"I love Women and Beer"

Today was my first day with students.  I had them fill out a little survey.  At the end of a long day I was reading over some of their responses.  One charmer from my first hour class wrote (in response to my question, "What is one thing you really want me to know about you?"): "I love Women and Beer."  Honestly.  So, the first day of school I had to make a phone call to a parent. Awesome.  It's good to be me.  

My iPod

Even as I post this my new iPod classic is synchronizing.  The swirling orange circle brings me joy. The smooth silver music player brings a smile to my face. I have not even used the darn thing yet and already happiness is emanating from my soul. It is amazing. I purchased the (not so) little fellow with some of the money I earned in Ephraim this summer. I bought a docking station for my classroom. The back is engraved with the words: "Krystle rocks." 

A little bit of irony: when FedEx delivered it, I was at school.  Where did they place the box you ask?  Behind my garbage can.  A little insulting to Apple Store, don't you think?

So, tell me.  Are you jealous? :)

Lofley Family Reunion

Today I practiced using my camera at the Lofley Family Reunion.  The more photos I take the better I am becoming...I am learning all the tricks of my fancy Canon PowerShot, and I love it!  We held the reunion up the canyon at Craig Sperry's cabin.  These pictures are really for the Gilbert family in the UK so they can see how our family members are looking these days.  To Jamie, Martin, and Dylan: I love you!  Enjoy the pictures! :)

Trevin, feeling the sugar rush of homemade rootbeer.

Makenzie plays on the stairs.

Vonda Kay, not knowing I was snapping photos. 

Anya and Koozie, (Tisha's daughter) at the bottom of the water slide.

Anya, walking up the hill.

Emi, caught with a smile on her face.

ShaNeil and her boyfriend, Russell Coons.

Justin does not realize that I took this picture. 

Grandma Lofley holds Michael Champ, Tiffany's new baby.

Jace, holding still for the first time all day.

Haven checks out a pretty flower.

Brother and sister hang out on a bench and act cool. (Oly and Taco) :)

Cameron takes a break from the water slide to send a small smile my way. 

School Daze, et al

In a few weeks I will be teaching once more.  It's interesting because at this point in the summer, I am seized with a feeling that, indeed, I have forgotten how to be a teacher.  There is much to do and much to decide, and I feel far too immature to do or decide any of it. 

I moved out of Elaine and Lamar's last night.  I am going back to Snow on Monday for a wrap up session with Joni.  As I loaded my things into a car and effectively closed this chapter in my life I found myself struck with an incredible sense of melancholy.  I am staying at JHS, and I am happy about this choice, but that does not mean that I do not feel a sense of loss.  It is difficult to explain.  I am giving up something that was never really mine, and that makes me sad.  

I have made "friends" out of some of my former CDJH students.  I see their status updates...my 7th graders now have driver's licenses.  One of the challenges of teaching, for me, is that I see everyone around me gaining more knowledge and grace.  They are constantly moving up and out (i.e. "growing up") and I am left to watch them grow.  I envy the enthusiasm they still have for life.  They are hopeful and focused and fabulous.

When I reached my apartment, a little neighbor boy was in the driveway riding his scooter.  He was desperate for someone to play with or talk to, and he said, "Hey.  Do you have any little kids?"  I told him no and he replied, "Why not?"  He then went on to ask me, "Hey.  When you have kids, what will you name them?"  I was so grateful for his optimism.  No question about it. WHEN you have kids.  It was one of those moments in time that I find myself increasingly grateful for.