Back on the Chain Gang

You know I love teaching, but the transition from the lazy, crazy, hazy days of summer to the wired, tired, (OK, I can't think of a third word) life of a Schoolsville prof has me wiped out (yeah, like the surfer thing) on Day One, that's In-service Day One. I haven't even SEEN a student yet.

Hence the metaphor of the title, also a great song by Chrissie Hynde and the Pretenders. Yeah, I know, I'm mixing metaphors, too. Give me some time to get back into the swing of things, will ya?

By the way, I'm teaching sophs again this year, no seniors. Reading and grading all of those papers, as creative as they were, felt at times as if I really were on a chain . . . oh, you get the point. I love American lit and I'm looking forward to a more sophomoric point of view from my students. Frankly, some of you gave me T.M.I.

So how you doin' as the newbie college student? Feelin' like it's like starting high school all over again? Nah, it's not THAT bad. Are you getting along with your roommate? Making new friends? Burning up the phone lines with the 'rents or the significant other?

I figured I'd post something to see if you were really serious about checking back with Schoolsville. I'm still going to be here, I think, though in a limited capacity. So feel free to respond so we can stay in touch. Until then, I'll start singing to pass the time (ear muff warning):

"I found a picture of you, oh oh oh oh
Those were the happiest days of my life
Like a break in the battle was your part, oh oh oh oh
In the wretched life of a lonely heart
Now we're back on the train
Oh, back on the chain gang"