Sweet Independence

Can I tell you how great it is to be single and independent? It's a secret that single people seem to keep quiet. It's actually quite funny because all of the couples seem to look at us single people and pity us or think how do they handle being alone? But what they don't seem to know is that we like being alone. I like it because I have such freedom. I can do and say whatever I want without consulting anyone. I am not subject to another person's judgment. I don't have to worry about my thoughts, opinions, or personality being subject to another. Marriage was not a friend to me. Don't get me wrong if Prince Charming swept down and looked longingly into my eyes, I probably would give it a try. But my heart was given long, long ago. And it has not found that soul mate since. So, I relish my freedom and look with pity at people I know who are married, knowing they don't have the independence that I do.

The Night Before Christmas

I just picked my kids up from their dad's. I have them from now until New Year's Eve. I've really missed them. It's just the best feeling in the world to see the delight on their faces because they see me. I can't describe how it feels to have my daughter say as soon as she takes her coat off, "Come here and give me a hug!" I can just tell they're so glad to see me, and I'm so glad to see them. I can't wait to see them open their presents tomorrow and to feel their delight. There's nothing like it. These are the moments that make life good. It makes any other petty thing that may happen melt away and not even be worth my time.

Ahhh!

It's so great to have a break from work! But I have to leave with an example of middle school humor. One of my sweet, innocent 7th grade girls gave the teachers a present of toffee covered peanuts in a pretty bag. She gave me my bag and must have left the others in my room. She came back later when I had a class of 8th graders and said something about looking for her bag of nuts. She got what she needed and left. The whole time one of the boys in the front row has a grin on his face and is looking around the room, looking like he's thinking, "Did she really say what I think she said?!" After she leaves he say, "Bag of nuts! Huh, huh, huh." What do you do but laugh a little yourself and move on? It's a good thing I like this kind of immature behavior. What a crazy job I have!

I Don't Want to Go Back!

I cannot believe I have to go back to school tomorrow! Can you believe that our district has us going back Monday and Tuesday? It's pure torture. I feel like I'm already on break. But tomorrow morning at 6:00am, I will remember that this weekend was just a cruel joke.

So, tomorrow the students will come. It is what I call a "fun day". And yes, I do use the quotes purposefully. We always have a crazy schedule with fun stuff for the kids to do. The schedule is different every year, so it sends the teachers into a bit of a tizzy. Usually 3-5 different versions of the schedule are sent out before the day. And the final schedule is sent out in the late afternoon the day before the actual event. I have learned to role with these days and schedules. There are many teachers in our building who are power players and who have influence in these things. I am not one of them, neither do I want to be. The first year I was at my school this kind of thing drove me crazy. I never knew what was going on, and I always felt out of control. I still don't know what's going on until it is happening. But I don't feel out of control. I just don't care. It amuses me that so many of the same teachers still care over and over again every year. Basically, all I want to do is teach and try to get those crazy kids to learn. Although, I will say that this year's schedule is really hard to decipher. I'm going to have to really sit down tomorrow morning and put my thinking cap on.

Then Tuesday will be a frantic grading of 7th grade projects and 8th grade final papers. I really don't want to take anything home over the holiday. When I'm at work I'm all about work. But when I come home I need a break. Besides, they don't pay me enough to work at home.

I'll be fortifying myself!