Musings

Tomorrow is October already. Can you believe it? I know I can't. I certainly don't mind, though, since Autumn is my favorite time of year. The cooler temps have been taking their time getting here to Ohio, arriving just today. I love sweater weather, and have been looking forward to getting out my sweaters and sweatshirts and handknit socks.

Adjusting to my new my work schedule is taking me longer than I thought it would. The earlier mornings are tough for me, for some reason. My days are busy, which is a good thing. So far I haven't messed anything up in a big way, and I am keeping my head above water. Everyday I learn something new. Working in a counseling center with five other counselors and 3 secretaries means I have plenty of people to go to with my questions. Believe me, I have plenty of those! At lease I'm not bugging the same person all the time.

Something that has been really impressive to me is the way two of my student office workers (seniors) have taken a student with special needs under their wings. During one class period, a student with Down Syndrome, whom I've known since she was in 7th grade, comes to work in our office as part of her vocational training. Our senior students have befriended her and are treating her like any other kid. I love it! The district where I work has spent years practicing inclusion - an educational practice where students with disabilities are included in regular education and the special help comes to them. Seeing these three students interact daily is such a bright spot in my day. I shouldn't be so surprised since our special needs kids have been in the classrooms with typical kids for many years now... still, it's nice that they aren't ignoring her, or babying her.

The downside to the busy, busy days is that I have no knitting time at work. I don't even get to knit at lunch, because many days I don't even take lunch! Often my lunch consists of an apple at my desk while I return phone calls with my door closed.

I am knitting at home, though. Right now I'm finishing a pair of socks (from January! eek!). I'm continuing with the log cabin afghan. Eventually it will be bed-sized, but there's no deadline for that big blanket. Even with 4 or 5 pairs of socks on the needles, I desperately want to cast on for the February Lady Sweater. I have the yarn, but think I should finish a couple other things... maybe... sort of...


My latest Etsy treasure is something I must share with all of you! Uli makes the most wonderful chain maille bracelets. The bracelets made of stainless steel are lightweight, durable, very affordable, and great for daily wear. I own more than one, I must admit. She's also a knitter, and fellow Raveler. Check out her shop Creations by Uli! Tell her I sent you.


Thanks for the good wishes for my Absent-Minded Professor and his broken foot. He is mending quickly and didn't need a cast. My darling daughter Mayhem is being tested for Gifted services through school. I'm guessing she will be borderline, but she really does want to qualify.



Buddy Bill and I are planning the Washington, DC trip for the seventh graders again. Tomorrow the kids all get their information for the trip in June, start begging their parents and making financial arrangements. It's funny to me when I think that my own son is in this class! We have also been asked to arrange a trip for the 8th graders. That one is still in the planning stages and would occur right after the Washington trip - either New York City or Boston. June will be busy!

One last thing... A photo of some secret knitting. All will be revealed in time. My portion is finished, though.

Change

I am a creature of habit. For breakfast I like the same cereal. I drink the same coffee every day. My day has a certain order to it. Now, I wouldn't say I'm obsessive-compulsive, nor would my friends. I can certainly be spontaneous and flexible, but there are just some areas of my life that I like to stay the same. Like my job, for example.

Until this week, I had spent 17 years in seventh grade. I started out as a teacher, and then went back to school for a Master's degree in counseling. The past fourteen years I've been a counselor for seventh graders. I found out in May I would be moving to 8th grade, but not willingly.

I have to say that so far the change has been a pleasant surprise. The building is not totally unfamiliar to me. I started my counseling career in this district in this building, with seventh graders, before moving to another building for 10 years. The building I didn't want to leave. While introducing myself to the staff yesterday I joked that, "everything in education goes in circles, and in that tradition, I am back here where I started." Students and parents have been happy to see me. I had these kids last year. I can call them by name. They're giving me high-fives and hugs today.

Buddy B told me in the Spring, "Sometimes change is good. Keep an open mind about this. I think you will like your new building." Good thing I have smart friends, huh? I am casting on for Cobblestone tonight with Buddy B as the intended recipient; a gift for his support and encouragement. It's not a surprise. He chose the color (Cascade 220, Lichen) and has had to be measured for the sweater. I got gauge on the first try.

There are other changes taking place in my life as well. Happy changes. Exciting personal changes. Maybe life-altering changes. I'll keep you posted on that.