At least this one isn't, anyways...
This time two weeks ago, we were on the count-down to Spring Break. I was experiencing high stress, and I NEEDED that week. But that's the thing, all I needed, or wanted, was a week. On Friday, March 13, I sent my students home with our normal Friday afternoon goodbyes. Little did I know that was the last time that I would get to see them for awhile.
At this point in the school year, I have been pouring my heart and soul into these kids since August...building relationships, laughing with them, and continually trying to give them the best learning experience that I can. In the blink of an eye, that was taken away. So, no, I'm not okay. And no, I am not excited to be on "Spring Break."
Today, a handful of staff from my school got to parade through a couple neighborhoods in our cars and wave to our students. Seeing a couple of their smiling faces brought me true, heart-bursting joy. (It's a good thing that I was practicing social distancing, because my eyes may have started watering). I spend more time with these kids throughout the school year than I do with my own family, so of course I'm missing them. Of course my heart hurts. Of course I feel like filling my days right now doesn't have the same purpose that teaching those 24 rock stars does.
Honestly, here in Idaho, things are going to get worse before they get better. But seeing my students today gave me a little bit of hope. This isn't going to last forever, and they haven't forgotten me yet. ;)
How I Fill My Days:
1. Lots of baking. This week I have made a sweet potato coconut pie, mashed potato/cheese/onion stuffed fried donut (pictured), and egg-on-top sweet potato cheddar galettes. On deck are pie sandwich cookies with lime curd, and a strawberry lime pie. Can you tell that I like pie? My trick for using pantry resources wisely are to save pie crust scraps in the freezer and use them again for another bake! It really starts to add up.
2. Taking care of my seedlings! (Check What's Growing On:Part 1 for the back story.) They're doing great, and give them another week or so, BIG things will be happening. (Well, as big as it can get for plant seeds...) I did pick up a ranunculus as well as potting soil today, so that will give be something pretty to look at in the mean time!
3. Golfing! I told my dad that this is the perfect time to up my golf game. In the past week, I have golfed twice, hit range balls, and turned my fourth floor balcony into a putting green. It's a great outside activity that doesn't involve people (thumbs up for social distancing).
4. Walks! I've been going on 2-3 walks a day, and it's been a great time to call loved ones (hi mom)!
5. Hulu. Couldn't leave it out and pretend that I'm too much of a productivity super-star. Currently watching American Idol.
To sum it up, I know that my life isn't over because I can't teach right now. I'm having a hard time, and I'm trying to find the bright spots within it.
The next time you reach out to a teacher friend, maybe ask them how they're doing, really.
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