Jump Start!

August 18th marked the start of a new school year at Lincoln Lutheran, and mile-marked my second year in the never ending occupation of teaching. Even though I still had more places to go, things to do, and people to see- let's face it, the money had run out for such "frivolities," and I was, in a weird way, starting to miss my classroom and my kids.

Landon makes fun of me, but I still marvel at how summer seems to morph those middle school adolescents. The boys are shooting up and thinning out. The girls are putting all those media-blasted fashions into their personal practice. And me? I'm still the same, though chopping hair off did cause quite a stir the first week!

It was in my 3rd hour social studies class, and two of my 8th grade boys expressed sincere concern for my shorn locks. It went something like this:

(raised hand) Ethan: Mrs. Olp, are you going to grow your hair back out?
Me: Um, well, probably- yes. (3 seconds pause)
(raised hand) Elijah: Does you husband like you hair?
Me: Yes, he does. (5 seconds pause)
(slowly raised hand) Ethan: Why did you cut your hair?

And we wonder, ladies, why guys like the long hair? I have 8th grade boys asking their teacher why she cut hers off and are genuinely interested! I laughed for 5 minutes straight, after class got out!

This year I am also taking over the drama and speech department for the entire middle and high school- our school is grades6-12. The high school is preparing "Guys and Dolls" for November 19-21. We had our first week of practices last week and it was fantastic! I am so very excited about this production and this cast. They make my job easy and so much fun!

Even though I am glad to be back in the swing of things, I still sometimes lament summer being over. It was the best summer of my life! I married my best friend and celebrated in style with my friends and family. I spent a week in Jamaica, soaking up the sun and exploring a different culture with Landon. I got to be a part of and celebrate the marriages of my friends. Landon really introduced me to the World Cup and we joined the rest of the world in their futbol frenzy. I was able to see both of my families in Austin, TX and Green Bay, WI. And, finally, I was able to turn an apartment into a home for my family, consisting of a handsome, up and coming virologist and a demented feline.

It's back to work, though, and praying that God uses me to cultivate a passion for learning in my students. That I honor Him and glorify in my teaching. That my crazy goals and probably over-zealous planning are used by Him.

I still have a religion lesson to plot out and I need to block the scenes we're going over tomorrow at rehearsals. "Summer Mariel" is officially over. It's back to work!

I need a coffee...