Junior High

          Canyonville School caters to grades K-8 and so it doesn’t seem far-fetched that the middle school age kids will use the playground just outside of the cafeteria.  Coffenberry also has a playground to use.  We never had that option when I went to junior high.  I honestly don’t remember where I went after lunch – although I am quite certain that I did not intentionally hang around the cafeteria.

          It seemed like there were some kids who went out to the field to play ball – or tag or something.  I was not a part of any athletic crowd – or any group for that matter.  I was mostly antisocial. I really didn’t like the loudness of school or being there in any way, shape or form.

          I used to dress up for spirit week – not because I had spirit but just to get away with dressing up in something out of the ordinary – though the themes didn’t seem as wild and crazy as school spirits have been in recent years.  I’ve taken pictures of Jenna in years past (see here) and  I took these pics of Jenna earlier last week:

Crosswalk Workout

                It was quite dark yesterday morning even between 7:00 and 7:30.  I was able to drive myself to work yesterday as my shift didn’t start until 8:30 and the elements had lightened by then.  I thought that Roland might have to drive me today as my shift started an hour earlier, and probably would have had him take me in if I hadn’t gone with him at 6:00 this morning when he dropped Jenna off at the church.  The darkest part of the commute was getting out of my neighborhood onto the main drag. 

            I had given myself 20 minutes for a 6 minute drive and so I had plenty of time.  Yesterday I was in the detention room (or in-school-suspension as it is called at that particular school) but today I had crosswalk duty which I have only done at that school one time before.

            Crossing guard duty does not seem that big of a deal as those who use the road are familiar with the crossing and will slow down or stop four lengths back even if I am just standing on the sidelines.

            I remember one time Vanna White had been given the opportunity to ask questions about others’ research about her job.  One of the questions she asked was “How Many Miles Do I walk in a given week” or something like that.  The panel did not have an answer for that one.  But I did think about her position of turning letters (back when she turned the letter and not just touch it to reveal the letter).  I don’t know how long the walk is from the first letter to the last as opposed to the crosswalk. 

            There seemed to be more traffic the first time I subbed for this particular shift than there was today.  Today had almost a ghost town feel to it – and unlike last time when the air became warmer throughout the day, today seemed to get colder.

            I cross the students three times during the day.  First thing in the morning when they walk up from the cafeteria (or bus stop) up to the school.  Second: during lunch to the cafeteria and back  Third: after school lets out and students are walking home or to the bus stop.  Students are allotted so many minutes before the bell rings or before the bus leaves.  It’s important to keep them crossing.

            The busiest part of my day is walking students back and forth during lunch.  The first time I subbed, the gym was closed and all of the students remained on the playground.  Today the gym was opened and there were more that crossed than remained on the playground.  I learned some students crossed who weren’t supposed to.  Somehow there had been some who had sneaked into the main building.  I did not get in trouble, though.  The staff is always so happy to see me.

            I am pleased with the amount of students who take the time to say “Thank you” as I walk them across.  How great those two little words can sound.  I’m grateful for their kindness. 

            Other than doing crosswalk duty, I haven’t felt very useful.  One instructor is showing a video.  The other has chrome books which are basically small laptops.  I am a foreigner to having students sign on anything electronic.  I feel as useful as a tampon dispenser in a men’s restroom.

            I will be at the school next Friday but not in the room where they are trying to sign in.  I will be back in detention or ISS.  It hasn’t been a very tough job thus far.  The first time I did it, the most “problematic” student was really quite helpful in guiding me through what was unfamiliar territory. 

            I enjoy the variety I’ve been able to experience through subbing.

Day 11 slowly recovering still

After two weeks of not working, I returned to work yesterday – though it was for only half a day.  I prayed that I would be able to get through the day.  My cough had died down.  Still, I had to change my pants before I had even left the house. 

       I left the house early to stop by a thrift store as there is a game I would like to get for Jenna – a specific game that I still have not seen and may have to order online.  While there, I looked at dresses and found a light jumper that I thought I could wear. 

       I had planned on putting keys in my pocket and hooking the walkie-talkie through one of the belt loops but while at the thrift store, I realized that the pants I had changed into did not have pockets.  Frustrating.  I returned home for a lanyard in which I could hang the keys and the walkie-talkie.  Only by the time I returned home, I decided it was warm enough that I could change into my brand new dress (which I hadn’t realized was on discount and spent only 2.25) and so had changed for a third time.

       Once again I prayed that I would make it for the next three hours without prior problems that I’ve experienced for over a week.  I’m happy to say that I was able to make it through the rest of the day without much inconvenience.  I was needed to help with lunch, but think I could have returned home right after recess as I really did not feel useful for the most part.  I do prefer mornings to afternoons.

       I was supposed to meet up with some friends at 4:00 but my mind got loopy and I know I wouldn’t have been pleasant company.  As I think about it, it was a good idea not to have put myself on the road in my condition.  I am bummed that I didn’t get to see my friends. But I did end up spending just a bit of quality time with Roland - whose mind has seemed elsewhere lately also.

       Tried a new sleep routine.  I have failed miserably. I just haven’t been able to get comfortable.  In addition to my soar rear and legs, I also have a major headache – well, major for me.  It may be minimal for those who experience headaches more routinely than I.  I suppose I’ll be napping later on today.  I really am sleepy.  I hope this crazy weather didn't push me back to where I started. Dang it all!