pre-break ramblings

I'm ready for a break, this is true, but the last hours with students has proved that I am not at permanent burn out, i just forgot that they are good and valuable even if they complain too much. I forgot that I enjoy them and that I enjoy teaching. Furthermore, it's the planning that actually muddles my mind and frustrates me to no end, not so much the students. I think I have something wrong with my brain when it comes to organizing for long stretches of time. Unfortunately, planning is a necessary evil in this profession. Maybe it's not something that's wrong with my brain, but I'm just not gifted it doing it.

So Jayne from Leeds and I are off to stay in the Low Tatras. It's going to be a perfect break full with hiking, swimming, and good company. From the website:

"Hotel Bránica is situated in Bránická dolina (valley), near the village Belá in beautiful National park Malá Fatra (Low Fatra). Krivánska Malá Fatra with beautiful Vrátna dolina (valley) is a favourite centre for winter and summer tourists. Jánošík´s holes (diery), Malý and Veľký (Low and High) Rozsutec, Veľký Kriváň, Chleb and also other hills from Veľká Bránica offer perfect tracking paths for beginners and also for advanced tourists."

It may be a place for the ski trip in February.

In other news, it looks like the challenge to run the half marathon (or full?) is on...a student asked me last week when we were going to run again like we did once at the end of the year. I told him when we train for the marathon. My headmaster asked if I was going to run it again. I told him about Adam who asked me about running...so conversation led to the conclusion: we are going to send a group from CS Lewis to run in Prague. A running club has just been formed.

This is the stuff that gets me excited...not teaching biology. But I am trying to be faithful because biology still is an important way of serving this school, my students, and ultimately God. It's just not very easy.

Happy 8th birtday, Alyssa (as of yesterday). I love you and I probably love the rest of you that are reading this. Laura

perspective

...lost...is it possible to be burned out after 2.5 years of teaching? that'd mean i reached my peak sometime last year...dang i want my students to learn, do well, be fully a part of school, fully encouraged, fully successful, but i'm not sure i'm the one to be able to fill the role they need.

maybe we all need a break.

i talked to my good friend becky yesterday. she shared with me some lyrics from the innocence mission. we talked for a second about being brave and having faith. and these thoughts I'll continue on my bike...listening to The Exit.