Sunday August 19, 2001
Good writing is easy to spot, yet difficult to describe. As I have encountered a plethora of excellent writing this summer, I am struck by how the craft of a writer can take someone inside the writer's head as well as on a journey to somewhere exciting. I am going to do my best to emulate good writing practices this year to accurately depict what thought process is that is going on inside my head.

I wait with reluctant anticipation for the new school year to start. I am having such an unbelievable summer that I just do not want vacation to end. My friend recently told me that I must totally freak out when I see those back to school sales at the end of July. He is totally right on with his analysis. I can't fucking believe its going to start up all over again.

One of the hardest things about a new school year is winning over the kids and getting back into a routine. I constantly worry and fret over just how it is going to be, yet at the same time, dismiss any attempt at rehearsal. For me, if I were going to be a filmmaker, the first shot would be my only take.

Despite all of the literature and focus on education, teaching is still one of the worst paying jobs in terms of responsibility that one can have. Before I became a teacher, I had no idea how under compensated teachers actually were, but now I am totally pissed off at our politicians who dominate the rhetoric and do nothing to help teachers earn a respectable living. Fuck them.

So basically, to get off my soapbox for a few, my major goals for this upcoming school year are to pass the State Exam for Principals, complete my leadership program, land an administrative job, and get through this school year without any major scratches or dents. I also hope to have a lot of fun this year and stay out of conflict. My goals are so much bigger and broader than running the department. I am willing to forego the drama and focus on the bigger picture.

And yet, there is this looming school year. It is a hoop that I must jump through without any reservation. Sometimes, at the beginning of the year, it looks as wide as the Grand Canyon. But it seemed like yesterday I was interviewing for a job at Sunnyland and dying to get out of the Shitter. Now the tables have turned. I really hope to have another terrific year by minimizing problems and maximizing fun times.