Bison's Best

So today started out really bad. I was tired, because I had woken up every 30 minutes last night. The students were doing the things they do to push my buttons. Then there was the stress of all the "end of school year events." Plus, I hadn't written my 3 semester exams and need to get to Ms. Johnnie in the copy room by tomorrow.

BUT at 9:10 AM a magical thing happened...

Today was the awards ceremony at school. I was honored to be able to give 3 awards to my "BEST" 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. PLUS I got to give an award to all of my students who are exiting the ESL program (this is based on their TAKS scores and proficiency in Listening, Speaking, Reading, and Writing.) So of course we had sent letters home and called their parents. Most of them came dressed up and looked simply adorable. It was sooo cute because they were so nervous.

It was just amazing to see many students who had never gotten an award before walk up with such confidence when their name was called. Some jumped up and nearly ran up to the front. Their parents came and were so happy for them. There was a young girls who's mother drove nearly 5 hours to watch her get her "Outstanding ESL Student" award.

You see, for many people this may not mean much. But with the move and all that is happening in the Cunningham house, I have had a million different emotions. I cannot wait to get back to my family, friends, and that GREAT STATE of Oklahoma. With budget cuts, and an out-of-state address it hasn't been the easiest task finding a job. I have been constantly questioning myself, what is my purpose? Am I supposed to be teaching?

I have poured my heart and soul into each and everyone of my students at OB. I am so grateful that my principals took a chance when giving me the opportunity to work here. The feeling I got when I saw the smiles on all of their faces leads me to think this is what I am supposed to be doing. So I think it is time to get out their and fight for my chance to continue this mission in Tulsa! Anyone have any suggestions?!?!

Wish Me LUCK!

So this week on Thursday and Friday we are taking our "End of Year" Field Trips at school. The past two years the whole school went to Hawaiian Falls a local water park. After a rain out last year, we decided to try something different this year. So...... we are going to a skating rink. We are taking each grade level individually. I'm just picturing 300+ middle school students in a SKATING RINK! YIKES! I will update on how this goes!

the last and the first

today is my last day of work at the law firm i been at for the last nearly 3 years. it is a happy day because it means that we are getting closer to being in tulsa. yet it is a sad day as i pack up my things, say good bye to co-workers/friends, and leave for the office one last time.

it really hit at the end of the day yesterday, i was saying good bye to kim and said "see you tomorrow". it immediately hit - i won't be able to say that tomorrow. that was predicated earlier in the day when i was sitting in kim's office chatting about life towards the end of a busy day (like her and i usually do), when said "i am going to miss our daily afternoon chats."

events and a hundred others like it have made me really appreciate my job. i have been very blessed to work with and for some very wonderful people. i will truly miss them. this job has taught me literally everything i know about the practice of law. no offense law school, but you didn't really teach me about the really important things - kelly did, and kim did, and clint did, and patrick did, and my own trial and error.

looking back on my time here and i can't help but me amazed at god works even when we aren't looking. i know he brought us to dallas and me to this job for a reason. i think i know the reason.

today is also a day of new beginnings. when i turn off my office light it will no longer be my office, but it means that there is a new office in tulsa, just waiting for me to get there. today is a happy day and sad day and for that i am truly thankful.

Happy Easter!

We just wanted to wish everyone a Happy Easter! We spent the weekend with our adorable nephew in Enid!

Whew!

Today was a pretty stressful day. The Oklahoma Bar results were released this afternoon. After not sleep much last night, I was a nervous wreck all morning. The Bar told us that the results would be up around noon, but even still I diligently checked the website about every 5 minutes since 8 this morning.

Finally at 11, I told myself "self, you have to get some work done and not think about the test." So I made a pact not to check again until 11:30. Wouldn't you know, Ashley called me at 11:24 to say "the results are up but there's no list of names."

I immediately went to the website to confirm Ashley's report. Sure enough, no list. There was however, the summary of the results which were absolutely horrifying. The website said:

"A total of 110 took the exam; 62 passed; pass rate 56%."

My heart dropped and started beating rapidly. I became nauseous. My mouth got dry. I could only see out of my left eye.

I refreshed the page every second for about the next five minutes though it felt like a lifetime. My hands were shaking uncontrollably and I started sweating. Finally after an eternity the list came up! I swallowed hard and quickly scrolled down the page. Then there in all its glory was the beautiful name -- "Bradley Keith Cunningham".

I passed the bar. Whew!!

We want to thank all of you who have been very supportive through this period. I can't say enough how much it means to us. I really want to thank my boss, KGM. She has been great through all of this - which has been hard for her. She is torn in this situation because she wants us to be happy (which means moving to Tulsa), but also loves having us in town as family and me at the office (for some reason).

I particularly want to thank my beautiful, loving and amazing wife. She is the best! She put with my weird study habits and not seeing me for 2 months. She is awesome and I am so blessed to be able to share these joys with her.

Hank you were a great study buddy. Thanks for sleeping on my shoulder while studied and keeping me company.

See you in Oklahoma!!