Sometimes minor tragedies can lead to minor miracles. Today was the first day of summer school, and since this weekend was a mess–not only did I want to relax with my best buddy J now that the regular school year was over, but I also couldn’t get into school because the fob system wasn’t working–I didn’t do much but roughly plan the the week of remedial summer school ahead and get some handouts together.
So, when I got to school at 6:30 this morning, I made a beeline to the copier. I was bright, energetic and ready to go, even though I knew the plans I had made were only useful for this one, last year since we’re going to a computer program next year for teaching and assessing the course.
Until the first copier jammed four times. And the second copier didn’t have a functioning touchpad. The third and last? More jamming. Humid weather plus the heavy usage last week took their toll, but I wasn’t getting a break, so I had to do something.
Normally, I work by butt off to do something fun for this too-short session of remedial summer school. After spending almost an hour trying to find a functioning copier, I gave up, ran to my room (which has already been emptied for cleaning), grabbed the old textbooks and quickly jotted down a list of assignments that I would expect that a student who finished the class would be able to complete, an essay topic and a reading.
Not exactly the most interesting work, but considering we’ve only got five days to get it all done, well…maybe not such a bad idea.
The kids ended up working quietly for the entire time and I got a chance to grade the work as it came in, help them out when needed and find ways around killing off a few extra trees.
Most importantly? I didn’t have to go completely insane twisting myself into a pretzel in an attempt to nine weeks of material in only five days.
Life has been a lot like that lately. Being a mom has taught me to be a lot calmer than I used to be. Stuff happens, life interrupts and people aren’t ever going to be perfect. I deal. Usually, it all turns out…if not for the better, at least for the different.
Joanna says:
HATE copy machines. There’s always something wrong with them. Its amazing what being a mom has helped me do. I always said I would learn patience once I was a mother and everyone laughed at me thinking I was crazy. But it was true!
June 9th, 2008 at 7:27 pm