I'm having a struggle. This is a new school year for us all, full of many exciting & new things. For me, the list includes but is not limited to...teaching inclusion. special need students. additional 45 minutes in the day. common core. new science objectives. new social studies curriculum. new behavior plan. {hopefully soon} new puppy in the new house complete with a new and longer commute to work. And I have to say, I'm taking it all in stride! Except for one thing...
no. time. to. blog.
Our bell schedule has been extended by 45 minutes in an effort to cut the budget by way of having less bus drivers {who are also working longer days by the time they get our kids home around 5 o'clock but that's another story}. On top of it, our day has been backed up with a later start and end time. Like many of you, I'm a teach-a-holic working extra hours, not for the money {ha!} but because it's necessary to give my students what they need. Now I'm running around in 20 minutes or so after school trying to set up for the next day before getting in my car and driving half an hour home to stay just ahead of the city traffic. By the time I get home, it's after five o'clock, I work in my office until dinner's ready {because I'm lucky enough to have a husband who cooks!} then it's about an hour with him before I have to go to bed early in order to get up extra early to get ahead of the city traffic going back in.
I apologize for the semi-rant, but I just have to ask...how do you ladies do it?! I just can not find the time to get online with you all like I used to when we dismissed at 2:45. I was getting on to complain when I saw a comment from Pam at Can Do Kinders, who was awarding me for being one of her top 10 favorite blogs. {thank you!!!} When I read her reasoning, "So many great ideas and so positive! She is the best!" I was both humbled and smacked in the face for my desire to vent. So for all of you who are sticking with me while I'm AWOL and all of you feeling the crunch of a new school year with new challenges AND especially you mothers who are juggling all of this plus kids of your own...I give this to you.
I know it's probably against the rules and I apologize for not choosing just 10, but I think we all deserve a little recognition for the hours, the frustrations, the challenges and the exercise of just managing life. And hey, while we're at it...why not a freebie? Pour yourself another glass of wine {just wait for the cheer of a touchdown and you'll completely go unnoticed} and take a few moments to do the things we love the most. Browse blogs and research Pinterest, those things that force you to relax. Just be sure to leave some recognition and a little appreciation in your wake.
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Thanks for sharing. I have been feeling the same way and I don't have a long commute for work. I wrote several blog post last week and scheduled them to post this week. That helped but it took a chunk of one of my days off.
ReplyDeletehttp://mskerriandherkrazykindergarten.blogspot.com/
We don't get out of school until 4:05 and that's only if I actually leave shortly after. I also have at least a 30 minute commute each way depending on traffic. I consider it a good day if I am home before 5pm. Usual is closer to 5:30-6pm. Last Tuesday I was home at 9pm (prepping for open house) and last night I was home by 8:30pm (Open House) I understand where you are coming from! I also agree about scheduling posts ahead of time (or like me, not posting as often right now lol )
ReplyDeleteHope you have a good Friday!!
Primary Connections
Oh my gosh! This is a great morning activity to get my kinders started!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much!
Jennifer
{hugs} first.... you have many changes going on in your school this year!
ReplyDeleteThat fact, in itself, reminds me of the stress associated with first-year teaching, or changing districts!
Thanks for sharing your heart. I live a mere eight miles from school, but the traffic has made the commute a 30+ minute drive each way. As a way to unwind and transition from "kindergarten teacher-to-mommy of four", I listen to books on CD. This works, seriously!
And, you are so generous to share the Top 10 button. :-) I haven't earned one, but the sincerity behind your thought was welcome. :-)
Have a wonderful week!
ReadWriteSing
I'm so glad Annie from The Moffatt girls is talking about this and finding balance at the Teaching Blog Expo. This online world is so inspiring - but it does take time! Thanks for sharing the freebie!
ReplyDelete- Leslie
KindergartenWorks
Just wait until you have children!! My school dismisses at 2:35, but I stay most days until 4:40. I speed across town to pick up two children at different locations and usually get home around 5:30. It's a non-stop night of quick play with them (ages 1 and 4), cooking dinner, cleaning up, giving baths, reading stories and laying them down to sleep. I'm doing good if the kitchen is clean and kids are quiet by 8:15 (and that's with my husband's help-- I seriously don't know how single moms do it!). I've decided I can't blog during the week. I'm doing good enough to try and blog stalk during the week! I'm trying hard to have one weekly post over the weekend. The only problem is it seems very hodge podge and long.
ReplyDeleteI feel for you. Change is hard and it seems like you have a lot of change this year. Hang in there and post when you can. I always enjoy reading what you have to say.
Lauren
justaddclipart.blogspot
Hi there Little Miss Glamour! My name is Keri and I just discovered your blog! I love your posts and sense of humor! I haven't started my own blog, but have discovered those who do and find it so refreshing and fun. Keep doing the good work, my dear! Many of us are quite appreciative and happy to see you do what you do!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for sharing!
Sincerely,
Keri :)
Keri, you are too sweet! I'm glad you've found my blog and I so appreciate your kind words. You made my day. :) Now make sure you follow & leave a comment on my most recent post {Sight Wordgories} so you're entered to win my giveaway!
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