To-do list grows daily
Time being swallowed
in large bites by meetings
and projects and fundraisers
committees and deadlines
The urge to yell "STOP" is strong
To stick to the basics:
A good night's sleep
Drink coffee, exercise
Teach, plan lessons, leave work after nine hours
Return home, time and energy to spare
for housekeeping, cooking, reading,
breathing fresh air,
personal plans and pursuits
It's October, and I feel out of sync.
****
We've been talking a bit about "Shocktober" in my teaching circles. For varied reasons, this month is heavy on work obligations, making it harder for a work-life balance.
At least we have a 3 day weekend coming up.
ReplyDeleteNot for us. Monday is parent conferences, Tuesday is staff development....sigh.
DeleteYou are soooo right! October is one of the hardest school months (not quite the shiny new beginning, but not close enough to the winter breaks). Love the poem! On the bright side (at least in Texas) the weather is starting to turn, making it not so hot and exhausting. Best wishes getting through "shocktober". At least it doesn't last forerever!
ReplyDeleteYes, thank goodness for the cold front, Katina!
DeleteOctober is tough for sure - and I love the image of meetings swallowing time in large bites. That's a truth. Hope you make it through. At least up here in Canada this weekend is a long weekend. Makes it more bearable...
ReplyDeleteI'm about meeting-ed out, Amanda. Would love to just do my job without anyone adding anything to it for at least a month!
DeleteI can relate. Shocktober is a perfect name for this month. December and May always seem to be this way, also.
ReplyDeleteDecember and May fly by for me...maybe because I give myself permission to weigh my personal pursuits as equally as work during those times...
DeleteShocktober - yes I am living it too! Your words hit home!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the validation!
DeleteAs a non-formal educator, I've never really thought about October being so stressful. I always considered May the most stressful month for me, as so much is crammed into so little time - just as you are describing for this month. Good Luck. I hope you find a balance and can get some much needed rest!
ReplyDeleteI always thought it was just band-related (October means football game Fridays and competition weekends)...but even non-band parents and teachers feel the strain. More meetings, fundraisers, etc this month.
DeleteThe above comment is from my wordpress blog - The Apples in my Orchard where I also write each Tuesday for Slice of Life. Thanks.
ReplyDeleteHow did I live to be this age without hearing "Shocktober"? The image of Time being swallowed in such large bites is so real and alarming. I think of a python swallowing a cow ... yet you carved out the time to write a poem that so resonates. Here's to the fresh air, the personal pursuits ...
ReplyDeleteHubby and I have decided to visit collegeboy for an upcoming weekend. It will be a welcome respite!
Delete