*Pleasant*

I may be tired - I just posted this on my class blog. Oh my lands! Thank goodness it was PG. Here it goes -

My dad called me this afternoon to ask how my first day of school went. I actually described the new batch of students I met today as "pleasant". When did I get so OLD?! Soon I will be using adjectives like "grand". For example, tomorrow afternoon's conversation may go something like this -Oh, dear father, I had a grand time at warm water aerobics this evening at the senior center. Sheesh! [This is a bonus dig at my dadio as he has already participated in said activity!]

I truly did have a great first day back to school with the pleasant students in school today. What is even greater are my co-workers. Since I have returned to teaching, following Nolan's death & struggles with depression & anxiety (shocking, right?), the bonds among many of us have grown exponentially. See! I even have friends that teach math. Otherwise I would never have access to such vernacular.

Believe it when I tell you, teachers work VERY hard. This is why it is so amazing that we can also project so much energy & love throughout a work day. If not for Avery & Nolan, I believe that our work day would be very different. You see, at my job, we hug each other A LOT! I'm positive that this sounds strange. If it isn't a hug, it is a big smile & quick conversation. A funny email conversation can serve as a shot of inspiration. Sometimes there is dancing, singing, jokes, jabs, funny faces, notes, cards, shrieks & poems. If we don't see each other during the day - there's going to be a text, email or post waiting for after school.

Today was pleasant. It was more than pleasant - it was wonderful. Not because of where I was, what I was doing or how hard we worked, but...who I was with. All of our love & all of our comradery is starting to rub off on the kids too. THAT is so super cool. I am so proud that we have kids who look forward to coming to a school where they feel safe & connected. Isn't that grand?