March SOLC–Day 20
A huge thank you to Anna, Beth, Betsy, Deb, Kathleen, Lisa, Lanny, Melanie, and Stacey for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
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Grades close today and I really, really, really wanted to get all my comments written this weekend. But after hour after hour of work scoring and entering grades on Saturday, I just couldn’t pull it off. Apparently, two days of disciplined work in a row is beyond my capability–at least on the weekend. I worked a bit, got a good chunk done, but completion was not within range. And now that I think about it, it’s really not my fault. Here’s what I blame:
- Basic human physiology and maybe the hens: The cupboards were bare: We needed food. I had to get to the grocery store. The fact that this was a preferred activity today means nothing! It still wasn’t my fault that we needed groceries. So what if I chose the longest route, drove slowly and listened to my audio book? After I returned, I had to unload the groceries, and put them away. Then I noticed I needed to clean out the fridge and that necessitated a trip out to the compost pile. On the way I got distracted by the hens, remembering I needed to collect the eggs …
One very cute squirrel: I watched this little guy play in the snow under the feeders for quite a while. He was playing peek-a-boo in one of my footprints as he scavenged for food. He literally made me burst out laughing one time when he popped up with a sunflower seed hanging askew from his mouth. Adorable! Of course I had to take pictures. Then I had to download them and, of course, share them on social media. And not responding to comments is just rude…
- Sun and snow: The skies were blue and the sun was reflecting light like a neon invitation to get outside. So, never one to turn down an invitation (again, rude!), I went for a walk and enjoyed the crazy snow textures and the winter scenery. The fields of snow have a sheen that is just incredible! (This could also be interpreted as the fault of my Fitbit, as I did want to rack up a few steps.) The whole picture thing happened again…
- TWT: I read and commented on blogs–this is really TWT’s fault. I mean did you have to have a commenting contest this weekend??? 😉 I also needed to start writing today’s blog…
- My Family: I hung out with my husband. Then I made some phone calls and messaged with my kids for a while. Also, my sister was sick and I had to check in to see how she was doing which led to a long chat…maybe it’s her fault?
- Human physiology again: I roasted veggies and prepped salads in a jar for my lunches this week and steel cut oats for my breakfasts. This is really productive, right? Prepping also necessitates clean up, another major time suck…
- A westward facing window over the kitchen sink and the sunset: I was finishing up in the kitchen, preparing to get back to report card comments, when I looked outside. Is it my fault the window faces west? Who can resist a light show like that? I raced out back to watch the sunset and take a few photos. I returned to get back to work and darned if the lights didn’t change into a whole new color spectrum. Of course I had to run out again. Then that whole photo thing happened again…
Bottom line–I’m not finished with my report card comments and it wasn’t my fault!
You were in your happy place and there should be no regrets (love, love, love the squirrel, by the way!). This morning I’m benefitting from your excursions while I should be putting the final touches on my lessons plans. Oh well…
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Balancing blogging, commenting and other commitments is a challenge, isn’t it!?
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Oh, boy! It sure is!
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Sometimes other things take priority! Made me laugh taking the longest route to the grocery store! Such a beautiful sunset!
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I really need to find a room without windows so I won’t be so easily distracted. There are too many fascinating things going on outside!
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ha I love this! You’re right it’s that darn westward facing window to blame! I think spending your time doing all of those things is much more important- you will be rested and enriched to be ready for your students today. The report cards ALWAYS get done- one way or another- what’s the rush?
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I keep telling myself that the report cards always get done, but I keep repressing the other side of that–the fact that I need to be the one to complete them!
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I find this happening many days (report cards or lesson planning or something else I should be finishing up)…I love that you enjoy the moments that pass by rather than ignoring them in order to finish the task!
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I’m still striving to find some balance!
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The report cards had no chance competing with your eye for the right picture or a life well-lived.
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At midnight last night, I had a few regrets!
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