It’s time for another long, journal-like post. This should be the last one for a while. First of all, my birthday was very nice. Thank you to everyone who sent me nice birthday wishes through email or otherwise. Unfortunately I haven’t been able to check my email until just now so I’m in the process of getting back to everyone.
My last day at work was good, but long. My coworkers took me out for lunch at a nice bar/restaurant and I said goodbyes to many people I’d been close with (in a not-so-close kind of way). My boss decided he’d keep me on the payroll so that whenever I have time, I can do extra work and get paid for it. Not such a bad deal. Extra money never hurt anyone, unless they tripped on it and got a concussion. I picked up my old Civic from my father and decided I would just buy it back from him instead of getting a new car. It’s saving me tons.
I went to my new school today and taught with the current teacher to prepare myself for Monday. Now I remember why I wanted to do this in the first place. Although my second period class is going to stress me out — the current teacher had to call security five times already and the class has only existed for a month — I think I’ll be able to manage them, and the rest of the day will make up for any of that stress, anyway.
I’m going with them to a local parade tomorrow morning. They also happen to be leading the New York St. Patrick’s Day Parade later in the week. Oh, and their marching band will likely have 200 members next year. Fantastic!
My last train commute, on my birthday, gave me time to think about the last year or so. I’ve certainly learned a lot about myself and about people in general. I’ve discovered if I just try to be who I think I should be, so many other things will just fall into place. Eventually, people who are aligned in my way of thinking become the people closest to me. With this, I’m also finding that I miss even more the special people who used to be a part of my life. People can change, if they really, really want to, and after they decide that they really, really want to, they make a good effort to change the way they think.
That will be my last personal message for a while. I think I’ll stick to weblogging and such.
Just remember one thing on your new job: bludgeoning incorrigible students with a bass clarinet is a last resort only.
First resort should be an oboe.
Hey. Watch the comments about oboes. Oboes rule. And I’m glad your “practice day” went well.
wish I had known you were with THAT school. My band was waiting to line up as you went by Saturday morning. Neptune’s band was across the street from us. Have fun Wednesday….