Anticipating the Big Enchilada

In theory, tomorrow is the big enchilada--the start to student teaching and the first day of school. The kids have a wonderful reputation--all but one was in the same class last year--for being eager, excited learners. The teacher I'm student teaching (H) with is truly awesome and a most excellent fit. She's pretty freakin' hillarious and good spirited.

I sorta know what I'm going to wear--I think--maybe--perhaps. Part of me thinks it pretty important to have a certain look, while another part of me thinks that in the long run, no one will really remember what I wore on the first day. I sure as hell couldn't tell you what any of my K-12 teachers wore on the first days of school.

My frustration right now is not being able to do much. H is scurrying around, trying to mentally prepare and get things the way she wants them. I end up doing odd, simple jobs, finished quickly, and feeling like dead weight. I'm so unfamiliar with what needs to happen/be done, that I cannot anticipate needs or volunteer to do things (plus, chances are I won't know exactly how to do them, or where to find supplies either!). So while the veterans plan and figure, I basically sit idly and watch. I'm slowly realizing that veterans are good because they anticipate--they have the experience that allows them to anticipate.

Like I said, tomorrow starts it off. What am I doing tonight? Enjoying the fact my parents are on vacation, watching Law & Order while I eat my dinner, and getting ready to go ice-blocking (per end of summer ritual) with some close friends and associates. More tomorrow.