Last Saturday I saw an old friend who, other than on social media, I have not seen in a while. She is one of my maybe 3 readers and always a constant supporter of this crazy blog. She has passion, love and understanding for the life of a high school teacher. She always makes me feel less crazy and misunderstood whether I read her blogs or she leaves comments on mine. She also encouraged me that night to write more and I was inspired. I sat down every night this week to write a blog discussing my first week of school and the weeks leading up to it, but exhaustion kept me from completing this. So here it is Sunday after week one and I am finally making good on my promise. So I dedicate this blog to Erica S. Thanks for being a mentor, guide, friend and encouraging me to do something that makes me feel so wonderful (even if a nap seems, at the time, more appealing).
When I wrote the title of this blog "Pleasantly Exhausted" I wondered if anyone would truly knew what that meant. There is a certain difficulty to having 2 1/2 months off of work where you freely move about your life only to jump back into waking up early (and having to actually do something other than drink coffee), talking and standing all day, going to school events and the return of grading. Most might assume that this is not a happy transition. While difficult, for me there is a certain relief that comes from being back at school and returning to the routine. I miss my co-workers my students and the feeling of accomplishing something important.
While August isn't my favorite month since the combination of adjusting to school, saying goodbye to my favorite students who move on to a new chapter and establishing routines and relationships with new students and classes can be difficult, it also is the beginning of creating a new and wonderful school year. I have already been blessed with really great classes, new lunch traditions with friends, fun Friday night football and so much more. Already had some great laughs, read some great writing, engaged in great class discussion and become painfully aware that I like the word great.
There were many other highlights of the week that weren't just in the classroom. One came from a visit from the beautiful Andrews twins after school (Grace really helped me look over some first day on demand essays). Another was an evening where instead of staying late at work I picked up my truly incredible nephew Jase to run errands and I was reminded about what was truly important in life; even just from simple visits to Target & PetCo. The last was the past grads who visited each day. There wasn't a day that passed when someone didn't visit and although they can be distracting and prevent me from making my prep super productive, I couldn't ask for a better gift. There isn't anything better than having people who don't have to be at school that week, come anyway because they miss you and the wonderful place they were for 3 years.
This week, along with the summer that I had, was clear reminder of how truly blessed I am. I know that it sounds cheesy and some might be rolling their eyes at me ranting about this small town, my wonderful friends and family and a job that I cherish so much- but it couldn't be more true. I could focus on all the things that don't go right, the people I don't have, the things I can't figure out... and trust me sometimes I do. But now that I am in my thirties I will spend more time cherishing sweet moments with Jase where he tells me he loves me, 3 hour convos with my favorite Carr where we laugh and gossip, lunches with my best friends, classes where I can make a difference, calls from previous students who need advice, letters from previous students in navy training, baby Mattie's first football game, Lamb/Andrews night and so much more. Overall, just trying to be more positive and realize that there is a pleasant feeling in being exhausted because the alternative boredom where there is no one isn't anything I would like to experience.
Hoping that my 'pleasant exhaustion' isn't too confusing...
With love,
Karen
