This is my life in boxes...well sort of. Although I have made huge contributions to recycling, trash and salvation army I feel as if I have done nothing. And by the looks of it...it looks like I have done nothing. I have 2 pieces of furniture already sold on craigslist and 3 more being picked up later this week. I hope it all gets packed. My mom is the organized one not me. Trying to remember to pack by room mom, I promise :) Send me good packing vibes ha ha!

License

The school got its license! All systems are a go!!! I'm moving so soon! I have started packing and it is a much bigger undertaking than I thought. I have a very large pile for the salvation army and then a large pile of boxes to go home...books mostly haha. I hope I can get this all done in time. I might be donating more than I had intended!

New website in Korea

So I was sent the official website for the new school! I am in it for about 1 second (I guess I still have 14 minutes and 59 seconds left of fame haha) Enjoy learning about both schools and taking a mini tour of the new school!

http://chadwickinternational.org/

An Ending for a Beginning

Well today was my last teaching day at Chadwick in CA. It was bittersweet to say the least. This years class was so amazingly kind! I will miss them dearly. I have learned so much from them. I hope to keep in touch with all of them to know how they are doing next year. I hope this is not one of those situations where we keep in touch for a month or so and then fade away.

As I look back on my six years at Chadwick I have so many wonderful memories. I have learned SO much from all of my colleagues, especially my wonderful teaching partners Marla, Lauren, Katy, and Patsy. These ladies have helped me to grow as a teacher. I have gained confidence with the kids but more importantly with the parents. They have taught me to be stern but silly. To enjoy my job and have fun (but with teaching kindergarten how can you not have fun!) I have learned to try new things...even if it is only once. They have taught me to appreciate the small things. I learned to be more organized, and time manage. I have learned to persevere though adversity and not sweat the small stuff. Most importantly I have learned that I have wonderful people who love me and believe in me.

I am so excited for my new adventure but there is so much unknown that it is scary. I look forward to my new chapter in my life and will never forget the previous chapter.

Thank you to everyone who made my six years at Chadwick so heartwarming. Thank you to the many amazing people who took me in when I needed a family. Thanks to making me feel so loved and appreciated!

I love you all and will miss you dearly!!

Leaving...

So it was officially announced to parents that I am departing for Korea next year. I had no idea how much I was loved until I got the outcry of sadness from parents whose kids aren't even kindergartners anymore! I have also found amazing support in the parents who are trying to find me anyone they know over there to make sure I know at least one person and am safe! I love this community and will miss it dearly. Today I received this email from one supporter:

Read about your new adventure today in the WWW and I think it's great (albeit a bit of a loss for the incoming k's), but what an experience. I think it's great that you will take advantage of this opportunity, which I am sure will change your whole perspective for the better and enhance your "world view". It will surely make you a more well-rounded teacher with so many unique experiences to differentiate you from the crowd and will contribute to making you a better citizen of the world. What I am really trying to say, that I have already said on numerous occassion is that Ms. Puffer - you are the COOLEST!

If there is anything that we can do for you, either to prepare or while you are at your new post (care packages from home - in case you get homesick) or a list of contacts in Asia that would be willing to put you up for a night here and there in case you get an opportunity to travel around on school vacations, let me know and I will figure out a way to put it together. In the meantime, just as I from time to time send you updates on the boys, we would love an occasional, if only similar to a holiday time email to let us know how things are going with you, we would love it! You have my email address. Please feel free to use it, if only to BCC on something cool now and again. Don't be a stranger. The whole family is really, really proud of you and excited for your future endeavors!

Warm Regards Always,
J

My new school has some pretty big shoes to fill!

Friends Abroad

The greatest news I could have gotten...beside all of my friends and family moving to Korea...is that I have one friend from college living in Korea right now. She and I played basketball together and she was somewhat of a mentor to me. I was so glad to learn I will not be completely alone there, and that the one person I will know is someone I look up to and trust. What great news! Who would of thought that I would have a neighbor in Korea that I new from Vermont :)

My latest realization...I am 6ft tall and will have to buy all the pants and skirts I will need before I leave. My guess is that my tall needs will not be met in Korea! I guess this gives me a reason to shop...GAP and Macy's here I come!