September Blur!

Almost a month, but no less…a blog!!

What a month September has been!! We dove right into this city and what it has to offer. We have had so many great opportunities to see many great things. The month started with Coney Island, my last blog. After that, thanks to our wonderful friend Dennis, we saw the opening night of the U.S. Open. The night was dedicated to Althea Gibson, the first African American woman to win a major tennis championship. What a celebration, there were huge choirs and a marching band, topped off by the one and only Aretha Franklin singing respect. And respect her we did!! The night was wonderful. We saw Venus and Serena win their matches, and I really took in the whole experience. Now the blue court on TV, means a little bit more to me. After a $13 hot dog we went back to our little cave in the city.Our next highlight was walking across the Brooklyn Bridge. I have always wanted to do this and so has Gil. We took the subway to High Street and emerged upon the famous bridge. The bridge itself is gorgeous. Everything I thought it would be, but the views are what took me aback. The whole skyline of New York was in view. We could see midtown and downtown, the Empire State and the Manhattan Bridge. It was perfect, a spot that will become a constant nook for sure.

My journey in teaching has also begun here in the Bronx. A new chapter had begun. I have been working my toosh off this month trying to keep my head above water. After 3 weeks, I can honestly say that my students are amazing. They have a certain edge to them that I have not experienced, but as of right now I have learned way more from them than they have from me. We are on a journey together this year in class 205-D, and believe me, you will be hearing a lot about it. What inspires should always be written down, and those kids inspire me.

We did a long weekend up in Maine. The Maine coast was so serene, yet strong at the same time. The beach we visited was the most beautiful I had ever seen, not to mention Mother Nature gave us a perfect day with the bluest sky to compliment the sights. We took a detour on the way home and spent some time in Boston. A quick trip yes, but to me it was an appetizer to many other Boston experiences. Not to mention, I found a certain place where everybody knows your name.

We have seen great movies and great shows. We saw the absolutely hysterical musical Avenue Q, and the powerful and romantic Opera, La Boehm, at Lincoln Center. We have eaten great food. New York really does have the most amazing amount of variety in restaurants. It makes it hard to stay in, but we are trying. On a perfect day last weekend, we went to the New York Botanical Gardens in the boogie down Bronx. It was wonderful and gigantic, a must for a seasoned visitor to the city. We also got tickets to see David Letterman, and we really enjoyed the laughs and experience.

New York for us is coming along. I have met some great people and life is good. My heart is still in the west, but New York is an experience. I really think I might find myself, find myself among millions.

Sorry for the long delay. September swallowed me up and spit me back out, but here I am reclaiming my blog. Please stay in touch, and hugs and kisses to everyone.

Jakey