Nice Day!

It is so gorgeous out! It's almost crazy how nice it is outside today. I feel the pressure to figure out how to truly take advantage of it. So far all I've done is sit on my porch to enjoy it (Bo is lying in the sun taking in deep breaths every so often...as he should.). I figured it was about time for another update on here, since the definition of the Pass Around is to take your bite when it's been passed. ;)

Regardless, school is definitely underway. In fact, we're already almost halfway through first quarter. It's kind of crazy to think that this is our fifth year out of school and therefore my fifth year of teaching, but I'm embracing it because, dare I say it, it might have been the smoothest beginning of a school year yet. It has helped that I've had a lot of my AP students (in fact all but one) before as sophomores. They seem to already know what I expect and are less inclined to complain/think I'll give them a break, which makes all the difference in that class. I also have freshmen this quarter, who I haven't had for two years, so it's been interesting to re-experience that. I forget how much they really are like middle schoolers at the beginning of the year! They're overall a pretty good group, with a few "Chatty Kathy's" - boys, of course, as often is the case at that age - but I enjoy their energy. There is some drama amongst the girls and with one in particular who is certainly trying my patience with perhaps the most negative attitude I've ever encountered. I really wasn't sure if I was going to make it through Friday's class with her after a 5-minute "calm tirade" on my part regarding why the negative attitude needs to go (namely that I'll freak out if it doesn't...hehe). Anyway, I'm sure I'll make it, but she keeps me on my toes, for sure...Otherwise, like I said, the year has been good. I have my own room, seem to have most things kind of figured out, and am even mentoring a 2nd year teacher in our building (choir teacher..random but true). What I could use is a reprieve from papers, however. I have a larger AP group this year, and I'm feeling it! I can barely seem to get my head above water (ok, paper) before another load comes in. I know that it's my own fault for assigning it, but that is the nature of the first quarter of AP. I must get through Pride and Prejudice and then I'll get a break with poetry...

Bo has been on a mission to add to the stress of life with his separation anxiety since school has started. He officially ripped his way out of his wire kennel, with only a scratch thankfully, to tell me how much he hates my job. After much deliberation, I decided to put him on some separation anxiety meds. Between that and spending his time in my garage instead of a kennel, he seems to be doing better. He's still not a fan when I leave, but at least he's not destroying anything or hurting himself. He's still super cute. Who can blame such a cutie for just wanting to be with others? Sara's parents dropped off a heated dog house yesterday in case I want to continue with the garage plan when the weather cools. I have yet to see him get in it, but we'll see as time goes by...

Otherwise, that's about it, I guess. The Tim adventure is over, which is a good thing in the end, but wasn't exactly my favorite occurrence. The beginning of school is always crazy and while it's been an easy start there, I have been feeling the stress of a busy schedule in addition to the trials of daily life and look forward to not feeling like a bit of an emotional basket case at times with all that seems to be happening at the same time. The beauty of the day today is welcome, and I'm going to do all I can to not feel trapped by the horrific freshmen essays in my bag. I charge you all to do the same with whatever might be your version of horrific freshmen essays. :)

Love you all and am always thankful for such wonderful people in my life.