Bring It On!

The wind drummed passed my ears. It was neither cold nor particularly warm. It was an in between temperature which made it hard to dress for a walk. I didn't bother changing from my teaching clothes which consisted of boots, leggings and a silk like tunic. Three quarters of the way through my walk, I dropped my down jacket exposing my shoulders while the crook of my elbows held the folds of my outerwear. Earlier fatigued and unmotivated I forced myself out the door and into the darkness. Before I reached the car to drive to my seating point, I craned my head upward. No stars. Twinkling stars brighten evening skies and spirits. 

My teaching life is a blessed one. I facilitate the learning of reading. I have had First Graders cry when they realize they can read. It is a profound, yet complicated and delicate orchestration of observing, interpreting and making teaching decisions to support the learner while encouraging independence. I love my job except for one thing; I sit all day.

At 7:15 pm, I found I had nearly 5,000 more steps to meet my goal for the day. Feeling sorry for myself because my husband wanted to stay home, I grumble out the door. Once downtown I walk what begins like a forced march. 

Thirty minutes or more later, steps from returning to the car, I reflect on the benefits of going solo and conclude it's not so bad.  My mind cleared notions of fatigue, obsessive worry about the cause and a flurry of thoughts about kids, property and money. 

Once home I noticed that my husband has set up the Parcheesi board. After my walk, I am ready to take on the world which includes a competitive spousal game. Bring it on!