Unrealistic Goals?

Before my class and I left for Winter Break, I asked each student to come up with a reading goal -- something they wanted to accomplish before coming back to school in the new year. I set a goal for myself as well -- to read four chapter books.

When I shared this with my darling class they were skeptical that I could do it.
After calling them all unsupportive turd fergisons, my mind was made up. Not only would I read four books, but I might even read five just to prove them wrong. Kids can be jerks.

With eleven days of Winter Break behind me, and only five days to go ... I have finished only one book -- "Living Dead in Dallas" by Charlaine Harris (one of the Sookie Stackhouse books from the TrueBlood series). It isn't that I am a slow reader -- but I spent at least half of my reading time trying to plow through "Son of a Witch" by Gregory Maguire -- a much heavier and more time consuming read.

My strategy: put "Son of a Witch" down for now and plow through a couple of quicker reads.

Speaking of unrealistic (?) goals -- today I received clearance from my physical therapist today that I can participate in the Eugene Half Marathon by walking only. I will be accompanying Jen and Kate as we try to accomplish this feat.

Training starts Monday.

Problem Solved -- at least in the short term.
After writing my last blog entry, I changed my clothes and headed to the pool.

40 minutes later ... 800 yards were swam, and only 15 minutes wasted figuring out my new waterproof mp3 player that Eric bought me for Christmas. I swam to the mellow beasts of Dave Matthews Band and The Eagles. A totally awesome and worthwhile purchase. I highly recommend.

Thanks for the supportive thoughts!

Motivation

School starts again in exactly one week ... yikes; where does the time go?
I miss my students -- but I don't miss all of the work that goes along with spending my days with those turkeys. Three students actually emailed me to check in, say hello, and one very dramatic (but endearing) email about how much I am missed. Good times.

But ... this week isn't about them. This week of vacation should be about me.
The problem is: I am lacking any motivation. I am comfortably sitting on the couch, watching a bad Patrick Demsey movie, making lists of all the things I should be doing .. and yet, I am still sitting here.

How do you motivate yourself to get off the couch?

Another Day, Another Dollar

I am looking around the room ... one girl is spinning in circles as though she is a human helicopter; one student snuggling with the bunny; another trying to play "Don't Stop Believin'" on the keyboard; three playing Free Rider on the computer; two lip singing to "Carry On My Wayward Son" by Kansas; and another group playing with Legos. Yet another just asked me to use the phone so she could thank her mom for bringing her lunch. Kids are strangely interesting.

Earlier this week, another teacher was talking with me about a prospective future student. This student stated that she wanted to be in my class next year and her current teacher inquired why. The student's response: "because Becky let's her kids do whatever they want".

Quite a reputation I have.

Watershed Festival

Dear City of Forest Grove,

Thank you for your willingness to let my class and two others at Level 2 use the Community Auditorium. However, it was very unfortunate that when my class of 25 students arrived with their trifold displays and hands on activities to teach the community about watersheds you told us we could no longer use that space. Alternatively we had to walk six additional blocks (carrying all of our materials) to other city building space. Thankfully all turned out well (except for the Level 3 students who could not find us, and the parents who were rerouted, and well some of my sanity).

Thanks again.

Sincerely,
Becky

They Drive Me Crazy

Tuesdays are our "big long day together" -- no breaks, no excuse to go out into the community, and no specials. Tuesdays are rough; and today is no exception. Exhaustion Day 2.

A Dedication to the Peregrine Falcons however, change "she" to "they"

Time Flies!

Only four and a half more days until Holiday Break and I couldn't be more ready.
I am drained -- emotionally mostly. Being a teacher is hard ... wonderfully hard.

When I used to work at a medical records clerk, or patient care clerk, or during my several years as a secretary/receptionist, I would feel drained at the end of the day. I would be grouchy about something that happened at work -- a rude patient/co-worker, or the never-ending office drama.

But, these days -- I go home exhausted, but it is a different kind of exhaustion; and I can't quite put my finger on what is different -- other than I get to spend the day with 9-12 year olds who make me smile.

For example, today during our trek back from music -- two of my students sang "Don't Stop Believen" by Journey at the top of their lungs -- and not just the chorus -- they new the whole song.