Productive From All Angles

The 8th grade kids that are usually at the library during 1st period for yearbook got ahold of a kindergarten yearbook. Most of them look exactly the same as they did back then. Too cute. They were all freaking out seeing each other.

I had a never-ending amount of books today. We had regular Reading Renaissance+2 classes+slow internet=headache. I felt like I didn’t do anything all day because I was checking in books all day.

A substitute actually went in to help and Mrs. Ruiz, my life-saver, showed up as well. Mrs. Vela had left some mail out in the open so I put it away in case any of the kids decided to grab anything. She came to my desk asking if I’d seen it and I said yes and took it out of the drawer. She said “What am I going to do without you?” She told me about the conversation she and the principal had the morning before. He told her he’d been angry at her last week for her not convincing me to stay. She told him that as an employer, yes she was pissed off, but as a mother she completely understood where I’m coming from. That’s why she’s one of the best bosses I’ve ever had.

Lunch came around and Mrs. Ruiz and I ordered from Starlight Burger next door. She picked it up and I went to clock out. It was such a great meal. I hadn’t had my morning granola bar so I was starving. When it was time to go back we checked in more stuff and then waited for Kassy and Glenda so we could glue more banners on the computers in the 7th grade hall this time. I’d been dreading doing it since I started making the banners–not just because of the walking killing my feet but I always feel awful interrupting instruction. It takes a while to capture the kids’ attention and just one interruption sends them into a frenzy and you have to do the whole thing all over again. Kassy and the other kids made it tolerable and it went by fast again. I had enough time to go back and shelve a few more books. Mrs. Ruiz had already shelved most of the cart by the time I got back—she’s amazing. I need to get her a nice card or gift before I leave. There’s nothing money can buy that can show her how grateful I am for her friendship.

I went to Vero’s office right when I clocked out to set up a day off for the next day. I signed the paperwork and noticed she had a bunch of stuff for sale that this organization leaves at her office. I ordered the Constellation Sea Turtle I’d wanted for Alaethia and it was only $17! I’d seen it in the Parenting magazine and was hoping to find it for Alaethia to see if it’ll help her sleep in her room. I talked with Vero a while and before I realized it, it was already 3:17! That’s around the time I’m already getting to the boys’ school. I rushed (safely) to the school, picked them up, got home and they did their homework. Eenan had lost his Math workbook a few days before and thankfully his teacher’s letting him have a new one. He’s still grounded from video games the rest of the week for being irresponsible, though. He didn’t complain. He’s maturing; he doesn’t fight me about discipline anymore and when the little ones are acting up (especially Jaylen) he’ll tell them to behave and listen. Aww. My big boy!

Mario and I went to order Aly’s Care Bear birthday cake at the bakery as soon as he got home. I saw one of my students there. When we got home I made dinner. Mary had brought some Burger King so we hardly ate from the food I made. At least Mario had lunch for the next day.

All the running around was really taking a toll on my pregnant body. My boobs hurt, I had a pain right under my belly (for sitting too long, maybe?) and m feet hurt and feel bruised because of my stupid brown Mary Janes. I just wanted to sit and prop my feet up but I had a lot to do before bed. I got the boys to bathe, Alaethia fell asleep, and I finally got to have some much-deserved, long-awaited alone time with Mario.