Here I am in the city. My children are 12 and 13 and (I'm knocking on wood as I write this) mostly self-sufficient. This week they have spent their afternoons at basketball camp, and my afternoons have been free to fill as I please. This process feels a bit like getting to know myself again. In our previous small town life I would've filled my time with busyness or noise. Nothing to do? Turn on some HGTV. Not sure how to fill an hour? Might as well fold laundry and scroll through Facebook. This past month has forced me into more quietness. For one thing, we didn't have internet at the new house for a couple of weeks. That means I had to wean myself from the meaningless Facebook scrolling. I couldn't waste my precious data. Pandora couldn't even be streamed, taking away the background music that defines my world. Adding to this dynamic is the knowledge I will not be a full-time teacher in the fall. I am teaching one college course at a small private school, but in ways I feel like I've been stripped of my identity: high school English teacher. That's not to say I won't return to that profession, but it does mean that obsessive planning and reformulating of units doesn't eat my time. So here, in no particular order (and for the five people who might read this blog), are some things I've been learning/rediscovering about myself:
6 Comments
Kris
7/14/2017 03:50:19 pm
Sounds like you are exactly where God wants you to be!! Enjoy!!
Reply
Greg Stevens
7/14/2017 04:33:38 pm
Thanks! This is like having a personal conversation with you. I miss the days of talking the hall ways and during professional development. :)
Reply
Kimberly Lux
7/14/2017 06:54:59 pm
Minnesota sounds wonderful! I know Owen will miss seeing E at school and basketball in the fall. We will miss catching up with you at sporting events and at Saturday basketball.....talking ISU or Chris getting a snap shot of Ryan! Continue to enjoy all of the NEW experiences life brings your way!!!
Reply
Lori Haffner
7/14/2017 06:55:30 pm
Kim, we are all so very happy for you and your wonderful, loving family...you are all so dearly missed and yes that includes Roon-Dog!!! I am glad to here your settling in and things are going well. I am sure there are challenges and I am POSITIVE you will all overcome them in no time. I am so happy and grateful for our friendship and love reading your blog...and catching up with a facebook post...May God always bless all of you and know we all love and miss you...sending love n hugz your way.
Reply
Heidi Tritle
7/14/2017 06:57:41 pm
I just love reading your blogs. I know you will find all you're looking for. I've been learning a lot about myself as well with some leadership training and strengths review at work. It's always so hard to think about yourself and find happiness in just being you. But the greatest joys come from the quiet within 😊 Hope that makes Sense. Haha! Miss you!!
Reply
Nina
7/16/2017 08:11:48 pm
Love your posts so keep them coming! Prayers for adjustments but know you and God will do great.
Reply
Leave a Reply. |
AboutTeach. Archives
September 2020
|