by the numbers

300_Number of papers to have graded by next Wednesday.

240_The beads of sweat on my forehead. My apartment is a sauna.

4_Rolls of sushi I ordered tonight

2_Cups of coffee I drank tonight

5_Minutes my classes were shortened today in order to have an emergency pep rally

2_Times a cried at pep rally (coach with cancer=emotional lyndsay)

3_Number of days of work I have left this week

120_Number of students who are going to be pissed when they see their atrocious essays grades tomorrow

2_Times my students and I prayed for the tornado victims

128_Approximate number of times I've smiled today (thanks to co-workers, friends, and students)

dead end

i have hit a wall. bam. hit.

school is almost over, and i feel as though i have no more to give. i'm out of lessons, i'm tired of analyzing text, and i desperately want to stop. it's not that i hate what i'm doing; i actually love it. but i'm just tired.

i have been really self-consumed lately (i admit it!), which only adds to my apathetic attitude towards teaching. my fun weekends and late nights have spilled over into that part of my brain that is supposed to keep me motivated and on track. instead of thinking about my students, i have been thinking about me, my life, and my adventures.

i know this isn't all bad, but i hope i can finish out the year strong. my kids deserve it. i do, too.

inspired

today, i'm inspired.

i'm inspired by my student, S, who, each day before leaving class, thanks me. her manners and her gratitude make my heart glad, and her small act reminds me how far two words can go.

i'm inspired by my friend, libby. libby, my friend who, through the years, has always been there when i needed her, has always told me the truth (even when it hurt), and has always inspired me to be a better teacher. her writing brings me perspective; her wisdom helps me to grow.

i'm inspired by biggest loser. yes, the t.v. show. shhhh. don't tell. i love it. i love hannah and olivia. i love the trainers. i love the empowerment they give me.

i'm inspired by my student, K, who faithfully comes in for extra help. she's humble, she's appreciative, and she's growing. she found me last week, a smile from ear to ear. her ACT essay-she scored a 10. she thanked me. i cried. she did it herself. she did. but for her to say thanks to ME meant the world.

i'm inspired by my dad. his heart is bigger than his shoeing rig, and with each spare minute, he does what he can to help others. today he made the paper for his efforts. his compassion, his humility, and his service make me want to be more. daily.

i'm inspired by my friend, bob. a writer, a father, and now my roommate, he is the most care-free (yet responsible) person i've ever met. his zest for life, his ability to adapt to any situation, and his amazing organizational abilities teach me so much.

i'm inspired by adah, who is the (almost) one year-old daughter of my friends, paul and mariah. she radiates love, she encompasses joy, and she relishes in the simple yet divine. ah, the lessons wee ones can teach.

i'm inspired by the fact that i could go on and on and on.

what inspires YOU?