Labor Intensive Days
Well, those laid-back, lazy days of summer break get stowed away with my white shoes after September 2. (Yes, I know I’m showing my age by my stodgy self-imposed fashionista rule).
September whites still a no-no? image: theclothingmenu.com
What I don’t like about the first day of school:
- Trying to get through the name rosters without totally slicing and dicing the pronunciation.
- Going over classroom expectations because even though I need to, I doubt anyone is seriously listening to yet another teacher reeling off the rule spiel.
- Fretting over what I’m wearing. Hair and wardrobe malfunctions do not create good first impressions.
- Trying to reason with my stomach that grazing days are done for now, and to please hush it’s malcontent state. Especially since our hallway is slated for second lunch this year.
- How tired I am at the end of the day. Remember the Barbie clip in Toy Story? Yep, that “it’s exhausting being that up and happy feeling” really does slam a person.
- My feet hurt. Stylish shoes still rule over sense. I doubt I will rock Reeboks to school.
- Timing bathroom breaks. And no, my classroom is not even close to the staff rest rooms. I have line up with everyone else. On the other hand, I do get to hear some unexpected choice bits while stalled for time.
- Dreading that stage fright feeling of “am I gonna bomb or be the bomb?” Really, it’s like running a three show routine with three different audiences. Are they going to get my jokes? Do they respond in the right places? I commiserate with ever Saturday Night Live host about this time of year.
But the cool thing about September is that I do get to go back to school.
- There’s that excited buzz of the new as everyone returns to the hive of learning.
- What about the opportunity of “clean slate”–never mind last year, this year is gonna be even better.
- New clothes! I took advantage of Coldwater Creek closeouts this year.
- Renewing and forming friendships among staff. “Old and new faces sharing spaces.”
- Trying out new ideas on old curriculum. “I can’t wait to release this new perspective of Beowulf.”
- Schedule–I like a well-ordered life and getting back into a routine makes me humm like a happy llama.
What are your back-to-school thoughts? What side of the desk are you on?
Pam Webb 
Not going back to school! (Actually no one is in BC – teachers are on strike) But I love September because I also like a well ordered life and everyone gets back on track this time of year. And all the new books!
True–there is something to be said for routines
I am having a tough time getting back on the school schedule this year for sure! One of our vocabulary words this week is sensible. My example for the students has been my sensible shoe choice at school. Flat, comfortable shoes all the time!