Summer, summer, summertime....

.....Time to sit back and unwind



Ah, summer is upon us. While most of the time I love me job, and I am well aware that teachers don't *really* leave works at three each day and spend three months doing absolutely nothing, I still relish the very idea of summer vacation. I have eight glorious weeks of semi-freedom- Sean is in summer care (thank you my wonderful husband- not sure how much longer I will be able to convince him to do that); I don't have classes at that dreadful UAB, and I have very few occasions to feel inclined to be at the school- at least until the end of July.

My "School Year Resolutions" were largely broken and immediately forgotten, but I am reminded of Shai's letter (my last blog from October). I did have a rough year, my hardest so far. I'm not sure if I can pinpoint why. I really thought I was supposed to hit my stride this year, so perhaps over-confidence did me in? I know the fault lies entirely with me, not my administration or my students. However, I also concede that I am often my own worst enemy and harshest critic. I think if someone were to interview my students most of the comments would be positive and praising. I *know* I was still that "spark" for many.

I also know why I my resolutions were left behind. First semester was smooth-sailing, but during the second semester, I was coerced by some students to try out for the school production of Thornton Wilder's classic "Our Town." I did it, mostly because I never in a million years thought I would get a part, but to have a good story to tell about facing fears and shooting for the stars, and all that melodramatic motivational speaker blah-blah-blah. Instead I found myself in a six-week grueling rehearsal, completely out of my comfort zone and usually scared to death. But I DID it! A picture of the beautiful Webb family submitted for your approval and "Awww"ing.


And once I finished that in February, what did I do? Why immediately jumped into almost three months of rehearsal for a bit part in the school production of "The Wizard of Oz". A true glutton for punishment I know! Despite the long hours (and the ten pounds I put on from late night post-rehearsal fast-food dinner). I loved almost every minute of it. Yes, there were times when I was incredibly frustrated and wanted to quit. There were days when I cried because I couldn't get the dance steps right or because kids were working my last damn nerve, but I wouldn't take any of it back. Schools tend to frown upon the very idea that teachers can be friends with students, but when you are with them nearly every day for hours, it's impossible to not form bonds with some of them. These kids are the cream of the crop- they are smart and talented and sweet and dedicated- and I have memories to last a lifetime, but I won't bore you with that. More pictures for you. I'm the smokin' hot beautician on the far left- the only picture of me from the whole production! Told you it was a bit part!



OK, so now I feel like I have sufficiently caught you, all three of you, up on where I have been and we can move forward from here. I am vowing to blog with more regularity. Heck, maybe even two blogs today! I've got to show you what I've been mixing up in my kitchen ;)