Macungie, Pennsylvania is home, and ONE WAY TO THINK ABOUT IT is a blog by Catherine Gehman, educator. Her posts are designed to energize and inspire teachers in all stages of their career by simply giving - giving ideas that work for her, and by bringing attention to past and current expert voices in education.

10 Good Things Today

10 Good Things Today

Ten Good Things Today…


Have you ever had those days when you just don't feel life is going to let you up for air?  Those days when you just keep getting bad news and really tough stuff just keeps happening. I had one today.  As therapeutic as it could be, I don't want to write about it. I just don't want put negativity out in the universe tonight. So my slice of life tonight is ten good things that make life a little better.

  1. My youngest daughter in the chair next to me reading my blog:  My kids are grown and out of the house, so when I have them near, it makes life so much sweeter.  Tonight my youngest sat and read some of my blog entries and comments. She sweetly encouraged me to keep writing and not stop.  

  2. My older daughter loading the dishwasher and asking if there's anything she can do to help:  She's got boundless energy and always caring about the people around her.  She didn't need to be asked. She just cleaned the kitchen and saved me from having to deal with that mess.

  3. An email from a struggling student I've been giving some encouragement to was giving it right back to me: "Mrs. Ghemin, You are a perspiration to me. I balive in you. You can do it to." Can you stand it?

  4. An egg and toast from my husband: He was up early shoveling heavy wet snow and then made me eggs and toast.  It's the little gestures and the big jobs...

  5. Hugs from my sons: 6'2" and 6'5" sons.  Can you say BEAR HUG? Talk about endorphins. Love these men with all my heart.

  6. Inspirational women: I was reflecting on the incredible women in my life who believe in me and have helped me to be empowered in different ways.  I am stronger because of them. Nancy Schornack. Lynne Dorfman. Ursula Gamler. Melissa Schmitz.

  7. A stack of colorful teacups:  I bought them from Amazon, and these colorful teacups bring me joy when I look at them and drink my tea from them.

  8. Best friend phone call: 1,000 miles away, but we still talk to each other every week and we're still best friends.  Nancy, I am so grateful for you.

  9. Beautiful ride to work: The sky was the perfect shade of grey/blue.  The snow hung heavy on the tree branches. I looked in awe for my entire 20 mile ride.  If the sight of this doesn't do something for the soul...

  10. New neighbor, Cooper: Our brand new little next door neighbor came for a visit.  Meet Cooper! Can you stand it?

My daughter Maggie meeting "Super Cooper”for the first time.

My daughter Maggie meeting "Super Cooper”for the first time.

A Paradelle For Maggie

A Paradelle For Maggie

A March Memory

A March Memory