The Daily News

1  Two days!!!!!!!

2   

3  Anybody lookin'?

4  I'm guessing I'll still have to go in next week to clear everything out. So it goes.

5  My freshmen were a bit nostalgic at the end of the period yesterday. 

6   So was I.

7   Not gonna lie.

8   "I'm coming back to visit next year, guys!" I said. 

9   And I meant it.

10  Nice class, wonderfully mature for ninth graders. Sincere.

11  Their hearts were breaking, and so were my bones and joints. 

12   A lot of this is physical, let me tellya.

13   This is across the board for teachers this time of the year. We do a LOT of boxes and movement. 

14   It IS funny, because some teachers show a hint of jealousy, but it is seasoned with hope and encouragement. I didn't expect it, but it makes sense. They are kind and look to the retirees with hope.

15  I was never jealous of teachers who retired because I always knew I had a career I was determined to conquer.

16  I was hungry, and rejected at a few interviews in the early days. 

17  That stuff could cut to the quick if you KNOW you were meant to teach.

18  I sorta wish I had that same determination and had dreamed about being a guy who could shoot threes in basketball.

19

20  I'm quite sure that was the big one that got away.

21  The work is stressful and the exhaustion at the year's end other-worldly. During the school year most of us put in at least fifty to sixty hours a week if we are doing this job correctly. And I speak on behalf of the vast majority of teachers. 

22 Donning Hawaiian shirts, straw hats and rose-colored glasses becomes a teacher's badge of courage this time of the year. We earned summer and we are proud to wear the colors. I become Toucan Jack. 

23  And we remain insecure despite outward appearances. There is still a LOT of stuff to do, and gets stressful. 

24  After almost all my freshmen cleared out yesterday, a few of my brightest lights remained. They had a veneer of cool, but I knew they were a bit sentimental.

25  One of my superstars who shall remain nameless out of respect said as she was walking out the door, "You are the most passionate teacher I've ever had, Mr. Harrington!"

26

27   Straight A+ student, across the board. 

28   And then there was one.

29   This student struggled a bit with grammar, but always fought, because some coach told him never to give up. 

30  I had to jam down to the office to sign some paper or other, but saw that this kid was staying to the bitter end. The guy is a fighter.

31   I went over to him and said, "I have to run to the office. I'm going to lock the door, and if you need anything, ask another teacher."

32   I caught the guys eye, and reached out my hand. "You've been an awesome student this year, man."

33  He humbly bowed his head and mumbled, "Thank you Mr. Harrington."

34  I flew down to take care of whatever was more important in the eyes of the Admin, ran into a few other people, and then hobbled back up the stairs to my room.

35  He had disappeared, his final having been completed and his efforts not gone unnoticed. 

36  First day of three. I'm beginning to use odd double and triple negatives just to smoke screen things. 

37  Today will be tougher. 

38  

39   It just will. I have two classes instead of one. Yesterday my first period of the day was a preparation period. 

40   Today may be tougher perhaps because I am directly in the thick of it. 

41   You get mixed emotions beyond normal.

42   Andy Ocamb-Winters said as much a few days ago. 

43   It's a bit wid.

44   But then, what ain't?

45   There's that infernal apostrophe in the word ain't.

46   But seesly. What ain't?

47   I'll miss me when I'm gone. 

48   But how can I say good-bye when I won't go away?

49   This morning I woke up and Helene was reading a website of the top ten best swimming holes around. 

50  

51   There's a person who is focused.

53   Number one?

54   Bear Hole, Chico, California.

55   There's actually a better one if you park at parking area R and hike down. 

56   I once went from Bear Hole to as far as a person can go by creek; that is, without using trails. 

57   Nice area, private, with a wonderful diving rock as well as a natural jacuzzi. I definitely plan on going there to hike and relax.

58  Just relax.

59   Ever notice that nobody wants to relax. They always want to "just relax."

60  Must be nice. 

61  I'm seldom happy unless I'm a nervous wreck. 

62   Okay enough of this. I'm putting this guy to bed.

63   Two days.

64   See you again.

65   Peace.

~H~