Ok, Go!

"Just when you think that you're in control, just when you think that you've got a hold, just when you get on a roll, here it goes, here it goes, here it goes again..."

Sometimes I feel like I am running but getting nowhere, must be because I am on a 2nd grade treadmill? Check out the music video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dTAAsCNK7RA

Three weeks into my second year of second grade, first night of grad classes...

This year, I have 29 second graders in my room. So far, they are incredibly calm and quiet in comparison. Whereas this time last year, I was dreading each day because I didn't feel competent in anything. Or even capable of surviving with my stomach intact (thanks to the ulcers). Think thrown to the wolves in the middle of a ring of fire. At least I don't feel that way anymore (most school days). Now, I can actually enjoy the students and its been almost exciting getting to know each of their personalities. And its funny how much my students from last year still want hugs and waves from me - and I thought I wasn't a fun teacher?

"Oh, here it goes again. I should have known, should have known, should have known again, but here it goes again. Oh, here it goes again..."

Dog Days

What to do for the 2 months of summer vacation? It seems like you would have a lot of free time, but it fills up pretty fast. Here are my suggestions:

Play excessively with toys. Especially awesome if there is a friend to battle with over something squeaky. Then have a random allergic reaction to who-knows-what and break out in massive hives. Sleep the day away after being pumped full of steroids. Have weird dreams.

Go camping. Get really, really dirty. Force your owners to bathe you and your friend. Twice.

Enjoy a long nap en-route to Vegas next to before-mentioned friend.

Wait an obnoxiously long time for friend's owner to arrive home from Afghanistan. Entertain selves however possibly (get creative).

Visit a GIANT hole in the ground. Laugh as the people attempt to climb trees to set self-timers on their cameras. Laugh harder when watching them use a needle to pick countless thorns out of their legs.

Avoid all attempts to learn how to swim, even if they have treats. And if you get thrown in a pool, I recommend not sinking. It didn't work so well for me. Just avoid the pool, trust me, its better that way.

Hate the long hours you are kenneled so your owner can help a friend re-do her daughter's room. Wonder why the new tree in there doesn't have bark and there are no sticks to eat. Breathe in the smell of paint as you watch your owner create a painting for that same room.

Take lots of naps. Several times a day. But don't forget to wake up extra early to hit the dog park before it gets too hot. By 7:00AM, it is simply wrong to stay outside for extended periods.

Spend even more time with toys. Rip them up so new ones appear. If you can tear apart a cow squeaky toy in faster than 10 minutes, you have me. But I dare you to try and beat my record on ripping up those long stuffed dog look-alikes. You can't.

ps. Don't forget to end your summer for 10 days with a strange family while your owners are in Iowa. Is that the state with potatoes? Anyway, if they have a yard and kids, you are golden.