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What a Weekend!

There are no words to describe the awesomeness of the past weekend. As most of you know (especially if you are a facebook or twitter friend of mine!), we celebrated my dad's retirement and an unbelievable time it was.

Schedule of weekend events included:
Thursday afternoon- SHOUT OUT to my dad on ESPN's "PTI"/Pardon the Interruption

Friday- Football/Athletic Department Luncheon, AF Academy tour of new athletic facilities (for older alums who had yet to see them) led by my dad, casual dinner out where ex-players already in town were able to tell stories about my dad and catch up before the big night

Saturday- alum tennis tournament, a huge success and fun for all!, football game, and the big dinner at the press box that night. Didn't see many who weren't brought to tears and/or laughter throughout the evening!

Sunday- brunch back at the Gugat home, farewell to those who attended and dinner that night for those still in town

Monday- casual lunch at the golf course for a few remaining close family and friend of my dad's

All of this made for a busy weekend but, well worth it to understate thing. My sisters and I are so thankful that the heartfelt dedication from many that went into putting this special time together. Such effort and generosity gave way to memories that will go unmatched to any that we, or most importantly our wonderful father, will have.

Saturday started with a bang as the ex-players brought a tear (or two or more) to my dad's eye through the eagerness, excitement, and loving energy that they brought to the courts that morning. Players ranging from the class of '72 to current paired up for a doubles tournament unlike any that the great Academy tennis facilities have ever seen.

Later that night, every speaker amazed us with their out-pour of emotion and shared love for our dad. All in attendance were touched, the room a combination of uncontrolled tears and hearty laughter throughout the entire program. About 250 attended, and many who wanted to be there but could not, sent sentiments of sincerity that, too, were moving.

My dad was honored because of his success as a winning coach (the winningest in AFA history, btw!) and for his great contributions to the Academy's Athletics and school as a whole. We are extremely proud of this. More so, though, we are proud of him as a person. I truly know no other better being than my dad. And what a lucky thing that is.

I left last weekend saddened, a bit depressed to be honest, that his "era" at the Academy is ending. But, I also smile quickly when thinking about what a legendary and awesome era that was. Also smiling because, with this new found retirement thing on his hands, we have my dad that much more to ourselves. Let the good times roll...

We love you, Dad/"Coach". I can speak for so, so many when I simply say, "Thank you for being you".

Whatta WEEKEND!!!!

Back-to-School/Greener Grass

Billy Madison's ditty says it best, and I always have it in my head when August arrives as that's "THE month" that we all head back to school, with some excitement but also with reluctant dragging of heals.

Having left the only school I have ever taught at and known behind, and for nine years at that, it was unsettling to "learn the ropes" again, so to speak. I am not only in a new school, but also a new district and grade-level as well. My old district consisted of six elementary schools, whereas my new district has, oh, roughly sixty-five. I taught intermediate grade-levels in my former days and now have a handful of 5-year olds, some still four. Parent involvement used to be extremely minimal, now I have a parent who organizes the many volunteering parents in a schedule for me...wow! I love both of these very different worlds for varying reasons.

What I will miss about my 'old world' is the dear, close friends that share so many "glory days" memories with me, hilarous never-to-be-topped student/community/parent/staff tales that never cease to crack us up still. Trips to Vegas, late nights in Denver, scandelous gossip :). These friends were there for me in hard times...September 11th, 2001 was my first month teaching, tears were also shed during my "final" break-up with Steve (luckily not-so-final :)), and later, my miscarriage. These same friends were very influencial to me in both my professional teaching life and my personal life, you know...the kind of people that make you strive to be a better person. Spending my days with these people, seeing them as many, or more, hours in the week as I do my own family...is something I will miss. But, they are not why I moved on...

Sadly, the leadership in my building changed and so did some of the staff. While some of this was needed and initially a good thing, or so I thought, it turned ugly. It amazes me how one poisneous person can negatively effect an entire staff. Personal vendedas, threats behind closed doors, extreme and unpreditable highs and lows, etc., took a toll on many who worked there, and I had to ask myself why I was even a part of this environment anymore? Take it or leave it? Bite the bullet or dodge it? So, I decided to seek greener grass before being completely sucked into the dark cloud that was expanding over our building. Fortunatley, the stars aligned perfectly and, as dramatic as it may sound, I feel like I was kind of saved in a way.

My new school couldn't be a happier place. Integrity, morale, support, positive feedback, and just all-around decency (note to self, employees and employers: such character traits and virtues WORK in the workplace :)). BTW, my perspective is not just from a new, ignorace-is-bliss, naive point of view. Believe me, I did my homework/P.I. work before making the big leap! While the complete newness of my job brings daily challenges, the happiness and comfort I feel each day in my surroundings is well worth the change. Breathing easier these days and smiling because of it. Change is GOOD...you may remember from earlier blogs that I am one who has to often remind myself of that :).

So, here's to the pursuit of happiness (good movie, btw :)), and, hopefully, a year of Kindergarten bliss!

p.s. Pics are of my new room, Reed my setting-up helper...he found the loft right away..."LADDDDER!", and my school. Happy Back-to-School to all!

Thanks, Texas Havenars!!!

A big thanks to our Texas family for sharing their lake house with us YET AGAIN. We feel so thankful to have this relaxing escape awaiting each time we decide to head down there, whether it be a planned-in-advanced getaway or late-notice request!

This marks Reed's first visit to the lake house, though I suppose being the the womb a few 4th of Julys ago may count a tiny bit. He more than loved his time there (despite fits of rage when not allowed to jump overboard into the "WAAAAAATER!!!"). Cousin Scott showed him the wake-boarding ropes surely in his future, Cousin Ben provided many creatures to study- snails, grasshoppers, crickets in the baby pool and the like. And Cousin Anna was the perfect match of wills for His Highness, too-those two were quite a competitive pair, but can both get by with their ways due to extreme cuteness ;).

Dave provided "humor" per usual, Leigh her excellent hostess skills, and 'Papa Doc' and Nana Anelle much generosity and patience for letting us, even more Havenars, add to the mix. What a perfect way to cap of a wonderful summer!

See "ya'll" next year ;)!

frings for all!

A quick pic of this "meal" that we allowed Reed to indulge in. After a long weekend of our friends' wedding events, we were pooped and a bit hungover to be honest, so we headed to The Cherry Cricket. Delicious "Frings", fries/onion rings, or shall we just say basket full o' fried goodness. We ordered as soon as the waitress could breathe her hello, and all dove in immediately after they hit the table, who wouldn't? Sometimes you just need a Sunday afternoon of good-tasting/bad-for-you food and to ignore the responsible/nutrition-conscience parent voice in your head, or at least that's the justification I give myself. Reed didn't object, that's for sure.

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