Back to the Grind...

Well, sort of. We still have about two weeks of summer vacation left, but with the end of summer comes putting the classroom back together. This usually takes two to three days, depending on how much socializing you do. It's always fun to see coworkers after months of being away, so socializing usually wins out. But once you've caught up, you just can't ignore the piles of books NOT on the bookshelves..........


So you get motivated, somehow, whether it's through Sonic Cranberry Limeade or Dairy Queen Blizzard runs, you find it in yourself to accomplish something.......


Strategic placement of Curious George stuff takes longer than you think! It's an art form!

Only a day or two left to whip this room into shape!

The End of Freedom ~ 2nd Edition

Only three weeks left of summer vacation and then??? The End of Freedom. The summer is closing in on me, and the feeling I get is of complete panic. Have I accomplished enough? Have I had enough fun and relaxation? Have I made the most of my freedom? I remember feeling this way last year about this time, but this summer has been different from those in the past, for two major reasons..........

NO BAND CAMP: Normally, I'd be in the middle of band camp right now. Slaving and sweating away in the heat out on the football field. I'd also be done putting my classroom back together by now, in order to be done before band camp. Resigning from band was one of the hardest decisions I've ever had to make. I cried. A lot. I miss the girls and the band directors. Even though it was hard work, the people made it fun. Some of my girls called yesterday on their lunch break to say they missed me and wanted me back. That made me feel great and sad all at the same time. But I've gained three more weeks of summer, when I'd normally be working. You can't put a price on time.

HAWAIIAN HONEYMOON: I went on a real vacation this year! It feels like it was yesterday that I was on the sandy beaches of Waikiki. Having a real getaway really makes your summer feel complete. I haven't experienced that for years.

So even though the panic won't cease, I think I HAVE accomplished enough, relaxed enough, and had lots of fun. Let's see, I did get married and go on a honeymoon. I did go on a fantastical float trip with great people. I have cleaned the house and moved things to a storage unit. I have priced garage sale stuff. The kitchen will have new countertops and a tile backsplash by the end of August. All of that adds up to an accomplished time off.

Now for the next three weeks, I need to make the most of the days left. I still have to finish my classroom, but that can wait. Here's what I should focus on:

• Sleeping in (at least until 7:30 am)
• Swimming, swimming, swimming (without band, my tan isn't up to par)
  
• Getting a pedicure
• Getting a massage
• Taking naps
• Enjoying lazy summer evenings, especially with these temps lately
  
• Seeing family as much as possible
  
• Finishing the kitchen
• Going on long walks
  
• Hitting up the farmer's market
  

Let the rest of my summer begin, but not go by too quickly.

The Coverup

People who know me well, know that placement and order - in the home or in my classroom - are very important. Some might even say I'm a bit obsessive compulsive about that. Whatever! I have my quirks. SO WHAT!!!!

Anyway, when the Direct TV guy came to install our cable, it would challenge my sanity in the most incredible way.....

Placement of the dish on the house was first. Luckily, I approved of his "behind the chimney on the back of the house" placement. It's barely visible from the front of the house. This was going better than I expected.

But wait......it was time to mount the cables to the exterior of the house............


And then a panic attack ensued. I could NOT live with this. The only GOOD thing about it was that it was on the back of the house. But it was right on the patio! WHAT WAS I GOING TO DO??

I ended up leaving immediately to visit Leola's - my favorite antique shop - and I found this vintage plant stand.

Nothing a little fern couldn't fix!

Necessities

Skinny jeans

• When they first arrived on store shelves, I vowed to NEVER even try on a pair.

• Now I have three different pair, in an assortment of colors.

A good cheese slicer

• I used to struggle with slicing my Velveeta. My slicer was too cheap!
  

• I now slice happily and freely. I think of Whitney and smile every time I slice. Thanks, Whit.
  

One cup of coffee every morning

• I have to add just the right amount of French Vanilla creamer.

• I go to great lengths to make sure I never run out of instant Folgers packets or French Vanilla creamer.

• If I don't have it, the morning just doesn't feel right. It's not a wake up thing. It's more like a ritual thing.
  

Occasional trips to St. George's donut shop

• A year ago, after running an errand, I happened upon St. George's. It was in the middle of the house painting project. I knew mom and dad would be waiting for me at my house to begin another day of painting. I wanted to surprise them with a treat. I walked in, and my life changed forever.
  

• As a child, my sister and I would ride our bikes to a local, hometown donut shop close to our house. They made the best cherry bear claws. It's the only thing I ever ordered. Alas, they closed their doors, and bear claws were no more.................
  

• Until my trip to St. George's......................My heart started to race and my eyes bulged out of my head when I saw what LOOKED like my childhood love: the cherry bear claw. I ordered half a dozen.
  

• They were just as I remembered them. I go there often now. Thank you St. George's.
  

Bouquets from the Farmer's Market

• Every once in awhile, I have to buy fresh flowers for my house. I do this a few times a year.
  

• The Farmer's Market is the best place to get them. The bouquets are beautiful, CHEAP, and make me smile every time I look at them!