Just Another Day in Paradise

I taught like I was a crazy woman today. Writing, math, reading...social studies where I was observed by a dear soul who wants to be a full time teacher... and I even got individualized attention for the kids who need it.

Bob Marley came today with his hair strung up like it was in a mohawk. I swear. I can't make this stuff up, people.

Came home and helped with 6th grade math and science. Tenth grade work is under control. But I did listen to all the music practice going on and watched some gymnastics here in the living room. Tossed in a little more laundry before the state tells me that won't be allowed anymore and am getting ready to run the dishwasher (for the same reason). It's only Monday and my weekend is already booked - it is homecoming Friday and Prep is cheering; I'm singing at a funeral Saturday and we have to find something for all these girls to wear to their great-grandfather's 100th birthday. Oh yeah, y'all didn't know about this, now did you? Granddad is hitting triple digits soon, and we're taking this show all the way to Missouri. All of my inlaws are going to be present. I'm just happy I'm not the star of this show. I don't think people will know if I'm there or not (wrong: this is a command performance. I can't tell you how many times I've been asked if we've purchased airline tickets), and, to be honest, I wouldn't miss this for many, many reasons. The best one of all: the nine minute power point presentation with 96 pictures of Granddad's life. My only question was why aren't there 100 pictures?

Back from the Party and Ready to Die

That's completely the way I felt Tuesday morning. I had spent a very long weekend in D.C. with some other teachers attending some conference. However, as soon as it ended, we hit the trail. (The Metro, really.)

Two of my teacher friends had never seen the nation's capital. NEVER. With my sister's help, we thoroughly endoctrinated them in our nation's history. It is never easy, picking and choosing just what sites to see, especially when time is limited. One of them thought we could cruise the Smithsonian. After all, she said, we had 45 minutes.

They marched my fanny up and down the mall, from the Smithsonian station all the way down to the Lincoln Memorial, with pit stops at the White House, Washington Memorial, World War II Memorial and the Vietnam Memorial. (I couldn't take one more step over to the Korean War Memorial - I'm so sorry.) We then cruised Georgetown, Dupont Circle, (Sydney Wade couldn't get off of it in The American President), the Jefferson Memorial and then down to the Capitol, Supreme Court and Library of Congress. I'm tired remembering. And Arlington National Cemetery, two hours before we were supposed to fly home. That plane ride back was the longest time I had sat down in four days.

My children nearly cried when I got back. "Dad's Dad, but he's no Mom."

That was the best part of the trip.