For three weeks, the ten of us (plus or minus the former participants we have cajoled into attendance) will create a learning community wherein we each are able to add to the documents of our lives. Some of us will write poetry. Some of us will write prose. Some of us will explain through expository writing; and still, others may want to write a play. Whatever we decide to write, there is much work to be done. Each of us appears up to the task as we type or scrawl what is in our hearts this morning.
My mind is ticking and whirring and attempting to wrap itself around all I have to do before August first. This summer was going to be a bit relaxed, especially compared to last summer. Last summer I did the course work for eleven graduate credit hours at Eastern. I felt like a rockstar; but it consumed my entire summer. This summer was going to be spent reading, writing, and getting ready for my new adventure in teaching and learning, the North Campus at Holt High School.
Well, as I so often do, I shot myself in the foot. I had neglected to take the one required course of all renewing certified educators in the state of Michigan. I assumed a recent comprehensive training in Reading Apprenticeship would count. I assumed that the intense ten days and many meetings throughout the school year would easily fill this requirement. No go!! And with no one to blame except my assuming self, I am displeased, outraged by the cost, and now again, strapped for time.
I am working on reframing my negative attitude. I know that I will learn and glean new insights and helpful tidbits from this three-credit course that I was able to take online from Michigan State University. Eastern's course was full and there was no hope for an override. All things considered, it could be a lot worse. Never mind that the course is eight hundred dollars more than I will earn this summer. Never mind that this course will eat the time I need to plan for next year. Never mind that this course now has taken the place of my annual summer camping trip. Never mind all of it. Focus on the positive and celebrate what you learn...
I will keep you posted.