Smiling

I think I had fun at work today. I actually got to teach a little bit. Some of my tougher characters are starting to say ok and think about doing it right away.  I hope that this will be the toughest class that I ever have because I don't think I could handle anything more. I'm not actually handling this situation very well. My body is shutting down.  I slept all day yesterday.  I didn't even wake up to eat until 2 o'clock in the afternoon. But today was manageable.  Today was better.  I smiled. 

And tonight was even better. My twins ran in their second XC meet.  Henry came in 11th and Hayden ran 4 minutes faster than last week. He was smiling and he even said, "I can't wait until my next meet."   I couldn't believe my ears. They are looking forward to next week's meet against Jackson Creeek because they'll  be running against a few of their friends.  

When the coach from Columbus called Henry's name to come up and collect his ribbon, she could not figure out how to say Streib. She asked Henry's coach and he didn't know either. So they just called him Henry S.  We are used to hearing Harrison Streeb, but just the S. Is new and a little strange. 

I'm horrible at my job

Nobody listened to me today.  We read a book about Animals of Asia. I made, what I thought, was a great plan.  Two kids raised their hands to contribute answers. Everyone stared at me. It was awful. I don't think anyone will remember one thing about Asia or that they even have animals when I ask tomorrow. 

Henry and Hayden had their first middle school XC run tonight. That was fun to watch. Harrison came to give advice and cheer them on. It was nice. Henry finished 11th and Hayden, well, he finished. 

Tomorrow, I'm gonna bring my A game. The animals of Asia are going to be fun and interesting. Somehow. 

Spike is home

I went in to write lesson plans for tomorrow and my classroom was trashed.  Paper, crayons, books, and pencils were everywhere.  The wagon that I brought in was on its side.  I spent about an hour cleaning and two hours writing plans for tomorrow.  Spike watched me while I picked things up.  He had a little piece of lettuce hanging out of his mouth the entire time.  I made the decision to bring him home.  I have a few kids in my class that refuse to keep their hands out of his cage.  He's a nice lizard and doesn't mind the little hands and fingers on him, but I don't want to worry about him when I'm not there.  He's been an amazing class pet.  He let all the kids hold him and he especially loved all the worms that the they fed to him.  I called a friend to come in and help me take him home.  He fell asleep as soon as we got home.  I think he's happy to be home and Henry and Hayden are very happy to have their pet back.

Spike

My voice is gone

I'm going to the doctor tomorrow. I'll probably be out for 3 days this week. My classroom will take a serious hit.  I'm worried about my students, but I can't talk. I can whisper, but even that hurts. 

I made myself go out on the boat with my boys and friends yesterday.  I haven't spent much time with my twins this week and it's making me feel horrible.  Work is so stressful. I'm having trouble sleeping, eating, and now I'm sick. 

Next week has to get better. 

My taco boy

I went downstairs to work on laundry and I found Hayden sleeping like this. 

Face down, folded over like a taco. He's been doing this since birth and he's almost 13 now. This kid is so flexible. He can still put his feet behind his head. 

I wish I had a printer here. I really want to print some stuff out and do some work.  I bought a fun writing book and my 4th graders are going to make pop up books to go along with their story. 

new shoes

I bought some new shoes tonight.   I'm wearing them to school tomorrow.   I've had it people.  I'm walking in tomorrow with a smile on my face and no one is going to take it away.  No one.  Stay out of my way.

My headache is back.

It's almost one am and I can't sleep. again. My head is pounding and the to-do list is double parked in the front of my brain.

I am excited to go to school tomorrow. Yep. Excited.  I have a bunch of super fun activities planned and I set up a class dojo. I can't wait to show my students how it works and the rewards that they can earn.  The rewards are awesome.  And they are free!!  

We are going to play around with the Aurasma app tomorrow too. I can't wait to show these kids how everything in the room can be a trigger!  They are going to love this. 

Writing Prompt for tomorrow

Day 3 was a little better

But I still have a blistering headache. I haven't cried yet today, well except for about 3 seconds when I was telling my class how nice they were today. I avoided the scene by telling them to get up and go shake someone's hand and tell the person that they're awesome.  I'm not sure if I'm going to make it this year. 

this job

I doubt that I will be going anywhere with anyone for the next two months.  The to-do list for this job is a mile long and my head is spinning.  I packed up 90% of my books today because I had most of these students last year and I want them to see all new material.  We also have a new reading series, so there's that.

My mom, Kelly, Katie, and Whitney Thomas were all helping me set up my room today.  The new guy does not like clutter and that's kind of my trademark, so it's going to be all hands on deck helping Streib through this school year.  Mary Wicker patted me on the back during the meeting and said, "I will help you."  It's nice to have friends like this.  

My mom bought Harrison a little red wagon for his 1st birthday and he hasn't used that thing for almost 15 years.  So, I called her and begged her to bring it in and help me out.  She grabbed the little red wagon and made a beeline for Fairview.  I hauled tons of stuff from my old room to my new room in that thing.  I'm leaving the wagon in my room this year.  The reader of the day will get to sit in it anytime they want during the school day.  That will be something new for my students.  I was so exhausted from all the moving and meetings, that I could hardly stand up for Open House. I took a quick look at my list and headed downstairs.  I talked to a lot of super excited 4th graders and honestly, there are a bunch of kids on my list that I just love to pieces.  

Henry and Hayden got their schedule today and their dad helped them figure out their lockers.  They don't have a single class together.  Hayden is very excited about this.  Henry is nervous about getting from class to class on time.  We also got their XC schedule today and with it, a list of parent duties.  So, if you want to see me this fall, come visit me at the XC course, the concession stand at North High School or Fairview.   I will seriously never be home.