1. I was packing up my classroom this past week and found this amazing card in my desk. The card is part of a collection of cat cards from various artists that I had and used those cards for students’ birthdays. But this one is not quite appropriate to give to a high school student:

Overall, I do not have a lot of stuff to begin with, at work I am *sort* of a minimalist, but I do have some bins, clipboards, file holders, hanging organizers, decor, etc. When I started in the district, I inherited some stuff from a colleague but some stuff was old and peeling so I donated it and curated my own collection of desk organizers, file holders, and pen cups.

Put some books (that we will no longer use this year) away into the closet. Took everything out of my desk, threw some stuff out, wiped, and put the rest back, nice and orderly. I sorted all the pens and pencils, tying them with rubber bands.

The classroom looks a bit empty now but I like it. One thing I did not touch *yet* are the bulletin boards with student work on them. Those I will leave till the end of next week.

2. R went to Brazilian jiu jitsu three times this week! Granted I only worked three days this week so I was not as tired in his class. Him being in class gives me an opportunity to read or write. Or chat with a friend! On Tuesday, my friend Kristina was there, and on Thursday, I saw Anya.

These two ladies are from Russia, like me, and I believe I mentioned them on my blog a few times (while Kristina and Anya’s cities are relatively close in so called “central” part of Russia, mine is farther east, in the Urals). Kristina had her second baby in November and is still in the “weeds” of early motherhood while also parenting a 5 year old. Kristina lived in Georgetown, Guyana for a while, working in a Russian embassy there. Anya is out of the weeds for a while now, since her son is R’s age. Anya’s sense of style is incredible: the way she dresses is *chef’s kiss. She works in finance, at an NYC company. Those two women are incredible.

3. I did not sleep well this week at all… In spite of magnesium, Ashwagandha supplement, even Valerian extract. One night I could not fall asleep, another I kept waking up, then I could fall asleep but had a hard time waking up.

4. New music that I discovered: Vega Trails: instrumental music, with elements of piano and what sounds like cello, great for relaxing or independent work in class or reading! Or cleaning 🙂

5. My sister- friend Barb took us (me and the kids) to a baseball game last night. While I do not understand baseball that much, I enjoyed being there, having some food, ice cream, and watching the players.

6. Books. “Overwork” by B. Schulte is almost finished, “Meditations for Mortals” is finished, and just started “All You Can Ever Know” by N. Chung, an autobiography and transracial adoption.

Lastly, this picture is from today. The level of boredom is very high.