after a long hiatus...

I sometimes feel like I have nothing to blog about any more. But really, life is one big adventure after another. So here are a few things that have been happening since my last post...in January...

I am currently substitute teaching (as in right now while blogging) and loving it! If you're anything like me, when you were in school you never wanted to be a sub because of how awful the kids were when their teacher was gone. But I have to say that I have been pleasantly surprised. I haven't had any discipline issues, and I have my "scary sub" speech down to an art. In a way it's a shame that you have to go through college before you can sub, as it is a great experience for prospective teachers. Having been in all grade levels this semester, I can tell you that my favorite so far has been fifth grade. Who knew?

The best part about subbing is that I am making great connections. I sub in three school districts so it's always busy, but I always seem to know people. For instance, in Plano, no matter what school you go to, if you say your last name is Motley you instantly become recognizable. Because my in-laws have been a part of this community for 17+ years, I am always asked if I am related to one of them. And because my sister-in-law teaches in Yorkville, I constantly get asked if I am her sister. (Kids have a hard time with the whole in-law connection.) And when I'm in Oswego I usually see StuCo kids, which is always fun...until they yell "Hey Charissa!" down the hallway, when I am using my grown-up alias--Mrs. Motley.

I still haven't fully adjusted to introducing myself to a class as Mrs. Motley. It's very strange. But every day I feel a little more like Lucas and I are becoming "the Motleys." (For more on our daily life, check Luc's blog. He's funnier than I am.) It makes me feel very adult-like...and old.

You know you're becoming adult-like and old based on the purchases you begin to make. For example: Luc's birthday is today and he asked for a vacuum cleaner. (We got the coolest one ever.) With his birthday money he bought two ceiling fans for our house. This past weekend was full of home projects, and I think he was feeling a little exhausted after it all. And I am discovering just how infrequently I can stay up late. After spending a solid five hours at our friends' home in Springfield on Friday night, driving home at 2 a.m. was somewhat difficult...I mean, for Lucas. That alarm at 8:15 was brutal. Oh yeah, and we are using our tax return for health insurance. Lame. If this is the price of becoming an adult, I don't think I want to pay it.