The curse of the short week...

Ever hear someone say - at least next week is a short one? Loving the three day weekend? Don't get me wrong, I do LOVE the three day weekend. That glorious feeling on Sunday afternoon when you realise that you don't have to start bracing your self for the next day. But...yes I know, But....there is something about the four day week that is rather brutal.
I look back on the last 5 terms of my short teaching career and I seem to have a rather traumatic memories about four day weeks. I have been musing on why this might be. There are a few reasons.

* The Curse of the Perfectionist: I consciously or subconsciously seem to prepare myself to solve many work problems that have been on the top of the priority list for weeks on that third day of the weekend. When, really, when you think about it, you just have more lounging around in slippers and watch movies on that third day....or something similar. I don't seem to recall a work list that had URGENT: lounge around in slippers and watch a movie! So when I get to work on the Tuesday, I feel extra panicked because I seem to feel extra behind based on the unattainable to-do list that I set myself for the three day weekend.

* The what day is it again: "Miss - I forgot my PE gear today, I thought it was Monday". My reaction though I think it rather than actually verbalize it "That's ok - I haven't planned a lesson for you today....I too thought it was Monday" Everyone seems to be slightly out of kilta at the beginning of a short week and they reach out to others to try and orientate themselves and realise that others are just as confused.

* The - we have lost one whole work day, the world may definately end, you must therefore meet ALL OF THESE DEADLINES, yesterday! Ok - a little over dramatic I admit (But hey, I am a Drama teacher). But I do find that the pressure to squeeze 5 days of work into 4 is a real thing and often not overly necessary. It's Wednesday today (Yesterday being the first day of this short week) and I got way more emails than usual demanding all sorts of things. I felt a little overwhelmed.

Where am I going with this. Well I feel more calm having articulated all of this. Having some awareness about how I, and therefore some others may be feeling in a short week makes me realize that: we will all get to the other end ok, and then we can relax as we welcome a normal 5 day week.

Write for writing's, and your own, sake.

Well, what do I want to write about this morning? Really not sure. It is sunday morning, 10am (ish) and I kinda just felt like reflecting on the usefullness of writing something like this. And especially, reading other peoples writing and reflecting in similar forums. I originally started this blog for many reasons. One - as a 'reflective' teaching professional, I need to be able to show proof that I am reflecting on things that are happening in my classroom and how I have learnt from such instances and how they change, enhance, or reassure my practice as  a teacher. But I started it for other reasons too....
I struggle, and I mean really struggle with cruel and powerful black clouds somedays (dont really like any other titles that a doctor might fill in here - so interpret as you will). My career choice and my apparent success with it plays a huge part in this. It took me a long time decide to become a teacher, and when it is not going as how I expect it to. Or if I do not get the reaction from students, colleagues, friends, loved ones that I expect I should be getting, the clouds can get overpowering and really quite frighteneing.

So I reflect (ie:  Rant, write, blog, moan, blah blah blah....) It really, really helps. The effect I get from processing it myself, in a way that others could read if they wanted to, makes me feel grounded, calm, rational and well OK - which is what I need. Why does it need to be readable by others. Two reasons. 1: I am wired to want and need affirmation. The potential for others to be reading it helps this. The second reason is more important. The public potential of this forum means that I dont start a 'Dear diary - this is the reason why everyone in the world is against me....woe woe WOE is me" type entry - because I know that very much does NOT help. It makes me feel way more emo, less empowered and actually so rubbish that I wouldn't keep it up anyway.

I was inspired to start writing this blog, this way, after reading from top to bottom (cover to cover - in a virtual sense) this blog: http://livingwithoutalcohol.blogspot.co.nz/ - Why was inspired? Well I don't think I have a problem with alcohol. But I could totally relate to the concept of the deamons that this lady was trying to overcome. I feel like my black clouds, and my self doubt a similar. The perfectionist gene is cruel, powerful and sometimes debilitating. And writing it out in a forum that I kinda like, makes me feel heard, and allows me to pen out my quirkiness that I know makes others smile gives me a sense of comfort, release and personal affirmation. And I think that is just a little bit cool.

How will this make me a better teacher? Oh, I don't know. I'll think about that on Monday. :-)