Saturday, September 06, 2008

10 Things I've Learned

"Often, when I am reading a good book, I stop and thank my teacher. That is, I used to, until she got an unlisted number." ~Author Unknown

Three days into a new school year, and this is what I've learned so far:

1. It's easier to get up at 5:30 am than I thought it would be, especially if you can use some of that early time to squeeze out some writing.

2. It is a delicate drill to find the exact time to leave the house in order to avoid all school buses on the way to work.

3. Lunchtime comes a lot earlier (according to my stomach) than it did during the summer.

4. Those muscles in your legs that keep you upright on two-inch heels all day long? They stop working in the summer and have to be re-trained, come Fall (ouch!).

5. Same goes for the vocal cords.

6. Some people will be over the moon-happy to see you back in the halls and classrooms.

7. One or two people will be jealous of the fact that you manage to have a life (i.e., writing success) outside of school and will try to make your life miserable as a result.

8. In those cases, it's best to end the days with (a) a good long run; (b) a good tall glass of wine; or (c) a good conversation with a close friend. Ideally, all of the above.

9. Unlike John McCain's claim in Thursday night's speech, I do not believe that public education is a "failing institution."

10. Standing in front of a group of students who are excited to see you and interested in what you have to say is still the best way to spend a day :)

6 comments:

Charity Tahmaseb said...

Glad you had a (mostly) good week back at school. Like you, on a purely personal level with our school district: no fail.

My son started Jr. High this week and I'm incredibly impressed with the teachers and the set up and how much he's doing and learning already.

And the shoes? Makes me glad I work in the software industry where I can wear Chuck Taylors everyday and that's considered dressy. LOL

Liz said...

It's the parents responsibilty (I believe) to make sure their child gets a good education. I went to every open house thru his senior year even met with his guidance counsler 2x to make sure he was on track. In college my son consulted me on his class choices and gave me his pin number so I could check on grades. He's a sweet kid (but laid back)and knew I was GUIDING him and not 'on' him.

Anonymous said...

Did you learn anything else?

Allie Boniface said...

CF, Isn't 10 things enough for one week? Phew...I"m exhausted already!

MJFredrick said...

LOL! I agree with you on #9!!! And #2! After wearing Crocs all summer, narrow shoes take some getting used to.

But for me, lunch is WAY late according to my stomach. I was eating lunch at 11 during the summer, and now it's after 12.

windycindy said...

My sister taught for 34 years and I think she would completely agree with you. Cindi