My new mantra: "Peace in your heart." I find myself saying this to myself a lot lately, when some new stress rears its ugly head. It seems no matter how hard I try to achieve this lately, peace is not to be had.
I could use this forum to compile a detailed list of my escalating worries, ailments, and assignments; but I don't think that would accomplish much...or at least it wouldn't help me achieve what I so desire right now.
So, instead, a list of blessings:
1. My parents. No one could ask for a better cheering section. They listen to me rant and somehow keep me moving when all I want to do it quit.
2. My friends. You know the ones...they check on your when you're sick, they somehow know when something is not right in your world, and they do everything they can to make it better.
3. Rainy days
4. Homemade soup
5. The sincerity and honesty of children
6. Leaves changing color
7. Sleeping with the windows opened
8. Tight hugs
9. Singing with brothers and sisters
10. Hot showers
11. Verses like this one, "For I am persuaded that neither death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth, nor any other created thing, shall be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." (Rom 8.38-39)
#3 reminds me of when we first started at FC and you said you would hold my hair back for me if I got sick. Just remembering! And ans for #1 I think your parents are the greatest!
Just read this this morning...."That is why for Christ's sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong." 2 Cor. 12:10
Well, I made it through my first week back teaching. It was quite an interesting few days.
Highlights...
The new principal has really made a positive impression on the staff. He's visible, positive, and open to suggestions. Yay, and sigh of relief.
I have 23 awesome kids in my class. They each bring something unique and wonderful to the table. I can't wait to get to know them better.
I have a student who is afraid to watch people eat. Have any of you ever heard of this? She has come in crying every morning except for Friday. I'm not sure what to do. This is going to be a challenge.
I almost had to restrain a student who was having a melt down on the play ground. I was just trained in the proper techniques last week...was fun at the time...not fun in reality.
I have another student who quietly rocks out to whatever music I am playing in the morning when they come in...even classical. :)
I have the assistant principal's son in my class, the nurse's son, and three other teachers' sons in my class this year. Should be interesting.
Had class today. Second to last one before I graduate in December...almost there.
Overall, good week. I am dead tired, in fact, I just woke up from a nap and I plan on going to bed here in a few minutes.
Wow! Sounds like an interesting mix! I'm sure it's hard to tell how the teacher/parent situation will develop - hope it's a blessing! Deipnophobia is the fear of dining...hmmm...
goodness girlie...you are an Olympic teacher!!!! You are amazing...and VERY inspiring to me! Hey, can I get your address? You can email it to me! lhawkins@bryanisd.org
I want to come to your class and just watch. You know why you have the teachers/nurse/assistant principal's kids in your class...it's because they want their kid to have the best teacher. That is true. I want my kids to be in your class.
This past week has been incredibly busy. With school about to start on Monday, I've had meetings; I've been working in the room, planning, decorating, brainstorming....it's been busy. I have also been stressing about finishing up Portfolio 1 for grad school before Portfolio 2 starts this coming Saturday. I've also got a book to read and a presentation to prepare. Then there is the underlying dread that because this summer hasn't been the most restful, I will burn out early on this school year. Lots to think about and do,
and yet,
I feel overwhelmed with blessings. I have such an amazing family. My parents are a constant example of godliness and strength. They have dealt with recent adversity in such a humbly positive way. In the midst of their own hurdles, they support me; encourage me, and build me up.
I have genuine friends. Acquaintances are one thing, true friendships are another. I am really blessed to have a few people in my life who are really making my walk so much better (you know who you are). These friendships have challenged me, and helped me to more clearly see where I need to be headed. They have grounded me and given me perspective. So in the midst of all of the "stuff" I have going on, I have spent every night of this past week with people I love...sitting down for a meal, having a meaningful talk, playing a game, singing together, talking on the phone... Am I tired? Absolutely. Is it worth it? No doubt.
i think i know who i am ;) i wish we could have hung out more this week...but i'm glad you came over on monday night. next time, you'll have to actually eat dinner with me instead of just watching me cook :) love love LOVE you!!!
I love you and miss you. As I was packing up all of our things this last month I ran across several notes you and your family had written me that I kept and it filled my heart with wonderful memories. I love going over old cards and remembering the time they were written, It always lifts me up. I hope you have a wonderful year and great kids this year. I know they will be better for having you as their teacher. Love you.
I just finished writing an autobiography (in the third person) for my portfolio. What a strange exercise! Alyson did not like trying to fit all of the events of her life onto three pages.
In other news, I "finished" setting up my classroom yesterday after a shopping spree at Walmart. I continue to scare myself at how excited school supplies make me. Is this normal?
Oooh, did "budget" fit into your autobiography anywhere? That was a very important part of your life!
I've always LOVED school supplies. Coloring makes me happy. Cute things make me happy too. A couple time a year my co-worker and I order small cute toys from Japan and I always get a warm fuzzy feeling inside.
We are back from camp and missed you! : ) Quite an exciting year with several (non-earthball related, actually) injuries and mosquitoes the size of...well...earthballs... : )
"Don't you love New York in the fall? It makes me wanna buy school supplies. I would send you a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils if I knew your name and address. On the other hand, this not knowing has its charms." Even Joe Fox from You've Got Mail likes new school supplies. :)
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! My darling Alyson!!!! I miss you soooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo much!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
That's quite an excellent evil laugh you have there. Also, I think I'd have a hard time filling up three pages from my life - it'd have to be a padded document, for sure.
that's YUCKY!!!! And you are soooooooooooo right! I need to make a trip up there! I know for sure if Conrad and Jessica do Ross will want to come w/ me too!
This summer has been extremely busy. I started it off with a trip to IL to see my family for Memorial Day. Once back in town, I started my first grad school class of the summer, Portfolio 1. The class only met once, but I received a 68 page syllabus full of assignments to keep me sufficiently busy. A few days later I started my second class, School Innovation. This class was incredibly challenging. It only met four times, 8-5 each day, over the period of a week. During that week, I along with a few incompetent classmates (that's code for I did or redid all of the work) developed and presented a concept for an innovative new school. With that class complete, I started my final two summer classes: School Law and Financial Planning. I have also managed to throw into the mix a trip to Louisville to help mom pick out paint colors, door knobs, and light fixtures for the new house; a trip to Bowling Green for Jackson's birthday, and a trip to Huntsville for the 4th of July to see Mom, Dad, Megan, Adam, Lydia, and my aunt and uncle. It is crazy to think that I will be back at school teaching in less than a month. In the meantime, I will be doing homework, going to class, and enjoying all of my wonderful friends! I am so blessed!
