Happy New Year!

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day, and because it is a federal holiday, we also enjoy a day off of school. Although the day off is appreciated, it does follow last week which featured not only a half day for professional development, but also a snow day! Snow is in the forecast tomorrow and you can bet that very few teachers are hoping for another day off. With midterms beginning on Wednesday, a delay in the schedule would only throw things into a chaotic state of confusion and disarray. Regardless, it is nice to enjoy a day off and catch up on some grading, lesson planning, and a little bit of studying for my first of two tests I need to pass in order to be a teacher in Massachusetts. This coming test is on Saturday and should not be too difficult... the one in March I am dreading already... But we take it one day at a time and I refuse to let it worry me now...

Since returning to Boston, my housemates and I have enjoyed the company of visitors. After a week with my cousin, Tom Sawyer also came out for a week leaving yesterday. We also met up with James Wegmann who rode the train up to Boston from the nation's capital on a "spur of the moment" trip. I am also looking forward to a visit from Nichole in about a week and a half...

The New Year brings two major resolutions: Survive my first year teaching and successfully file my taxes online by myself. I am actually more worried about the second one. I already look forward to warmer weather and lower heating bills. Walking around Boston yesterday reminded me how much I do love living here and how beautiful the city can be, even in the middle of winter.

Time to go back to lesson planning... Louisiana Purchase here I come!