Soup Nazi and a Better Day!

Ok...I know I may be the only one.  But there are times, especially at the beginning of the year or after holidays when I feel like I am the "soup nazi" (like from Seinfeld)...barking out orders, calling kids on everything, all day...to the point where when I go home I feel like a complete failure- like if I had been a better teacher, they wouldn't have been acting that way. 

Now keep in mind, I don't just act like the 'Soup Nazi' for no reason.  Oh, there's a reason, baby! (insert George Costanza reference)

Anyway, it is usually because my kids are out of control...I know, I know, if I were better at classroom management, they wouldn't be wild.  I get it.  BUT I am pretty good at management...and even then, they still just 'act-a-fool' sometimes.  When that happens,  the 'Soup Nazi' will show it's ugly head and I am barking orders, telling people, "turn around!".."get with your partner!"  open your book!"..and on and on.  And as I said, I just (upon reflection) at the end of the day come to terms with the fact that I a horrible teacher...and maybe I will do a better job next year.  Yeah, that's it...There's always next year, that's when I will do a a really good job...not ever lose my temper...get to Science and Social Studies every day..never raise my voice.....  That'll be great! 

Ok...not sure if that's gonna ever happen...and

if you can't tell, I have been the 'Soup Nazi' for the last two days.  Had my Stuart Smalley (SNL) moments, "I'm good enough.  I am smart enough. Gosh darnit, people like me.  And next year, I will do it right!" 

AND then...it happens.

I come to school today and my kids...after two days of 'Soup Nazi'...just do everything right. (ok, not everything, but you get it, right?)  The class flows.  Everyone does their part. People listen.  People follow direction.  I smile.  I mean, really smile.  And I realize the Soup Nazi has a place.  At least for me, there are times, when I have to show that side...or remind kids that I possess that side.  That combined with new seating and new groupings...Voila!  My old kids are back...the ones who do pretty much everything I ask and who aren't perfect, but at least help me to help them.

Now, for those of you who are unfamiliar with my reference to Soup Nazi, here is a little help:

And for those of you who "get it" and love Seinfeld as much as I do...here is a little beefcake for you:

Ok, one of my teacher friends suggested that I am not the 'Soup Nazi'..that I am more like Miss Viola Swamp.  I couldn't argue with her! lol (Gotta love the book, Miss Nelson is Missing!)

That was me on Monday.

and....

This was me today:

except as a brunette! lol