New School Year

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The start of a new school has always seemed somewhat magical to me. A self-proclaimed nerd, school has always been place I enjoy. Is it any wonder that, after graduating high school, I invested in nine years of higher education (Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate)? My family described me as a "professional student." I often tell children that I went to school until I graduated 21st grade and they are always astounded (and perhaps a little horrified). Where did I decide to work with my shiny new psychologist degree? In a school, of course. I have worked as a school psychologist for six years and this is my fifth year with my current school district. What can I say? I love school. I love back-to-school outfits and shopping for school supplies. I love new notebooks and pens. I love the classrooms and chalkboards and big yellow buses. I love everything about it (except, perhaps, getting up early).

Not surprisingly, the first day of school has always seemed like more of a "new beginning" to me then New Years Day. As such, I have always thought of  resolutions for the academic year ahead. Here are a few of the ones I've come up with:

Finances

• Make at least one extra mortgage payment this year.
• Have a safety net of at least 3 months salary in my savings account. 
• Contribute at least 500 dollars total to my favorite charities.

Leisure

• Write a blog post at least once a week. 
• Read 15 books simply for pleasure.
• Finish wedding scrapbook. 
• Try at least 5 new recipes. 
• Take a mini-vacation with my husband and parents. 

Relationships and Faith

• Have at least one dinner date with Sarge each week.
• Visit with my parents at least once a week.
• Be better about calling my extended family, rather than relying on Facebook to keep in touch. 
• Pray every day.
• Complain less. I have so much to be thankful for.

Professional

• Study psychology theory at least once a week. Stay abreast of new research.
• Further develop my library of resources for parents and teachers.
• Be a good mentor for the two interns I have agreed to supervise. 
• Be a strong advocate for the children I serve. 
• Practice patience with the adults.
• Smile through the stress.

That's all I can think of at the moment, although I will probably add to this list as time goes on. I probably won't accomplish everything here, but it's nice to have something to aspire to. Wishing everyone headed back to school a wonderful year!