The Witching Hour

I want to apologize for the abrupt ending of my last entry, and for not blogging since.  I have been completely overwhelmed for the past couple of weeks, and not in the best frame of mind.  The in-laws are out of town, which means we have the house to ourselves (yay!), but also that we have no babysitters for the time being (boo!).
(It also means, however, that they get a much-needed break, and that maybe my father-in-law's nasty cough will recede.  They are, after all, in Hawaii.)

I have started my new (part-time, temporary) teaching job at a local high school.  I'm teaching Intro to Drama to freshmen 3-4 days a week.  The classes themselves are great, the kids are fantastic, but the technology is driving me insane.  Everything is online: the attendance sheet, which has to be sent in straightaway, as well as payroll, faculty email, etc.  And technology and I have a somewhat sketchy relationship.
I'm also trying to juggle my schedule with Hubby and the kids.  Luckily he's usually able to leave work early if I'm teaching when the kids get home from school.  And his show is still running, 8 performances a week. They recently moved the Sunday evening shows to Wednesday matinees, so I'm scrambling to find subs for my Wednesday classes.  Luckily, I don't have many of those, and teach mainly on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

The first couple of weeks have had a few bumps.  I'm hoping things will run more smoothly from here on out.

High school freshman are a lot like puppies: Cute, a bit awkward, energetic, and enthusiastic.  Sometimes I forget that my son is the same age as these students.   And other times I have to remind myself that ALL of these concepts are new for these guys, and to teach accordingly.  The rules that apply to (even slightly) older, more experienced students/actors don't necessarily apply here.

I must say that it's nice to work in a place that has amazing amenities.  After working for so many years in public schools, where budgets are severely limited, it's quite a concept to work in an environment in which resources are readily available.  And, honestly, to be paid well.  It makes me sad and angry that most schools have to beg for arts funding, if they get it at all.

OK, better get outside and keep an eye out for the school bus.  Hope everyone had a very happy Halloween!