Having a kind note from somebody really can make all the difference, can’t it?

I received an email today from somebody from the CTWP. Now that school’s started, that feels like a whole world apart, something that happened two years ago, not just two months ago.

Anyway, the last day of CTWP, I had little notes that I typed up for everyone to give them. Little love notes, I guess you could say. I don’t know why I do things like that, necessarily. Sometimes it seems like it’s overly cheesy, but if I have the time/effort to do those things, I like to. I had almost forgotten about writing those, but this email mentioned it.

Dear Elisabeth
Today was my first day of the new semester.  I happened to be wearing the same jacket I wore on “Visitors’ Day” in June.  In my pocket was the kind note you had slipped me that day.  I was a bit nervous, as always on the first day  Then I felt your note in my pocket.  I opened the note, reread it and I knew my day would be a good one…and it was.  Your kind words meant more than you know.   All teachers should read a note from a loving and lovely student prior to the first day of class.  Best elixir there ever was! Thank you dear Elisabeth.  I hope your new year is going well and that you are loving your new school.  I know they are loving you.
Stay in touch.
-_______

That email made my day. I was so self conscious about writing those, and even more nervous about giving them to people. I mean, what if they thought I was so weird? That the notes were too personal? It’s putting a little bit of yourself out there. Knowing that other people kept my notes, and that it meant something to them, makes it worth it. I am so happy that something I did could brighten another person’s day.

Also, I’ve had former students visit me every day this week. And that they took the time to slip past my room in the “Seventh Grade Hall” also makes me smile pretty big.

This weekend, I have had the pre-school year jitters pretty badly. Two years ago, Jared suggested that we start a tradition of watching a movie or two to help celebrate/distract me from the start of the school year.

So today we’ve watched two movies between the other things we have had to do.

“Chalk” is a funny mockumentary of a few school teachers in Texas. The first time I watched it was during my first year of teaching with another first year teacher. And anybody who has taught can relate to parts of it. So that’s always a fun “school” thing to watch.

The second movie is “The Princess Bride.” Thanks to my father, “The Princess Bride” has been a staple of my movie diet from a very young age. I grew up on this movie. It is the epitome of “classic” for me. I’ve watched it so many times that I can quote whole sections of the movie on command (but only if I feel like it, naturally).

Usually, I get annoyed looks from Jared when I try to quote along. But today he’s been so focused on trying to help get rid of my anxiety that he actually ENCOURAGED me to quote along. And didn’t even roll his eyes with most of the times that I did (or at least, not when I glanced at him).

HUMPERDINK!

Sorry. Had to put that in there.

So, knowing that I’ve got my own little slice of true love right here is a happy thought indeed. Buttercup and Wesley don’t got nothin’ on me and my man.

And with that happy thought, it’s about time for bed. Good luck to all my friends who are teachers- have a great year!