What a productive day I had yesterday! Different than my normal days since August 1 when I received the keys to my classroom. It was a change of scenery and purpose. I needed that more than you know.
Rising early, there was still a mound of work waiting for me. I’m now officially planned for the next two weeks of school. I still have nightly review to be sure I know exactly what I’ll be doing the next day, but to have the bulk of the work done will alleviate a lot of stress. Who knows, maybe I will actually get back to cooking myself a real dinner.
Leaving the house later in the day felt strange. Like I was doing something sinister. I should’ve been in my classroom preparing for my day with the littles as the Jeep flew down the road towards the Department of Education and then, Fingerprinting Express (FE). It is of the FE experience I will focus.
After my meeting at the mothership, it was on to FE in the biggest little city town to the north of the capital city to the east of me. The associates were bustling about getting ready for the onslaught of people coming for their services. I watched as they even mopped the floor. The place was immaculate. I was amazed at how many people need fingerprints from the DOJ. From police and teachers to ladies of the night. Everyone comes to one spot. FE.
I remember the first time I had fingerprints taken. It was in Virginia City, and let me tell you, it was creepy. Here I am in my mom jeans and hoodie, waiting for someone to help me. The jailer came to the front of a tiny jail and asked if I needed something. I told him “Fingerprinting”. His entire demeanor changed.
“Well, let me be the one to help you.”
This guy was linebacker big and cowboy strong. Quickly grabbing me by the elbow, he steered me into the actual jail. It would be there he would strong arm ten fingerprints out of me, rolling each finger in ink and onto a paper card. The one prisoner, (Judy Black’s suspected murderer husband), was within earshot of me. I was in the bowels of the jail. Bench seats had chains and handcuffs suspended on the wall above.
“Do I need to be handcuffed?”
His steel blue eyes were cold. He just looked at me and I gave him the first hand. Now, fingerprinting is tough for me. You need to relax your fingers and the person taking the fingerprints rolls them. Of course, in VC, there is not electronic anything. The guy didn’t even have on gloves. He just grabbed and rolled, five times on each hand. I must say, I felt sufficiently intimidated while promising myself I would never get in trouble in VC. EVER.
I LOVE VC’s Sheriff and deputies. They are the kindest men and women, always ready to help. They helped me so much the day VST died. But, I would not want to be arrested there. I think there are two sides to that story.
Yesterday was an entirely different situation. FE is in a strip mall store front. It almost looks like a kiosk you might find in Las Vegas or Universal Studios. Everything is done digitally, even registration. After waiting a little while, they called my name. The room where the prints are taken was dark. Very dark. Not tripping-because-you-can’t-see-dark, but almost.
The fingerprints were all done digitally and immediately forwarded to the Department of Education through my portal. In one day, I went from a locked account to a fully-licensed State of Nevada Credentialed teacher. The only thing that changed is that I’m $180 poorer and I have been fingerprinted at FE. Life goes on.
Now the fun begins. My grade book is set up with enduring standards and a few grades. I have appropriate lessons that will coincide with Common Core Standards. Funny. Just a few years ago, that was the phrase about which everyone was upset. Now, there are many things much worse. CCS’s just give teachers exact areas on which to focus for each grade level. Example. A first grade focus is phonics. The details can be found in a CCS. You can look them up per grade level. Teachers need to know the skills their students are to master during the year. It drives the curriculum.
On the way home, I happened to see an RV dealership with a row of travel vans. My Jeep turned off and I found myself in the showroom talking to a very nice salesperson. In the heat, he showed me several possibilities. A travel van has been on my bucket list for awhile. My silly dream of returning to the road. After two hours with this man, I can tell you one thing I have learned.
FERGETABOUTIT.
That ship has sailed into the night. I barely drive my pickup because of the size. Standing next to the vans, I realized all the reasons I will not be RVing anymore. The best part of that realization is that its okay. I am fully able to stay in any hotel I choose. Some may even include room service. All hotels accept dogs, so Oliver may or may not come with me. I can pack my Jeep full of every little essential I need and next summer, off we will go.
Sometimes in life, one needs to know when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em. Yesterday was a wonderful day to accept the fact that my RV memories are wonderful, BUT, I need to make no more. That door is closed.
Driving home on the interstate, I took time to think of all the ways I have grown in the 2.5 years since VST left. It amazes me. I’m not that scared, frail woman who didn’t drive for 6 years. I am steering my own life and doing well. Not to say that an unplanned flat tire or wrong turn won’t change my course again. Things will surely happen. But for this moment in time, life is wonderful. For that I’m truly grateful.
Take time today to think of the next year and consider possible adventures. If you don’t dream it you can’t scheme it. Right?
More tomorrow.