Tuesday night was "Meet the Teacher" night at the school. Every year they have an ice cream social at the beginning of the year and it's chance to visit your child's classroom, meet their teacher, and find out what they will be up to for the school year. Last year was really overwhelming for us because our girls were transferring from a small private school to a much larger public school, but I'm happy to say that this year felt more like home! My second daughter was roaming the halls and classrooms like she owned the place and was so proud to show me all of her haunts: her 1st grade classroom, art room, library, gym, music room, computer room and cafeteria etc. And of course the girls had ice cream.
I feel very relieved that all of my girls seem to love school so far. I am completely amazed at what they know and can do. I try to remember back to 1st grade and all I can remember is sorting through a box of teeny-tiny alphabet pieces and putting them in order. And we were just starting to read. My first grader and third grader have been reading (well, I might add) since kindergarten. Oh times have changed! The most important thing that I am trying to instill in my kids is a love of learning. I hope that they carry it with them straight through college.
I remember going through a period of time where I didn't really care too much about school. I was more concerned with friends and trying to get a boyfriend. And I did not apply myself. The sad part is that I really didn't need to do much to still manage to pull A's and B's with a a few C's sprinkled in for good measure. When I got to college, I got serious. And it was in that setting that I really felt my love of learning bloom. Almost every single professor was passionate about their subject and that made learning extremely interesting for me. I remember saying that I wish I could be a lifelong student.
Wishes do come true.
Sure, I haven't had much experience in a classroom setting. But...*dramatic arm sweep* The world is my classroom. Seriously though, my forays into the classroom since college have been less common than I would like, but that's what happens when you start having babies. Instead of sitting at a desk, I sit (well, I don't sit much these days) and get schooled by them!
Now I look at sitting in a classroom as enrichment: a blessed break from the education by fire called parenting 401 (after four kids, I'm beyond those basic classes). Early in our marriage, Jim enrolled both of us (!) into a drawing class--still ranking at the top of the list of best gifts EVER from him. And a few Christmases ago he bought me a guitar. Thanks to a friend, I picked up on some basics, but I never could move beyond strumming a few awkward chords into the semblance of a passable version of my favorite hits. The guitar has been gathering dust in my closet for the past few years.
Not anymore, my friends. Stars aligned, and I saw that guitar lessons are offered on the same day, in the same building that my girls take their dance lessons. I am there anyway, so why not take lessons while I'm there and put that beautiful guitar to use? It feels so wonderful to be learning something new. I have always loved music, and singing, and have always wanted to master an instrument -- but I never had the opportunity to take lessons, until now.
Last week I had my first lesson and I felt like a kid again, nervous, happy, eager to please my teacher. I've even found time to practice every day since then. I feel young and alive. It's because I'm learning something new!
I highly recommend it! It doesn't have to be guitar lessons of course. Maybe you've wanted to learn a different instrument, master a new language, get a college degree, take an art class, take a cooking class, join a writing workshop, take an advanced mathematics course, learn to woodwork, try a new sport. It doesn't matter what it is. Take a step to find out more. Stretch yourself. Grow. Do it, do it, do it! And share what you are learning in the comments below!
When I learn to play a recognizable song, I'll share my progress with you!
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LOVE THIS!! You built up this story so well that I couldn't wait to hear what you were studying. You'll be great on that guitar. You're a learner. Needless to say, I'm back in college and learning so much, every day, both in the classroom and in life. Being on campus this semester is very different, as the 50 year old "mom" with the child who is a Junior floating around the campus too. You are so right...you are never too old to learn. Good luck to ya!
ReplyDeleteAwesome! You'll have so much fun, and when we finally get around to having an honest-to-goodness old-timers TYC reunion, you can help lead the Turkey Song, Hey Jude, and Muff the Tragic Wagon... Good going, my friend!
ReplyDeleteMy husband is one of those "can play any instrument he picks up" kind of guy...which is cool but annoying at the same time. He tried to show me the guitar, but I was like Quasimodo. But, all is not lost! A couple of years later he mentioned playing the bass...and I took to that like a fish in water. And, while I may not be a guitar player, what I did learn I was able to use with the bass.
ReplyDeleteEnjoy your "me time" with the guitar! :)
I think it's wonderful that you are trying something new!
ReplyDelete