What Did I Forget?

I can't believe I'm laying on my bed posting to my blog and it's not even 9:00 o'clock yet. Why is this strange? Because tomorrow I will be greeted by 68 eager-to-read-and-write sophomores (are you picking up my sarcasm) when I start my SEVENTH year teaching. In years past, I would still be in my classroom doing last minute things to over-prepare myself. Funny how much smarter you get the more "first days" you have. Things do not have to be perfect; I just need to be ready for the first day, maybe the first week if I'm really good. My first week is ready. Wow. I was talking to my friend Amanda tonight at the CISD fish fry hosted by FBC. We were both saying we start to panic that we've forgotten something when things seem way too ready and we actually are prepared.

First, I can't believe the beginning of the school year is already here. I say it every year, but this year it is more true than ever. The summer is gone and it's back to a routine. I've been asked the inevitable, "well are you ready?" about a thousand times in the last week and every time I enthusiastically say "YES." And it's true! Y'all, on the job front I couldn't be more blessed. I work with the most fabulous people and truly have some great kiddos. I am supported unconditionally by administration and it is a good feeling to know your back is covered should you ever need it to be. My students are smart, talented, witty, and overall have good heads on their shoulders. I learn something new from them on a daily basis and am continually impressed with the choices they make.

Don't get me wrong. I will miss sleeping late (I still would give my right arm if we could start school just an hour later, even if it meant we got out an hour later), and I will miss being able to run errands during the day and not have to wait until school is over, or being able to work out, or walk the pups whenever I wanted to. But, I REALLY start to feel worthless during the summer...like a big ole bump on a log. So, I look forward to a routine and structure. I'm truly in my element in my classroom and so I feel like this is where I thrive and want to be.

I will start my SEVENTH year teaching and I am just amazed I made it. Those first two years were rough. Teaching middle school for four years had its challenges, but I loved the people I worked with. However, moving up to the high school level made me realize I didn't know what I was missing. I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE high school kids. Granted, they bring a whole new set of challenges with them, but I am SO up for it.

I am keeping myself busy this year at school. Here's what I've got on my plate:

-5 classes of regular English
-1 class of Pre-Dual Credit English
-co sponsoring Bobcat Stars (taking h.s. kids to elementary once a month)
-UIL/GT Coordinator (I get another conference period for this, but after hearing all it entails, I now understand why)
-teaching a GED class one night a week at the h.s.
-preparing to present about blogging at TCEA in February in Austin
-introducing all sorts of cool things to the kids this year with technology
-preparing for TAKS in February
-serving on various committees for this and that

Plus, choir practice every Wednesday night, other church functions, weekend excursions (College Station, Waco, Uvalde, Levelland, Lubbock, etc...), socializing, visiting family, Bobcat football games, being a wife, puppy mommy, grocery shopper, working out, Bible study on Monday nights, etc...

Life will be busy.

And I wouldn't want it any other way.