Reflections of a Substitute Teacher: The End of the Year

Headed to my first day subbing!

All prepared for my first group of students!

Today I got up, got ready, and went to substitute for the last time this year.


As I reflect on the past months of substitute teaching, I am thankful for all the opportunities I've had to fill in as a teacher in the Bath County schools.

I've met amazing students who I can call friends, I've learned numerous and valuable lessons, and I've realized I want to teach high school English.

Today was the last official day of school.
Next week are exams.
Many times today, I expressed my joy to be at school on their last official day.
I enjoyed listening to students comment about what they were finding in their lockers as they cleaned them out.
There was an excitement in the air that only comes as the school year is closing.

I had a student come to me and give me a goodbye hug.
It made my day--my year.

I am privileged to know the students in our county.
They make life exciting, hilarious, and purposeful.

Happy as I am to see summer come, I'm going to miss them.

I don't know what the fall holds, but I'm glad that a year ago God didn't open the doors for me to move to Columbia...or England...or Germany.

I would have missed so much.

Three Weeks of Life in Pictures

Here are a few photos to document the past, oh, three weeks or so!

A fabulous vintage shop in Staunton

My lovely Aunt Barbara

I bought this umbrella right after.

Glass coke bottles for Holland!

Not only do I want to marry a man who wears a fedora, now I want one.

The lovely Kristy.  She leaves for France in a week.

Ja'dore Winter Park.

Our farewells.

Universal with Josh.

Please read the comic.

Harry Potter World.

"Please respect the spell limits." Ha!

I love the design they did!

Josh was a dear and let me have fun in the I Love Lucy store : )

The beach!

Daddy at the beach.

Lovely morning sun.  The beach is my summertime happy place.

The clouds were amazing!

Pink Champagne

A glorious day!

My mountains from the early morning sky.

A bear cub I saw while driving over the mountain.

Circus McGurkus Cafe!

Aw, my cute cousin!

Summer Trips: Orlando, Daytona Beach Shores, and Columbia

When I last left you all, I was leaving on a plane to visit my father.
As predicted, and prepared for, I was chilly and thankful for my sweatshirt.

My time in Florida was lovely and restful.  I enjoyed soaking up the sun (a little too much sun) and partaking in Pink Champagne, for the second time!  I was able to visit a friend who is leaving for France in a week, and my cousin, who recently moved to FL, came over and we went to Universal Studios and Island of Adventure.  I always love those two theme parks, and our trip was no different.  I rode The Mummy three or four times, the first two with Josh.  I could not stop laughing.  Honestly, I think I laughed more than I screamed.  But, when Josh stopped riding, the ride was not as fun.  The next day Daddy and I left for the beach and were greeted with rain, which allowed for Olympics watching!  Pennisu arrived a couple of days later to enjoy the beach with us, as much as her injured foot would allow.  Uncle Kip and Aunt Ellen joined us for a few hours one day, which was great!

A day after returning from Florida I left for a surprise visit to Columbia.  Only a handful of people knew I was arriving.  My first stop was to visit Hannah, who was thoroughly surprised.  I then stayed the night with Chris and Marie, which is always a joy.  They are a lovely couple whom I have known since they were not a couple.  Saturday Hannah and I went to Indian (translates to Punjabi Dhabi), one of the best Indian restaurants EVER!  We talked, caught up, laughed, AND they had all of our favourite foods.

 Leaving Indian, I took Hannah home and then left to surprise the Crutchfield family (except Deborah who helped me plan).  It was great fun and I loved spending so much time with them, including Sunday lunch!  Baron showed his face and added to the fun, as well!  Throughout the next week I applied for jobs, visited with Steph, and stopped in to visit my aunt.

I bade farewell to a town I've called home for most of the past four years.  While not my favourite town, the people are some of the best I've known.

Au revoir!

P.S.  Pictures will come soon!

That Complicated Airplane Temperature

Hi Everyone!

I'm getting ready to leave for the airport in about 19 minutes!
It's complicated dressing for Florida while knowing the airplane is going to be FREEZING!

I have this love of only carrying my purse through the airport and checking everything else.
This rarely happens.
But, today it will!

Hang out time with Daddy and Pennisu will be great!
I get to see my cousin, Josh, tomorrow (Universal!).
And, then BEACHtime!

It is going to be grand!

So, have a good week, weekend, and everything else!
I'll try to swing by at some point throughout my trip!

Au revoir,

Kirsten