Day 100 (Tuesday)!

I have waited a couple days to post the last photo for my 100 Happy Days Challenge because I wanted the time to actually write about what doing it has meant to me and any results.

Firstly, Tuesday was an insanely busy day and it only heralded these days to come. As of today, there are 7 days left of the school year!

What made me laugh my stressed self's butt off?

Classic "what are you doing?" look right there.

The above is the result of "Miss, we don't have anything else to do right now, can we take selfies on your phone?" Followed by "photobomb this one!" And my look. They lost it. There are also a bunch of random selfies of my kids on my phone now; it classically represents the tiny number of students I've had in that study hall all year.

So, going back to the big picture, I can say that I'm really glad I did the challenge. Sometimes it was hard to find time; sometimes it was hard to remember to take a picture, sometimes it was hard because the day sucked. Regardless of how bad or busy a day was, though, this challenege taught me that there is always at least one tiny thing you smiled at. Even something stupid like a lame joke a student wrote on a quiz (I have pictures of every one. I love it) or something amazing like seeing old friends.

I think that if you, like me, felt akin to drowning in all the things, then you should do this challenge and change your outlook.

So, will this blog have a future? I think so. I am planning to do weekly(?) positive updates or just cool things. I think it's a great thing to look on the bright side, not that you can quote my cynical self on that. ;)

Ciao for now!

Day 99 (Monday)!

After way too little sleep, I spent close to 11 hours traveling and 5 hours interviewing. To say it was exhausting would be an understatement, but it was also a good day.

I learned a lot and am very excited by the interview. My fingers are crossed because it seems like a perfect opportunity for me. It was also amazing to be back in the city; Boston is energizing. I wish I could have been there longer.

One thing in particular that was awesome was this supremely ironic moment:

Sitting here and reading Atlas Shrugged. The nickname "the train book" from my students now makes sense.

Also, I realized how much I adore trains and traveling by train, even subways. The commuter rail had some lovely views and it just feels kind of majestic and sophisticated to travel on the rail. My fascination with the Victorian Age is perhaps met here in its most fanciful way. As Dagny says in the novel, the rythym of the wheels is like music. I hope identifying with her off the bat is not a bad thing.

In other news, it's a very interesting book so far, though it's really long and hopefully about way more than railway economics.

Day 98!

Today was marvelous - a perfect summertime day. Sun, friends, drinks, bbq, and relaxing!!

Well done on a great barbeque and a happy roommate-aversary, Brad and Jrn!