My friend C, whom I may have named
Manda, has wanted me to have a summer named after me. I believe her wish came
true this summer.
For the 1st time in a few years, I started my summer break without doing any paperwork for Employment Insurance. It was a great feeling as I felt that I earned this break. Imagine my horror when the 1st pay cheque I received on July 3, 2025, had all of $0 as my reward. I won’t go into details here, but I found out that due to some payroll oversight (error), I wouldn’t get paid at all for the 2 months. I couldn’t get anyone to fix this problem as everyone was on vacation. I almost cancelled summer. Lucky that I ran into my bank person at a bus stop. She reminded me that I am richer than I think, and I should enjoy my summer. And I did!
I believe I went out about 30 times and that includes a nearly 2-day trip to Ottawa. I watched movies, in the theatre, by myself and with others. I completed 2 online courses that had a deadline of August 1st and simultaneously binge-watched all seasons of Mad Men as the series left Netflix on July 31st. I also watched stuff that Hans wanted me to watch with him. I spent time with my child. I spent time with my parents as well.
I was inspired to write this post as I got to spend a few minutes with ASid yesterday. I don’t get to see my boy as much anymore and the opportunities that come by are few and precious. I filled him in on my trip to Ottawa as I not only saw my friend KPF there but also had a brief visit with ASid’s best friend while I was there. I shared that I like how KPF lives his life. He pursues his interests and passions. Currently, he is a PhD student, and he told me that when he is done, he could play piano for the next 10 years! How does one live life like that? With such utter abandonment!
How ASid responded to that was beyond a mere pleasant surprise! He said a whole bunch of words and I hope I remember them accurately - “Some people have no sons, and you have two sons. You can do whatever you want. You need money, you can borrow from me. You can just take it. You don’t even have to return it. You can live like your friend KPF if you want to!”.
I was almost speechless, but I always have something to say. I told him that I love my job, and I can’t wait to get back to work. To which ASid also told me that I do not have to work until I am 65! (To be fair, a teacher should stop working when she can no longer look at her students joyfully.) Before I digress, I was so happy that I took the time out to meet with ASid. My commute was longer than the time I got with him, but it was totally worth it.
This week, I will be at work for a bit. Next week, I plan to be there every single day. The following week, I am reunited with my work children. Can’t wait to see them and see how they have grown. Can’t wait for a full school year of teaching. It is wonderful to watch children learn, grow and become their own people.
It has been a great summer!
No comments:
Post a Comment