Back in the Saddle

After an unscheduled hiatus I'm back to blogging. Last week was full of surprises that kept me away from the computer -- at least long enough to think and write. Fortunately, the surprises included two days of substitute teaching. After a summer of quiet, school's in session. That equals fairly consistent work for Mike. Both days were for elementary kids. They are a lot of fun. Okay, I know I'm supposed to be in it for the kids -- and they are important -- but it's nice to enjoy the job. The learning curve getting back to teaching is a challenge. The students are still getting used to a daily school schedule and pushing their limits, while I'm working out classroom management strategies. Subbing has its challenges (stepping into someone else's classroom as a teacher for a day or two, getting to know dozens of students and teachers from different schools, and schedule differences) that make it a unique job. Teachers and staff often say, "It takes a special person to be a sub." Sometimes I feel like the cowboy in a western movie riding around to wrangle in the herd of cattle. When I get home my brain's a little saddle sore and my body's worn out. I just accepted another elementary school assignment for tomorrow. Guess I better mosey on to bed a little early tonight. Gotta be up and at 'em early tomorrow!