The week before school starts is usually filled with a frantic excitement. I try to put everything in order so I can start the year fresh, putting my best foot forward. This year… Well. I still tried to get everything in order, but it was far more frantic than exciting.
I spent some time at the school, going through the folder bins and recycling old paperwork. I cleaned the room a bit and reorganized my desk… but I stopped short of pulling out a ruler and arranging things so that the students remain six feet apart. I’m not sure students will actually be making use of my room this year anyway, as it’s a smaller room meant for pull-out instruction. Joan, my co-ELA teacher, and I attempted distancing the tables and desks in the larger classroom we’re supposed to share, but as the construction in the room isn’t completed, we couldn’t complete our task.
I’ve never not looked forward to a school year before. This totally sucks. And that’s it. That’s all I have to say today. I continue to try to focus on positives and find the happy in each day, but the happy is getting harder and harder to find.
Sunday
I spent quite a bit of time “purging.” This is a traditional fall activity for me. Before the start of the school year, I try to get everything in order. I took it to the extreme this year, though. Completely emptying the cupboards upstairs of keepsakes and office supplies and whatever else. I organized EVERYTHING. And then I rearranged a bit and pulled the papasan over near my desk area so that Sam could sit cozily in it while keeping me company. You read that correctly: the papasan is basically Sam’s and it has been moved so that he has a comfortable place to hang out while he’s being my little sidekick.
I’m waiting for him to pee on the rug (because that’s what he does). But I bought it for ten dollars in Morocco, so when he does, I’ll just get rid of it.
Monday
Brian thinks Willow is not fat, but look at that belly pudge! It looks especially funny on her because her head is so small. God, I love my cats.
Tuesday
I went through my clothes Marie Kondo style. These sock things came on these flimsy pieces of cardboard… I don’t know why — to hold their shape or something? But, I mean, come on. Who designed these??? If this does not put a smile on your face, you are not as childish as I am.
Wednesday
My desk now faces the window. It’s very “writerly,” I suppose, which I like. Sammy thinks writing is stupid. The only important thing in this world is him. At least here he’s no longer lying on everything on my desk.
Thursday
I spent some time hanging with Bailey Boo. My parents asked me to swing by because they were both working long shifts and they didn’t want her to be by herself the whole time. It was lovely. We went for a walk around the yard and then she curled up in my lap on the porch while I read.
Friday
Brian bought this contraption for the cats. Sam won’t condescend to use an actual cat toy, but I plopped Willow in the next part and she laid right now.
Saturday
Omgeeeee this little guy was so stinking cute (hehe — get it? Stinking??) The picture doesn’t do him justice. You can’t tell how small he actually is. He ate the entire bowl of cat food left out for the stray cat.