The Cost of Spring

Lest we take for granted the gorgeous weathers of spring and summer, nature likes to remind us around this time of year that we must pay our dues... In the form of random cold spikes and multi-day marathons of raaaaaain (worse than "rain"). It has been raining non-stop since Friday, and the memory of last week's blue skies and jacketless temperatures quickly fade into "Oh yeah, it's still March". But sun and 50s soon...

This week saw a number of "firsts", mostly positive. A photographic log:

First unobstructed view of Manhattan from my classroom!!!! Though it remains on the other sides of the building, the construction netting and scaffolding has disappeared from my side, just in time for a beautiful week of weather (that would be last week, not this one yet).

First umbrella put to rest. 25 mph winds'll do that. Please note the bent handle, protruding spoke, and general deflation of the once curved rain shield.

First hockey game. I know, right? Meghan had free box seats at Madison Square Garden for the NY Rangers game from her agency. It was not as painful as I remember sporting events being when I was younger, yet I'm still decidedly a performing arts girl.

Also--first RUN of the year in Central Park last week! Unfortunately, I did not bring along a camera to document the occasion, but the proof is in the outdoor running high that just recently wore off =)

Happy Feel Good Moments:

*Aforementioned Central Park run (high of 59 that day!!)

*I fully completed a New York magazine crossword puzzle. Sense of accomplishment: fulfilled.

*One of the second grade classes wrote 100 "acts of love" for Valentine's Day/100th Day of School. I am the proud owner of a delightful card from Leah. =)

*Luis: "Whoa--Ms. Phillips, how do you know who Sonic is?!?" [Answer: Andrew Dougherty Phillips.]

*When "What a Wonderful World" drifts into the subway tunnels from someone's boombox, you just can't help but smile.

*15 out of 17 concert pieces selected--way ahead of last concert's curve. Themes are proving essential to ease of concert planning.

*My naughty 3rd grade class gave me some truly first-rate singing today. Too often I forget I should be deliberately working on molding these kids into highly competent performers, not just filling their minds.

Love love love!
Kate =)