Back to School

School is starting. I have mixed emotions about this. I'm excited to get back to work and to see the kids, but I also know how much work it's going to be and I know I'll miss summer. Regardless, I've decided to come up with a list of the top 10 things I'm excited about:

1. Health class - New subject! I've got a full month planned out (like, daily plans, copies, etc), and the whole semester planned as far as a basic overview goes. It's always fun to do something new.
2. The Pearl - My favorite Steinbeck and probably the most interactive book I teach. Due to its title and its plot, I always order oysters with pearls in them and open them with my kids. And what should arrive in the mail today but my oysters? I'm excited for that part already!
3. Mini-fridge - Sounds dumb, I know, but I'm excited to have a mini fridge in my room. Why? Several reasons, really. I only drink filtered water, so I can have a filter in my fridge, no more people stealing my lunch out of the workroom fridge, and well, convenience, really. Huzzah!
4. Seeing all my friends - By this, I mean teachers, of course. I miss them and how funny they are. Sure, there's some I don't miss, but the vast majority of junior high teachers are amazing and it's fun to be good friends with them.
5. Seeing my kiddos - Ok, so as much as I gripe about them, I really do like those snot-nosed booger faces (can I say that?). Turns out I really like them and I miss them during the summer. Sigh. I'm a nerd.
6. Grammar - Even though last year's grammar extravaganza started out dripping with water from the river Styx, I'm excited to teach it again. Why? I know what I'm doing this time. And we have a plan this year so I'm not flying by the seat of my pants. Whew!
7. Funny stories - I miss coming home with ridiculous stories of things my kiddos did or said. When school's in session, there's always something ridiculous to talk about.
8. The lightbulb moments - I can't wait to get to teaching so I can see the lightbulb go off in their heads as the info clicks for them. It's the best!
9. To Kill a Mockingbird/Fahrenheit 451 - If you asked me which one is my favorite 8th grade book, I'd say both of these. I love how involved and how invested they get themselves in these novels, and I'm excited to see that again this year.
10. Being the coolest - I'm a big, big nerd. But my students don't know that! To them, I'm super totally awesome. From what I wear, to the music I talk about, to the movies I see, I am just the epitome of amazing. They can be boogers, for sure, but they sure do make me feel like a superstar most of the time.