September 6, 2026 – How Many?

Huh. I just bought these eggs from a vendor at the CN Centre parking lot at the outdoor “Sweater Weather Market.” I chose this carton because of the colours and size of the eggs. As I look at this photo, it makes for the perfect “how many” number talk activity. Hmm. I might just use this image for my numeracy class next term. Right now, I’m getting ready for this term as I write this blog post on Labour Day Long Weekend. I am learning how to pause, self-regulate, and reflect as the new school year approaches. I’m not sure what to say right now.

I am loving the cooler weather and my sleeps have been incredible with the fresh cool air (and no fans blowing in my face at regular intervals). I am super excited to reconnect with the outgoing teacher candidates of our program, and look forward to meeting the incoming teacher candidates. I have redesigned my course in first term, and I’m returning back to long practicum as one of the evaluators. My job/position has taken some twists and turns, but also I’ve been open to new opportunities and conversations. There is a lot to look forward to.

I am learning how to STAY FOCUSSED. There are so many distractors that can steal your time away. I don’t ask for these distractors, but they just happen. I need to take ownership of how I steward my time. For years, I was so motivated by what I perceived what others wanted from me. I was worried about what they thought about the quality of my work or my opinions. I spent a tonne of time ensuring that I was “fitting in” as best I could, without actually belonging. As a result, I was self-sabotaging, insecure, burning-out, heartbroken, and alone.

What a horrible place to be?

Over the last couple of years, after almost burning out trying to live up to someone else’s expectations to seek approval or validation, I just stopped. I had to accept who I was, the work that I was doing, and who I truly wanted to be. I learned how to be kind to myself, compassionate, and take the time to figure out what was really important to me. I have now nestled into my “be a person” day, which is Saturdays and I don’t do any work. I go to bed at a reasonable hour, I make meals at home, and I am going outside or to the gym for some exercise.

I am happy living alone with my cat, and I love to thrift. Who knew? I am also working with some incredible people in research and I love what I do in my teaching practice. I feel very connected to who I am, and I belong TO ME. I don’t have to “fit in” or be someone who I am not. I strive for happy, and I take great joy in the little things. I am recognizing my trauma responses and learning how to slow down, breathe, and pause for a moment before taking any action. I am safe and secure. I have options, and “the only person looking out for me, is me.”

Big lessons to learn before the school year begins. As a result, I have bought myself a new smartphone and desktop computer, I have made my home office a place where I love to work that is separate from my bedroom and living room, and I am RETURNING HOME to my love for mathematics and teaching practice in my research, and working with folks who build me up and vice versa. I love Kirkness and Barnhardt’s (2001) Four R’s of respect, responsibility, relevance, and reciprocity. To me, these are 4 pillars to good and authentic relationships.

Happy long weekend and welcome back to school!!