Feeling a bit under the weather. . .

. . . but going to do a quick post any way.

I need to go to bed. I have a full day of registration at school tomorrow. 6th graders. They are soooo little when they come in. I kind of want to squish them. But I don't tell them that. Hahaha. I'm more of an older kid teacher. I love 7th graders because they all have lost their minds due to hormones. And they pretty much get their minds back once they are 8th graders (only to lose it again in 9th grade). I do love 8th graders the most. However, my 6th graders last year grew on me. They were so eager to please and would do whatever silly dramatic game I came up with. Their creativity was not stifled yet by peer pressure or the message to "grow up." So the urge to squish grew slight by the end of the year. I cannot wait to see them, now that they are 7th graders. As a non-parent child nurtured, seeing the students develop throughout their 3 years of middle school will be one of the best things about teaching an exploratory class, rather than a core subject.

Don't tell my colleagues, but I get excited for school to start. Don't get me wrong, I was counting down the days in May and early June. But after vacations and down time, a business trip and some professional development, I'm ready for a new start. Each new class each new year gives me the chance to do things better than I did the previous year. I can teach a little better, grow a little more, practice a little more patience, and reach a whole new set of students. And though hours are spent in "nuts and bolts" meetings, and assessment planning, etc., it doesn't diminish the excitement that comes with the first day of school. And even though I had 2 in early June, I am expecting to have at least 2 more "back to school, I'm not ready, I missed the first day, I'm in the wrong room, the kids hate me" dreams. Those little bonuses my subconscious gifts me with to let me know that I have more anxiety than what I'm feeling already.

And let's face it. I'm no good at putting myself in schedule. Case in point, it is 1:00 a.m. August 5, and I'm writing August 4's post. Going back to school forces me into a schedule. And it will take a little bit to get used to. But I find I don't forget to eat during the school day. I use my time off more wisely. And I rarely stay up past 12, and in fact try to get to bed at 10, so I can get 8 hours of sleep in.

So, you won't find me mourning the passing of summer on FB, unless I'm playing around or grouchy because I have to get out of bed before noon.  It's a new start. A new year. With some new and some old students. I await it with smiles, a little anxiety, and extreme hope to make a difference in lives this year.

(I hope I was not too incoherent because this medicine is kicking my behind!) Goodnight, friends!