Playground Duty

Just 2 short weeks ago, our family hopped in the car and drove to Charleston to celebrate my nephew Gary's 11th birthday. It was fun. Becca had filled a home-made pinata with candy. Since it was cold and we had to be inside, Uncle Beave was the 'tree'.








Even though there was a foot of snow on the ground, the driveway was shoveled. So, Becca and Gary went outside a while to try out Gary's new skateboard ramp. WHY won't she button her coat???

Then today, I had the most wonderful experience.

PLAYGROUND DUTY.

I work as a substitute aide for Cabell County Schools about 2 days per week. Often, I sub for one of the sign language interpreters in our county because I know a little bit of sign. When they don't need me, I'm usually placed in a kindergarten class. That's where I was today. The last few days have been so warm and pleasant. Today was no exception.

They didn't need me to arrive until 11 am. When I got there they were going outside and I was told I'd have playground duty. I'm often told when I show up to a job that I have cafeteria duty... not so much fun. But playground duty is another story. Especially today. I stood there pushing 5 year olds on the swings (my personal favorite as a little girl) and keeping an eye on one particular section of the playground. Those kids were so, so happy to be outside. I mean, just blissful. No one was throwing things or hitting anyone. Just chasing each other, climbing the equipment and swinging. So I'm standing there listening to 'push me next!'... and 'watch how I can swing myself!'... with little arms hugging my waist (because I tower over 5 year olds!!!) and the sun feels warm and I'm thinking, "I'm getting paid for this!?"

I think on my mental list of things I love (yes, I have an actual list that includes thing like *the music of the cello *the smell of a newborn baby *a brand new, blank calendar...among other silly things), I've just added *playground duty.