Hmmm.

*warning, whine alert!* This year's students are not that great. They are pretty whiny (like I'm being right now) and they don't want to do anything that requires more than 30 seconds worth of thought. They are kind of sapping my will to develop new lessons, because I'm afraid all they will do is whine and they don't appreciate interesting lessons anyway. Plus, there is such a huge gap between my highest and lowest students that I end up having to develop whole other lessons for the fast workers--but they have to be self-contained and idiot-proof with this group. That's difficult to accomplish.

Also, I am very tired. I'm not sure if it's the cause or the effect of the lacking-the-will-to-teach syndrome. I'm going to try to go to bed early tonight. January stinks.

Back in the Saddle Again

Back to school Wednesday. Not too bad, but I think I talked too fast. Out of the habit maybe?

In the grand tradition of bulleted highlights, here are some of the vacation to Colorado:

• SNOW! We had not yet had any in Iowa and I enjoyed seeing the white stuff. We got in just fine (the last 2 blocks were a little bit of an issue) and got out fine too (we waited until it was cleared). My brother and his girlfriend built an igloo outside the house as well as a snowman that looked like it had been run over by our car (in the grand tradition of Calvin and Hobbes).
• Not being able to go anywhere because of the snow. The first few days we were really busy, but being forced to stay home was good.
• Many gifts that were replacements/upgrades for things we already had. New bathrobe and coffee maker were the highlights for me. I like to ask for upgrades for gifts because then I can get rid of the old one and I don't have to find a place to put the new stuff.
• New stuff is good too...like a pretty crystal water pitcher to serve guests.
• I'm happy to take the Christmas decorations down b/c we stayed with our neighbor who has so much stuff in her house that it almost drove me nuts. I have a few knickknacks, but my house looks extremely minimalist compared to hers. It will be nice to have clean, streamlined spaces again.
• Lots of people in the house was good, but it is really making me look forward to spending this weekend with my husband alone.

I should really get back to work--I have kids working in my room because midterm grades are due next week.

I can't resist one last list: New Year's resolutions...

1. Exercise more--maybe I'll walk after school with some of the other teachers.
2. Eat healthier--D and I are both working on this one.
3. Streamline my life--less clutter, less paperwork, more peace of mind.

I think I'll keep it to three. Happy New Year!