So I will have a job in the fall. Bastrop Independent School District. Cedar Creek High School.
Hot dang, but that’s a good thing! Although I confess it will be with some sadness that I say goodbye to pseudo-retirement. And the dogs are sure to be sad, also. They seem to have adapted to The Man’s pseudo-retirement just fine.
“You’re hired!” the email said. Some automation behind the job application web site had figured out that I’d been made an offer and accepted it. This was followed by an orientation. And getting a username so that I can log into their systems. Descriptions of calendars and paydays and benefits. Forms to fill out.
There are so many upsides to this. (1) I have a job! (2) The commute will be half what I used to put in. 20 minutes door-to-door. (3) Bastrop is a small town with smiling faces on the staff who went to school there themselves and whose kids did and whose grandchildren will. (4) And they told me today that I’ll be teaching Algebra 2, which is frankly what I’d been crossing my fingers for.
So with all the upsides, why can’t I fall asleep?
It’s not stress. I know what work stress feels like. This isn’t close to that. And it’s not as if I’ve been sleeping in late. I get up just like a normal day (albeit with no commute) and start studying for the certification class and upcoming ESL certification test. I have full days. I should be tired at the end of them, just like anyone else. It’s not fear or apprehension. I just can’t wait to be in the classroom. So it’s not that, either.
But I’m sitting here just past midnight telling you this, when I should be asleep in bed. What is up with that?