Early Bird

My last few weeks at SharpTop were great. I cannot describe the joy that I get from living in community and from playing with a bunch of little ones every day. I sincerely miss waking up and walking downstairs in Eagle Branch into the living room greeted by precious children eating cereal or playing with blocks. I miss a lot about being there... I am only slightly embarrassed to say I cried when I said bye to everyone. This was primarily because all of the parents kept thanking me for being there, even though I wasn't their nanny, they told me they really appreciated me loving on their kids anyways. I don't know how to take compliments, maybe I don't feel like I deserve them or maybe I am just flattered... but I cry every time.
Side note: On the last night there we saw a momma Black Bear and her four adorable cubs right in our backyard! I didn't even consider the imminent danger, all I wanted to do was go play with the cubs.

Photo Credit

Oh if you’re a bird, be an early bird
And catch the worm for your breakfast plate.
If you’re a bird, be an early early bird
But if you’re a worm, sleep late. Shel Silverstein, Where the Sidewalk Ends

Upon returning home from SharpTop I knew I had a few tough weeks ahead of me. The main reason being because I would have to wake up each week day at four am to be at work at four thirty. (Yes there are people waiting in the parking lot when I pull in each morning to work out. And yes there are people that get in and swim at 5:01) All this after spending 4 weeks of being spoiled and "sleeping in" until at least nine almost every day. I just finished week two of this and I survived. I did feel kind of lame being in bed by 9 each night. I have actually come to enjoy my time in the morning to sit in silence and watch the lap swimmers or read when the pool is empty. I love the air in the early morning, even though I am not a morning person, I wish I was soo bad.

After this week I will go back to a "normal" schedule of shifts after eight am. I have been a little indifferent about school starting back and actually starting to sub. I met with my boss the other day to give her some paper work. All I have left to do is choose the schools I want to sub at and I am all set. This made me actually pretty excited to start. I will also be glad to (hopefully) have a set schedule Monday-Friday. I am also pretty excited for a change of scenery. I have been working at my two jobs now since my Junior year in high school and the summer after Freshman year at CNU. Needless to say it is time to start something new and a little more grown up. I am excited to learn more about teaching and especially to get more exposure because all of my experience in schools has been kindergarten and a semester in fifth grade. I undoubtedly will also have some memorable experiences as a substitute teacher to share, so get excited!