I think I can.I think I can.I think I can.

Last night, I read The Little Engine That Could to Alexander.  It wasn't the first time but the message of perseverance, resilience, and never giving up has never rung more true. 

On my drive in today, I told myself I needed to summon the energy, like that little engine, to climb up the last bit of the hill that represents the end of the school year.

  Cuz this little lady is working on fumes.

For the past fifteen years, I have spent the last five weeks of every school year, figuring out how to set up the softball field so I could gain maximum tanning rays throughout the school day.  Seriously.   I would sit on the sideline and observe with a feeling of total detachment teach my young students the finer techniques of softball and the last days of school would quickly pass by.  And I was tan.  Very tan.

In year sixteen, the last five weeks of a school year is bringing a massive shift to my teaching paradigm.   Turns out, the last five weeks of the school year are EXHAUSTING. I'm spending my days, solving discipline issues at a rapid fire pace because they have increased tenfold.  I'm spending my time, wrapping up ASB issues of this year, while planning for next year.  I'm spending most of my time, in my office, with the ancient heating system pumping warm air into my window-less office.  I suppose I should be happy that most days are as warm as they were when I taught PE outside...but I'm not tan nor do I experience any fresh air. 

It's different, I tell ya.  Very different.

I still wouldn't change my decision to take this job.  I had the chance to take my old job back and I passed on the opportunity.  I haven't a clue how I am going to survive the next few weeks.  I don't know how I can make it, with any of my sanity intact.  And how am I going to get a tan? 

It's been a strange and interesting discovery to learn that the school year really does last 180 days.   

Huh.  Who knew?