The past four days have been a blessing from the heavens! First we were joined by Ed Sherry, Drew's dad, and the next day by Mike, Gerrie and Anna from Seattle. I worked with Mike and Gerrie for many years at Camelot Elementary. They came out (at my request!) to support me in setting up the new kindergarten classroom.
August 22, 2004
August 14, 2004
First Day and Flooding
So much has happened since my vacation in Orlando!! I spent one day in VA unpacking and packing again and then leaving on a very early morning flight to Seattle. My week in Seattle was visiting friends, packing and sending teaching resources, visiting friends, mailing art to VA, and enjoying time with Dad and BJ. Can you believe I missed VA? I think it's already becoming my new home.
I returned to VA on Thursday and here comes the good part...
Images of Friday's events will be instilled in my head for many years to come. The story of Mr. Riley entering his new classroom for the first time and accidentally hitting a flat plate on the top of a bookshelf that concealed a water sprinkler will be a great one to share with my new students. Do you remember the episode when Lucy worked the assembly line in the chocolate factory? Remember how she couldn't move fast enough to pack each piece of chocolate in the box. With that image, think of me, trying to stop the incredible amount of water beginning to flood my new classroom.
After what felt like hours passing (five minutes, only), the fire engines arrived only to find me saving books and materials. The water was turned off and I was left drenched standing in two inches of water. My new principal and office staff had all gone to lunch. I had to go and try to figure out exactly what and how this happened. I do know what a water sprinkler looks like; I have a masters.
That afternoon I received a message from my new principal, Mary. Her caring comments, which practically brought me to tears, made me realize that I am working in a school that cares about people. All the materials that were destroyed will be replaced and my room will be ready to set up by Thursday. I returned with Drew on Saturday to assist in the clean up. It turns out that the Rosa, Mr. Evans, Mr. Jackson and Anna worked overtime cleaning up the water and putting things back in order. Everyone was very sensitive and caring saying hello to me. As Mary said, "You've been initiated to the Science Focus School!"
August 05, 2004
A Rest.
I didn't have to think twice when Drew asked if I would like to join him in Orlando for a conference that he was to attend. We were staying at the Ritz Carlton. I knew I would have four days of pure relaxation; the pool, the sheets, the bathroom, the food; life at the Ritz is a very good thing.
Drew had a wonderful conference; everyone's a buzz with Independence Air!! So far the airline is doing well as passenger load continues to increase.
After Orlando, I leave for Seattle to pack up teaching resources and clothes. Dad and BJ join on Sunday.
July 17, 2004
Here Comes the SAAB
Well I think it's official, I am staying on the east because we've sent for car. Drew is finding his way at Independence and I have a great job in September. They say the jouney for the SAAB will take up to 10 days. Great thanks to our friends, Anita and Jim, who arranged to have the car positioned for pick up. My father arrives in a few days and then Grant and Ashley will join a few days later. Our place, for the first time, is actually large enough for many to be comfortable at one time. We're really not in the city, we in suburbia where places are larger.
We continue to look for places near Arlington. He have a fabulous agent, Gregory; he's very gay, very smart, and very wonderful. First, he met with Drew and I to make sure we were a good fit. He's says he'll work hard to find us the perfet home. The market is quite competive out here; we're told to be prepared to act fast when we see something we like, as the average days on the market is four to five. Offering more than the listed price might also be a good idea. With average home ranging around 500K, I can't see us being able to offer more!! We'll see...
July 13, 2004
Life in Herndon, VA
Today ends my second week in Virginia. I must say, having the black pussy back has shed much sunshine on everything! Even the fact that we're living in the suburbs until we find a place in the city, I enjoy living in a community with mostly Middle Eastern and Latinos. Life is in Herndon, VA is rich with culture and hard working real people, finding a good life for their family and themselves.
My rental car has made me very popular among many in the burbs. I feel like a brother in my Dodge Magnum. When we bought our new car a few days ago, I was excited, but also sad to be giving up the Magnum. I've never felt so much attention driving through a parking light or stopped at a light. During my many visits to IKEA, I'd pull up to the loading dock and get questions like "what's the horsepower?", "Your car is fifthly!", "totally pimping!" I use to say it was a rental, now I just say "Thanks!"
Our guardian angels are always close! Besides the return of Sydney, I also accepted a teaching position at the Arlington Science Focus School. I interviewed two weeks ago, actually it was my first interview only three hours after I arrived. I flew a red eye that evening, and as most of you know I can't sleep on planes. I had to work hard during the interview to be alert and sensible. The interview was really a wonderful conversation about learning and kids. Talking and listening with this team of seven, I knew this school was an extra special place to learn. I really wanted this job! I very much wanted to be apart of this staff and be new kindergarten teacher in town.
Two weeks of interviewing, lots of job offers, many trips to Target, Costco, Bed Bath and Beyond and IKEA; life on the east coast is looking up. Drew is achieving his goals at Independence and his abilities of a leader are becoming more noticed each day. Turtle and the Hare.
A few more days until the pool is finished and I am ready for fun in the sun and a splash in the water.
July 03, 2004
Lots of Faith!
The call came in Friday night from Galvin at Alaska Air, that Sydney has been found! I can’t remember a time in my life where my emotions took over and all I could do is jump and scream for joy. It was the huge missing piece in our new life in DC. I couldn’t ask any questions of where, how, when, only when can you get us home to pick him up. Alaska Air immediately took action and booked us first class on the next flight to Seattle. They also took Sydney to the 24 hour animal clinic to make sure his condition was stable.
He spent 12 days nestled below the machinery of the “ground power unit” at concourse C. As mechanics attempted to start up the engines, meows were heard from down below. After looking around and feeling fur with their hands, they knew whatever was up there could not get out. They dismantled the unit to find a very scared and hungry black kitty. Sydney was found.
Drew and I arrived this morning and went directly to the animal hospital. It was never actually confirmed 100% that it was Sydney, as his fur was completely covered in grease. The very caring staff gave him a bath using Dawn, the best grease release dish cleaner! Yes, indeed it was him. Time to go home, but not before talking with KIRO news, waiting outside, as they completed their follow up to the story they did when he was first missing.
Today we’re relaxing in the condo. Sydney got another bath and a good brushing. He looks good and seems to be feeling much better. Drew is taking care of lose ends and I am catching up on sleep! We return to DC tomorrow so that we can reunite a brother and sister who miss each other very much. Grace will be relieved to see her best friend again.
June 23, 2004
Sydney Living at Sea-Tac
Three days have passed since boarding the plane to DC and then being called off because Sydney is missing down below!! Let the nightmare begin, which was calling Drew with the news. "This is not happening, you're suppose to be here in four hours". How could Alaska Air let this happen?
After taking the option of leaving the plane with Grace, the surviving cat, I asked to go down below and look for my cat. "That is not possible”, Alaska Air shared. With Drew on the cell phone, I gave it the supervisor and I don't what he said but I had security clearance within the hour. I looked for about an hour in a world that is absolutely filthy and filled with unbearable sounds. What Sydney is going through was heart wrenching.
No luck finding our kitty, so I returned home with Grace. I cried a lot, and Grace just wandered around, meowed a few times. "Where’s my big stupid brother?"... Anyone who knows Sydney knows he's our very special (ed) cat. Not all cards are in his deck at all time... we love him so much.
The next day was spent contacting the Humane Society, making posters to hang at the airport and talking with family and friends. I was to return to DC on Tuesday, but Drew's idea to search again at the airport when things were quiet might give Sydney a chance to hear my voice and come out of hiding. I changed my flight.
Last night my wonderful friend, Debbie, drove up from Portland to help me search again for Sydney in the baggage well at Sea-Tac Airport. We started our search at 1:00 am and looked for three hours. No luck, but the good news is (because of Deb!) Sydney is headline news here in Seattle. CBS covered it on the evening and AM news and NBC and FOX will most likely be at the airport when I arrive tonight with Grace. (Who will not be checked, but will join me in the cabin!)
The love of family and friends during this time cannot be explained in words. We are so blessed and faith is high for Sydney's safe return. I look forward sharing this story with our kids someday, with him by our side.
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