Who knew that teachers look forward to breaks just as much as students do? Maybe even more so. Sometimes I can really identify with that Expedia commercial where the teacher stands in the middle of a crazy classroom and says, "My vacation is REALLY important to me." By the time a break rolls around, every part of me is ready. Maybe it seems silly, but school breaks are toward the top of my list of things to be grateful for.
Remember that "High School Musical" moment when everyone is staring at the clock chanting, "Summer. Summer. Summer"? That's about how I felt all day yesterday, except my students and I were thinking, "Spring break. Spring break. Spring break!"
Who knew that teachers look forward to breaks just as much as students do? Maybe even more so. Sometimes I can really identify with that Expedia commercial where the teacher stands in the middle of a crazy classroom and says, "My vacation is REALLY important to me." By the time a break rolls around, every part of me is ready. Maybe it seems silly, but school breaks are toward the top of my list of things to be grateful for.
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Almost.
We spent hours wandered through furniture stores, sitting on one couch after another, and finally found one we could both agree on. The catch? The price, of course. I told my sister that sometimes I feel cursed with good taste - it doesn't matter what I'm looking for, somehow the one I like is always the more expensive one. It's a gift I have. So we eventually decided to walk away and come back to it tomorrow. My parents say to go for it, but it feels like too much decision for me. What if we get it in the house and hate how it fits? What if the color doesn't look right with all the other colors in the house? What if it doesn't fit through the door? Im just not ready to be an adult yet. Give me another year or two. Dear Students...Today was one of those days when I noticed how many great things you're doing. I noticed when you took your hood off before I asked you to. I noticed when you wrote an outline (just like we practiced!) before writing out your essay, and I noticed how you pushed through that state writing assessment, even though I know you hate it and it's hard. I noticed that your behavior in your orchestra class - which has really been a struggle - improved, and that your attitude toward me and your classmates and school in general is making leaps and bounds. I noticed that you showed up on time for our TED Talk event, dressed up in a shirt and tie, even though not everyone dressed up, and that you stayed until the very end. I noticed that you gave your TED Talk, even though you were nervous, and you shared something you are extremely passionate about. I noticed that you came to watch your friends perform their TED Talks and that you cheered for all 15 of your classmates. I noticed that you volunteered to help with tech crew, just because you love it and you want to help. I noticed that you went out of your way to thank me for something today. I know I may not always say it, but I do notice these things. You are amazing. Please know that I am so proud of the good you are doing in the world! Love, Miss B.I am, quite possibly, the world's best procrastinator. I'm sure I'm better than my students. I honestly don't know how to get out of the crisis living mode. I look at people who can get things done right away - and get them done quickly - and I'm amazed. It's like I don't even know how to go about trying to be more like that. It just doesn't seem possible in my head.
But why is that? Is it something in my brain that is hardwired for procrastination? Is it because I really don't care too much about procrastination, so my brain isn't willing to try it? Or is procrastination just the easy way out, a "skill" that got me through all of school? I mean, I didn't get much sleep, but I got pretty great grades going through school. I wish I was one of those people that could quickly finish everything and be totally on top of things. Maybe I'll try that tomorrow. I'm a teacher so
I need more sleep than I get. Too many late nights. Today at church someone asked, "What brings you true joy?" I've been thinking about that question this afternoon and revising my list. Here are some things I came up with that bring me true, lasting joy - not just temporary happiness:
Lazy Saturdays are my favorite. Sure, I like spending Saturday out and about, doing lots of fun things, but there is just nothing better than a relaxing, rainy Saturday with nothing to do and all day to do it. I thought today was going to be so busy, but then some things fell through and I ended up with a whole day ahead of me for brunch, a movie, and reading my new book. It was absolutely heaven.
Sometimes I really hate going into furniture stores. I look young for furniture shopping, so the salespeople largely ignore me, which is usually nice - until I have a question. Then I have to search all over to find someone who can help me, and when I finally do, I feel like they're a little patronizing. Maybe it's my own insecurities, but I always leave feeling a little stupider than when I walked in. Even though I've usually done my research and know exactly what questions to ask and what I'm looking for. Someimes I want to say, "You know, I'm not as young and naive and stupid as I apparently look."
I love watching my students do things they love. Tonight I went to our school musical (they did "Peter Pan") and it was so fun to watch some of my students just come allve as they performed. Sometimes as a teacher I think I forget that they aren't just students - they are kids figuring out what they like to do, learning and trying new things, making friends, playing sports, and practicing for the musical. I love those moments when I get a little glimpse of the people they are. It reminds me how lucky I am to get to surround myself with good kids all day long.
Tonight I auditioned for "Hairspray" at a community theater in my area. They said that they would send out a callback list tonight (or very early tomorrow morning). I told myself I would just check when I woke up in the morning...but maybe I should just wait up so I don't have to put myself through the suspense. I just want to know! The problem with waiting is that means I'm just refreshing my email feed every minute and not getting anything else done and prepared for tomorrow.
What's taking them so long? Can't they just send the callback list already? #impatient |
About MeI'm a daughter, sister, friend, and book lover turned English teacher. This blog is all about the things I'm learning as I go through my many adventures. For more info about me, check out the About Me page. Categories
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