9 hours of class (4 hours - 1 hour break - 5 hours) is TOOOOO much.
just so you know.

i'm officially done a week of placement. the kids treated me with respect - and i survived. i met teachers - managed to fit in with the entire department and not feel toooo much like a misplaced student for the most part. this week made it clear to me that this is what i'm supposed to do - at least for a while. even tho i'm not 100% in the specialty that i would have chosen this week, the feeling of knowing something and being able to lend my expertise is quite satisfactory. students came up to me and asked for MY opinions on things. they put up their hands and were satisfied when I was the one that came over to help them. even the insane class has offered me a level of respect - it's going to take work with them - but i don't doubt that i can handle it.
preparing myself for the trip back to north bay - not dreading it half as much as i expected.
it's all going to be ok.