A new year.

It's back to work for me...

I really got used to being a stay at home... wife... over the summer. I would have days set aside for mopping, vacuuming, laundry, sewing, cooking elaborate meals, and once in a while, a day just for pampering myself. I was perfectly happy, and didn't mind one bit if I had spent a whole day vacuuming the fuzz that collects around the baseboards. Something must be wrong with me!!

It was weird to start commuting again. I forgot how long the drive to West Jordan from Provo is, especially with the construction. On the way there, it's an hour, give or take 5 minutes. One the way back, I have never made it home in less than an hour and twenty minutes :( The traffic is insane, even when there aren't accidents... which seldom occurs. I am also not used to driving anywhere at 6:20. That is EARLY.

There are so many things to get used to again, like a house that doesn't get a big clean-up until the weekend... and having a job again... but I think this is a good thing.

This year of teaching has started out significantly less terrible. I have heard from multiple sources that the first year of teaching is the worst... but, try coming in halfway through the year and taking over for a teacher that has laid out little expectation and had zero management... and on top of that, you're told after being hired that the class full of ninth grade miscreants has a secret curriculum that you aren't allowed to even think about until you've been trained... NEXT SUMMER. Craps. I was in the staff room one day and one of the teachers said that if last year was their first year, they probably would never come back. Those 9th graders were trouble, they said. I think they had no idea. I am back, nevertheless!

It was nice coming in at the beginning of the year. I got to decorate my classroom, make posters, make copies early, and plan about 12 weeks ahead. All things I never had the luxury of doing before. The students this year are great! I am already someone's favorite teacher :) The 7th graders are still learning how to be Junior High students, but they are so excited to learn. The class of 8th and 9th graders has many of my students from last year, and they are happy to be there. They are not miscreants. I also have access to this secret curriculum. This year is so much better already. Let's hope it stays that way!!

[RACHEL]