Tuesday, August 26, 2008

back in the saddle

There is no saddle in my classroom, or at my school, or even near me in any fashion but I've always enjoyed that saying. I aspire to being back in a proverbial saddle at all times (of course that would be impossible considering getting back into it would mean I've gotten out/off it at some point). Digression.

Today was my first day back to school - just for meetings and organizing and seeing students as they picked up schedules, but it was still a first day and it definitely had that back to school feel (which will soon require the Happy New Year post). And, as usual, it was delightful with a side of anxious - I am so very blessed by my coworkers, fellow smart & funny [yes I just vainly called myself smart & funny] people who care about our students until our eyes burn; my classroom in all its wacky clutter continues to bring me great joy; I love to see the kids again, especially when they try to act all cool and distant but HELLO, you took the time to come by school while it's still summer - we know you like us; I'm excited about the classes I'm going to teach, the plans I've made.

Yet I get a bit wiggy when I start to think about the things I still need to do - little silly (yet strangely meaningful) stuff I meant to do these past couple of months, like make a birthday chart or sort bulletin board materials by month & season. Or things I wanted to establish at home before school starts, so I can maintain a feeling of balance - weekly menus, housecleaning system, exercise regimen. Suddenly the Hooray September! float I'm on has become a giant ball rolling forward; my feet are slipping and skipping to keep from falling off. Still thrilling but also nerve wracking and exhausting.

Hey, there's my exercise! What's the worry?