The End of Summer

     "So long sweet summer," the lyrics of a Dashboard Confessionals sadly echos in my mind as I sit typing this post on what is my last hour of summer vacation. Yes, it is 11:00pm and I have yet to get into bed as I sit attempting to finish last minute details before tomorrow - the first day of school. I have found myself to be very reluctant in going back to work this year, be it the stress, or the fact that I just had a second child three months ago. Whatever the cause, I know I will have my 'plate' full so to speak as I embark upon this school year.
     The stress I mentioned before is felt not only through teaching a brand new class that I have to develop the curriculum for, but also because three of my classes will be co-taught this year. I am trying to remain positive about this as I know there is much research that supports this teaching model; however, I don't get the same vibe from my co-teacher. I sort of feel like she is just waiting for the whole endeavour to fail, which doesn't make me very comfortable with the situation. On top of those things, I am also advising the Student Council again this year as well as coaching the forensics team. As if all that wouldn't keep any teacher busy, I'm also taking two masters classes per semester this year in order to finish up my degree by the end of this coming summer. Needless to say, it is going to be a balancing act this year between being the mother of two children under the age of two and a half and the wife that I need to be, as well as being the type of teacher that I need to be while devoting the necessary time into the profession.
     So, with all of these things on my mind, it is truly with a heaviness of heart that I am bidding summer adeiu, and holding on to my sanity as much as possible in the coming weeks and months. I am attempting to be as positive as I can and trying not to let the pessimism of others weigh down my heart and cloud my judgment. I know the type of teacher I am, what I'm capable of and where I want to be in my career, but that still doesn't stop my from shedding a tear as the weather turns colder, the sun sets sooner and once again I am literally swamped with work from morning until night. All I can say is that this field is truly a calling, otherwise no one could keep up with the demands that the profession entails! So, "so long sweet summer..." until next time, and may that time go faster than it seems!

     The chaos that is life. I started this blog as sort of an online journal to chronicle the funny, stressful and daunting things that happen in my life. Or in other words, just to have a place to vent and write down my thoughts. If any of the thoughts seem to help anyone or give a laugh, then I guess that this blog has done what it was intended. 

     Lately life has been both stressful and a joy. I am currently anticipating the arrival of my second child and baby boy. He is due at the end of May, but I am suspecting that I'll have him in my arms before then. My first baby isn't such a baby anymore. She will be two at the beginning of June and she is such an independent little person. She is constantly making me laugh (and at times angry), and she always brings a smile to my face. 

     Life also includes working full time and going to school part time. I am a high school teacher, so planning, teaching and grading keeps me plenty busy. As if that weren't enough, I am also in the middle of my Masters program at FSU. I am studying curriculum and instruction with a focus in leadership. It seems as if my life is full of nothing but school, but I know it is a necessary evil, at least for the next year until my program is finished.

     On top of all of this, my husband and I are host parents for a lovely girl from Germany, her name is Kiana. She is full of energy and keeps us forever on the go, so sometimes completing all of the grading and my own homework is a challenge, but we've been enjoying all of our time with her. We are excited that she'll be here for the birth of our baby boy and she'll get to spend a few weeks with him before going back home.

     Life also becomes chaotic when dealing with the antics and naughtiness of two dogs and three cats. And in the spring time comes the maintenance of a house and yard, etc. So needless to say, it is never dull around the Roak residence. Even as I write this, a very tired toddler is in her crib screaming because she doesn't want to nap. But I take a breath and remind myself that this chaos is what makes life so wonderful as well. :)