Why is EVERY Conversation about School???

"Oh, I had a student in class the other day do something similar to that..."

I am pretty sure that every conversation I had in my first two months of teaching began with this phrase. I couldn't leave school behind. I was in school all day, and then I would go home, lesson plan a little and watch a little hockey or television until it was time for bed. This meant when I saw my friends I didn't have much to talk about EXCEPT school. Unfortunately, unless it's a funny story, no one really cared about my school stories.

It was during this time that I no longer knew how to relate to my friends. I wanted to talk to them, to be engaged in conversation, but I had nothing to talk about that interested them. I even spoke to my best friend on the phone and found that it was easier to just let her speak while I remained silent on the other end of the phone. This was the sign. I needed to really push to have more to talk to my friends about.

This was when I started ensuring that I make plans with at least one friend, or family members every weekend. This way, I will always have something to talk about outside of school. Of course, there are some weekends when this is not possible. However, I do whatever I can to find someone to spend my time with. In one instance, I instead decided to go shopping for a new pair of pants. Even though I did not spend time with a friend, I still had quite an adventure that day. Sadly, I did not end up with a new pair of pants.

So, in order to remain what I call a "normal" or "sane" teacher I am making it a point to not discuss school at times when it is not necessary. When it is the weekend, I focus on enjoying myself, relaxing and finding ways to connect with my friends. When Monday morning comes I am fully back into the school setting, ready to begin my week.

So... How do Teachers Relax?

I have been teaching my own classes since August 15, 2011. That's just over 3 months now. The first month I found myself stressing over all the little details of teaching. Every time the weekend came around I panicked. I couldn't help but wonder "Do I have time to finish grading these essays? I really should hand them back as soon as possible." Let's just say, my first month as an official teacher was not-so-pleasant.

However, the end of September hit and I made a decision. I needed join an organized activity. At first I set my sights on fencing lessons. Then, as I was browsing Google one evening, I discovered a girls ice hockey league nearby. One thing you should know about me, I love to play hockey. My brother taught me how to play when I was just a little girl. We may have shattered a lot of windows, but I my brother and I have a passion that we can never be torn away from. We love watching hockey, playing hockey and even having our own fantasy hockey teams online.

It was at the end of December that I joined my first ever ice hockey team. I play in a league that does not have checking, which means it is an extremely safe version of hockey. We practice once a week and play a game once every two weeks. I have found that when I return home after a game my muscles feel relaxed for the first time since my last practice. Everything about school melts away when I play hockey.

In addition, I continue to watch my favorite National Hockey League team, the Detroit Red Wings, at least one night a week. I have found that the game relaxes me, and the two twenty minute intermissions are a great time to get a little grading done!