In a blink...

...it’s over. Another summer has come and gone. I begrudgingly woke my children at 6:45AM today to rob them from their dreams to take them to daycare. Not a single one of us was happy about it. Don’t get me wrong, I LOVE their school, their teachers, their friends but… I love them more.

We are establishing a routine. One that we will try to stick to for the next 190 days. Most times I crave routine and I know this is the best option for all of us, but oh how I hate to see our lazy days of summer come to a close. Right now, I am focused on the positives. I just spent 60 days of summer with my children and still have a job to go back to. How many people, other than teachers, can say they get that kind of time with their children? True, I love my job, but… I love them more.

It was a summer of growth and fun, but now on to a new school year! I spent 8 hours in my classroom getting my computer set up, cleaning out files, revamping curriculum, exchanging materials for new classes, and trying to get a jump start on lesson planning. I will spend another 8 tomorrow continuing on my journey to make this the best school-year yet. I have a plan to keep the stress to a minimum and have set a goal for myself this year to “take it home.” I plan to leave the building each day by 4, regardless of any task that I “just have to finish” so that I can pick my kids up and play with them because…I love them more.

I am teaching a new class this year that I have always wanted to teach, and I have the lowest student load that I have had in 10 years. I have a better understanding of the technology so it will be great to have a platform to jump into more in-depth and creative ways to teach.  I am excited for new challenges and I have established a plan for the “headaches” that accompany any job because…I love them more.