Banner Day

This afternoon we had an awards event at school. Four times a year we honor students who have gone above and beyond in service to the school, and today Julia was one of the students chosen. Darryl had told me he'd try to make it, but he had scheduled the final inspection and it really depended on when that would happen and how long it would take. So I didn't think he'd be there. Keep in mind, of course, that "final" inspection is a loose term. After all we have had about a dozen inspections since this remodel started and we have never passed any of them first time. So in my mind I had already figured we'd have the inspection, get notes, Tom would work on them, we'd have another inspection Monday and then we could move in to the new rooms.

As I was waiting for parents to enter the library, Darryl walked up. I was surprised to see him, but happy that he could be there. "Well?" I asked. "We passed."

That was it. Two little words, but oh how happy they made me. I couldn't help it, I started crying, more from relief (and surprise) than anything else. It was more than a little awkward because I was in the middle if a conversation with another teacher, who must now think I'm a little crazy (OK, maybe he already thought that . . .)

Now my part of the work kicks into high gear. I have to clean the floors, dust the bed, wash the sheets and comforter, polish the night stands, empty the dresser and move it all into the new room before putting it all in just the perfect spot. The spare bedroom gets the bed, along with all the bits and pieces that don't have any other place; the china hutch, the bookcase, the craft box, the extra dining chairs. Not to mention putting all the rest of the floor into the bedroom to get it acclimated to the house and figuring out where to put all the DVDs and CDs that need a new home. (I took photos of stuff on my to do list when I realized that "finished" is a misleading word.) Busy weekend ahead I guess. But oh so worth it.