There's Gotta Be a Country Song Somewhere in This
School began last week, and things worked out just fine. I was a bit worried that I wouldn't be completely ready, but I was. Everything seemed to fall into place at the last minute. I'm enjoying my new students, and it feels wonderful to be back in the classroom. I am in my element again. After the horrible events of last August, I really didn't know if I'd ever return to teaching in St. Bernard Parish. I am so happy to be here!

Most of the middle school classes are located in the portable buildings. I feel a bit isolated from the rest of the school, but I really don't mind. I like my classroom. I have a good bit of space, and it's not so bad being in a portable. I've got my decorations up and am just working on getting some furniture.

The only downside to the whole thing is the commute from Pearl River to Chalmette. I hate that drive during rush hour traffic. I don't want to have to leave at the crack of dawn just to get to work. To solve that problem I have been spending a few nights a week at the FEMA trailer at my house. It's only three minutes from home to CHS. It does get a bit lonely there, but I'm managing. Mrs. Diane and Mr. Herbert are just across the street if I need anything or just want some company. They have been taking good care of me. It's good to have another set of parents!

So, I have been wondering. I live in a single-wide trailer. I spend some of my nights in a FEMA trailer. Technically I teach in a trailer. What does that make me? I guess you can just call me Queen of the Trailers! The whole thing just strikes me as being funny. Maybe I'm just warped. Yep, I'm officially a warped trailer chick!

We did get some wonderful news on Friday. There is a chance our house may be ready in early November! The electrician is supposed to come this week. The AC man is ready. The workers for the sheetrock are lined up. Wouldn't it be wonderful to spend Thanksgiving in our own home?! I don't want to get my hopes up too much, but hopefully we'll at least have Christmas at home this year! Yay!

Well, this trailer chick's gotta run. Talk to my loyal blog subjects soon!

I'm on TV! Remember that LaQuinta reunion I told y'all about in my last post? Well, guess what? We wound up on TV! WDSU came out to do a story on the event. They were looking for people to volunteer to be interviewed, and well, you know how shy and retiring I am! Here's the link if you'd like to take a look. Houston Hotel Managers Organize Evacuee Brunch Reunion

Remember Tony Orlando and Dawn?
Remember that song they sang, "Tie a Yellow Ribbon"? Remember the first line, "I'm comin' home, I've done my time"? Well guess what? I'M COMIN' HOME, I'VE DONE MY TIME!!!! Sorry to shout there. I'm just a little excited. I got a phone call last week. There was a position at Chalmette High School with my name on it. I'm going back to St. Bernard to teach! Yes! I will be back in my comfort zone, 7th and 8th grade language arts. I really didn't think I was going to get called back, so it was a total shock when I did. Oh, it was hard to go to PJHS and resign my position there. It wasn't like I was leaving because it was a horrible situation. I just couldn't pass up the chance to go home.

Now you're probably asking, "So, Bridget, are you going to commute every day?" (Well, you're probably not asking this, but just play along.) The answer to that is no. We do have a FEMA trailer in front of our house, so I will probably spend a couple of nights a week there. Gas is too high to fill up all the time. I also hate driving in rush hour traffic. Maybe I could have the FEMA trailer all pimped out. Now that would be cool! My own little (and I mean little!) bachelorette pad.

What will be especially cool is working with my PGT crew again. So many of us are back in the parish working. I've missed them all so much. They are like a family to me. I also know several of the teachers who were at Trist and CMS, and they are a great bunch too. I'm hoping we have a good school year. I think we all deserve it.

I report to work August 7, and the first day of school is August 14. I hope I'm ready. I think I'll be ready. I'd better be ready!