Balance

I'm back after taking a break from blogging for a awhile.  I started blogging in the summer because I was spending so much time reading other teachers' blogs and working on school projects that I thought "Why not?"  And I really enjoyed it- I love sharing with others and writing has always helped me clarify my thoughts so blogging was really helping me become a better teacher.  But...I was becoming obsessed!  Right before Halloween I looked around my house and realized that I still had spring/summer type decorations up, there were trails of laminating film everywhere, and I hadn't touched a sewing machine, crochet hook or needle in months.  Stacks of professional books were everywhere.  It was time to step back and focus on home and family for awhile.  So my teaching/planning time has just involved making sure I am meeting the needs of my students- we really didn't need another "craftivity" involving turkeys!  Sure, I kept up with my favorite blogs and I made a few new teaching tools, but for the most part I just "taught."  And guess what?  The kids are fine and they are still learning!

In the meantime, I tried to spend some time doing the other things I enjoy.  I actually created some of the projects I've pinned on Pinterest, cleaned my craft room and made a dent in the rest of the house cleaning.  Now that I've had a little "me" time, I feel refreshed and ready to try out some new teaching ideas.  In fact, I've spent part of the morning cutting out some holiday centers for December.  But my new goal is to have balance- I'm trying to not let any one thing whether it is school, Pinterest, whatever take over my life.  Now I am off to Walmart to buy laminating sheets! (And for balance, maybe the ingredients for the latest recipe I pinned!)

Not quite finished, but I love it so far!