Lightening strikes and the rain pours, right? At least that is how it works if you are the damsel in distress in a Disney movie.
I had a moment like this... Last Monday was quite a rough day at work. Mondays can be behaviorally challenging, especially when the students rely upon routine and constancy. The weekends tend to shake that up a bit. So, anyhow, I am driving from school to a first year teacher training when, as I push on the gas, my car makes this horrible sound and dies at the intersection at redwood road and 104th south. I sit in my car and think... "What do I do? This has never happened before." I call my insurance who put me in touch with a tow truck and while I am on the phone a random stranger (bless him) with a truck and a tow rope pulls in front of me and asks if I would like him to tow me out of the road! Yes, please. That was tender mercy number one in my fiasco of a day. So this random stranger named Terry, tows me to a Smith's parking lot. The tow truck comes and because I don't know any mechanics in West Jordan refers me to a mechanic, "An Honest Mechanic." As we are driving there (and I am subsequently missing my training) I think that if I were in a Disney movie, right about now would be the time that the lightening would strike and the rain would take it's cue from the overcast skies. AND.... it started raining seconds after that thought crossed my mind. Just goes to show how powerful our thoughts are. Haha! Just kidding. I am not that powerful. To continue with my story, even though it was after five, the mechanic was still there and was kind enough to give me a ride home because no one was available to come to my rescue. Tender mercy two- random mechanic gives me a ride home.
The days that followed that Monday included dozens more tender mercies. My car was in the shop for a week and was very expensive to fix. AND at the same time, through it all I had a girl from work pick me up and take me to work and bring me to home every day I needed. I had a friend take me grocery shopping, and had rides to church and church activities with my roommate and friends. I didn't want for anything, excepting my independence. Which for a week is not so bad.
This past week has also been very challenging. I am learning, however slowly and stubbornly, that hard does not equal bad and that the most worthwhile things are challenging and exhausting. Would I like things to be easier? Yes... I think that is the essence of hope. To hope for better days and happier times. Gratitude is what makes challenging times bearable. It is all just a process, and I will get to where I am going in just the way I need to. I need to be grateful for the progress I am making and recognize the progress (however small) my students are making.
I have two IEPs on Monday (aahhh!), Tuesday I take my class out into the community (we are going to Gardner Village-- FUN!) for Community Based Training, and on Friday I have a behavior conference- which means I won't be with my class. I feel like a mother leaving her babies for the first time... well I can't know that for sure because I am not a mother and I don't have babies. It's what I imagine it would feel like though. If I can survive this week, than I can do more that I think I am capable of.
I hope I learn to manage things better soon because I still come home every Friday and CRASH. Hard core crashing goes on every Friday night (this is one plus to not having hot Friday night dates). I come home at 5:00 ish and sleep till Saturday morning. Usually with work clothes on, contacts still in, and without brushing my teeth. (I know... gross). To add to my lack of sleep, I have been having a hard time finding time to eat. Which doesn't help my exhaustion.
This Saturday I went to Kauri Sue's Fun Run! It was really fun to see the school community get together to support the school and each other. I love where I work.
This was a much needed update, and I am leaving out plenty of juicy details. Hope all is well for you!
9.10.2012
My body hates me right now...
Remember how I crashed Friday night. Well that's essentially how my weekend went. And I am still tired! I have a yucky cold sore and woke up to several canker sores on the bottom of my tongue. Ouch.
That's all. I hope it all goes away tonight while im sleeping.
That's all. I hope it all goes away tonight while im sleeping.
9.08.2012
The Days Are Long.... But The Weeks Are Short!
That is how I would describe the first two weeks of being a BSN (Brand SPanking New) Teacher. I love it! I really think I have the best job in the world. That being said, it isn't easy, without challenges, and I put in lots of hours and give the best of myself to my students, my team, and my school. In regards to giving it my all, I still make mistakes, never seem to have enough time or energy to keep my desk clean and my to-do list blank. I have been learning over and over again lately that the best things in life will be the hardest and that is in part why they are so fulfilling!
I have ten adorable smart students with unique challenges and barriers to learning. I am excited to see their progress this year. I have so much love for them. I have 3 full-time assistants, all who have at least ten years of experience and have children my age! One of them even has a daughter named Natalie. They all love me (I mean, who wouldn't?) and have been very supportive and flexible with the new things I have been trying. They work so hard and I am so grateful for them. I have an intervener that works one on one with one of my students who is deaf-blind. She is incredible and goes above and beyond! The administration at my school do so much for all the teachers so that we can spend more time on teaching! I have an awesome mentor teacher who is right next door to me, and also gives me a good perspective only a seasoned teacher of 30 years can give! My school is rich in resources. I have three i pads for my class, apple tv, and a document camera. We have occupational therapists, physical therapists, Adaptive P.E. teachers, Speech and Language therapists, a music therapist, and nurses on-site. WE have a swimming pool that the students LOVE to swim in. I love to swim in it too. The music therapist and I are both the same age, single, and brand new to the school (and to our jobs). We have swam once together in the afternoon, but the afternoons after school have proven to be very busy. So we are going to try to swim in the mornings before school.
I do wish I had Monday off again this week. That was SO nice! I have yet to put in a 5-day week with the students.
Things that have become my saving grace. My mom (oh how I love her) calls me every morning at 5:00 so that I will wake up, get ready and go to school early so I can be somewhat prepared for the day. Prayer, I pray the whole way to school as I drive for strength, energy, and ideas. The sunrise, and view of the mountains from the parking lot of my school. Every day before I enter the school, and every day as I leave the school, my eyes gaze at the beauty that I get to see every day! Looking at the sky reminds me of my maker, who is really in charge, and that no matter what has happened I get to try again tomorrow. In a friends house she has a saying on her wall. I have been repeating it to myself all day. "Every day is a gift from god, remember to thank him for it." Lather, rinse and repeat.
Being a teacher is the best weight loss program I think I have ever enrolled in. I work so hard, my body is always so sore and tired. I also rarely have time or energy to eat or shop for groceries. I came home yesterday at around 5:30 and crashed so hard. I laid down on the couch (see previous post for pictures) and fell asleep. Sometime I woke up to move to my bed... but never changed my clothes, ate dinner, or brushed my teeth. I slept through the whole night. My roommate said that when she came in to the room, I sat up and said, "How are you?" Then laid back down. So tired. I woke up at 4:30 and felt like I had slept through Saturday too, I thought it was Sunday for a split second. I went back out to the couch, brushed my teeth, changed my clothes, took out my contacts, and proceeded to sleep til 8:30.
I did go to the temple today with my singles stake. It was wonderful. Every time I go to the temple I read Ether 12:4. "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yes, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." I love this verse. Michael (my first husband) and I were studying the attributes of Christ the week before he died about four years ago in a car accident and ever since then I read this verse when I go to the temple. It reminds me to hope for a "better world," which strengthens my faith and anchors me to the gospel, which helps me to do what is right and be a disciple of christ. In the temple I feel that I have a glimpse of what a "better world" might look, sound and feel like. I feel every time the desire to continue working and praying for a "place at the right hand of God." I also read in D&C 6 several verses which spoke to my heart. One of which was v 13. "If thou wilt do good, yes, and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God: for their is no gift greater than the gift of salvation." and 16, "Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart." v. 20... "Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love." v 33 and 34"Fear not to do good, my sons (or daughter), for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therfore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward. Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail." v. 36 and 37 "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen."
Anyhow. Life is good.
I have ten adorable smart students with unique challenges and barriers to learning. I am excited to see their progress this year. I have so much love for them. I have 3 full-time assistants, all who have at least ten years of experience and have children my age! One of them even has a daughter named Natalie. They all love me (I mean, who wouldn't?) and have been very supportive and flexible with the new things I have been trying. They work so hard and I am so grateful for them. I have an intervener that works one on one with one of my students who is deaf-blind. She is incredible and goes above and beyond! The administration at my school do so much for all the teachers so that we can spend more time on teaching! I have an awesome mentor teacher who is right next door to me, and also gives me a good perspective only a seasoned teacher of 30 years can give! My school is rich in resources. I have three i pads for my class, apple tv, and a document camera. We have occupational therapists, physical therapists, Adaptive P.E. teachers, Speech and Language therapists, a music therapist, and nurses on-site. WE have a swimming pool that the students LOVE to swim in. I love to swim in it too. The music therapist and I are both the same age, single, and brand new to the school (and to our jobs). We have swam once together in the afternoon, but the afternoons after school have proven to be very busy. So we are going to try to swim in the mornings before school.
I do wish I had Monday off again this week. That was SO nice! I have yet to put in a 5-day week with the students.
Things that have become my saving grace. My mom (oh how I love her) calls me every morning at 5:00 so that I will wake up, get ready and go to school early so I can be somewhat prepared for the day. Prayer, I pray the whole way to school as I drive for strength, energy, and ideas. The sunrise, and view of the mountains from the parking lot of my school. Every day before I enter the school, and every day as I leave the school, my eyes gaze at the beauty that I get to see every day! Looking at the sky reminds me of my maker, who is really in charge, and that no matter what has happened I get to try again tomorrow. In a friends house she has a saying on her wall. I have been repeating it to myself all day. "Every day is a gift from god, remember to thank him for it." Lather, rinse and repeat.
Being a teacher is the best weight loss program I think I have ever enrolled in. I work so hard, my body is always so sore and tired. I also rarely have time or energy to eat or shop for groceries. I came home yesterday at around 5:30 and crashed so hard. I laid down on the couch (see previous post for pictures) and fell asleep. Sometime I woke up to move to my bed... but never changed my clothes, ate dinner, or brushed my teeth. I slept through the whole night. My roommate said that when she came in to the room, I sat up and said, "How are you?" Then laid back down. So tired. I woke up at 4:30 and felt like I had slept through Saturday too, I thought it was Sunday for a split second. I went back out to the couch, brushed my teeth, changed my clothes, took out my contacts, and proceeded to sleep til 8:30.
I did go to the temple today with my singles stake. It was wonderful. Every time I go to the temple I read Ether 12:4. "Wherefore, whoso believeth in God might with surety hope for a better world, yes, even a place at the right hand of God, which hope cometh of faith, maketh an anchor to the souls of men, which would make them sure and steadfast, always abounding in good works, being led to glorify God." I love this verse. Michael (my first husband) and I were studying the attributes of Christ the week before he died about four years ago in a car accident and ever since then I read this verse when I go to the temple. It reminds me to hope for a "better world," which strengthens my faith and anchors me to the gospel, which helps me to do what is right and be a disciple of christ. In the temple I feel that I have a glimpse of what a "better world" might look, sound and feel like. I feel every time the desire to continue working and praying for a "place at the right hand of God." I also read in D&C 6 several verses which spoke to my heart. One of which was v 13. "If thou wilt do good, yes, and hold out faithful to the end, thou shalt be saved in the kingdom of God, which is the greatest of all the gifts of God: for their is no gift greater than the gift of salvation." and 16, "Yea, I tell thee, that thou mayest know that there is none else save God that knowest thy thoughts and the intents of thy heart." v. 20... "Be faithful and diligent in keeping the commandments of God, and I will encircle thee in the arms of my love." v 33 and 34"Fear not to do good, my sons (or daughter), for whatsoever ye sow, that shall ye also reap; therfore, if ye sow good ye shall also reap good for your reward. Therefore, fear not, little flock; do good; let earth and hell combine against you, for if ye are built upon my rock, they cannot prevail." v. 36 and 37 "Look unto me in every thought; doubt not, fear not. Behold the wounds which pierced my side, and also the prints of the nails in my hands and feet; be faithful, keep my commandments, and ye shall inherit the kingdom of heaven. Amen."
Anyhow. Life is good.
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