Katrina Felt Close to Home

It was a beautiful morning, and I was up at 5 A.M. and on my way to Wal-Mart before 6:30. I like to go early to miss some of the crowd, and still have day left to handle the laundry and bills, etc. on my off day. Today I saw this sign. 'Sorry for the inconvinence, but because of Hurricane Katrina our coffee counters will be empty until stock arrives.' I am sure that we haven't really begun to feel the full effects of that distructive storm.
I have done laundry, and worked on recording grades. You know that thrills me. I couldn't get on-line to actually record them in my new on-line gradebook . . . so here I am.
I have been out for a short walk, and watched a 1947 movie with Deborah Kerr called , Black Narcissus and talked with Mare for an hour or so, It is now time to think of something for dinner and fold the load of clothes in the dryer. You can tell I really lead an exciting life.
School is going . . . well, I suppose. We have started a new behavior program - PBS (Positive Behavior System), and I think we are seeing positive results. I am the "unofficial-teacher-greeter" (which I am sure will assure my future retirement employment with the real Wal-Mart) ...Every morning I stand at the front of the building and greet all the kids as they get off the buses. You should have seen the first couple of days, what a bunch of zombies dragging in, no response from most of them.....after two weeks of "chipperness harassment" from me, I am actually getting smiles, and good morning Ms. Purcells, and even a few hi-5s, handshakes and amazingly some hugs. TO COOL! I also have an 7th grade teacher now who has joined me at the front every morning. Plus I got a great idea from Charlene and a friend of mine who teaches in Texas (Houston) as well. I shake hands with every kid in every class, every day - and they have to look at me, and say something positive. I am seeing pay dirt from this action as well. Friday, one of the biggest knuckleheads in my classes actually shook my hand without acting goofy, and is not "totally obnoxious" in class. Yippie! We just had our first PBS party - two full hours of fun in the gym. The kids had a ball. I am looking for good things to continue to happen....yea!!!!
I am looking forward to my Red Hat Society trip this October 8th. The TN Central Railway has an excursion train trip from Nashville to Watertown and back. We leave at 9:00 and return after visiting the mile-long yard sale and lunch (you can eat on the train too) back in Nashville at 3:45. Should be fun. Most of the ladies in my group are teachers in the system, and get along very well.
God bless you with continued health and safety.
God bless America as she is under seige from all directions.
Love to you all-
Teresa