So, in my previous post I talked about how terrible I felt all the time about teaching. Well, friends, things are seriously looking up. I haven't had a breakdown in several weeks (at least not at school) and I've developed some great relationships with parents, students and friends. Life, in the grand scheme of things, couldn't get much better.
Some of my students are still a major challenge for me and I am most definitely still learning how to be an effective teacher, but I've reached the point where I can have a terrible day and not want to quit. I come home with amazing stories and every day, I have a wonderful, heart warming moment with at least one of my students. Like I said, I can't complain too much. My investment strategies are working-my students want to be at school. They want to grow up and be smart and have jobs just like their mommies and daddies. Although they understand this, they still respond to it in their own, four-year-old way. When I asked IP what kind of job he wanted when he grew up, he responded, "I want a job where I can eat food and take naps!"
This weekend was fall break (thank freakin god!) and my roommate's 25th birthday. In honor of her birthday, we had a weekend of self indulgence. We spent time with friends, drank, ate and were merry.We went to Oktoberfest, where I drank my fair share of German beer and did even more dancing on tables. Friday, I spent the entire day in bed watching tv and movies; it was a much needed brain break. Yesterday we spent the morning cleaning our house to perfection, then shopping at the mall where I made my first, real grown-up purchase. I spent quite a bit of money on THE skirt at Banana Republic. I mean this skirt is seriously fierce. Then I made two caramel apple pies while the group watched Psycho. Although we now sit in a coffee shop planning and grading, this weekend was a much needed break from the emotional stress of our lives at teachers. It was a true treat.
But, Treat Yo Self 2011 has now come to an end and it's back to reality. Luckily, my reality now consists of those adorable, smart, wonderful little kiddos I get to see every day and a group of passionate, hilarious and genuine colleagues who have easily become some of my best friends.
Love,
AJ
