Queen Bonnie Loses her Kingdom

Sure it was a self-imposed title, but I started calling myself Queen Bonnie at school years ago. It was a joke with my students who tolerated my wacky humor. Almost three years ago, I left the classroom and now work in the administration side of education. Though I definitely miss the teenagers, I love working with the teachers and enjoy the variety of this job. School has always been part of my life. Now, in addition to working, I am also getting my Master's Degree. I will be finished by the first of the year! I can't wait. I look forward to having more time to read what I want to read--not what I'm assigned to read.

One really great thing about my new job is the opportunity to travel and meet people from around the world and around the country. In the past two years, I have been able to travel to China--twice, Nashville and San Antonio. Upcoming trips (in 2008) include Japan, France, China (again) and Orlando. This picture was taken at the Great Wall near Beijing. There are not many places in the world that surpass your expectations--the Eiffel Tower, the Alps and the Great Wall are some that do. It was amazing!

All of these things are fun and exciting, but nothing beats being at home with my kids and my garden. My children are some of the best people I have ever known. They are smart, talented, funny and WAY better people than me. These great people have learned just about everything I have to teach them, so now they have started to teach me. They teach me the value of good friends, how to have fun, and how to love unabashedly. They have tried, unsuccessfuly, to teach me how to dance, identify hot cars, play guitar, do math and ski "in the park."

I am absolultely crazy about working in my garden. Since I have started working year round, I don't have the ability to work there daily, but I still go there for rejuvenation. Nothing is better than getting a little dirt under your nails. This picture is a little corner of my garden that reminds me of France. Next summer, Brittany will have her reception in our yard--a dream of hers for years and years. I hope my gardening skills are up to the challenge!