The weeks feel very full this month. I don’t know that that’s a bad or good or something in between thing. It’s just a thing. Every day feels poured to the brim with tasks, interactions, events, responsibilities…
Sunday
Tried to slow down a little on Sunday after all the wedding festivities. Tragedy struck. I knocked over my side table on the porch and broke my NaNo mug. Could this be the excuse I’ve been looking for to buy a different NaNo mug?
I’ll have to look at it that way since they don’t sell this one anymore.
Monday
VVS places a lot of focus on “STEAM” activities. While I’m not anti-STEAM, it’s one of many things that nickels and dimes our class time with the kids, which can be a little frustrating. This year, though? I’m actually enjoying our team time. I like working as a large group of students and teachers with a single focus.
In years past, I wasn’t assigned to one team because I worked with students from the entire building. I suppose technically last year I was, but the pandemic dispersed us all, and when I had to stay home while my colleagues were in the building, I felt even more separate… other. It’s nice to be back in the building with the sense of camaraderie that comes with that.
Tuesday
These lines and exes make sense to me! I’m back in the soccer coaching game, and I’m loving it.
Wednesday
A FULL rainbow on the way to work. That’s one of those things that forces you to stop and exhale a moment and say, “Oh, the world is a thing and I’m a part of it.”
Thursday
I played amateur sleuth all week. Turns out professional sleuth is not in my future.
A student left a small note on my door that was clearly indicative of a need for help, but they didn’t sign it. Usually my door is left open, but because of the TikTok challenge (#DeviousLicks), we’ve been asked by admin to keep our doors closed and locked. I think if the student had been able to leave the note on my desk and not on my locked door, they might have signed their name.
All week I tried to talk with kids and identify the author of the unsigned note (That’s a West Wing reference right there. You’re welcome, Wingnuts). When a second note was left on my SMARTboard, I thought I’d gotten my answer. Turns out this student just left me a doodle.
The search continues…
Friday
I fought some battles this week in an effort to get the turf for our Back to School Dance. I basically won, only to have our principal decide the next day that it would be better if we conceded that fight. Grr.
Which left me driving to the school in the evening to scope out the lights situation in the bus loop. Being Student Council Advisor is soooo much fun…
Saturday
A few years ago, I purchased a ticket to see David Sedaris speak in Ithaca (The event kept getting postponed due to COVID). My relationship was on the brink of ending, but I invited Brian anyway, knowing he’d decline. When he did, I invited others I thought might be interested. No one was. This left me with a choice— a choice I am quite familiar with.
Decide not to go.
OR
Go alone.
Obviously I chose the latter. When you have no one to do things with, you simply pretend you like the alone time. What’s the alternative? Miss out on things?
Going into the weekend, I was a little down. I felt pathetic for not having someone to accompany me. I get that not all of my interests align with those of my friends, but I so frequently find myself alone that it’s sometimes hard not to think it’s me that doesn’t align with my friends’ interests.
But when I got to Ithaca and set up my little tent, I was happy for the solitude. I went to the Commons (which is very Boujie Bohemian… it’s totally Granola but Wannabe Hamptons at the same time) and did a little shopping. I wrote at an outdoor table, visited a bookstore, and ate at Moosewood before finding my seat at the theater.
My spot was a pleasant surprise! I’d forgotten I splurged for a front row seat!
David Sedaris was lovely in person and graciously signed everyone’s books after.
While I wasn’t able to have a fire at my campsite due to the rain, I cozied up in my sleeping bags (plural— it was a crisp fall night) and managed a good night’s sleep. In the morning I attempted to catch the sunrise at Taughannock Falls.
I loved all of it.
Then on Monday during lunch duty, Myatt asked, “Did you go camping alone this weekend?” He’d seen my social media story I think.
I nodded and replied yes.
He gave me a look of pity. “That’s kinda sad,” he said.
I shrugged. “It wasn’t the first time; I’m sure it won’t be the last. It was nice.”
“Still,” he said. “That’s kinda sad.”
And suddenly it did feel sad again.
But maybe that’s okay. Maybe it’s okay for it to be a little sad because life isn’t just about happiness. It’s about the spectrum of experiences.