Today

Today was one of those days; one of those never-going-to-end-help-me-Jesus days. For those of you who don't see/hear me on a daily basis, I teach 5th grade. I have for almost 3 years, and I wouldn't trade my job or my kids or my school for the world.

BUT today. Let's revisit today. Woke up late, got to school late, didn't get to copy because once again... I was late. Lateness, to me, is unpreparedness. I struggle when feeling unprepared, as is human nature. In comes my first period class. Full of spritely 10 and 11 year olds, my first period class brings their own set of challenges each day. Within that room sits a handful of children with above average IQs, fantastic test scores, quick wit, and one HECK of a collection of attitudes. 

Today, before 8 am, I had an extended conversation about an attachment to Cool Ranch Doritos, taking over the world, and Windows 95 (what the heck is THAT, Miss Rob?!) Needless to say, we do a lot of redirection.

After a mid-afternoon meltdown session, I struggled to get my "Academy Award-winning Actress" face back on due to numerous mishaps and detours to our ultimate goal - that 2:40 dismissal call. I was down and out; complaining and whining. I was a mess.

My drive home is when I do my best thinking. I reflect, ponder, and sometimes obsess over the details of my day. Today's drive home led me to one realization. My day is not only my day. My day is Joe's day. My day is Taylor's day. My day is my boss's day, my team's day, the lunchroom lady's day, and our after school custodians' day. My day is never JUST my own. A sideways glance may cause a child anxiety for the rest of the afternoon. A harsh comment could cause a deep-seated issue with authority.

So, in all my morose-ness, I came around. I know my attitude can change a day - possibly a life. I am not unprepared, I am blessed. I am not in a constant state of struggle, I am blessed.

I am blessed because I know each and every one of my students. I am blessed. Today was - and is - good.