Spring Break!

Today begins two weeks of very needed rest, relaxation but also planning for the last three months of school. Wow! Today I survived my very first field trip that I planned and the students fundraised for. We went indoor rock climbing and we all survived. My class was able to raise $300 out of the $390 in just two weeks. I was really proud of them.

Last weekend I got to stay at a cabin in Whistler for free, because a couple (which my family had met only once or twice at a conference) invited us to come. We did some cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. It was a great time for me to really connect with my family members after having been very busy with teaching and learning all the "new ropes" at school.

I am very grateful to be at my school. I have a mentor from whom I can always ask my many questions. Yesterday I came to the realization that in many ways I do the same job as 29 parents at least for 5.5 hours a day. No wonder it's kind of difficult for me, seeing how I've never had any of my own to date.

This week I somewhat reluctantly allowed my students to play Destiny's Child's "I'm a Survivor." I'm still working through my fears of what will other teachers think. I think, however, this could be my theme song for this year. Sometimes I feel like I am not going to survive. I have never in my life lost my voice so much (hope it's not just because I'm yelling at my class), and I've never had the flu and cold so much from being with sick kids! It's terrible!

I think I've also come to realize the power of this song. Not only are we going to survive, I'm almost positive they say they're a forgiver. I have definitely learned the power of forgiving and not holding on to my anger and frustration at the kids. I have also learned how important it is to forgive my family members, because there is continually going to be something that can separate me from them. Love has to forgive in order to survive.

My class has taught me so much about life and love and just having fun and what's really most important in life.