Back in the Desert

Hey Everyone!

I hope you all had a fabulous summer. I've been back in the desert for about a week now. Trying to get over jet lag, preparing for school and unpacking/re-arranging/cleaning my apartment has been a lot of work, but worth it. My new apartment has a fantastic view of the Arabian (or Persian, depending on who you're talking to) Gulf from my living room and bedroom. I will post pictures as soon as my couch gets fixed (a nice big rip on the cover doesn't make for a nice picture). I'm also thinking about painting and moving a couple of other pieces of furniture. Don't worry, the pictures will show up sooner or later :)

This time around I was not nearly as excited to get here. Last year I was a bundle of nervous excitement / terror, so it made everything so unbelievably thrilling I couldn't help but be happy, even though I started missing everyone back home immediately. I think part of my issue was that I knew what to expect country-wise this time around. Enjoy the green while you have it people! You would not believe how much you miss it when you don't get to see those pretty fields and the nice green grass and trees. (And yes, I even miss the snow - don't throw things at me!). This year I was happy about my new apartment, but not nearly as excited about school. I was a little worried that it was going to be a reeeeaaaallllyyy long year, but I am happy to report that the first day of school was a success and I am on the mend :)

It's so amazing to me how much 9th graders change in a year. Yesterday I had a few students stop by my classroom to say 'hi' and give me hugs. They were so cute about it! Today I saw some of my other former students. It's really sweet when they go out of their way to find you in order to ask how your summer was. One even asked me if I got to have my Chipotle (he and a friend of his found out last year that I love Chipotle and would "cough" and say it every day in class - evil little things!). They've all grown so much! Literally! They were so little last Fall, and now they're taller than me (the boys, especially).

When I met my new students today, the height difference was obvious. They're so little and cute! They were curious about what we would be doing in my class, and, being the teacher I am, I put the fear of God into them immediately :)- I know that I was successful, because I had them fill out a short paper about themselves. One of the things on the paper asked what they were worried about this school year. I lost track of the number who are worried about how hard of a grader I am, and that they're not going to get their work in on time and get penalized. A few of you know that I'm a stickler for being on time, and I DETEST late homework. Shocking, I know. Late homework = a 0 and a late paper's grade starts at 70%. Believe me, they can't afford that in my classroom. (Insert diabolical laugh here.) Although it may seem like I do it to "ruin" their lives, it's more about teaching them how to be responsible for themselves. That's something they're not all familiar with, so I guess I will be the 'bad' guy and help them out a little!

I already have a good idea as to which students I have that are going to be adorable the entire year, and which ones are going to be those charmingly difficult children that will irritate the crap out of me on occasion, but who I can't help but like. I think I'm the most worried about a couple of girls I have. They're self-proclaimed gigglers. God help me! (Although, if that's the worst this year brings me, then I am SO down with that!).

Obviously, there will be more to come, so stay tuned! I'll be showing pictures of my new place and discussing the driving situation here. If there's anything you're curious about, leave a comment and let me know. I'll do my best to answer :)