I know I did this recently, but I got tagged by @cats-and-metersticks who I think is super cool, and also it’s been a good week so why not?
So here are 5 things that make me happy (in no particular order)
1. getting to see an awesome friend
I got to see her twice in one weekend, it was amazing, she is smart and interesting, she always makes me happy and always makes me think, and I just feel really lucky to get to spend time with this amazing and cool person!
2. getting caught up on grading
I didn’t realize it was a thing I was capable of? But I went to the library for 600 hours on Saturday and again on Sunday, and I GOT SH*T DONE and since then I’ve been like – I don’t have grading to do? Or lesson planning for a few days? What is my life? I don’t know but I like it.
3. not living where I used to be living
You know that metaphor of the frog in a pot of water, and the temperature raises very slowly and the frog doesn’t notice it until it’s boiling? It’s just really nice to not be there anymore. I feel so lucky to have somewhere else to be. I no longer have to wonder how to explain to people that, like, thinking about the consequences of one’s actions on others is something we just do in the normal course of our days? I just… I have so much energy freed up, it’s great.
4. Arabic class
Nothing makes me feel like a complete person like learning. Learning Arabic, learning how to Human, learning to be a better teacher, coworker, friend, etc. Language learning in particular is so wonderful because I also really love to talk. (: It took me less than a minute to read the latest text from my teacher, while the first one she sent in Arabic took roughly 7.5 years to read – progress!
5. Like I would ever have a post about anything good that doesn’t mention MY STUDENTS
One of my favorite students, who doesn’t have class with me today, came into my room at the end of the day just to wish me a happy birthday. Another of my favorite students, I asked him if he feels like he’s starting to understand more in class, and he said he is and then, and I kid you not, he actually said “participation is key” as though he was reading my mind of Things Teachers Want Students To Really Internalize. I got a bunch of surly teenagers to dance to a silly five-minute dance work out. One of my classes has an ongoing story that now involves a turtle who eats souls. I really love my job you guys.
I’m not tagging anyone because I don’t like to pressure people, but please feel free to do this, it’s so nice to read happy things! ❤
Rebellions are built on hope 