"5 years. 365 days. 1825 happy moments captured."
I almost refrained from completing my 'blue jeans' post this week, because 1) quite frankly, this was one of the worst weeks in my memory, and 2) I'm a little exhausted from trying to save my school. But, I realize tonight as I lay in bed, covers up to my chin, trying to reflect on the three longest days in the history of my professional life, that those tiny details of happiness are the most important when they're strewn through the hardest of days. It's like that out of the blue kiss from Cruz on the walk into daycare means a whole lot more when you're facing unemployment. And amidst the roller coaster of emotions this week has caused, there has been so much good sprinkled through the anger, frustration, and sadness --- like good in the form of an end-of-the-day dance party in the English Office thanks to Andrew's salsa video, or a note left on my desk that says 'We love you, Mrs. J,' or bonding on a whole new level with one amazing group of colleagues (aka, lunch with Shelley two days in a row, why not three?). Because if I've learned anything this week, it's when something you love is put under attack, you stay really present to these moments that will forever leave an imprint on your life.
Oh yea, and you fight like hell, too.
Saturday: Putting Cruz to sleep. He went down super easy tonight to the sounds of my humming and softly rubbing his temples. Nothing more peaceful than this picture. The calm before the storm...
Sunday: Charly’s 2nd birthday party. A beautiful February day, yummy egg bake and birthday cake, painting pottery, and Cruz riding behind Charly on her brand new trike! He put his arms around her waist and held on just like he’s supposed to. Charly was thrilled!
Great Grandma is one popular lady!
Monday: The Little Dump Truck. Cruz’s favorite book right now, and the only book that doesn't get boring reading over and over (and over again).
Tuesday: When all else fails, spend an hour on Pinterest. What a day!
Wednesday: Seeing a group of over 600 pull together just one hour after President Allen announced he was going to attempt to close our school. 600 wise, dedicated, and relentless fighters who have one chance to raise their children. The passion and persistence was inspiring to me as a new parent, and when I wasn't sobbing, I was ready to stand firm in the fight that was about to take place.
Thursday: Believe it or not, the snow. At 3:30, I received a text from Beau--- “You should take pictures of this snow.” For the first time all day, I looked outside my windows and it was gorgeous. Big, plump snowflakes fell in a still sky and seemed to put a blanket on the ugliness of the day.
So, for just a few minutes after school, we forgot about the stress and played.
Friday: A show-stopping rally walk to campus in support of Quality Teacher Education, aka, Price Lab School. And...the hope I felt afterwards.
Hoping for happy things (and award winning chili) this weekend.
Beautiful pictures & thoughts, Ash! Lots of good people and so many wonderful things happening at Price Lab! Such a shame!!... Oh my gosh! Cruz was in ziploc heaven!!
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