Practice

For the month of March, I have the privilege of introducing 2 university students to the art of teaching. It's fun. I have 2 extra adults in my classes. They are trying lots of new and creative ideas. It's good to see them try their ideas, take risks, have successes and put theories into practice.

When I started teaching 10 years ago, I had NO IDEA what I was getting into. I LOVE my job but it's hard. It's hard to teach good, well prepared memorable lessons. It's hard to manage class after class of adolescents with their varying needs and moods. It's hard to mark assignments when there are no longer any repercussions for students who choose not to do their work or hand it in on time. It's hard to meet all the needs of all my many students as well as meet the government's requirements. I manage but, when I explain my job to my pre-interns and watch their jaws drop, it's a shocking reminder about how challenging my career is.

The public usually just thinks that what I do is a 9-3:30 job with great holidays. Tell my pre-interns that. They're barely teaching one class a day and they are working around the clock. Wait until they have 4 additional classes, unknown curriculums, and the mysteries of their adolescent students. They will get the hang of it but, it will be hard. Many teachers in their first few years don't make it.

All in all, this has been great professional growth. I plan on doing it again next year.

A weekend away

I went to Phoenix with my mother-in-law and sister-in-laws. More importantly, I went sans my babies. Eeek!
I was fine and they were fine and even Trevor was fine. However, it was such a huge step for me to get on a plane and fly away on them.

I hiked. I slept in. I read 3 books. I went out to eat. I hung out with 3 lovely ladies. I sat by the pool. I soaked in a hot tub. I went to grocery stores and other shops. I did all of the above mentioned activities at my own speed and not having to stop to pick someone up, go to the potty x 3, feed anyone, cook or clean or do laundry or hustle around to avoid tantrums. It really was quite heavenly.

Now that I'm back to my reality, I'm content. I've spent the past few days just with my little ones. It's been good to be a full-time Momma. Sadly, it'll be back to work on Monday.

I'm back to part-time teaching. That means mornings only. It's a pretty hectic 3 hours of teaching. I don't get much time to plan and prep while at school. That comes during the 45 minutes of Quiet Time at home when I'm not cleaning or making supper. I've added a small pre-school program to mine and Simon's world. Mostly just number and letter identification and a some phonics. We also do a lot of arts and crafts and experiments. Playing with a purpose more or less. The leisurely nap times of our past are on their way out. :)

The weather is still sad. Actually, anywhere with snow after a week-end in the red rocks and deserts of Arizona is sad. :) Fortunately, we have just over a month left until sweet, sweet spring!

French Friday

It's January and we're freezing in under 5 minutes in this part of the world.
My commute has days that make me question our choice of location to live. I love our beautiful house - I wish I could transport it to, I don't know, anywhere that is warmer then our current -30 degree weather.

Life is a busy blur. Expository essays, Beowulf, "y" and "en" and "futur proche" makes my head spin. Suspended students (oh the juicy reasons why) and needy smarty pants worrying about exams. I come home to supper, house chores, toddler snuggles, marking and TV. Currently, we're on the 2nd season of Homeland - it blows my mind.

I'm reading Gone and I have to admit, it's a little freaky. Much better the the Shiver series I just finished. Too angst-y for me - like Twilight but with just werewolves and no love triangle to annoy me.

I'm dreaming in French music. These three songs get stuck in my head regularly. I guess I'm brainwashing more then my students.

Enjoy rocking out en francais!

Work

Today, in church, I overheard a man complimenting a young woman for staying home with her kids because, he affirmed, that's what's best.

I work.

I felt a little offended at his remark.

I have stayed at home. I have worked full time and I have worked part-time. No matter what, I am still the best Momma for my kids. I have known stay-at-home Mommas who whine about their kids, their husbands and their homes. I have known full-time Mommas who have lamented missing their babies and not being 100% on-task at work.

Different strokes for different folks. Personally, I need to to work. I became a little too petty and me-focused when I was alone all day with little kids. Preferably, I'd like to work part-time. This way, I can give both my classes, my kids and my home all the attention they need.

So - yes, I work and that's what's best for my kids. Sorry, sir - I didn't appreciate the judgement call.

On that same note, holidays are over tomorrow. Wish me luck as I guide very sleepy teenagers into 2013.