A Whirlwind

Whew! I am just now getting a chance to take a deep breath! School began the 17th, and it has been quite a whirlwind the last week. I am teaching 5th grade reading, English, and social studies, and also a 6th grade English class. I teach six periods a day, which for most teachers, that's normal, but I was spoiled last year only having to teach five classes a day. Now that we've been in classes for a week, things are starting to calm and come into focus. I am breathing now, which is nice. LOL My students are great, and I seem to only have one that tries my patience - which I have less of these days - on a rather consistent basis. This is my fifth year of teaching and my first year of actually feeling like I am in control and have a grip on lessons and behaviors. So nice! The other fifth grade teacher is brand new, and it reminds me of my early days -- and I say thanks everyday that I made it through them. Being a teacher is hard work. I don't think people really understand how all-consuming it is unless they know someone well who is in the field. When school is going I dream about some aspect of my class almost every night, and I think about it all during the day too, of course, and then on the weekends I am planning for the next week, so it's in my mind then too - all consuming. I love it though. I just love being in charge and getting to boss others around! LOL I really am good at that! Editing is going well. I hope to finish it up this weekend. Next weekend I am going to OK to stay with my mom in the hospital while she has her second knee replacement. Roy and Cleo are going to go to Ponca to see family. Then on the 7th, I am chaperoning our school dance. Don't ask me why, cause I don't even know how to dance, but volunteering always looks good, so I decided to go for it. Roy's school has started with a bang. He is working for a new Old Testament professor at Baylor who is working him quite a bit. He will actually get to teach some classed this semester, which will be such a great experience for him. Since we are both in school now, it's like we just say goodbye in the mornings, hi honey, how was your day? in the afternoons, and goodnight baby, sleep well in the evenings. Such is life. So is this post long enough or what? Sorry guys. I don't get to talk to grown ups much anymore....