challenged.
- I try to leave the country every year - mostly on cruises. Covid-19 put a halt to that (yes, I am disgruntled).
- If I had a bucket list, a few things that would be on it are, zip-lining (done 2015 (Las Vegas) & 2018 (Honduras)), parasailing 2020 (Gulf Coast), a stamp in my passport (done 2014, 2015 & 2018), seeing a wild whale (done 2017) but I would love to go whale watching, fishing in Alaska, and I want to catch a BIG FISH (just BIG), it really wouldn't matter what kind or where, white water rafting, hiking/exploration in the Grand Canyon, snowmobiling in the Smokey Mountains, sing karaoke (I don't know that I will ever do that one) & an adventure in Alaska.
- In 2020 - COVID (I believe) was blown out of proportion. -- If you do not agree, please refer back to the top of the list.
- In 2020 - I gave up almost all sugar and soda. I will splurge once in a while & have a Blue Cotton Candy Icee from Oncue.
- For a comprehensive list of what the world owes you, click here.
- You choose what kind of person you want to be. Others do not define you.
- If you don't like how things are, then change them, start with your attitude.
- Most mothers teach their children if they have nothing nice to say, then they should say nothing at all. When you spew filth & foul about others (or things in general), clearly you didn't heed your mother's wise teachings/words -- or you just weren't taught. Which is it?
- I will not lie - even if I was wrong - so just ask me.
- Do not blame others for your shortcomings unless you intend to give them credit for your accomplishments as well. Be mature, own up to things you've done - good or bad - people may not like you for it; however, they will have to respect you for it.
- Respect beats popularity any day.
- You are who you CHOOSE to be. Ugly, pretty, happy, sad, joyful, grouchy...it is up to you. This includes your education. You can learn from ANYONE. You have to make that choice.
- Upon graduation, do not blame your teachers/instructors for your lack of education. With the vast amount of information on the internet that is at our fingertips, you can find the answer to anything you want. You just have to be willing to put in the time and effort.
- In reality, EVERYTHING we accomplish (or not) is from our own EFFORTS (or lack thereof).
- If you see these tag lines at the bottom of an email,
"Don't give me excuses!! Give me results!!" Skipper the penguin
The first point & click interface was a Smith & Wesson
"Life is hard. It's harder if you're stupid" John Wayne
Sent from my iPhone
No need to take offense. They are simply TAGLINES that I like. I've used them as taglines on my phone and on my personal computer for more than 12 years now. Be thankful that I read & reply to my emails at various times and not just during state "contracted hours." This enables me to respond to emails in a more efficient manner. - Common sense isn't so common. You may want to exercise yours on a daily basis to be sure that you can utilize it when necessary. Otherwise, it could be detrimental to your education, work and life in general.
- A VERY GOOD PRACTICE is...thinking about what you say, BEFORE your actually say it. 1) does this make sense? 2) is it true? 3) will it build up or tear down? and most important 4) is it necessary?
- Beauty comes from within. You could appear beautiful, then speak & others find out just how ugly you really are. You may not think you appear beautiful, but you speak, build up others, and bring joy to those around you. These qualities flourish all over you and those that know you or witness this see just how beautiful you are.
- Your attitude does affect other people, if you are negative (have nothing good to say), you will bring others down. Don't be a "Negative Nancy". Besides, negativity affects your appearance. Don't be ugly. No one wants doom & gloom.
- For a comprehensive list of what you are entitled to, click here.
- I treat my students like they are my children. I don’t know any other way to do it.
- I won't accuse you of things without evidence - I expect the same in return.
- I do not lie. I do not expect to be lied to - not by children or students and not by adults.
- Just because I won't lie doesn't mean I will answer you. It may be that it is none of your business.
- I’m not the “best” teacher there is; however I am very good at what I do. The day I think I am the best, I pray I get fired because I know I will no longer be effective.
- You reap what you sow. Kindness reaps kindness, honesty reaps honesty, and so forth.
- You may have seen something, you may have heard something. That doesn't mean you know the circumstances in which it was done. Be careful not to pass judgment or start rumors.
- There are days, even weeks, I am completely exhausted from the demands I put on myself; however, to hear just one of my students say "I get this" or "I wouldn't have ever believed I would do so well in math", makes every minute of lost sleep, every minute of piled laundry & my house in disarray, worth it.
- I like order - I am a planner - (like I plan vacations almost a year in advance) (seriously - I can tell you now where we will be fall break 2020, planning spring break 2021 is already completed, & already started for summer 2021) - (don't think I haven't already begun looking into 2022!!)
- You can normally defuse an awkward or undesirable situation by choosing the appropriate words and tone of voice. Email & texts do not have voice inflection. Remember that.
- You can choose to like me or not like me. That is your choice. I ask that you don’t “bash” me publicly or on social media until you’ve attempted to discuss why you are disgruntled with me or you’ve taken the time to get “know” me personally. Also, slander can be a viable reason for a lawsuit.
- Those that choose to scorn publicly another person or ideas on social media, usually do so because they do not possess the self-confidence or correct information to address the issues at hand personally.
- I don’t think I am “the best” teacher in the world; however, I work very hard to be “the best I can be" at this moment in life.
- I won’t pretend to be perfect, please do not expect me to be.
- Be sure you have all the facts before you make a decision, take a side, or cast your vote. Once you’ve made your decision, be prepared to stand by it.
- IF I were to admit I had any faults one certainly wouldn’t be my sarcasm.
- I teach because it’s fun for me. If it isn’t fun, I don’t want to do it.
- I DO NOT LIE - so if you don’t want to know what I have to say you may not want to ask.
- Since I do not lie, I do not expect to be lied to. The truth may not be pretty; however, in the long run, it is always easier to live with.
- Happiness comes from within. It is a choice. Your happiness is dependent upon YOU, not someone else.
- I would have NEVER thought I would be a wrestling fan!!!
- I LOVE taking action photos!! Especially of my son(s), my Abby, and my family.
- I can now call a 4 point throw in both Freestyle & Greco competitions almost every time. I’ve also become pretty good with calling the 5 point throws too.
- Did you know that it’s easier to win (or lose) in a Free-style or Greco match than it is collegiate since being tech’d is only by 10 & not 15.
- I’ve impressed Alex’s coaches a couple of times by knowing the name of a particular wrestling move that he needs to do 😃.
- Unless you saw it with your own eyes or experienced it yourself, DO NOT REPEAT IT. It is gossip. Nine out of 10 times gossip is NOTHING but lies, partial truths, or distorted facts that only end up hurting someone. What if that “someone” were you?
- If you have a job to do, DO IT. It wasn’t given to someone else. It was given to you. Sign it with your signature. Your name is going on it; therefore, do it well.
- A MAJOR pet peeve of mine is those that don't carry their own weight. Do your job. It doesn't matter what it is, just DO IT.
- Don’t just do what is “expected”, do your very best each time. Every task you do should be done well, with pride.
- Everything you do represents “who” you are. Homework has your autograph; sports has your name, both have your efforts. How do you want to “appear” to others? Always do your very best. You only get one chance at a first impression.
- Prior to 2019: I am not a normal “girl” about chocolate - Usually, I can take it or leave it - SINCE the EOI (End Of Year Instruction) exams are not longer…Algebra 2 (Juniors ACT test) and the CLEP exam for Algebra 3, when we start prepping for YOUR exam, you might want to bring me chocolate & Dr. Pepper - DAILY - otherwise, there may be casualties. I take these tests seriously & personally…You should too. If you think I'm stressed - Just bring me a Silly Bunny tea from Guthrie Nutrition 😉.
- I begin prepping all my classes for the ACT. The better prepared we are, the more options we have. We never have to open all the doors, but it is certainly nice to have an assortment.
- I love my slide shows even though they take like 1,000 times longer to prepare for my classes. Since a smartboard was placed in my classroom I don’t do as many of these for class anymore; however, I still create them occasionally & post them on Facebook or YouTube. I revamp several now with sound and post. (Yes, yes I am a nerd.)
- Minions ROCK (my students will soon find out).
- In 2015 I managed two stamps in my otherwise completely BLANK passport. Mexico & Canada - Canada was a bust - went only for a day & couldn’t find the zoo that “MAPS” supposedly was directing us to.
- I am OCD about several things, my husband can tell you almost every one of them. Mr. LeGrande & Mr. “T” can probably tell you a few. Myers finds things & then does them just to get on my nerves. 😳 (Yes, I am THAT BAD) 😎
- Life isn’t fair. Fair is where cows, pigs & chickens go to earn ribbons. When you accept this, your “life” will be much easier. Work hard, treat others how you WANT to be treated, in the long run, you will flourish. Everyone gets things they don't deserve as well as getting things they do deserve. I would rather deserve more "good" things.
- You will get rewarded when you don’t deserve it. Others will be rewarded when YOU deserve it. It’s life's way of balancing things out. Stick things out; God is in control.
- It all comes out in the wash.
- Don’t whine or complain - no one likes a whiner & complainer. The truth is, there is ALWAYS someone, somewhere, having to deal with much worse things than you are currently. Things (friends, problems, jobs, etc) are for a season. This too shall pass. I have straws available if you need one to use to suck it up.
- I think the best thing you could ever do for yourself is to help someone else. It will certainly make YOU feel better.
- There is NEVER a reason to mistreat someone. NEVER
- I know roses are supposed to be every woman’s favorite, but lilies are mine. You just can't beat white lilies with a red bow.
- Expand your vocabulary. Everyone will think you’re incredibly smart.
- Practice neat penmanship or writing. Trust me; it makes a difference to the people handling your application. Often, it’s the first impression you make.
- The subject you are interested in doesn’t matter AT ALL if you can’t put together a good resume’ or portfolio. So, you BETTER look good on paper.
- If you do not look good on paper, you most likely will never get your chance. (This is VERY important). Job applications should be NEATLY written or typed. You should use proper grammar, spelling, and complete sentences. If you aren't willing to put in the time to do that, you probably don't deserve the position.
- I’ve re-done this tidbit page more than 30 times
- *** This isn’t as necessary as in past years; however, since sophomores & Juniors will still have their “knowledge” measured - I STILL disagree. I don’t like the EOI or content exams; however, at this point, I have yet to find an alternative to present to the State Department of Education. Once, I have a viable alternative, rest be assured, I will send a proposal to the State Department. The ACT now allows you to take the top score in each subject off different tests. I don't get that. Why not just have a college entrance exam? (Several colleges are now doing this for core subjects.)
- If you don't test well, do not let the ACT/SAT get you down. There are several programs, methods and practice sessions that you can do to help you overcome any text anxiety you might have or only help you increase your score. Be sure to ask your counselor. You can even ask me!
- The measurement taken from the ACT/SAT score is debatable. You can retake this test as many times as YOU want. So, you tell me…is it REALLY an accurate measurement of intelligence or knowledge? Besides, if I take a grueling test, make even the minimum score I need to get whatever it is I want, do you REALLY think I’m going to put myself through that again?🤔 (No, no I won’t)
- I like iced tea (unsweet). My husband says I like tea with my ice because I like a lot of ice in my tea. Guthrie nutrition has several teas that I enjoy!!
- If you will break the rule(s), be prepared for the consequences. If you don’t know the rules, ignorance isn’t an excuse.
- Thesauruses are made for a reason, so is the spell-check. ALWAYS take the time to proofread.
- I hate coffee but love some (not all) cappuccinos (McDonald’s Caramel Frappes are my favorite but they have SO MANY CALORIES 😩).
- Snobby people get on my nerves. We were all born into this world the same way. No one person is better than another. Some have higher standards & morals, but we all bleed the same.
- Fruit is great!!! Apples (only if they come with caramel), bananas, grapes, strawberries, pears, peaches, dried cranberries, dried pears, dried apples, (not dried grapes) watermelon, tomatoes, cantaloupe, kiwi, guava, mangos...mangos are my favorite!
- Apologizing doesn’t always mean you were (or are) wrong; sometimes it means you're more mature about the relationship and/or subject.
- I LOVE the people I work with (well...most of them)😂
- Guacamole (fresh) is THE BOMB. I make some mean guac.
- Missy’s glazed donuts or blueberry cake w/glaze will always make my day.
- There are four kinds of “dope” to me. They are Oreos (double stuffed or Oreo balls - Brenda Myers makes the best oreo balls I've ever eaten), Dove Milk chocolate, Toffifay & Twix-bars. Since I don't do much sugar...I would choose Brenda Myers' Oreo balls for my splurge!
- You always have a choice, just be willing to pay the consequences.
- Although my favorite color is red, you’ll never see me wear red lipstick (because I’ve never found a lipstick that will stay red on my lips).
- I have been obsessed with scarves; this went on for a few years. I just really, really like them. So, if you see an unusually cool one, let me know.
- I have a strange feeling that my obsession with scarves spilled over to shoes…(this has been detrimental to my closet space)
- I don’t have a problem agreeing to disagree - everyone is entitled to their opinion. That doesn’t mean we can’t be friends. Refer back to the top line.
- Just because someone is my friend, DOES NOT mean I agree with their lifestyle or ALL of their opinions.
- I’ll go to any movie that has Channing Tatum or Dwayne Johnson in it; the title doesn’t matter (well, except Magic Mike - I’ll NEVER watch that).
- Although I will indulge with Channing Tatum and Dwayne Johnson movies, what women find to be most attractive is a grown man doting on a baby or carrying a pink backpack. Nothing is more beautiful than that. The love they show children will always trump outside appearances.
- I know Fermat’s Last Theorem.
- Archimedes was killed while engrossed in a geometry problem, murdered by a Roman soldier.
- One summer, a doctor that treated our little Abby was a former student of mine. I dare say...I felt reassured about all the time & effort I put into the things I do and about the care she received.
- Bad spelling gets on my nerves. Why do you think spell check was developed? PROOFREAD what you type or text!!!
- Grammarly.com is EXCELLENT. Grammar, spelling, tenses, and plagiarism can all be checked. If you don't know about it, check it out. Grammarly.com. You still have to proofread though!
- The red “squiggly” line on your word processing program OR your phone means the word is misspelled!!! FIX IT.
- I think it is a MUST to know the difference between your and you’re and when to use them. As well as to, too and two or they're, there and their. Don't allow yourself to look like an idiot - grammar is important. Know which words to use when writing your sentences. (It doesn’t matter what job I have. I certainly don’t want to sound (or be read) like an idiot.)
- There is a difference between its and it’s. Know the difference.
- Some of my favorite movies are Blindside, God’s Not Dead, Harvey, Arsenic & Old Lace, The Rundown, GI Joe, GI Joe II, Whitehouse Down, Iron Man, Hercules...some new ones are Guardians of the Galaxy II (I love baby Groot) and Avengers (especially Infinity War & End Game) and I am looking forward to the new Dr. Doolittle with Robert Downey Jr. to be released sometime spring of 2020. Also, another Peter Rabbit will be released around the same time. -- UPDATE Dr. Doolittle & Peter Rabbit both made it into my digital library. Currently, there aren't any new movies that I thought were outstanding. UPDATE 2021 -- I still haven't found any "outstanding" movies that have made an impression on me. I tend to watch the Avenger movies over & over again, as well as the Iron Man movies & Dwayne Johnson ones.
- You never know it all. NEVER. Beware of those that think they do!
- It’s never too late to learn. NEVER - You just have to be willing.
- Money isn’t everything; however, love doesn’t pay the bills.
- Don’t spend more than you make.
- Just because you have a credit card, doesn't mean you should carry a balance. As a matter of fact, IF you have a credit card, pay it off EVERY MONTH. This will save you thousands, if not hundreds of thousands of dollars. Who doesn't want to save money?
- You don’t always “need” what you “want.” Know the difference between a “want” and a “need.”
- Work is work - it pays the bills. A career is what you enjoy building/doing. Something you make of yourself. Sometimes you have to be willing to do the work in order to build your career. No one will do this for you.
- Choose your career by your interests, not by the money. Getting up every morning to go to “work” is much easier if you LOVE what you do.
- One person may not change the world; but can indeed, change someone’s world.
- One day at a time, little by little, you should strive to leave whatever place you are in, better than you found it.
- If it weren’t for cut & paste nothing would ever get typed anymore, especially this tidbit page.