Commissioning, detentions, and coffee

I returned home around midnight last night from a marvelous weekend. I took part in the commissioning ceremony for one of my best friends as she entered the US Army as a medical officer. It was definitely a momentous occasion and I am rather proud of her. :)

I spent the past 2.5 days with some of the people nearest and dearest to me. So, needless to say, I wasn't exactly thrilled about returning home to an empty apartment. :P There may have been a few tears shed upon departure, but I was enormously thankful for the company of two other gals on the drive back to Indiana from Michigan.

As I was visiting with a dear old friend and discussing recent developments, he made the comment 'it looks like you're making a life for yourself'. Well, I suppose I am, eh? Life is what you make of it and, quite frankly, I haven't been putting forth much effort, if any, in that area. All energy has gone to teaching, coaching, and taking care of the small mundane details of life. Admittedly, I have done an extraordinarily poor job of 'plugging in'. Along with that thought came the realization that, as much as I think my students need it, character development is also good for those a little older. I have the feeling that this year will provide a multitude of opportunities for my own character development.

I spent some time talking to another teacher in my hallway today, which is no unusual occurrence. We have the same prep period and it has proven to be very beneficial for me to have a great source of knowledge at my fingertips. :) During today's discussion, she gave me a very high compliment. "I am so impressed with you... so impressed." Wow. From someone who has been teaching for 37 years talking to a first year teacher, that meant quite a bit. (Thanks for the encouragement!) By the way, I wrote up my first two detentions today. Is it weird that my first experience with detentions is on the giving side? ;)

In other news, I purchased some small tupperware containers tonight to hold applesauce, trail mix, etc. I think I'm a little too excited at the prospect of using them tomorrow. :P I also love Starbucks' Teacher Appreciation Mondays. Hooray for free coffee!