Friday's Letters

Wowsers this week has flown by.  I can't believe it's Friday, again already.  I guess when twelve hours of the day are spent working, twelve hours are spent at home - six to eight of those sleeping - time will fly by.  And right now, it's time to write my weekly letters...

Dear Weight Loss Wanting Followers - You'll be excited and happy to know that I'm currently working on building a class blog where I can post all the goings on of my classroom.  That's where I'll post everything I'm doing in my classroom, the fun I'm having, and my thoughts on being a teacher.  Now, that doesn't necessarily mean that I'll switch back to talking only about weight loss on here... but it will decrease the amount of time I spend talking about work.  I do hope that I once that blog is up and running, I will spend a little more time refocusing back to my weight loss efforts, but I'm not making any promises.  It's something I'm still thinking about, even though you're not hearing about it... but my enthusiasm about teaching and how wonderful my life is right now just seems to be trumping my enthusiasm to write about weight loss.

Dear Followers Who Like Hearing About My Teaching - Please read the last letter.  I'm using a different site to build my classroom blog, and as soon as it's up and running I'll be sure to post the link here.  It will be available for everyone to read.  I'm even working on building websites for each of my students so that they are able to write their own blogs.  It takes a little time, because there are a lot of permissions that I have to collect.  And the site I'm using to create all of the websites is a little different... a lot different... from Blogger.  But it's a site that specializes in educational and classroom blogs - so I want to give it a shot. I think it's going to be a great way for me to share my ideas, what the kids are learning, information for parents, and resources for other teachers who are looking for ways to incorporate technology in to their classrooms.

Dear God, Karma, Fate, Or Whatever Is Responsible - I have no idea what I did that was so great to be rewarded with such blessings as I've received with this new job.. but THANK YOU!  The people I work with are so supportive, friendly, and amazing.  The kids I have in my classroom are energetic, eager to learn, and are throwing me just the right amount of challenges each day.  I know that I've made it through this first full week without stressing out because of how wonderful my job is.  I just want to knock on wood every other minute, because I still can't believe that I've been so lucky to earn a place in such an awesome school district.  I know that I'm going to be able to spread my wings and provide my students with the tools, support, and encouragement they need to succeed this year... no matter how many time constraints or standard constraints that stand in my way.

Dear Mr. C (a/k/a Butter's Teacher) - I know that we are only one and a half weeks in to the school year, but already I owe you the greatest amount of thanks.  I don't know the boy you've been sending home to me each day very well - but I do know that I love him very much and I want him to stay.  Butter really is like a new kid.  He loves school.  He doesn't stop talking about you.  And you've able to accomplish in 8 days what many have tried to accomplish for years.  When I see my son sit down with a book two inches thick, and know that he's actually reading it - a knot builds in my throat and my inner fears are thrown to the wind.  When he sits down at the computer and would rather read your blog than play games on Facebook, I feel like the universe is giving me a giant hug.  You've given my son hope, desire, and a new lease on life.  He feels excited about going to school, he has big goals, and he is confident in his ability to succeed despite any setbacks that have happened in his past.  You are the person my son has been needing for a very long time, I just know it.

Dear Peanut's Teachers - You have, also, done something to my other child.  Being that she has always been a good student, it's no surprise that she is enjoying school.  But, I also know that you're reaching her in ways that have never been done before.  She is extremely smart, and has often found some of her classes to be a little boring.  But you have found a way to ignite her, again, and give her excitement in her studies.  She comes home each day sharing what she's learning with enthusiasm.  She's asked for help on homework - something I don't remember ever happening.  She shares ideas with me on different ways she's learning content that she's never really cared for before.  Ways that, I'll admit, I want to use in my own classroom.  She's having fun.  She's enjoying herself.  She's learning.  And I couldn't ask for more than that - so THANK YOU!

Dear Jelly's Preschool - Now I just can't leave you out, can I?  Jelly is following in her sister's footsteps - meaning that she's always enjoyed daycare...but she's also having such a blast.  Every day she has been telling me about the colors she got to mix together to make new colors.  In one week, she already knows that blue and green make purple, red and yellow make orange, and red and white make pink.  It's also become her challenge every day to remember what she ate for breakfast and lunch - which makes me laugh.  She informed me on Wednesday that she's trying really hard to earn something from the treasure box.  I love that you are already providing motivation for following procedures - a tool she will greatly need next year. 

Dear Mrs. F & Mrs. B - My partners in crime.  You have both made my transition in to my new position such a great experience.  You make me feel wanted, supported, and excited about our years together.  I know that I have two wonderful friends in the making - and that we are going to have such a great year together.  Thank you for helping me, listening to me, and allowing me the chance to be on such a wonderful team.  

Dear Katniss, Gale, and Prim (a/k/a my kitties) - I'm so happy that you are all finally getting along.  We got through the days of Katniss acting like a crazy snake.  We got through the day of Katniss playing WWE wrestling.  And now we are, I think, to the point where you can all get along and love each other.  I love seeing you all standing side by side to eat.  I love seeing you all curled up on the floor together.  And I really love that I don't have to listen to constant hissing and meows.   Now, Gale and Prim, if you would just hurry up and get to be big enough to wear collars - so we can tell you apart - things will be perfect.  I hate not being able to call you by name... but being that you are identical twins, I'm just going to have to find a way to mark one of you.  And Katniss, I know that this transition was especially hard on you - but I feel like you understand that I definitely wasn't looking to replace you.  I was so happy when you curled up in bed with me last night - what I took as a sign that you're no longer mad at me.  I wish I was able to explain that Gale and Prim coming to our home is for you, rather than against you.  I want for you to have some playmates while the family are all busy with school and work.  I don't want you to get lonely.  And, I think, you're finally able to see that.

Dear Me - At this very moment you're sitting here writing letters full of positivity and happiness.  I'm not going to go back and check, but I'm pretty sure that not ONCE have you written a Friday's Letters that is so upbeat.  I want you to remember this day.  I want you to bookmark this post.  Anytime you have doubts or worries or fears, I want you to come back and read all these amazing letters.  Things won't always be this great - you know that.  You know that there will be many challenges and obstacles that will arise in the future - but one thing you have learned is that you can push through them.  These letters are a sign of that.  No matter how dark times may get, you know that there will always be a light at the end of the tunnel.  Use these letters as motivation when the going gets tough.  Push through.  If these couple of weeks are a sign of your future - then you know that EVERYTHING will be A-OK.

Till next time. ;)

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