Learning to Make Time with the AOE Conference

Last Thursday, July 14th, I had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the Art of Ed Now online conference. I check theartofed.com on a daily basis for some great lesson ideas, interesting podcasts and insights on classroom management from teachers around the country. I was able to have their online conference approved and paid for by my school, so I set up a large table in my air conditioned bedroom (it's been very hot and humid in Rhode Island) and I watched some awesome presentations on my computer for a good chunk of the day. I had actually planned on catching up on one of my biggest pet peeves- folding laundry during the presentation, but I was excited to find out how interactive the presentations were, so there remains an unfolded pile of clean laundry in my bedroom. The first 1500 participants were able to receive a box of sample supplies or a "Swag Box" to poke through during the presentation. I was one of the lucky first 1500 and I followed along with all of the activities, including my favorite, Danny Gregory's (the author of "Art Before Breakfast") 2 minute sketchbook scavenger hunt. I was reminded during the conference to always give myself time to create outside of work. It seems that I am spending what little free time I have on cleaning, prepping for school, painting Paint Nite samples (the downfall of my night-job!) and more recently- planning a wedding (ok- I'm still in the newly-engaged giddy stage of planning so I can't complain about that...yet :) So I find my art supplies being covered with cobwebs in my basement- most of them still unopened! I've tried to carve out creative time before and usually it starts strong- then the GUILT happens. I'll be in the midst of creating when my mental list comes back- reminding me that I have a home office full of un-organized bills, a full dishwasher, books that need to be returned to the library or school presentations that I could be putting together if only I wasn't so selfish by choosing to ignore my list and spend time creating art for myself. Part of the reason I feel guilty is the fact that whenever my fiance is home (which is hardly ever) he is mowing the lawn, painting the shed in the backyard, or completing other tedious homeowner tasks because he feels like he shouldn't relax when he has so little time at home. But the thing I need to realize is that he plays on a volleyball team 2-3 nights a week and he uses that time to do something he loves to do, play volleyball-so this is his free time. Since I don't have other players waiting for me, I don't allow myself to have free time without feeling like I have to complete other more "important" things first. I enjoyed Jennifer Balsley's (the creator of ArtofEd.com) presentation on how important it is to make time for yourself. She mentioned the ideas in Hal Elrod's book titled "Miracle Morning" which focuses on starting your day off right and efficient time management. It will definitely be my next library book search! Speaking of time management- I am off to my night job at Paint Nite- whew I can't catch a break!