First Day Back

Jamie and I are back at school today for the 2nd semester. We keep the same kids all year since we teach 12 year olds. Jamie has never experienced this, but thank goodness the vast majority of these students are well behaved and work hard. My Reading class came in immediately and started their Silent Reading time without me telling them. Have any of you teachers had that experience in America? First day back from break and the students just sit and do what they are supposed to?

Griffey is settled in now. He's a bit skiddish going outside because of all of the people and crazy noises he hears. A car alarm went off next to him the other night and he broke loose from his collar and leash and ran all the way back to the apartment building door. The funny thing about it was that as soon as our doorman saw Griffey running up to the door, he buzzed him in as if he were going through the door. I'm enjoying our walks though and we even take the 11 stories of steps up to get back to our apartment sometimes. It'll be good for both of us.

We are ready for Jamie's parents to get here and go to Beijing for Chinese New Years at the end of the month. I'm excited to finally stand on the Great Wall of China. It is supposed to be quite cold up there, but we'll manage.

Hope everyone made it through the holidays and haven't broken their New Year's resolutions yet.

No action on the Message Board. It might be a bust, but if you want to jump on there, it'll be a nice way to discuss some topics. There are already posts about the economy, resolutions, travel, etc. Signing up is free and takes just a minute.

Happy New Year Everyone!