Linking Up:
My first order of business tonight is to share with you my All Time Favorite Read Alouds! I am linking up with Miss. Nelson from Run! Miss Nelson's Got the Camera!!
I was planning to link up already but then she commented that she LOVES Molly Lou Melon and now like her even more! ;)
Check out my compilation:
They are all great. Read them all!!!!!! :)
We Have a Winner!!
I also need to announce the winner of the Flash Giveaway that I hosted along with Second Grade Sparkle. I am SO excited to announce that my friend Cassina from Field of Poppies is the WINNER!!!! And YES I used the random generator through Rafflecopter so no friend preferences going on here!
And I ABSOLUTELY LOVED using Rafflecopter for this giveaway and it was SO easy! (That is for all of you who haven't been brave enough to try it out!!!)
I've been particularly moody lately and thought that I may even been depressed, but I have finally found the correct label for what I am feeling. It is guilt.
My largest feeling of guilt stems from not being able to spend the time I want to with the people I love.
My grandparents live next door and I just saw the for the first time in a month yesterday for Mother's Day. Lame. Really Lame. . . . and those aren't the only people that I am neglecting . . they are just the tip of the giant iceberg of delinquency.
I also have guilt about not feeling that I am doing my job well enough . . . when ALL I am doing is spending time on my job.
I don't even have my own children.
Why do I feel so guilty?
I should only ever have cats so I don't die from the guilt of spending all of my time with other peoples children!
Some of you know that I am second year teacher, many of you are in the same boat as me being beginning teachers.
It is not easy and it gets more and more difficult!
Every single day.
More and more and more and more to learn about and to do and to say and to sing and to dance . . . and to illustrate and to adhere to and to follow and to lead and to RELEARN
Next year we are going to be moving to Common Core and switching rooms as we track in and out! I spend SO much time pretending that I know what I'm doing and just trying to decide just exactly how many minutes I want to spend with the Hippo group . . . ! I can't wrap my brain around learning a new curriculum!!! In fact, I have totally blocked it out and have decided not to worry about it.
Nice attitude, right??
Sometimes it gets me thinking that I should just get a "normal" job . . . here are some prospective employment aspirations:
1. Golf Ball Diver
2. Citrus Fruit Dyer
3. Chicken Sexer
4. Water Organist
5 Celluloid Trimmer
. . . okay j/k . . . I wouldn't last 3 seconds in a real job . . . I mean my bladder would go into hyper-shock because it wouldn't know what to do without our predetermined schedule. . . .
So now that I have labeled this feeling I have, I need to learn more about this word: BALANCE.
Is it possible? Is there anyone out there who teaches and feels like they have balance in their life?? Is there a pill I can take?? ;)
Any encouragement is welcome. :)
I can assure you that you have done nothing but help your students grow and love learning, even if you feel like you are pretending to know what you are doing (everyone feels that way). There isn't a perfect teacher out there, and your students are blessed to have you as a teacher. You have to let that guilt go! :)
ReplyDeleteAs far as the balanced life...that used to be my goal at the beginning of each school year. Of course, every year I failed miserably. Then in the middle of this year I realized that everyone I know that is passionate about and really good at what they do doesn't have a balanced life. I would still make family time a priority, but don't feel bad if other things slip. You love what you do and are passionate about it. Not many people can say that. I think that is better than a balanced life!
Delighted in Second
I just discovered came to your blog through the linky party. I will have to add some of your books to my second grade list.
ReplyDeleteWhen talking about a balanced life... I also tried this. Every year I feel like I will do better next year and then principal offers a change to me and I think: wow! I could do that!
And everything starts again with a new responsibility and an unbalanced life.
BUT I agree that family and friends are important, and we should try to get some time for them. Maybe next year... :)
Thanks for linking up. I have never heard of Wump World. I too have a really hard time with balance and I've been teaching for 10 years. I always feel that next year will be better because I'll have the curriculum down. Every year seems to add more to the plate. I wish I could just not worry so much about my job. Good News --- summer is almost here. I hope you get tons of time at the beach.
ReplyDeleteI completely understand the whole guilt thing. I haven't figured out balance yet either. I just keep telling myself that it is why teachers have the summer off...to still have relationships with those they love
ReplyDeleteI need balance more than I can admit in public :) I find myself not being able to let go. I wish I could help.
ReplyDeleteMy Second Sense
I'm really proud that you just put all of that inner turmoil out there for the bloggy word to read. The thing is, regardless of your occupation or family situation, most people feel that way sometimes. You are very good at what you do, and you keep me afloat! Just be careful to take time for yourself sometimes, take time for those you love, and make the decision to enjoy your class!! :)
ReplyDelete~Jen
Hello Mrs Sykes
Let me know if you find the secret pill.
ReplyDeleteJenna have been talking about balance and being overwhelmed for what feels like days on end.
I don't know that it ever gets easier, because every year they throw more stuff at it.
That wasn't a very uplifting comment, so I'll end with:
I love all your books reccomendations! I'll have to check out the few I haven't discovered yet!!!
Halle
Across the Hall in 2nd
My wife and I are right there with you - we need some balance in our life!! It's amazing how life can throw us off-kilter so often. Thank goodness summer is right around the corner. Be sure to make some time for what is important and you will find the balance you are looking for! :)
ReplyDeleteHave a great night!
Josh
Mr. B's Beach Brains
I just had this discussion with my husband last night! I truly think that only people who care would feel the way we do. I also think part of it is this time of year - we've got so many things we've got to get done, plus keep the kiddos from going bonkers and we're already hearing about next year, it makes it hard. For myself, I'm going to enjoy my summer and try to limit how much school stuff I do. I hope you have a good last few days!
ReplyDeleteSara
Here . . . here! I really enjoyed reading your post. I have been in a "darker" place today and ended up deleting a similar post. However, after experiencing your words, I realized that it helps to see that others are feeling the same way. I admire your bravery and here's to NOT ending up in the grand profession of chicken sexer :). I am following you . . . I can tell by your blog, ideas, and posts in general that you are really awesome at what you do. Keep your chin up and look toward that sunny light known as summer vacay!
ReplyDeleteKelley Dolling
Teacher Idea Factory
I just found your blog as I was searching for new resources since I will be teaching second grade next year.
ReplyDeleteI am a new follower.
Tricia
It's tough being a new teacher. But it honestly does get easier the longer youre at it. :))
ReplyDeleteBarbara
Grade ONEderful
Ruby Slippers
Thank you for saying the words that many of us don't. You're not alone and there's not a magic pill. Teaching isn't just our job- it's who we are. It's in us to our core. It's what we love. It's hard to balance and I wish there was an easy answer, but I don't think there is. Just try to prioritize things and take it a day at a time. I often make to-do lists and then cross off two or three things that can wait until another day. We aren't miracle workers and our families are important.
ReplyDeleteHang in there! I'm glad I found your blog! I'm a new follower!
Kimberly
The Learning Tree