valentine

after a wonderful week at school I find myself miserable and unusually unenthusiastic about the weekend.

valentine spirits swept through our school in the most intense and wonderful way. it is truly amazing the extent to which 8th grade boys will go to woo the girl of their dreams. 2 boys arrived late to homeroom and stashed 2 large bags behind my desk. the contents were later revealed to be a gift bag with a cushy teddy-bear and one long stemmed rose.

the impending afternoon dance distracted everyone all morning, the excitement and volume levels gradually increased until 12:45 rolled around and we were ushered into the transformed multi-purpose room. love was in the air. this was the first opportunity I had to see my students interact with their friends/boyfriends and girlfriends outside of the classroom.

i felt myself blushing as i watched way-too-young girls gyrate & i grinned when i saw hands holding and arms draped, soft mushy glances and dreamy eyes. my first thought was that the children were all very cute, and then i was taken back 15 or so years. i am thankful that I can still remember my first love-for real,
all consuming, ever-innocent, and life altering-very far from cute. i am thrilled that i know these things and i can appreciate how young hearts wrap themselves around each other. I wish them hugs and walks and glances and the strength to survive it all.

all in all, it was a good day and while i am pouty and a little weepy, there is a small smile teasing my lips as well.

i guess... i remember valentine's days and yup- i miss them

*squeezes* to everyone who gets to squeeze their own someone tomorrow and even more to all of those who don't.