Klayton has decided like most everything else that he started early into a terrbile two year old at 16 months. Everything is no; he screams bloody murder if anything that he wants isn’t immediately in his little hands. He is becoming a royal terror. My sweet little boy that would listen if I told him not to do something has now turned into a devious demanding ball of fire. He is talking so much more, he can say Graham cracker (sometimes inaudible), cat, bless you, tickle, and ball; along with the regular mommy, daddy. He understands even more, duck, shoes, shirt, socks; he can point to his hair, ears, mouth, nose, feet, hands. We are working on colors and counting. He can wash his own hands and brush his teeth. He tries very hard to put his shoes on. He can put away toys and books if asked close doors; he can find daddy or mommy. He gives out kisses He adores being outdoors even when it is rainy and cold. He loves anything Dr. Seuss and we read Cat in the Hat at least once a day. He is finally weaned, it was a little sudden and surprising, it went from 5 times a day to once and then within a week he just didn’t seem to want to anymore. I have to admit I do miss it at times but it has made working infinitely easier at work.
Speaking of teaching I have felt like I am riding a nightmare roller coaster. It can be so amazing the days when I feel like I am making a difference; my students are excited and involved and actually listening and working! At the same time; I can feel like a total failure when my fellow teachers remind me that my only purpose at their school is to give them a prep period. I feel even though this is my first year I am demanded to know exactly what I am expected to do all the time. I am at two different schools ONCE a week it is next to impossible to keep up with the schedule. It can be so frustrating dealing with the mountain of bureaucracy that comes along with teaching; something I didn’t know was a factor. I feel very torn at the fact that next year I do not want to go back. I hate the idea of being the third consecutive art teacher to quit, however I am beginning to hate going. Without knowing where we will live come fall I am preparing for the idea of staying in Indianapolis , and applying for a full-time position elsewhere. Mentally I can not handle teaching at three different locations along with picking up hours at the library when I can. Financially I need to work a full-time job; I would prefer to teach.
I am also debating if I should take a few classes this summer in order to renew my license. Apparently the rules for my license are the toughest ever; and the requirements are quite strict. I think I would enjoy at least one studio class. I want to keep my options open so have also looked into working toward two similar career fields; Art Therapy of Medical Illustrator. I think I will take two classes that can count for both my license and toward a new career.
