Yesterday was the official last day of summer break, for me anyway. It’s been a great ride, but all good things must come to an end. I sat in the dark dictating into my phone, as I finished up the last of my medical check ups of the summer. Having my eyes dilated has put a very different perspective on the sunshine that finally arrived!
It’s been a roller coaster of the summer, filled with so many activities, travel, family, and friends. We’ve experienced our share of loss as a family, and that includes our extended family of friends. But we’ll be OK, because we’re all supporting each other. I have to believe that; it’s part of who I am.
Our family vacation to Washington became a grown-up weekend as the kids couldn’t join us this time. While it was different than what we had hoped for, Bob and I still had a great trip. Hanging out with my sister, Rob and Nancy was just what we needed; the water, rest, relaxation, and good food!
On the writing front, chapter 9 is started. I’ve been doing a major amount of research, and learning so much. There are quite a few untold stories of the gold rush that I think it would be fun for my young (and older-because parents are reading my books, too!!!) readers to learn about. So even though I’d hoped to be further along when this weekend came, I know I am doing my best work and am trying hard not to rush it. I tell my students the same thing, so I need to take my own advice. My deadlines are in my own head… And I am still looking for a catchy title. It’s harder than I thought it would be.
It’s all about perspective. Even though summer break is winding down, when I reminisce on everything I did this summer, it’s been a pretty amazing experience. And the great thing about being a teacher is there’s just another break around the corner. And weekends. And evenings after the final bell rings. The possibilities are endless.
So I choose to be excited and look forward to the new school year. It’s going to be a great one. I have 15+ kids coming next week for my workday, and I’ll have plenty of helpers to share with Rebecca, if she needs them. I am so looking forward to catching up on my former students’ summer happenings. Hopefully I can bring a little excitement for the new year into their frame of mind. But I know my enthusiasm on August 13 will be contagious. And hopefully that’s all we catch in the classroom… But I know better after 33 years.
So today I will hang out with my youngest, get a bit more of chapter 9 done, and enjoy the heat. Summer weather is finally here, just in time to go back to work. And next week I have coffee walks planned, a bit of time with my oldest, and even more fun with friends later in the month. Because two months just isn’t enough time to see everyone and do everything I’d hoped. So summer isn’t the end, even though break is over, leaving me with so much to look forward to!
Until next time…
Mrs. Freels Writes! 
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