life...(33 on Friday!)

I think Topher felt pressured to blog after my last post, I don't know why....

He is catering tonight and I am left of my own devices, note that I got home at 6:00pm...

Yes! I have started working full time in West Seattle. And I love it, here's the details...

I am currently teaching Gifted Reading twice a day, doing "Alternative" Recess (those who display inappropriate behavior get to sit in my room and do math or homework instead of running around outside!) and I am easing my way into a half time position (with a contract) in the Special Ed. Department. Today I had my first one-on-one time and it was a dream...I look forward to spending that intensive time with students with the added bonus of practicing my Spanish once in awhile!
I am also doing WASL prep tutoring twice a week with a small group of 5th graders, who have also been amazing to get to know. (WASL is the WA achievement test, I can never remember what it stands for.)

I have yelled more in the past few weeks than I ever thought possible and received more hugs, compliments and pictures from students than ever before. I am also surrounded by motivated and inspired colleagues, which as we all know can make or break you. As for today...I had to be a champion for "fags" and "gays" rights once again...though sometimes I wonder if our Elementary students even know the meaning of these words.

In light of my recent experiences; I found this Savage Love excerpt inspiring tonight....

Four months ago, my mom walked in on me messing around with my boyfriend in our garage. I'm also a boy, age 15, and I hadn't gotten around to coming out to my parents yet. I felt bad that my mom had to find out by seeing what she saw. I stayed in my room crying until my father came home. They called me down to the kitchen and told me they loved me and that they were very, very sorry if they had ever done or said anything that made me feel like I couldn't be open with them about who I am.

My boyfriend is 17. He came out to his parents at Christmas, and our parents met for the first time last night. We don't have a question. We just wanted to thank you and thank all the other gay people who came out back when it was much tougher to do so. Our parents wouldn't have reacted the way they did if it weren't for all you guys that already came out.

We're Out Now

Thanks for the sweet note, WON. It's too bad that all teenagers, gay and straight, don't have parents as loving and supportive as yours.