Instructing at the Learning Centre is amazingly rewarding work and it is also exhausting. We often work off the top of our heads, planning for a variety of instances and responding quickly to what is presented. We have a storage cupboard in the Learning Centre equipped with the basics: arts and craft materials, resource books, and other supplies and we try to replenish it regularly. It is often challenging to maintain a flow of activity or constant energy in the room, as there can be interruptions and disruptions at any time. And every time we need a different item from the cupboard, we have to unlock it. We cannot leave it unlocked let alone open for items may and have vanished. We are constantly being asked to swing between flexibility and a clear learning intention.

It was important for all of us to get familiar with this chaos and to recognize how to work with this environment. Although it was crazy from a classroom point of view, it was not necessarily out of control. We realized that it can be stimulating to women to have many things happen at one time. "Chaotic but busy and productive" was different than "frenzied and hostile". It was also easier for women who were shy to just ease into the room. Women seemed to love the buzz of activity and when everyone's hands were busy, we learned that it was often a good time to bring up a discussion item or to check out a new idea. We came to recognize this happy busyness sensation and make the most of it. At the same time, we had to relax about how supplies were being used. We bit back comments about glitter glue going all over the table and started bringing a plastic tablecloth. We found out that anything can be used differently and not to become attached to the "right way". We had to recognize that anything we put out on the table was fair game and that it was much more important to encourage women in their creativity than end up with all the craft tools at the end of the evening.