Earthquake and food spit...all in a day's work.

Well...we've been in school for 5 days.  I'm going ahead and documenting this so that I don't forget this time next year.   It's so overwhelming and emotional during this part of the year.  For me it is because I feel that I have so much to teach, and I forget that I don't have to teach them every single concept in one day.  But I do put that sort of pressure on myself.  I need to quit that!  Another reason I feel so overwhelmed/emotional during this part of the year is that I'm getting use to 40+ new names and faces.  I still expect to see and hear those familiar faces and voices from last year.  I'm guilty of thinking, "Well last year....they could do....they knew.....they said...." But this special group will learn! But I have to remind myself that these kids are in the exact same spot that my babies from last year were.  I'm sure I felt the exact same way a year ago as I do today.  Actually, I'm positive I feel the same way because my husband told me. :)  I guess it's kind of like child birth.  You don't always remember those tough moments!



I don't want you to think that I'm moody or sappy all of the time. There are plenty of hilarious and wonderful things to write about.  In case you haven't heard, I love the GES crew!  They all have a great sense of humor.  It's never a dull moment, and there are so many hands willing to help me up whenever I stumble.  I hope these girls doesn't mind me using their name.  BUT Stephanie Motley and Pam L-C are my saving graces many days.  When I have felt so defeated they have been there to reassure me and to push me along.  I love those chics!  I could go on and write about Lararen (Lauren) Thomason, Charlie Calhoun, the entire 5th grade team, team leaders, housekeepers, and custodians.  But we would be here all day.  And lets face it....we all have stuff to do!  But seriously, I love my collegues!  I would go to bat for them any day of the week!

On to the hilarious stuff.  We had an earthquake (in case anyone forgot between 2:00 P.M. and now).  I totally didn't feel it!  But I'm cool with that. I'm glad everyone--especially my VA-resident big brother--is safe.

Hilarious moment numero dos:  During lunch one of my students was asking me a question with his/her mouth full of food.  Needless to say I got pre-chewed food spit on to my foot.  Yes it was an accident.  But ewww!  It made me cringe just a tad.

This is and extremely long post.  But it was a busy day with there being an earthquake and food spit!

Only in Gilbert!

Thank you to the amazing staff at GES for making the first day run as smoothly as possible!

'Twas the Night Before School

It's the night before the first day of school, and I'm scratching my head as to where this summer went.  It was a wonderful summer filled with family, friends, birthdays, and classes.  But like all good things, it must come to an end.  But I'm fine with that.  I'm ready to have that fast-paced structure that only a school day can bring as well as being surrounded by my amazing GES family.  I tell ya folks....they are one of a kind!  I could sit here and type something special about every faculty and staff member.  But I'd be here all night, and I have to get to bed early. After all, tomorrow is the first day of school!


I'm creating this blog for my friends, colleagues, students, and myself.  I want to track this year and remember as much as I possibly can.  Teachers' minds are often overcrowded with memories and stories.  All too often many of those memories and stories are forgotten.  I don't want to miss a thing!  I can't wait to see how this year begins.  To all of my fellow educators:  best wishes and many prayers coming your way tonight as you prepare for the 2011-2012 school year.

"The best way to repay the good in our lives is to invest in someone elses."
                                       ~Angela Lansbury