A Retrospective

A little of this and a little of that...

This is post number 101! I wanted to celebrate my 100th but since that unexpected article came up about Hunter at the same time, I opted to celebrate him instead. My BFF Joy said that it was an appropriate representation of the purpose of this blog anyway.

I began this endeavour to express the complete bliss I found in teaching, in my students and with my journey through this amazing life. And again I have Joy to thank for giving me the idea to document my life in this manner.

Since I began, almost a year ago, this blog has taken me in unexpected directions. My coworkers (teachers and administration) regularly check in and have become extremely supportive. I think a bit of my positive attitude and enthusiasm has rubbed off. My friend Cayne, who team teaches with me at Fordham University, has been inspired to develop some research with me revolving around teacher blogs and my mom loves being able to catch up with my doings.

The biggest surprise though is the fact that there is truly a thriving, welcoming, blog community out there. I never expected that I would get lost in the lives of strangers as I read their words and followed their lives, thoughts and struggles week after week. But that is exactly what has happened.

I have met three fellow bloggers, Reya, Ched and Steve whose energy and ideas have caused me to deepen my own thinking.

I have been promised a party by graceful Scot (to be attended by 'cool, laid back', handsome Wat and clever Christopher) when I visit California.

Kimy has shared her quilting talents, Dumdad passed along an original 'dummy', Junk Thief, Joy, Mark and I are going to sip Cosmos and watch (perhaps reenact scenes from) Valley of the Dolls when JT visits NYC to film another episode of JTTV.

I'll meet fellow educator Lettuce in April when she visits these United States. My dear friend Mikey and godson/nephew Randy have started their own blogs in the past year.

I have been reminded what youthful exuberance for stepping into adult roles and responsibilities is like through writer Arielle's blog and have been challenged in my perceptions by Mona, Paul and David.

I learned about art and nicknames from Pod, traveled the world with Bella, learned a bit of Spanish from Florecita and learned the many varieties of salt from Jill. And I continue to find new friends (Ciara, Lee, Cinn, Marmite) through this medium.

Thank you all for making this such an enjoyable experience.

I am not really one to pass along awards but consider each one of you tagged with the Excellent Blogger Award! (I got this one from Kimy and Dumdad.)