Tuesday, July 19, 2016

Tuesday Slice: The countdown begins--and I'm a bit scared


I have fifteen days--including today--that are free of work commitments or professional development, before my calendar year starts.  Not consecutive days; I have a leadership team retreat this Thursday, professional development sessions for two days next week and two days the following week.

My husband took this week off from his work.  Not because we are taking a true vacation --no one in the family could ever agree on even a day trip, so I gave up trying for that.  Instead, he's giving our teenage son  driving lessons, and completing home projects like faucet nozzle replacement, mowing the lawn, and fixing my bicycle.  

And there's the biggest family project of all this week:  helping our college grad daughter prepare for her first job--which just happens to involve a year, maybe more, abroad in Japan.  We've been on shopping trips for clothes, toiletries, travel amenities, and gifts for her employers, all of which needs to be packed in two suitcases and a carry-on bag.

We'll accompany our daughter to Houston this weekend, to attend a reception and see her off at the airport.  We'll wait and watch her go through the TSA line, catching one last glimpse as she gathers her stuff from the trays and puts on her shoes.

It will be bittersweet, seeing her off on her big adventure, but not scary.  This is her third trip to Japan; when visiting last fall, we were awed by its culture of honor and respect.  Truthfully, I'd be more worried if she were heading for a big city stateside.

After seeing her off, attention will shift to the coming school year.  I'll be the librarian for 1200 elementary students next year.  One hundred more students than last year.  And I've heard rumors that there may be more...

That's what's got me a bit scared.

20 comments:

  1. I bet you can handle it. :) I'm going to be working in our school district's high school library this year. I'm looking forward to it. I'm hoping I can inspire some kids to get back into reading like they used to in grade school.

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    1. I was already frustrated by lack of time with 1100 students last year; squeezing even more classes in to each week will definitely be a challenge and require a lot more finagling of the schedule. Your new job sounds like it will be a fun challenge for you; good luck!

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  2. A year abroad! You must be so proud! Reading your post, I smiled about the cliche that "teachers are lucky to have summers off." How often do teachers really take time off from school? If I counted the days, so far, I'd total 4 since June 20th. And really, I still thought about lessons and displays on those days. Savor every moment!

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    1. We are very proud. And yes, teachers generally do go above and beyond with working during their "vacation days". I'm not sure if this is a good thing or a bad thing, as it's almost become an expected thing. We wouldn't expect our doctor or lawyer to work on our cases on their days off....So I'm hoping to consciously plan two or three "no work allowed" days!

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  3. Best of travels to your daughter. Sounds like a wonderful experience for her! My daughter travelled to Vietnam for two weeks in March and that was HUGE for me (and her), so I admire that you're taking it in stride. How great that you were able to visit last year, as I would imagine that was encouraging. Best wishes for the coming school year!

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    1. Thank you for your positive vibes! I hope your daughter's trip was just as successful as our daughter's have been. I grew up as a military BRAT, away from my extended family, so I think this feels natural to me. Her absence will probably hit me hardest during the holidays. :-\

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  4. Oh, wow, the school year is looming! I hope you're having a great week just dong some needed chores, and helping your daughter prepare. What an exciting adventure for her, and I do imagine you'll miss her, too. Thank goodness for Skype, etc.

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    1. Well...my desk is still a mess, and there are TONS of unread books in my summer TBR pile. My children are having a much more exciting summer than I am. And yes, I am grateful for today's technology. We use the LINE app quite a bit while we are apart!

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  5. You made me think... As educators, our professional lives loop in yearly cycle, and that cycle forms a unique bond. Who else would probably really understand the meaning of "before my calendar year starts"? Safe travels to your daughter.

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    1. So true, Alice! I guess it's akin to the fiscal year, for accountants and corporations. Thanks for the safe travel wishes!

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  6. I remember the days when you could walked a loved one right up to the gate as they boarded a plane. I can imagine that saying goodbye (for now) at the TSA checkpoint will make it even harder.

    A safe journey to your daughter!

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    1. We just talked about those days as well, Stacey! Makes saying goodbye a bit odd, especially when the TSA line is long. At least this time, she'll be traveling with a group; the JET folks are all flying out at the same time.

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  7. thats some crazy stuff all at once! congrats to ur daugther!

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    1. You can say that again! Summer flies by way too fast for my liking.

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  8. I enjoyed reading your focus on family first and then school. This line made me stop and think - It will be bittersweet, seeing her off on her big adventure, but not scary. I thought it was honest and brave parenting.

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    1. Thank you, Mandy! Our daughter is an amazing, capable young woman. Her bravery and confidence inspire me.

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  9. So many big things to look forward to! Deep breaths and good luck.

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    1. Thanks, Tara! I have been doing a lot of deep breathing lately....

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  10. It's a bittersweet moment when your child graduates college and goes off to their first "real" job! I've done it twice and it never seems to get easier to say goodbye. Both of my daughters live far away - to us - and we often go several months without seeing each other. Every hello is anticipated for weeks and every goodbye is as painful as the previous one. Nevertheless, there is much joy in watching our children grow up to become wonderful, productive adults. Enjoy the start of the year. I'm getting ready to start, soon!

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    1. Thanks, Elisa! We are thankful for technology--mainly, the LINE app, that lets us text and call and video in real time. She's doing so well over there; more happy than sad right now!

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