OINK

If it barks
like a
dog

and

drinks from a
toilet,

don't assume it's a
dog.

It might be a
five year old
who is
still
thirsty.


Just sayin'.........

Just To Hear Her Voice

I have tried to avoid writing
yet another sad post.

I don't want to make
my family feel
sad.

Today though,
I am afraid
if I don't write it
the tears won't
stop.

Again today,
I reached for
the phone that
lay on the seat next
to me.

My hand hovered just above
before I remembered....

I detest that moment....
when I remember
she isn't there.

I call anyway sometimes.
Just to hear her voice.

You've reached the Hargrove residence......

If I close my eyes
and quiet my soul

I can still hear her voice.

I hear it say, "My precious angel".

You are never done with
the ones you love.

Time moves too
quickly.

No matter how
I cursed it.

No matter
how many
hours
I sat,
awake,
on watch,
time, like ocean waves,
crashed and tumbled on.

I breathed when she
breathed.

And when she stopped
My heart broke.

She wasn't perfect.

But she was mine.

And I still miss her.

I wasn't done yet.


Just sayin'.................

An Anniversary

Today is a special day for me.

I am never able to adequately express just how much this day means to me.

Very few people 'get it'.

Today is my anniversary
and it means more to me than my birthday.

This day has defined my life and
represents my blessings
both past and present.

On August 8, 1962
God gave me a family.

I was given a mom and a dad
and a heritage.

I was given a big brother
and a big sister and although no one knew it that day,
I was also given a baby brother.

I am ever mindful that on that day
I was also given the family I would cherish as an adult.

The journey of life as a Hargrove brought me to

my own children,
those they love and
the children of their future.

On this day I miss my mom more than any other.

I'd give almost anything to hear her say one more time,
"I'm so glad you're mine."

Anyway.

Today is a special day for me.

Just sayin'.........

A Letter To My Students

Many teachers welcome the new school year in with a mixture of nerves and excitement. They may buy new clothes and new shoes much like the students they will soon meet. 

Teachers of the youngest students experience that same nervous excitement but we pass on the new shoes. We have all learned the hard way to wear our most comfortable, foot friendly shoes.

Teacher of older kids (I'm thinking 6th grade and up) can perch on the edge of a desk as they conduct the first few school days. They may even sit in a real chair once during the day.

Each grade level has it's own advantages and disadvantages and for the most part we are all teaching right where we most comfortably fit. 

However, this time of year I feel a minute twinge of envy towards those whose students are old enough and coordinated enough to button their own shorts.

The envious feelings pass quickly when I remember the hormones and drama that lie ahead of my middle school and high school colleagues.

Elementary teachers assigned to the youngest and newest of students spend the first few weeks of school talking and walking and talking and chasing and talking and hip checking and talking and running and talking and lunging.

And talking.

Today I wore a comfortable pair of shoes to start out my day.

After an hour I changed into the heavily padded, soft and squishy shoes I had packed in my school bag that morning.

By the end of the day I threatened to return tomorrow riding a Hoverround!

I like this one. The basket is cute and I have always wanted a sporty red vehicle. The seat looks comfy and arm rests are always nice.


But then I saw this one!

With this baby I could totally dominate the hallways. No more stressing as I weave through the lunchroom trying to get the lunchbox kids to the right table, be sure everyone gets a vegetable AND a fruit AND trying to remember everyone's first and last name because the kids sure don't remember them.

"Everyone follow my tank Hoverround" I could shout. Sadly, I realized that the BOE probably wouldn't appreciate all the special attributes the tank big Hoverround has to offer.

Suddenly this sweet ride caught my eye.

Now THIS is a ride fit for a kindergarten teacher. 

We never have enough time to go to the bathroom anyway.

Just sayin'..................

P.S.- I don't know how to make that big white box go away and frankly, I'm too tired to care anymore.

Does Anyone Else Think It is Way Too Early For Back to School?

Remember this kid?  http://justsayingyall.blogspot.com/2010/04/he-waits-for-me-every-day-beside-no.html

When I left school around 8:00 tonight he was there in his usual spot playing with his younger brothers and sisters.

I stole a glance at him as I started the car.

Sure enough, he whirled around at the sound of my engine and the other unseemly noises my car has a habit of emitting.

That giant, goofy grin I love so much was on his face as he ran a few steps closer to the sidewalk.

Once again we waved to each other.

I honestly don't know whose smile was bigger.

I'll bet it was the one on my face.


Just sayin'................................

Oh, and by the way, yes we are already back at work for pre-planning.
And yes, it is still July.
And no, we can't believe it either.

Just sayin'..................

OINK - Kinda

Sadly, we have the occasional Velociraptor incident where I work.

Along with T-Rex, Iron Man and Piderman (that's how we like to say it) incidents.