My life now looks vastly different than it did just a few weeks ago. For one thing, I actually go to bed early! For another, I'm working 40+ hour weeks now, and enjoying it! I have been working as a Beginning Preschool Teacher (with 2 1/2 year olds) for about 3 weeks now. Right now my life revolves around my job, as this is the first time I've been able to work full-time in a while. As my body adjusts to the demands of my week, I will be able to have more of a life again, but in the meantime I am completely enjoying teaching in my own classroom again. Because I'm working with two-year-olds, there are moments when I want to pull my hair out... or that I feel like a parroting drill sergeant. But that comes with the territory! I am still new to my students, and so they are putting me through Teacher Boot Camp -- the period of time when they push and push and push boundaries to see just how much they can do and get away with. (Hence me being the parroting drill sergeant!) I know from experience that this intense time of boundary pushing will pass... In the meantime, I am praying for extra patience, and going in prepared with extra caffeine and chocolate!

I am looking forward to tomorrow when my new co-teacher will start. I've had 1 1/2 weeks of training, and last week had a subsitute teacher... Now I'm definitely ready to establish a routine and have things settle down in the classroom. I'm also ready to be able to share the responsibilities of curriculum planning, prep work, etc, that I've been doing on my own. I definitely enjoy the work, but am looking forward to (hopefully!) being able to get the majority of the work done during nap times once it's split 50/50 between my co-teacher and myself.

I LOVE the kids. They make me laugh, and I've found that the ones who drive me nuts are the ones who make me laugh the most. Even though my job tires me physically, it energizes me at the same time. I can't imagine working in another field, ever. I am so thankful to God that He provided me with a job that I can enjoy.

My long-term plan is to continue working toward my education degree while working. I'm hoping to start classes in January. I'm a little nervous about this... but my wonderful hubby assures me that he will help me with anything I have difficulty with. He's so great.

Speaking of my wonderful hubby... He has been such a lifesaver these past weeks as I've been adjusting to working full-time. Even before then... He's always been my greatest encourager and supporter. I am so thankful for him. I think of the years before he and I were together, and I wish I could go back and tell myself to be patient... God had my perfect man waiting for me.

I guess I should put my nose back to the grindstone and finish my prep work for tomorrow. I have to cut out smiley faces, and color them different colors. I love my job. :o)