Monday, August 31, 2009

day 243


We had our first real assembly this morning. It's new for us to have assemblies on Monday but we decided that it would be a great way for us to start off the week. Also different, we have to assemble outside because the space we are renting does not include a large meeting room. The school has a theater and gymnasium but no auditorium like what we are used to. The past week has been all about adjusting and being flexible. We'll get it all worked out eventually and in the meantime, it's just one big adventure. I'm loving every minute of it. :)

Sunday, August 30, 2009

day 242


Today was a big day for a young team from Chula Vista. Our hometown boys won the Little League World Series, beating a team from Taiwan, 6-3. This photo is terrible but it captured a really exciting moment - it's one I want to remember.

Well done boys! You embody teamwork and true sportsmanship and we are all so very proud of you.

Photo taken with my Palm Treo.

Saturday, August 29, 2009

day 241


It's been SO hot lately that we decided a cool bath before our evening walk would be a good idea.

Friday, August 28, 2009

day 240


My kids did a bit of painting this afternoon. I was wishing that I could sit down and paint with them too.

Thursday, August 27, 2009

day 239


Ever had one of those days?

Wednesday, August 26, 2009

day 238


Today is my baby girl Hershey's 11th birthday. :) Her eyes are starting to show signs of cataracts and she doesn't have the energy she used to but she still loves playing fetch and riding the waves at Dog Beach. She is so incredibly loving but will rip your arm off if you try to touch her front paws. She always greets me with much excitement when I come home, no matter how late it is and I am so very grateful to have her in my life.

Tuesday, August 25, 2009

day 237


Today was our first experience having lunch at our new school. I'm sure you remember what school lunch was like... this was not your typical school lunch! We had super moist, baked chicken, beef tacos, ranch beans, a salad bar with field greens and fresh fruit! There were even a number of people helping to serve it up. It's so cool to be providing such a high-quality experience for our kids - even in the lunchroom!

Monday, August 24, 2009

day 236


Today was the first day of second grade for my little guys and opening day for LdV. It was incredibly exciting to see our dream become reality. The parents were so wonderful and generous - I am very lucky to have such a terrific group! I am completely, totally exhausted but more grateful than I can say. What an accomplishment for all of us.

Sunday, August 23, 2009

day 235


Tomorrow is a big day. I spent a lot of time getting my room ready over the past couple of weeks. Here are the photos showing how it will look as my second graders arrive in the morning. :)

Saturday, August 22, 2009

day 234


Dan took me out for a Padre game tonight. What a great break from all the time I've been spending at LdV. Thank you so much Dan! :)

Before the game, we had dinner in the bar at Lou & Mickey's where they were showing the Little League World Series. Park View, a team from Chula Vista (now the LL West Champions) played a team from Kentucky and beat them in 5 innings, 15-0. When we got to the game, the score from the game was on the board alongside all of the Major League scores - how amazing for the boys! (click on the photo to see a larger version)

I used to coach basketball with Ric Ramirez' wife, Kasey and knew Luke when he was just a little guy. They are such an amazing family and I am thrilled to see Ric and Luke doing so well. It really couldn't happen to better people! Good luck Park View!

Friday, August 21, 2009

day 233


This is the kind of thing that happens when you stay at work too late (note the time on the clock.) Before heading out tonight, Jody and I decided that we should put this piece of 'art' in Taylor's room as a gift. It was a part of a donation we received from a charter school that closed. We all think it's awful which makes it a prime candidate for a little workplace fun. Congrats to you Taylor! We hope you'll enjoy and display it proudly. :)

Thursday, August 20, 2009

day 232


I met Jim Dieckmann during my credential program (housed at my former school, Clear View.) I was immediately intimidated by him and when I was assigned to work in his classroom on Fridays for the school's "Families" program, I was terrified. I was completely in awe of his abilities as an educator.
Over the years, I have had the opportunity to work with Jim as a colleague and continue to be awed by his ideas and knowledge. I feel so fortunate to have worked with him at Clear View as well as in the writing of the charter for LdV. He is one of the teachers I have been greatly influenced by over the years and I value his opinion very much.
In addition to being a great mentor, he has also been a great friend to Jody and I - looking out for us over and over again, on both professional matters as well as personal ones. I already really miss working with him and seeing him regularly. Tonight, I attended his retirement party and I must say, I was totally, completely honored to have been invited to join in this special night with him.
Jim - you have influenced me so much as an educator and I am so grateful that we have had this time to work together. Thank you so much for all of the care and support you have offered me over the years. I love you Mr. D! :)

This is Jim with his wife, Susie and sons Garrett and Max. See the other photos here.

Wednesday, August 19, 2009

day 231


This will sound incredibly lame but... we were ECSTATIC to see this truck pull up today. Who would have thought that some tables and chairs could create so much stress? We got a great deal on the furniture but we weren't entirely sure if it would arrive before the start of school. Thank goodness it did AND thank goodness we had some husbands around to help out with putting it all together - we have some really incredible people supporting us.

Stanton - I am so grateful that you stayed to put my tables together - waaaay past dinnertime - especially when you could have been at the zoo with your family. We are very lucky to have you and I am really looking forward to working with your daughter (and you and Sheri) this year! :)

Tuesday, August 18, 2009

day 230


Tonight we had Parent Orientation in the gymnasium at Mater Dei and it was great to see all of our families come together! There was so much excitement in the air. I really appreciated the hugs and grateful words from parents I've been able to get to know during the past year.

I've said it over and over again but, really, I just can't believe we've made this whole thing happen. I can't wait until the first day of school!

Monday, August 17, 2009

day 229


Today was our first official work day at LdV. :) We have a very small staff of 10 women - funny thing is, two of us are named Erin and another two are named Cynthia!

Sunday, August 16, 2009

day 228


The kind of vandalism that makes people smile.

Saturday, August 15, 2009

day 227


Arijana and I went to SOMA tonight to see a young band called Fusse that she discovered one night at Borders bookstore. Turns out that some of the guys went to my high school though I am sure they graduated some time in the last few years. The guy at the door wouldn't let me bring in my camera so I could only shoot with my Palm. :/

Friday, August 14, 2009

day 226


This is my friend Pam's little guy, Toby.

Thursday, August 13, 2009

day 225


Arijana is my new yoga partner. It's good to have someone to get me in there on the nights I'd rather do a few more things at work or just sit on the couch and relax. We have the cutest little instructor and her classes are really good. Namaste.

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

day 224


I had dinner at Macaroni Grill with some of the LdV crew tonight after our Board of Trustees meeting. I decided to take a break from the food shots and photograph other things seen in the restaurant.

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

day 223


Today is Arijana's 25th birthday so we went out for some sushi and martinis at Valentino's. It's a bit blurry but I just love this photo of her. Happy, happy birthday friend! I love you! :)

There are a few more photos here.

Monday, August 10, 2009

day 222


I worked in my classroom today and really didn't make too much headway. Here's what my desk area is looking like. Lots to do...

Sunday, August 9, 2009

day 221


Carlisa invited me to join her at the City of Hope's Food & Wine Festival today in Coronado. It was a fundraiser/silent auction to support their cancer research. There were a number of restaurants offering tastes of their foods and wineries sampling their wines. These are some treats we really enjoyed from Cupcakes Squared - I actually had chocolate but these were prettier to photograph.

See more photos from the event here.

Saturday, August 8, 2009

day 220


A vine has started to take over my picket fence. I'm not quite sure what kind it is yet but I'm enjoying watching it as it wraps itself around the posts.

Friday, August 7, 2009

day 219


Today I am thinking a lot about books. I am a bit of a collector and have lots of books in my classroom. Our school budget is very tight (thanks for those cuts in education, Govenator!) so we are not sure that we can buy bookcases, among other things. The opening of a school is all about highs and lows I am learning... today was a tough day and the end of a tough week. Tomorrow will be better.

Thursday, August 6, 2009

day 218


This is a good example of why you should always check your work... I didn't have the camera set on auto-focus, was in a hurry and took only one shot. :/

We spent the whole day interviewing applicants for our teacher openings. While we did that, Erin F. organized a whole bunch of books that we acquired from a charter school that recently closed. The photo shows Erin in the middle of her organized mess of book piles.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

day 217


I had to take Hershey to the vet this morning to have a bite just below her eye looked at. She got into it with Dan's dog, Sarah on Sunday (over a bone, I think.) I have been cleaning the cut out, hoping it would heal up on its own but last night it smelled awful. Sure enough, she's got an infection. She had to have a shot and is now on antibiotics. She gets very anxious at the vet and tries to bite anyone who touches her so that's the reason for the muzzle - which I hate, by the way. I always give her a sedative to make the experience a little easier on her but between the drugs and the muzzle, she just looked so pathetic. I felt terrible for her.

Photo taken with my Palm Treo phone.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

day 216


I met Laurie this morning for breakfast at The Mission in Pacific Beach. I can't remember the last time I ate there but it was so great to be back. I had a really delicious quesadilla stuffed with scrambled eggs, bacon, green onion, tomatoes and salsa. It was a beautiful morning to be out at the beach and catch up with one of my very favorite people! Thanks Lolly - I love you!

Monday, August 3, 2009

day 215


We received the keys to our rooms at Mater Dei this morning and the big move in began! A whole bunch of parents came to help out. It was a LONG day but it's so exciting to finally be in and see the rooms start to take shape.

Sunday, August 2, 2009

day 214


One of my summer favorites...

Saturday, August 1, 2009

day 213


My dear friend Laurie hosted Bunco night at her house tonight. I haven't played in years and had forgotten how much fun it can be. We drank a lot of wine, had great food and lots of laughs.