hanging on to moments by a thread

Ironic that my last post was titled "I love my job". Today was one of those days that just makes me question why I'm here- what am I doing? Why am I working so hard for kids that aren't mine? Perhaps the time change has left me with less sleep, and ala less energy, but today I felt done. An incident happened earlier this week that just left me frustrated and lost. Why again, do I put in the extra hours?

But then, there are those overheard conversations that might not make it all worth it, but at least keep me smiling while I work.

Overheard in the library during a 5th grade class:

5th grader: Dude, you have to come over and check out the smoke machine for the party!

me and the librarian (simultaneously) SMOKE MACHINE?!? What party are you having that you need a smoke machine?

5th grade boy: Just a party. With a smoke machine.

Us: What party are you possibly having that you needed to buy a smoke machine for??

5th grade boy: No, it's not like that. I already have the smoke machine. My dad's a DJ. You have to pay for the party- $5 for boys, girls get in free. For high schoolers. We have flyers.

Us: Why are YOU going to a party for high schoolers??

Him: because I'M the DJ.

Me: You're the DJ. So, like, can we hire you for weddings and stuff?

Him, very serious: No, I'm not a professional.

** ** **

My Story Teller at the end of the day:

OH! Mrs. Lipstick- did you hear the news? We're going on a trip! A field trip! Will you come with us?

Me: Of course, I'd love to come with you!

Story teller- Wonderful! And you'll wear your other glasses. The ones with the dark inside. The ones you wore in kindergarten on our field trip.

Me: My sun glasses?

Story Teller: Oh! Your sun glasses! I love your sun glasses. I love field trips, AND your sun glasses.

*** *** ***

Morning Reading Club:

3rd grade boy: Man, tomorrow's Friday. I hate Friday.

Me: Why? who hates Fridays?

Him: Because it's the last day of school and I can't come to school on the weekend.

*that was heart warming, except when we remember what's happening at his home, and just why he loves school so much...