Category Archives: slice of life

More Than Words

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I just finished the first draft of my entry for the Harlequin More Than Words contest and I’m going through Kleenex like there’s no tomorrow.

apb_highschool_smallIt helped that I just visited the final campus of the charter school that I helped start in 2006. We opened class in a dinky renovated warehouse with six classrooms and 140 students.  And now look at the building! This is the fourth year, the first graduating class. I took a brief tour through the classes and waved at my students. I’d like to say they look all grown up now, but nah…they’re still my kids. My chest was more puffed out than the little gryphon mascot that the senior class voted on when they were wee little ninth graders.

I must admit I did get a little teary when I took the picture of the California Distinguished School logo painted on the front. To think back where it all started…

I really do believe that this was one of the best things I’ve ever done. Part of me will always feel that I sold out now that I’m no longer teaching. I couldn’t keep from crying as I wrote the essay for “More Than Words” about one of my good friends, a phenomenal teacher who also founded the school. I have my fingers crossed and I’m hoping she wins even harder than I’m hoping to sell the short I wrote. 🙂

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Sleepless in Los Angeles

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For the next week I’m going to be operating in limbo time. I always try to squeeze in too much when I’m back in my old haunt. My body is on central time so it’s 4:30am PST and I’m up and about. I didn’t get to bed until 12:00am last night because I was catching up with my BFF. I’ll be nodding off in the afternoon which is awful since I actually have to go into “The Office” this week and be corporate and everything.

I’ll be seeing a couple of friends! The ones I’m most looking forward to are my first critique group. I thanked them in my GH® acceptance speech and I can’t wait to give them the biggest hug possible for little ol’ me. I’ll also be visiting the charter school that I helped start three years ago. They’re going into their senior year! We’ll be having our first graduating class and I’m already planning to fly out in July. I can’t wait to see my fellow teachers and the students. Go Gryphons!

I never had much of a social calendar while I was living here. 🙂 There’s something about moving away that makes you more popular….hmmm….

I do find the dual time zone is good for one thing. I do have a bunch to get done and it stretches out the day. Yes, the all nighter was always a bad habit of mine in school. I know it’s not a sustainable work habit, but I find a good binge once in a while gets me caught up. My hubby would be so mad to see this right now, but he doesn’t read the blog. 🙂