Friday, August 14, 2009

School Daze

So, I spent the day running around in circles, starting 726 different projects and finishing, um, one. That can only mean that the school year has begun.

This is such a bittersweet time of year.

I do admit that I get excited for the start of school. (Yep, big nerd. That's me.) Even as a kid, I loved getting new crayons and a new lunchbox and all of the other grand things one needs to start school. Now I get excited about putting up bulletin boards and unpacking my library. And getting new crayons.

But on the other hand, I'm sad to go back to getting up at 3:30 in the morning. While I do actually like to get up kind of early and getting the day off to a nice, relaxed start, I don't like getting up before the rooster crows to start rushing around in a most likely futile attempt to get all my morning "stuff" accomplished and still manage to get to work on time. And that's inevitably what happens. (Except the getting to work on time part. That's rare.)

Then again, I'm looking forward to wearing all of my "good" clothes again. I'm really just about done with the cotton skirts with the fold-over waist. I've been wearing them all summer, and I'm sick of them. (And while we're on it, who was it that decided that it would be a good idea to add a wide, thick band of fabric that gets all bunched up on the hip/tummy/tush area of a skirt? Who did that? It had to be a man.) I'm ready to wear my twirly skirts and pretty shirts and lovely dresses. (Pants are just a little evil. I try not to wear them unless it totally cold and I have to be outside for an extended period of time.) I already have my First Day of School Outfit picked out. (Because I am a nerd.)

But I'm going to miss taking my book to my favorite little cafe in the afternoon and drinking tea and snacking on a muffin and reading outside in the sunshine. I'll still get to read every day, but it will be in 15 minute increments under fluorescent light while trying to make sure that thirty-some other bodies are also reading. (Or at least pretending to read.)

However, I'll also get to take those thirty-some bodies on an amazing journey over the next eleven months, and introduce them to wonderful stories and ideas that they may never have heard otherwise. It will involve loads of planning and preparation. But it will be worth it. And in return they'll take me on a journey that I can't even begin to plan for because I have no idea where it will lead. But I know it will be worth it.

This is a school year that will be (okay, already is) full of changes. Some really, really good. Some simply to be dealt with as best as possible.

I am nowhere near ready for it all to begin. And I will miss summer.

But, really?

What are we waiting for?

Let's go.

5 comments:

InTheFastLane said...

I am already missing being outside. I need me some outside time tomorrow. And I DO NOT like getting up early. But, have been back to 4 am wake ups and still not getting to work on time. How does that work anyway? I'm glad to see it is not just me. Have a great year!

Bacardi Mama said...

Do you have any idea how proud it makes me to read this post? You are an amazing teacher and those thirty some kids have no idea how lucky they are to have you as their teacher! Love you!!

mommy boo of two said...

Sounds like you're all set :) Enjoy the last few days of your vacation!

Heart2Heart said...

Woo Hoo! I should have never given up my life dream of becoming a teacher. I love the idea of school supplies, I just bought a ton more of them today. Something about a bouquet of sharpened pencils and the smell of scotch tape takes me some place where learning comes alive.

Love and Hugs ~ Kat

Lyndsay said...

3:30? Seriously? Do you work in another time zone or something? Yikes. But seriously - I wish you could be my daughter's teacher. Your passion for teaching is so obvious and inspiring. Enjoy the new crayons!!