Cabin Fever

I've had the last two days to catch up. The latest bout of winter has caused school to be cancelled the last two days. I am amazed at how much it snowed. It just kept coming down. My winter tires paid off the past few days. I did leave my apartment to run some errands and managed to be one of the lucky few who could escape the parking lot without getting caught by the fierce grip of the accumulated white stuff. I hope I didn't speak too soon - I would hate to become the victim of the parking lot drifts tomorrow morning! It was an obstacle navigating through the streets of the city. I'm relieved that I didn't have far to travel.

Tuesday when I left school I didn't bring much with me. I had plans to head to the moose game that night so I knew I would have time to work. The moose game was excellent, but then the storm began. Needless to say I've sat here the past two days without the materials that I needed in order to get ahead. That's not to say I didn't work. I've put in quite a few hours the past two days, but I just didn't get things as "complete" as I could have if I would have my books and things. But it's better than nothing, and it definitely frees up a few hours next week!

Being alone the past couple of days I've been left with ample opportunity to reflect. I went through my university papers and came across the philosophy of education paper I wrote during my last year of school. I thought about how my ideas and beliefs have changed after having taught for almost three years. I have learned a lot. I took time to write my ideas down. I think it's a good idea for a couple of reasons. First, it reminded me what I really value as a teacher, expectations I have for myself and for my students. Secondly, it gives me a goal to work towards, things to improve; a personal growth plan of sorts. Finally, it serves as a reminder of the importance that teachers play each and every day. I know I often get caught up in the small daily stresses of teaching, easily forgetting what is really important. Writing my ideas down made the big picture clear. I feel refreshed, and motivated.

Tomorrow is Friday. Hopefully the sun greets us in the morning for an enlightening start to the break. Also hope a break is in the future for all those facing potential flooding. I am lucky - high and dry. Things could be a lot worse.

Productivity

Today I was productive. There was a list of things I'd been putting off...and putting off. Today it all got done. I think it all got done. Maybe I'll sleep soundly tonight. There is a good chance. It's a long time since I've felt this relief. I think my chronic head pains was probably due to the excessive thinking about everything that needed to be accomplished.

It's so warm in my apartment. It's been a long time since I've lounged in shorts and been a tad on the warm side. I love this spring weather. I certainly hope that it continues.

This weekend I remembered how much I love the little things. Little things like BACON on Sunday morning (and it tastes that much better when it is made for you), or taking a walk on a pleasant day while listening to music. Little things like watching the team you cheered for all week win the Brier. Even the little acknowledgements from others reassuring me that I'm on the right track. The smallest things can make the day that much better. The weekend left me feeling refreshed. I even got to see Cory - that's always makes things better.

Two weeks and spring break is here. I'm looking forward to the trip to Grand Forks with my mom. It's a perfect way to kick off the break. Gives me the rest of the week to get some work done, and hopefully enjoy the weather.

As for now it's time to turn on the TV. Tomorrow will be a busy day at school. We had a PD day today, and it always takes some time to get into the groove at the start of a new week. Even when I think that I am ready, more often than not, I realize that there is something that I've forgotten. The work is never done.

"It takes a lot of courage to release the familiar and seemingly secure, to embrace the new. But there is no real security in what is no longer meaningful. There is more security in the adventurous and exciting, for in movement there is life, and in change there is power."

Alan Cohen

I would have to say March has come like a lion. It certainly feels like the dead of winter these days. I can proudly say, however, that I have made it through another winter without turning on the heat in my apartment. That is probably something that only I would be proud of. There were times this winter when I was close to having to resort to heat, but I just threw another blanket on the couch and managed to make my way through. I hope that this is the last cold spell of the season...I don't know how much more I can be tested.

A few weeks have past. I would like to think that it's been nothing but excitement but in reality it's been nothing but typical busy. We finished up basketball last weekend. I'm happy to see the season come to an end. Happy because the girls made significant improvements since the start of the season . Happy because I can now have most evenings free. This is the first week in a long time where I have been able to bring work home with me and get ahead. I don't mind spending my evenings doing school work. It's actually kind of peaceful. I've missed that the past few months.

I found myself having a really good day today. It's funny how when even the smallest things are missing for some time the days aren't quite the same. Things seem to be getting back to normal and I'm enjoying it.

Now that I have time I feel like I need to find a hobby. I need suggestions. I don't really like reading cause I feel like my mind gets enough stimulation during the day. Wish I had some sport to play...burn off some energy. When the weather gets nice I can enjoy my evenings outside. I need to find something else....I'll keep thinking about it.