Thursday, June 21, 2012

I Really Must Want This

I took the boys swimming in Nana's pool, and my sis-in-law and her two best friends, who are practically Nana's adopted daughters and family themselves, show up. Pool party! Our kids had a blast.

But the thing I realized most was that I couldn't shut up about what I did for the last two months of school. I really had nothing else to say. They aren't teachers, they are all going into nursing in some manner, so did they really care? Not really.

Why did I keep talking? I think I had to get it out. 

I guess up until then, I hadn't realized how much I want to get this job. See, I was subbing and teaching a middle school class of kids with severe mental disabilities. I loved it. Yes, it was stressful at times, but it fit me.

This kind of setting has some leeway in how you teach. Every day is different. You are responsible for all academic areas. You are also responsible for life skills. It's a HUGE job. It requires flexibility, thinking on your feet, people skills, technological skills, caring, compassion, teaching ability, planning, scheduling, teamwork. I could go on and on.

Monday, June 18, 2012

Music and I Have A Love/Hate Relationship

Confession:

I can't write when there are songs blaring from the other room. My family is in a anime music video mood. The music isn't bad, don't get me wrong, but I have a ficly to write and I can't think!
 

Like many of you, songs conjure up images that turn into moods and stories. You zone out and start typing away. But for me, the song has moved on and the mood/scene is gone before I can capture it. :(

Lyrics always traipse into the work, too. That's not always bad, but I find myself not being imaginative and sticking with the first idea that popped into my head. I end up following the story of the song itself.

So I am at war with the song.

This happens most times. If I want to capture the scene, I have to freeze, pause the music, and write it immediately. It will morph and change if I continue to listen.

By listening to the music, I can't hear myself.