Little Bit of Life

I don't know if I've obsessed over mentioned this before, but I love my job. I don't mean I like my job. I don't mean I get through my day and brush it off as soon as I go home. I mean I am seriously in LOVE with what I do every day! I don't know how anyone couldn't be if they spent more than about two days with these kids.

They were totally thrilled that we let them climb the poles!

Having a bad day and need someone to make you smile? Talk to the five-year-old who tells you you're the "bestest teacher ever". Need to see an example of unconditional love? Snap and yell at a room full of first-graders and wait five minutes. They'll draw you a picture and tell you how much they love you. Need to feel better about yourself? They'll tell you how pretty you are (on your worst hair day ever!) and what a good "draw-er" you are (with your person that looks more like a deformed pig). They'll sneak their hand into yours on the way down the hall--especially sweet coming from the boys, who still think girls are gross.

So. Proud. Of this angel of mine for mastering these fact families!!!

Don't get me wrong. Every day isn't sunshine and butterflies. There's the staggering number of children who don't eat anywhere but at school. There's the six-year-old girl who cries every Friday and dreads long breaks, because she hates being at home and loves her teachers. There are the children constantly fighting lice because their houses never get disinfected thoroughly. And there are days when I swear if I hear "Miss Ali" one more time I'm going to rip out my hair!

This little man can.not stop breaking his collarbone! This time his sister tackled him. Kid cracks me up!

But my days are filled with sticky fingers, random bodily functions, lovingly picked dandelions, abstract art, ecstatic smiles, enthusiastic hugs, absolute trust, and unconditional love. I miss them when they're gone, and can't wait to see them every day.

Have I mentioned I love my job? Go ahead. Be jealous.

Life

Life has been--to say the least--hectic lately. From about 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 or 8:00 p.m.--depending on the night--I'm on the go pretty much non-stop between work, tutoring, volunteering, and errands on a normal day. Then homework until I fall asleep, usually. I love being busy, and I know everything is necessary and worth it for where I want to be in life. Sometimes, though, the process overwhelms me.

Last week I was able to take a very much-needed calming breath, as school and work's Spring Break schedules fortunately coincided. I was definitely still busy, but much less than normal. I love how things work out--just when I think I can't take any more, some kind of break comes in to save the day. I firmly believe this is why we have weekends!