a dream is a wish your heart makes 🌼

My daughter can grow up to be whatever kind of person she wants, but I'll be damned if I raise a person who disrespects the library! Oh she picks up routines so quickly! It took her almost no time at all to get used to living here and going to daycare. I loved the library growing up, it was always an escape for me and my dream is that other kids see it the same way. I always say that everyone can love reading, they just need to find that one book or series that starts them off!

That's honestly really impressive, especially with so much changing for her all at once. Kids can be a lot more adaptable than we give them credit for sometimes. I feel like every time I think I know what to expect from them, one of my students does something that completely surprises me. And honestly, I think that's part of what I love so much about working with kids. Getting to watch them learn new things, build confidence, and grow into their own little personalities is just really special. Some of them come into kindergarten so shy and unsure of themselves, and by the end of the year they're practically a completely different kid.

Parents tend to treat the kids section of the library as a free daycare and just leave their kids there while they go to the adult section. Especially when we have things like storytime events. I try to stop it when I can, but I have so many tasks that I don't always catch it. I walk away and when I come back there is McDonalds trash all over one of the tables. I deliberately give my daughter a snack before we go in, that way she gets into the habit of either putting food away, or throwing it out, upon entering the library. I mean, she's only 14 months old, but I still wanna build the habit in her.

Oh no, that would definitely be so frustrating to deal with, especially when you’re trying to keep everything running smoothly. And that’s really sweet, starting those kinds of habits early with your daughter. Even at 14 months, I feel like they pick up on routines more than people give them credit for. It’s kind of amazing how fast that stuff sticks. It honestly makes me think about how much I love seeing kids at the library when they’re actually excited to be there. There’s something nostalgic about seeing them find the one book or even series that ends up kickstarting their love of reading and helping to grow their imaginations.

I have an open bag of sour gummy worms on my desk and an absolute refusal to grade these essays until it’s empty. Consider this an open invitation to come distract me, or at least come steal some candy so I’m forced to actually do my job.

Look, sour gummy worms may not be my all time favorite candy, but they're definitely in at least the top ten, so how can I pass on an offer like that? Especially with a good friend, so it's good company. And since I don't teach a grade that gives papers, I have a decent amount of free time outside of school hours. What are the essays on?

I don't trust it, but I am hoping the forecast stays the way it is. Winter and spring fucks me hard, but I'll live.

That actually sounds really interesting, I like that you ended up just going with what felt right for this version instead of forcing everything in. Once you realize you don’t have to cram every idea into a project, it takes a lot of pressure off, and you can always come back to what you left out later and use it in something else.

Gods, this weather has been killing me lately. Feel like my entire back just wants me to lay down and not get back up. Need this rain to fuck all the way off.

On the bright side, the rain has stopped and the forecast isn't showing it again for almost another two weeks, I think? I'm sorry that it bothers your back when it's not great weather, though.

Well I appreciate that you make sure your kids know the etiquette at least somewhat. I always try to spend some time going over library rules and expectations with kids during storytimes and when classes come in. Sadly the reality is that most parents just don't care enough to watch their kids and make sure they behave.

Yeah, I probably could make sure to emphasize that it's not just the elementary school's library, but the public one as well and of course once they get to the high school and so on. Basically ALL libraries. Most of the parents I've ever dealt with though seem fairly open to listening to concerns though, so I'm sorry the ones that you've dealt with haven't been the greatest with that. It may be extra work, but if you're able to, maybe you could stand at the entrance of the children's section and not let anyone get by if they have any kind of food or drink on them? Then after awhile, it'll just become routine to those frequenting the public library.

Aw, man, yeah, I can totally see how hard it must be to see your kids head off on their way. I already get close enough with my glee kids that it really sucks when they graduate, so honestly kinda glad I'm just covering PE other than that. Not that it's impossible to get attached to the kids in PE, but it feels a little more rare since I usually keep 'em pretty busy playing sports or running laps or whatever. Oh, yeah, for sure! A trip to the beach is totally in order for this summer and I'll be so disappointed in myself if I don't get something that easy done. Disney sounds fun, too! Though... yeah, like you said, easier said than done. If it's any consolation, taking my kids there in the future is definitely on the bucket list. Like, my actual kids, not my glee kids, for the record.

Exactly! See, even though it's not the same level, you get it! And I don't doubt that there's been at least a couple kids you've gotten attached to through the PE classes, but totally can see how that'd be a lot rarer of a situation. But yes, you definitely have to make a beach trip happen! If you want, I'll even keep up reminders with you about it and check on if you've made plans, booked a hotel, etc. Any idea which one you'd be looking at going to? And oh my gosh, I can already picture you being the kind of dad who'd get way too into the whole Disney thing right alongside the kids. Like matching shirts, Mickey pretzels, aggressively planning the route to every ride… the full experience. Totally nothing wrong with that, either, just to clarify.

Why do people think that it’s ok to bring food into a library? This is a place for studying and reading, not for you to eat your lunch!

Oh geez, I swear if it makes any difference at all, I have been doing my best to make sure my kids know the proper etiquette for different locations, like the library and the gymnasium and music class. Unfortunately, I can't control them once they're with their parents, so I can only hope that they retain what I teach them! I'm sorry that you have to deal with that, though!

Holy crap, I can't believe the school year's already almost over again. Can time slow down a little? Just for me? It'd be much appreciated so I don't feel super old too quickly. You know what's crazy? Summer actually feels so much slower to me now. I guess because it's two and a half months straight where I have, like, no plans at all. I guess I gotta start figuring stuff out. Haven't had an actual vacation in forever, but even just a trip or something might be good enough to keep me busy. If you have any ideas, yell 'em at me, please.

Oh my gosh, I totally get what you mean about the time and how it's changed from being a kid where breaks fly by and the school year drags on. As a teacher it's like entirely the opposite! And for me, sending off my kindergarten classes each year to move on up to first grade is always so bittersweet, so that makes the end of the school year rushing on all that much more of something I dread. As for vacations, I love the beach and I know there's a few really nice ones not too far away! Perks of living only like within a few hours of the east coast, right? Otherwise my usual top answer for vacations is any of the Disney parks, which I realize aren't always feasible to everyone.

Since we're near the end of the year and don't have much left, I decided to do a Star Wars Week with my class — showing movies on the 4th, 5th, and the 6th. Episode IV: wonder and excitement Episode V: lightsaber duels at recess Episode VI: officially lost control of my classroom I started this just thinking it would be a fun, low-key thing for the end of the school year. Instead, I now have a room full of tiny Jedi, one very passionate Sith Lord, and at least six kids making “woosh woosh” noises at all times. I regret nothing.

Oh my gosh, I feel like you're probably going to have a long last month of school ahead of you! Well, few weeks now, but still at least it can maybe even make the remaining time that much more fun! I know I'm always sad at the end of the school year, even if we do get the summers off just like when we were kids and in school. It's so much more different now being on the teacher side of it.