Teacher meetings and Family Visits

This last week has been full of new things both teaching and family related.
Tuesday we went to Angwin, surprising my parents with a quick visit, and visiting with Tyler's dad. Wednesday I headed to Pleasant Hill for meetings, but was able to meet up with Tauva and Janae for lunch, a much needed visit.
The meetings for the day were new teacher orientation and meeting with my mentor. Both were interesting meetings, fun people involved. I have to admit though that there are some teachers that surprise me- not in a good way. Simply put....some of them are just strange. Sitting in that meeting thinking about it, made me hope no one thinks that of me. :)
Wednesday night Tyler stayed in Angwin again, while I was in Concord - our first night apart since getting married. I roomed with a lady teaching in Nevada City, CA who happened to know my good friend Jenn Ariza from Vegas. What a small world!
Thursday was my first teacher in-service meeting. It was so strange, yet really neat, to be in the same room, for the same purpose, as teachers who taught me in elementary or high school. It was an odd feeling to be on the same level as they are now, but yet a good feeling too because I know what great teachers are in this conference and I can turn to for advice, support, and encouragement. It was also a great way to get to know my 2 fellow teachers a little better as well. The seminar was all about differentiated instruction (jargon, I know!) - basically it was dealing with how to meet the varied needs of the students in your classroom. There were many strategies and things that the presenter showed us that I feel I can actually implement into my own classroom. I'm looking forward to more seminars.
This weekend Tyler's parents came to visit. This was the first time they have seen our humble abode. There's something about having in-laws visit that is different than your own family. I wanted things to be done a little better than if it was just my family. Especially cooking - I think there is something about wanting to impress your mother-in-law that you can cook for her son, take care of him, etc. I have the greatest mother-in-law in the world who is not intimidating or demanding, but somehow there was still that desire in me to prove myself. Human nature I guess?
It's been a good week, I'm prepared to start my 1st day of school tomorrow. Don't quite feel nervous yet, but am very anxious to get to know my students. It's a little surreal to think that I am actually a teacher, my professional goal is actually coming to life. It's amazing.
Pray for me - that I'll be a blessing to my class and to my school. Pray also that I'll be able to keep a balance between school (work) and family (my marriage).