Neglect

My first few weeks of teaching have gone really well. I am getting into the routine, learning a LOT of new things, and bonding with my 16 first graders (and 16 very different personalities might I add). I have spent nearly 10-12 hours a day at school teaching, preparing, and conversing with my fellow compadres in first grade land. It feels as though my life has become school, school, school, and sleep. I fit meals in there approximately three times a day. I fit social time in there about once a week. The balance of life has become incredibly hard to achieve. If I leave school before 6 p.m. I feel like I am neglecting my kids and not being the best teacher that I can be. If I don't leave school before 6 p.m., friends, family, and ME time seems to suffer. Where's the balance?!?!

I have realized that I have severely neglected myself in the past few weeks and months. It's not workin' for me. I have to find a balance. I can either do ONE thing really well, or many things in an average way. Which is better? I don't have the answer. Wish I did. For now, all I can do is find a balance that works for me.

I will take care of myself. I will take care of my students. I will spend much needed "let go and live" time with my friends. I will spend time with my family. For my own good.

Dear Time Gods,

Can't we just add about five more hours to each day?? That would really solve most of my issues. Oh yeah, and I need an everlasting supply of energy. Thanks.

An exhausted and needy First Grade teacher

**Super Sidebar**

If you have not seen 500 Days of Summer, run don't walk your nearest theater. Great movie.

Joseph Gordon Levitt=yummy! :)

Zooey Deschanel=adorable (and I hate her for it.)

Funny.

Funny first grade moment of the day:

Child: "What's your name?"

Me: "Miss Rand."

Child: "That sounds like Ranch Dressing."

Just call me Miss Ranch Dressing. :)