back to school. . . . back to football

good news:
+I made it back to school today, after taking 3 days off due to whatever illness I'm battling.
+We made it through the football game without any real tragedies.
+We are officially having a contest for the rock and roll students to create a cool blues name for me. :) They were really excited about it and there are already a bunch of entries.
+Some of the kids seemed really happy to see me back today. I got several hugs and few groups of kids were hanging out with me for no other reason than to hang out and chat. . . .which was cool.
+I might be going with the high school to Colorado for a few days on a band trip with the high schoolers. It's only a maybe at this point, but if it works out, it would be a great way to get to know those kids better, as well as a good teaching/musical opportunity (and a chance to go to Colorado).

bad news:
-I am losing my voice. By that, I mean I have virtually lost it all. .. and I'm supposed to work 9 hours in a sales job tomorrow. . . . ?
-The previously undefeated high school football team lost their homecoming football game. :(
-I am all about being liberal and proud of your body, but the cheerleading squad and dance team at the high school were way too over the top, even for me. I understand that short skirts are par for the course as far as these things go, but garters? Really? I was shocked that it was allowed. If I was sixteen and left the house in a purple mini skirt, white button down shirt, and black tie, with a lacy garter around my leg, my mother would have dragged me back inside. . . . regardless of whether or not my friends were wearing it or it was something the dance team was all doing.
-Not having the use of my voice made me feel useless and isolated at some points tonight. I guess my voice is something I sort of took for granted. Besides not being able to give directions and get kids' attention, I felt really out of the loop and couldn't even converse with my students, other teachers, chaperones, etc.

I guess I should have listed the bad news first, because I don't like leaving my post on a bad note. :( I made it back to school and it was altogether a good day! I hope to have my voice back soon, and with it, I shall soon have a sweet blues name. I am excited. :)