Today's (school-wide) field work at Wind River Ranch

Students watch for bison, pronghorn, and elk as we enter the ranch.

Why do I always end up with bus monitor detail?!

What a pretty boy!

I sneak outside the bus - to the screams of the students - to take this shot!

5000 acres of beauty in Mora County.

Time to hit the road once more.

Nine weeks left of school. Nine weeks, not counting next week's Spring Break. Hard to believe I've lasted nearly the entire academic year. I miss writing for fun, miss the pound of foot against pavement, miss time, time, time and space to think and wonder, miss the lack of strict schedule. I suppose I miss just about everything and everyone I know.

I will say this: I discovered I make a damn fine eighth grade teacher. And perhaps in saying this - 'cause these teenagers are crazy, man, crazy - I am saying I can pretty much do anything.

Comments

[Patia]

I am saying I can pretty much do anything.

We already knew that.

And we miss you, too.

[Patia]

Oops. That first sentence should have been italicized.

[Lloyd]

miss you far more than you can know.

[Heidi]

You'll be happy to know that the Universe gives extra gold stars to middle school teachers because, as you say, the students are CRAZY. And hormonal.

[Miss T]

Bison kinda put things in perspective, don't they?

[Rick]

Tremendous photos Birdie--boys, girls, and bison.

Yeah, if you do well as an eight grade teacher, and actually like it, you can pretty well run for president the United States of America right about now and clear the field.

Your pal,
Rick

[Cathie]

Yep - this year proved you CAN do ANYTHING, Birdy. Bless you for taking on the hormonally challenged sweethearts. Did you know there is s special place in heaven for middle school teachers?

And yes, we miss you even MORE.

Have a wonderful spring break!

[nancy]

Beautiful pictures!

And I am sure we miss you way more.

And I always knew you could do anything.

[Will Blackmon]

We knew you could do it Birdie! It was just a matter of time, and the right place for it to happen!!!!!

And yeah we do miss you bunches...But it's for the right reasons!

[John]

I've been scarce around here, but you're frequently on my mind. You're amazing and I admire what you've done. I hope my wife and I can be as brave...so we can finally take the plunge into a new life, leaving the past to scrapbooks.

[Will Blackmon]

You know John, One thing I've learned in the time I've known Birdie is, sometimes you just got to do, what you got to do. Bravery comes from trusting in those decisions.

Hang in there, and trust in your instincts!

[Shrexy]

Much is often bandied around about being brave enough to "do something". To a point this 'is' true. But often you have to look at things by degree of fear.

i.e Are you afraid of moving forward...or are you MORE afraid of 'not doing anything'

This isnt to say their is no bravery...for there certainly must be. To overcome any fear is itself bravery. But if you ever want to 'con' yourself out of stagnation...just think.. "if I dont do anything...do I want to be here in X years "

Some folk thrive on same ol'- same ol'. Bit like groundhog day !! Thats not living... thats just practicing being dead.
So be afraid and be brave people....make choices. No gaurantess provided ( but would you really want them ?? ) :)

[Will Blackmon]

Well said Shrek! Couldn't agree more!

[Heidi]

Off topic, but fun... Hey Birdie, Musing Woman at Blogtations http://blogtations.typepad.com/

has graciously added Don't Shoot! I'm Just the Avon Lady to her list of Books By Bloggers. You can see it here:

http://astore.amazon.com/blogtations-20/detail/B0011E486G/104-5706676-7230307