Relax? What's that?

Relaxing is not really my thing. I know I need to do it more, but I'm such a busy-body, it's not really in my blood! Generally I work on Saturday mornings, so I head to bed early on Friday nights, and prepare for a long work day. Today, however, I took the day off, because I didn't have a sitter for Charley! It was kind of nice. I stayed up a little later last night, chatting with a couple of friends, and woke up at a reasonable hour...a wonderful thing, considering I have a toddler! But the minute Charley woke up, my relaxation time (which consisted of getting ready for the day, and doing the dishes) ended abruptly.  Once she got up, I had to get her ready for her gymnastics class. She had SO much fun at the gym. I'm not surprised that she loves going to gymnastics. There are other kids, fun things to do, an awesome coach...what's not to love? She's not exactly on-task most of the time. She is so anxious and excited to take her turn, it's not uncommon for her to jump up and squeal at the top of the lungs, as she tries to cut in front of the other kids. She did listen, though, so that's good. The whole following-directions thing will improve, though, thank goodness. I mean, she did just turn 2! I think my favorite part was watching her interact with this adorable little girl named Aurora. Most of the time, I am teaching when she is in class, so it was fun to just be Mom today, and see how she is with other children. Those two were like 2 peas in a pod, giggling, hugging, and talking in unintelligible language. It was very sweet. Aurora's mom and I have become friendly, and I have a feeling we'll be having some play dates in the future!

Attempting a fish face...

After gymnastics, I decided to take advantage of my free time and headed to the gym, so I could work out! It was really nice, because usually when I go to the gym, I rush through, so I can make it back in time for work. Today, I took my time, and Charley got to play in the childcare center. It was very peaceful. I called my friend Kellie when I left, and we talked about how our time at the gym is our individual "me" time. I never thought I would feel that way. I used to hate going to the gym! But, now it's my break, and the one thing I really do for myself. I never thought I would be "that" woman, but that's who I've turned into. I guess I might be growing up...or growing desperate for adult interaction and time to myself! Who knows.

I took Charley to lunch, because I didn't get a chance to go to the store yesterday, like I'd planned. We went to Chipotle, Charley's favorite! I'm not kidding when I say that she usually out-eats me at Chipotle. We "share" a burrito bowl, but actually eating it generally consists of Charley shoving my hand out of the way as she shovels the rice and beans in her mouth at an alarmingly rapid rate. On the way back, I was certain that she'd be so worn out from the morning activities that she'd pass out in the car. No such luck! Although, I will say, it didn't take long for her to crash after we got home. And that brings me to now. I'm actually TRYING legitimately to relax. It's KIND of working. But I'm thinking of all the things I could be getting done. It's a curse, I swear!

I'm thinking tonight will be another night in. My mom has been out of town for two weekends in a row, and my dad generally watches Charley more during the day time. So that means I'll be enjoying a night in...who wants to join me? I've got a bottle of wine! Ha, I know a bottle of wine wouldn't tempt many, but a glass or two is more than enough for me! That might actually enable me to relax...Ha!

Alright, a teaching story...This one's from the virtual classroom. A couple of weeks ago, I had a student, who I'll call Joseph, come on the microphone and tell the students and me (for about the 18th time), how he was going to be moving away and how he would miss everybody, and how I'm the nicest teacher he ever had (he's a sweetheart). Joseph proceeded to talk about his 13th birthday party, and how he wants to invite everybody from the class to his party. Mind you, this student is currently 11 years old, so 13 is still a couple of years down the line. Well, class finished up, Joseph logged out, and another student I'll call Carlos, began raising his hand repeatedly (which he knows he is not supposed to do). I asked him what he needed, and when he came on the microphone, Carlos was borderline hysterical. "Ms. P. I wanted to go to the birthday party, and I didn't get to say that to him! He doesn't have my address or anything! I really wanted to go to the party. I can't believe I didn't get to talk to him." I took the microphone away from him, and explained that the party wasn't going to be taking place for a long time. I had to reassure him that he would have another chance to give his friend his address. Carlos came back on the microphone, and said, "Oh. Ok, sorry I had a meltdown. Have a good weekend!" And just like that, he signed out. Oh the life of a virtual teacher...