A New Routine

Well today was the second day of school--and still no students. My room is ready, my plans are (pretty) set, and I am just waiting for the kids to arrive. Yesterday was a 3 hour speech by a man named Dr. WIlliam Dagget, who is an internationally known education consultant. Today was full of department meetings, faculty meetings, and a wonderful lunch put on by the school, with undoubtedly the best chicken salad I've ever had. Tomorrow is freshman orientation, and I will have one class--my one freshman section. Then, on Friday, we go live with everyone . . .just in time for a long weekend--and trust me, I need one (totally kidding . . .I just had three months off practically!) But who doesnt like time off from work??

The beginning of the school year is a love/hate relationship for me. I love the excitement of meeting my students, teaching again, getting into the routine, seeing my colleagues. and being creative. But I hate the logistical stuff involved with the beginning of the year--the duty schedule (that changed bi-hourly), the add/drops, the speeches about how we can always improve what we're doing, the "plate" which always seems to become more full, etc. Oh well. In a couple of weeks, I'll be into the groove. Here are some wonderful pictures of Callum (well, we think they are awesome . . .like $900 dollar camera awesome!) Since we havent had our camera for a week, Michelle gave us a CD with some photos on them. The first one has become my favorite one of all time . . .(remember, you can click on the photo to enlarge it)

Either he is starting to teethe a bit, or he is infatuated with the discovery of his hand . . .but we can't keep it out of his mouth! Dr. Murray James assures us this is normal--and hilarious! But he still manages to crack a smile at his old man . . . (by the way, I swear he doesnt spend all day in this seat . . .it seems every picture is taken in this seat! Its just that when he is IN the seat, we dont have to hold him, and we are free to take pictures, play, etc.)" Hey Nannie, Papa, Grammy, and Gramps . . .look at my new trick!" (the problem we are having is that, in fact, he doesnt want to let go!)

"You wont give me my bath yet? Well, here's what I think of you!"
And, for the first time on film, the one and only . . ."The Pout."

Callum HATES getting out of the bath . . .he would stay in there all day!