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Thursday, August 15, 2013

where were you??

I'm going with another of Mama Kat's prompts for Thursday, and this week I choose:  3.) What were you blogging about last year at this time? What has changed?

 I dipped into the archives and learned that this day last year was the first day of school here for crossing guards.  Some kids were there too.



I did another sort of theme for that day by blogging my hellacious commute.  Since then, the moon has set on that moonlighting job, and I'm no longer a member of the hideous vest brigade.


School starts next week, and I am feeling a little bittersweet about no longer being needed out at the crosswalk.


That first day of school was always fun.  The kids all primped in their new clothes and new backpacks, all excited for school - the parents even MORE excited that summer's over.  Even the motorists didn't seem crabby that they had to go back to slowing down in the school zone.  Not on that first day anyway.

I did rather enjoy the morning shift, no matter where we were on the school calendar.  Being out there in the crisp early hours, shuttling the kids across.  The afternoon shift, however, was a pain in the ass - I'm not even going to disguise that phrase - having to be out there every day at three-ish.  It was pretty limiting, but that's why I got the big bucks, I suppose.

This year, operation back-to-school for me interferes with that afternoon shift.  The principal, whom I've known for the nine years we've been here, was very grateful for my service.  She told me that both students and parents told her how likable I was.

The crossing guard that was there before me was getting into almost daily "discussions" with motorists (some of whom were school parents) before it was mutually decided that she might be more effective at another position.  My "likability" was honestly pretty easy to pull off with that act to follow.

So what's changed?  I'm not a crossing guard.  I'm a student.

I have some fond memories from those two and a half years at the post, but now it's time to move on.  I can actually hear the crossing signal from my house, so I'm not really "gone".  I just won't be freezing my butt off out there anymore.



And once again, this chosen prompt overlaps with a couple of Mama Kat's others from this week.  One is:  4.) Share the story behind your current Facebook and/or Twitter profile photo.   Magnum took the above photo one afternoon, I guess to prove that I really was a school crossing guard.  Now, that photo happens to be my avatar for my wordpress site where I dump my artplay.   (Yes, I know, it's not facebook or twitter. So shoot me!)

Then there is the prompt:  2.) Tell us about a time you wanted to punch someone in the face.  because despite my likable facade, there were times when I could certainly sympathize with my crossing guard predecessor.

But I prefer to keep things positive around here...
.

10 comments:

LL Cool Joe said...

Change is always hard. Focus on the negative parts you didn't enjoy and think of all the exciting new things ahead. Btw. The vest suits you. :)

ShadowRun300 said...

Bittersweet. That emotion seems to be appearing a lot these days - a sign we're growing, I suppose. (and I don't mean older... 'cause that's not really happening.)
I always enjoyed your crossing guard stories, but I have a feeling I'll enjoy your student stories as well.
As far as punching someone in the face... well, Mrs. Wi11iams mighta been a candidate for me had I not been known as the nice one.

lotta joy said...

You look so darn good in that photo. Tan and thin. This time last year I was undoubtedly bitching about the same things I'm bitching about today.

Abby said...

It's not a strategy I would usually use, but I think you're right. I'll focus on the negatives! (starting with that vest)

Abby said...

Shoot, Mrs. Wi11iams even came to MY mind!

Abby said...

Aw, thanks. And keep fighting the good fight, lotta!

Riot Kitty said...

That prompt about punching...many a blog has been written, and I'm sure I'll do more!

terri said...

I love your shoes! I've been searching for a pair for myself for a couple of years but haven't found just the right color or pattern...

Seems like things have changed in a very positive way for you. But no matter what you're doing in life, you always seem to embrace it. No wonder you are so likeable! Your crossing guard replacement has some big shoes to fill!

Anita said...

You had some really good stories birthed from your crossing guard days. I'll miss biker lady, the mommy vans, motorcycle cop, the kids, your hat, etc... *sniff sniff*

Abby said...

There's a sweet memory lane summary! Funny, I was going through the winter wear and came across my "special" hat. Where'm I gonna wear that now??