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Random Thoughts


Thirty-five 7th and 8th graders running cross-country.  The number baffles me. Yet, once again, I refuse to cut a single runner. They are all on the team along with my three managers. The reality of the situation is I know nothing about cross country. I take that back. I know it involves running. At this time, I have no idea how many kids can compete, how long the course is, or even what a meet looks like. I have never been to one. And yet, the support I am getting from students, parents, and other teachers astounds me. They are all good with my ‘team’ approach. My expectation that the faster runners go back and encourage the slower runners by running them in has been met with acceptance and happiness. Parents are offering to do whatever is needed to make this a successful experience for all. I am working out right along with them. (As a result, I am about dead tonight.) I am honest with them about the effects of being overweight and ignoring the need to exercise. They cheer me on in the way I cheer them on.

Last year, two text books were put in my mailbox at school. They were for a new curriculum. Upon looking through it, I saw that it was full of activities I already used in the classroom. I put it aside and thought no more of it. Until this year. It is the curriculum being adopted by the school I am now at. The last two days, I have been going through training of how to use it in my classroom. I have always used other teacher’s ideas and lesson plans, but never stuck only to the text as given. As I explore this one, I am getting excited. It is all organized and right there for me. I no longer have to search for hours for the perfect lesson. Will I still do some searching and supplementing? For sure! Even as I wonder about my low level students keeping up with the rest of their grade level, I have a hopeful feeling of good things happening in the classroom.

We have moved. Boxes sit unopened in my garage and other rooms around the house. Rather than writing, I could be putting things away; getting organized; finding my dishes so we could eat something other than cereal for supper. Instead, I lay on the couch socializing with friends hundreds of miles away on facebook while occasionally taking time out to grade papers. Last night, I hung out with Patti and talked about much she has grown as a writer. (In third grader her teacher came to me very concerned about her lack of organization in her writing. It made no sense. Today, she tells a wonderful story. I have taught many writers. She has grown like no others. My heart swells with pride at where she is and how far she has come.)

Life is good! I know no other way to say it. I love my job! Cross country is a blast! The new house is quickly becoming home! And, most importantly, my daughter and I are making it through 14.

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