Mind, Body and Soul Manifestations

Our last day of school for the year was on Friday, but I am currently participating in three days of curriculum writing at the Board of Ed. While this may sound rather monotonous, it's actually been nice to work with my colleagues and compare ideas and methodologies. We don't get to do that often enough. It's also been great getting to share our happy stories about our kids and families. I haven't written a ton of happy blog entries this year, but I feel like I have to share how much I adore my little one. I am ecstatic that on Thursday, we get to spend approximately 80 days together uninterrupted by work! While I feel like the school year took a lifetime to end, I am so happy that I finally get to have quality time with my peanut over the next few months. This is the longest summer break I think I have had since I started teaching 11 years ago. It's even more time off than I got for my maternity leave! I am counting my blessings for that one and thanking Mr. Larr...

My soul is hurting today. I woke up this morning stressed about trying to get my hundreds of students to stay focused in the midst of PARCC testing and 5 days left of school; however, when I got in my car and turned on my radio, I learned about LeBron James' home getting spray painted with the n-word, a noose being found at the Smithsonian African-American History Museum, and the United States making another move against science and improving the environment. I feel a bit like a deflated balloon. Not one that got popped, just one that had a slow leak and is finally starting to crumple onto itself. Last week, I had a terrible Friday. I had posted a funny video about teaching and feeling worn out and someone took it upon themselves to tell me that it "screamed school choice" and "no one wants to listen to folks whining about their work when they have every summer off, every weekend, every holiday, etc. Try doing it all year, 24/7, 365 and give the rest of us a call....