August

August is almost over, and I have to say it went fairly quickly.  I am fully back into my school routine.  This week, I had my first practice with my Academic Team kids.  I have to say, I enjoyed it way more than I thought I would.  I had about 13 kids show up and we played a few "practice" rounds with our buzzer system.  I have some really bright kids on my team!  I am incredibly nervous about our first meet in two weeks...primarily because I am having trouble securing bus drivers (our first two meets are away).  I don't like being stressed about things that shouldn't be stressful!

I am definitely looking forward to this 3 day weekend.  We are taking Ben to his Grammy and Papa's house for one last swim in the "big pool".  He loves swimming, and he loves his Grammy and Papa, so it should be a fun weekend.

Next weekend we are headed to Tennessee to attend my FIFTEEN year high school reunion.  How in the world has it been 15 years??  Growing older scares the &#^@ out of me.  I had a very hard time when I turned 30, and each year it gets a little worse.  I was 18, and then I blinked and now I'm 33.

I will leave you tonight with this picture of my boy...a 2 1/2 year old who looks like a 5 year old in the pic!

First Day of my 10th Year of Teaching

We started back to school today.  We don't have students until Monday, so today was full of meetings and getting our classrooms ready for open house tomorrow night.  I was sad to see my summer end, but honestly, for the first time in many years, I am truly excited to begin this school year.  I'm breaking out of my comfort zone by sponsoring the Academic Team this year, as well as taking on the role of Social Studies Department Chair.  I'm always so afraid of things...I have pretty awful self-esteem and I am always so afraid of failure.  I have realized that it's time to stop worrying so much about what other people might think of me.  So what if I don't really know what I'm getting into...I'll learn.

And now an unrelated topic.  Today, one of my childhood friends buried her sister.  She was 30, and leaves behind a loving husband and a precious 4 year old son.  My heart has hurt for them since learning of her passing last week.  She and her husband where in Memphis to attend his grandfather's funeral.  On the morning of the funeral, her husband went to wake her and she had passed in her sleep. The night I found out, I was afraid to go to sleep.  I prayed that God would not choose to take me from my child at such a young age.  It's just another reminder that tomorrow isn't guaranteed...cherish every moment with those you love.

I really hope to stay on top of this blog.  The next few months will be crazy busy, but I'm excited!  Let's do this!

Valerie

New beginnings

I've been wanting to start a new blog for quite some time.  Throughout my days, I find myself thinking about things that I would want to "write down", or document in some way.  I have a family blog that I have ignored for more than a year now.  I have decided that this new blog will be just for me.  I have a lot of thoughts that I would like to have organized into one place.

Primarily, the focus of this blog will be about my daily life....stumbling through my thirties as a wife, mother to a toddler, and a middle school teacher.  I am starting my 10th year of teaching tomorrow, and thinking about the new school year ahead has got me thinking about the new things that I would like to incorporate in my life.

I've struggled with my weight since I was very young.  At 33, it's finally time that I take control.  I am tired of being "the fat one"...the fat friend, the fat coworker, the fat daughter, the fat wife, the fat mommy, etc.  So one part of this blog will be dedicated to my journey of reaching a healthier weight and lifestyle.

I'm not interested in making this blog about teaching, but I want it to be a place where I can document daily successes and struggles within my teaching career.  So, if you're looking for classroom ideas, etc...keep looking. :)

So, if you've stumbled upon this blog, welcome.  I hope you'll stick around for the ride as I start thinking through my thirties.

Valerie