Nervous Anticipation

Thanks to all who have visited/followed/commented. I appreciate all the support. I will be returning emails soon :)
<p>Last night we had friends over for an impromptu dinner. Of course I completely forgot to take any pictures. But two of the girls teach on my team. Its so interesting to see how different people act within their jobs.&nbsp; Last year was my first year teaching. I was in a new state, knowing no one.&nbsp; The original position I was hired for meant I did not have a homeroom class. But due to an enrollment boom I was moved to having a homeroom one month into school. I was told on Monday, had trainings until Thursday, meet my new sweeties on Friday, then started teaching my own class on Monday morning. It was a whirlwind experience and I didn't have time to overthink.&nbsp; I'm a worrier its what I do! So I wrapped up a successful(we all survived) first year. Now I am embarking on my second year and feel completely overwhelmed.&nbsp; I know deep down I have it under control and know what I am doing, but Ive never experienced the Back to School meet the parent nights, the first week and those monumentous milestones.&nbsp; I cannot wait to see the growth I make this year as a teacher. <br>
On the last day of school I was asked to move classrooms. Now I was planning a major overhaul anyways so it wasn't *too* much of a big deal. I'm on the same hallways with my same team, BUT I seriously lack in the area of visual spatial intellegence which poses a problem....my new classroom is the mirror image of my previous room. So in my mind I'm planning a layout but everything is backwards!  Its quite comical when I think about it. We can't go into our classrooms and work until August so for now I wait and worry :)
Any amazing tips for starting off this year?
What is your greatest advice to not-quite brand new teachers?

30 Days of Thanks

I am linking up with The O' banions for 30 Days of Thanks. Hopefully this will get me out of my "lack of blogging" funk. 

Day 1 -- I am Thankful for my job.

In this economy so many struggle to find jobs, especially in the field of Education.  In Alabama there were many districts actually cutting teaching units because of budget issues.  I was blessed to be offered more than one job.  It was definitely a struggle to decide, but ultimately I am certain that I made the right choice.  

Each morning I begrudgingly roll out of bed way too early and drive to school in the dark.  Then at 7:25 14 wonderful 2nd graders pile into my room with the biggest smiles on their faces.  For some I may be the only hug they get.  I may be the first smiling face each day.  I have a wonderful TEAM of coworkers whom I have come to love.  I am their Rookie and Little Southern Belle.  I would not trade my days for anything.  Do I get frustrated with the 12 hour days I seem to always be working? Absolutely. Do I wish I could turn off my "teacher brain" and focus on my friends and family? Without a Doubt.  But more than all that I am Thankful to be such a Big Part of so many Little Lives.

What are you Thankful for Today?