Do you ever feel that way? So, I have made it back to Idaho and into the swing of things. I just wrapped up conferences, which I enjoy. We had them for the last two night, right after school. The first night I had them in my room and stayed 30 minutes after with parents - the second night I had them in the gym and only went 5 minutes over. I find it important to grab parents at any opportunity to connect about their child. I spoke with one mother, who I have talked with before, about the real possibility of her son being in the 6th grade again. It does not look good for this kid, but better to learn it in 6th grade and not in 10th grade.
It has been stressful the past two weeks. Having the kids back from break, trying to get my new room organized, and putting grades in the book - I snapped. My language arts class got to see me get serious, and strict. I spoke with one student in the office and let him know that if he stepped out of line again he would spend the rest of the year in the office during my class. I also got to speak to the class, and yes I know they are 6th graders. So, come Tuesday I am going to take half the class to go over our contract. I am going to let them help with the rules of the class, and the consequences of what happens when you break the rules. I will print it on a huge piece of paper and have it on the front wall. I am tired of raising my voice. I will just default to the contract and quietly dole out the consequences. They tell you there is a lot to learn in your first year of teaching, and they were not kidding AT ALL. I will be glad to be done with 'teaching' language arts after this year. My art program suffers because of it.
I tend to worry about life. I also tend to replay things over in my head. Over the holidays JW asked if I was grinding on an issue, working on a pearl. I thought that was a riot, and exactly what I do. This year I want to learn to relax, and let go. That it is ok to be responsible for things, but to let them work themselves out. Some of you might not realize that I, at times, have control issues. Yup, who knew? Here are some verses that I have been thinking about, and dwelling on to help me.
I remember saying to friends this week that I wish I had one area of my life that could be relaxing, or calm. I chuckled when I read this verse. Is it wrong to want more? I guess I also have to learn to relax in the presence of God.
God is our refuge and strength,an ever-present help in trouble.
Psalm 46:1
What? Me worry? I am carefree, and live for making people laugh.
Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is life not more important than food and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? Who of you by worrying can add a single hour to his life.
Matthew 6:25-27
This is my verse for 2009. I want to embrace this thought as my own.
So do not worry about tomorrow; for tomorrow will care for itself. Each day has enough trouble of its own.
Matthew 6:34
Somethings are starting to fall into place around here. Say a prayer about a PT job opportunity that would be great AND bring in $$. Not only that BUT another job to cross off the job list of things I have always wanted to do.
Last night I got a group of teachers together after conferences to hang out and relax. This was the first gathering of the sort of teachers for me this year. We had a blast. Most are new to the school, but not new to teaching. Half were raised in the area, with Jersey and Minnesota bringing up the other side of the country. It seemed like last night was good for everybody, but honestly I did it for myself. We each talked about where we were from and our lives; married, children, divorced, dating, religion. We all got to be surprised at one point or another.
I am starting to grasp the idea of being here again next year. I want what is best for me, and also a good opportunity to teach. This being said, I will be selling my house this summer. You can relax in the idea that the glass half full notion that come with this bitter pill is that a HUGE MANVILLE PARTY will be on the calendar!!! That I can Guarantee!! Beer signs half price.
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