I grew up watching The Wizard of Oz, learning the songs, hiding my eyes in the scary scenes, hoping every time that Dorothy makes it home. Throughout the movie, Dorothy is constantly searching, searching for answers, for a way home. I feel Dorothy's pain, I understand the unsettled and restless feeling of wanting to be somewhere else, hoping to find answers.
School is nearing its end. Despite the bonds I've built with my students this year, and how deeply I will miss teaching many of them, I am restless. I am unsettled. I feel as though I am on the edge of my seat, awaiting that last school bell, telling me, "Yes, Ms. Olson, you are free."
Part of this restlessness is born out of my desire to do something other than grade papers. I feel as though I am swimming in stacks of unorganized nonsense, including papers, clothes, and other miscellaneous objects filling my apartment and my classroom. I feel suffocated. I feel overwhelmed. The only relief providing me with the strength to endure is that last bell, the reminder to follow the yellow brick road.
Upon considering the conclusion of my first full school year, I find great solace in what awaits me. I've made a list (as I love to do) of the tasks I hope to accomplish come summer.
1. Organize my closet.
The thought of my closet now, makes me cringe. The desire to color-code, add shelving, create labels and categorize defines my undying necessity to know where everything is, and be proud of the space in which I live.
2. Organize my work.
As previously mentioned, my classroom is a swamp of papers. The piles of extra copies, graded and ungraded student work, etc. provide me with the means to drive myself crazy. Again, my love of school supplies will prove beneficial in attempting to sort through the mess awaiting me. Binders, files, labels, and the vast array of colorful supplies are the few things keeping me sane.
3. Plan the wedding!
Despite my desire to organize the rest of my life, this task provides me with true excitement
and anticipation. While many girls have been planning their weddings all of their lives, I wasn't necessarily one of them. There were things that I knew I would want, but I also knew that when the time came, I'd want my marriage to be the perfect representation of my relationship with my husband. Since I was unaware of what that relationship would be, I left many loose ends for my future self to enjoy. Boy, will I enjoy them!
4. Buy our first home
While the process has already begun, Kyle and I are anxiously awaiting taking those first steps into our home. We've seen many, but have yet to find "the one". We are both anticipating getting that "feeling", and once we do, I cannot wait for the joys that new step will bring.
5. Cook
There has unfortunately been an indefinite lull in my kitchen time, provided the hectic schedule and time constraints evading my life. While I have tried new recipes here and there, I am unsatisfied with my efforts, so I look forward to the opportunity to get creative and find some new recipes that I can add to my collection for the future life ahead of me!
Each task is a brick on my yellow brick road, something that will lead me to where I belong and the happiness I strive for. There is no doubt that I will also enjoy the extra time traveling to Indianapolis, to make much needed visits to family and friends. I must rekindle the relationships that have provided me with such love and happiness. Beyond these things, the summer promises sun, relaxation and of course, summer reading!
Thank you Dorothy for providing me with the perseverance to continue down my path, following the road that leads me to home.
