Dawn Patrol

In my household, "dawn patrol" translates into an early morning surfing excursion with my youngest child.  I usually sit on the beach and watch the sunrise while he surfs.  He says that the best waves always happen in the morning!

Today, "dawn patrol" took on a very different meaning.  Sixteen chorus students and three parents crawled out of bed to volunteer at a 5K on the beach this morning.  As the chorus sponsor, I had to be at the Seawalk Pavillion at 5:45 a.m. to greet my students.  I had been up since 3:30 a.m. working on school work and doing laundry.  (I figured I might as well get some work done while the house was quiet.  I do my best work before sunrise.)  

Preparing for the Zoomarun

Working the registration table

My "security team" got to wear official t-shirts

On-site registration and trouble-shooters extraordinaire!

I would like to publicly commend my students for their efforts today.  Although many were sleep-deprived, they showed up and kept their commitment.  The race ran without incident and they played a huge part in making it a great experience for all.  They did such a fine job, the race coordinator asked if we would do it again in January.  I could not have been more pleased.  They are truly the "Pride of the Beaches!"

Until next time...

So this is High School...

You may be wondering how I am adjusting to my new teaching position at the high school level.  I can honestly say that this has been one of THE most difficult transitional periods of my entire life.....

In the past three weeks, I started a new job.  My husband started a new job.  My eldest child headed off to college.  My youngest son started high school AND my 90-year old father-in-law moved in with us.  Can we say STRESS?????????

I have come to the conclusion that being a chorus teacher at the high school level is like running a small business.  Most of your time is spent doing administrative tasks - organizing fundraisers, meeting with the booster organization, behind-the-scenes preparation for the Disney Candlelight Processional audition, receipting money, attending meetings of the Florida Vocal Association, making photocopies, creating "month-at-a-glance" calendars for 103 students, fitting concert uniforms, meeting with student officers, planning fall picnics.....and on.....and on....and on.

It has been quite an adjustment for me.  It is probably a good thing that I am neurotically organized and extremely linear.  I'm always thinking about things that are looming on the horizon.  That makes it difficult to "live in the moment" on most days.  With 222 students in your care, there is not much time for anything else.

I have greatly enjoyed a 3-day weekend.  I allowed myself to sit by the pool for four hours on Saturday and swim in the ocean for several hours today.  My work is done for the night and I must retire.  My clock will awaken me at 5:00 a.m. tomorrow and I will begin the process all over again.  Welcome to my world!

Until next time...