The Tenth Day of Lent

Dear Crestwood Peeps,

I just wanted to say thanks for the collective influence you have made in my life. It's nice to want to go to work everyday, knowing that no matter how different we all are, when the shit hits the fan we have each other's backs.

Every morning, Diane greets me with a weather report and a "Have a good day." Mary Ann and I usually say hooray when we check our mailboxes and find them empty. Somebody almost always says, "Startin' already?" as I buy my first Diet Coke out of the machine at 7:08 am.

I usually get a goodmorning from the few teachers who are there before me as I walk down the hall. Peyton often stops me to show me a new American girl outfit or a picture of her dog, Cooper. Bonnie hollers, "Goodmorning, Sunshine." Then Mary says "hola" and patiently listens as I share my lists of complaints and concerns.

In the bookstore, Ms. Anna saves the thumbtacks for me and never charges me for them. In the library, Amie writes my name in the schedule even though I'm suppose to know how to do it on the computer.

Schepman gives me a hug nearly everyday, whether I'm a willing participant or not.

Throughout the day, I get a hey from the cafeteria ladies, a smart remark from Ms. Sherry. Mr. Bill asks me what music I'm listening to as he sweeps my floor at the end of the day. Ms. Kathy threatens to shake her can of coins at me if I get in her way while she cleans.

One of the PTA ladies asks me almost weekly if I'll be teaching 5th grade two years from now.

I try to go to Pam's kindergarten room to get my fix on hugs and check in with her. Of course, I check in with the Dixie Chicks plus one who are now first graders in Ms. Griffin's room. Ethan, from the autism unit, yells my name and shakes my hand.

On my way out, I tease Leah and Lauren about their bulletin boards. I really should tell them that they are actually great teachers, especially since I think they are about 12 years old.

Lori looks the other way when I'm wearing jeans, and she gives me a fairly free rein when it comes to my teaching techniques.

Even the couple of people I'm not particularly fond of stay out of my way, for which I'm extremely thankful.

Anyway, I've got a sweet gig. I'm thankful to all of you who make it that way.

Angela