Prepare to be bored.

I think that part of teacher education should include an extended unit on how to survive Professional Development/Staff Meetings/Curriculum Orientation week. Don't get me wrong--I understand the value of these meetings. I don't know everything and each district/state/administrator establishes different expectations, but that doesn't mean that it isn't any less boring.

Today I was orientated to the district's approach to standards. It is strange that I simultaneously feel like I "knew that before" and "haven't ever heard that before" about the presentation. I do know that I really am frustrated by the phrase "It depends on your administrator". So much for getting questions answered. Really, I know it will be OK--my principal is reasonable--but I would feel more comfortable just having all the expectations clearly laid out. We'll see.

I'm scared, excited, apprehensive and other things that I can't but my finger on.

I'm scared about the series of evaluations that we are required to go through. I've never liked failing (read mediocrity/average/acceptable), if I don't over-achieve I haven't done enough. I'm really trying to escape this mental block. I am new at this, I will not be as good as experienced teachers, there are always areas that need improvement. I will need improvement.

As Martha would say, "It's a good thing"

A

Oh I wish I had pictures.

I don't think my dad believes in uploading pictures on Facebook (or really Facebook for that matter) and I really don't believe in taking my camera places. So I shall use words. Perhaps a thousand of them.

I think that's how many it would take.

Over the past seven days I have:

• traveled well over 3,000 miles
• told about 300 people my SSN and birthdate (I even told one group my mother's maiden name)
• dropped $200 at Target (twice)
• signed my name about 600 times
• been in three time zones
• been charged the child's admission rate
• broke down once
• nearly been pulled over (thank you person who was following closely behind me)
• been outside in 115 degree weather

Okay...so these are vague impressions of what I have been up to...Some moments I really feel like I am in over my head. Other moments I feel like I am treading just enough water to keep afloat. This is all to say that although I had a fantastic education, I am an extremely competent teacher (and eager to learn more!) this is difficult. I finally saw my school, met my fellow teachers and administrators--they fit well with me. It will be the most growing year yet which is a definitely good thing, if I stop growing there is something amiss.

Oh yeah. Vegas. The city is poorly planned--the infrastructure is really frustrating (you can't get there from here situations)--and I have yet to see Gil Grissom or any of his staff.

Remind me to tell you about my classroom and why I don't see my students until September 17th. For now, I have to go to bed.

A

the big move

The time is getting closer to the big move and its a little overwhelming. Exciting, but definitely overwhelming. The other day I realized that I have to be responsible for my own birth certificate. While I know that there are many people in the world (some probably less responsible than I) that take care of their own birth certificates, for whatever reason removing it from my parents' possession symbolizes the separation from them.

On Thursday me and my birth certificate (along with a variety of other important documents) leave MN for NV. I wish that I had more profound things to say--but I am so anxious to get everything started. I feel as though I've stalled momentarily while I wait for it all to begin.

So for now I will continue to weed through everything that I own in the world (75% of which is books), buy my car (2006 Pontiac vibe--more later), and say goodbyes.

Bye

A