Friday in Third

Friday afternoon in third grade is a world away from Monday. Today my kids were super chatty all day, and not in that good "I'm excited about my learning" way.  They couldn't keep their hands to themselves.  As we walked through the hallways, our line looked more like a giant anaconda than the straight quiet line our hallway expectations posters ask for.  They kept falling off of their chairs; it didn't matter if the chair was a regular chair, a wobble stool, or a yoga ball.  We all know that once one kid slipped off the chair at least five more were sure to follow.  It's funny.

I didn't think it was funny.  I was annoyed.  As the day went on, I could feel my patience slipping away.  I could feel the sarcasm creeping into my brain, and I had to actively stop my mouth from letting sarcastic, zinging words past my lips.  During my afternoon prep, I didn't make myself work.  Instead, I sat in my classroom and just let myself BE.  I scrolled through my Twitter feed.  I read a National Geographic Kids magazine.

On Mondays, I am energized, ready to go for the week, my head full of plans.
On Fridays, I am spent, energy exerted, my head full of wishes for a weekend of quiet and relaxation.

Of course, as a mom of a teenager and an almost teenager, a wife, and a homemaker, my weekends are rarely full of quiet and relaxation.  Tonight I will begin to tackle my weekend to-do list:  menu plan for next week, make the grocery list, tidy, vacuum, laundry, lesson planning.  There's always a list, and there's always at least one thing that doesn't get done.  And I'm ok with that.

Because I will take some time for me this weekend.  That might look like binge-watching some episodes of Downton Abbey.  It might be a nap on Saturday afternoon.  It might be finding a book to lose myself in.  It will definitely involve conversation, laughter, and at least one glass of wine.

Because I have to recharge.

Because I have to be energized, ready for the week, my head full of plans on Monday.