Happy New Year.

Today I was reminded that 2011 would be no more.

"Happy New Year," my boyfriend said. "It's 2012."

"I'm excited," I told him in honest thrill. "My kids will have more practice writing the number two!"

"Wow, you're a teacher through and through," he said with a chuckle. "When the first thing you think of is your students, you know you couldn’t quit being a teacher even if you wanted to."

I suppose he's right. If you're not convinced that I'm a teacher based on my excitement over the new year because of a number change, I have a few other ways that might persuade you:

• I can't walk through a store without finding some product that would be perfect for an art or science project.
  
  
• I have to take the longest route possible through stores with an art isle just so I won't spend all my money on art supplies.
  
  
• I can't walk through a bookstore without ending up in the children's section.
  
  
• I don’t throw away anything before considering how I might be able to use it for something as simple as counting or sorting.
  
  
• I always have to stop and look at (and nearly always buy) a new sheet or two of stickers every time I get the chance.
  
  
• I raid other people's houses for box-tops, recycled cans, or pop can tabs.
  
  
• I have to literally force myself to deviate from stores like the Dollar Tree. I can spend way too much money there.
  
  
• Walking past the dollar spot at Target I almost always purchase at least six things.
  
  

It's apparent that putting my students first both during and after school will always be a part of me. I'm not sure how I would function any other way.

Happy New Year!