Saturday, May 16, 2009

Ebbs and Flows

"Everything happens..."

"Don't say 'for a reason.'"
"No--everything happens."
- Dr Horrible's Singalong Blog

I haven't been posting much of late, not because I don't have much to say--in fact I've been overflowing with thoughts and musings and reactions and opinions--but because my natural reticence, my inability to possibly offend, and my aversion to conflict keep convincing me that what I have to say is, although legitimate to FEEL, not necessarily good to put on paper, or at least the internet.

This I am working on, I promise, and once life slows down at school enough to get a breath in, I will work on remedying this.  I do promise.  There has been knitting, much knitting, and new books read and ready to review and the sun is coming out and the garden is sprouting and the kids are growing and life is, for the most part, good.

That said--

A good friend and colleague of mine is getting laid off along with several other people in my building, and lots more teachers across the state.  I won't say much more, because this blog is a) not about work and b) not about other people especially if they don't know they're being written about.  Suffice it to say that my friend is an amazing teacher who most likely will not be teaching at all next year through absolutely no fault of her own.

I try very hard not to buy into doom and gloom and conspiracy theories and for the most part I succeed.  But losing this person out of my personal and professional life (well, I guess I'm not losing her as a friend, just a colleague, but she may have to move to find any sort of job since our small college town isn't exactly booming with industry) has hit me hard and has made it more difficult for me to move with energy and positivity through my work days.

I want to make her a sweater as a gift.  She always compliments the work I do--she's one of those people who doesn't realize just how easy knitting is--and I think I will take this on as my June project, a project to ease her out of the school year and into what comes next.

I was thinking about Hey Teach--but is that too ironic?  What would you make for a friend in this situation?

2 comments:

Katie said...

Sorry to hear that things have been difficult lately. It's the same over here. Ugh. I'm just slogging through.

I think you are a wonderful friend (and completely out of your mind!) to make your friend a sweater. Hey Teach is a nice one. I think she would appreciate the sentiment.

Anonymous said...

This is such tough news to receive; the disappointment swirling around you must feel horrible. I think blogging it out is a healthy thing to do, even if it's above the level of names and places - more about your thoughts and opinions is good.

Day by day I hear about someone else in my life struggling with job loss or financial trouble. At the moment it's very close to home, and it makes me want to scream.

But you've got your knitting, so the frustration will churn out something lovely. I like Hey Teach a lot (she doesn't have to know it's called Hey Teach). I think I'd make something that made her feel special, like maybe something that she wouldn't normally splurge on, something slightly edgy or sexy (while still being something to wear to work, perhaps with a T underneath - because she will find a new role). I think Hey Teach would be cute with maybe a bordering-on-luxury fiber (pending budget) for some extra flair. Maybe a yarn with some sheen or some subtle sparkle.

You're a sweet friend, and to feel for others so keenly is a wonderful quality, as much as it hurts. Things will turn around and the reason for it all will become clear...but maybe not for a long while. Hang in there.