Getting stronger

The week crested, and there is stability of a sort in sight. I got a final (!) roster for my homeroom that has 28 students on it. The honors homeroom has 29 students in it. What are the chances that we will hit a 24:1 student/teacher ratio, as advertised? Unpossible, since an Asst. Principal confided to me that our registration was down (down...to the level the school was built to house, 900) and there would be surplussing, including one administrator. Wonder what teachers will get the axe, and how they will distribute the students, as it seems the 7th grade, or at least my part of it, is overflowing.

Lesson continue to come easily and non-traditionally. First time I have actually done investigations with the class to develop awareness of concepts. Without relying on the textbook. And kids are not only enjoying it, but they are getting the concepts. Yay me! I feel confident and strong as a teacher. I hope, and anticipate, this feeling will continue.

On the home front, my niece will be married on Saturday. I have watched her grow up, from toilet training, so it is kind of eerie. Wedding was postponed a month, too due to some chilly feet. Tomorrow there is a breakfast sort of thing, then rehearsal in the evening followed by the dinner. Wedding Saturday. I am not in the wedding party, but both girls are...bridesmaid and junior bridesmaid. Makes for a full weekend, for sure.

Both daughters are wonders, delights, and sources of worry. The oldest just passed her driving test today, although she doesn't like to drive (confidence issues, plus Memphis is a craptastic place to drive). At the youngest's pediatrician visit for her volleyball physical, the doctor took my wife aside and informed her that the girl is very attractive and we should keep an eye on her. I guess he sees her as a heartbreaker, or at least a target of lust, in future years. Just wonderful.

And exercise-wise, bike is back in commission. Today everything felt even better than fine. My bike is a 21 speed, so 3 large gears and 7 small. I keep the big on the top (3), and usually don't go below 5...today I only went that low on one hill that has a stop at the top. And despite the nerve pain and my chagrin over my large stomach, I feel pretty fit after the mid-point of the week. My metabolism is definitely up - I can sit and think about exercise and feel the warm rush...I tend to run warm anyhow, so I can almost feel the calories burning, melting away all that marshmallow. Also been pricing bicycle shorts on eBay, since the guy who fixed my tire looked amazed that I ride 10 miles a day in only unpadded spandex. All the good deals seem to attract last minute bidders, though, so I have had no success.