Just how far...

would you go to ensure the success of a student?  In my new position, I have found that it is pretty dang far.  For example, today I (as a result of some things I can't really tell you all about due to that pesky confidentiality) ran a quarter of a mile and did the monkey bars.  I don't love exercising (I prefer to lose weight when needed by not eating).  I sometimes run for exercise, but I don't love it.  But today, I was an active participant in PE because I love my students.  I'm not telling this because now I think I'm some sort of rockstar.  I'm not (my less than stellar moments outweigh the rockstar by 4:1 if I'm being honest).  I'm telling this because I want everyone to know I love my job.  To most (including but not limited to my DH) it seems like I may have finally gone off the deep end.  When I tell people what I do, I get the wide eyed slow back away most of the time.  But, I absolutely love it (to quote BIST, "Even when it's hard").  I love my students and the puzzles they bring to the table every day.  But most of all I love being challenged to bring about success regardless of the cost.  

Finding Balance

Around the turn of the century, when I started my teaching career, I had a little "Come to Jesus" meeting about my classroom management and overall effectiveness as a teacher.  So instead of leaving the profession in tears (like I wanted to), I went out and bought The First Few Days of School by Harry Wong.  It is basically the best resource I have ever read for getting the school year started and setting one's class up for success.  However, it does not tell one how to be efficient in the first few days, and I so wish it did (because I could totally use the advice).  Right now, I am having a hard time finding the balance I need.  Everything feels super overwhelming.  There is so. much. to. do.  It's not just school, though.  It's school added to home that makes things hard (laundry is a lot easier to do when you haven't already put in an 8+ hour day).  I know that over time, things will even out and we will have a good routine set.  Just, it hasn't happened, yet.  For now, we will muddle through and hopefully not run out of socks and underwear.

1 Down

I am happy to announce that I made it all the way through my day in a new position and new building without crying (even though it seemed there were a lot of odds against me and possibly even wagers made).  I wore sensible shoes so my feet don't hurt right now (although I may still ask my DH to rub them anyway).  The getting up before the sun came a little easier (mostly because I spent my night somewhere between asleep and awake...you know the place where your eyes are closed, but your mind is reeling).  I have all my scheduling done (a miracle).  Now, all that's left are 87 billion more tasks.

On a personal front, the Clover and Cubscout's principal e-mailed me today to let me know that they were both having a great start to the school year.  It was a pleasant surprise and also reassuring that he sent one email that named them both. I know that they are cared for as individuals (at least that's what I assume as I didn't get two separate emails, nor did it say "your child" with Cc's to 410 parents).  So I took a mental note to do the same if and when I ever use that Initial Principal certification.