Early last year, I met a new teacher on campus that had a love of life, travel, students and humor. Somehow, we just clicked and the more we laughed together, the more we understood eachother as teachers, and became friends. At some point we had the "we should take a vacation together" convo. Amazingly, we followed through with our plan and settled on a quick nonstop flight to Seattle. Deciding to clear our calendars the beginning of Thanksgiving break, we booked our flights and hotel. I had never been to Seattle, although it's my dad's favorite city.
We had the best time! We had no real set plans but both got up each morning ready to eat and walk out way through the town. We found the most amazing stores and cafés. We talked about school, history (she's a history buff), politics, life, family and everything in between. It was the type of trip that felt so effortless... I think it's because we just meshed, even though her dinner time conversation was enough to make me blush.
The amount of sewing we discussed and cheese we consumed would be considered disturbing by most. But the lady at the cheese counter at DiLaurenti's didn't seem to mind our constant tasting requests? She kept asking us to stay longer, other customers even asked our opinions. We probably could work there now with all our experience lol. We also stumbled on a few great bookstores. We spent hours wandering (almost aimlessly) looking at the next books to add to our collections. We also cosumed some amazingly delicious food! For reals, some of the best food places ever! The Crumpet Shop, The Biscuit Bitch, Lowell's, La Spiga, Cupcake Royale... All amazing!
All in all, it was a great trip! I can't wait to go back! But I think a lot of why the trip was great, was due to the crazy teachin' lady I went with.
Most Ag teachers learn early on to find people on campus who understand us to befriend. Many are other Ag teachers, for those of us lucky enough to teacher in a 2+ person department. It's evident which departments in the state employ Ag teachers who genuinely like eachother and seem to work as if they're all well oiled machines. It's because these teachers, unknowingly have found their person. There are always exceptions to the rule, but I feel like if we really looked at Ag departments that are successful, we'd find people that have the similar values, likes, dislikes, family/parenting styles, and even favorite foods. It's one of the best feelings, to have a good or bad day at school and be able to walk into another's classroom and tell them about it and have them understand. Find your person on campus... Take a vaykay!
