Back to school....

I have something to admit, I have never really dreaded going back to school.

Though I was never what one would call a "stellar student", school came fairly easy to me. Also, I like being around people and all of my friends were at school. This is probably why I decided to become a professor, I simply love everything about school. So, tonight I am not really dreading starting classes tomorrow.

Though, after some introspection, I decided there are a few reason why I am not really dreading beginning classes tomorrow. Also, I love lists, so this gives me a convenient option to make a list of reasons I am happy to go back to school:

1. I have all of my classes prepped. For the first time in my career, all the courses I am teaching are courses that I have taught before. I made some minor changes, but they were good to go about a week into winter break. I am pretty excited to get to "tinker" with my courses and not have to plan them from scratch. 
2. I had an awesome break. 


1. We got a new treadmill. We have had a treadmill for about 10 years and finally decided to upgrade. We broke it in today, it has a TV and IFit! I realize nothing screams middle aged person like buying exercise equipment. However, I am going to own it.
2. We hung out with lots of friends. I had a "Congrats you are hired" dinner and I got awesome gifts (I am wearing a new tie and sweatshirt I received in the picture to the right). I would like to say the sweatshirt just makes my gut look big, but as I have mentioned I had a lot of fun over break (e.g., ate a lot). 
3. I really enjoy working with students. I will be the first to admit that there are days when students grate on me. But, most of the time, they are thoughtful, motivated to learn, and all make may day when I see them. So, tomorrow will be the first time I have seen them in a month. Hopefully, I make their day a little better when they see me.

Well, that is it. What do you all think? Excited for the new year/school? Not? Tell me your thoughts.