Stress Relievers

Long days of training, preparing for the school year, and realizing that I really have no idea what I'm doing as a teacher has made me extremely stressed over the past week.

A few things have been my saving grace this week...

Rom-Coms

Red wine...and lots of it.

Writing extensive to-do lists, and the amazing feeling of checking things off.

Happy hours with friends!

At the end of the day, I keep reminding myself that the stress and the exhaustion that I have felt throughout this summer doesn't even compare to the hardships that my students have gone through.  That in itself has kept me grounded throughout this process, and reminds

 me every day why I am doing what I am doing.

And in honor of the Olympics, and of course, the University of Oregon, here is a quote 

to get me through the next week, the next month, and what I know will be

 the most challenging and rewarding few years of my life.

"To give anything less than your best is to sacrifice the gift." -Steve Prefontaine