Hello Fellow Travellers,
November is here with all the busy-ness that this month brings. Progress reports done, family-school partnerships are getting stronger and the conversations among colleagues on how to support our learners are ongoing. In times like these, the weekend beckons.
Busyness of a Different Kind
I don’t know the circumstances of others’ lives, and can just speak for mine, at least those that I choose to share.
On weekdays, especially when we have turned the clocks back, going to and returning from work usually happens when the sky is dark. It is also not unusual to come in to a half cup of coffee left on the ledge of the powder room sink, or the plant shelf in the front hallway or even the salt tote on the front stoop.
Weekend Treats
To re-charge and clear my mind, get ready for the week ahead, I have some weekend routines that I shall share below
- I always make myself a special breakfast either poha, upma, idlis, dosas or a fancy omelette on the weekend
- I then eat this delicacy in a leisurely manner with my coffee
- The second cup of coffee is usually with a wander outside, dressed for the weather that allows me to peer at what my botanical friends are doing at this time of the year.
- One day is for professional and academic writing and catching up on correspondence with family and friends, in the GTA, and around the world.
- I sometimes pick up holds at the library as it is more relaxed than rushing over after a work day.
- One day is to prepare my home and me for the week ahead – meal prep etc.
- Yard work plays a huge part of my weekend at this time of the year because I diligently gather leaves to make leaf mold for the spring time planting.
Looking Inward, Looking Out
Everywhere around me, in order to allow me to enjoy my weekend treats, the world is at work, so to speak. The library is open, the grocery stores are stocked and serving customers, other services are up and running. if I were to go to the hospital for myself or to support a friend, that ecosystem would also be filled with people working away.
So how would it be if I were to ask students tomorrow: “What did you do on the weekend?” if their parent or caregiver were working in the spaces that make my weekend possible?
This is the mirror I am holding up to my privilege today.
I have a weekend.
Not everyone else has the same reality.
I just wanted to leave that here with my steaming cup of coffee.
With You, In Solidarity
Rashmee Karnad-Jani
