Waking Up in Philly: January 2012

So I've been back in Philly now for almost two weeks, and I don't think I realized how much I missed it! Being home for christmas was awesome! It was definitely a much needed break and such a good time with family and friends! But being back at Logan Hope and back with my roommates and back in my neighborhood, just feels right!

I flew into Philly last week with a fever and a sinus infection (a great way to start the new year right?) and ended up missing my first few days at work. When I finally got back to Logan Hope, I received an excited welcome back and several questions from students very concerned for my health! it was really cute! But I love being back at the school and just started an art section on color theory with my kids. I also found that I somehow end up with more paint on me than the students do! This monday, Martin Luther King Day, will be a school service day. The kids wont have regular class but will spend the day learning about MLK and doing different things to help and clean up their school. The other art teacher and I will be painting a mural in the hallway with some of the kids! I am really excited about it! I've never painted a mural before!! Don't worry...pictures to follow! :)

As for the rest of my life here in Philly, I didn't realize how relationships with people I have built in my neighborhood until I came back from break. It's kind of easy to feel out of place in such a tight-knit neighborhood where everyone knows everyone by name! But being back I have really realized that I have made some awesome friendships! Last saturday, I got to visit a new restaurant that my neighbor Nikki opened over christmas! It was such a cool place (with delicious clam chowder!) When we visited her she gave us a tour of the place and sat down with us for awhile. I had no idea how much i had missed her company while I was home for christmas! Seeing her that saturday and several of my other friends really made me realize how much I enjoy being here in Philadelphia. and how much I am going to miss it once i'm gone!