Showing posts with label back-to-school. Show all posts
Showing posts with label back-to-school. Show all posts

Monday, August 29, 2022

Here we are again, Lord

Today was the first day for students at my school. It was crazy, hectic, busy, and fun. I saw a few of my kids from last year, which was nice. I didn't see TS. 😢😢 He's in another school district so I can't even spy on him. I'll miss our conversations. 

This behind-the-scenes-of-teaching job I now have is a different sort of pressure than teaching, itself. Not worse, just different. It's a lot of problem-solving which I enjoy. That's the nerd in me who solves Sudoku puzzles, plays word games, and enjoys the analytic side of math. I also like the backstage, behind the curtain stuff. I'm always checking out IMDB. I want to know how the show happens; what makes it run. I saw Phantom of the Opera twice so that the second time I could watch things formulate around the theater. This position is perfect for all of this. Trying to fit the pieces into their respective holes while putting out fires. 


Funny story: On my first day here at Park in 2018, I had a nosebleed in our back-to-school faculty meeting. Stress? Allergies? Who knows. Last week during the first back-to-school faculty meeting with a new position...nosebleed.  

It's uncomfortable being in a new place or situation. You need to find your way around and make sure you're not Godzilla destroying things in the effort. I told my friend that I felt like I was flying a plane with no lessons-just flipping switches and hoping not to crash. That's really how we get through life, isn't it? 


The most uncomfortable thing about the first day last week? My bra. Honestly. I picked and pulled at that thing all day! I went shopping for new ones and have a suggestion for retailers: Display these items by size and not by manufacturer. That way, I don't have to pick through the band-aid and string sizes to find the battle armor I need. 

My health thing for this month was a facial. It was incredibly relaxing. She asked if I was having any problems I wanted to work on. I told her, "Gravity" so she did a hydrating session. I could have stayed there all day. The little shoulder massage and the hot towel on my face was perfect. 

Dramatic reenactment: 


Remember, health doesn't need to be about doctors, pharmaceuticals, therapists, or tests. It can be indulging in something that is just for you. 

Oh! Speaking of that, my therapist and I decided that I do not need to see each other weekly and we're doing every other week. Either I'm feeling better or I've got her fooled. 

This weekend is the unofficial end of the summer. According to Walmart, that started weeks ago. Halloween, pumpkin spiced toothpaste, and fall clothing is everywhere. It's my favorite season. Summer is great for recouping some energy, but Autumn is envigorating. I know some people complain that other people push this season too early. However, after the last few years we've endured together, the world is a hot mess and we should celebrate whatever, whenever.  I'm making Irish Soda Bread this week, simply because I want to. Slainte! 



Tuesday, August 7, 2018

The Perks of Being Unemployed

Instead of feeling depressed and unworthy all the time, I decided to pick myself up with the pros of being an unemployed teacher. Don't get me wrong; there are plenty of cons.  I've focused on them so much it's almost crippling.  But, just for this week, I'm going to try not to think about them.  My sister and nephew flew in from CA for a visit, so this week is about family and positivity.

The first two perks, and truly my absolute favorites, are no bra and all day pjs.  Honestly, the best feeling upon waking up later than 6:00 a.m. is getting out of the pjs you slept in and into a fresh set.  Soooooo comfy.  No bra?  Even better.  Gravity has already attacked The Girls, so why bother with pretense.  

Next best thing?  Hanging out with kitty all day.  Ally Jane is roughly 13 years old, so I'm not sure how much longer we have together. This is time to soak up all the love and belly rubs that I can get.  

Something I'm in dire need of, but really don't like, is time to work out.  With all the stress and anxiety of late, I've really been slacking on diet and exercise.  I've gained weight and don't think I'll be ready for the 10 miler in October. I need to get off my ass and get back at it.  I now have the time, I just need the motivation.  

I'm a nerd, I love to learn new things.  Now's the chance to learn a new language.  I'm using DuoLingo to learn German and I absolutely love it.  It's not easy, but it's not too difficult.  Just enough of a distraction to keep my mind occupied. 

Also:    


And:


I have time to learn a new skill like drawing, and BW photography.  I got with the cool kids and now have an Instagram account where I try to post a BW photo each day.  I'm no Ansel Adams, but I like what I've posted so far.  I've picked up some drawing supplies and a book and I'm excited to get started on that, also.

Finally, I can save money on Back-to School stuff.  I don't need to buy anything. Nothing for me, nothing for the classroom, nothing at all.  I can completely ignore the ads and the sales.  Yay!!

So this week I intend to focus on the up.  The only down I want to think about is down the shore, where I'm hanging out with my family and trying really hard to forget how crappy I've been lately.