Waiting To Exhale

It always sneaks up on me fast.  One minute I'm enjoying mornings reading the paper on my deck, afternoons riding my bike along nature trails, and evenings with no specific bed time. No alarm. No schedule. Days that begin without a plan and end with new adventures, or some days, nothing.  Lost in a book or simply the beauty of days on end to relax and rejuvenate.  Summer always makes me feel like a kid again. 

Speaking of kids, I'm back to school and have officially survived the first week back. If you are a teacher, you know what I'm talking about here.  You know if you can make it that first week and are still standing (and able to talk) by the end of that first week, you're good to go.  I tell non-teacher friends that starting each new school year is like starting a new job every year. (Side note:  I also say school is a bit like a prison sentence with my schedule controlled by ringing bells, but that's another story and another blog).  This year I have twenty-four little adorable "employees".  

And so it began last Tuesday. I had looked at their school photos to try and match the face to their name for our first day together. I always figure they know my name, so I should do my best to try and get to know their names so I can greet them on day 1.  Inevitably, there always seems to be at least one or two that I mess up, but hey, kids are the most forgiving beings on the planet. When I mess up, they laugh along when I laugh at myself. Everybody makes mistakes.  There is a wonderful feeling of excitement mixed with nervousness throughout the school the first day. 

As with any new employee, the first order of business is to provide orientation. The students need to know our schedule, rules, and procedures of our company classroom.  As their new boss teacher, I have to establish myself as their leader and gain their trust and confidence.  This isn't an easy task.  Prior to that first minute of the first day, I've been preparing.   I've spent hours in professional development.  I've laminated and copied.  I've organized and planned with my team. I am r-e-a-d-y. Send me in coach!

By the end of the day Tuesday, I knew all the names of my new little cuties.

By Wednesday, I was remembering what it feels like to stand on your feet for seven hours a day and the importance of planning bathroom breaks.

By Thursday, I was checking my calendar because it sure felt like it should already be a Friday.  

By Friday, I had adjusted to early morning wake-ups again (snooze button).  I had found clothes in my closet that have not seen the light of day for a few months (goodbye yoga pants and flip-flops). I had stuck to my promise to make and bring a healthy lunch every day (no more going out to lunch with friends for a while).   

And by Friday, at the end of the day, I felt excited and optimistic for a great year ahead. My new group of employees look very promising! You can bet that I (like every other teacher on the planet) am enjoying this weekend.

After all, summer will return again.  June is in sight.  You just need binoculars right now to see it.

To all teachers everywhere:  Have a great year!