Highs and Lows

Weather! I really wish that we could skip to spring. (I know, then we wouldn't have sugar bush, but I have to admit that I am fairly apprehensive of being cold). Everyone said that I would eventually get used to winter. Well, I have to admit that I still haven't. I still dread those mornings when I can see my breath, when there is ice to be scrapped off my windshield, or worse snow to be shoveled. I get tired of layering clothing, feeling like I can't move properly. I don't like wearing gloves, not being able to manipulate small items. I start moving slower, choosing not to do things, because it is cold. Wednesday's cancellation, felt like a snow day! A day to stay curled up inside, reading a book, drinking hot chocolate. Friday, I struggled to be excited about being out in the cold. I struggled to find my normal enthusiasm for interacting with the school group. The group seemed to have trouble focusing, the parents in my group were great at trying to help, I tried to point out that if they listened well, they would have more time to do the various things at the station. Some complained of being cold, but there wasn't much that I could do about that. In the kitchen and again in laundry I allowed them to warm up by standing near the fire. There are so many factors that I can't control about my teaching day. This is frustrating probably for all teachers, but when we see them for 4 hours, it is disappointing to have a low energy, low temperature day.

The next day, Tom and I had the girl scout troupe. Talk about a high after a low, while there was frost on the ground, the sun quickly warmed up the day. The small number of girls (5) made it easy to interact with each of them and learn all their names. It also allowed a more relaxed day, as we could move from station to station with more flexibility. I could pay more attention to their questions and their level of learning. We were able to take them on a straw ride and even go to the bog.

Even Parker Palmer a 30 yr teaching veteran would agree that, this is life, not every day is a high, thankfully, not everyday is a low. I just hope that I can continue to find ways to make those "low" days still include a high.