Surprises of the Day

I decided late last night to take the morning off today. After getting my sub plans around, communicating with colleagues, and putting in for a sub, I went to bed later than I desired. Surprisingly, I slept well over an hour past my usual wake-up time. I needed the rest. 

I stayed home to be with my daughter, who has been experiencing many health issues and discomfort. Being home allowed me to get some things set up that I've been meaning to get to, such as putting together a small seated pedal exercise machine. This allows her to exercise while sitting. I also made some bingo cards with lots of self-care/healthy choices. The goal is two bingoes a day. Surprisingly, the bingo cards were a hit and very motivating. Another great surprise. 

By 10:30 this morning, I was feeling pulled to stay home all day, as I could see that if I left midday, we might be met with setbacks. So, I called my school, and to my surprise, the sub who was covering my morning could stay all day. 

I had many sweet surprises today. I'm going back to work tomorrow, but the meeting planned for after school has already been canceled, so another good surprise that gets me home earlier to the people who need me most. 

Need an Embrace?

 Life has been showing me many cards lately. 

The good.
The bad. 

You know the rest. 

As much as work can be both stressful and rewarding, I have some incredible colleagues who help keep the stressful parts--lighter. 

It's funny the things you hear outside of a classroom. 

I was minding my business at my desk when I heard, "Maybe Betsy needs an embrace."

I raised my head to see Carrie with Theresa outside my door, stifling a silly laugh. These are my "heart hand" friends. Anytime we begin to feel that, is this really happening, feeling that you get in school when you are an adult surrounded by teenagers, we just throw up our hands in the shape of a heart, and it makes it okay. 

Carrie came in and told me the crazy story about hugging that was occurring in a classroom down the hall. So naturally, we hugged, laughed, and laughed more because it was a Monday, and why not? 

Untitled

Today is an untitled day

a down day

full of clouds

streams of rain

down my face. 

Trying to manifest

an up day

full of open sky

warm summer air

on my cheeks.

Today was so very blah. I made lists in my head of positive things. And on their own, they are positive; I'm so grateful, but today still held a space for dullness. I took some medicine for the headache. I took a nap to escape. I took a walk to get my head up. Tonight, I'll sleep it all away and look forward to a brand new day. 

Library Giggles

You wouldn't have caught me teaching summer school a year or more ago. After a challenging year, I was surprised I signed up. To my surprise, summer school has been wonderful. Today, we took a walking field trip to the college library in town. The library was empty, and although we had a small group, we quickly lost control during our exploration. A reminder that a library is the best place to play hide-and-seek, whether you plan to or not. Shrieks and giggles echoed. We couldn't help but laugh. After three floors of peek-a-boos, loud directive whispers, and blocked elevators, we all made it down to play math games and roll some story dice. 

The difference between regular school and summer school, at least in my situation, is the freedom. We are focusing on skills, we have a small group, and it's a half day. There's no set curriculum, no timelines, unlimited popsicles, and the kids can take a break whenever it's needed. Needs can be met, we can laugh, and work at our own pace. Kind of a teacher's dream. 

Thoughts at the Table

It's the first Monday after school is out and I find myself at a table of colleagues for a leadership conference. Truthfully, I was not mentally prepared for the silliness that consumed the first hour or two and found myself checking out a bit. It wasn't the presenters fault, their energy was celebratory, kind of cheesy, and there were many attempts at metaphors--like literally wearing a life jacket to make a point. It was likely very similar to my seventh graders feelings when I am enthusiastic about something and they are completely over it. 

To calm my pretty unreasonable frustration I went back a to a poem I found a few days ago. The poem I shared for the call to slices today at TWT. I copied it down and then continued to write as I listened to one speaker, change to another. It helped me feel productive and also calmed my mind a bit. 

thoughts at the table

Sitting and imagining the sun, the water, the rain.

It brings me to a place that feels

comforting

known

understood. 

Where I've been

and 

where I'm going. 

Writing my message to the world

I'm finally hearing words that 

resonate

feel warm

relevant.

The abrasive switched to smooth.

Knowledge for knowledge's sake

and not for 

performance.

One More Day

I'm not sure what type of tired I am right now, but its symptoms are mixed. I've been the kind of tired that is only realized when I finally sit and feel a sense of relief I didn't know I needed—the kind of tired where thirst and hunger are unrecognized. I have one half day left with students and maybe a full day's worth of hours to finish this school year. It's been a year deserving of extra rest and care. It's been a year of learning and revelations. It's been a year. I'm ready to rest. 

Last Day: Day 31

It's the last day to slice for March and my last day of spring break. One of my slices early on in my break was a list of things I hoped to accomplish. I looked back at the list today and was disappointed that I had only done about half the things I expected. However, I did many things that should have been added to the list. That's the upside. 

As usual, a break never feels like a long enough time to do everything I want to do. I hope to keep chipping away at the list and enjoy the photos I hung on the wall, the organized closet, and the meal-prepping. Tomorrow, I will get caught up on lesson planning and clean a cabinet. What I really hope to do this week and every week in April is walk more. Whether it's outside or on my walking pad, I need to make it a priority during this stressful part of the school year. 

Thanks to all the slicers who participated this month. You make the month truly special for so many people with your commitment and encouragement. 

Posture Poses: Day 30

As I get older, I find my posture suffers more and more. While I was getting physical therapy for my shoulder recently, I was also given a few posture exercises to try. Being more aware has helped a lot, but over break, I haven't been as good about keeping up with exercise. Today, I tried finding additional exercises for my posture that would help me feel renewed. It was seriously helpful. 

I started with some basic warmups for my neck. I realized many of my muscles were tighter than I thought. Loosening and warming them up felt really good. Next up was a really odd-looking chin tuck that did a lot more stretching than the one I had been doing. It felt amazing. Using a towel, I did an extension strengthening exercise. This one was good, too, but the last stretch was by far the most challenging. 

If you need a solid 5-10 minute posture routine, I really like this one. 

Chicago: Day 28

We had one of those long days that means everyone will sleep well tonight. We left at six this morning for Chicago. Arie turned 17 today, and we planned to celebrate by spending a day at the aquarium, downtown, and on the train. Though it was chilly, the sun was shining, and it was gorgeous. We did just enough of everything we wanted and made it home by nine tonight.

One stop we made was at a fantastic bakery. We all picked out some tasty treats that will make the morning a continuation of a great day. 

Sister Visit: Day 26

I've been working through my list of things to accomplish over spring break. So far, I am making good headway. Today, I went to visit my sister.

My sister just had a procedure done yesterday and was going to be recovering at home. It seemed like a perfect day to visit and take some goodies. I got some cooling eye gel patches, hand lotion, cocoa-covered almonds, and dry shampoo. I love a tiny gift bag, and everything fit perfectly inside. My sister was appreciative and even shared the almonds with me while we sat and watched a movie. It was nice to just sit and relax together. It seems like we often see each other with lots of other family around and rarely just each other. I hope we can do it more often. 

Tired Pups: Day 25

In and out all day long. The puppies soaked up as much outside time as we’d allow. By 9pm tonight they were both exhausted. 

They’re already adorable puppies but sleepy puppies have a cuteness that’s unparalleled. Their floppiness and flexibility along with fluttering eyes meant an early bedtime. 

And now, it’s my turn. 

Laundry Haiku: Day 24

Textures and fibers

Layer upon layer, up

I climb to the top.

Dress: Day 23

Appointment time? Ten. 

Six dresses were tried on. 

Eyebrow questions remained. 

One more sweep of the racks. 

Exchanged looks.  

Just for fun?

No way it’s the one. 

But it was 

Still in shock

Said yes

To this dress. 

Snow: Day 22

Just a few days ago, Tuesday to be exact, I was writing a post about Michigan weather. The past few days have been cold, but we've seen the sun on occasion—nothing totally out of the ordinary. 

Last night, my husband mentioned snow in the forecast, but we weren't under an advisory. Arie (the youngest) and I were already on spring break as of 2:31 p.m. earlier in the day. Shawn, also a teacher, had to work on Friday. We were all secretly hoping he'd get some wild snow day. But 5:30 a.m. came; I still woke up, took the pups out, and saw no sign of snow. I went back to bed. Shawn left for school, and I got up around 8:00 a.m.

As I walked to the living room, I looked out the window to find this:

Quite a change. 

Again, I wonder if people outside of Michigan talk about the ridiculous unpredictability of Michigan weather as much as we all do. 

A side note:

The puppies were thrilled to have one more hoorah with the white stuff. 

Accountability List: Day 21

My goals for spring break!

As I sit here, after a long (short) 4 day week, I'm thinking about what I hope to accomplish. The list in my head is a bit unreasonable. Keeping this in mind, my accountability list below is going to alternate between something fulfilling for myself among the things I want to finish. 

Here goes:

Re-do and fill my photo frames with updated pictures.

Mop my floors.

Take lots of walks.

Clean the window sills.

Do my nails.

Organize my closet for spring. 

Go get coffee with my sister. 

Wash the kitchen cabinet doors. 

Make some delicious salads for the week. 

Take a small book shelf to my classroom. 

Go out to breakfast. 

Do some lesson planning/pacing. 

Get together with my friends for lunch. 

Long, Longer, Longest: Day 20

Two days

Long days. 

One conversation

More conversations

Longer conversations. 

Happy families

Concerned faces

Reassured students

Longest—-days—-ever. 

I am officially done with spring conferences and the fatigue is hitting hard. I can hardly wait for bed. One more day and then spring break. Let the sighs of relief begin. 

Michigan: Day 19

Like my whole life, it has felt that the weather in Michigan is constantly a big joke. I hear it in conversations all the time, no matter the season. 

"It's Michigan; what do you expect?"

"Is that snow? It was just sunny out."

"Do we need coats for recess today?"

"That's Michigan for yah."

"It was so nice out today. It was almost 45 degrees!"

Do people in other states talk about Michigan weather as much as Michiganders talk about Michigan weather? I was contemplating this on my drive to work today. It was 29 degrees out, and since I had a cardigan on, I forwent the coat. I needed gas. I pumped gas in below-freezing temps and felt chilled. I was fine. I don't think this is normal. 

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. 

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?

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 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. 

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. 

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.

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. 

Salad-Palooza: Day 11

I am a mostly plant-based eater. One way I care for myself is by making wonderful, full-of-flavor food that is mostly for just me. Over the weekend, I had three salads I really wanted to make. My FYP (for you page) has been full of great dinner-worthy salads. I couldn't decide on just one, so I prepped as much as possible over the weekend, hoping to pull it all off by Monday. 

After a long day, I threw in the sweet potato and carrot mixture I'd seasoned up yesterday. Then, I worked on shredding a bunch of brussel sprouts and some red cabbage. Gotta love my food processor, the true MVP. I already had some dressing mixed up; yummy tahini, date, and orange juice blend of ingredients. I also already had the grains and lentils ready, so it would all come together quickly. 

In no particular order:

Cumin Roasted Carrot and Brussel Sprout Salad

Parsley Chickpea Veggie Salad

Southwest Bean and Quinoa Salad

This was dinner and will be my lunch all week long. The bean salad is fantastic with chips. The brussel sprout salad would be amazing in a wrap. The parsley chickpea salad is just so fresh and full of texture; it's a winner. I love eating a plate of salad with a variety of flavors. Each one was so unique and filling. 

Recipes are linked in the captions for each photo. I'm not 100% sure the links will work, but I thought it was worth a shot. 

Couch Cuddles: Day 10

Willow and Walnut

We were fortunate to welcome two new puppies into our home in late November. They are King Charles Cavaliers, and they are such a pair. Willow is a mixture of grey, black, tan, and white, while Walnut is almost entirely ruby brown, aside from some white patches here and there. Both are cuddly and sweet. They are true lap dogs when they aren't running full tilt through the backyard or tearing around the couch in circles chasing each other. Just like siblings, when one has something, the other wants it, and half the time, we are trying to figure out what they have. Both love to find a good stick or piece of bark to taunt each other with. I love their silly personalities and enjoyed several couch cuddles today between busy Sunday responsibilities. 

PT from Home: Day 9

I recently finished a round of physical therapy for a shoulder injury. My "at home" exercises were minimal, but we came up with a few more in my last two visits to beef up my ability to strengthen while I await an MRI. I have a couple of stretchy bands, but I wanted to set up a space for myself to work specifically on my shoulder strength. So, I dusted off the old Total Gym we bought about five years ago and made a small area for myself. 

It was a productive day, cleaning up this corner in preparation for some shoulder and back strengthening. I'm hoping I can use this space every day!

Field Trip: Day 8

Today was fantastic.


February was a long month. Each day with seventh graders was challenging. I could count on one hand the number of days when I left school feeling like I had some energy left, maybe even some feelings of effectiveness. Most days lately have felt like a circus, trying to keep the peace while also trying to teach.
March began, and I had some hope things would settle down. Even if they didn't, today brought some goodness and made up for a lot of the chaos of middle school. We had a field trip, and it was fantastic.
A large venue in a nearby city was hosting Step Afrika, which, as the description states, is a "step tradition of audience participation and closes with a complex, polyrhythmic percussive symphony that brings audiences to their feet."
We were definitely up on our feet, clapping, stomping, and interacting with great performers. It was a great experience for my students, and so many of them fully embraced the energy and participated. I will focus on those who took it as an opportunity to embrace performance and culture. I left feeling quite revitalized and hopeful.

White Lie: Day 7

It's March, meaning most schools across the country celebrate "March is Reading Month" in many different ways. One way my school is trying to inspire excitement around reading month is with spirit days across the month. We have Pajama Day (snuggle up with a book), Read a Shirt Day (wear a shirt with words), and today, we had White Lie Day. This is when students wear a white shirt (or a piece of paper taped to their shirt) with a white lie. I saw all kinds of silly ones today. 

For instance:

"I have perfect attendance."

"I'm the tallest one in my class."

"I'm a morning person."

"I'm quiet."

I thought I'd put a white lie on my shirt that is truly untrue for me and might inspire conversations about writing as well as reading. 

It's a phrase I hear often from twelve and thirteen-year-old students and work to change. Many of them are still finding their way through adolescence, and their moods often get in their way. Today, I got a few laughs and eye rolls from my students. 

I made an attempt at a small orange slice. T-shirt writing is tricky. 

Pep Talk Fun: Day 6

Today was an early release day for students, so teachers had meetings for the last couple of hours. To start us off, my principal passed out a chart titled "Pep Talk Generator." I hadn't ever seen this before but was intrigued immediately. We partnered up and walked around giving each other pep talks like:

Girl--your DNA--is a rainbow factory--that's just science.

Champ. Everything you do--raises the roof--that's a fact. 

Know this--the essential you--just shimmers--period.

Here's an example of what we used. 

Meetings come and go, and most are not very memorable. However, this one started great. Any meeting where I can start off laughing is a better meeting overall.