The Final Countdown

I am a big fan of the countdown widget. My dashboard currently has 3. Days until I hand in my thesis (3), weekdays until the end of elementary school (34), and days until I move to CA (51). I've had some big news on all fronts:

Thesis--It's written! All 45 pages provide keen insight into the impact technology can have on the literacy development of 3rd and 4th graders who have disabilities. Well, that's a bit of an overstatement. But, it did provide interesting learning and I think I'll continue to use my intervention in my classroom. Plus--it's written! I'm so close to being finished with this round of grad school.

End of Elementary School--I am getting all sentimental about leaving my students. My kindergartners of two years ago are now very tall second graders who read beautifully. My current class is filled with sweet children who are wonderful. I will miss them all. But, I am excited about teaching in a different environment. I want to be poetry in motion when I teach. I don't know if I'd ever be able to experience that in my chaotic environment.

California or Bust--I've made plans to visit my folks in DC, have tickets for my sisters to spend time with me in CA this summer, and am getting mentally prepared to sell my belongings. After a conversation with a friend last night, I've also decided that I should document the unique nature of my current neighborhood because I'm not sure I'll believe that it is the way it really is once I'm gone. She told me about a store called "Temptation--for kids" and encouraged me to take a picture of the scary dentist awning. So, here it is--part one of my photo documentary of the place I've called home for 3 years.