End of the Year Thoughts

Today was our last day of school with the kids. It's always a bittersweet time. It's happy because as a teacher, it's satisfying to know that you did everything you could to prepare your students for the challenges that lie ahead. It's nice to hear from them and their parents about things they remember about you and your lessons, which make you feel like you've made an impact. Also, let's not forget that at the close of the school year, the kids are CRAZY (as are the teachers), and both parties feel relief at the thought of getting time off. Then there are the sad bits. Knowing that you will not see them next year. NOT knowing how your future class will behave/interact with one another. Fearing that the classroom community that you spent so long building this year will take a while to build anew next year. Losing the familiarity that you have with your students, and that they have with you. Not being able to see them succeed in their future endeavors. So, yes, I'm thrilled that school is over. Relieved at not having to grade papers for two-and-a-half months. Excited that I don't have to wake up at 5am each weekday morning. Anxious to read some "big people" books. Delighted that I don't have to attend another case conference or data meeting until September. Ecstatic that I will have time to spend with my friends and family. However, I will also miss my kiddos, whose accomplishments, big and small, made all those hassles A LOT more tolerable.

Just So You Know...

I currently have 4 days of school left (plus 1 teacher day, that I don't really count because there are no students). That's all I wanted to say. Just 4 days. *SIGH* Also, a bird randomly flew into my car yesterday. I took it as a sign that I needed to stop running errands, and just go home. So I did. *SIGH* Oh yeah, I'm a bit irritated by people, like ones I work with, who walk right by others without saying 'hi', or even acknowledging others are there with a smile. In the illustrious words of Stephanie Tanner, "How rude!" *SIGH* This post has been brought to you by the word "random".

Camping Trip

This weekend, Kevin and I went on a camping trip with some of his friends. Unfortunately, none of the wives were able to go so I was the lone girl. It rained for about 5 hours, and after trying to stay warm in my hoodie while by the fire and playing euchre, I gave up. I resorted to the tent, where I graded papers and tried to warm myself up. A few hours later, Matt and Mike showed up with the dining fly...but of course, as in all good comedies, the rain had stopped 10 minutes prior. We made dinner (Kevin's wonderful burgers), played cornhole, and I roasted and ate marshmallows...like 20 of them. The guys stayed up bonding, and I hit the sack. It was a nice trip. Oh, the dog in the picture is Keller's. His name is Miles, and he is AWESOME. Tobi went camping, too, but not with us. He spent the night at Camp Bow Wow in Carmel.

The Vocabulary Lesson

Today I went on a special teacher-student outing. Two of my students and I ventured over to Pottery By You to paint and decorate our own ceramic pieces. It was so nice to spend time with them outside of the classroom, as they are two of my most special kids, who I will miss sorely next year. I'll stop the sappiness here. On our way home, we were talking, and I realized that I had NO idea what half the words they were using meant. I asked them to give me a vocabulary lesson...this is where the teacher became the student. Here are some new terms they taught me: beast (adj) - awesome, really cool idk (abbreviation) - short for "I don't know" sarf (n) - someone who copies off of someone else swagger (n) - the state of being cool P.S. - I officially felt old after this conversation. Anyone know any others???

Howling at the Moon

On Saturday night, Kevin's brother Steven and his girlfriend Cindy came to visit us. We decided to go to the local Howl at the Moon, which is a piano bar. Some of our friends including my brother met us out as well. It was SO much fun...and PACKED!! Here are some pictures from our evening out.

Hello, Callas!

Kevin and I are so excited because our calla lilies are starting to pop up. I was extremely worried, since I am far from having a green thumb. We were expecting for them not to bloom this year, since we stupidly moved the bulbs about a month ago. Apparently, you're only supposed to move them during their dormant stage, which is in the fall (see aforementioned lack of green thumb). Despite my poor gardening skills, they have decided to make an appearance, so without further ado, our budding callas: