Happiness?

I am currently reading The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin. While some parts are interesting and coming from a secular viewpoint, there was one month where she focused on playing. She chose what she enjoyed doing. It got me to thinking. What do I enjoy?

Currently, I take a Chinese class once a week at our local library. It's taught by an older gentleman and while he is super-sweet, I don't think he understands English very well. At first, I really enjoyed going. It helped me establish a better relationship with my Chinese student in class. As time went on, we end up going over the hour limit. We repeat and repeat, when in my mind I got it the first or second time. I dread going now. I don't look forward to it, but go because I don't him to feel bad. I ended up not going to a college get-together on those nights because I was already tired and just wanted to go home. I can't attend a book study that I really want to try out.

Therefore, I've made a decision. While I will feel bad as the class dwindles down (there are only a few of us that show up now), I would rather spend that hour learning and practicing Spanish or going to a book study. That's what I'm going to do. I feel better. I'm choosing to do what I enjoy.

Is that too selfish of me?

What I learned NOT to do...

I learned to NOT go out after working out to my local stores. I ran into way too many people today and I was in my workout clothes and had had no shower. Nice. Most of the people I ran into are people I see from school and social events. I am always put together when I see them...except for today.

I learned to NOT complain about a gift card until you type the correct 16 letters and numbers to redeem. How was I to know that that last letter was an F and not an E? Thankfully, I was able to finally input information correctly and we'll just pretend that hadn't happened.

A few weeks ago, I learned to NOT just grab my tennis shoes and head out the door. I ended up with a left and a right of two different models. Same brand, just different models. No one really knew except my feet. I still got my sprints in, but it was definitely a different feel.

I learned to NOT keep sweets that I make. I do not currently have the will-power to handle them well. Therefore, I ran half of the batch of cake truffles under the faucet today. I even spoke to the sweets and told them I didn't need them and sent them down the disposal. Next time I make treats, several will be going to deserving friends, neighbors, and maybe even some of my blog readers. :)

What did you learn NOT to do today?

Break

I needed a break from technology, so I took one. It was nice. I had the opportunity to dog and house-sit for a family from church. While they had free wi-fi at their house (and I could use it from anywhere in the house - not just in front of up my upstairs window), I tended to not be on as much.

Sure, I had posts to write...I just chose not to.

For my faithful readers and for those who check their Google Reader, thanks for staying faithful and continuing to come back. I'll have a few things over the next few days to post.

Making a choice

Today was tough. I am understanding now why routines and structure are HUGE in a classroom. When it doesn't happen, the class erupts into confusion and frustration.

I haven't conferenced with students like I normally do in writing workshop and today it showed. I have done lots of mini-talks with students, but not the way I normally do it.

Today, after they went to library, I took a few minutes and just slowed down. I lowered my voice when they came back and allowed them to work on what was needed. I pulled kids over to talk and work with them and kept a very calm voice. Surprisingly, that last hour with the kids was probably one of the best.

Now to remember that for tomorrow!

Improvement

I am getting back on the treadmill. Last week, I ran/walked a 5K in a little over 41 minutes. I think it was 41:05 to be precise. Tonight, I ran/walked it in 38:11. Woo hoo! Next week, I am shooting for even faster...

That's all, just improvement. Taking one step at a time. Pushing myself. Believing in myself again.

He said what?

I had a Facebook post from a mom. She shared with me that her son, Cubs fan, had been reading with her and noticed a word he knew, but couldn't remember it. He stopped her and told her he had to take a picture of it for his lexical system!

LOVE IT!

Awe...

I had had it today. Things didn't go as planned this week. My letter writing unit will have to carry over into January to give kids the time to do quality work. My inferring and predicting unit is far from over and four days with delays, field trips, and snow days are not helping. And to top it all off, I'm tired of kids losing work.

Today, my talker couldn't find his practice. I told him, "If I find it in your desk, you owe me." What he was going to owe, I don't know, but all I knew was that I didn't want to find it in there. As I began scrounging through the desk, he said, "I don't really care about losing recesses, I only care about learning."

After that comment, I couldn't stay upset. He melts my heart!