A Day in the Life of a Paraprofessional

Both Mike and Melissa Harrington work as paraprofessional's by day. Mike works at the local Jr. High school with an awesome student who only needs help with a few daily tasks. Melissa works at an elementary school splitting her time between English Language Learners and Social-Emotionally Disabled students. It is her daily life we will take a closer look at and from which we will glean some wonderful teacher moments.

Every morning, Mrs. Harrington, as she is known by her students, begins with a group of three 2nd grade boys who are all English Language Learners. It is this group of boys that often bring Mrs. Harrington the greatest laughs. (Two recent accounts of her times with these gentlement will be featured at the end of this article under the sub-title English Language Laughs.)

After working with these small balls of fire, Mrs. Harrington continues her work with the English Language by assisting a group of kindergartener's whose main task is learning to follow directions, it is proving quite the undertaking. Next, she has the pleasure of working with a 3rd grade student who is in his second year of learning the English Language. He can provide some challenges as he desires to disregard all he's ever known in his home language but shines most days, especially on those when he is given the opportunity to draw. The rest of Mrs. Harrington's morning is spent working in the classroom one-on-one or with a couple kids at time on various English tasks.

After taking a short break to read for pleasure and eat her lunch, Mrs. Harrington enters her afternoon of working in the special education rooms. This is an ever-changing job as the needs of the children are often changing and it requires a most flexible attitude and schedule. This part of her day tends to provide the greatest challenges but also some of the greatest rewards as she is able to watch certain children overcome or have small moments of truly enjoying their own childhood.

By the end of the day, Mrs. Harrington is thankful to have the opportunity to work with so many children, receiving great learning opportunities and moments strictly for laughter.

English Language Laughs

A few weeks ago Mrs. Harrington 2nd grade group was receiving a "lecture" of sorts from their teacher regarding the need to go on to college. The boys then began talking of their love for wrestling and wondering if that was something they could do in college. "Of Course!" replied Mrs. Harrington. However, within moments it was clear that the wresting the boys were interested in was the WWE-RAW. From there developed the following conversation:

Child: "Is the WWE in Cheyenne?"

Mrs. H: "No."

Child: "Well, when I'm old enough to drive I'm going to drive until I find the WWE!"

More recently, Mrs. Harrington was teaching her students some new vocabulary. The teaching of this word sounded like this:

Mrs. H: "Today we're going to learn the word annual. What word?"

Boys: "Annual."

Mrs. H: "Any ideas what annual might mean?"

Child 1: "I know. It's like: Annual do my laundry. Annual get me a drink."

Lessons from the Couch: January 18th

In 2010 Lessons from the Couch will take on a slightly new look. The Harrington's will offer readers a more insightful look as how the spend time with each individual guest and hopefully be able to share with readers more about the story or stories of the guests who come to rest their heads on Clark St.

To ring in the new year of CouchSurfing, Mike and Melissa welcomed Jake from New Hampshire. Jake found himself in Laramie on a quest for the best in the west! The best being a PhD. program, the west being Colorado and Wyoming schools. Because Jake is taking a serious look at living in this region he posed a question never before brought to the Harrington's couch: What is your least favorite part of Laramie? Mike and Melissa faithfully commented on the extreme cold as well as the altitude. Melissa however made the distinction that the high altitude often provides a perfect excuse for many everyday activities: I'm not running like I used to, must be the altitude. My bread didn't rise like it should have, must be the altitude. Cowboy football sure is lookin' good, must be the altitude. I'm not as polite as I should be, must be the altitude. Of course, the Harrington's were also given an opportunity to talk about the many things they so dearly love about Laramie: small town feel, more cultural opportunities than in most of Wyoming, long season of snow sports and winter comformt foods, and most importantly the many people they've come to love so dearly.


As is to be expected when hosting a stranger on your couch, the Harrington's were able to collect an entertaining story from this week's guest. Jake told our faithful hosts of a hunting adventure in the heavily forested mountains of his homestate, New Hampshire. After spending a day in a tree-stand it was time for Jake to head back home. Before making his way safely out of the tree stand he spotted a large mass of muscle and golden fur stalking through the forest. Hoping to get a better look, and determine how safe his walk out of the forest would be, Jake continued to watch. Moments later, he spotted the creature again, still impressed by the creatures size Jake noticed what appeared to be a tuft of hair encircling the creatures head, much as is showcased in this picture:
Understanding that New Hampshire forests are not the home of lion's, Jake also had to justify and understandy why exactly he was seeing something that so clearly had a mane. Fortunately, local papers and town-gossipers were ready to provide some answers. A local zoo had recently closed down because of financial irresponsibility, but word on the street was, the owner's were also irresponsible when it came to keeping confined large cats that generally live in Africa.


With stories such as this, the Harringtons, their friend Mark and their guest Jake finally made it to the dinner table to enjoy Altitude Brews, Catfish Cakes, Twice-Baked Potatos, Dumpster Salad and Orangies. The meal was nothing-short-of enjoyed and was followed by a surprisingly interesting movie: District 9.


And that dear readers, is how the Harrington's brought in the CouchSurfing new year!

A Celebration of an American Tradition

On Friday, December 11th, the Harrington's had the great pleasure of welcoming over 20 guests into their home to celebrate a Merry Happy ThanksChristmasing. Having been privileged to meet various International students this year through the University of Wyoming's Friendship Family Program, CouchSurfing, the process of Adoption and by going to church, the Harrington's were lead to believe that hosting an International/American Celebration of sorts would add the perfect touch to their holiday season. With the help of beloved friends from Emmaus Road the Harrington's were able to bring together representatives from: North America, South America, Europe, Africa and Asia to celebrate the Holidays in true traditon.

A turkey was dressed, stuffing prepared, sweet potatoes baked, and pumpkin pie ready for whipped cream. A traditional Blakan's dish of Mousaka and a delisious Nepalese dish also made their appearance on the Thanksgiving table. Guests enjoyed eating together, chatting, a round of Apples to Apples and of course some live music. The evening was beyond enjoyable and left all knowing just how much they truly had to be thankful for.

Jackalope Jump

After having been cornered by a fellow employee, Mike Harrington was convinced to take part in the annual Jackalope Jump in Laramie, WY. The jump, which includes dressing up as a "Lone Ranger" and jumping into a freezing lake, will take place towards the end of February. However, before this jump happens, Mike needs your help to raise $50 (preferably more) to go towards the charity of his team's choice...The Wyoming Special Olympics. A worthy cause! To do so, please visit his giving homepage at: http://www.firstgiving.com/michaelharrington2 and click "Give Now". Please help Mike's frigid dip feel worthwhile!

P.S. There is also a small widget to the right that you can use to donate!

Stories from the Couch: October, November, December '09

After receiving a small portion of harassment from other Laramie CouchSurfing hosts, the Harrington's placed a disclaimer on their CouchSurfing profile requesting guests to check into other hosts, as by hosting, CouchSurfers become more involved in the spirit of CouchSurfing and better serve the CS community at large. After a couple of months, the Harrington's could not handle the lack of surfing occuring on their own couch and therefore, removed the disclaimer. They have since had a few opportunities to host some friends as well as CouchSurfers (most of whom did not date their guest book entries). The following is a small taste of CouchSurfing experiences through the fall of 2009.

Andrew Prior - good friend: en route to Salt Lake City, UT

The last time I saw you I introduced you to CouchSurfing and now look how far you have run with it. I am quite impressed.

Mike and Melissa:

• Very little in life is as valuable as a healthy and beautiful relationship.


• May we all recognize the importance of people and relationship over careers and finances.


• California is not for everybody (not that we ever would have thought so).
  

Abby and Andrea: en route to Michigan for the Holidays

Even though people may be bitter, I am so very glad we got to stay with you!...It was so cold outside but the company and warmth inside was fantastic.

-Abby

you both are living up to the idea of hospitality and it's so nice to see a couple that really strives to support each other and exemplify their values...Good tea and good people is one of simplest, nicest things in life and thank you for reminding me of that!

-Andrea

Mike and Melissa:

• It's a small world: only a few months ago we hosted Abby's room-mate from Idaho!


• Re-connecting with friends and more importantly maintaining connections with friends is one of life's greates joys.


• Everyone loves tea parties!

December 3, 2009: Biz en route to Portland, OR

Last night I had a dream that more and more guests kept showing up at your house (which was kind of like a giant Frank Lloyd Wright house 'cus it was a dream). My friends, your friends, moms and kids and so many people! There was a talent show and an 8 foot tall man was singing in a shimmering pink costume. Basically it just turned into a circus but thru it all you two were great hosts and made sure everyone felt welcome - which makes me smile because it's true! (Unfortunately, in the dream the talent show went on so long that you missed part of work. oops. Sorry.)

Anyhow, thanks a mil! My first night ever in Wyoming and it felt very nice and familiar just drinking tea and eating fancy food out of the dumpster.

December 3, 2009: Mike and Melissa

• Everyone should have a guest book just in case someone has an awesome dream while sleeping at your house.


• Book Recommendations are what keep our minds going: Blue Highways and The Atlas.
  

Jon (California Wine Intern Heading back home to Wisconsin):

Thank you for welcoming me into your cozy house! It was great talking with you two about your past adventures. Best wishes for an incredible journey around the world next summer! I wish I could join you for the World Cup!

Mike and Melissa:

• Holiday leftovers make hosting CouchSurfers a breeze!


• Guatemala has many reasons to make our list of World Travel destinations.

On the Road Again: Navajo Hits the 200,000 mile mark

As the Harrington's returned from celebrating the Thanksgiving holiday in Worland, WY their beloved Navajo Durango Subaru hit an important milestone (in a most literal sense), for 200,000 miles Navajo has been running strong and exploring the great and large United States of America. In celebration, Mike and Melissa clapped two hundred times and took a few snapshots, commemorating this important and remarkable moment in Navajo's history.

A Christmas Letter from 519 Clark

2009.

This year comes to an end and a new year beckons us forth. The 300-some days that have passed have offered such great memories and adventures. The approaching 300-some days offer the same. We can't help but echo Dave Ramsey and say "Today, this year, we are doing better than we deserve." We cannot, however look back, look forward or be in the present without fully acknowledging that God, the same God who came to earth as a babe, deserves all the glory and all the credit for the beauty of the life we are living. It is in recognizing this, we go forward in recounting our 2009 and wishing you all the best for your approaching year.

2009.


This year is highlighted by a 40+ day road trip throughout the west. We experienced the kindness of strangers, the majesty of creation, the love of family and friends and opportunities to serve our "neighbors" in love. The trip was possible because of our careers as paraprofessionals/teacher's assistants allowing for 3 months off to explore 16 National Parks, 9 states, a few Islands, and put over 10,000 miles our newly named Subaru: Navajo Durango.

2009.

This year has taught us the value of meaningful, authentic community as we have been privileged to live with a beautiful family that challenges us to love deeper, serve passionately and give generously. We have the honor of living in close proximity to a friend who gives more of himself in his relationships than could ever be asked or expected. We meet weekly with a handful of friends from church who serve as a constant source of encouragement, entertainment and even nourishment! We continue to welcome strangers into our home via CouchSurfing.org and have made some valuable relationships within that community, seeing some previous guests take up residence in Laramie and meeting some foreign friends who had previously contacted us with questions about Laramie. The University has given us the opportunity to meet with two International students, showing them American life and Wyoming life at it's finest (we hope). We are able to share meals with numerous friends, co-workers and family whom we adore and love. When considering our relationships, we know that we have been given much, and can only hope to return that blessing.

2009.

We hope this year has brought great happiness to your own households and leaves you feeling confident in the days to come. We wish you peace, love, and the blessing of great friendships that can carry you through whatever hardship or joy may come your way in 2010.

Grace and Peace,
M&M