People of Disneyland!

This week, Chris, Edna, Bobby, and I took a little time out and made a visit to Disneyland. We took no children with us and had a lot of funny and fun times. I have no pictures of us, but I was able to capture this memorable...wench.




I sure hope this lady is foreign. Other than that there is no excuse for this.

Comebacks!

Where else can you walk away from a job feeling like you made a difference in a life every, single day?

Rancho's new principal called me today with a proposal, and I accepted. I will return to teaching in August part-time. I could not stay away from my Rancho family.

There are so many reasons I said yes to the position, but the staff and students are number one, and number two is I LOVE TO TEACH. It's like a drug to me. It gives me a charge to see the light bulb turn on. I can make a difference. That's a very addictive feeling.

In the spring when I'm complaining about whatnot and what have ya, tell me to reread this post!

Rancho Viejo!

I had the honor of teaching reading intervention this school year at Rancho Viejo School. RV is a hidden treasure among Crane Schools. I won't get into details, but let's just say Crane tries to keep the "neighborhood school" method going, and if you have driven by Rancho you know the kinds of neighborhoods Rancho is primarily serving.

I posted a couple of weeks ago that I enjoyed attending a Crane celebration which honored my mom for her 30 years of service. Well, they also honored teachers from around the district for their leadership type actions or their extra acts of kindness. I had to laugh inside at the little essays our superintendent read when they were receiving these recognition awards. The things these women were being recognized for are literally things the staff at Rancho does every, single day.

An email came from the district asking us to nominate employees that have gone above and beyond. I could think of many to nominate, but for Rancho employees this is just how we "roll" (for you Jacque). It would be almost shameful to accept the recognition for doing something that comes so natural to an RV staffer.

Rancho is staffed with the kind of educators Hollywood makes movies about. Oprah could do countless specials on the inner workings of Rancho! I witnessed many out of the ordinary, extra mile, unselfish acts in my one school year.

My life has changed because of this last year. I have met some amazing men and women and some extraordinary students. My faith in this world has been restored. There is so much good happening all around us, and we don't even know it. I had the unique opportunity to sneak a peek.

Thank you, Rancho Viejo!

The Jade Dumpling!

Many people asked me about this necklace I was wearing. I promised I'd post the site I ordered it from.

I have made a very good friend during my master's program named Susan. She is a gifted artist.

You can enjoy many of her creations on her Etsy site, and she's creating a website as I write this.

http://www.jadedumpling.com/

Let's just say it. With a name like "Jade Dumpling, it has to be good." You know me. I love just about anything Asian. Though, her work is not all Asian. I dare you to take a look. Let me know what you think. Or better yet, let her know what you think.

30 Years and Counting...

Each year Crane School District holds a celebration. Everything at Crane is called a "celebration." Side Note: We aren't supposed to use the word "party."

I was excited to attend with my mom this year. She received her thirty year pin. Thirty years with the same school district...same school even. There were a few others with thirty years in, and there were even a couple with thirty five. I am so proud of my mom for her years of loyalty, consistency, and service. By her example, she has taught me these principles. She really does love her job, and I love that about her.