My Best Life

My not-so-new teaching partner, Michael, approached me the other day and said that I am a smart person. I wondered where that was going. Turns out he self-published 2 books of poetry and wanted some feedback from me. I was like 'what makes you think I am smart?', and he was quick with a response that I have 2 degrees. Guilty as charged. I do display my 2 degrees prominently in my work email signature - "B.A. (Honours), B. Ed". They are just Bachelor's degrees and nothing special; however, Michael seemed to focus on the 'Honours' bit a bit too much.

So, I was tasked with reading Michael's poetry. Since I have a long bus ride home, I was able to read his poems literally in one sitting. Then, I felt the responsibility to provide constructive feedback. Obviously, poetry is personal. As always, I tried to focus on the positive. I chose a poem from each collection that I could relate to - one was about a moment with a child, and the other was about a mirror on the wall. Since my blog is all about capturing moments with my children, and recently also about seeing myself in a figurative mirror, I could readily relate to those themes.

And then, I had to deal with the "constructive" part of my feedback. I told Michael that his poetry is too personal, and thus, inaccessible. I sent all my thoughts to Michael in an email. I chose the written format over the oral one as I always feel like I have some control over the words I use. I am quite terrible when I have to convey anything "constructive" in person! Anyways, despite my careful consideration, Michael still felt like I missed certain nuances as he used what he called Canadian slang! Then, it was my turn to be a little upset.

I am as Canadian as Canadian is.

However, I did not go that route. Instead, I told Michael that I need to read his poems in a leisurely manner and perhaps not all at once. That way, maybe I will get the nuances he intended. Michael was happy about that. I did not tell him that I also dabble in poetry. Currently, I have 7 poems "published" on this blog - the most recent one was a modified version of a "song". I do believe a couple of them are a little personal; however, the others are quite relatable I think. Unfortunately, I don't have a clue as my handful of readers are too kind and do not provide *any* feedback!

I wanted to take a moment and throw light on how I am churning out quite a few posts even though I am back at work?! Well, I have only ever wanted to be a teacher and a writer. After I spend an entire school day teaching, I am on a long bus ride back home. The last school year, I spent that hour and a bit, on the bus, playing ‘Candy Crush’. I am at level 18, 000+. This school year, I have decided to instead write if I have something to write about. How cool is that?! I am living my best life.