Kiddies

Lot's of people have been asking about my job so I wanted to give folks a little update. I will be the lead teacher for one of three pre-k classes (4 year olds going on 5) at the JCC. I will have one assistant (TBD) and we will have 22 kids! My first day of school is Sept. 1st. So now I am doing lots of prep-work. Over the past week and a half I've been observing/helping out/talking to teachers/meeting kids of the pre-k and 3 year old classes, which are currently in summer camp mode. This has been a helpful and non-stressful way to transition into my first day with my own class. I'm doing my best to note what seems to work well and what I like about these classes so I can integrate it into my own routine. I've also been reading books, going online and just thinking a lot about my philosophy, rules, tricks, songs, activities and physical classroom. The teacher before me left my room slightly cluttered and chaotic so cleaning and organizing the space has and will be a big task. I feel a little nervous (and excited of course) at this point - but I know once we get into the swing of things it'll all work out great. Any teachers out there that want to suggest any resources or give any words of advice are MORE than welcome. :)

My first day with one group of 5 year olds...

Annika: "Miss Sarah, where are you from?"

Me: "I'm from Boston, which is all the way on the other side of the country."

Annika: "Like, where the wild things are?"

Maddie: "Like Iraq?"

The University Of Arizona Is Looking Right At Us!

U of A has a webcam that points directly at Mt. Lemmon to our North. In the field of view, we live just right of the flag, close to the mountain. There are also some cool time-lapse videos of Tucson weather events on the UA webcam page. Enjoy!

http://www.cs.arizona.edu/camera/

Billboards R USA

As we meandered across the country, gas station to gas station, we noticed more than a few interesting and, some might say devoted, billboards. Here are the goods.

I'll add that we saw what seemed like a couple hundred of those Cracker Barrel ones, and a few dozen of the last two.

Saying Goodbye Is Hard To Do

When we decided to try this adventure of ours we knew that there would be a lot of goodbyes to make. And we knew that it wouldn't be easy. Let me tell you, we miss all of our family & friends. You didn't make it easy, but it shouldn't be easy to say adieu to those you love. You showed us a great time in our parting celebrations. We cherish those memories and eagerly await to make more with you, one and all!

Unfortunately, I don't have photos of everyone. So, if you have any photos you'd like to share please email them to us. Thanks!

It's hot in the desert!

Did I mention that it's hot out here? Those of you on FB may have already seen this. I set up an indoor/outdoor thermometer to see how hot it gets out here. I took this photo last Wednesday around 3pm.Now, keep in mind this is out in direct afternoon sun, and on the window frame. The ambient in there is hotter than the air around it. Still...