Well, I survived day one at Drum! Of course the students aren't going to show their true colors yet ,but in general I think I have a great set of students. The students I've been "warned" about have problems like "disorganization" and "chattiness." That is much different than the problems I had last year. I don't sense any malice or total apathy from the students, and a lot of them are very dedicated to learning. I am very hopeful for this year.

I was nervous, but I think I always will be no matter how many years I've been teaching. I can tell a difference between year 1 and year 2. I think part of it is I feel more "a part" of the school since I've been around for a few months rather than starting my first day.

I truly feel like a contributing member to my partner teacher, math/science department, and my 7th grade team. I am hopeful that I can improve their science curriculum and make a difference there.

Originally I was set to teach 2 sections of Pre-Algebra (rather than 1 of each course offered), but some changes were made and I offered to teach one of each. This was decided yesterday and while it will mean more work it almost makes things simpler in terms of what students I have. It also makes me look good once again, which helps.

I'm sure I will have bad days and days where the kids seem like little terrors, but I think I've got a great bunch. I look forward to actually teaching this year.

I'll keep you posted! Thanks for reading!

Ironically enough for being quite a sedentary couple lately, John and I spent our 1 year anniversary doing a 12-mile hike in Glacier National Park. We survived, but were totally spent afterward. Here are some pictures from our trip:

So irresistable.

So, apparently this blog was just a way to stave off summer teacher boredom because I haven't posted since things picked up around these parts! Last week I was in a math training conference all week and was occupied with various social activities in the evening. This week was spent in the classroom and doing the whole school-year kick-off stuff. Now we start in 5 days and I can't believe it.

I hope to get a picture post up from Montana, my classroom, and the new family companion (my mother got a rescue dog, found by my mother-in-law and she is the sweetest dog I"ve ever met!

Anyway, just a short post - no one reads anymore. But hi!

Who knew I'd be contacting the outside world from a camping trip - but here I am in our tent getting Wifi. My how it has changed. We got into Missoula, MT last night around midnight and stayed at a Hampton Inn. Today we just hung out around Missoula - there was a farmer's market and a saturday market, a Carousel, and some history museums.

We are now in a KOA in Missoula and are headed to Glacier tomorrow, where we will be taking a Red Bus (open air) tour of the park. Very exciting.

Well, all for now!

**I finally posted a few wedding pictures - then the computer/website started getting a little testy so I stopped

On Saturday my mom, dad, and sister came over and we tackled 2 of the areas I was avoiding painting solo - the upstairs hallways (with 6 doors) and the bonus room, which is nearly the size of a 2-car garage. In about 4 hours (just as my dad had predicted) we finished both areas, which we painted Glidden Olivewood, the same color as most of the downstairs.

We don't have any decorations up yet, but it makes SUCH a big difference. I no longer feel like upstairs is a work zone with half taped trim. It looks SO much more like home and the house feels more complete. Now we just want to get the master bath done when we get back from our trip.

Speaking of trip, hubs and I are leaving on Thursday for a road trip to Glacier National Park in Montana. We're stopping in Clarkston, WA for a jetboat tour, some other cities in WA, ID, and MT, Spokane to visit some cousins, Silverwood, and Kalispell. I will have pictures. It's our yearly vacation but also our celebration of 1 year of marriage! Very exciting.

Well, all for now. Thanks for reading.