3 Weeks down, 37 more to go...

Well, I made it through my official first week of school in my new job...I didn't realize how hard the transition would be.  I'm sure it will get better when I feel more comfortable and more confident in myself, but this week has been rather hard. 
The first week back to work was ok, no one else, except administrators and the occasional office staff was working. 
The second week back was ok because everyone was in trainings and meetings. 
This week has been hard, I don't have the constant interaction that I'm used to and I must say I miss that.  I miss talking to people...I miss eating lunch with people.  I don't get to do that.  Once last week, I totally didn't eat lunch because I was just too busy.  It was 4 pm before I realized that I hadn't taken the time to eat the lunch I brought. 
Today was a similar day, between preparing stuff for next week and trying to coordinate meetings with ten thousand several people, but the time I got around to eating, all the other teachers had already eaten and were already teaching again.
Add to the fact that I'm on two campuses and don't feel like I have time to actually build personal relationships, these past few weeks have been a little lonely. 
On one of my campuses, I do have a "built in friend", a teacher who used to work at TSMS, so I feel comfortable with her and can go into her classroom and interact with her and her students.  On the second campus, I have made friends with one of the other staff members and have been able to talk to her quite often this week.  Baby steps. 
My goal for next week is to get out and talk to more teachers.  I need to step out of my box office and sit down with other teachers at lunch.  I need to introduce myself to people and get involved.  Baby steps. 

I really do like what I am doing now...I wouldn't say I love it, yet.  There is A LOT of new information to learn and a lot of questions to ask.  I've started just making lists of questions to ask my mentor when I see her. There are some other great diags who have helped me these past three weeks, and I'm very appreciatve of them!  I could not have made it this far without their help, and they are still offering more help!  Hopefully I can "pay it forward" one day. 

I was able to go to swim tryouts this week.  It was GREAT to see my old team!  They were all excited to get back in the water and get started with preparing for the upcoming season.  I'm so sad that I won't be there to lead them, but I know they will be amazing!  I fully plan on attending as many meets as I can and hopefully helping out at some of them...after all, I did make the schedule, I should be able to make at least some of them! I am so proud of them in so many areas, in and out of the athletic world.  They are truly an amazing group of young adults and my mornings will never be the same without them (although I love my alarm clock not going off until 6:00 am!). 

Almost...

I almost made it through the day without asking anyone any questions, but I had to cave around 2 pm. 
I'm trying to remember that it's going to take a while before I completely settle into my new position.  I can teach 7th grade blindfolded.  I know where all my worksheets are, I know the best websites to visit, I know the good books to read.  I don't have to ask questions, and I became used to that.  Now, I'm in new territory and I have have no clue that I'm doing at any given time. 

I am trying to figure things out on my own.  My goal is to make it through an entire day without asking questions.  The other day I was actually able to answer someone else's questions.  I was so excited that I called my mom to share the good news.  I feel like I have to celebrate the small milestones right now! 

So eventually, I will meet my goal of getting through a day without asking questions, but for now, my questions continue....I apologize if you are one of the unlucky ones to get an email from me!

Groupon

So I know I'm totally behind the curve, but I discovered Groupon this summer...in a matter of 3 weeks, I bought 3 of them! 
The first one I bought was for a photography class!  It's a two hour class and it cost me $45, and I'm hoping it's $45 well spent.  I really haven't had a chance to use my new camera, I've played around with it, but I really want to know all those little buttons and settings mean. 
The next one I bought was kinda of a little bit of peer pressure.  Sunday when I was at Camp, Amanda Bert sent me a text...a screenshot of the Groupon of the day, a pole dancing workshop in Southlake.  So we decided to take it together.  We haven't used it yet, as we haven't been able to find a date that works for both of us, but I will update when it does happen!
The last one I bought is for me and Will.  It's for a Zipline Tour at DFW adventure park in Roanoke.  I'm probably most excited about this one!  We get to go ziplining, right in our own back yard!  We are waiting until the weather cools down a little and it's actually enjoyable to be outside.  This is something we have both been wanting to do, and I promised to take him ziplining for his birthday, so I'm finally making good on my promise.  There are also places near Austin in Hill Country that are just for ziplining, they are longer distances and more ziplines, but this place in Roanoke is supposed to be fun too! 
I will keep you updated on the Groupon experience!

Hey Campers...

OK, I promised to post about camp, but I know that I won't be able to get the words right.  I have already posted pictures to facebook, so I won't repeat them here.   
I was introduced to Camp in 2000 by my Tri Delta sisters, but more importantly my roommate, Alisha.  As we became friends, Alisha told me one of the reasons she pledged Tri Delta is because of our work with St. Jude (our national philanthropy), and our chapter also took on a local philanthropy, Camp Smile-A-Mile (Camp SAM).  We both started going as counselors on the weekends when Camp was in session.  I fell in love with Camp immediately, and it has forever changed me as a person.  Camp is a place where I don't have to worry about what clothes I wear, what shoes I wear, what my grades are or even if someone will call/text (we have to surrender our phones while at Camp).  I don't have to worry about any of that stuff because CAMP IS ALL ABOUT THE KIDS! My needs and wants come well after everyone else's.  Aside from how Camp has changed my perspective on life, it has given me some amazing friends.  I am in constant contact with counselors and campers who have entered my life, and I can't imagine my life without them, even if I only get to see them once a year! 

On July 7th, we arrived at Camp...after lots of hugs and quick catch ups, we began getting ready for the kids to arrive.  We have a new program called Junior/Senior Weekend, a transition for the older teens.  We still have all the normal camp activities, but we also have mini-educational sessions to help transition to college and the real world.  This year we had a small group of only 25 campers, so it was nice to really get to spend time with the friends I have made over the years.  Most of the time, the campers just wanted to hang out, talk and enjoy each other's company.  I can't even begin to tell you how proud these young adults make me!  They have overcome so much in life and they are so grateful for what is given to them.  Sunday came way too soon and I miss those kids dearly!

On Monday, July 11th, the second session began, Teen Week, ages 13-15.  We had a larger group (41 kids) and of course any time you put 41 teens in a confined space drama is sure to ensue!  Dates were very quickly being snatched up for the dance, some kids were starting to pair off, while some couldn't care less about the opposite sex.  We had a great week of boat/banana rides, monkey fist making, arts a crafts, games, evening activities, swimming and dancing on tables to The Backstreet Boys.  While the days were hot and long, every short night's sleep was worth it!  By Wednesday, those of us who had been at Camp for a full week began to get a little loopy!  The lack of sleep, lack of energy and sometimes lack of sanity were always trying to pull us down, but we leaned on each other, cried with each other, laughed with each other and made memories that will last us until next year! 

Even though I live so far away, Camp is always in my heart.  I keep my first monkey's fist hanging from my rearview mirror to remind me that my problems aren't quite as big as they seem at the moment.  When I tell people that I volunteer at a Camp for children with cancer during the summers, I always get a positive reaction..."What an amazing thing you do!" "You are so good to give up your time!".  Yes, I have given Camp alot, but it in no way can compare to what Camp has DONE to me as a person, how it has CHANGED me as a person and the amazing people it brings to my life each year!  I could talk about Camp all day, but until you experience it, you'll never understand. 

Hey Campers....Hustle, Hustle, Hustle- HARD! 

Here, there and yonder

Just when I thought I was safely back at home, Will tells me he is going to San Antonio this weekend for his grandmother's birthday and would like for me to go with him.  Cue me dragging my navy Vera Bradley duffle bag (and of course matching Vera bathroom bags) out of the closet...it's a good thing I love him.  At least I got 3 nights in my very own bed. 

On July 3rd, I began the long trek to Alabama.  My dad had already taken CC to his house, so I didn't have to travel with her.  I first stopped in Louisiana to spend some time with my Granddad.  For those of you who I haven't told, my Granddad was recently diagnosed with bladder cancer, and apparently it's pretty aggressive.  Luckily, his treatment doesn't require chemo or radiation, the doctors are injecting meds directly into his bladder, then he has to go home and lay on his back for 15 minutes, his side for 15, his stomach for 15 and his other side for 15.  We call this the rotisserie.  He began his first treatment this week, and will get one once a week for the next 5 weeks...we would appreciate if you kept him in your prayers. 

Anyway...I spent a few days in Lafayette hanging out with him.  The day I arrived, we went to the nursing home to visit my Gram, then met up with my Nanny, my cousin Kevin and his girlfriend Molly at my most favorite pizza place ever, Deano's!  On July 4th, we headed out to Butte LaRose to spend the day with some old family friends at their camp.  I haven't seen some of them in over 10 years (since I haven't lived in Louisiana since August of 2000), and it was nice to catch up.  Plus there was some great food! 

On July 5th, I repacked the car and continued East on I-10.  As I entered Alabama, I thanked God I was heading East and not West, where the traffic was backed up over 30 miles...I might have laughed a little as I sped by the West bound lanes...
I arrived at my dad's in the early afternoon and was greeted by an overly excited CC girl.  She had been with my dad for over 2 weeks.  My dad has 4 dogs, 2 small dogs and 2 really big labs.  CC is used to being an only child.  Her days consist of an early morning nap, a mid-morning nap, a late morning nap, a short trip in the backyard to sun bathe, an early afternoon nap, chewing on a bone/playing with a toy, a mid-afternoon nap, a walk, a late afternoon nap, dinner, playing on the floor/evening craziness, an evening nap, and of course, up to bed to snuggle under the covers...sometimes even before I make it upstairs.  (She has a rough life).  Her schedule was severely intrupted while in Alabama, in fact, I'm not sure she's quite recovered. 

On July 7th, I headed up to Greenville, AL to meet up with two great friends and carpool up to Camp SAM!  I spent a great 10 days with some of the most amazing people I know (both campers and counselors).  More on that to come, I think it deserves it's own post. 

I headed back to Texas a little early due to a change in plans.  Not ready to mention it yet, but maybe soon...

Anyway, I'm back (for the moment) in my own house.  I still have a few overnight stays planned for this summer (Yearbook Camp with Amanda and 10 8th graders and CHRP retreat at church), but at least they are local!!!  Now I'm just hanging out until it's time to go back to work!

Crazy summer

I thought summer was supposed to be relaxing for teachers?!?  Here are the highlights of my not so relaxing summer so far...
- Summer school- trapped in a classroom for 3 hours teaching math to kids who hate math...
-  Four days in Vegas for a 4 minute 15 second wedding...more info coming on that soon
- A three day bathroom re-model that was supposed to be "easy".  Daddy, I think you and I have different ideas of easy...
-  Two and a half days in Atlanta for a Rangers vs Braves baseball game...GO BRAVES!
Thankfully the rest of June will be more relaxed and low key! 
In July, I make my annual trek to the Gulf Coast.  I'm ready to see friends and family in Lafayette, Alabama, and I'm more than ready to see my Camp family! 

Weird...

Normally, I come home from work around 5, maybe a little after, walk CC, pop on facebook for awhile to catch up on the gossip, then either work on swimming stuff, or work on Masters work.  Now that swimming is over for this season and I'm FINISHED with my Masters, I come home and I don't know what to do. 

Yesterday I did school work, just because I could.  Even though I had lessons planned out for my classes, I began re-looking at things to see how I could change them.  While this is not a bad thing, it's not something I'm used to! I actually was able to get a workout in as well...and I was in bed by 9:20!  I felt so accomplished!  I'm definitely looking forward to more days like yesterday!