Wednesday, August 19, 2009

Pass the Syrup and the Sharpies

Look what greeted us on day 3 of Inservice:

Our principal had a local restaurant, known for its wonderful pancakes (Hello: Gingerbread!) come grill and flip some in our library. We  briefly thought about just pulling our chairs up to the buffet table to eliminate walks  for numerous refills. Third grade teacher extraordinaire, J, cutting it up with the Pancake Man. 
The only bad thing about the breakfast buffet was the carb-induced cloud that followed. Soon, reality came knocking in the form of new Instructional Planning Guides. We were given some amazing curriculum resources for this school year, and the syrupy fingerprints all over them will only make the work sweeter, right?

Unless you have set up a classroom for a new school year, you cannot even imagine the detailed work necessary to be ready for the first day. I find myself staying at the school until about 6:00 p.m. or later. I still cannot figure out what to do with my evenings yet. I work hard all day, come home and think, "Now what?" I've only had the TV on for a few shows since I got home from Maine two weeks ago. Maybe the new season will hold some more interest for me. Maybe not. I don't mind being alone; I mind being lonely. A friend pointed out that maybe it would get better when my students arrived. One flaw in that logic: they won't be coming home with me.

Thankful for the flurry of activity that are our days building up to the First Day of School. Looking for  activities to fill the nights that follow them. And seeking that future and hope that is promised to us all. Pressing on.

2 comments:

RR Mama said...

So ready for my boys to go back to school. I don't think I take one more day of MOM I'M BORED OR WHAT ARE WE GOING TO DO TODAY! I'm sorry, R & R is the first initials of my boys names. I'm in Southeast Texas! So Howdy fellow Texan!

Lynn said...

Gingerbread pancakes sound very yummy to me!! I so get what you mean about getting home and the what now feeling! I remember times when I longed for a day all to myself in my busy life, now I have way more of them than I want. I agree completely, there is a difference between being alone and being lonely. You are so right. I'm glad you are enjoying your preparation for the coming year. I worked as a teacher's assistant for several years in the past and I remember those meetings where your physical presence was one place and your mind was occupied in the classroom. God's best to you as you prepare to influence your class in this coming school year. Enjoy!