Have some time away from anything teaching-related... it's OK!

My students are on my mind almost all of the time.  I can't go to Target with out scouring the Dollar Bin for potential things I can use in my classroom.  When I'm at the Dollar Store, I grab things I probably don't need, but know I could work it into my classroom somehow.  My poor Mister has to hear story after story about some of my "special friends" or great lessons and even lessons that bombed.  He has no idea what I'm talking about, but he smiles and nods.  I spend hours printing and laminating while watching all of my favorite reality shows.  Laminating makes me happy, like really happy.  I just wish I had a cutting fairy around, like Edward Scissor Hands or something.  The Mister doesn't help me cut...ever.  

When it's time for bed, I always check my Instagram and am blown away by all of the amazing teaching that is going on to there.

Subconsciously, there's a bit of peer pressure.  I'm not saying that you amazing teachers are pressuring each other, but I think as teachers, when we see all of the amazingness out there, we put pressure on ourselves to create similar opportunities.  Or we compare it to what is or is not taking place in our classrooms.  Last year, I really struggled with this.  I posted a pretty honest post about and have vowed to do a better job of balancing my life.

Teaching is important and it's in our blood.  This.  I.  Know.  But I've also realized that it can consume us.  I can spend late nights creating centers and use my weekend for Target runs, analyzing running records and data, and grading lots of assessments.

I've seen a lot of my friends feel bad for putting off blogging or not creating anything.  Let me tell you this.  Give yourself a break.  Back to School is a crazy, crazy time.  Take time for you, set boundaries, go have some fun!  I haven't blogged at all this entire school year and I make no apologies.  I'm loving my class and my new school.  But I'm loving my life as well.  I've made it a point to create fun weekends and spend them with the people I love.  It's ok to let blogging and TpT take a back seat.  Here's what I've been up to {instead of blogging}.

Have you ever been to a Cineopolis?  Amazing reclining seats, food, and drinks at your seat.  I may have fallen asleep!

 After the 1st week of school, we took a staycation to a spa.  We ordered a bottle of wine, listening to Hawaiian music, got a massage, and relaxed.  I highly suggest a spa day for all of you fab teachers!

How amazing is this salt water pool {no kids allowed}!

Lots of beach walks and enjoying the salt air!

I even visited my old college, go State!  This actually was king work-related because I needed some SDSU gear to wear at school on College Day.

So friends, go have some fun.  Take the teacher hat off {is that even possible} and go enjoy this amazing life you've got.  It's ok, your students will be fine.  After all, when you're rested, relaxed, and happy, your students will notice!

What are you going to do for yourself this week?