A work in progress

It might be shocking to hear, but I'm not just surviving this week. I really feel like I'm thriving! I admit that it's taking my body and brain a little bit of time to adjust to a MUCH busier schedule, but each day is full of blessings. Visits from previous students, calls/e-mails from teacher friends, words of encouragement from colleagues and parents....all wonderful reminders that I'm making a difference, living my purpose, and honoring the Lord. It really is a peaceful and satisfying feeling. Don't get me wrong - the week hasn't been perfect. Today, I goofed while getting ready for school. Our school was having a spirit day in honor of the first varsity football game. We were supposed to wear boots to "stomp" our opponents. I, on the other hand, thought that it was wear a complete western outfit, complete with cowboy hat. I arrived at school with just enough time to realize my mistake, run to Target, buy a more appropriate "teacher ensemble...

I used to panic often. I remember flipping out in the morning when my parents were "cutting it close" to drop me off to Junior High. The quotations are there for a reason, since I felt that arriving 10 minutes early was too close for comfort. Over the years, I hope I've gathered a little sanity and am able to take things in stride. But, I'm beginning to think that no matter how many years I teach, the week before school will be a battle between holding it together and completely freaking out. One more day to prepare...then it's off to the races on Monday! Welcome to the 09-10 school year!

So maybe this will turn into a once a week type event. At least I haven't thrown in the towel yet. I go back to work on Tuesday. I actually have to go in Monday since I have a meeting to prepare for Monday evening. Call me crazy, but I'm looking forward to it. I've learned that if I lack urgency or deadlines in my life, I really don't do anything. For example, in the last few days I've become an NCIS addict, experienced the wonder that is Youtube, and struck one gold medal on Bejeweled Blitz. On the productivity scale, I'm failing....miserably. The wierd thing - I don't feel compelled to change it. I woke up the last 2 days with the intention of going to work, but when I didn't make it, I felt no guilt. I'm not quite sure what I've become. Hopefully, the structure and hours required for work will help me snap out of it! I'm off to see the parents tomorrow. Should be fun - I may even play golf! And now, I'm off to bed.

Not sure how well this is going to go, but a friend convinced me to give this a try. I'm attempting to work on my communication...what better way to do that then to send my thoughts out for the entire world to see. :) On the eve of my 29th birthday, I'm reflecting on the many adventures I've been blessed enough to experience. My hope is that they continue throughout this year and the rest of my life. Perhaps I'll remember them even better with the help of this blog. I'm not opposed to getting older. I've certainly become more comfortable in my own skin...with the work in my life that God has promised to continue until the day of completion. So, bring on the birthday and let the countdown to 30 begin! I know this year will bring lots of twists and bends in the road, but I'm truly excited to see what the Lord has in store for me. And I'm ready to take advantage of the opportunities that present themselves. I hope I keep this updated enough to make it worth...