Rain, Rain, Go Away!!

Wow--this morning's rain was CRAZY. I left the house extra early to be sure I would make it to school on time--especially since I didn't know where I was going without using my GPS. I got there with no problems which was great, but the carpool system(the school's parent drop off system) was a zoo. Just think of tons of cars backed up along the street, in the dark, in the rain, one by one opening up their doors and trunks to get their children and their school bags out of the car in the pouring rain---everyone was SOAKED to say the least. Unfortunatly, a tornado struck a tree and powerline at the neighbors---not good, but the damage was slight and no one was injured. But we got through the day, like we always do :)

I think I am going to really enjoy this pre-school class. I have different students everyother day. One group comes 3 days a week where as the other group comes 2 days a week. Today I met some of the sweetest British students. One of them came up to me, tapped me on the shoulder and said, "Excuse me, could you tell me your name?" It was the sweetest and most polite 4 year old language I have ever heard! I just love that little girl's accent.

As for my cooperating teachers, they are all so nice and laid back. It's so strange, but they very rarely have to follow any state/school standards, they base it around a different curriculum which I found very interesting. I guess with private schools, they have a slight more leniency when it comes to that. This is why many of the teachers have been there so long--they are able to teach what they want to teach and what is best for thier students, rather than what the state expects each student to learn. I think it's great because there is no cap on how much students can learn at this age since they are such magnets to new ideas at this age.

After school today, I got to experience driving on the freeway!! GO me! It honestly wasn't as bad as I expected, but it was also 4pm, so the traffic wasn't awful. Once I got home, I got to meet Shelley, Shirley's daughter. She was great! They are such a sweet and caring family, who have made me feel extremely comfortable. At family dinner tonight--which is basically Joe and Shirley's children and their spouses and children and they all sit down for a large dinner. It was Joe's mother, Elsa's birthday today (HAPPY 85th to Elsa!) so it was extra special. We had such great food and the best vanilla ice cream with caramel and candy pecans! Whoever thought I would lose weight here was absolutly incorrect--there is NO WAY. They have introduced me to some awesome southern food and I LOVE it! Joe and Shirley are now aware of my picky eating habits--I'm glad it's all out in the open now--haha!

As for my second day--success. I've met a ton of great people and feel very welcomed, even though I'm basically on my own--with no prior connections to this place. It's a scary feeling, but I think I like it--for now ;)