I got a phone call yesterday from my mom saying that her schedule had suddenly opened up and she wanted to know if Mags and I were available to get together. We never pass up a chance to hang out with Grammy, so we cleared our busy schedule. (Wink, wink!). I’ve probably said it before and I’ll most likely say it again, but my mom’s nickname, Fidget, could not be more appropriate.
I took advantage of her being here and was able to wash the windows – inside and out (!) among other Spring Cleaning type of things. Typically I’d feel pretty proud and spiffy about being a busy-body, but my mom zipped all around our house speedy-quick (Junie B. Jones style) and toted Maggie along on her hip for the ride….commentating the whole time. I kept hearing bits of their conversation, “I’m going to turn the vacuum on now” or “Oh, you DID climb on top of the dishwasher door!”
Sometimes I find it so relaxing to do the most mundane things while knowing that somebody else has their eye on Maggie. Today that looked like me scrubbing our windows, hosing down our screens and pulling a couple weeds. I felt joyful hearing The Mag-Pie and my mom interact and with each window that I watched I got to see them having special time – from the outside looking in.
I love spontaneous, productive days.
Thanks for all the energy you bring, Fidge.
family , Grandparents , MMM , work
Hey, Teach…
Yesterday I spent a few hours at my old school and I realized that I really actually do miss it. I miss being there and in the daily grind that I know many of my fellow educators need a break from.
I’m not sure calling it my ‘old’ school is the right terminology because I still wholly consider it my school. I’ve been volunteering with an after school club that I started a few years back with a fellow teacher and the club is full of former students and kids that I’ve come to know through the years.
As I’ve helped out with this club, it has been after school hours and I cross paths with some of my teaching friends if I’m lucky enough on those days, but today I was there during the day and it filled me up in a way that I hadn’t realized was needing it. Ironically, my confirmation letter came in the mail today that I’ve been approved for an additional year of Child Care Leave for next year. I have no doubt that this is the best decision for our family, although today I was reminded that the teacher in me is still alive and well.
As I maneuvered through the halls and intersected with familiar faces of fellow teachers, parents and students, I realized that I can thrive and be a teacher and a parent. It just might be a slow evolution and when I return to the classroom I most likely won’t be the same exact type of teacher that I was when I left. Hopefully, if I’m lucky, I’ll be better.
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