We sometimes joke that my family has a sickness. We are work-aholics.
My classroom could honestly consume me. I could spend all my time in there, and sometimes feel the pressure to do so. I could always add something, or change something, or re-do something (my perfectionist tendencies also work against me). A teacher's job is never Done. I am pretty sure that is a lesson I will re-learn each year...
But I want to find the balance between working and experiencing life here. I do feel right now there is a lot more work to do...setting up a classroom is not a quick activity! For me at least. I dedicated Saturday morning and afternoon to working in my class. I got a lot done this past week but still wanted/needed a full day's worth or working! We had an invite to a game night and I really wanted to attend...so trying to find that balance, I left my room early and got ready. We had a great time and I got to know some of the returning girls better. So glad I went.
My plan for Sunday, was to go to church then back to my classroom. I caught some flack from a few of the other teachers at church for spending so much time in my classroom on a Saturday..and planning to return again later. On the way back to campus we were invited out to lunch at a place in the city. As much as I wanted to be back in the classroom, I knew lunch with the girls was a better way to find that balance. Again, so glad I opted for that!
I got to back campus and really didn't feel guilty for going to lunch! I went to ask a neighbor about some home supplies and she mentioned they were headed into the market. We had little food in the apartment so one roommate and I tagged along to the market in Siel. I was able to see a new neighborhood, market, 2 grocery stores, and experience more driving/riding in a car through Casa. Again, such a great choice! (sidenote: we got bananas, avocados, lots of carrots, peppers, garlic, and tomatoes for about $10...pure happiness!)
I did eventually get into my classroom! I finally swept the floor and turned in all my papers to be copied and laminated before school begins. The other teachers were there working as well and we stopped to plan our units for the first few weeks! I am really excited to work them....they will be a fun team!
I feel like I successfully found the balance between getting work done and spending time getting to know people...at least this past weekend! Hopefully, I am able to maintain that same clarity and recognize the importance and Need of hanging out with friends and taking time away from work. I love that I love my job. But I also love having new friends... finding that balance can sometimes be tricky!
My classroom could honestly consume me. I could spend all my time in there, and sometimes feel the pressure to do so. I could always add something, or change something, or re-do something (my perfectionist tendencies also work against me). A teacher's job is never Done. I am pretty sure that is a lesson I will re-learn each year...
But I want to find the balance between working and experiencing life here. I do feel right now there is a lot more work to do...setting up a classroom is not a quick activity! For me at least. I dedicated Saturday morning and afternoon to working in my class. I got a lot done this past week but still wanted/needed a full day's worth or working! We had an invite to a game night and I really wanted to attend...so trying to find that balance, I left my room early and got ready. We had a great time and I got to know some of the returning girls better. So glad I went.
My plan for Sunday, was to go to church then back to my classroom. I caught some flack from a few of the other teachers at church for spending so much time in my classroom on a Saturday..and planning to return again later. On the way back to campus we were invited out to lunch at a place in the city. As much as I wanted to be back in the classroom, I knew lunch with the girls was a better way to find that balance. Again, so glad I opted for that!
I got to back campus and really didn't feel guilty for going to lunch! I went to ask a neighbor about some home supplies and she mentioned they were headed into the market. We had little food in the apartment so one roommate and I tagged along to the market in Siel. I was able to see a new neighborhood, market, 2 grocery stores, and experience more driving/riding in a car through Casa. Again, such a great choice! (sidenote: we got bananas, avocados, lots of carrots, peppers, garlic, and tomatoes for about $10...pure happiness!)
I did eventually get into my classroom! I finally swept the floor and turned in all my papers to be copied and laminated before school begins. The other teachers were there working as well and we stopped to plan our units for the first few weeks! I am really excited to work them....they will be a fun team!
I feel like I successfully found the balance between getting work done and spending time getting to know people...at least this past weekend! Hopefully, I am able to maintain that same clarity and recognize the importance and Need of hanging out with friends and taking time away from work. I love that I love my job. But I also love having new friends... finding that balance can sometimes be tricky!
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