Children

I'm too tired. That's all.

Back in town

^ view from my house

I'm successfully back and teaching in Santa Fe. I've survived two days, including "Thirsty Thursday" which has been named so because i teach 5 classes instead of the normal 4 - all an hour long - and all of which have students who seem rather thirsty for my blood. It starts with choir, then Kinder, then 5th grade, then a 1/2 hr break, then my out-of-control 4th grade, then 5th grade again. I love teaching 5th grade - they're really great singers and musicians when they try, but getting them to chill and try and not be rude is confusing. Kinder's so freakin cute i can't stand it, but they can be silly, and 4th grade...don't get me started...

I've changed some things about the way I teach chorus...getting chairs instead of risers & starting with a "Do Now" and ending with a self-assessment in notebooks has helped tremendously. I got drums in the room and though they're not crazy about them, it's something else for us to do and get up for. I've said I hate them but that's not true --- I wouldn't be thinking about them night and day if I didn't care. I want us to be good, and not just for Music Performance Assessment, but for us. I got 3 new students today which is good because young singers need safety in numbers. When I dismissed the kids to get their backpacks, one of the new boys said "wow this class goes A LOT faster than band!" I take it as a compliment.

I'm kind of obsessed with my job. I want to be an amazing teacher.


Also, Gin & Subtonic makes me so happy. Our first time back together after break was interesting...most stuff was solid and then there were some train wrecks, but we've got to prepare for them too. Tuesday night is the big night - first real gig! wooooooot.

I'm spending a lot of time with Sean - a happy, humble, tattooed, tall man I locked eyes with a couple months ago. He brought me saltines when I was puking. :)

My foot's asleep.