smiley

Did you ever watch Sesame Street in the 80s? Do you remember Guy Smiley? (see above)

Well, this week that is what I have become.

I haven't smiled or laughed this much in years.

Smiling RULES. :)

yup...that's my blog today.

12 new loves...

Oh man. What a perfect day...including 6 children who napped and one who sat quietly on her cot playing with felt figures. yeah... this may never happen again but it was the best first day to teaching EVER. I got to meet 12 of our 16 new children, read to them, rock them, feed them... but not change them because they all used the potty. yeah, you read that right.

perfect.

first.

day.

wonder what hell i'll have to endure to pay for this one...

Tomorrow!

So here I sit...the day before I the children show up in my classroom and I begin the career that I feel like I have done battle for. I know I'm not the first nor the last person who has undergone an schedule destinted to make you insane but I am dang proud that I did it. And I am SO THANKFUL for my friends who cheered me on along the way.

Now I'm on chantix as most of you know and I need as much cheering. Yesterday was day 2 and it went pretty well. I even chilled with my friends for a couple of hours until the craving got so bad that even the helpline relaxation therapy couldn't do it and I had to go home. :( I did it though. I'm on day 3. I'm a little weepy today for my sister and Karli and Emily.

Luckily, I have friends like these here in good ol' Bing:






and places to go like this:
Port Dick Park



...Thank God/the HP

First Week...

Yes, friends, its the moment I have been waiting for... have gone through the dark tunnel of the past year for...

MY CLASSROOM!!


okay, it's OUR classroom, but it's mine. We've been interviewing parents and meeting our children. Writing lesson plans via themes (the first one: Welcome to School...lacking in originality but fun nonetheless) and doing general paperwork and getting ready.

The children that I have met (approx 9 of 16) are so cute. A few of them I already know from my summer in with the tots. It's amazing what strong personalities 3 year olds have. We just get to help them to express it through language, math, science, dramatic play, music, art, etc. I just can't wait for Monday.

Okay, honestly...I just can't wait for Friday. Talking with parents is informative and a great way to forge relationships but, really, it's a bit tiring. I'm getting up later than I was at the bux but I'm using my brain in such a different way. I'm also taking chantix and having weird dreams and sleep. That's right, you read it. I'm not going to write about it too much because this blog is searchable but it's a huge step.

I really enjoy the people that I work with, including a GREAT friend (T) who I met while in the ECE program. It's so so FABULOUS to be able to share this experience with her. Our first days together, our first classrooms, our first children. It's absolutely a blessing.

What else is a blessing is the other teacher in the classroom. I feel like we are totally insync. She's into music and art and the children's CHOICES. I cannot cannot wait for year to begin!!

Some shots of the classroom for your viewing pleasure:

The cubbies and Dramatic Play Area


Cozy Book and Computer Area


Music Area (MANY instruments in those drawers!)


Construction Area (blocks, legos, cars, etc)

Weekends...

...so this is what having weekends off is like! For the past three years the only reason I have had a weekend off is if I had something to do like travel plans or weddings. Don't get me wrong, both things are spectacular but no one told me how fun a Saturday could be!

We did so much yesterday and yet it was so relaxing. Knowing that today would be a day that I "accomplished." Preparing for that I am drinking a tasty americano (that i made here, cuz i am a champion barista) out of my Chase Lake mug Mom bought for me and contemplating TOMORROW which is my first day as a teacher.

No children tomorrow just a staff meeting and putting our rooms together. I can't wait though. I hope to take lots of shots tomorrow to post here. Wish me luck!!

Creepily, I googled the center in google images and found this photo. This is my room and my co-teacher, Karen, who I hold in VERY HIGH regard! The love and caring she feels for these children is IN-CREDIBLE. I learn so much from her every second I am in the classroom. yay! yayayay!!

Chase Lake

For my last and final trip of my retirement I went to Chase Lake in Glenfield, NY. This lake is part of the Adirondack Foothills. The camp I stayed at was built by my great grandfather in 1938 for $500. I got to paddle in the canoe that was my great-grandmother's "pride and joy." I was able to spend time with my Great-Aunt Catharine, her daughter Nancy and my mother. They were super nostalgic, talking about days gone by when they used to come up to the camp every weekend and enjoy it. There are no motorboats allowed on the lake and it is crystal clear. I spent time kayaking, canoeing, picking wild blueberries, floating on the water, playing chess, staring into campfires and generally being peace.

The best moment for me was waking up on Wednesday morning and heading down to the lake at about 615am. I sat there and looked out at the fog rolling off of the water and realized I was alone. No one needed me. I didn't have to be anywhere for days. I had no internet, no cell phone, no tv. I was alone. Just thinking of that moment now relaxes me. My mother told me it was heaven on earth and now I know she is right. I am so zenned out from that trip.

I should also mention that the 3 hour trip up to camp is THE MOST BEAUTIFUL summer roadtrip I have taken. You take a left from Leroy St. on to Rte 12N and just truck on up. Rolling hills and gorgeous small towns. On the way I got to salute the graves of all of my maternal great-grandparents.

All in all it was a centering, calming, perfect end to my travels these past 2 weeks.

ducks on the lake


great-grandma's beloved canoe


the cabin


my first time kayaking


steps from the dock to camp


serenity

1500 miles of planes, trains and automobiles.

Okay, there were really no trains involved but there were people movers...

I left Indianapolis last Friday morning after a beautiful day of chillaxing with one of the greatest people i know, Ms. Sbarralton. She taught me how to make sauce and burn pasta on an electric stove. Even though you're super Italian and have never burned pasta in the 25 years you've been making it. I was around for a lot of firsts. I was also there for the THIRD time we hung the piece you find over her couch in the following pictures:



So, I get on the plane Friday morning. No teary good byes, bleary eyed good byes, though. It was early. The flights were average. I got to Syracuse and was picked up by my darling inlaws who gave me a ride back to the homestead. Once there, I hugged my hubby, ate a ham sammie and repacked for the VT trip. 45 minutes after my arrival we headed out I88 to see some of our favorite people in a beauteous state.

Over the weekend at the beautiful "New Hamburger Non-Commune" we explored, ate local food, traveled to Burlington to pick up the Plummers, giggled over babies, watched dogs, played games, and saw the most breathtaking summer starry night sky I have seen in years.

Things I loved about my trip: traveling with Em again, MJPs excitement over the trampoline, our warm giggly (bordering on insane laughter)welcome from Monroe, watching Kami chop veggies, picking blueberries and watching Kami feed them to Giuliana, listening to Jeff and John play their instruments, the crow bookstore, Sarah's ability to make something out of anything, a little late night gab with my friends beneath the stars, Shane's enthusiasm over our biscuit and sausage gravy breakfast, and watching Nick's excitement over children.

9 adults, 2 babies, 3 dogs and lots of love and fun.

It was a fabulous 1500 miles.