Welcome to my Weekend Coffee Share, hosted by Allison at eclecticali.wordpress.com. Grab your favorite beverage and grab a chair so we can chat! I’m havng a Medium roast with vanilla creamer myself.
I survived another teaching week in the time of COVID. I’ve been taking the mask off more as I sit behind my desk shield, distanced, just so the students can hear me. It’s so important to be heard clearly in order to teach and for them to appreciate me as human, just like them, and important to me for them to know I’m willing to bring humor and enjoyment to difficult situations or learning goals.
Yesterday, it got through to them. A few kids laughed with me. I gave another the elbow-bump-hug when it seemed he needed it. It’s not a real hug, but I told him, remember the COVID distance rules. Relating to them in this distanced time and teaching with a mask on is challenging and sometimes I feel like my efforts suck….but yesterday, I felt like I succeeded. Funny how scared I was to be teaching amongst middle schoolers and the germs they can pass, but now I am concerned about how the experience is affecting them. We have to accept this situation we’re in, but I don’t want them to feel alone, scared to laugh, or even scared to talk.
Facebook almost gave me some tears this morning:
Ah, Facebook memories. Let’s not forget what we’ve come through or what has shaped us. I learned so much about acceptance as a parent. Yes, “You will find your own way and I will admire you for it.”
I’ve struggled this week with my digestive issue, something I was diagnosed with in 2009. I ate so little for lunch last Saturday that I pigged out on Mexican food Saturday night. It was fun and tasty, but I suffered for a week. I feel like Icarus who flew too close to the sun. Except I can get back to my healthy diet and not suffer now. I’ll save my gusto for ax-throwing and the rock-climbing gym, both 4 month goals for me. I’m still faithfully doing regular workouts for my arms and shoulder in addition to the cardio three times weekly. I have goals, and I’ll get there!
Today is a hair dresser day, so I can hopefully enjoy easily styling again for a few months. You may notice above that the hair has gotten unruly. I don’t go with a tame look, but it does need to be easier to fix in the morning. I haven’t finished my workouts for the day, but I will after my appointment! Thanks for joining me for this coffee chat, and have a great week!
pamelascanepa 
Did I read that right? Are you now including the rock climbing gym on your to-be-mastered list? Did I play a part in getting you going that direction? If yes, I’m so pleased as I can “see” you doing and loving this. I hope you get someone to video you climbing and rappelling back down after a successful assent. I think I already know what your smile will look like – but video proof is always fun.
You’ve got this Pamela!
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Yes, Gary! I took my son there and we climbed 8 years ago! I took my time but loved the challenge. Haven’t been back since, but I want to do this. Thanks for the inspiration!
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I can only imagine how challenging it must be to teach your students with a mask, and behind a shield! These days will go to history, that’s for sure. caddis to you fro trying your very best. We are encourage to keep social distancing, but at work it is impossible. I teach 4, and 5 year olds this year. There are hugs and holding hands every day. We try to encourage them to keep distances, having a “ghost friend” in between when we do activities. Best of luck with everything and enjoy your long weekend 🙂
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Thank you, Maria! Four and five years would be so hard to keep distanced. At any age, there are times they need to reach out for a guiding hand. It’s a challenge. Take care, and have a great week!
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Thank you!
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