Lachelle encouraged me to look back over the day and look honestly at what I had done. Who knows? This kind of data may be too tedious for the average reader. But I found it interesting to take a minute-by-minute look at one of the busier days of this week. I recently read in an article that we only think we are busy because we see it as a symbol of status. We take pride in our busyness, as though it meant we are important. I am getting over that. I find less and less joy in too-busy-all-the-time girl, and more and more fulfillment in can-look-you-in-the-eye-and-listen girl. As I looked at this hourly, I found a few things to be true: 1.) people matter most. 2.) variety is a joy. 3.) class prep time matters,too, and even though people matter most, don't let people take that away from you!
6:30-8:30 am Office shift: dealt with some sick kids; scrambled to schedule two doctor's appointments for two different students with two different problems
8:30-9:50 am Prayer Action Team meeting in my apartment--so convenient!
9:50-10:22 am Usually this is my preparatory time for class. It was instead taken up with talking about a truant student who caused a commotion near the gym.
10:27-12:14 pm English 9 (winging it more than I like)
12:14 pm Help RH student back into the dorm to find her glasses; run into lunch date friends I had nearly forgotten about; ask them to wait just a moment while I deal with glasses; forgot to check to make sure all sick kids had gone into school.
12:18-12:44 pm Hang out with these two dears who had come to visit as many teachers as they could, and instead found that they were not allowed, and could only enjoy their lunches with a very distracted, overly-caffeinated teacher that neither of them had had officially.
12:48-1:31 pm Academic Writing class (I have to skip out during the free write to do the copying that I didn't do in the morning or during lunch)
1:31-1:45 pm Cover for another teacher who had to pop out for some brief thing.
1:45 pm Call mechanic. Bill is less than half of my greatest fear. I will keep the car.
1:45-2:08 pm Do odds and ends around classroom. (Each thing is small, but as a whole, they are the difference between teaching during class and just moving papers from bookshelf to desk to podium and back for 43 minutes.)
2:08 pm In the school office, finding answers to attendance questions. On the phone, finding advisers to give rides to aforementioned students with nearly simultaneous doctor's appointments in different locations. It is decided that I will take one of the students... everything will work out.
2:10-2:30 pm Blank space. I have no idea. I think I tried to find some food in my apartment. Unsure if I was successful.
2:30-4:30 pm Trip to dentist to get student a root canal.
4:30-4:35 pm Stop to get someone birthday present.
4:35-5 pm Drive back. Stuck in traffic behind wreck. Realize I must hurry because of senior presentation night.
5-5:25 pm Dinner at cafeteria. The hardest part of the evening, dealing with some relational struggles among staff... left early when Ben arrived so I could be anywhere else.
5:25-5:50 pm Being present in dorm office.
5:50-7 pm Finding food in apartment. Reading Anne of the Island.
7:15-8:30 pm View two senior presentations. (These, in some form, are required for all seniors to graduate in Pennsylvania.)
8:30-9:50 pm Grading notebooks in classroom.
10-10:35 pm Saying goodnight to girls on my hall.
10:35-11:20 pm Praying and listening in the lounge with one student and Lachelle.
11:20-11:30 pm Talk with Lachelle about issues from the day.
11:30-12:30 pm Blog, grade, Facebook, Hulu, YouTube, etc.
Friday, March 28, 2014
Tuesday, March 25, 2014
On the First Spring Afternoon: Nothing of Substance
I smelled the earth as it woke up, walking outside on Saturday morning. The mother dove had returned to her nest, and was making repairs to her long-abandoned summer home in the corner of the porch ceiling. She sang as she did it, and I sang, too. But the hours passed, and the sun rose to its zenith and began its descent by the time I was free to leave the office again. Stretching from leaving that box, I realized afresh that I had arms and legs, and muscles to move them.
I was out of doors in minutes, dressed for a run, hoping for a sweat that was the result of sun pounding on my back, and not just the few miles I aimed for.
As I completed the third lap at my favorite park, I saw a man and his wife getting up off a bench. He had only one leg, and was supported by two arm crutches. I "felt instinctively," as Anne of Green Gables so often felt, that there was a conversation to be had here. So I stopped, and said, I kid you not, "No way! You only have one leg!" Somehow, in the moment, it was not as bad as it sounds to you right now. You will just have to trust me on this... You weren't there, okay?
He responded, "I wish I could do what you're doing!"
"What I am doing is far less impressive than what you're doing, sir! This was going to be my last lap, but now I'm going to run another lap, in your honor!" He chuckled, and off I went. It was the worst lap. I wanted to quit so badly after the third one, but I had made a promise to a man with only one leg. If I broke that promise... something inside me told me my legs would be in danger.
On I went, and got to thank them as they left the park. They were very supportive of a poor soul with no filter. I was sure that was the best the day had in it, and was content.
As I walked on, I found myself at the bottom of the walking path: surrounded on all sides by field, grasses, and swamp. It occurred to me that this moment was the furthest I'd been physically away from people in perhaps four months. A wet little lab-spaniel puppy came bounding up to me, banishing serious thoughts with her jumping and rolling. She was owned by four small Amish kids who were fishing in the stream, and she followed me for several yards, impervious to their calling. I felt the honor of her precious attentions. Eventually they had to catch up with me to get her back, despite my prodding her to return to them.
On the first true spring afternoon of the year, nothing was covered in snow, I had all my limbs, and a very cute dog had just made my pants muddy.
I was out of doors in minutes, dressed for a run, hoping for a sweat that was the result of sun pounding on my back, and not just the few miles I aimed for.
As I completed the third lap at my favorite park, I saw a man and his wife getting up off a bench. He had only one leg, and was supported by two arm crutches. I "felt instinctively," as Anne of Green Gables so often felt, that there was a conversation to be had here. So I stopped, and said, I kid you not, "No way! You only have one leg!" Somehow, in the moment, it was not as bad as it sounds to you right now. You will just have to trust me on this... You weren't there, okay?
He responded, "I wish I could do what you're doing!"
"What I am doing is far less impressive than what you're doing, sir! This was going to be my last lap, but now I'm going to run another lap, in your honor!" He chuckled, and off I went. It was the worst lap. I wanted to quit so badly after the third one, but I had made a promise to a man with only one leg. If I broke that promise... something inside me told me my legs would be in danger.
On I went, and got to thank them as they left the park. They were very supportive of a poor soul with no filter. I was sure that was the best the day had in it, and was content.
As I walked on, I found myself at the bottom of the walking path: surrounded on all sides by field, grasses, and swamp. It occurred to me that this moment was the furthest I'd been physically away from people in perhaps four months. A wet little lab-spaniel puppy came bounding up to me, banishing serious thoughts with her jumping and rolling. She was owned by four small Amish kids who were fishing in the stream, and she followed me for several yards, impervious to their calling. I felt the honor of her precious attentions. Eventually they had to catch up with me to get her back, despite my prodding her to return to them.
On the first true spring afternoon of the year, nothing was covered in snow, I had all my limbs, and a very cute dog had just made my pants muddy.
Saturday, March 8, 2014
A Survey For Early March
The fact that this interviewer asks about hickeys and milk preference as if they were important is... well, hard to take seriously. So, for fun, because I saw the tiniest bud of a tulip in my window today, a survey for early March.
1.) What curse word do you use the most?
Dammit.
2.) Do you own an iPod?
No. I don't. I'm one of a surprisingly large number of people in this category, I'm finding.
3.) Who on your Myspace “Top 8″ do you talk to the most?
Stop it.
4.) What time is your alarm clock set for?
7:30 am... And I'll reset it several times, no doubt, in order to wake up at the last minute.
5.) What color is your room?
It's, like, devoid of color. White walls, no curtains, just white blinds and a cream carpet.
6.) Flip flops or sneakers?
Sneakers. It's endless wintertime. Get a life, survey.
7.) Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?
I'd rather be in it, and not just because I'm totally obsessed with myself, but because I don't like taking pictures very much.
8.) What was the last movie you watched?
Part of Argo in the residence hall's open lounge, but it was interrupted by a fire in the microwave. It turns out, you can't put two pieces of dry bread on a plastic lid for two minutes on high. Now we all know.
9.) Do any of your friends have children?
So many! This survey is probably meant for 15-year-olds.
10.) Has anyone ever called you lazy?
No. That would have been a sore spot for years, I'm sure.
11.) Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster?
No. I'm blessed to be able to fall asleep almost at will.
12.) What CD is currently in your CD player?
Switchfoot's Vice Verses is in my car.
13.) Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk?
Regular. With cereal.
14.) Has anyone told you a secret this week?
I'm sure someone has but I'm unaware of its being a secret.
15.) Have you ever given someone a hickey?
No.
16.) Who was the last person to call you?
My mom. I texted her, though, and was like, "Hey, call me." So maybe that doesn't count.
17.) Do you think people talk about you behind your back?
I know they do. I'm a teacher. Comes with the territory.
18.) Did you watch cartoons as a child?
All the time! Bugs Bunny was my hero for a long time.
19.) How many siblings do you have?
1 brother, 5 stepsisters
20.) Are you shy around the opposite sex?
Inwardly. I try not to let it show. I do a good job with it.
21.) What movie do you know every line to?
The Muppet Christmas Carol
22.) Do you own any band t-shirts?
Switchfoot... again.
23.) What is your favorite salad dressing?
Balsamic vinaigrette
24.) Do you read for fun?
Yes.
25.) Do you cry alot?
I know what the question is getting at, and the answer is no. But check this out:
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/04/alot-is-better-than-you-at-everything.html
26.) Have you ever farted in public?
Definitely.
27.) Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?
Laptop, carved out of stone.
28.) Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoo?
I have plans for a nose piercing.
29.) What is the weather like?
Cold. Brightening. Hopefully I've seen the last snow for 100 years.
30.) Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos?
Sure thing!
31.) Is sex before marriage wrong?
I advocate abstinence until marriage for lots of reasons. Ask me about 'em.
32.) When was the last time you slept on the floor?
A month ago?
33.) How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
I have a sleep debt that outweighs my student loans, so that's pretty serious. 6-7 hours are a normal day. 8 hours are perky. Less than 6 hours mean that I will be taking a nap right after school and before residence hall duties.
34.) Are you in love or lust?
Neither.
35.) Are your days full and fast-paced?
Yes. Quite.
36.) Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages?
Not usually calories as much as sugars, fats, and proteins.
37.) How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
26
38.) Are you picky about spelling and grammar?
Yes. But nowadays I'm paid to be so.
39.) Have you ever been to Six Flags?
Yes. What the heck?
40.) Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex?
I like people.
41.) Do you like Cottage Cheese?
I'm glad you asked: no. I hate the stuff.
42.) Do you sleep on your side, tummy, or back?
All of those.
43.) Have you ever bid for something on eBay?
Yes.
44.) Do you enjoy giving hugs?
Yes. But I don't need them every second.
45) What song did you last sing out loud?
"The Kingdom of God" from the Taizé community
46) What is your favorite TV show?
Parks and Recreation
47) Which celebrity dead or alive would you want to have lunch with?
All I can think about now is having lunch with a dead person. I can't get past how unappetizing that is.
48) Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?
A few days ago. Don't pry.
49) What one thing do you wish you had?
A level head.
50) Favorite Lyrics?
"I wanna see the earth start shaking, I wanna see a generation finally waking up inside!" -Switchfoot, "Where I Belong" I get chills every time I hear it. It's the prayer of my heart.
1.) What curse word do you use the most?
Dammit.
2.) Do you own an iPod?
No. I don't. I'm one of a surprisingly large number of people in this category, I'm finding.
3.) Who on your Myspace “Top 8″ do you talk to the most?
Stop it.
4.) What time is your alarm clock set for?
7:30 am... And I'll reset it several times, no doubt, in order to wake up at the last minute.
5.) What color is your room?
It's, like, devoid of color. White walls, no curtains, just white blinds and a cream carpet.
6.) Flip flops or sneakers?
Sneakers. It's endless wintertime. Get a life, survey.
7.) Would you rather take the picture or be in the picture?
I'd rather be in it, and not just because I'm totally obsessed with myself, but because I don't like taking pictures very much.
8.) What was the last movie you watched?
Part of Argo in the residence hall's open lounge, but it was interrupted by a fire in the microwave. It turns out, you can't put two pieces of dry bread on a plastic lid for two minutes on high. Now we all know.
9.) Do any of your friends have children?
So many! This survey is probably meant for 15-year-olds.
10.) Has anyone ever called you lazy?
No. That would have been a sore spot for years, I'm sure.
11.) Do you ever take medication to help you fall asleep faster?
No. I'm blessed to be able to fall asleep almost at will.
12.) What CD is currently in your CD player?
Switchfoot's Vice Verses is in my car.
13.) Do you prefer regular or chocolate milk?
Regular. With cereal.
14.) Has anyone told you a secret this week?
I'm sure someone has but I'm unaware of its being a secret.
15.) Have you ever given someone a hickey?
No.
16.) Who was the last person to call you?
My mom. I texted her, though, and was like, "Hey, call me." So maybe that doesn't count.
17.) Do you think people talk about you behind your back?
I know they do. I'm a teacher. Comes with the territory.
18.) Did you watch cartoons as a child?
All the time! Bugs Bunny was my hero for a long time.
19.) How many siblings do you have?
1 brother, 5 stepsisters
20.) Are you shy around the opposite sex?
Inwardly. I try not to let it show. I do a good job with it.
21.) What movie do you know every line to?
The Muppet Christmas Carol
22.) Do you own any band t-shirts?
Switchfoot... again.
23.) What is your favorite salad dressing?
Balsamic vinaigrette
24.) Do you read for fun?
Yes.
25.) Do you cry alot?
I know what the question is getting at, and the answer is no. But check this out:
http://hyperboleandahalf.blogspot.com/2010/04/alot-is-better-than-you-at-everything.html
26.) Have you ever farted in public?
Definitely.
27.) Do you have a desktop computer or a laptop?
Laptop, carved out of stone.
28.) Are you currently wanting any piercings or tattoo?
I have plans for a nose piercing.
29.) What is the weather like?
Cold. Brightening. Hopefully I've seen the last snow for 100 years.
30.) Would you ever date someone covered in tattoos?
Sure thing!
31.) Is sex before marriage wrong?
I advocate abstinence until marriage for lots of reasons. Ask me about 'em.
32.) When was the last time you slept on the floor?
A month ago?
33.) How many hours of sleep do you need to function?
I have a sleep debt that outweighs my student loans, so that's pretty serious. 6-7 hours are a normal day. 8 hours are perky. Less than 6 hours mean that I will be taking a nap right after school and before residence hall duties.
34.) Are you in love or lust?
Neither.
35.) Are your days full and fast-paced?
Yes. Quite.
36.) Do you pay attention to calories on the back of packages?
Not usually calories as much as sugars, fats, and proteins.
37.) How old will you be turning on your next birthday?
26
38.) Are you picky about spelling and grammar?
Yes. But nowadays I'm paid to be so.
39.) Have you ever been to Six Flags?
Yes. What the heck?
40.) Do you get along better with the same or opposite sex?
I like people.
41.) Do you like Cottage Cheese?
I'm glad you asked: no. I hate the stuff.
42.) Do you sleep on your side, tummy, or back?
All of those.
43.) Have you ever bid for something on eBay?
Yes.
44.) Do you enjoy giving hugs?
Yes. But I don't need them every second.
45) What song did you last sing out loud?
"The Kingdom of God" from the Taizé community
46) What is your favorite TV show?
Parks and Recreation
47) Which celebrity dead or alive would you want to have lunch with?
All I can think about now is having lunch with a dead person. I can't get past how unappetizing that is.
48) Last time you had butterflies in your stomach?
A few days ago. Don't pry.
49) What one thing do you wish you had?
A level head.
50) Favorite Lyrics?
"I wanna see the earth start shaking, I wanna see a generation finally waking up inside!" -Switchfoot, "Where I Belong" I get chills every time I hear it. It's the prayer of my heart.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)