I thought I'd write a quick note while the kids are busy. T and S are upstairs supposedly finishing their homework, but they sound like they're goofing off more than anything...but that's ok...they'll finish. I can trust them. N is watching Spy Kids 2 because hes' already finished his homework. He's wrapped up in a blanket, staying warm. He also had a bad day at school today and was on "yellow" for behavior for the first time in forever. All he will tell me is he hates girls and wouldn't do his work. Well, ok, he's not in trouble much, no big deal. I'll lean on him tomorrow if he gets another yellow but he's been good for so long that I told him I expected green tomorrow and left it at that.

So today was bright and sunny, at least, and I was somewhat productive. This morning I slept (for the second time) to the ungodly hour of 8AM. M and I watched last night’s “Human Target” (pretty good) before I started laundry and answered email. Some work calls later and noon had already arrived. Later I hit the store for yogurt, frosting (chocolate), and cake mix. Then I called Freda to talk through the last of the work issues waiting in the carpool line.

I also read a little Greene before the boys came out of school. They get an hour on video games after school, so while they played I finished the laundry (still need to pull the last load out of the dryer), cleaned a little, and made dinner. I had a spinach/carrot salad, key lime pie yogurt, and six fake chicken nuggets. S and N had hot dogs and apples, but they declared the apples "gross" (they were slightly brown) so I only made them eat two slices each. They also had skim milk and chocolate milk combined. T said he had hot dogs for lunch so he made a turkey sandwich and had an orange. The dishwasher is running and I'm drinking my ceremonial pre-semester beer (a Summit Pilsener).

I hope I can sleep tonight. This morning I was up from 1:30 until about 4:30. I'm going to make lunch and get all my clothes ready. That sense that everything is already ready for tomorow lowers my stress level, I think. At dinner N asked me if I was scared about the start of the semester. That's an interesting question. There's always a rush when you're working with new students, sure, and maybe a little fear, but more than fear the cool feeling of new relationships and interactions. Tomorrow will be busy…two classes, a potentially tense student meeting, the student teaching kickoff, and I need to buy my books for that theology class at 8AM sharp or I’m afraid they’ll run out and I’ll be screwed. I’m ready. As long as I can sleep tonight and run in the morning, I’m ready.