These past few weeks have been really hard for me. I have been super broke! Usually, I would go to the check cashing place and borrow $300, but my bf talked me out of it. So both of us have been living really rough lately and even though it has been hard, I'm proud of myself for not getting into more debt. Before I would have also used my credit cards and max them out after getting them paid down. I haven't done that this time either because my bf made me cut up all my cards a few months ago.
I was feeling relieved thinking about payday on Tuesday and then the car problems started. Nothing too serious, just regular maintenance needs to be done. I'm kinda nervous because I've heard that it can get expensive. Tomorrow after work we are going to the Mercedes dealership to assess what needs to be done and how much it will cost. My appointment to have the work done is Tuesday. I have to work but bf is taking it in for me. I really hope it is no more than $500. Anything more and we're going to have to sacrifice for another two weeks.
Sunday, September 13, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Time Management for Teachers
If anyone still reads this, you know that I have seriously neglected this blog. There are many, many reasons which I hope to talk about later, but one main reason is time management. I wake up around 6:20, get dressed, go to work, leave at 4:30, take my bf to work, come home to cook dinner, work some more, pick up bf, and go to bed. Then I repeat it all the next day. Some days are more hectic than others because I am taking classes at night for grad school and I also have teacher duties such as football games, volleyball, step team, etc.
With that said, I'm so tired of not having time for ME. I have neglected myself and I know it cannot be healthy. There are a few ways that I know of that can help me save time. I do not know if it will be helpful for all teachers...this is mostly a record for me.
1. I do not have to grade EVERYTHING. Bellwork can be randomly graded. I should focus grading on quality work, not busy work.
2. Make use of planning time. My planning period has become my napping period and I need to use this time to work.
3. Make myself less accessible. Last year I gave my students my phone number and they called me like crazy asking me about due dates, work, etc. This year I said no more! If a student needs to reach me, they can email me or they can come during my tutoring hours.
4. Invest in a crock pot.
5. Keep a strict schedule. My goal for this year was to leave all work at work, but that is definitely not happening! I've gone from bringing one bag home a night to two and both are overflowing with papers.
6. Deal with issues as they come. I am constantly adding things to my never ending to do list. This afternoon, I came up with a great idea of getting things done. I began to clean my desk and instead of putting things aside for a later time, I took care of it right then and there. And each task did not take more than 5 minutes.
So this is my working list so far. These are things that have worked for me so far and I know I'll be adding more to the list. I am determined to get my life in order while I am still early in the school year.
With that said, I'm so tired of not having time for ME. I have neglected myself and I know it cannot be healthy. There are a few ways that I know of that can help me save time. I do not know if it will be helpful for all teachers...this is mostly a record for me.
1. I do not have to grade EVERYTHING. Bellwork can be randomly graded. I should focus grading on quality work, not busy work.
2. Make use of planning time. My planning period has become my napping period and I need to use this time to work.
3. Make myself less accessible. Last year I gave my students my phone number and they called me like crazy asking me about due dates, work, etc. This year I said no more! If a student needs to reach me, they can email me or they can come during my tutoring hours.
4. Invest in a crock pot.
5. Keep a strict schedule. My goal for this year was to leave all work at work, but that is definitely not happening! I've gone from bringing one bag home a night to two and both are overflowing with papers.
6. Deal with issues as they come. I am constantly adding things to my never ending to do list. This afternoon, I came up with a great idea of getting things done. I began to clean my desk and instead of putting things aside for a later time, I took care of it right then and there. And each task did not take more than 5 minutes.
So this is my working list so far. These are things that have worked for me so far and I know I'll be adding more to the list. I am determined to get my life in order while I am still early in the school year.
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