As expected, my summer vacation came and went too quickly. I am still feeling a little jipped on that. I only get 6 weeks vaycay here versus my 9 or so in the States...poor me. It was a fun filled vacation nonetheless. I got to travel with my mom to Europe, went to MN to see my friends, got to watch my munchkins for a few weeks, went to NoDak to see my pops, and even got to go to OH to visit my brother (we made amazing sushi!) Lucky for him, I brought with me my amazing softball skills that I have kept hidden up until he and his team needed another girl for their games. Yeah, I don't want to brag or anything, but let's just say the trophy they won should really just be shipped to me...
Well, like I said, it all ended too quickly and before I knew it, I was back at MSP Airport awaiting my flight. Now, I took a shuttle there because my friends were unable to take me. It got me there 3 hours before my flight! What is one to do in an airport for 3 hours you may ask?! Well, there is only one logical answer: Drink! Let me tell you this...it sounded like an innocent idea at the beginning. I stroll into Rock Bottom Brewery...or rather Roll in with my wonderful new luggage...and I find a great spot at the bar. I'll have a few beers, then get dinner, and before I know it, it'll be time for my flight I thought. HaHaHa. I started with a wonderful beer, a tall of course, and soon had another. In that time I made some fine friends at the bar. I quickly noticed that a lot more men travel alone than women. Or maybe it's just that a lot more men drink in the airport than women, hmmm. Anywho, Mr. Man decides that, before he leaves, we should do a shot! Well, 3 shots later he missed his flight! I then ask the time: 6:40. My flight leaves at 6:50. I casually stroll to my gate, which is all but deserted except for one woman at the desk. "Uhh, can I still get on the plane" I ask while I hand her my ticket. She pulls out the walkie "Load Knudson's bags, she's here." I looked at Mr. Man behind me and he and I started laughing. Whoa, she did not like that! "It isn't funny! We're going to be late because of you!" This of course broke me into a fit of hysterics, but I was wise enough to turn around while I laughed. So, yep, I was "that girl" who everyone glares at while entering the plane. BUT, we got to Denver on time, so I didn't feel so bad! And, shocking, I slept the whole way!
Upon arriving in CR I realized it felt as though I had never left. I quickly organized all my stuff...aka, my new shoes...and was ready to hit the beach! We went to Manuel Antonio for a little R&R before our Work Week started at school. While Jen and I are lounging on the sand, some man dressed in palm fronds approaches and asks me, "Would you like a fish for your computer?" I look up to see him dangling a little fish made out of fronds in front me. "Ummm, how exactly would you hang this on your computer?" "How about a boat for your car instead?" The persistent man then pulls out this magnificent boat, complete with an attached palm thingy to hang from your rear view mirror! Thinking he wanted money, I was skeptical to actually hold these brilliant creations. But, he thens looks at Jen and says, "Ugh, I have a funky onion left. You can put it in your kitchen." He throws it to her and then off he goes. I am left only with my vision of him and his palm frond hat...and of course my new decorations for the apartment!
Well school is officially in full force for the year. I am now teaching all 8th grade: Math 8, Algebra, and Geometry (to ONE kid) and a Pre-Algebra class to 7th graders. So far, so good. There is a big difference between the 8th graders and my 6th graders from last year though! I was not blessed with the silent first few classes while the 6th graders adjusted. Instead I got, "Ms. K!!! What's up?? I'm sure you missed me lots over the summer, right? I sure missed you!" "I'm sorry, I couldn't hear anything you said because you just punctured my ear drums." Oh how I missed them! Although it has only been a week, I do have a few new funny encounters:
-While doing my lunch duty two of my former students were talking to me about my hair..how it was blonde and now it's red.
"I liked you with blonde hair Ms. K."
"Well, it'll turn blonde again soon because of the sun."
"The sun doesn't turn my hair blonde."
"Well, that's because your hair isn't naturally blonde."
"Oh."
The other girl chimes in: "I can see your blonde hair starting to grow."
"Yeah, I'm starting to get roots."
"Does it hurt?"
I just gave her a look on this one and luckily she realized what she said and we all burst out laughing.
I have the great pleasure of getting my gall bladder removed here in CR and I mentioned it to my kids because we were having Dessert Day in Advisory and my stomach was hurting so I had none.
"What does a gall bladder do?"
"It helps you digest fats."
"Oh. Well, you don't need that, you're already so slender"
Ahhh, even if it's not true, it still brightens your day to hear it! Then one of my boys goes:
"Ms. K, what if someone would have said, 'Wow, I can really tell yours isn't working!' I'm not really saying that though!"
