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.