Greetings! I have successfully tracked my time for another week even though the week was fraught with difficulties due to the unexpected snow that visited on Tuesday evening. Thankfully, my pipes and family survived the extremely cold temperatures. Needless to say, I have made some observations in my log that I would like to share with you; however, for this post I am only focusing on the most important one.
Observation: I stink at getting up at the same time every morning.
Monday: 6:00
I dealt with some financial matters prior to working in my classroom. It was the MLK holiday, but I had a few items I needed to take care of before all of my students returned on Tuesday. I worked from 10:25-2:50 with a 1/2 hour lunch break which I used to read an AR book while eating. I left early because my BFF asked me unexpectedly to sub at her mom’s Pokeno that evening. From 3:50-4:25 I did a couple of school items at home. I was in bed at 10:05 that evening.
Tuesday: 4:15
This was my first day of school with all of my students since December 21st. I was looking forward to seeing them all again and beginning some new material. Unfortunately, inclement weather was quickly on its way. My school dismissed at 11:30 and Andrew’s school dismissed at Noon. After stopping to get gas and buying a book at Books-A-Million for Andrew’s English class, we finally made it home at 1:00 that afternoon. I was in bed at 9:10, but woke up at 11:10 to check on water running in the bathroom and to make sure the dishwasher was set to come on early in the morning when the temperatures were really low.
Wednesday: 4:20 (checked on water running; went back to sleep)
I woke up again at 5:30 (checked on water running; went back to sleep). I woke up again at 6:30 and finally dragged myself out of bed at 6:45. We did not have school because everything was covered in ice and driving would be dangerous. It was also 16 degrees outside. I had a restless night because I worried about the pipes freezing, especially since my hubby was out of town for work. I worked on school work throughout the day for a total of 2 hours and 55 minutes. I was in bed at 9:46, but woke up at 11:16 to check on water running in the bathroom and to make sure the dishwasher was set to come on early in the morning when the temperatures were really low.
Thursday: 4:55 (checked on water running; went back to sleep)
I dozed off and on until 7:04. Again, we did not have school because of the weather and road conditions. It was 20 degrees outside. I worked on school work throughout the day for a total of 2 hours and 34 minutes. I was in bed at 9:32. Thankfully, I did not wake up around 11:00 as I had on the two previous nights.
Friday: 4:00
I had morning carpool duty and a full day of school. After school, I took Andrew to his dermatology appointment, we ate dinner at my mother-in-law’s house, and my hubby and I went grocery/pet shopping. I was in bed at 9:32.
Saturday: 4:00 (reset alarm)
I woke up at 5:30. I had to work in my classroom (7:19-9:36). My hubby, Andrew, and I went to NOLA afterwards to go furniture shopping for Andrew’s bedroom. We visited two unfinished furniture stores. Afterwards, we met my Daddy at PJ’s for coffee and conversation. I was in bed at 9:36.
Sunday: 5:30
Andrew wanted to go out somewhere together, so I woke up early to proof CSW essays for school. When he woke up this morning, he informed me that he was going to hang out with a friend from school. This actually worked out for me because I had some other school work to do, and I had to buy some classroom supplies at Wal-Mart. I worked a total of 6 hours and 40 minutes today. I will be in bed by 9:30 if not sooner tonight.
Lesson: Despite going to sleep at a consistently appropriate time to awaken at my goal time of 4:00, I could only wake up one morning out of the entire week at 4:00. My motivation was having to return to work after having 2 1/2 unexpected days off and morning carpool duty. I did wake up on Tuesday at 4:15 and stayed up, but it was because I had to go to work. It is incredibly hard for me to wake up at 4:00 if I do not have to be at work for my normal reporting time. The dark and cold combination is partly to blame. My Questioner tendency is partly to blame. Daylight Saving Time is seven weeks away. Staying daylight longer in the evenings and warmer weather are game changers for me. Until then, I must keep striving to wake up at the same time each morning.
Tomorrow marks a new week for me to track my time. Hopefully, this upcoming week will not have any unanticipated snafus. The only challenge I foresee for the week is transportation to tennis practice for Andrew. Both of his practices fall on the two days that I have afternoon meetings at school. Somehow, it will all work out. Dear reader, may your week be awesome, productive, and closer to you reaching your goals. Happiness!
“He who every morning plans the transactions of that day and follows that plan carries a thread that will guide him through the labyrinth of the most busy life.” ~ Victor Hugo
Except for today, which is not over yet, I tracked my time all week. As I mentioned in my last post, this week was an unusual week at work because the majority of my 8th graders were visiting Washington, D.C. Although my work schedule was very different, my morning routine was pretty consistent Monday through Friday. Weekend mornings are very different. My evening routine this week was consistent with how I spent my evenings; however, they were unusual in a sense because of my work schedule. So, what did I learn about how I spent my time this week? I made three observations from my time log which I am keeping in a small notebook.
In other news this week…I had a birthday on Thursday. I am officially 49 years old which means this year is my last year in my 40s. Despite having to work on my birthday, it was still wonderful. I received cards, texts, phone calls, emails, and Facebook messages from friends and family. My awesome team at school surprised me with sweet treats and a birthday card. My friend Terri who was chaperoning my students in Washington, D. C. face timed me, so they could sing me happy birthday. And, my hubby unexpectedly made it home that evening with take-out and a slice of birthday cheesecake. It was a simple yet satisfying day.
I struggle with time management and hope 2018 will be the year I can tame the beast. Therefore, I decided to sign up for Laura Vanderkam’s 
Happy New Year’s Day, dear readers! 2018 is a new year, and I am feeling optimistic about it. RE-ENERGIZE. That is the one-word theme I have chosen for this year. Since this is my last year in my 40s, I want to complete this decade of my life on a high note. I have also decided to attempt another happiness project even though I failed miserably last year. It will look a little differently from the one I’ve done in the past; however, the goal is the same…to increase my happiness. I am looking forward to a new year with new possibilities and opportunities. New Year’s Blessings to you, dear readers. Happiness!
The Kat Files 