Day One Back at School...By Mel

Ok, so I knew that coming back to school would be good and bad for a few reasons. Well, the good thing is that I can get back into a solid routine. I can pack a lunch, be at school and be busy and not worry about savoring the leftover holiday treats, which thankfully there aren't many of. Hmmm, I wonder why? haha. The not so good part about coming back to school is that it raises my stress levels. Now I know that I need to find other outlets for that, so I am working on trying a few techniques that I know have worked in the past. Chewing gum! Now, all of my college professors would cringe if they knew I chew gum while I am teaching as they always said not to. Oh well! That minty taste of deliciousness will help me to get past my pull towards all things chocolate. Deep Breathing! I am stopping more throughout the day and really pausing, praying and working on being calm. I prayed this morning that God would help me resist the temptations that came in front of me. Alas I forgot the bag of M & M's that were left in my classroom from the holidays. So, I quickly divided them up for my students and of course had some myself. That is the only thing so far that I regret. Other than that, it's been a great first day back at school. My plans for tonight are a healthy dinner and a nice, cold walk outside. I better bundle up! :)