Car, esto, and cali-cali and musings of an Assistant Professor

So my darling son is talking up a storm - hasta por los codos! He's saying so many words, including esto (this), car, cali-cali (for caliente - hot), upstairs, outside and a few others. Those are words he's using constantly. Apart from those, he's saying a lot of words that he repeats from the world of grown-up talk. Daycare is going fabulously. He no longer clings to my legs in desperation when I leave (although that is a bit exaggerated. He clung to my legs, sure, but when I'd go pick him up he was too busy playing to really pay me much attention). He now walks into daycare, all charming and smiling, and starts playing with his friends. Then, when I go to leave, I give him a kiss and a hug and he just talks to me and keeps playing. I wonder if he's sensing mommy's happier and he's more relaxed as a result.

Work is going well. It's a lot of work and it's crazy sometimes, but I'm really enjoying being a faculty member. Assistant Professor to be exact. Funny/weird/crazy thing is that yesterday there was a lock-down on campus, but I wasn't there when it happened. But it's a little scary, I have to admit. Apparently it's happened a few times in the past few years. There was a home invasion nearby and the suspects fled, crashing in front of the college. One of the kids ran out and into the buildings of the college. Or so they told me. I do have to admit, though, that I feel that by being here I'm making a difference in people's lives. You're probably thinking, what, by teaching writing? But it's more than that. It's teaching life skills and critical thinking skills. It's teaching technology, up to a point. I'm exposing them to programs and ideas that they haven't been exposed to before.

I'm learning to manage five classes and the work that goes with them. And I have to laugh at the chaos surrounding the college and getting hired. Can you believe that I still don't officially know how much I'm getting paid (I have a general idea as they're crediting my experience)? I haven't seen my contract either. And although my first pay date was scheduled for Jan 30, I apparently got paid today. I say apparently because no one told me anything, but according to the online system, I received a live check today. Nice, huh? Now if someone can direct me to my money, I'll be happy, thank you very much.

So I've hijacked this post somewhat with my musings of my new position. L is growing and getting bigger and bigger. He's now in 18 mo clothes and eating big boy foods. He's learning to self feed with fork and spoon, and he's even going to sleep on his own! No more rocking needed (well, not much rocking anyway)! He now has his four molars coming in - all four have peeked through the gums. My big boy. :)