vs my old office job

I remember working in an office. Somedays there are a bazillion things to do and not enough time to get them done. Somedays I had to make a to do list in order to figure out which of the bazillion things that all needed done ASAP, actually needed done first. And then there are somedays when there is nothing to do- except check email, answer phone calls, and refill my coffee cup. But that only takes an hour...what to do with the other seven.

I hated those days of searching for things to do. I hated even more when I didn't find anything. A friend reminded me yesterday- the trouble with having nothing to do at work? Leaving at the end of the day having accomplished nothing. I need that sense of accomplishment. Now my days are filled with things that get done- although not always what I planned.

Well in the realm of all the hats I wear, and unlike all the ways being a teacher is similar to being a bartender...here begins all the ways working in a classroom is not the same as working in an office...

In the office, I walked in- found a safe location to stash my purse, hung up my coat, and settled into my chair, sipping coffee while waiting for my computer to boot up, composing myself before I had to actually interact with anyone.

In the classroom, I walk in- found myself assaulted with hugs and chants of Carri's Here! and lil ones asking for help with dress up clothes all while trying to hold my purse, coat and coffee mug out of there reach until time permits for a safe location to be found for stashing them.

In the office, I checked email, phone messages and made to do lists several times throughout the day.

In the classroom, email? maybe a few times a week; the phone is ringing? Well can't answer that since I'm across the room dealing with poop or boogers or a wrestling match; to do lists? haha ha...although I do get to spend time every day writing names, drawing pictures and rolling playdough.

In the office, I chose my daily coffee mug based on which image made me laugh. Filled it to the top with yummy hot coffee and sipped on it at my leisure. Too cold? Let me walk to the breakroom for a refill. Too hot? I'll take a moment to just sit here and blow on it till its cool enough.

In the classroom, I choose my daily coffee mug based on its durability. Will it resist spilling as it gets jostled in my arms during the assault of welcoming toddlers? Will it retain most of the dark liquid gold when it is knocked off the table onto the ground? and hot coffee...Ha thats overrated. A good swig of cold coffee- thats refreshing for the senses!

In the office, I never questioned the safety of my coffee sitting on my desk.

In the classroom, I glance over to see one precocious toddler leaning over and taking a big swig of my coffee!

In the office, I counted packets of information, dollars in the budget, and hours until the end of the day.

In the classroom, I count wiggly children ALL day long. We have 12 toddlers, are they all here? Did 12 make it down the stairs for lunch? Did 12 make it outside during the mad rush of a fire drill?

In the office, to use the restroom, I walked down the hall, into the bathroom and locked the door.

In the classroom, to use the restroom I first count the children, subtract 6 to find the number I need to take with me in order to maintain ratio. Write up a list of everyone's name in order to assure I don't leave anyone behind. Count again (yep I have the 4 I need) Walk to the office, Have the children sit and NOT TOUCH ANYTHING. Finish my business as quickly as possible all the while listening for noises of impending doom from the 4 children who are no longer sitting and NOT TOUCHING ANYTHING. Put the office supplies back to the order they were in before my 4 hooligans arrived. Count the children (still have 4) and walk back to the room.

In the office, I watched from the warmth of climate controlled air as snow gently floated down covering the white surface in all its glory.

In the classroom, I give in to chants of snow, snow, snow! I spend 30 minutes bundling up 12 toddlers...removing shoes, pulling on snow pants, stomping feet into boots, flipping on jackets, tugging down hats and fastening up mittens. Bundle myself up. Trudge down the slippery sidewalk and let them loose to play in the wonderful world of white...for 10 minutes until they are all "too cold"

In the office, I got "reviewed" every January and July.

In the classroom, I get reviewed every day. With hugs and kisses and lil ones who don't want to leave.