Every afternoon you go out to wrangle with over a hundred grimy,slimy, mucus covered organisms. They are either quick to descend on you, sucking you into their world, or weary of you they remain in their secluded colonies watching from a distance for the right opportunity to attack.

These dirt covered,bacteria carrying agents are none other then the 100 participants in an after school program located in San Jose, Ca.

With running noses having been wiped onto their shirts or hands they engage in games of tag and tether ball.

They come into the program after a long day at school, and pounce on their snack with often dirt caked fingers that find their way into many orifices located on their innocent faces. Dropping food onto the tables they quickly replace the bits back into their mouths, or leave it there for their friend to place their unsuspecting hands in.

And all of this is before they run to give you a hug....or offer you a cupcake from that days birthday party...holding it out to you with icing smeared on their sleeves, and cheeks.

Chocolate milk and orange juice swirl together in the trash can and seeps through the tiny hole in the bottom, leaving a trail wherever it is carried.

The pigeons that make their way into the cafeteria are very friendly, well mannered, but not potty trained.....The one missing a couple toes is almost trained to respond to its name...Stumpy.

And of course with twenty kids per class the activities are never short of their messes. With paint, glue, paper, and scissors its a matter of time before a painted hand print (you hope its paint) ends up on the bathroom wall, while little Johnny tries to glue his fingers together, and little Lucy's hair looks suspiciously shorter. Just a quick tip you might wanna check your back for a well positioned "kick me" sign.

Yes it is hear where you hope to mold and shape the young minds of today....and hope you do not have the flu tomorrow.