SCHOOL STARTS TOMORROW

Ack.

Writing this at school. Hoping to get out of here in t-minus several seconds.

Well: I am nervous. But I LOVE that I am here for year 2 instead of year 1. And you know what--? I am LUCKY to be here, working, doing what I love. I don't take that for granted. As stressful as these moments are, it's so good to remember that this is a big, fat blessing.

I created this Facebook album called "Thank You Notes," and most of the pictures are just pictures I've taken on walks or with friends. Underneath each picture, I've written a "thank you" for what the picture is of, like, "Thank you for ice cream on hot summer days." "Thank you for roses that are perfectly in bloom." "Thank you for slow lazy mornings with my roommate."

I created the album on a whim, but it's influenced my psyche in a really cool way-- every time I take a picture now, I think of what the caption would be if it was in the "Thank You Notes" album.

Tonight, looking around my decorated classroom, I think, "Thank you for my view of the courtyard. Thank you for art on the walls. Thank you for the pictures from my road trip. Thank you for working computers, and for the names on my class lists. Thank you that tomorrow I'll be able to start RECOGNIZING these kids. Thank you for my full file drawers that are packed with the resources I created last year. Thank you for a big class room. Thank you that I get to do what I love."

Thank you.

Thank you.

Thank you.

Pictures to come later, once the kids contribute to what's on the walls. Right now, I'm savoring the moment for myself. In this harried, frenzied, tired, stressed moment-- there is succulent thanks to savor.