there's a $20 bill in the pocket of my jeans

I love those times when I'm washing a pair of pants or a jacket and I find money in a pocket that I didn't know was left there. Even though the money was originally mine, it's like winning the lottery in some small way. Suddenly I feel 1, 5, 10, or even 20 dollars richer.

I didn't "win" any money in today's laundry. (I didn't even do laundry today). But I did win back some time I thought I had lost. It turns out that I only had to read the first half of chapter 2 for my Ed Psych class this week, instead of all 50 pages of chapter 2. In keeping with Jay's insitence to look at life as the "glass half full" as much as possible, I'm going to forget the hours I spent trying to read while writing and grading final exams and rejoice that I now don't have to worry about cramming all 50 pages of chapter 3 in this weekend before my surgery on Monday!

Incidentally, I'm having my tonsils removed on Monday morning. I'm hoping this will really help improve my health in the cold and sore throat department. I'm very anxious about it though (you know me and my wild imagination), so your prayers are appreciated!

Other than that, life is finally winding down for a bit. School ended on Friday and the tonsilectomy has me on a mandatory break for the rest of the month. Jay and I are going to PA for Brain & Jackie's wedding as well as a whirlwind tour of the northeast and my various friends. We're really looking forward to it, although Jay's dreading the long drives. He's been spoiled having his school and all his school friends within an hour's distance of his house!

My first grad class is going well. Ed Psych was a pretty deep subject to start with, but my classmates all seem really great so far. I'm starting to realize how far I have to go intellectually until I feel comfortable, but I'm glad for the challenges it's bringing. It helps me keep in touch with how my struggling students feel, which is a very good thing!

I just found out that I probably don't have my job back at the daycare this summer. They don't think they have the need to hire me. So I'm trying to think of some part-time alternative to add some income to my rapidly draining bank accounts, while at the same time admitting that I could really use a less-stressful summer when I have the Penn State class to tackle, 9th grade curriculum to design & map (a 30 page written document), and other various tasks my boss requires. The life of a teacher is certainly never dull!