A Very LONG LONG Day...

I'm very wound up right now. Maybe I can expend some of that extra energy here.

This morning I left for school at 7:20am, my usual time. Tonight was Back to School night from 6-7:30pm. I stayed at school the ENTIRE time. And here it is, 9:30pm and I'm exhausted, yet with my head spinning at the same time.

During those 4 hours between school and the evening event I did about 2 hours of schoolwork--updating a bulletin board, making next week's copies. Then I realized I'd better wind down a little because there was a busy night ahead.

At 4:15 I went to the local Japanese fast food place and bought some dinner. I relaxed in my classroom with the lights off for a while, and then it was time to change and get ready for a crowded school and busy evening.

We all met in the cafeteria for a few minutes while the principal welcomed everyone. It was hot in there and crowded with parents, kids, and kids in strollers. Then each grade level team of teachers was dismissed to their rooms to greet parents.

For the most part it went well, although it is hard to keep your energy up and present to parents. At this school we are expected to have a formal presentation. It sure is easier speaking to the kids than the parents. I always get nervous. Then the parents mingled around the room and looked at some projects we did for tonight.

A couple of parents wanted to use the time for private conferencing, which is always a little nerve-wracking. But, what can you do? I guess I should be happy they are showing interest in their children. It is hard to be positive when you've been at school for almost 13 hours, but everyone means well.

I came home and was very wound up. When talking to parents there is always the fear of saying something that will be misinterpreted. That does happen once in a while. When I came home I called my mom and asked if she wanted to go with me to take Bailey for a walk. It was a good chance to vent and unwind.

I thought.

JUST as I was settling in back home the phone rang. I didn't recognize the number and let it ring. Then my cell phone rang. Same number. I answered and it turned out to be a good friend from college who I hadn't spoken to in about 14 years. That threw me! Happily, my friend is going to be in town next week for a few days and wants to get together. How fun! But yes, I was very surprised!
Still, a long day! And a full one. It is times like this that I wish I had a really good massage chair!

See? That could be me...