10 Years Already?!

I am preparing for my 10th year of teaching public school.  That number amazes me!  When I took my teacher education classes at Utah State University, I never imagined I would teach that long.  I thought this: I'll work for a year, get married, have kids, and then maybe return to teaching when my kids are grown.  I have many friends who made the same plan, but are still teaching because as we all know, life never rolls according to plans.  So here I am, a somewhat seasoned, sage teacher.  And there are a few things I know for sure, I think...

• Classroom space is important, since teachers spend gobs of time there. Teachers should set-up their classrooms to maximize learning. Bookcases should be in order. Desks should line-up perfectly. White boards should be spotless.  But the most important part of a classroom is the teacher's desk drawer full of junk food.

• Teaching is messy business.  I don't mean the stacks of used tissues in the garbage can or the layers of gum underneath desks. I also don't mean the piles of papers to grade or the scraps of paper strew across the floor at the end of the day. The work that is messy is the cognitive part of teaching.  Planning, re planning, scheduling, reflecting.  It's messy.

• Teachers get an enormous amount of days off. Seriously. I was comparing my husband's job's calendar to mine and he has around 6 free days a year.  I have about 27 days off this year, not including June, July, and August.  Believe me when I say I am not complaining, but it was enlightening to realize how different my job is from his with regards to time-off.

Okay, I just realized that I am spending too much time on this blog about work.  The End.

Summer Reflections

I love June, July, and August.  And I had myself a fabulous summer.  Actually, that last sentence should read "I am having myself a fabulous summer."  Summer isn't over.  There are still opportunities to squeeze the fun out of the sun.  But for the sake of writing, here is a look back at some of the highlights of the last 3 months of my life, in chronological order:

June:

• My husband, son, and I traveled to So Cal for Grandma McIntyre's 100th birthday celebration. My little boy was able to meet his McIntyre family for the first time.  He was so excited, he bit his Grandpa McIntyre's toe!  I also took my son swimming in a pool for the first time.  The little guy loved it.  He's a spasher!

• I turned 35 this year!  I thought it would feel anxiety about growing older, but I was completely happy.  If you are wondering how I celebrated this milestone, prepare to feel sorry for me...I was in a teacher professional development all day...it stunk.

July:

• My good friend, her sister, and I traveled to Cedar City for our 2nd Annual Shakespeare Festival Trip.  During our stay, we drove a little further south to do a session at the St. George Temple. I love my friend, Traci.  We chatted about things we had done and people we had known at Utah State University.  So many hilarious memories!

• My sister sent me an e-mail to announce her engagement to a guy she's been dating.  I am very excited for her.  Unfortunately, I won't be able to attend the wedding...it's in Sweden (long story).

August:

• My husband finished his last two classes at the University of Utah (go Utes!) for his B.S. degree.  I am very proud of him.  He worked his cutie patootie off in school the last few years. We celebrated by eating at The Original Pancake House (if you've never been there, I highly recommend it!) 

 And, just some reflections on my son's blooming toddler hood.  Having a toddler is quite different than having a baby.  His needs are quite different...especially his need to expend energy. I love that little guy more each day!