Teacher Life – The Bashful Butterfly

“The heart of man plans his way, but the Lord establishes his steps.”

-Proverbs 16:9

One of the perks of being a public school teacher comes from the frequent (or infrequent, depending on the attitude of the educator) breaks that come along during the school year. In New York City we are blessed with both a December break and mid February break (and if you’re a high school teacher you have a Regents week TWICE in January and June. No students for the win). Oftentimes I daydream of traversing across the globe to far off lands, mingling with the local folk, exploring ancient cities and then returning with tales of my adventures.

Until I look at my bank account.

The reality of my post Christmas holiday paycheck burst into the door of my travel dreams with a “not so fast sweetheart”. I remember there are spring and summer breaks to consider. Although we teachers are gifted with various breaks throughout the year, the breaks coincide with when EVERYONE ELSE has a break. Airline prices are more expensive during the summer and as a new teacher I do not want to risk my “sick days” disguise to be blown over an accidental Facebook post of me living it up in Jamaica in the middle of March.

So what do you do when you are bitten by the travel bug, but need an affordable alternative to the hundreds of dollars traveling cross country or cross continent.

*Cues drumroll*

Staycation!

During the week of Washington’s birthday, I decided to discover (and rediscover) places in New York City. I am blessed to call NYC home and with all the marvelous experiences at my fingertips, why not take advantage? Here were some highlights from my staycation on the Big Apple

Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum & American Museum of Natural History

3. Greenpoint, Brooklyn

4. Flushing Meadows Park-Queens, New York

The photos depict the eclectic mixture of what New York City has to offer. The Guggenheim Museum and American Museum of Natural History are located in what is dubbed “Museum Mile”. Museum Mile stretches along 5th avenue, between 110th and 82nd streets (you’ll have to travel to the west side of Manhattan to get to the Natural History Museum, specifically West 80 street and Amsterdam). The museums have incredible collections of paintings, sculptures, artifacts and Dinosaur bones! (where are all my Jurassic Park fans at?)

If you’re looking to escape the inevitable frenetic energy of Manhattan, then the boroughs of Queens and Brooklyn have their own unique vibe. I visited Greenpoint, Brooklyn, located in the Northern part of the borough (G train). There I savored a fresh, sugary, red velvet donut at Peter Pan’s Donuts and ate a classic new york slice of pizza at the famed Paulie Gee’s. If you want authentic Asian cuisine, head to Flushing New York (located in Queens) to feast on dumplings, pork buns, and Peking duck. After, walk off those calories at Flushing Meadows Park, home of the 1939 and 1964 World Fairs.

By the time the week was over my sense of wanderlust was quenched. I’d encourage everyone to stop and explore your surrounding area. There are wonders all around us as long as we take the time to seek out our own unique adventure.

Please excuse me while I plan my next one.

Signed

The Bashful Butterfly

Thankful Thursday (Finding Gratitude in the Everyday and Everyday Challenges)

“Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus” (1 Thessalonians 5:16-18)

Have you ever had one of those weeks you thought was going to be amazing, but turned out to be a total dud?

The week began promising; I dubbed it the “week of the five Fridays”. Everyday leading up to the President’s week/February break (perks of being a public school teacher) was going to be Friday , I bought tickets to see Dear Evan Hansen on Tuesday (The play should be required viewing for EVERYONE, but more on Mr. Hansen in another post) and then 10 whole days of lounging, reading, museum hopping and movie binging.

Then a student sprayed pepper spray in the hallways. Then my earpods were stolen. And my charger. And my portable charger. And $20.

The week seemed determined to rattle and sink my spirits. By today my mind, body and spirit became depleted of joy and replaced by discouragement. I walked around foggy, listless, almost apparition like. I became angry at the student who stole my belongings. Angry at myself for putting myself in the position to have my belongings stolen. I called myself stupid, careless, irreresponsible and a whole slew of self-depricating terms.

I neglected praying to God or reading His word. I was too busy brooding about how unfair the week treated me.

Thank God for sisters in Christ.

When I spoke with my spiritual mentor she reminded me to continue the daily practice we established at the beginning of 2020: Write down 5 things you’re grateful for.

Gratitude has a way of reshaping our mindset. The official definition from Merriam Webster’s Dictionary defines gratitude as “the state of being grateful”. Gratitude becomes a decision. I could lament on my week or I could obey God and give thanks in ALL circumstances. Praise the Lord I was to come up with 10 things I was grateful for. I would love to share my “Top Ten Things Leah Is Grateful for (Right now)

Love of Christ
The word of God
Quiet times with God
My Parents and brother
My sisters in Christ
Two more days until winter break!
Payday
Seeing Dear Evan Hansen on broadway
The smoothie I had for Breakfast
A renewed joy of writing!

Wow! I feel better already. Life can be a bummer, but that’s why God gives reminders throughout the day of his goodness. A smile from a stranger. A student telling you that you are the most relatable teacher in the school. A piping bowl of spaghetti. A warm house. A bed.

Although the week started off crummy, I have the choice to walk in gratitude and praise God for the blessings that go beyond the material. When I’m tempted to wallow, I know God gives me the choice to choose joy. Peace. Gratitude.

I would definitely recommend writing down at least one thing you’re grateful for each day. By doing so, you’ll continue to see God’s Grace each day. I certainly do.

Signed
The Bashful Butterfly.