Life is like a box of chocolates...

Shortly after the bell rang, signaling the official start of the weekend (or so I hoped), I found myself sifting through my secret stash of chocolate in the desk drawer, a recipe for disaster and a sure sign of a long day...

The day began with a Venti Starbucks, promising to bring energy for the day that awaited me.  Unfortunately, I ordered one shot of caffeine because Starbucks does not offer a shot of patience or perspective.  Up to this point I have been more than calm considering the endless to-do list that constantly awaits me. Today, however, the weight of the past few weeks seemed to hit me at once.  Though still trying to maintain perspective, I suddenly realized that after being asked by many, "How do you get it all done?", my honest thought was, "I haven't gotten there, I'll keep you posted". 

This week was full of expressing learning expectations and assessing students.  Next week begins the academic lessons, which I have yet to determine.  With bookshelves of hundreds upon hundreds of books (and just think...this is after I rid the room of 10+ boxes of books and resources that were outdated) I should be thankful, but instead am beyond overwhelmed as I swim through the sea of books that I have no time to look through.

One of my three female students decided that today was the day she was going to tell me how things were going to go within the classroom.  As she informed me, ever so kindly of course, that I was going to let her leave the class and take care of some things, I quickly informed her that despite her confidence, I planned to give her a run for her money.  Ms. Attitude had met her red-headed match.  Of course, she was not about to allow me to challenge her in front of her peers.  Yes, ladies and gents, I had my first blood-curdling, hands shaking, I-need -a-breather-or-I'm -going-to-say-something-I-regret, teacher moment.  I had passed the point of no return, the point where "the look" would remedy the situation.  After stepping out of the classroom for a moment, I re-entered having reminded myself that this is all a part of the journey which I have committed myself to.  Rather than cry, I laughed it off, convincing myself that it was moments like this that made the day more entertaining. 

...So, 2+  pieces of chocolate, 3 hours of after-school cleaning, and 5 more filled boxes of outdated materials later, my first weekend as a teacher began!

Ready for Rest,
Ms. Phillips