Back To School!

School started for area counties on Monday this week. It's almost Friday, and I am going to be working my first day as a sub in the new school year. The fun part is that it's at the high school I graduated from, and it's only for half a day, so I don't have to be there until 10:50 a.m. (saving me from a 6 a.m. wake-up call, which would also involve getting the kids up, dressed and out the door!). I am going to "teach" art class! I'm so happy, because it's a fun subject to work with and up til now the only art sub experience I've had was with very young elementary school students (Kindergarten, and first through third graders). I don't think it'll be a complete piece of cake, but it's got to be somewhat less demanding than giving small children scissors, construction paper and glue. And I'll bet that high school students actually clean up their messes when they are asked to!

Ah, high school. It seems like a lifetime ago! My favorite thing was Friday night football games with friends, especially when the weather got a bit cooler and you could wear a light coat and not swelter in the heat. Or maybe senior picnic, out on the football field, with bbq lunches and music and games. Of course, I also loved all of the activities I was involved in. I sang in the chorus, competed academically, and even participated on several of the sports teams in my three years there. High school may not have been the easiest time in my life, but it definitely gave me some good memories.

I'm looking forward to the job, and I am so grateful to two friends who are going to keep the kids for me (one for the first part of the day, the other for the remainder). I put myself in a bit of a mess by accepting the assignment before making sure I had childcare covered, so I am so indebted to those two friends for helping me out in a pinch like this. Subs have to work one day out of every 120, which isn't a problem during the school year...the problem is that summer counts as part of the 120! The last assignment I had was May 7th...if I don't work at least one day before the end of next week, I wouldn't be able to keep my active status as a substitute teacher, and then I'd have to fill out more paperwork and go through all the legwork to get reactivated again.

Time to get some sleep so that I'm ready to roll in the morning. It'll be weird to walk the halls of my Alma Mater again, but it's the second time I've taken an assignment there, so the changes that have been made in the last 13 years won't seem as shocking now (I hope!).

Here's my blog challenge, for any and all who may read this post: What is your favorite high school memory that you would like to share? Leave me a comment and let me know. :)

Memories of Grammie

My parents recently returned from a trip to Canada to visit my aunts, my mother's two sisters, who live there. My mom was born and raised in New Brunswick, in a small town bordering Quebec. Now that they're back from their trip, we've been catching up and today she was telling me about how things are there.

I spent most of my childhood traveling there on an annual basis to visit my grandparents. Dad was in the Navy, so it was one of those big adventures to go visit family in Canada, even if dad was deployed at the time. Looking back, I realize just how strong my mother must have been...a two- or three-day drive with two kids couldn't have been the most fun experience, but she pushed through and got us there safely each time. My brother and I looked forward to the time spent there each year, and it was just bonus if dad was able to travel with us, too, depending on his deployment schedule.

My grandparents were amazing people, and I was definitely lucky to make so many valuable memories of them that I can carry with me forever. My brother and I would get so disappointed about going in summer because that meant missing the snow, but then we'd miss berry-picking season if we traveled there during the winter. Regardless of the season, we always found plenty to keep us busy, and that was in no small part thanks to Grammie and Grandpa. As soon as we'd arrive, if there was still enough daylight left, they'd slip us each a dollar or two and we'd dart up the road to the little "canteen," a small convenience store. I'm surprised I didn't have more cavities as a child, considering just how far you could stretch a dollar when penny candy was involved!

My grandfather would take us out in his canoe, paddling up and down the river. We'd go fishing, listen to him sing songs (some well-known, others that he would just make up on his own). He was so devoted to my grandmother. I realize now that we build our relationship expectations for later in life based on what we see and experience as children, and I'm glad that my grandparents (and my parents) have been such good role models!

My grandfather passed away the day I left for college my freshman year. It was a horrible loss, since it was quite unexpected. I made the decision very soon after that I would travel on my own to Canada the following summer and stay with my grandmother for a while. The idea that she was there alone after so many years of being half a couple was just too sad for me to think about, so I figured I would help in any way I could. I knew my family couldn't make the trip as a group, so I approached my parents about finding a way for me to fly up there for a month or two.

The first summer there on my own, I stayed with her for six weeks. We laughed, watched her favorite television shows, cooked meals and yummy desserts, went for long drives with no particular destination. She had been treated for lung cancer when I was only 13, so her health wasn't the greatest at that point, but I think that she worked extra hard to hide that from me while I was there. Still, the signs were not easy to hide, and I knew that she wasn't going to be around for too many more years. You try not to focus on the negative when you're in that situation. That's what building memories is all about, right? So I focused instead of finding new ways to make her laugh, helping her with errands and sneaking the answers into her crossword puzzles when she wasn't looking.

By the following summer, the summer after my sophomore year, I knew I'd be going back to stay with her again. I opted for two months this time. And I'm so glad I did! Her health was still in decline, but her spirit was amazingly infectious. One of my aunts had told me she wondered if Grammie had lost her faith, fallen down spiritually over the loss of my grandfather. One night we were watching television, and I was too curious not to say anything, so I asked her, "Gram, have you lost your faith?" Her response? "No dear. I lost your grandfather, but not my faith. If I lost my faith, what would be left for me to hold on to?" She was so sure of where he was and I think she knew she would be seeing his beautiful face again soon. We had many discussions that summer, ranging from what I wanted to accomplish with my education to what I was looking for in a future relationship. Our conversations weren't always "deep," but each one had special significance to me.

My family joined us at the end of my eight weeks, and they stayed for a few days before we started the trek back home. Before we left, my grandmother told me to keep my eyes open, because the man I was looking for was not as far off as I thought. She told me that I may have already met him! When I asked her if I could count on coming to stay with her again the following summer, she hugged me tight and said, "I don't know...I might have other plans."

The day I arrived back home in Florida from that visit, my mom convinced me to call a friend and see if she wanted to go out to a club and unwind a bit. I did, and we went. That's the night I met Steve...for the third time. You see, I met him briefly when we attended high school together, just for a moment in a crowded school hallway. Then again, just for a brief minute, when I was home for Christmas break my first year at college, and I was working right around the corner from him. Neither encounter registered a second glance, because I had been so caught up in my life at the time. But that third time, the day I came back from Canada, and the day after my grandmother had predicted I'd find him, that was the day I was really meant to meet him.

Steve and I started dating almost immediately, and less than three months later my grandmother's health took a turn for the worst. Mom flew to Canada to be there by her side with her sisters in the days before Grammie's passing, and Mom took a picture of me and Steve with her so Gram could see us together. They put the picture on a bulletin board next to her bed, and later my aunt told me that she had woken up, looked at the photo, and told my aunt that she was glad I found someone who could take care of me, because she couldn't be there to do it any longer. Grammie passed away the next morning, October 1998.

Lessons learned in those summers...I thought I was going to Canada those two summers to take care of my grandmother, because she needed ME. What I didn't realize was that she had been taking care of me that entire time as well. I needed her more than I ever knew. And I am so grateful that I had that time with her, because she gave me life lessons without even letting on that she was the teacher.

Life is Good

Today was a day spent vegging at home with my kids. Checking email, watching a Disney movie with the two cuddliest kids ever, eating PB & J sandwiches for lunch. Steve is still on his two-week break from work, and his younger brother managed to arrange for a free round of golf at a course in Jacksonville...he was gone at 7 a.m., long before I ever woke up, and didn't get home til 6 p.m. We're a one-car household now, so the kids and I were home for the day (just as well, since it rained off and on all day!).

I know I could have spent a nice chunk of that time cleaning, or organizing. Goodness knows I could use some organization around our house (the laundry basket system just isn't working like it used to!). But it was nice to have some downtime and just relax. Days like these are the days when I really count my blessings and realize how good life really is. We have a roof over our heads, food in our bellies. And the kids are just so animated and full of life.

I miss my parents already. They flew up north so they could spend two weeks visiting my mom's family in Canada. They make the trip every year, and their first flight left at 5 a.m. today. I'm glad I was home because I was able to get every call they made, both when they arrived at each stop on their flight plan, and also when they arrived at my aunt's house just three hours across the border. I love to fly, can't wait to fly in October to my friend's wedding in Texas...but there's just something nervewracking about waiting for other family members and friends to make it to their destination safely. They say flying is safer than driving, and I believe that, but it's really nice when you get that phone call that confirms a safe touchdown. Life really is good!

Now a shout-out to my friend "Maxine," who wrote a post about me turning 31 yesterday. I've never had an entire blog post written about me before, and I was VERY flattered. :) Thanks...that made me smile!!!

Mac and Cheese

The kids and I had mac and cheese with hot dogs for lunch today. Something about that meal choice really brings me back to the days when I was a kid. I just love it!

Steve had to work all weekend, night shift, so the kids and I were on our own for the 4th of July. We basically just stuck around the house during the day, and then headed downtown later in the evening to be on the lawn next to the fort when the fireworks began. It was AWESOME! I haven't seen a show quite that good in a long time...probably since the year we spent the 4th in Washington DC visiting my godparents, but that was in the mid-90's.

Megan and Jeremy sat in my lap for the first half of the 20-minute show, at which time Megan turned to me and said, "Mommy, I think we'll get back in our cart now...." Jeremy quickly followed her, explaining to me, "Yes mommy, it's a little bit scary!" Since we got rid of our standard double stroller a while ago, the "cart" was the trailer we can attach to a bicycle to tote them around the neighborhood. It converts to a stroller by adding a push bar and maneuvering the front wheel in place. They climbed in and pulled down the screen that covers the front, and they seemed to be much more comfortable watching from behind the screen.

After we hustled back to the parking lot (a mile away, since traffic was so crazy down there!), I got the car started and loaded the kids up. Someone walking by saw the dvd screens and laughed and said, "Can you imagine how we survived without things like that?" The kids were watching The Lion King, and having a fine time...good thing, since our "15 minute" car ride home lasted more than an hour with all of the tourist traffic!

Crazy 8's...courtesy of Alana

So I met another blogger, Alana from Alana-isms, in person by accident (mentioned it in my last post, Small World). She's on my friends list now and today she posted a fun "tag" blog...and tags 5-8 were left open for anyone to jump on. I have therefore decided that (since I haven't blogged in well over a month) this would be a fun way to get back into the swing of things. :)

The rules:
1. Mention the person who tagged me.
2. Complete the lists of 8.
3. Tag 8 more bloggers and tell them they've been tagged.

The lists:

Eight things I am looking forward to:
1. Having the kids 100% potty trained. Very tired of the mess (and please, no lectures...I know they're 3...).
2. Watching the kids explore the world and learn new things. They are a constant source of awe for me.
3. Figuring out what I want to be "when I grow up." Staying at home full-time with the kids for 3+ years has been awesome, and it gives me the chance to clean the slate and pick a new line for my career, if I choose.
4. Liz's wedding in Austin, TX, this October. :) We've known each other for 18+ years now. She was there when I got married, and I wouldn't miss her big day for the world!
5. Steve being back on day shift. He just switched back to nights yesterday, and it'll be a LONG 56 days until he's back on days!
6. Transformers 2 and GI Joe coming out in theaters. How sad that my life revolves around release dates? Not to mention they're "boy" movies, but I don't mind. I grew up with my kid brother and he had those toys, so I feel like they were just as much part of my childhood as they were his!
7. The arrival of my new nephew in September. He'll join a big brother and two big sisters, and I know everyone's excited to meet him!
8. Our anniversary and my birthday. They're only five days apart, so it's like my celebration gets to last a week!

Eight things I did yesterday:
1. Slept in for a little bit (thankfully the kids wanted to sleep in, too!).
2. Showered, dressed, got the kids ready and drove to Jacksonville with the kids.
3. Worked for six hours at my part-time temp job (dropped the kids off to stay with my mom).
4. Went to pick up the kids after work and had dinner with them and my folks.
5. Drove back home to St. Augustine.
6. Got the kids ready and put to bed.
7. Watched some shows on my DVR that I hadn't gotten to previously.
8. Cleaned up around the house a little before going to bed for the night.

Eight things I wish I could do:
1. Play the piano or the guitar...I'm just not coordinated enough.
2. Win the lottery! Wouldn't that be great?
3. Travel the world. #2 would certainly help with that...
4. Be less of a packrat.
5. Find a cure for terrible diseases like cancer so that families wouldn't have to say goodbye to loved ones.
6. Learn to dance ballroom, like on Dancing With The Stars. Again, I'm a little too uncoordinated...
7. Find the magic solution for world problems like poverty, hunger, etc.
8. Be the best mom my kids could ever hope or ask for (I'm working on it...).

Eight shows I watch:
1. Grey's Anatomy
2. Private Practice
3. Survivor
4. Chuck
5. Desperate Housewives
6. Dancing With The Stars
7. The Mentalist
8. Friends (yes, it's long-gone, but will live forever in reruns and my DVD collection!)

Eight favorite fruits:
1. Strawberries
2. Grapes
3. Oranges
4. Pineapples
5. Watermelons
6. Apples
7. Blueberries
8. Rasperries

Eight places I'd like to travel:
1. New York, NY
2. Canada (relatives!)
3. Ireland
4. England
5. Italy
6. Hawaii
7. The Grand Canyon
8. Alaska

Eight places I've lived: (this will be fun...Dad was in the Navy)
1. Currently in St. Augustine, FL
2. Gainesville, FL (for four years of college at UF...different dorm each year)
3. Jacksonville, FL (grades 10-12, 6-7 and K-1)
4. Charleston, SC (grades 8-9 and my birthplace)
5. Dartmouth, NS, Canada (grades 4-5)
6. Virginia Beach, VA (grades 2-3)
7. Key West, FL (early years)
8. Providence, RI (early years)

Tagging:
Alright, I know I'm supposed to list 8 people to tag. But I don't have that many "followers" on my blog, so I figure instead I'll just say this...if you're reading this message, you've been tagged. :)

Small World

So many coincidental things lately just remind me what a small world it is. I was on my Facebook page yesterday and saw a pic of someone Facebook "recommended" to be a "friend" for me, and she looked really familiar, like someone I knew from high school (her married name was listed, not her maiden name). It gives you the option of looking to see if you have friends in common, so I checked that out. One of her friends was a mutual friend of ours in high school, confirming that she was the same person I believed she might be. What threw me for a loop, though, was that some of her OTHER friends that we have in common weren't from my high school years, but people I know through my local MOMS Club here in St. Augustine. St. Augustine isn't that far from Jacksonville, where we went to high school, but far enough that not many people make the effort to move down here! Small world. I added her and she accepted my friend request, and we wrote back and forth several times today only to learn that she lives five miles from me, in a condo development that used to be apartments...the same apartment complex Steve and I lived in almost nine years ago when we first moved to the area. Small world!

Also yesterday, I was working at a middle school as a sub for a math teacher when I saw a familiar face as I was walking to my sub assignment room for the morning. She was someone I recognized from her blog, and we haven't been "following" each other very long, but our kids are only a year apart age-wise and I really like reading what she writes. Anyway, I walked into the teacher's lounge for lunch, and there she was! I hope I didn't creep her out too much when I invited myself to sit at her table and then basically said, "I know you!" Small world. I had to assure her that I was not a stalker, and that I'd been booked for that sub assignment several weeks ago, before I ever even read her blog for the first time. :) I didn't even know which school she worked at, since we all have some small degree of anonymity on our blogs.

These two random happenings are just examples, but I thought I'd share them with you today. Seems like it's the little things that make us smile and remind us to count our blessings on a daily basis. In a time when the economy is bad and crime is on the rise, we have to look for the things in life that make us stop and think about how fortunate we really are!

A Well-Rounded Education

I'm nearing the end of my third week as a substitute teacher, and I have to say it's quite an eye-opening experience. I have taught several different topics so far, including English/Language Arts, Social Studies, and Art. I was even "tricked" into being the In-School Suspension Coordinator for a middle school last week. The computer said it was a Social Studies assignment, so I accepted...and then found out when I arrived that the Social Studies teacher is now the ISSP Coordinator (translation: let's put 11 kids with attitude and behavior issues into one small room the size of a storage closet with no windows and teach them to behave...not likely). I survived, but wow, do I ever have more respect for my parents for raising my brother and I to respect our elders after being so disrespected by the ISSP students. Those kids were obviously testing me, and I get that, but if I had EVER acted like that in school I wouldn't have been able to live it down with my folks.

And today, I taught Math to sixth and seventh-grade students at another middle school. Math, as anyone who knows me well enough will understand, is not my favorite subject. I really do believe that despite my teacher's best efforts, I was just never meant to be a math person. I can compute basic figures in my head well enough. I liked Geometry because it was like a game to me somehow. But where in life will you REALLY need to know that (3+x)/(14-y)=132? I mean, that's fine if you want to be a scientist or a mathematician, but I was just more worried about learning to balance my checkbook. Anything with the word "calculus" in it was just too terrifying for me. But the teacher who called me to sub for her is a friend from church, and I've known her for quite some time...so I accepted the assignment and just hoped for the best...at least it wasn't high school pre-calc or something like that.

Lo and behold, she had an awesome lesson plan all written out for me and all I had to do was follow it carefully. Hand out the assignment, help the 6th graders if they had questions, and make sure the 7th graders didn't talk during their test. It was somewhere about halfway through the day that I realized, "I can totally relate to these kids." Now, I don't think I'm going to run out and get my teaching certificate and specialize in Math, but I had some sort of epiphany that because Math frustrates me, I was really working harder to make sure the students could get a better handle on things. Maybe that will make a difference for them later down the road, even just a tiny insignificant difference.

So subbing is going well. The kids are having a blast with my mom during the day, so that's just another blessing I count among many each time. And several teachers today asked me for my contact information so they could call and request me, so I take that as a positive sign. I don't know if middle school is really my "favorite" age group, since I haven't worked with elementary or high school all that much yet, but it's nice to know I'm doing something right.