On days like today when the weather is 20 degrees and as I drive my frozen Twinkie down the road. The trees are frosty and the mornings are still dark. I love that some residents leave their holiday lights on all night so that I have the pleasure to enjoy them on my way to pick my students up. It is so peaceful and relaxing. ...then the kids get on the bus.
The students are all bundled up so much they look like big puffy stuffed animals. Like today, there was this first grader who was late for the bus. He was running as fast as his little 2 foot long legs could move in his big winter coat, heavy back pack and a crocodile looking hat ( see picture) on his head that was 2 sizes to big. The hat was so big it was falling down over his eyes resting on his nose. As he got to my service door his stuffed the remainder for his breakfast that was in his hand into his mouth which made his checks puff out and he was unable to close his mouth all the way. He then grabbed the rail and raised his leg up as far as he could to make the step and got on the bus. All I could do is chuckle...it was so cute and funny!
Then there are the high schoolers, that don’t wear coats or anything to keep them warm. They are standing out there in the 20 degree weather in shorts and t-shirts. I just don't get it. They even complain how cold they are. I frequently respond to them with “ you know they make these things called coats, that you put over your body to keep you warm.” Of course they just give me that look like Duh! I even had a high school student ask me early in the year if I could make my bus “drift”. Apparently they have been watching the movie “Fast and Furious”. I explained to this student that a bus is not made to do that. Yet on the days that roads are frosty and icy like today, I do have a tendency to slide around a corner or two. Which I have to be careful not to hit a light pole or tree on these narrow suburb streets. So I guess today the bus did “drift” at little.
Over the last ten years the holidays have changed for me as a bus driver. I remember when I would wear Christmas clothes, Santa hats or Reindeer horns throughout the month. I would even give all the students mini candy canes on the last day of school before Holiday break. Then there was the holiday music that I would have play on the radio the whole month of December. Yes, things have changed in the last ten years. I have found that since the district and everyone else have become “respectful to others culture and beliefs” I have had to change the way I can express my holiday spirit. I feel that since I have to be careful not to offend the students, parents and other drivers, I have lost my freedom of mine own expression. It used to be fun and joyful but now it has been about everyone else's feelings. Well, what about mine? I do enjoy our transportation holiday dinner and gift giving that we still do if people want to partake.
I look forward to these last days before the holiday winter break because I get cards and gifts from some of my students. I wish I had a sticker on my bus that says, “ I drive for Starbucks gift cards” :) This is one of the times of year that I know that the families and students really do appreciate all I do.
Happy Holidays and Merry Christmas Everyone!
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