Buzzkillers

In the mornings that I don't go into the school until 1, I like to have a cup of coffee slow and sit on the front porch and watch the birds, squirrels, and hood cats. I try not to worry about my friends and family, my students, my athletes, my future, my country, the war, and the planet. I just want to get a slow buzz and feel content. It never happens, though. I let myself start fretting the "what ifs" and have to fight for the peace that starts off every morning. I explain to my students that the stress they feel before a big test or game is positive. It's called "eustress" or good stress. Eustress helps you perform at the best of your abilities. I just want coffee and no stress.

My football team is 5-0, and we play our big rival on Friday. The atmosphere in the school right now is electric. I really do love what I do.

In other news, I had a dream my braces made my teeth fall out. I read somewhere that falling and having your teeth fall out are two of the most-reported dreams... and both can be interpreted to uncover insecurities in one's self-consciousness. Maybe I'm insecure about my braces?

p.s. People are happening upon this site because they search for dog photos and my blog shows up in google images. Interesting?
This is a Briard. One comes to meet me at football practice sometimes. One of the players' dads brings him to watch his son practice. Or maybe it's because the trainer always plays with him and tells him how beautiful he is and what a good boy he is.

My new job goes like this. In the fall, I take care of two football teams, two soccer teams, a volleyball team, a cross-country team, and a pack of cheerleaders. I teach two classes. I organize a faculty weight loss challenge, and head up various other wellness initiatives in the school district. I am very happy, and finally satisfied with what I do for a living.

I am still struggling with missing my manfriend, my best friends, my family, and my dog... but everything could always be so much worse. And I have hopes that soon everything will be so much better.

Braces are awesome.

This is me before braces.
This is the reason why I needed braces again.

I didn't wear my retainer when I had them in 7th and 8th grade. I learned my lesson.

Blue turbos prop my bite open, which makes it very difficult to chew.