The little things.

Each morning, I hear my mourning dove. Since it is my favorite type of bird, it never fails to make me smile. As an continued inside joke, I have named him Mumford and have created little ditties of his consistent appearances. I always see him appear on the roofs of buildings I am about to go into. Perching alone with his low, soothing call. But in all seriousness, I really look forward to this every morning. These birds normally travel in groups, but each time I see this dove, it is alone. I take it as my daily gift from Above. That Mumford was sent especially for me to remind me that I'm loved and not alone.

Another nice morning thing is that there is a gentleman who works in the dining hall most mornings, and he always says hi and asks how I'm doing when I'm getting my cereal. I appreciate that, especially since I'm not a big morning person and my groggy awkwardness probably shines through at that time.

Yesterday, there was a moment of fun when K and I were rocking it out to Disney music with our junior girls. While we were singing our hearts out, the little girls were singing and dancing along as well to the tunes of Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, and Little Mermaid. Nothing beats bridging the generations through song.

On a related note, we're definitely doing a Disney Medley for the talent show. I'm organizing the entire staff to perform the funniest and best show ever since the staff always does some sort of skit. We will be singing songs from Lion King, Mulan, Beauty and the Beast, Aladdin, and Little Mermaid. I've already made the character lists... and am still trying to get more people to join in. I'm pretty excited I'm singing Belle's song (aka "The Bonjour Song"), but Lord, I pray that my confidence doesn't leave me. As a kid, I somehow felt I most identified with Belle and her black sheep status.

My high schoolers are not getting their homework done, so I need to take action in some way. I don't know how to "motivate" older kids to get their work done. With 2nd graders, it's easy. You make a visible homework chart, and the kids will just feel like they need to do it so they can be up with the rest of their classmates... oh, and they're still excited about gold stars and praises. I just have to keep reminding myself that teaching this class is all a part of some grand lesson... I was asked to teach this class for a reason... whatever that reason is... I have not a clue. I may look qualified on paper because of my English degree, but by no means am I personally equipped to classroom manage a bunch of 16 year olds. Part of the grand lesson I'm being taught is probably exposing myself to my own vulnerabilities... I'm not liking it, that's for sure.

Tomorrow night is my day off, so after the Saturday field trips, I'm heading back home for the evening/day to see C and C and pack up the rest of my room.

- Miss Chelsea :)