Memorial Day

I had an impromptu visit with my dear friend Kristin today. 

More on her in a later post maybe, but we chatted, drank lemonade (then later Palm Beach somethingorother once it was "cocktail hour"), talked about upcoming vacations and just chatted for a few hours while her kids (who I absolutely LOVE) were out swimming.

The plan was to sit in the backyard and relax.

The temperature in D.C. today was 95 degrees with high humidity.

Not very comfortable for relaxing in the backyard.

I stayed for a yummy dinner which ended with yummy strawberry shortcake.

True American dessert!!!

Thanks for a great afternoon/evening Kristin! xoxo

Proud to Be An American

‎"And I'm proud to be an American, where at least I know I'm free, and I won't forget the men who died, who gave that right to me and I'll proudly stand next to him to defend her still today, 'cuz there ain't no doubt I love this land, god bless the USA." -Lee Greenwood

No Signal

There's a tunnel I often drive through when going through Rock Creek Park.

If I have Sirius playing on my radio, it loses its signal.

I have this contest I have with myself that goes a little something like this:

1. Song goes away because radio loses its signal

2. I continue singing said song

3. When the signal comes back, I win the game if the song picks up where I left off singing!

Fun, right?! 

I think so!! 

A little silly too, I know.

Rolling Thunder steals my thunder

It wouldn't be Memorial Day in D.C. without Rolling Thunder. 

Today was their day to roll through town.

I heard them rolling down Connecticut Ave at 7:30 this morning.

I had brunch plans in Crystal City (VA) at 12:30. 

I knew there were road closures but I "assumed" (yes, I know what happens when you assume) by the time I needed to be out and about, they'd be opening back up.

Well, boy was I wrong. 

I ended up spending 2 hours in my car trying to just get anywhere that would get me across the river into Virginia. 

Needless to say, I was an unhappy camper. 

Not only did I sit in gridlock for 2 hours, I didn't even get to my brunch "date". 

Hmmph!!!

So I missed brunch, but went to watch some tennis and have some laughs. 

So all's well that ends well, I suppose. 

Here are some photos I took FROM MY CAR SITTING IN TRAFFIC!!!

My sad face at the end of the ordeal :(

Batala Washington

While in Dupont this morning, I was able to watch & listen to Batala Washington practice!

Batala is an all women percussion band. 

It was so awesome to watch a group of 50-60 women play!

I only saw one man...I think he is their groupie! 

Pause in rehearsal to show the PoPo proper permits...

Fountain Fun

I love D.C. in the summertime.

Dupont Circle is one of my fave spots.

It's also the fave spot for many others.

Such as the doggy below playing in the water...

So cute; he was having a ball! 

The kids around the fountain were having a ball watching him too!

1/2 + 1/2 = One Whole

What's the best way to start a 3-day weekend?

I know, I know, I know!

Catching up with a good friend I don't see hardly enough over margaritas, chips & salsa.

That's how!

We caught up about our jobs, summer plans, teaching abroad, Hollywood gossip, and of course people watching (and commenting)!

We starting with a half pitcher of margarita.

Had another half pitcher.

Therefore, we had a whole pitcher between the 2 of us. 

Oy.

It's okay, it's Friday.

It's the beginning of a 3-day weekend!

Hooray!

Riddle

Riddle told by one of my 9 year old students this morning:

What:

Has 7 letters.

 Preceded God.

Greater than God.

More evil than the devil.

All poor people have it.

Wealthy people need it.

If you eat it, you'll die.

Any guesses?

End the Word

I really can't say enough about this "End the Word" campaign.

The "R-Word" is such a hurtful word.

It is often used in such a nonchalant manner which just makes me shake my head.

This PSA is very powerful.

Short but sweet.

I encourage you to Watch the word, Share the word, to End the Word.

Appreciation

Teaching is a hard job.

I won't lie.

Teaching special education is a really hard job.

I won't lie.

But I truly love it and feel I have followed my calling (if there is such a thing).

I am really lucky to work at a school that has a pretty involved parent body.

Sure, we (teachers and other professionals) may have disagreements and have different points of view.

But at the end of the day, we all want the same thing: for the students to be the best possible members of society that is possible. 

Today was the annual teacher luncheon sponsored by our Parents' Association.

Parents that are there to set up, serve food, & give away door prizes always have the nicest things to say. 

We really are one, big family.

So not only does it feel wonderful to be appreciated, I also appreciate the parents and those relationships between school & parents.

It really is a team effort. 

So to all of the parents of students I've been fortunate enough to teach over the years, I thank you!

Now, what to buy with my Target gift card I won?

These pictures are from the luncheon today.

Such yummy food, pretty flowers, & colorful tables!

Kids Say the Darnedest Things...

I really should write a book of the things my students say.

They really crack me up sometimes. 

Many times it's just the one-liners that have me rolling.

Sometimes it's just the crazy monologues they seem to enjoy displaying.

I laughed at this short interaction. 

And what gets me the most is just the innocence of what they say....most of the time!

Student A: "Hey Ms. Sorrenti did you know that there are more types of fish in the Amazon River than in the Atlantic Ocean?"

Me: "No I didn't know that."
Student B: "Did he read that in Ripley's Believe It Or Not?"
Me: "I don't know, ask him."
Student A: "No... I read it on a Snapple top."

On another note, this picture is of 2 gifts a student (Student B from above) brought back for me after he went to my favorite place last week...Isle of Palms, SC. 

I absolutely LOVE Isle of Palms.

I have so many wonderful memories there. 

It truly is a little slice of heaven right there in my home state of South Carolina. 

17.

17 more school days.

I'm not counting.

We're getting there.

5th grade ambassadors

On Friday at school, we had our annual Arts Salon. 

Students perform music and their art is on display for parents to see.

Our 5th graders who are rising 6th graders  next year were Ambassadors. 

Their responsibility was to explain to parents what the pieces of art that they were looking at. 

The Ambassadors were distinguished by wearing a corsage and name tag.

When the Arts Salon was over and everyone returned to class, one of my 5th graders (I have a multi-grade class; 3rd-5th) came to me with his corsage and says to me, "What do I do with this?" I said, "You can do whatever you'd like with it." He says, "Well, I guess you can have it." And then gives me the biggest smile & hug. It was very sweet. A little while later, another students does a similar act. 

My kiddos sure do drive me crazy and keep me on my toes, but boy do I love them all!!!

I'm baaack!

I'm back in the blogging world. This blog will be similar to my previous blog. However I will not promise a post a day. I don't consider myself a great writer so you'll mainly see photographs.

I took today's photo while downtown D.C. I was in the sunshine reading while sitting along the Potomac River. It's been a beautiful day here today!