Sick, sick
pick, pick
wick, wick
lick, lick
Sick.

Back to School Night is OVER!!!

It went really, really well. Despite the fact that the other 2nd grade teacher had to go on bedrest, 8 months pregnant and had to have her replacement fill in. We did fabulously though. The parents loved us and they laughed at my funny presentation. I am so glad it's over; now we can get on with real teaching. It's amazing how much energy just the idea of Back to School Night takes up. Tomorrow is going to be a long day, especially considering I haven't finished the friday newsletter. Oh well.

We have hermit crabs at school and they're really cool. They're nocturnal, and now that they're getting more settled in to their "crabitats" they're pretty quiet during the day. We almost thought one was dead today, but apparently just sleeping.

Some neighbors across the backyard are having a party. They have all kinds of Christmas lights up and people partying. I wonder what the occasion is on a Thursday? Autumnal Equinox no doubt.

Happy First Day of Fall everyone.

It's hard to start again, but it's worse not to start. So much has gone on everyday I hardly know where to begin. And it's my birthday tomorrow. I'm off to celebrate with friends in a few minutes, despite my tired eyes. Not quite ready to give in to age, though it'd be nice to just fall into bed. Had the pleasure of attending the Fringe Festival production of Got Lucky, featuring our friend Ben. It was a fun little show about Niagra Falls barrel jumpers and the trials and tribulations of love and brotherhood. I found it interesting that selections for the festival are taken from a non-juried lottery, in order to increase the prospects of innovative and fresh performances.

I've been pondering the fact that the full moon falls on my birthday. I think there's some significance to this and my upcoming year. I plan to consult the Tarot. I think I'll have a Guinness at the bar. Something substantial to feed my birthday soul. After all, it is like a meal in itself.

Oh blog, how I miss you. Your fun pictures and anonymous postings. I know I am really busy with my new hobby, 2nd grade, but I promise to come back to you soon. It'll just take me a little time to get it out of my system. Till then, I'm thinking of you fondly.

The classroom is ready!!!

A lot closer to being done! Doesn't my Word Wall look great? (Thanks, Melinda.) I'm going in tomorrow for the finishing touches. Still have a few hours of work to go before the kidlets come.

We took a peek at the new museum.

My trusty assistant.

Along a backwoods path...

Tried my hand at an Andy Goldsworthy piece.

Run free, wild flowers

Fibonacci in nature. The Dahlia Garden at GG Park

Sleeping on the couch

I forgot how utterly exhausting this profession is.

I feel the energy for my outside pursuits dwindling. I stay late at school, working hard, which sometimes looks like standing around staring at a room full of potential. I watch my assistant work endlessly to meet my needs. She is a goddess-send. I get home, eat dinner, look at my room and suddenly find it's 9:00. I know it'll get easier as time goes by and this changing jobs stuff has been cause for extra work. But I also know the relaxed air of summer has past. I'm filled with excitement after meeting my students today - young silly faces, some shy, others rambunctious. My purpose is now for them and for my own learning, growing, and connecting.

Tomorrow is Saturday and it will be a good day for a quiet walk in the park.

Wednesday afternoon and all the boxes are unpacked! Yes, they are all over the room, but still it's progress. Di Di, come tell me where to put everything!!!

View from the lodge. Do you think I love trees or what?

2nd grade team hanging out at our Staff Retreat. We spent the night Monday at Sequoia Seminar in Ben Lomond. I got to know a lot of people, and I think I almost know everyone's names. There are about 80 teachers at the school, not counting the rest of the staff. The retreat was full of some crazy events like teachers taking off their pants to receive a birthday spanking at the restaurant we ate at. Okay, just one teacher and one restaurant owner. You guys have to see this restaurant. I was so bummed I didn't take my camera!