I am From...

I am from the marble top dining room table


From I.D. cards and moving vans

I am from multiple homes, an Air Force nomad

I am from the Sweet Gum tree

Whose tall stature shaded me

I am from clarinet and student yearbook

From McCollum and Elam

I am from strict, generous

And social

I am from the golden rule

I am from Bessie and Betty

From stodge and butterscotch pie

From being scalped by an Indian

And serving in World War II

My doggy bank

I am from those moments and more

The new semester is upon us

Where did time go? It seems just last week I was grading portfolios and getting ready for Christmas. Now it is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, and spring classes start tomorrow.

Break was good, a welcome reprieve from the routine of classes and prepping and grading. I so enjoyed spending extra time with my family, sleeping in occasionally, and catching up on a few shows I DVR'd. I enjoyed a different routine, and I thought about spring classes.

Now the thinking has been turned into action. Finalizing the syllabus, assignments, and activities. Preparing for a new routine. Change is good, which is one reason I enjoy teaching. Twice a year I meet new people and have a new start with classes. I can mix up assignments, swap a textbook that didn't work well, and try a new schedule. This time I have one online class and two classes on Tuesdays and Thursdays. My school day begins at 12:30 p.m. instead of 9:30 a.m.

To everyone starting fresh, good luck to you!