Transplanted. Again.

Just when this Transplanted Gal feels like Life has become somewhat predictable (I use that term lightly because of our crazy, busy lives), I revel in the way that God moves and redirects. Usually when I least expect it.

New things ahead. There is an END which will be difficult to say good-bye to, but an equally exciting NEW BEGINNING that has me bursting with excitement!

I can’t wait to say HELLO.

XXOO,

Staci

Standing on the Edge: Balance or Pure Crazy

I’ve blogged on and off for years now. For a while there, it was a part of my daily routine. Then I started teaching and found I’d “used up” most of my words by the time I walked back in the house at the end of a long day in the classroom. I found leaving brief statuses on Facebook much more convenient.

But every once in a while the words just start bottling up inside of me until I have to let them escape. This week is one of those times. SO much going on. Looking back on older blog entries, I’ve mentioned “balance” a lot.

I suck at balance.

Or maybe I’m good at it, but I just hate the balancing process and the stress it can bring.

I think this is because I have the chronic problem of trying to balance too many things at once.  Which, now that I think about it, becomes a much larger (and much more delicate) balance between me and The Edge.  Lately, I feel a bit like I’m staring over said Edge…I’m basically holding on by some fabulous heels, er, make that boots.  {But really, really fabulous ones!}

As teachers, we have So.  Much. To.  Balance.  (Secretly, I think we’d all be really good at juggling plates or flaming batons…comes with the territory.)  We have to balance what we’ve learned in our latest professional development with what we think (and know) works for our friends.  We have to balance what we are passionate about with what is mandated.  We have to balance bathroom breaks with learning time.  We have to balance our desire to stop and look at a topic deeply and the constant  drive from The Powers That Be to move on, move on, cover everything, don’t stop, don’t pass go and (for the love of God) DON’T collect $200, are you crazy?  Teachers are overpaid and get summers off!

Add to the end of the year craziness the fact that we decided for me to take a break from the English classroom and try something completely different in order to be closer to home and responsibilities, the fact that The Hitchin' Post has eight weddings under it's belt since opening in February, and the fact that our family has just been dealt a mean double whammy to the jaw leaves us kind of...off.

The truth is I probably function better when I have a lot going on.  When my plate gets too empty, suddenly I find myself in front of the TV watching hours and hours of  what my husband refers to as “meaningless TV” and wondering where my afternoon went.  Again, though, it’s all about balance.  How much can I pile on so that I stay productive and don’t tip the scales over to Crazed Whirlwind of Activity Yet Actually Finish Nothing Town.  That place blows.

I look around and know I’m not alone.  I heart me some teachers.  I watch many of my fellow teachers struggle with balance as well (which is what leads me to think it’s one of our occupational hazards).  Trying to balance new, purposeful strategies for teaching with what they feel comfortable doing in their classrooms.  Trying to balance new ideas that they are excited about with how much change they realistically think they can handle.

This time of year I feel two things in the classroom. Two things that would seem to be contradictory to one another. First, I feel tired. I could elaborate, but why? Just tired. That’s it. Second, I feel inspired. I’m spending too much time on Pinterest looking for new bulletin board ideas for next school year, and I’m trolling TPT for innovative lesson plans. So, in the midst of the tiredness that comes with this time of the school year, I’m planning for the next.

I guess that is balance, huh?

For today, at least, The Edge doesn’t look scary.

It looks kind of exciting.