Time to Dive In!

I feel better now. I've been to my classroom for the last time this year. I put away all the peripherals of my 6 student computers, threw away lots of papers, cleared my desk, packed away LOTS of books and other equipment, grabbed some books to read over the summer to prepare for next year, and generally got the place in some kind of order. It could use a LOT more work, but I'm going to stop with this for now. There are other people to see and other things I can be doing for a few weeks here.
My summer plans include: spending time with Mom and Dad, reading a novel as well as some of my school books, enrolling in a Toastmasters class, hosting a celebration for Scott's graduation, celebrating my Dad's and my birthdays in some unique way, helping David on his AT hike in July, painting a few things around the house, straightening up a lot of things (AFTER Scott moves out), and just RESTING some...
The next big thing is getting to Memphis for graduation, then hosting the party on Saturday evening with family and friends at the local park pavilion. That will be fun. I've already ordered the cake and it will be fabulous. I'll try to post some pictures -- that's another one of my summer goals.
Things are looking up! David's knee is getting better after his cartilage repair, Scott is getting ready to start work and move out of here, Todd is working hard, being appreciative, and thinking about his future, and Mom and Dad are doing OK. Time marches on.
I feel like I am awakening from a long dream. I want to do so many things -- to do the things I can already do, but better; to try a few new things; to keep my life simple, but real. I'm not considering taking up any new hobbies, mind you. I just want to improve, to deepen my understanding of certain things. For example, I've always enjoyed speaking in front of people, but I have a certain friend (who resides in Russia) who had a great time at Toastmasters, so I hope to try that and get better at public speaking. I am also focusing this summer on the wonders of teaching reading -- what can I do to help the students I work with? how can I make it easier for them? what are some of the new "secrets" to unlocking this mysterious mental puzzle? I'm going to seek those out.
Well, that's enough of my rambling for now. Gotta get some graduation presents in the mail to some people. Our house is ready for company, my classroom is ready for the summer work crew to wax, and my mind and heart are ready for new depths. Time to dive in to summer!

Nearly Done

Just 3 1/2 more days with students, then 1 1/2 of work, then I'm out for the summer!! I can't wait! I've got to turn in all the grades tomorrow, so I'm really supposed to be doing that right now...oh, well. I had fun chaperoning the 7th and 8th grade "Prom" last Friday night. The kids are so cute, just starting to realize that they look good in dresses and suits, just starting to look sideways at the opposite gender. The neat thing about the way people dance nowadays is that anyone can dance with anyone else, so no one gets embarrassed about being left out. Everyone was hopping. Several of us teachers even got into the act when the DJ put on some "oldies" like "R-E-S-P-E-C-T". We like that one.
It's fun to have Scott home these days, although I don't have much time to talk to him. He's busy buying a new house and doing things at church, and I'm busy finishing up the school year. He created a whole slide show for the Senior recognition banquet tonight. It's just really neat to have him around. Makes me miss Todd (more than I already did). Maybe he'll come in more.
They both gave me nice things for Mothers Day. David fixed lunch and I got to relax and visit with both of the boys AND with my Mom. That was so special for me!
Now we're getting ready for the big graduation ceremony in Memphis. This family is having lots of graduations this year! Three in May and one in August. And my brother-in-law in Texas graduated this month, too. Good times.
This time next week I won't have to hurry to bed, but for now, I do...