Another encounter with a frog...

Yes, everyone, I had another encounter with a frog when I got home last night. My first encounter with a frog left me sitting in my car for an hour waiting for my superhero fiance to come home and save the day. But this time I had no choice but to fend for myself - the self-proclaimed independent woman. (ROAR!) But how can a self-proclaimed independent woman be scared of a big frog? OK, it wasn't that big, but big enough. I claim to be independent, in need of no man for assistance, but what happen to my proclamation when it was woman vs. nature? Does this mean that I'm not as independent as I thought? I can manage to teach 180 students, complete meaningful and intriguing lesson plans, do the wifely duties as my mother says, and take the garbage out, but I can't handle a frog? Is there a fine line between independent woman and damsel in distress?

At first, I found it difficult to accept the assistance of my fiance when we moved in together. I manage my day-to-day life like I normally did when I was single. I would grab what was easiest to drink and eat for breakfast, and would grab some lunch at the school cafeteria, which has a really good tuna fish sandwich. When he noticed how limited my time was in the morning, he made it a point to make me breakfast and pack me a lunch. He would help when it came to housework, however, laundry was off-limits because I find it therapeutic. We would alternate cooking days, and if I was too busy, he would take me out to eat. Nevertheless, I was the ferociously independent woman!

Now, I question how independent I am when a frog prevents me from entering my home, forcing me to wait for my superhero to come to my rescue. I recognize that at times my claim of independence shows my stubbornness to ask for help. I am learning to ask for help, which I'm getting better at, and appreciating everything my fiance does to help his independent woman. I just hope that there isn't a frog at my front door when I get home tonight.

As the school year comes to an end, I am left with elation and relief that I've made it through another year as a teacher, and sadness that another student lost their life because of their actions. As a teacher, I try to show students that they are not invisible and there are repercussions for the choices made. I thought I was home free today with only 8 hours to end the school year, when I received news that a student lost their life in a terrible car accident, so terrible that the make of the car was indistinguishable. Not only did he lose his life, but his younger sister who rode in the car with him, was hurt as well. And it was all about choices. He could have used better judgment: wearing his seatbelt; not driving so fast; getting home earlier, etc. Nevertheless, there is no use in living in what he should have done since this tragedy is final. This is just another reminder that tomorrow is not promised, prompting me to practice what I preach. Carpe diem!

r.i.p. tj

Until next time,
Tenny