Well that was quick

:::WARNING:::
I usually edit my posts.
I did not do that this time.
The school year ended up zipping by a lot faster than some.
We have three more days left to complete the school year. We'd be out already, but there were a lot of snow/ice days to make up for. Unlike guilty criminals who get locked up but get out early, innocent kids have to serve their full sentences. After all, some educrat in some office somewhere has decreed it.

Odd, though.
The first six months of it just dragggged. I know a great deal of that was me, being off-balance and feeling completely out of place and just... wrong.
But I did what I do. Worked on establishing those relationships. With the kids, their parents and the school staff. Brought a few treats to the office ladies. Cookies. Little note cards with art work. Noticed the other day that both of them displayed them on their little bulletin boards next to their computers, too. :)

Stopped to talk at least twice a week for a minute or two, made sure to tell them the funny stuff that my kids were up to.

I wrote a couple paragraphs for the school newsletter every month or so, and Cathy in the office was kind enough to make sure it got published.

Each time I talked a little about what we've been doing. Wrote about art projects, Rube Goldberg machines, the number of minutes we'd been reading as a group, and added a little 'coming soon'.

Anything to build up the program a little. To send a message that I plan to continue to be a part of the school.

Last night was the end-of-year family Art and Culture Night.
Each class made projects to exhibit in the hallways.
Since one of my parents is part of the school's parent organization, I talked with her and asked if our program could make a project to put up. To join in.

She was enthusiastic about it, so we did.

One of the teachers stopped me in the hallway this week to talk about it.
"I heard your group will have a display at art night!'

When I affirmed that, she said, "That's great. The SDO (secret daycare organization) has never participated in anything before. I'm so glad you're here and running a real program!"

Wrote up a little thing about the art form. We started with Polish folk art or Wycinanki (look it up, it's really quite lovely) and the project sort of... morphed.

I included information about cut paper art from many other countries. It's an art form that's been around a long time.

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From the thing I wrote:

As we learned more about it, we found that throughout history, many cultures around the world used cut paper for decorating their often plain homes and furniture. It was readily available, required no special tools and could be adjusted to the artist, from simple to complex.

As we looked at the different patterns and styles, we realized that each culture ended up using motifs that were significant to them.

And  finally the kids made their art in a form that was meaningful to them. They used colorful shapes, symmetry and layers.
They enjoyed the project and made some beautiful art.

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The photo isn't great. I cut out the name of the organization I work for, but featured it prominently on the display. Added a photo of the kids creating their art and put it all on a tri-fold display.

I spent the last four days being sick, sick, sick. Ugh. Started with a really weird fever. I was so cold on Tuesday morning that I decided I must have a fever. We don't own a thermometer, so I used the one that's in our first aid kit at work. 100.4.

I came home from work with the chills and everything just... hurt.

Took two Excedrin and a nap. Fever broke and I was fine.
Next day, BAM.
Fever was back, it brought its friend Tonsillitis.
My throat was so sore. Chloraseptic was my friend... until I read the label that said not to swallow it. Well shit. Although after consulting Dr. Google I learned that it probably won't kill me. Or at least it hasn't yet. Ha.
And because I really needed to rest, I wasn't able to fall asleep for a nap on Wednesday OR Thursday. Dammit. You know, you start to doze off and your throat closes or your mouth shuts or opens or you snork? Yeah.

I made it to work every day anyway, although I missed out on two different training sessions. Hopefully can make up the one for the epi pen. I've had that training before, but it expires after two years, so it's an ongoing thing.

I managed.
Took Excedrin.
Aspirin.
Excedrin PM at night.
Friday afternoon I finally started feeling a little better. So I stayed for art night.

Colin was very proud to escort me around the building. He made sure that I saw all the artwork from the different classrooms. When I had to take the stairs one at a time, he very considerately did the same, matching my pace and keeping up a stream of engaging conversation about this art or that, which teachers he's had, saying hi to kids he knew and just being charming. He's such a great kid.

And after I got home last night, I realized that I've found a new home.
I think I'm finally ready to go out to my old school and say hello to the lovely people I worked with for so long.

I think I'll bake them something yummy.
Or maybe bring them some tie dyed socks.

So I used to have this poster. This exact one.
Apparently I didn't take the advice to heart.