We Aren't Poor Anymore

Whining.
Tattling.
Inability to tie shoes.
Indecipherable code used instead of English.
Lack of mature and rational discussions.
Tattling.
Snotty noses.
More tattling.
All of the reasons why I said I would never teach elementary school again. I was so certain of this that five years ago I gave away all of my second and third grade language arts folders, my holiday units, my folder games, and even a few books from my library. In June, I gave my few remaining blocks, bulletin board pieces, and center activities to a new teacher that I thought would find better use of them than I would. After all, I am a middle school math teacher, a field that is always in demand. Guess what I will be teaching this year.

Guess what I wish I had.

I am not upset in the least, though, because I am just so grateful to finally have a job, and according to Evan this means "we aren't poor anymore." More importantly, it also means daily hugs, lots of laughs, joy, innocence, and getting to know a group of children almost as well as my own - all of the things that I missed while teaching middle school.

Going back to work in August never felt better.