I Survived!

It is Sunday. Monday is looming before me (all of us really). I will begin my second week of teaching.

Needless to say, you can consider this proof that I survived the first week!It wasn't perfect by any stretch. The early morning wake ups are horrendous, but it sure is nice when 2:05 p.m. comes around and I'm done for the day. Prilosec has become my closest friend, I have discovered. When the gastric juices are flowing a little too much because of nerves, Prilosec calmed the storm.So far, my students have been decent. Of course, we are still in that blessed honeymoon phase. Everyone has been well behaved, even the Freshmen. One can hope that it will hold out as long as it can. The key is being consistent with your own rules and expectations, and coming down on infractions when you see them. You don't want to be the bad guy, but you have to assert your authority as the adult in the room. It's difficult when you're a person who isn't exactly a hardass, but you don't want to be that person that rolls over either. "Don't smile until Christmas," they say. Well shoot, I'm tryin'!What I hope to see out of this next week is a bit more student engagement. I'm at the front of the room, acting a fool, and I'm getting zero reaction. Questions are flying everywhere, trying to get someone to answer, and all I'm receiving in return are blank faces. Alright guys, I get it. You're tired on the first week back because you've been staying up late all summer. It's go time now, kiddos. Let's do it!Here's to week two, and only 176 more school days to go!

Ciao, friends!