December 13, 2006
why don’t I get a Rest Time?
When school started this year, I swore a solemn oath that I WOULD NOT UNDER ANY CIRCUMSTANCES VOLUNTEER FOR ANYTHING AT THE BOYS’ SCHOOLS EVER AGAIN, SO HELP ME BUDDHA, because I am still scarred by my last school volunteer experience.
But it was just a matter of time before they got me. You knew that, didn’t you?
Yesterday, in a fit of holiday-induced weakness, I agreed first to help organize a fundraiser at Henry’s school and later, to be the backup substitute for Charlie’s class, if the scheduled sub couldn’t make it today.
Guess who spent the day with Charlie’s preschool class? (As an aside, Wade and my mom are both convinced that I will end up chairing the fundraiser at Henry’s school, but unless every meeting starts with a stiff drink, I can’t see that happening. Then again, see above regarding volunteering AT ALL. Dammit.)
This was the most time I have spent at either child’s school, and I have to say, I was impressed. I’ve always liked this school, which isn’t surprising since we went through a complicated process of randomly picking it out of the phone book based solely on its location researching and interviewing and carefully considering what we hoped Charlie would get out of it. We liked that it is located in between our house and Henry’s school the small class size and that the school day starts and ends exactly fifteen minutes earlier each way than Henry’s the facilities.
Okay, there were a lot of things going on when we chose this school, but we’re genuinely pleased with it. And after today, I am even more delighted. The teachers treat their students in the way I am always wishing I could treat my own children; they are consistently firm and fair and loving. They laugh with them and give them hugs and pats when they need them, but they don’t put up with any crap. Their heads don’t spin around when the SAME kid asks the SAME question five times, or when five different kids ask the SAME question, without listening to what the other kids are asking or what the teacher is saying. And yes, I know that preschool-aged kids are like that and that it’s always easier when they’re not YOUR kids, but I’m feeling inspired now. If those lovely teachers can be so calm with seventeen kids in a room, I can certainly do it with TWO!
Which is easy right now because my kids are out in the yard chasing each other around and digging in the dirt. Oh, and not pestering me.
I was also impressed by how genuinely sweet the kids were, and by what a relatively good job they did of following directions and remembering the rules and working and playing nicely together. They all seem like very happy little people. Except for my kid, who first refused to sing any of the Christmas carols they’ve learned for Sunday’s performance and THEN cried–nay, SOBBED–when he realized that I was going to leave during naptime rather than staying for the ENTIRE day. Because hello! I have stuff to do! Like buy underwear for my husband! And also, uh, some other stuff! That is important and cannot be done with a four-year-old in tow!
In the end, I took him with me. Of course. Because I’m a sucker (see above, again, about how I was NOT GOING TO VOLUNTEER FOR ANYTHING EVER) and because I thought maybe, just MAYBE, if I bored him to death with my errands (pharmacy, dry cleaners, dollar store, but ONLY for plates–no candy or toys!) he would think twice the next time about saying “BUT I WANT TO GO WITH YOOOOOUUUUUU!”
Sadly, I did not get Wade any underwear, because the Gap seemed like far too much fun for Charlie and not enough of an object lesson. Sorry, honey.
Tomorrow, though, I will be buying underwear and stocking stuffers and running various other Last Minute Holiday Errands, because tomorrow is my last full day of Both Kids In School until January 3. JANUARY THIRD, you all! That’s NEXT YEAR! Henry gets out at noon on Friday, and I am dreading the moment when Charlie realizes that he still has THREE FULL DAYS of school the next week. Although at the same time I am thankful that Henry is out because it gets me out of helping with Charlie’s Happy Birthday Baby Jesus! party, so really it’s a draw.
While I am revelling in my last kid-free day, you should be getting in your last minute Retro Gift Contest entries! Contest closes at midnight on Friday, and I’ll be damned if I have the first idea how we’re going to pick a winner. Because the stuff! is so cool! and retro!
Keep the recommendations coming. And don’t forget that you can put together a wish list of your own at ThisNext, and then you can send the link to that one person who is still asking WHAT DO YOU WANT FOR CHRISTMAS? That’ll teach ‘em.
Posted by Susan @ 3:41 pm • Uncategorized
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December 13th, 2006 at 5:18 pm, rocks in my dryer Says:
They always act their worst when Mom is in class. I volunteered with my 2nd grader’s class last week and he was a HORROR. The teacher assured me it wasn’t always like that. So glad I bring the best out of him.
December 13th, 2006 at 6:26 pm, Jenny Says:
You’re last kid-free day and you’re spending it blogging? You should be drinking! On a yaught! With someone hot!
December 13th, 2006 at 6:43 pm, Susan Says:
Last day is tomorrow. I will not be blogging (okay, maybe late in the day)–instead I will be SHOPPING. And mailing. And swearing.
And THEN I will be drinking.
December 13th, 2006 at 7:25 pm, Annika Says:
We bought every kind of alcohol there is today (except whiskey because they didn’t have the kind I like) so you should come over! And drink!
As for the contest, the obvious way to choose a winner is to choose ME!
December 13th, 2006 at 9:02 pm, Lauren Says:
Same schedule here, Susan. My last day I’m going into the Philly with a friend and shopping. Even though there’s a ton of obligatory stuff to do. Enjoy tomorrow!
December 13th, 2006 at 10:08 pm, wordgirl Says:
Volunteerism: Not a Calling but an Illness. That is all.
December 14th, 2006 at 6:39 am, Mamacita Tina Says:
You gave up an opportunity to watch preschoolers nap so you can shop? Of course your son doesn’t understand. HA!
December 14th, 2006 at 8:36 am, Karyn Says:
Good Lord.
I forgot that there will be an extended No School period coming up.
Santa: Please bring wine.
December 14th, 2006 at 8:56 am, Laura Says:
They taught me in the Army early on: Never volunteer for anything. It has served me well.
Hope you have a lovely time shopping! Stock up on chocolate and liquor for the winter holidays… I know I will be…
December 16th, 2006 at 2:33 pm, dorothy Says:
I keep saying I’m going to let the room parent buy the gifts, but we just ended up doing it again.
December 16th, 2006 at 7:55 pm, daysgoby Says:
Didn’t you buy a big heavy appointment/date book?
Someone should knock you with that until you came to your senses.
LEARN FROM THE BLOG! The blog knows!
(Wow, that was almost scary!)