Robin Beckers

This is my friend, Robin Beckers. She and I taught eighth grade English together for 9 years at BMS. She retired at the end of the 2008 school year. We joked around about her finally getting "paroled", but the truth of the matter is, I miss her so bad I feel like I've been given a life sentence. My new partner is awesome. Don't get me wrong. It's a loss all the same.

I was missing her so bad, my daughter and I stopped by her house today on the off chance we might get to see her and talk to her. I especially wanted to make sure she knew of our beloved campus supervisor, Irene Porter's, passing. She wasn't home. I found myself crying as Jill and I got back in the car. I hadn't realized how much I wanted to see her. Robin herself, is a very no nonsense, hot tempered, red headed Irish girl. She'd read this and tell me, "Get over your bad self!" No joke; she still uses that phrase from the 70's. Really, it's part of her charm.

I'm more determined than ever to get in a visit with her as soon as possible.

P.S. Some of you might spot another "cool kid" we miss in the background, behind the wine glass.

Yard Dookie

I had a student a couple years back, you may know him, Isaiah Boyd, who knew I loathed yard duty so much he renamed it for me -- yard dookie. This school year, I have yard dookie on Tuesdays. My yard dookie station is at the top of the P-wing stairs. For those of you who know the Benicia Middle School campus, you know that the location I speak of is quite breathtaking. Before I parked my barely caffinated behind at the top of the steps I'd been in a bit of a foul mood - mostly because of this class. I feel like I'm light years behind. This does not sit well with me. I'm used to doing well. Mrs. Page's husband pointed out I'm suffering from a severe case of cognitive dissonance. Anyway, I took one look out at the strait and Port Costa on the opposite shore and felt better. It was a gorgeous morning. I reminded myself that I enjoy more love and support than one person probably deserves. In short, I gave myself an attitude adjustment.

By the way, Heidi had to bring me back from the brink once again later that day, but you'd have never known that if I hadn't tattled on myself.

P.S. The photo I've posted is actually a view of Benicia from Port Costa - the exact opposite of what I see.

September 18, 2008

Trying something new. Where will I go with this? Who cares?