Reset SOLC #7

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Sometimes 

you just need to press 

the reset button

so you 

take a walk

soak up the sunshine

drink some coffee

fold socks

take a long shower

eat quesadillas for lunch

then you 

find a comfy space

put on your slippers

find your computer 

and write

Now you can tackle 

the report cards

that have been nagging on your brain.

Make the plans

that must be made

So later

you can watch a movie

take another walk

drink a glass of wine

and

relax.

Some Days SOLC #6

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I watched the movie "Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day" tonight.  The book is near and dear to my heart as a reader, a parent and a teacher.  

I read the book as a kid and really loved how grumpy Alexander was about everything.  I was a very dramatic yet happy child (can you say, "mood swing?") so I could totally relate.

I remember reading about Alexander to my daughters.  Then they both had Mrs. A for 5th grade, two different years.  In her room, you could escape to "Australia" (a corner full of pillows) when the day was just too much for you.

This school year I'm finding it hard not to be Alexander.  I'm constantly running the highlight film of my teaching day in my head and I can only find the faults.  It's something I really need to work on. 

Loved this quote from the movie.  

"I think you just gotta have the bad days so you can love the good days even more."

Way to frame it, Alexander!

Reason number 1,578,903 SOLC #5

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School ended at 3:50 p.m.

4:00 meeting with principal

4:20 chat with math resource teacher (she grounds me so well)

5:00 run back to the room to create 1/2 day sub plans

5:15 text from hubby that he's landed at the airport

oh

I'm not finished.  

Typical.

I ask via text if we can grab food then come back to school.

I have to finish.

He agrees.

Surprising, but typical.

My reply text, 

"Reason 1,578,903 

I love you"

Priorities (Feelings) SOLC #4

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Science kit repacking (frustrated)

Headed for home at nearly 7 (exhausted)

Talked with college daughter (uplifted)

Hot dinner in the crock pot (impressed)

Younger daughter helping friend (proud)

Laundry, garbage, kitchen duty (bored)

Planning (inspired)

Planning (stuck)

Ask friend for help (hopeful)

Planning (refocused)

Nag younger daughter to get in the shower (annoyed)

Remember to slice (anxious)

Read a comment (calmed)

Eat a mini cheesecake (satiated)

Put computer away until tomorrow (sleepy)

Exercise SOLC #3

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I went to my friend's house tonight for a small group exercise session.  The friend is one I've had for 18 years and she became a personal trainer about 5 years ago.  This school year I decided to grace her basement workout gym with my presence. (LOL.  I HATE to exercise.  Really.)

My trainer likes to work us in circuits, so today's workout included treadmill and rowing time, jumping pull ups, lunges and squats with different weights, and planks.  

During the workout, I was talking about three kids who burst into tears today in my first grade class.  One over writing, one about friends being mean, and the last one during math.  As I tried the really awful part of tonight's workout, my arms started to shake and I really wanted to give up.  So I decided to have another buddy take my picture as I tried doing push ups hanging on to rings.  It was hard, but I tried it and I didn't give up.  

Maybe the kids need to see me doing something hard that makes me want to complain and cry.  Maybe they will take it easy on me tomorrow when it comes to lifting my arms!

Applause SOLC #2

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I attended our high school's musical production of 42nd Street on Saturday night.  The students did a great job singing, dancing and acting.  The leads got standing ovations (they deserved it) but it got me thinking that not everyone got the applause they deserved.

As much as I was in awe of the pure talent shown by all the students on stage, I thought about all the kids behind the scenes.  The ones who painted sets, managed the lights, played the music, moved all the props, helped with costume changes and applied the makeup.  They put in as many hours as the performers, but they had to enjoy the applause from backstage.

When I think of my classroom, most of the attention (positive and negative) goes to those students who participate and call out and demand the most attention.  My quieter, thoughtful students usually stay "in the wings" and let others "take the stage."  I try my best to give those quieter students one-on-one attention and let their voice be heard.  

Not everyone is a performer or an extrovert.  The world needs actors and backstage people.  We need to cultivate all personality types and make sure everyone gets the applause and recognition they deserve.

Why I Slice SOLC #1

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It's year 4 for me participating in the Slice of Life March Challenge at Two Writing Teachers.  I cannot believe I've been part of this community for so long.  Sure, it can be stressful to write and publish to a public forum, but it's reallllly worth it!

I slice because Michelle talked me into it.  She is someone you cannot say no to.  She knows what is good for you and she wants you to try.  Just try.  Then you get hooked and you tell her she was right and she just smiles.  I'm honored that I've been mentored by this smart cookie for 12 years.

I slice because writing calms me down.  I'm an anxious, disorganized, talkative, out-of-the box thinker.  When I need to work out a problem or make a decision, my mind starts to spin.  I have to talk to anyone who will listen.  The decision can be tiny (should I get these shoes?) or humongous (should I change my job?) and I feel better after talking it out with friends and family.  The Slice of Life challenge gives me a community to share my thinking as well as read what others are working through, professionally and personally.  This community promotes gratitude, compassion and empathy.  We are all here for each other even though many of us have not met in person.

Thank you to Stacey and all the hosts and slicers for all you do.  March is a time of crazy weather, testing and cabin fever.  Why not write?