Begin Again

As a rule, I don't talk much about school. ("As a rule"...get it? And I rhymed. I'm an awesome teacher.)

I had so much to say before this new school year started. Then the new school year started, and I barely had time to sleep, eat, or think. If you know a teacher who is starting school right now, give him or her a hug. Like a long one. They need it.

I was so hopeful to start this school year, and I still am. I think every teacher is hopeful and excited right now. (Contrary to popular belief, we do NOT spend our whole summer just laying by the pool. We actually do a ton of work preparing for the next year.) We are hopeful that this will be the best year we've ever had. We are hopeful that our past experience will make this year smoother and better than before. We are hopeful that we'll get more sleep, eat better, and be a positive force in our students' lives. At least for me, I'm always hopeful that at least one child will completely change for the better while they're in my class. I'm completely aware that it's not always my doing that causes the change, but I still love to see it happen.

This year, I'm excited that I have things a little more figured out at my new school. I wasn't a brand new teacher last year, but being in a new school, new grade level, and new school system sure make you feel completely lost. We have new standards this year, which will change what we teach, but it's nice to know where the music room is--rather than sending the kids down the hallway and hoping they remember.

In the short time we've already been at school, I've realize I'm going to learn a lot this year. A new group of kids can be daunting, but I'm excited to think about how different they'll (hopefully) be by the end of this year. 

I do have a few requests on behalf of teachers everywhere right now:

• Pray for us. I, especially, need prayer for wisdom and patience.
• Pray for our students. A lot is asked of them these days. 
• Pray for their parents. They are in a precarious position of advocating for the BEST for their child and also understanding that their child is not perfect and is one of MANY in a classroom.
• Pray for our school leaders. They are under tremendous regulations and requirements, while also trying to give their schools what they need. A decision from up-top is never as easy as it sounds.
• Give what you can. We desperately need supplies and time. I would estimate that every teacher in America has spent about $300 so far this year. SO FAR. When was the last time you spent that much of your own money without completing an expense report? What kind of time can you give? Pay attention to school board meetings. Vote for the right people. Spend a day with your niece, nephew, cousin, friend's child--every positive adult in their life makes a difference. 

Even if you don't have kids, they need you. Not to be cliche, but they will be in charge of you someday.

Go Timberwolves.

Things We Learned in Texas

1.     Jean shorts (on girls) are still cool and acceptable in public, as long as the lower half of your butt hangs out. Unfortunately, I don't have any shorts this short, but I was excited to wear my jean shorts with pride. They just fit the best.

2. The police are called Constables. And they wear cowboy hats.

3.     Everyone has a truck. And it is huge. Our little Nemo almost got squished every time we parked.

4.     Whataburgers. Everywhere. You are shunned if you do not like Whataburger.

5.   Frontage roads. These are roads that parallel the interstate. 
Pros-Restaurants and businesses can be along the complete length of the interstate, instead of perpendicular to the interstate along exits. 
Cons-You have to memorize where things are on the frontage road because if something is coming up on the  left, you must exit onto the frontage road BEFORE you pass it, drive approximately 1 mile, make a U-turn under the interstate, then basically retrace your steps to get back to your destination. I may have cursed several times at the frontage roads.

6.     Some people in Houston are still bitter about the Titans. Chris and I listened to an awkward conversation in a little shop between four Texans. They discussed the Titans move to Tennessee and how they refuse to acknowledge them as a real team. The group then each bought Oilers t-shirts. To be fair, the shop was called "Big Texas."

7.    No one in Texas cares about organic or natural food! It was pure joy to not be given the stink eye for buying the regular bananas instead of the organic bananas. I also realized how much Nashville is becoming more and more a "Little Hollywood." I wonder if the Nashville hipsters would rebel AGAINST organic food in California...because they wouldn't be different anymore.

8.     Tex-Mex. I was most excited to experience authentic Mexican food in Texas, as well as authentic Tex-Mex. I learned that authentic Mexican food is wonderful, and Tex-Mex is exactly what we've been eating this whole time. My Mexican food experience, in the heart of Mexican San Antonio, consisted of a chicken taco, rice, and beans. The taco was mostly vegetables with some chicken. The cheese dip was yellow. Very thick chips with no salt. My Tex-Mex meals were much more Americanized--lots of meat, white queso, buttered rice--but still delicious.

9.     Last but not least......Buc-ees. This is a gas station the size of Walmart. There were at least 200 people inside. The line to the bathroom was out the door. People were buying Buc-ees bumper stickers. Chris and I were baffled.

Well, there you have it. Chris and I spent a wonderful month in Houston, Texas. 

We went to the beach.

I rode in Corvettes.

I have finally shed those awkward middle school years when I first rode in this Corvette.

HUGE thank you to my Uncle Eddy and Aunt Kathy for letting us bum off them for the month!! They are just great!

At the end of the day, I still love my Tennessee.