Why I don't teach math

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Hey, Amanda, he said. Are you counting down the days yet? Only two and a half weeks to go! 

No, no, said I. It's three and a half weeks, and there's still plenty on my to-do list to knock off before I leave. 

Hmmm, he said. Look at the calendar. 

And I did. And he was right. 

Just like that, the time has disappeared out from under me and I find myself today with just 13 working days (17 calendar days) before leaving for retirement. How did that happen? Is this always how it goes? 

I figure I've been working or studying in some combination since I was 5. By my calculation (accurate?), that's 55 years of a certain rhythm and pattern to my years and months. Suddenly that is going to change. 

I feel a bit like I've been on a fast-paced moving-sidewalk (like the ones in large airports) and I'm approaching the end of the ride, readying myself for stepping OFF...onto stationary ground. And just like that, the rhythm will change. 

I feel I am ready for that change. Prepared even, with plans already secured for interesting workshops to teach in the fall. It's just that I thought I had more time before this ride ends and that one begins. 

Oh well. Bring it on, as they say. If I need to ditch my to-do list only fifty percent done, maybe no one will notice. (After all, I am not known for my math skills...)

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Land acknowledgement: I respectfully recognize that I live on the original lands of the Anishiinaabe, Cree, Oji-Cree, Dakota and Dene peoples, and on the homeland of the Métis Nation. 

Photo by Hanson Lu on Unsplash

Comments

  1. PamelakatJune 14, 2021 at 6:09 AM

    We always think we have more time.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amanda Le RougetelJune 14, 2021 at 7:33 AM

      Isn't that the truth, Pamela! Time slips by regardless of all other things...

      Delete
  2. AnnJune 14, 2021 at 6:20 AM

    Life changes are unsettling, but I promise you will survive. xo

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amanda Le RougetelJune 14, 2021 at 7:34 AM

      i am looking forward to moving well beyond surviving, Ann, to thriving in this next chapter. Here's hoping!

      Delete
  3. danielle-momoJune 14, 2021 at 7:13 AM

    Even when retired, time has a way of disappearing.
    Remember ? You do your best for the last 13 days. After, it is out of your hands.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Amanda Le RougetelJune 14, 2021 at 7:35 AM

      Danielle - thank you for that reminder! Yes, doing my best and then moving on...

      Delete

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