Okay, Listen Here

Okay, Listen Here

Thursday, February 17, 2011

Surprise!

Many of you already know that I hate a surprise. I don't just dislike them-;I actively abhor them! I believe that surprises are inherently bad--things like car wrecks, speeding tickets, death, and being dumped. Now in the last few years I have been trying to see that sometimes surprises can be good things like floral delivery, snow days, and unexpected friendships.

Yesterday I got an enormous surprise that was all positive! Just a few weeks ago I applied for a grant from a local television station to take my students on a huge field trip to the Huntsville Space and Rocket Center. Yesterday a newscaster from the television station came to visit my classroom to award me $1000 to use to pay for the trip! Of course, I hoped we would get the grant but I never dreamed that it would happen so quickly. It was an excellent surprise; even I had to admit that.



So now I will be on television tonight (Thursday) night. I suspect that I will sound very Southern and not like the way I look, but I am excited about seeing the surprised faces of all of my students when they realize what is going on.

What is the best surprise that you have ever received?

7 comments:

  1. How wonderful! Your students are going to love the museum, but I'm glad I'm not a chaperone. ::grin::

    My best surprise? Probably the phone call from my son back in 2005 when he told me I was going to be a grandmother.

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  2. Great news! I will gladly come and help chaperon--if I can be trusted.

    My best surprise? The Christmas The Guy and I were dating (just dating; no commitments) he toddled off to Washington State to see his family. On Christmas Eve morning, I was drinking coffee and feeling sorry for myself when the doorbell rang. He sent me flowers and the card was in his handwriting so I knew he'd taken care of it before left, rather than picking up the phone the day before. The bouquet had some little toys in it and still hand them on our tree every year.

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  3. Great news for you and your class! The kids will love the museum. :-)

    My best surprise . . . When I got a Mother's Day card from son #1 that indicated there would soon be a family of three instead of a couple. I think I screamed and jumped up and down for a while. Those of you who know me know that doesn't happen very often!

    LJ

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  4. Aw, Stephanie, that's so wonderful! I notice you didn't tell us which channel, however.... ;)

    Okay, there are lots of great surprises I can think of, but since we are all writers here, I'm going with the day I got the call I'd won the Harlequin Presents contest. That felt like the day all my dreams were about to come true. :)

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  5. Stephanie, what a wonderful surprise. But I really didn't know you abhor surprises. Note to self: hint a surprise is in the offing. LOL!

    First, let me say, your kids are so blessed to have a wonderful teacher like you! Proud of you, girl! I'll be watching! Must know what channel and time. ;)

    My best surprise came on Christmas Eve 30 years ago, when I opened that last gift under the tree, found a box within a box, and heard these words, "Will you marry me," as I opened the smaller box and found an engagement ring. I still get goosebumps thinking about it. :D

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  6. Congratulations Stephanie!!!! So proud of you! Hope you and the kids enjoy the trip! And no, no one wants me for a chaperone - too much like having Weezer from Steel Magnolias on the trip.

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  7. Marilyn-I bet that grand-daughter call was a great surprise! One that you continue to enjoy!

    Jean-That Guy really comes through for you. Maybe he could give lessons. :-)

    LJ-Those kids of your were pretty smooth! I would have paid a LOT of money to see you jumping around and yelling!

    Lynn-Ah, the "Call" story gets me every time.
    That would be an excellent surprise and I really, really, really hope I get the chance to experience it for myself one day!

    Kathy-I must warn you that often those who have tried to surprise me are most surprised themselves by my reaction! That is a pretty great engagement story!

    I didn't think to put the channel because it is a B'ham station but when they get the segment up on their web page I will post the link. :-)

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