Impressions from the first week…

• Nervous - it’s the first day and I’m already talking too fast. I wonder if they notice that it’s not all that hot in here but I’m sweating. I know this sounds disgusting, but I can feel the sweat at the roots of my hair. As I begin to notice this it gets worse. I have forgotten to bring a comb or a brush, so on my lunch I frantically finger comb my hair, hoping to make it not so gross.
• Kids are cute - I seem to have a good bunch of kids. None of them seem to be thuggy. None of them seem to be outright rude or defiant. I don’t have any English Language Learners - I’m the mainstream classroom.
• New student - I haven’t even finished the tour of my room and I already have a new student. I feel a little bad for him, coming into a new class after it’s already underway. I scoot a desk over into a group of students and settle him down. Throughout the day, I give him a name tag, pencil, white board, dry erase marker, basket (to keep pencil and marker in) and a homework folder. The other kids seem to be accepting him well (of course it IS only the first day).
• I’ve forgotten a lot over the summer. For instance, I seem to have forgotten that kids need precise directions. They also ask a LOT of questions. I think nerves is playing a part in how much I can’t remember on the spot.
• It’s really HOT outside. I have taken the kids on a couple of tours through the school. When we walk outside I’m slammed with heat. It seems sunnier here than I’m used to. I toy with the idea of bringing an umbrella. But knowing how stupid that would look, I choose not to. I can’t wait for October.
• Not enough hours in the day. I’ve heard people say this before - most of them teachers - and paid it no mind. But it’s true. There aren’t enough hours in the day. I have so much stuff to do, that I could stay at school from 7:00 am to 8:00 pm and still have plenty of stuff to do.
• The drive isn’t that bad. I really, REALLY love audio books. I have become the Tempe Public Library’s number one fan. Currently I’m listening to Diana Gabaldon’s “A Breath of Snow and Ashes.” I love it. In fact, sometimes I get home and sit in the driveway for a moment or two so I can keep listening. I highly recommend this book. Of course, this is book 6 in a series of ginormous books, so it’s a time investment.
• Typical. It’s the first week and I can tell I’m getting sick…already. I have started slamming Airborne and got a lot of rest this weekend, so hopefully that will nip it in the bud. My head still hurts a bit though. I think it ’s because I’ve been running myself ragged and damaged my immune system. I do NOT want to be sick.
• I’m to tired to surf the Internet anymore. I know, Wende, I didn’t think it was possible either. But I am SO tired. I hope I acclimate to this schedule and can find some time to do something besides check email. (i miss the internet)

To be continued…