Finding Balance

Long time no see!  I can’t believe it is September already!!  I feel like I have been in a whirlwind since school has started.  I am trying to balance life once again.

This school year has been different from the past.  This year my grade level is departmentalizing so I only teach Reading.  Seems like it would be easier to just teach one subject twice a day, but there is a lot of planning that goes on.  Teaching 3rd grade Reading (ELA) in Florida is a stressful subject.  My students take the FSA (Florida State Assessment) at the end of the year.  If they don’t pass that, they do not go on to fourth grade.  So there is a lot of pressure there.   This is why my weekends have been pretty hectic.  I try to go work in my classroom either Saturdays or Sundays to get “stuff” done.  I feel like I can get more done then, instead of after school.  It also works out because this gives Luis a chance to go fishing/kayaking so I don’t feel guilty.

I am also trying to get some gym time as well.  With both our crazy schedules lately we have been only able to go once or twice a week.  This has made it harder to get my steps in, but somehow I am still able to get my goal of 10k a day.

To help me get my 10k a day in, I just joined a Walking Book Club.  As I have mentioned in past blogs, I am a nerd for reading.  When I found out there was a book club that involves walking, I nearly passed out.  Two of my favorite things combined in one.  The book club just started today and I totally loved every second of it.  The book we are listening to is by an author that I have read many of her books in the past.  So that was even more exciting.  We are reading/listening to “The Great Alone,” by Kristin Hannah.  So, we listen to the book, record our steps and active minutes, then at the end of the week, we will discuss it.  If you are interested, you must check it out.  I shared about it on my Facebook post, but I will give some information here as well. Check out the link here:

https://www.facebook.com/TheWalkingBookClub/?fb_dtsg_ag=AdwxqLmKojZ92MNg53xs-bVnVgUg62bq-MlJ0B2LTx5_vg%3AAdxdNLD0O_6S6yhYlA-FG-zok43irt4FcyC4rni7ZVzY4w

I am also doing The Great Pumpkin Virtual 5k sometime in October.  I need to start training for that.  This is a virtual run that you can do where ever and whenever, as long as the run is completed before November 11th.  I have never done a virtual race before.  I’m interested in seeing how it works out.  I know I need to set a date for myself as a goal to get it done.  If you are interested in doing this, check it out here:

https://runsignup.com/Race/AK/YourTown/TheGreatPumpkinRunVirtual?raceRefCode=WGTwrXCs&utm_source=RunSignUp&utm_medium=Referral&utm_campaign=WGTwrXCs

Let me know if you decide to do this.  We can train together and keep each other accountable. I am hoping the weather begins to cool down soon so I can train outside, but, this is Florida.

So hopefully as time goes on I will be adjusted to this new school year and I can balance myself once again.  I miss blogging weekly, so my goal is to get back at it.  Thank you for your patience, I appreciate it.

Until next time,

Awaken Your Inner Self,

Carol