east meets west: Training: DONE

Institute. Is. Over.

Houston. Is. Over.

In hindsight, I will miss all of this. I will miss my children and while I have their addresses and will definitely write to at least a couple, I doubt we will stay in touch forever. What would make me happiest is if each and every one graduates from high school and matriculates to college. After four weeks, I am possessive. Already, I take responsibility for them. They still have my pens, afterall.

I will miss the amazing people. I will miss their stories as we go up the elevator, I will miss their late-nights, I will miss having someone like Anna to drink 40s out of Taco Bell cups with. I will miss Jake's sarcasm and Mr. Boring's perpetually upbeat demeanor. I will miss late-night chats with my girls. And I will miss being surrounded by people who are miserable and overworked, but with a purpose.

But, I will NOT miss Houston.

I will not miss the bouches (slide-away daybeds)

I will not miss the damn bagged lunch sandwiches.

I will not miss stale bagels.

I will not miss lukewarm shower water.

I will not miss 180 consecutive minutes of curriculum sessions each day.

I will not miss having to turn in four copies of my lesson plan each day.

I will not miss Houston.

I will not miss having to share a room with four other teachers.

I will not miss not having textbooks.

I will not miss NOT having a school printer.

I will not miss leaving school sweat-drenched from the humidity and waking up frigid from the dorm A/C.