Sore muscles and more birthday parties

Yesterday, I came home from work so sore that I took my first bath in years, perhaps since middle school. I just wanted to submerge in the hot water and the Epsom salts, and let my groaning muslces get some relief. I waited tables from 5pm-1am on Friday night, and had to open the restaurant on Saturday at 8:30, and worked until 5:30. It was fairly busy both days - all told, I walked with nearly $250 over the two shifts, so now my August rent is almost all the way paid - but it took a toll on my leg muscles. And, oh, my aching feet.

I needed to get myself right, though, because a friend born on August 13, 1977, was having his 30th birthday party last night, as well as another friend whose birthday was 8/11 (and of course mine on 8/15). So it was another night of riotous celebration, of cake and snacks and drinks. I look forward to a trip to the gym today, my first since Monday, so I can start to work this off. I'm actually thinking about swimming, though - which I basically hate - to eliminate the pounding of my muscles. Unfortunately, I used to teach nearly ever lifeguard at the YMCA, and I'd rather not swim for them. I'd rather our communication (always pleasant, mind you... these are really good kids) at the gym is limited to conversations in which I'm fully clothed.

After today, I have two days left before I officially have to report for the 2007-2008 school year. I'll spend most of Monday and part of Tuesday getting my classroom set up. I spent a lot of time last week getting posters up, but came in on Friday to find nearly every one had fallen to the ground. I need to get some better tape, that's for sure. Or nails. I'm heading to the store this morning so I'm prepared.

Then, I'll start what will prove to be a pretty challenging semester, I'm sure. Two Master's courses. Two jobs, the second one more necessary than ever, to try to get out of the hole my car and I have made for myself this summer. A new course in a new program. Out of town training. Course teams consisting of challenging teachers - we'll raise the bars for each other - but also full of passion and emotion that I'm sure will prove exhausting at times. A school political climate that could surge. Class sizes in the mid-30s (I'm guessing) across the board.

I can hardly wait.