Progress and progress

I let go of some pride and let Alicia and her sister in law give my house a thorough cleaning. I don't know how she did it. She even did the ceiling fan and I don't know how she reached it. She's about 4'10'' and her sister is much shorter than that. They even cleaned the venetian blinds. They were exhausted when they left at 7 and I try not to think about it because I came home and went straight to bed at 3:30 and feel like a slacker.
One of our teachers rushed to the hospital this morning (test results yet to be disclosed) and I covered a few eighth grade classes. Actually the teacher's husband, who is also a teacher, popped in frequently. We both were at a loss on the algebra (the course work on the graphing calculator magically erased from my head) so we just chatted with them. I had them taking turns telling stories about bone breaks. Riveting!
I've been following Renovaré pamphlet on discovering my current rhythms of life and filling them with a deeper awareness of God. (I just misplaced it, but I'm doing the exercise anyway). I'm reading my grandmother's old prayer book daily too as a way to start and end the day. I'm trying to keep it simple and as close to my old routine as I can so that I can keep to it.

On the road again

It was my first day back at work (although I had been to the school for a few short visits). The kids who are special to me greeted me, each in their own special way. Staff was a blurr. Each going about their constant business and giving a happy greeting and then moving on. My mending joints did remarkably well, but my back was in agony by the end of the day of sitting. (Note to self: call the chiropractor soon!)(note: Do it NOW!)(OK I did it and have an appointment for Saturday at 10)
Now I'm lying on my futon enjoying my second kosher dill pickle. Hits the spot.
My main thought is on planning to get up early enough to get out of the house on time to get to school in time to get my wheel chair moving down the hall to clock in.
I'm pretty pleased that I got the schedule made for picture day in record time. Assuming I did it on the right letter day, much of the work was done by me last fall when I made a spread sheet system to record conflicts in teacher's planning time, and avoiding times that come after PE. Unfortunately nobody else could have used my spreadsheet, so they waited for me to return to get the job done. Well it's nice to feel appreciated. And I mean that.
I'm reading a little of 40 days of Living the Jesus Creed every night and feel as if it's keeping my compass in line.

a letter to my coworkers

Dear co-workers, Dear teachers that I am assistant for,

       Today I've been appreciating how great it is that you have so much diversity in your little team. You are each so different and yet so strong as teachers. Our students are really fortunate to have you for a year (or two). You show them how to love the disciplines you present and you show them with kindness - the kindness that teachers show that is so rare in other parts of our world.

        I also appreciate how you use your human resources ... the assistants and aides and interns that come your way. What a three ring circus you face every day. You are truly gifted with your patience and the ability to think of several things at once. Sometimes, like today, I just have to reflect in awe.

         Finally I marvel at how well you work as a team, without losing your individuality. It's great to be working with you.

Our new school year

I tried to embed this video, but was not successful.
The man giving the introduction is a former music teacher, our new county school superintendent!!!
Between our new school principal and our new superintendent, I'm a pretty happy employee. Now if I could make enough money to pay my bills....

It's been a long summer and too short

Oh yes, it's the school professional's unappreciated whine ... poor me, I've had this big vacation and now it's over!

I was able to complete the writing workshop with 6 grad credits and a stipend. Feels good! I write a lot slower than I would wish, but I was very happy with what I did. I'm working on a short story now. There is nothing short about the process!

I also did a little face to face ESL teaching as a favor to our Korean pastor. 12 adolescents. It was great to know I could do it, but my stamina is still short.

I've been recovering pretty well from the earlier stroke. I'm grateful that my typing has improved ... I was afraid that my work would be badly hampered, but now I feel close to par. Speaking of going back to work, I think I'm going to get a wheel chair so I be more mobile when doing lunch duty and other monitoring. My regular exercise in the pool has been great for me overall, but the pain in my back has been pretty constant all year long and I'm accepting the idea that I may have to live with this.

My computer was out of whack for a few months. Thanks to my son for nagging me to check out if I was covered under warranty.