Wednesday, August 20, 2008

School is Good!

Today was the second day of school. My classes are great! The guidance counselors worked really hard to get my kids into the chorus classes, so it turned out not to be so bad. I only lost four. Concert Choir has 31 girls and 30 guys. That is almost unheard of in high school choral music - I am so excited! They sound wonderful! And my Chorus I has 47! and 20 of them are guys!!
It looks like this year is going to be as good as last year was bad!

Thursday, August 14, 2008

Back to School

Well, today was my second day back at school and the day that all the kids came for their schedules and books and parking passes etc. etc. I have to say that I had a wonderful time because everyone I saw - parents, teachers, students, even boys - noticed how different I looked. The hair , the make-up, the skin, and most of all the 26 missing pounds. It was so encouraging and did wonders for my self-esteem.

The bad thing was that our new schedule is the most convoluted thing I have ever seen. In 21 years, I have never lost more than 3 students to schedule conflicts. This year I have lost over 30, THAT I KNOW OF. I have no idea of the number in concert choir and the balance. Oh well, I'll just have to live with it and make the best of it.

I am missing reading, which I did so much of this summer. I shall head to bed and read a little.

Happy Stitching!
Jane

Saturday, August 9, 2008

Goodbye to One Great Summer

I received the funniest e-mail today from one of my friends who reads my blog. She said she feels like she has to check it regularly during the day, because posts keep changing and even disappearing. She thought she was losing her mind. I laughed and laughed, because I really do that, but I didn't think anyone would even notice. So, let me reassure you, things really do disappear around here, it isn't your imagination.

I start back to work next Wednesday. Well, actually Monday, because I have an officers meeting on Monday to lay out plans for the year and decide who will be in charge of what. Also to get the room set up. They moved EVERYTHING to wax the floor, and just left it in a pile. I personally think that is inexcusable, but then no one asked me. I am fortunate to have students and former students that will come in and help me get it done.

I have had a really wonderful summer. "The Summer of Jane" The best part was that I got to spend a lot of time with Jeni and the baby. But I also have a really good start on finally losing weight. I am rested and actually ready to go back to school. I thought I had lost my passion for teaching chorus for good and was just waiting out the last four years until retirement. But I found it again! I've been choosing music and planning the Dinner Theatre and planning a fantastic trip to NYC to sing in St. Patrick's Cathedral.

Those of you who "know me", know that last year was a difficult year in so many ways. The most wonderful miracle that happened last year was the birth of my precious EB. And the pictures below speak for themselves.






I can hear her thinking "Now there are some really beautiful feet!!"
What a miracle! God is so good!

I haven't been stitching much. Have been making new tops for some flip-flops I bought that have replaceable straps. They are ribbon and with big cool buttons on them. And probably the most comfortable shoes I have ever worn. It's about as close to going barefooted as you can get.

I am also making hair bows for EB and smocking. I had bought a new sewing machine, and hadn't even opened the box. I was a little intimidated by all of the computerized stuff but I am conquering it, step by step.

Still working on the baby blanket. The baby is due in October, so I am going to wait a little while to pull it back out.

So there you have it, I haven't blogged much[and actually left it on] for a while. But I have had one great summer and have enjoyed reading your blogs.

Happy Stitching - or whatever!
Jane

A Vision in White