5:00 I’m up. I’m pissed that I’m up. I can’t believe that once again, I am up.

6:00 I realize that I have to dress nicely today because I’m taking some students to a special luncheon with the Ambassador to Swaziland.

6:10 Google Maps: Where exactly is Swaziland?

7:00 Ready to go to work. Cannot find favorite earrings. What kind of earrings would the Ambassador to Swaziland appreciate?

7:45 Show up at a middle school where I used to work to give a speech to 8th graders. Fall in love with the group of 8th graders. Visit with former colleagues. LOVE former colleagues.

9:00 Head over to my school where I am putting together a new office. It’s kind of exciting and fun.

11:00-11:25 Search frantically for the kids going on the field trip with me to meet the Ambassador. Cram them into my very dirty car.

12:00 Run into my friend, Scott. Convince the students that no, he is not my boyfriend. Lecture all the girls on being able to have male friends. 

12:10 Watch the girls pick at the chicken salad we’re having for lunch. Tell them about putting their napkin into their laps. Get admonished because, “We KNOW. We learned this in home economics.” Tell them, “Good! Now it’s time to PRACTICE those good manners!”

12:15 Lean over to the three girls who are pushing chicken salad around on their plate and say, “We’ll stop for burgers and fries on the way back to school.” 

12:16 Win them over FOR LIFE because I am the coolest. No. Really. The Coolest.

2:00 Stop for burgers and fries with the girls. Listen to teenagers discuss freely their lives. Cherish this moment. 

5:00 Leave work for home. Continue smiling about a pretty awesome day. 

I’m not even worrying about my favorite earrings or Swaziland anymore.