- I took today off because I felt like it was time. The week has been insanely busy, from Homecoming spirit week to bringing some of my classes to the end of major projects, to A LOT of grading in my online classes, I just needed a break. In fact, my husband also took off so we decided to brew. We had a kit for our December competition and it’s time to begin. So, in between doing those things (which, there is some downtime between processes) I have been doing dishes and lots of grading and then dealing with my pool being kind of low on water. It’s currently covered but can still experience evaporation. With it covered though, it’s easy to forget to check the level, since you can’t see it! I’m going to design a mesh winter cover that has clear places so you can see the water level. Million dollar idea.
- I am also taking the day off because I am still annoyed at the mixed signals from admin over chaperoning dances. They have been almost non-communicative about expectations, then tell people what to do last minute. I already give a lot of myself and time to them but don’t feel like they can expect TOO much extra, especially with little to no notice.
- So yes, that whole thing is stressing me out, on top of the grading and all. Tack on some worry about my older kids which, to be fair, is probably just my own delusions. The boys are 16 and 19, respectively, and have girlfriends and jobs and lives and when I don’t talk to them a whole lot day to day, I shouldn’t go jumping to conclusions that things are “bad” or “wrong”. It’s just… a mom looking down the barrel of empty-nesting that’s got me unnecessarily worrying, I know.
- Later on though, once we have brewed and I have done the initial cleaning, we are going to our favorite Mexican place and then doing what we like most: watching movies together and relaxing. I should be thankful for all my time and stop thinking ahead to tomorrow when I am obliged to give up my Saturday. Honestly, I wish the dance was tonight. I’d be better with a Friday than a Saturday, especially if they’re going to make it 7:30-10. That is way too long! The older I get, the more I covet my home and family time.
- So, to end this post, and in the interest of being positive, here’s a list of nice things lately: the weather has been exceptionally cool for North Florida; clear and breezy and just beautiful. My anniversary flowers lasted over a week and I was reminded how much I enjoy fresh flowers on the table. The seniors remembered something I taught them last year while in class this year; the other teacher told me how excited they were about that. I have been better about not eating as many carbs; I’d gotten kind of bad about my eating windows and, well, bread. And, sadly, that’s all I’ve got!
I hope your weekend is going well. I hope the dance went well last night. Yeah, it stinks about having to give up your weekend time for a school activity. I think our district is pretty good about comping teachers time when they give up outside school hours to do things (not 100% sure as I heard snippets of conversations about it when I was a sub). Comp time, while nice, is still not the same as having two whole days off of work as the weekends should be but it’s better than nothing. I don’t want to be negative but, for me, a lot of mom self doubt came to me when my kids moved out. I was like, “Oh gosh, did I instill in them the right values? Shouldn’t I have taught them better how to do X, Y and Z” etc. Just an FYI- and things to think about when realizing your kids will move out someday and you’ll likely ruminate on your time as their parent when they lived under your roof.