Never forget Waterproof Mascara (and Other Things I Learned on my Teaching Practicum).

I think, at least for some of us, beginning a teaching career is much like having kids might be. People tell you it’s going to be hard. It’s going to change your life. You are going to have no time... at least for the first five years. And I think most future parents accept this on some level. Yes, they acknowledge it is going to be hard. Yes, it will take time and determination. Yes, it will require sacrifice. And then the baby comes and with it sleepless nights, forgetting to eat, shower, exercise... and suddenly, that whole “it’s gonna be hard” thing takes on an entirely different light. It is dramatically hard, the-no-one-possibly-could-have-put-this-into-words-I-am-at-the-end-of-myself kind of hard. 

I still want to teach.

I still think it is the most rewarding career

I have got A LOT to learn.

Maybe for some, like parenting, it all comes naturally. Maybe they’ve got dream babies that don’t mix their days and nights, don’t have colic and immediately take to nursing. Or  maybe they just have the foresight, that divinely-gifted ability to anticipate, before any obstacles actually surface, just what EXACTLY could go awry. Maybe they have the patience of a saint. Not me. 

Don’t get me wrong. By no means was my practicum a failure. In fact, in many ways, I consider it a triumph. It was not easy. I messed up-- A LOT. But I persevered. In the end, I learned an incredible amount about myself, the profession, and that I really need to not care what other people think so much. I loved my students, and I can (for the most part) confidently say they loved me back. I learned so much.

I learned to be myself.

I learned that I value connection with my students far more than I do content (and I LOVE content!).

I learned that it’s okay to not be “pro” right off the get go.

I learned that I have an incredible support system of family and friends there to encourage me and to remind me of my strengths when I am no longer able to see them myself.

I learned that I should never, not EVER, go into a classroom without wearing waterproof mascara.

Summer Sunsets

Though we've had some summer storms in these parts the last few days, last night the sky was beautifully clear and promised a picture perfect sunset. As we are so close to Mt. Doug, we headed up the summit with Tucker and enjoyed the last few minutes of sunlight with a small crowd (apparently we weren't the only ones who thought it was a good idea!). It was beautiful. Ms. Walton is right; we have missed far too many moments like these.

*photo props to Mr. Grey!

Weekend Pt. 3

Our "vices": ice cream and bubble tea (p.s. he only needed ONE spoon)

Requisite Tourist Shots at Ogden Point

We’ve been living like Argentinians here lately. Not so much on the steak, red wine and tango front, but rather our late, late-night dinners, like 9 pm is early... I think it’s a combination of the long-lingering daylight and both husband and I being under the weather (the Greys 0, summer cold +2). But in some ways it’s nice. Warmer weather and sickness means we aren’t that hungry anyway which leaves lots of time to lie around in the sunshine at the beach (if you are going to feel gross and want to nap, might as well do it at the beach!). Hopped up on cold medicine we did manage to make a bit of a date Saturday night. Armed with bubble tea (me) and a 1/2 pint of ice cream (husband) we headed down to Ogden Point. I can’t believe I have lived in Vic almost 3 years and it was my first time there. We wandered out on the sea wall until we got too cold and headed back to the cozy warmth of our car (#gettingold).

Short and Sweet

“Without ice cream, there would be darkness and chaos.”  Don Kardong 

Lunch today was a sundae: "Naked Coconut" ice cream + fudge sauce + sprinkles (for good measure). It was lovely. Pretty sure this is the kind of thing kids dream about--adulthood has its definite perks! 

* for the record, my other meals today were quite age appropriate ;)

Hi, my name is Robyn and I am disorderly...

Source: frequencyofwords.tumblr.com via Robyn on Pinterest

You know when you are at a job interview and the panel asks what your biggest weakness is but you are really expected to put a positive spin on it?  I think this quote could be my new answer; it could even be my new mantra. Perhaps I could take it a bit further, maybe call myself an explorer of my own life? Wouldn't that be great? Every moment an exciting discovery? What an adventure ;)