Wednesday, October 9, 2013

Squeezing in a Speedy Slice!

Today I join my fellow bloggers in "serving up a slice" 
to the Tuesday Slice of Life sponsored by 
It was one of those crazy nights at school.  I was there "mopping the floor."  Actually that's a figurative term for doing anything except what I should be doing.  Someday I'll slice about the origin of that phrase.
Tomorrow I fly out on a red-eye to visit my daughter and her husband in Ithaca.   How will I ever be ready?  Sub plans are still a work in progress, just put the laundry in the washer, and nothing is packed, but I can do that after school tomorrow!
Why was I mopping the floor?  What were the distractors that kept me from working on my real work for the evening - my sub plans?
Well, I needed to call a parent.  The student missed the last two days due to a funeral, and information arrived in my classroom this afternoon about the Natural Helpers Retreat that he's attending tomorrow.  The parent had a long distance cell phone number that I couldn't reach from my classroom phone, tried to use the phone in the front office - no luck, so I finally resorted to my cell phone.
And then I wanted to get the Wonder Wednesday bulletin board up.  I did locate the bulletin board letters, but left it all on a desk, hopeful that I can squeeze it in tomorrow before school starts and after the morning meeting.  It may still be waiting for me next week.
And I phoned Scholastic because my student's tin of books arrived dented.  They'll send a replacement.
And I had the usual mop-up after a day of work.  Where did I put the papers that I need to grade tonight?  Did I post the homework to Schoology?  Am I prepared for tomorrow morning's meeting before school?  Have I looked at the pre-assessments in preparation for the meeting I'll miss?  And where to stash these papers until I return next week?   And do I really want to take papers to grade on my trip?
In the middle of this stress, I break into a smile as I remember the conversation I had with a student today.  I gave my students a week without slicing (having my students try out weekly slicing this year).   The intent is to give me time to catch up.  I'm the one who's behind with reading slices and commenting!  I told my students that they only need to slice or comment this week if they've missed a slice or missed commenting on someone's post from their writing group.  One student asked if he could slice anyway because he loves writing his slices every week!  And it's tender moments like this that I treasure in my heart to carry me through days like today!

5 comments:

  1. I am impressed you found a few moments to write your own slice! I hope you're able to breathe deeply and slowly and realize that you'll be able to answer all those questions you've outlined tomorrow. Which could mean soon or already...as midnight has arrived in my time zone! Good luck!

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  2. Great adventures are coming Ramona. Lots of Slices inspired. I'm working with Tara on a Slicing in the classroom project. Let's compare notes down the road.
    Bonnie

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  3. You wore me out! So much to do and so little time. I hope it all works out, it usually does, but it is stressful getting it all together. Have a great trip!

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  4. Don't know how I missed you yesterday, but glad I read this morning. What a nice thing to happen in the midst of all your busy-ness! Have fun with your daughter!

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  5. Ha! Your thoughts sound just like mine! We're all in the same boat, aren't we?! Craziness, chaos, stress, and joy - all wrapped up together!

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