Week 1 - week of February 14

I spent this weekend (2/12 and 2/13) at a Math Institute at Metro State. It gave me great tips and inspiration for varying how math is presented. But, it also took ALL weekend which stressed me out. I needed to plan. Plan what I wasn't sure, but the control freak in me was nervous.

I was handed the batton in the middle of the race, but I haven't even stretched. All the teachers have said they think I have the hardest assignment in the whole school. G.R.E.A.T.

This week was so hard. So hard that I didn't think I was going to be able to handle it. I made it through Monday and didn't break down until walking out of the building. Tuesday I only made it until lunch before loosing it. And Wednesday I depended on Visine to hide the crying evidence from my kids all day. Thursday morning I was still reeling from Wednesday, but the tears were limited to the morning. I had a great pep talk from my principal reminding me why he hired me and that he believes in me. Friday - NO TEARS! Yahoo! And, I actually felt like I taught something. We'll see when I quiz the kids on Wednesday.

I had a quick transition into a new career. I worked at the Bank nearly all day on Tuesday, Feb 8th. Leaving there was SO hard. It didn't even seem real. I walked out with a box and no keys to the Bank. Weird. I cried, but was inspired for the time ahead. I woke up Wednesday and began my new career as a teacher. I felt like the first day of school (since it was). I couldn't decide what to wear. I figured it out, and off to school I went. Good news - there is a Starbucks with a drive though on the way to school. Sweet. And my friends have made sure my Starbucks card is nice and flush so that I didn't have to sacrifice my addiction for a while due to our new budget changes. :)

I felt like the last week and a half were an out of body experience. I sat in on classes on Wednesday and Thursday, and on Friday I was asked to sub for a teacher that was unexpectedly out. In hind sight, that wasn't the best thing as I am still having to "prove" that I am a real teacher and not a sub. These kids have had some many teacher changes that I can't blame them for thinking I'm a short timer.

My life has changed so quickly. I've gone from analyzing mutli-million dollar buildings to attempting to quiet a room of teenagers. I haven't thought about the stock market once. I barely check my email. I plan on scratch paper to save the paper. I eat at my desk with one hand while planning with the other. I forget to go to the bathroom before classes start. I stand most of the day. I'm more disorganized than I have ever been. I have already lost a bag of pens.

So now I live the life of a teacher. What a change. I have been told it will get easier. I believe it will get easier. I know I've made the right choice.