My Other Blogs:

Other Corners to Find Me:

Monday, March 18, 2024

Phenomenon: Day 18

I found myself entering the tube today. The MRI tube. 
My shoulder needed imaging to determine a cause for the pain I've been experiencing. Although I've had an MRI on two other occasions, it's always quite a phenomenon. 

I lay there wondering how it all works. I know it's magnets and waves, but it's so strange. 

You lay there. The noises are so bizarre, unlike anything else. It's the most alien $#!% you've ever experienced. But you just keep laying there, like it's the most normal thing. They say, "Only five more minutes," and it feels like forever, but you lay still, avoiding the little itches on your face and the fact that breathing feels like too much movement. You wonder if you'll cough or feel the need to sneeze. You just lay there, waiting for it to end. Then...it does. You go on about your day like it's the most normal thing. 


Sunday, March 17, 2024

Early Birthday Dinner: Day 17

It's the seventeenth day of March, and my youngest will be seventeen in just over a week. It's always hard to believe that kids grow up. As a teacher, I've watched all kinds of kids grow older. When it is your own, it still can catch you off guard. 

Yesterday, we had an early birthday dinner and gift-opening celebration with my parents. Arie was amazed and shocked. 

Arie is a big crafter: paints, crochet, beads, clay, and all things paper-related. My mom is also a big crafter and loves this trait of Arie's. It is something they can share with each other. So, when my mom asked about getting Arie a Cricut Joy, I knew that would get a big smile. 

What do you think?



Saturday, March 16, 2024

First Robin: Day 16

My youngest and I went on a quick trip to have dinner with my parents tonight. There were French fries, iced tea, and dessert. 
We talked about school, summer plans, and an upcoming art festival as we headed home. We chatted and laughed, passing the time. 
Something caught my eye just as we turned down the street to enter our neighborhood. 
I quickly pulled to the side, peering over the car's passenger side to see if my suspicions were confirmed. 
"It's my first Robin!" 
"Oh my gosh mom"
"Can you see it? Can you get a photo? Wait, I'll do it." 
"MOM!"
I took multiple photos. Many are too blurry to use. However, a couple got the bird's good side. Now Arie knows firsthand my reaction to seeing my first robin of spring. Few people have witnessed the enthusiasm. 






Friday, March 15, 2024

Friday Tired: Day 15

It's been a long, long week. Next week will likely not let up. But...after four more work days, I'll be on spring break. I'm so grateful for the weekend. 

This week brought:

Students in crisis 
Lots of staff out
Several sick kids
in
and 
out
Time change burnout
Low energy
High ENERGY
Teachers feeling feelings
Budgets due--today
Leadership planning
Behavior plan changes
One after school parent meeting
One planning time parent meeting
Concerned emails
Phone calls with concerned parents
One staff meeting
Two days of after school help
A dehumidifier malfunction
A huge loud fan in my room all day
Snacks given
Mints given
Tissues given
Card game fun
Laughing
Hugging
Smiles on the way out
When Friday finally finished. 






Thursday, March 14, 2024

Pizza Pie Day: Day 14

Order and watch

The tracking begins. 

Prep, bake, check

Then the driver

drives

my pies

perfect pie

perfect end

to pie day


Isn't it crazy that I can track my pizzas' progress? It's one of those things, and since I can, I will. 


           
I couldn't wait. 

Wednesday, March 13, 2024

Snowdrops: Day 13

Each March, I have my favorite signs of spring, and they are always slice-worthy. One of my favorite signs each year is the snowdrops that pop up in bunches. I trek out to the far back woods behind my house, walk the trail a short way, and start to look. 

These delicate flowers are so simple. Like little bells, they hang with just a few little white petals. The green leaves spring out of the ground like a nest. They are so soft and flowy. In the wind, the blooms bob while the leaves sway. So much movement as light flickers through them. 

I'm always worried I'll miss them. Last year, I only saw a few of the last flowers. Lucky me, this time, I saw several bunches. 

Seeing these flowers brings me a burst of happiness.





Tuesday, March 12, 2024

Slice-peration: Day 12

Today was a day not to even be discussed; just let go and move on. 

I knew I would need to replenish myself in some way. 
Dinner helped. 
A walk in the woods helped more. 

I gathered *slice-peration while I walked, dodging the uneven ground riddled with leaves, sticks, and moss. I saw many signs of spring. I heard the wind, birds, dogs in the distance and trees creaking as they talked to the sky. It was cool but warm at the same time—a perfect moment for a healing walk and many of my favorite things. 

Afterward, I felt my shoulders sitting lower and my breathing flowing easier. I'm always grateful for the peace I get when I'm outside. 

*Taking photos for potential slices later this month when I need some inspiration.