The cleaning crew members were finished and the campus was completely quiet. The computer and paper files had been cleaned out, the books were packed and personal belongings were already gone. The office stood empty with only the over sized office furniture remaining. Bittersweet memories came flooding back as the alarm was set and the door was locked for the final time. One puts massive amounts of time and energy into this job and to walk away quietly on the final day seems almost ironic considering how person intensive schools are normally.
Although school leadership is a group endeavor, the school principal position on a site is a burden and a joy shared by no others. As a man consumed with humility, suffering through good bye parties having others congratulate you and expounding your accomplishments is a little overwhelming. After all of the good bye parties, presents and cards, leaving a school is exceptionally lonely. I am exceptionally grateful for all of the kind words, the nifty gifts and the parties.
My staff presented me with a home made quilt, home made pillow to match and an avocado tree to plant in my backyard to always be reminded of my Marshall school family. All will be happy to know, the tree is still going strong.
OK, enough waxing poetically. I am beginning to feel the excitement of starting at a new school and with new grade levels. Middle school will present particular challenges but I am ready for the change. Although leaving one school and starting another makes for a short summer, I've managed to squeeze in some local fun. Below are a few of the random activities happening here at Casa Walt and Rusty.
Keiko has had her annual haircut. June was sunny and at times downright hot. Very unusual for June to not be shrouded in fog and drizzle.
The "Train" concert in San Francisco. I enjoy the music of "Train" but had no idea the concert would be a magnet for every douchebag in the Bay Area. The only thing worse than the level of douche-baggery was the level of bimbo women they are dating and their bff's. While there though, the host of "Flip the Trip" from the travel channel was there as well. So, if you see the episode, look for me in the audience! By the way, I'm not considering this my Warhol-esque twenty minutes of fame...I still get mine I think.
Yosiell and I went to the Jelly Belly factory and took the tour on a sunny and quiet day. I know we were supposed to be waching candy production but I think they were more interested in serving up cheesy-ness.
Yosiell contemplating a new medium after seeing this amazing Jelly Bean made masterpiece.
In June, Janice and Keven, Di's parents, came for a visit. We dragged them on our trademarked "Wanker Tours" and eventually ended up at Twin Peaks on a beautiful spring day.
A Panoramic view of downtown San Francisco from Twin Peaks.
The Avette Brothers concert at the Greek in Berkeley. Awesome evening. My absolute favorite performers. These boys are super high energy infusing Traditional North Carolina Mountain music with a punk edge.
The Four Season's Hotel brunch is truly the most civilized way to catch the "Gay Pride" Parade. Three words, "Bottomless Bloody Mary's". The parade itself lasts forever and requires the stamina of a marathon runner to catch the whole thing. This brief snippet was more than enough for me to feel like I get to keep my gay card.
Sam and Yosiell enjoying a refreshing beverage with a Sister after the trauma of the festival.
My newest tattoos after the festival. Gotta love Photo Apps.
Rusty and I were invited to a bachelor Party for our good friend Tom Lester. It was an evening of Beef, Booze, and Boobs. The Beef was at Harris Steak House, an old school steak house with a hefty price tag but well worth the expense.
Vera, our hostess for the evening, ordered a picture worthy lobster. The groom in the background viewing the lobster with a wary eye.
After the Beef, on to the Booze. Polk Street. who knew Polk Street has changed from a gay mecca to straight meat market heaven. Each of the bars on Polk Street boast some sort of taxidermied animal.
Pheasant at McTeague's Saloon.
This past weekend was filled with wedding fesivities. Becky Maciel and Tom Lester entered married bliss and a ready made family. This is a picture of the bride with the most handsome guest at the wedding.
Tom at the reception.
Vera, ready for dancing.
The three stooges. Nick, Nick and Nick.
The family first dance. Lovely.
Not bad for middle aged pasty white guys.
The day after the wedding, a bit of wine tasting. This is Ledson Winery...a castle circa mid 1990's. Not quite the 1,000 year old castles seen in Europe but impressive none the less.
And so that's it folks, good times here in the golden state. I've finally bitten the bullet and had to purchase reading glasses. I guess I'm suffering mid 40's disease just like everyone else. A few more activvities in the near future before beginning on my middle school adventure. Hopefully another post. by the way, my current favorite quote from a movie, "Blogging isn't being a writer, it's graffiti with punctuation." Keep posted for all the news.
