Attitude Check!

Who knew that "choir practice" could be so enlightening?

I had done it. I had allowed myself to participate in the mob mentality. The CYNICS. I promised Conan that I wouldn't, and then I did.

I am not that person, and yet in some sort of quest to fit in, I became surly. I think that is why I have been having so much trouble posting as of late. I was feeling the burn-out and bureaucracy. I say, NO MORE! It took a conversation with a sort-of stranger to help me realize what I had done. When someone else is seemingly uncomfortable with the level of negativity, you know you have crossed a line. What happened to me? I used to be the person to speak up against that sort of business. Where was I when this person needed us to be inspirational, not Debbie Downer? I am truly sorry. We aren't terrible people, just very very tired.

Wonderful things happen in my classroom everyday, and by the end of the day, I barely remember most of them. I just know that as I reflect on the day, I know I laughed in there somewhere.

Here's a mildly hurtful, but mostly heartwarming story. We'll call the child Schmo.

The Scene: Immediately after lunch, first grade hallway.

Miss Wishon goes to throw away her tray.

Childen: Miss Wishon, Miss Wishon!

Miss Wishon: Shh...we are in the hallway!

Children: (a chorus of voices) Schmo said you are fat! Schmo called you fat!

Miss Wishon: I don't really need to know that.

Children: But he said it in front of the whole lunch room!

Miss Wishon: Well, if that is what he thinks, it is okay, I don't see it that way.

Children: But....

Miss Wishon: I don't need to hear anymore about it. It is rest time, heads down voices off.

Children enter the classroom and walk to their seats. Approximately 10/15 children give Miss Wishon hugs.

Miss Wishon pushes door closed, cries for a second in the hallway, and then goes back in, ready for math.

Now, you may be thinking...Heartwarming?

Yes, because my kiddos cared enough to get defensive for me. It was really very sweet, and I usually only have a few huggers in my after lunch line. They were hurt on my behalf. I did my best to keep it together, cause you definitely can't let kids know that you have a poor body image or that they can hurt your feelings.