Nosce te ipsum

In Latin, this means "Know Thyself".

We journey through this life constantly rediscovering ourselves. Each new turning point, each new milestone reveals something to us about our own nature. Experience is the best teacher, and all that. That is why the young are rarely wise. The old are only wise if they have paid attention along the way and recognized the bits of wisdom that are gleaned through the trials and experiences of life.

As you have probably guessed, I have had a 'know thyself' moment recently.

The school wide art show is coming up next Friday. I inadvertently volunteered myself to be in charge of the school wide end of the year shindig by volunteering to have an art show at all. The principal and I (let's be fair, after all, I stood there agreeing with him through the whole conversation some months ago) both agreed it could take the place of other, less popular (by teacher standards) events, such as the dance festival. Almost all teachers groan when we have to do a dance festival because it involves so much effort.

I was placed in charge.

Here is the moment of recognition;

I DO NOT LIKE BEING IN LEADERSHIP POSITIONS!

I typed up a comprehensive agenda, telling all the teachers and staff just what should be done, and in what order, to be ready for the show. Every teacher has a part to play, and if everyone just follows the plan, no one will be overburdened at all.

Hmmm.

I can't tell you how many teachers have come up to me in the past week with comments such as these...

"When am I supposed to hand you all the kids artwork?" (um, never! You are supposed to prep and hang it in the hallway outside your classroom door!)

"I saw the note you put in my box, I haven't read all of it yet, but what am I supposed to do?" (this is a direct quote from a teacher, I kid you not!)

"I have a parent who brought in his own artwork, what am I supposed to do?" (read the agenda)

"Am I supposed to put something in the art show, too?" (read the agenda!)

"When is the art show, again?" (READ THE AGENDA!!!!)

Nope, I DEFINITELY don't want to lead anyone anywhere, because I am so frustrated at their lack of ability to follow that I am likely to lead them off a cliff for the pure satisfaction of it!