Skip to main content

Work in Progress

No matter which hat we are wearing, I think most (if not all of us) are a work in progress. There are days where I am able to balance all of the roles I wear very well. I can juggle Mom, Principal, Special Ed Director, Wife, Aunt, Daughter, Sister and Friend better than others. These are few and far between. Most days, there isn't a balance. I should likely be embarrassed to admit that. But, I think there's some demystifying we would all benefit from if we only we shared our thoughts more.

For the last few weeks, I've been overwhelmed with professional responsibilities that have impacted my ability to be a better Mom. Through a series of events over the last week, it became clear to me that my compass was misaligned. It needed adjustment.

I needed to find a way to catch up with my son without being distracted by technology, housework, laundry, Christmas decorating or schoolwork. Last Thursday, I decided we would head out on the weekend, just us, on a very short road trip for an overnight away. He loves road trips and throw in a hotel with an indoor pool and you've planned the perfect excursion. (We've never been to Disney, can you tell?)

We left our home early Saturday morning to embark on our short road trip. Over the last 24 hours, we've swam (three times already!), talked, crafted, read our books, watched TV, and just hung out together without the distractions being home might have had.

It seems silly to have to drive away from home to be able to reconnect but it worked for us. I am thankful to hotwire for an incredible deal on this room and thankful for a son who reminds me what role is most important. I'm just another mom accepting that she is a work in progress much like her son.

Comments

  1. Lisa, your post hits home in so many ways! Kudos to you for not only recognizing the need to spend time away with your son but also for doing something about it. I'm sure he loved it, and it will also give you the re-charge that you need going into the end of the year.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Jennifer, It was time well spent. Paperwork has waited for me. :) Thank you for taking the time to comment.

      Delete
  2. Lisa -
    Thank you for your thoughts, and your writing of this post. Your story helps me see my own chaos and gives me the motivation to slow down and check the pulse of my world.
    I am grateful you had such an amazing experience with this impromptu excursion.
    You are my inspiration to do the same!
    Craig

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Hi Craig, I can't wait to hear about your excursion. Just promise you'll reflect on it. I think the more we share our experiences, the more we learn from each other.

      Delete

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Growth Mindset

This will be a quick post likely full of errors and incomplete sentences. But, I feel a pressing need to get these thoughts to paper while: a) I have time  and b) I can still remember the pieces I want to connect I was given a great opportunity to work with Dr. Shawn Hunziker today. We've conducted some online book studies around Mindset by Carol Dweck. This past winter, we were invited to give a keynote to CSE Chairpersons ( BIG TIME for us) and that led to today's session with CNYSEA's Summer Institute .  On my way to the session, I was rehearsing notes (as I always do, see previous post ). At a stop sign near the venue where the conference was held, I pulled up in back of a car and noticed the neatest license plate: NEVRQT* I think that's how it was spelled. I tried to grab a picture but realized how creepy that would look and did not reshoot the blurry image I captured. When I arrived at the conference, I immediately told my partner, Sh...

Shelf Life

I was getting teased by a friend about how long I had been working in my current position. "How long have you been there?" "Four years as Principal but 10 years in the district." "You do realize you've overstayed your welcome." "What?!" "Your shelf life. Most administrators only have 5-7 years in each position. You've passed that." That conversation was intended to be light hearted but it had me thinking hours later. We know that one of the most critical educational influences in a child's performance is an awesome teacher. But, right after that, we usually hear about the need for solid leadership. At the NASSP Principals' Institute, the suggestion was shared that principals might even share the top spot with teachers in determining success. The argument was great principals hire great teachers...they need each other. I still believe teachers make the most direct difference but I am aware of how interdependent bo...

Gram

I am a member of the #compelledtribe. We are a blogging group that supports each other and writes in response to posted topics every so often. This week's topic is: Share a story about someone who loved you when you didn't expect it, earn it, or either deserve it. One of my biggest regrets in life is that my grandmother may not have fully known the impact she has had on me. I had the privilege of living next door to her for nearly 5 years. There were rituals she made me do with her. We watched ice skating every Sunday. We watched Wheel of Fortune most nights. On weekends, she sent me around town to different stores, by foot, with a shopping list for deals at each of them (based on the flyers). I had an odd fashion sense then and she was never afraid to tell me if I looked awful. My gram was the lady with the lavender sweater, lavender slacks, and lavender pumps. She matched. I sported a more Boy George inspired look that she never really understood or appreciated.  G...