Today’s daily prompt explores an intriguing idea. What if, like in the movie Groundhog Day, you had the chance to relive a day over and over until you got it “right?” What day would you choose? This prompt made me take a quick mental inventory of the standout days of my life. Would I choose to replay any of them? I don’t think I would. I don’t feel like I have any days that I monumentally messed up. Sure, I’ve made some bad decisions along the way, but none that stand out so glaringly that I would jump at the chance to relive their circumstances in an attempt to change the outcome. For that I’m grateful.

If I were in a Groundhog Day type situation, I think I would choose a typical weekday. Since these are the most common days of my life, I think it would be a great benefit to figure out, once and for all, how to make them as pleasant and productive as possible.  What I would hope to accomplish, after several attempts I’m sure, would be a model day that I would strive to emulate. Here’s how it goes in my mind.

First, the alarm goes off after a restful night’s sleep. I happily get out of bed and begin my morning routine. Ideally, it includes some type of exercise that I find stimulating and enjoyable (this is an ideal, remember?). Then I shower, dress, and join my happy family at the breakfast table for a nutritious and delicious meal that someone (anyone?) has prepared. We have plenty of time to eat and enjoy each other’s company before leaving for school and work with equally nutritious and delicious lunches in hand.

Naturally I leave the house with plenty of time to spare, and the freeways are clear making the drive quick and safe. We listen to some of our favorite music and sing along as we happily banter during the trip. Soon after, I deliver my sweet son to school, and impart some loving words of wisdom, which he takes to heart, as he starts his day.

I make my way to my work, and arrive early enough to calmly go about my business before the students arrive. Of course the classroom is neat and orderly, all of the materials for the day are ready and organized, and the calendar and boards are updated with the day’s pertinent information.  The computer is up and running and the day’s lessons are polished and ready to go. I greet the students warmly as they enter, and I teach my heart out all day. Every question I ask is thought provoking, every assignment is met with enthusiasm and carefully completed, and every possible need of the students has been anticipated and met. The happy children give hugs and high fives as they leave for the day, excited to return the following day for more of the same.

After dismissal, I meet with colleagues briefly as we review our successes and any potential challenges, and we create some dynamic plans for upcoming instruction. Then I quickly grade some student work, enter it into the gradebook (yes, on the same day), and leave the room ready for the following day.

Now the rest of the afternoon is mine. I pick up my son and he regales me of his triumphs both in and out of the classroom that day. Again our drive is easy, with a soundtrack that we both enjoy. At home our darling puppy greets us, and she hasn’t chewed a single thing aside from her collection of chew toys. My son get right to work on chores and homework, and I read and review the mail and take a few minutes for myself. I may even read a book, or write, or sew.

My sweetheart comes home, and the three of us enjoy a perfect evening with a nutritious dinner and time to enjoy each other’s company. Somehow the cooking and cleaning up get done without anyone really noticing how, and we decide to do something fun together, since all homework has been carefully completed and there are no chores hanging over anyone’s head. Maybe we go to the dog park or the movies. Maybe it’s miniature golf or a video game tournament. Whatever it is, we all enjoy it together.

Finally, after a long day, it’s time to unwind and go to bed. We let each other know how much we appreciate and love one another, and we settle in for a restful night’s sleep.

Yes, I think I could handle that day. In fact, I’ve been working on practicing it already. Maybe someday I’ll nail it, but for now I’ll cherish the parts of it that I do get right. Then the next day, I’ll try again.  After all, I’m the eternal optimist. It could happen.

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