Vehemence for Teaching and Fall!

I haven't posted in almost a month, which I have been meaning to do so each week since my last post. I had hoped to do this more frequently, because I have had a lot on my mind, but tonight I'll contain it to two areas: teaching and fall.

Teaching this third year has gotten SO MUCH better. I go to work everyday, not dreading any part of it, and am now excited to see the students. I can't believe what a difference this 3rd year has made...Before, I viewed teaching as a humbling experience only, and that it was showing me how imperfect I am. But, now I am seeing that through that humbling I have learned so much from others and so much about myself. I feel confident now when I start my day, and I enjoy the time I spend with my kiddos. They are all sweet and kind, and they do what I ask of them! It's AMAZING! I am so thankful to have them! When I left school Friday, I was just smiling because after two days of pure testing, the kids were all so excited to continue reading a book called Monster. It's written using journal entries and a screenplay, as if the 16-year-old boy on trial is actually writing it. The kids love it and so do I. It is our first glimpse into prejudice and tolerance, which I feel is the bigger picture that I get to teach through our English II class. We also get to read 12 Angry Men and To Kill a Mockingbird, and I have is watch "The Great Debators" and "Freedom Writer's". I am really loving what I teach and loving who I teach this year. And I've also seen the product of my hardwork in my students who are now Juniors or Seniors. They come back to visit and, get this, bring me GIFTS! Isn't that incredible? I feel like I am getting into being a better task-manager and liason between parents, kids, and teachers. More often than not, I leave the school thinking, "I love Norman High School, and I love teaching!" I am SO thankful, and so vested in teaching!

I am also LOVING LIFE because it is FALL! My porch is decorated with pumpkins and mums, my house full of fall decor and warm smells from my fall candles, and I have even seen a few leaves changing colors! I love this time of year so much, I can almost taste it. The weather is so gorgeous and the colors of the fall are the most beautiful. I know that I love fall, but I always forget how wonderful it really is, and we still have a month and a half left! YAY! I am excited to plan our 2nd Annual Fall Festival, as well as cooking many other fall inspired recipes and flavors. I am also reading the Harry Potter series, and it is making fall even more fun for me. I enjoy coming home, hanging with Lucy, and sitting on the porch reading. And this weather makes my new "venture", running, more bearable and actually kind of enjoyable. I have signed up to do the relay run for the OKC Memorial Marathon. My part is just a 5K, but I am pretty proud of myself for setting this as a goal, since I have NEVER run in my life EVER. I've always hated it, but hopefully I will learn to love it.

Well, even though this post is not as "deep" or "thoughtful" as past ones, I hope it can accurately tell what I am thinking about and going through right now! Thanks for reading, and I hope to post again very soon!