We Need a Vacation!

Scott and I need another vacation. It's so hard going back to work after having a week off. For Scott, the Admiral has a surge going on, meaning they work 7-days a week and for long hours. So, Scott's been working all weekend. I'm fortunate to see him for lunch. As for me, the kids came back to school with a renewed sense of energy. Fortunately, it rained on our first day back so several students stayed home. They don't like to go out in the rain. Poor little spoiled princes & princesses! I love that their parents keep them home when it rains. I've also been told by other teachers to expect half my class to be gone by the end of May & early June. Apparently, parents don't like sending their kids to school when it's hot! I'll have to see this to believe it.

On a funny note, the kids had to bring in their Science projects last Thursday. I gave them a month to do this project. It was on landforms. They had to pick a landform, write about it and include pictures. It could be on regular paper or on a poster. I really didn't care. You should see these projects. They look like advertisements for rivers, valleys, mountains, oceans & sand dunes. They are amazing. I was so proud of them until they told me their mothers did their projects for them. Only 3 students did their own work. The mothers of the other kids did everything! So, I had them all come up to present their projects. The majority could tell me NOTHING about their project. It's not like I can call the parents about this. The parents decide if their child is promoted to the next grade, not me or the administration. Weird stuff. I'm just accepting this and moving on. They are great kids and I'm already upset about saying goodbye to them in a couple of months.

On Thursday as I walked in the door after work, Mary, our cleaning lady came up to me with some news. She said, "Madame, I have to tell you something you will not believe." I almost had a heart attack. She went on to tell me that she was going back to the Philipines to see her kids because they were having some family problems. She would be leaving on Saturday. "Darn it." I thought to myself. I knew she was too good to be true. She went on to tell me that she had a friend who could fill in for her and that she was outside at that moment. I didn't remember seeing anyone. I had literally just walked in the door. She went out and got her. Of course, Benny jumped on her and was running around like a fool. He gets so excited when we have visitors. She liked Benny & shared stories of every home she's cleaned that has had a dog or cat in it. Her name is Erlita (I think) and she is very chatty. She wants the job and she starts tomorrow. We'll see how it goes. We really liked Mary, though. Oh well!

Since it's sooooooo hot now, I've decided to try out aqua-aerobics.......at home. I've never taken an aqua-aerobics class but I've seen many old ladies jumping around in city pools. I've always heard how good it is for you. So, today was my first workout. It went well. I was careful not to go into the deep end until I learn how to swim. My left foot slipped once & I almost freaked out. I tried to get Benny in the pool with me. I thought at one point he might do it. He was waving his right paw at me. But, no luck! All he did was lick up the water that splashed out of the pool. He also sun bathed while I jumped around and ran in place. Hopefully none of my neighbors saw any of this. I'm sure I looked like an idiot, especially when I slipped & thought I would drown. I've gotta say that it was a pretty good workout. My legs are tired, so that's a good sign, hopefully!

Next week I won't be writing the blog. I have to work Saturday for parent/teacher meetings & report cards. Should be just as interesting as last quarter. I hope they stick to their appointment time this time. Last quarter they just came when they felt like coming. It was a big mess! I didn't know who was who and I had organized all my files by student based on their appointments and it was all messed up. Those of you who know me know that I like things organized! These people drive me crazy!