First day of school

I love the first day of school. I always have, ever since my own first day of school. (I guess it's a good thing I became a teacher!). I love the anticipation of the day. All the new clothes and binders and paper! I have to say that I was kind of nerdy when I was a girl (probably not a shock to people who know me.) On the first day of seventh grade, I was so excited that I put ALL the notebook paper my mother bought me in my new binder. It was heavy. And when I was standing at the bus stop with all the older kids, who had a few sheets of paper in a folder and looked cool with their light loads, I realized how nerdy my lugging that huge bundle appeared. I removed almost all the paper that night, but there was no way to take back that first impression!

I still love the smell of new pencils--sharpening them renews the smell and makes me feel like writing. As I've gotten older, I've been able to indulge my love of writing utensils. I don't have to use the cheapest (which made sense for my parents when I was growing up). Now I can buy my own--and who knew that pencils and pens made such a difference? There is nothing like a Palomino Blackwing pencil for smoothness. And, although I don't use them anymore, I will never forget the scratchy feel of a fountain pen moving across paper.

So, yes, I am a nerdy teacher who still loves the first day of school. Because of that, I am extra happy when my children start sending first-day-of-school pictures of my grandchildren to me. Look at these cute faces, at the new shoes and combed hair! What's not to love?

 


But I was really tickled by this one of Anya. below. She's not just standing in front of the door--she's jumping for joy! She loves school, and she is excited to be heading back. She lives her life at top speed, putting everything she has into everything she does. What a way to start the school year! I want to emulate her enthusiasm for life. And I want that energy for the start of my own school year. Yes! (Fist pump inserted here.)