Oh, Yeah...

Blog? What blog? I have a blog?

Home? What home? I have a home? I don't live at school? Really?

Yes, school has begun, and thus my life has changed drastically again. I've heard the first two or three weeks for teachers is always rough. I can't remember last year; not that it makes a difference because I had no life at the time. Now, I have more on my plate and am beginning to figure out how I can have my seconds with no room.

Why am I so stressed?

1) It's my nature. I've come to accept the fact that I can get stressed easily and I have a hard time relaxing. In fact, I was reminded of that yesterday and was advised to relax. The problem is, I don't know how to.

2) My classload. I have three preparations (pre-AP English I, regular English I, and pre-AP English II). I'm trying to convince the administration to drop my regular classes and add one more each of my pre-AP classes because they're getting full. We have a major Charlie Foxtrot in terms of scheduling (new system, not enough counselors, etc.) so the schedules are WAY out of whack. It'll take up to two weeks to settle, so I'm just going on a day-to-day basis, welcoming my new students daily and cringing when I hear about 10th graders trying to get into the class that already has 30 students.

3) Running. One - it's freakin' hot outside. Two - My half-marathon is coming up in two weeks. I've already accepted the fact that I will not be running the entire way. But at the same time, I don't want to be in major pain (even from the walking) when I'm done. But it's too hot to squeeze in last-minute miles.

4) The drama club. Yep, I am the drama club advisor and I have to put on some plays. I'm going to do at least two - a night of one acts (and then take one of those one acts to competition) and then a musical. The stress is that I have to start the drama club over from scratch, I have to find 4 one-act plays that my kids can do (assuming I have any kids with real talent) and then I have to do the UIL competition stuff.

5) Social life. I want one. I'm trying to have one. It was so much easier during the summer when I had time.

6) Novels. I still haven't finished "Crime and Punishment", plus I have to read (or re-read) three more novels by the end of November. I feel like I'm in college again.

7) Theatre. I'm auditioning for a musical Sunday. I know, I don't have the time and I probably shouldn't audition, but I've wanted to do another musical for years and I will gladly give up almost every aspect of my extra time (don't worry, it won't take up ALL of it) to do this show.

8) Clutter. My rooms are messes again. And after I worked so hard on them during the summer.

Tonight: clean (I'm having people over for dinner Sunday, which bumps that up on the list of priorities).
Tomorrow: "Crime and Punishment." I think a great load will be off of my shoulders once I finally finish that book.

Gotta run. Must clean.

And maybe squeeze a game of Scrabble in there somewhere.

Cheers!