#day eighty five

Happy day 85 of daily viking!! Ive given him some much needed rest and chill vibes :D

Today I found myself wondering how it's only Tuesday because I've done so many things this week that it should surely be at least Wednesday, if not Thursday, you know? But, like I said yesterday, I'm managing. I don't feel overwhelmed or super tired, just busy. I suppose I've grown into these department head responsibilities of mine, and that helps, as do my colleagues, who really are a fantastic support system.

I spent my morning grading a lot of make-up work (because so many kids have been home sick lately), planning my next few Global Studies lessons, and getting stuff together in case the teacher who's on leave doesn't come back and we end up having to hire a long-term substitute.

Then, in Global Studies, I showed a short clip about the writing of The Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and then we discussed the document itself. I took questions first, and I was pleasantly surprised how many students had; sometimes, they're hesitant about asking for clarification because they think it makes them seem dumb (I've been working all year to change that perception), or they're tired, or they're not engaged, or whatever. But today they were on fire. Where they did hesitate was when I asked them to tell me which articles they thought were the most important and why- expressing opinions can be intimidating, too (another thing I'm working to change)- so I just called on all of them. Everyone had to throw something out there, which ended up leading to some brilliant discussions. I was so happy about how that went.

Another brilliant discussion? The one my APGOV students had with today's guest speaker. There's an open congressional seat in NH, and all the candidates running for it have been invited to come to class. One of the Democrats came today, and fielded questions from my students about her personal background, why she's running, why she should get their votes, and what her views are on a variety of things: healthcare, education, ICE, the shooting of Renee Good, our involvement in Venezuela, the threats the administration's been making about Greenland, our foreign policy in general, tax policy, abortion, rural access to technology. I was impressed with the research they'd done, the thoughtfulness of their discussion, how open the exchange was between them and the candidate (who asked for their views or feelings multiple times). It was super cool, and a lot of students hung around after the bell to say so.

Can't wait to talk to them more tomorrow!

Wanted to try drawing drawing with an eraser today

School-Holisso apisa

Good luck with rrr week/finals everybody!

Day Eighty-Four l Day Eighty-Six

Finn is pulled from the depths of his rest by whimpering. It takes him a moment, eyes heavy-lidded and bleary, to understand what’s happening, but then BB-8 chirps at him, and reality snaps into place.

“Poe,” he whispers, tone haggard. The other man is writhing and sweaty, worming his way out of Finn’s embrace. “Sweetheart, it’s me.”

Poe releases a full cry as he wakes, the scream full of pain and confusion. He sits upright in bed, looking around wildly, and when he sees Finn, he begins to sob.

“I’m right here, baby,” Finn promises. He grips Poe’s arms, steadying the other man. Poe’s shoulders still heave as he tries to get his bearings.

Finn doesn’t have to ask why Poe woke up so distressed. The answer is always the same.

When Poe’s breathing calms, Finn lies him back down so they’re facing each other. Finn strips Poe of his soaked shirt, then wraps his arms around the other man.

“Can you tell me…” Poe licks his lips, his voice hoarse, “can you tell me about home?”

“My home?” Finn’s brow creases.

“Where you want to make your home,” Poe says, and Finn remembers all the hushed promises he’s made to Poe, the whispered secrets of a shared future, one day.

“I want a small house,” Finn begins, tracing the lines on Poe’s open palm, “with a garden. There’ll be big windows. And it will be somewhere that’s green. With water, and everything will be alive around us. It’ll be so quiet, not like base- no ships, no war.” Finn smiles, almost sadly. “Except from flying lessons. And voices, where all our friends will come to visit. The house will never be empty.

“It’ll be home. Peaceful. Just you and me-” Finn’s face flushes, but Poe’s eyes are fluttering shut. “-you and me, relaxing like this. I can learn how to fix ships to get you off my back, and you can make me lift pebbles all you want.

“So, how’s it been teaching YOUR classes lately?” -basically all of my teacher pals in other departments

Today went quite a lot like yesterday did. 

My Block 1 class wanted to get right to work on their research projects rather than talk about current events; however, I noticed a couple of them had switched their topics and written about the attack on the Capitol instead of whatever they’d initially chosen to write about. Rough drafts were due today, so I spent the bulk of the block conferencing and editing- sometimes multiple times, if students wanted me to (and you know I thought it’s awesome if they wanted me to)- and that was quite enjoyable for me because they’re doing such good work. I’m really happy about how much their research and writing skills have developed this semester. 

My Block 2 class began with a student asking if we could talk about impeachment proceedings- she wanted me to explain how they work, and why so many members of Congress want to impeach the President rather than just letting his term expire. Then, the same student said that she was trying to figure out how all of this squares with calls from earlier in the year to defund the police, which led to an excellent discussion about what that phrase means. We also talked about the police officer who had died, and the arrests that are ongoing... Once they’d said everything they wanted to say, they got to work on their research projects, as well. And, again, they’re doing great work and I’m quite pleased about that.

During prep time, I got peppered with those questions from my colleagues about what it’s like being me right now. I joked about how I’d be more chill if I taught algebra or something, but, really, I wouldn’t want to be doing anything but what I’m doing. That doesn’t mean I don’t appreciate a bit of down time, though. On my way out of the building, one of the custodians saw me and said I looked excited for the weekend. I said I was, and he asked what I had going on.