DEAR ALIZARIN: Cool as a cucumber in hell

I am glad I was not in the pile as the screaming may have lead to widespread panic.

Despite my record lack of planning, the blissful Belize vacation is still working its voodoo, saving me from burning in the High School of Hell. In fact, I even impressed myself at retaining the calm and peace I have worked so hard to obtain the past two months in the face of the first day back to school and reluctant students. I think I can get through this quarter without any new grey hairs. They seemed unusually engaged in my PowerPoint presentation of the pictures from my trip, though they did not believe it was me the pictures. “But Miss, you look so happy!” Others commented, “You must have had a good vacation because you came back and are not mean anymore.” I told them to give me a week. Overall it was actually a fun day except my voice is tired and I think I finally am over talking about my vacation. Moreover, I think my students are now convinced that I do not sleep under my desk and live in the classroom.

Here is our favorite picture:

My infatuated snorkeling guide, (to top off my day, he called when I got home after he had left two messages) told me this turtle was killed today by a boat. I laughed that it could be any turtle, but he explained with all seriousness that it was the same turtle because only that turtle lived in that spot, the others just came when you fed them. I could not argue with such certainty. Though the turtle almost took off my finger without a bit of hesitation, I took a moment to mourn the loss of my new seafaring friend. As far as the guide, I think the daily calls are a bit much, though he is very sweet and has that cute Jamaican accent. However, between the accent and the cell connection, we spend most of the conversations clarifying what we are saying.

A bit long-winded, but I am procrastinating work until the morning.

Love,

Lychee