Oh boy!!  I just got home and it's a little past six o'clock!  Today was our last day at school.  Yesterday was our last day with the kiddies.  It was a fun day.  I had bought a bunch of ingredients for the children and set up a breakfast station.  For those of you who are familiar with Lunchables (parents??), it was something similar to that.  There were crackers, slices of assorted meats and cheese for the children to make their own 'sandwiches' with.  LOL!  One child asked, "Did you bring ketchup and mustard?"  So cute!  Also had assorted fruits (healthy dessert!) and orange juice.  One of my kids told his mom the night before to make fried rice for our class.  She called me at home and told me how their conversation went.  When he mentioned it to her, she was unsure whether to take him seriously because usually, I would send home notes to let them know.  Since I was supplying all the ingredients/paper products, I didn't see a need to trouble parents.  But my boy kept insisting she make fried rice.  His reason was, "I don't want Ms. Audije to spend all her money."    When she told me this, I was so touched.  Felt like such a goof because I ended up crying when I relayed what I'd just found out to Reg.  GONNA MISS MY KIDS!  Anyway, the mother ended making fried rice and it was soooo delicious!  It was simple, really, but the kids ended up coming back for seconds.  Two children overate and ended up ... well, guess.    LOL!!  Suffice to say that by lunch, the kids didn't have much of an appetite.   

This morning, we reported to work as usual.  Around 10, those of us who were cleared began heading to our end-of-the-year party (Hilton Hotel).  It was enjoyable and nice to see everyone slip out of their 'professional' coats and put on something more casual.  Lots of fun and laughter.  And prizes!    I played the role of waitress for the earlier half of the party, tending to the guests' drink requests.  Hmm ... alternate occupation?  Who knows! 

Did I mention that games were on the itinerary?  Oh boy, and were they a set of crazy ones!    The first game dealt with oranges.  One person was standing, the next sitting, the next kneeling and the last laying flat on their back.  The object was to have the first person hold the orange between their chin and chest, and pass it on until it reached the last person, who would then run to the front of the 'assembly' line.  I tell you, it was hilarious to see people of all ages in the most awkward positions!  One of them was our assistant principal!!    The M.C. had even had to make it clear at the beginning that the participants make sure they are before someone they felt comfortable enough with.  I wish I brought a camera.  It was too funny! 

The next game, I volunteered for.  I saw everyone holding hula hoops and I thought, 'Ok, should be easy.  Even if I can't get it to stay up on my hips, it'll be simple.'  Boy was I in for a surprise!!!  The hula hoops were not going to be used traditionally.  Rather, we were instructed to dance "creatively" with the hoop until the music stopped.    Afterwards, the audience was to vote (by clapping) for whichever dance they liked the most.     I was trembling as soon as we realized this.  Totally regretted agreeing to it!!  But I was a good sport and tried to jokingly dance about when it was my turn.    I kept thinking "Cameron Diaz, Charlie's Angels!!"  LOL!  Wasn't too pleased when some people started kidding with me later on, asking if I was from Club Crazy Horse or one of the "NEW GIRLS!!"  If you don't catch my drift, sorry!  I'm not going to elaborate!    I was so relieved when it was over.  And no, I did not win.  MR. Felix had a most erotic display that stole the show.  LMAO!!  Wish I took pictures!

I thought it wouldn't be a pleasant experience, especially since things have been rocky with my fellow first grade teachers.  It went well surprisingly, but there was still some tension in the air.  I am trying to pretend everything is normal even though I don't think I'll be able to forgive or forget what happened.  Reg says I'm a 'wuss' since I'm not holding my ground (not giving them a taste of their own medicine).  Geez!!  At least it's over with.  Anyway, by two o'clock, we all were 'spent' and decided it was time to head back to school to pick up our checks (payday -  or as some of us say, 'pay-everybody-else-day').  Oh, by the way, there was raffling at the party and many awesome prizes (t.v., dvd player, stereo system, gift certificates, a $400+ money vase).  I didn't think I would win anything but as luck would have it, I scored a certificate for two free lunches at the Islander Terrace.  Yeah!! 

When we got back to school, we were shocked to hear that our checks were not in.  To make matters worse, there were whispers that DOE didn't have the money to pay most schools and the delay was due to them scrambling about, trying to find money!    Guess how long we all had to wait??  Three hours.  A fun three hours, I have to say.  We were waiting outside and sharing funny stories.  Mr. L.G. brought his guitar and we requested songs for him to play (mostly glam-rock, which he surprisingly knew a lot of!!).  I jokingly asked if he could play Fur Elise (a classical piece).  Well, guess what?  HE PLAYED IT!!  I almost fell off the bench, laughing!!  Then I asked if he knew how to play 'Baby Got Back' (hey, a friend of mine knew how and ON  A UKELELE!!!).  No luck there.   

Finally, about a quarter 'til six, the checks finally arrived.  I was just relieved that we got our checks at all.  I felt bad when some teachers started expressing their displeasure while we were in line, so irritated were they with the wait.  I understand how they're feeling, but I think they should've kept their comments to themselves.  It wasn't like we waited extremely long.  I'm sure the secretaries didn't enjoy waiting in line at DOE either (we heard there was no parking, lots of people and a very long line).  Like I said, I was just relieved that we got our checks.  You should've seen the bank.  The line wrapped along two whole walls!

I'll be going back in on Monday for our summer school orientation and setting up the class I'll be using until July 19th.  No break for me, but I'm not complaining.  The hours are 8 to 12.  I'm excited because we're using a new program (involves video!!).  Should be fun!

Hey Rhonda!  Bad news!!  I asked (why did I ask??!), but Reg doesn't want me to post his plumbing experience on the journal!!    Darn it!  Just thought I'd let you know - it would've been so hilarious!  Guess he's worried the whole world will have access to it.    Silly boy!!  But ... he never said anything about me telling people about it outside the journal.  Hmmm ... LOL!

Okay everyone - I've got to go.  Our kitchen sink has been out-of-order in the last few weeks and so we're using this as an excuse to eat out.    Talk  to you all later!