currently it's wednesday

I am...

Reading: The Change by Kirsten Miller; it's out of my usual genre, but I'm really enjoying it.

Listening to:  the air exchange unit in my classroom (lovingly referred to as "the blower" by everyone)

Thinking: it's parent teacher conference day, and I'll be here from 12-7 with only five conferences

Feeling:  kind of bored--I've been putzing around to fill the time

Celebrating:  this is, however, the last time I will have these types of conferences!  Hello, Retirement!

Grateful for:  it's a beautiful day

Enjoying: I spent some time writing postcards to several students to encourage their good work

 

Weather:  52° and sunny

A quote I want to share:

currently

I am...

Reading: We Keep The Dead Close by Becky Cooper

Listening to:  my neighbors; they are not being loud, but I can hear the murmur of their tv

Thinking: I can visit my sisters whenever I want after June 7th--that's my retirement date!

Feeling:  tired but happy

Celebrating:   it was a GREAT visit with my Pennsylvania and Virginia and local sisters!

Grateful for:  all the laughter

Enjoying: my bonus day--I hung out with my Virginia sister

 

Weather:  39° and mostly cloudy

A quote I want to share:

currently

I am...

Reading: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë; I hope I can finish it for my book group gathering on Wednesday

Listening to: Jane Eyre

Thinking:  about micro adventures to try this fall

Feeling:  happy-tired

Celebrating:  today was a very good day

Grateful for:  the ability to take some earned paid leave

Enjoying:  spending time with my sisters

 

Weather:  45° and clear

A quote I want to share:

currently

I am...

Reading: Jane Eyre by Charlotte Brontë for my library reading group

Listening to: my printer making colored copies because I don't have access to the color printer at school

Thinking:  about tomorrow

Feeling:  amused--I had to create a new password for my school account, and I got creative

Celebrating:  we have school-wide testing tomorrow, but my senior students do not have to take the tests, so I will have about an hour and a half of free time!

Grateful for: we were spared the Nor'easter from the past weekend; only a couple of days of light rain

Enjoying:  I had fun with my classes today

 

Weather:  51° and light rain

A quote I want to share:

currently it's wednesday

I am...

Reading: I DNF'd The Caretaker; I'm just not in the mood for horror.  I'm going to start Jane Eyre for my library book group

Listening to: the Billy Joel Mix on Spotify

Thinking:  I'm trying to figure out what time I should leave tomorrow for my trip to Harpswell: I'm attending an art show opening at the Harpswell Collective.  A group of us who took part in the Creativity Workshop are going to support the artist who led the workshop; we've become dear friends.

Feeling:  excited

Celebrating:  this is my last Potato Harvest Break--which is a one-week break from school. Back in the day, many family farms relied on manual labor (their own children and other kids), so families would pull kids from school to help with the harvest. I am not so sure why we continue having Harvest Break, as most kids do not work the manual harvest jobs that have become mechanized, and you need to be at least 18 to operate the machines. It was a rite of passage when I was a kid. Now, not so much. But it's a tradition.

Grateful for: my bestie's shoulder surgeon was very pleased with how the procedure went yesterday.  I was fortunate enough to be able to take her to the appointment in Central Maine (and back before the block wore off).

Enjoying:  quite a social week!

Weather:  62° and sunny

A quote I want to share: 

currently

I am...

Reading: I just realized that I am not enjoying the book I'm currently reading.  So, why not DNF it?  I've invested so much time in it already; I may as well finish.

Listening to: the ringing in my ears

Thinking:  about nothing in particular

Feeling:  happy tired

Celebrating:  today was a very good day

Grateful for: getting back into the groove of school

Enjoying:  I felt comfortable in my outfit today

 

Weather:  65° and sunny

A quote I want to share:

currently

I am...

Reading: I just finished my book and have yet to start a new one

Listening to: nothing, sweet nothing

Thinking:  making plans for Labor Day weekend--I'm heading out of town!

Feeling:  tired

Celebrating:  I'm awake after 9 o'clock!

Grateful for: a great start to the school year

Enjoying:  getting to know my students--I have bigger classes than I have had in the past five years, so it's an adjustment

Weather:  60° and partly cloudy

A quote I want to share: 

currently

I am...

Reading: Everything Was Beautiful and Nothing Hurt by Ben Reeves

Listening to:  the fan

Thinking:  this is the last week of summer vacation

Feeling:  I just realized that this is the last week of my last summer vacation!  

Celebrating:  I actually am excited for this school year, even though I am not doing any prep work for it outside of our workshop days

Grateful for:  really good friends; our breakfast this morning lasted for a few hours, but the time flew

Enjoying:  this season of Big Brother--it's one of the best!

Weather:  76° and partly cloudy

A quote I want to share: 

currently

I am...

Reading:  The Giver of Stars by Jojo Moyes (I will start it after I post this)

Listening to: rain

Thinking:  I'm loath to start prepping for school--we return August 17th

Feeling:  like time's running out; vacation has been soooooooo relaxing!

Celebrating: this is my Farewell Tour; by this time next year I will be retired!

Grateful for:  a quiet day to read

Enjoying:  my Pampered Chef ice cream maker--this is my favorite appliance

Weather:  72° and rainy

A quote I want to share: 

currently

 I am...

Reading: The Bright Side of Disaster by Katherine Center (I am starting it tonight!)

Listening to: the fan

Thinking: mentally organizing my day tomorrow--lots going on

Feeling:  a slight twinge in my back because I flipped my mattress this morning and may have overdone it

Celebrating:  I was able to flip my mattress by myself! 💪

Grateful for:  I got to spend some time today with a friend who really gets me

Enjoying:  cooler temps

Weather:  73° and mostly cloudy

A quote I want to share: 

currently

 I am...

Reading:  Whidbey by T Kira Madden

Listening to: the lawnmower

Thinking: I'm seriously considering applying for Canadian citizenship--my grandfather was born in Canada, and dual citizenship would be kinda neat

Feeling: I had an eye injection this morning and it is beginning to irritate me; I would love to rub it

Celebrating:  finally rescheduling my dental appointment for my crown 👑

Grateful for: my ophthalmologist is referring me to her mentor for a second opinion; there may be something other than macular degeneration going on

Enjoying:  nothing particular that I have to do today

Weather:  75° and mostly cloudy

A quote I want to share: 

currently

 I am...

Reading:  Kin by Tayari Jones

Listening to: the fan

Thinking:  my darling niece in Tulsa turns 30 at the end of this month and I'd like to do something special for her.  But what?

Feeling: frustrated--my dental appointment was postponed because the crown isn't ready

Celebrating:  I got home in time for the end of fresh strawberry season!  Shortcake awaits!

Grateful for: before my trip, I tidied up and put fresh sheets on the bed and fresh towels in the bathroom--that was very luxurious to come home to

Enjoying:  being home and returning to a summer vibe routine

Weather:  80° and cloudy

A quote I want to share: 

currently

 I am...

Reading:  The Queen of Wishful Thinking by Milly Johnson (in all honesty, I haven't been reading at all)

Listening to: Remarkably Bright Creatures--it's a very good movie

Thinking:  I need to get geared up for my return trip--Friday the 10th

Feeling: fantastic--I've relaxed, and I've been pampered

Celebrating:  my Advanced Placement student who took the exam scored a 4 out of 5!  I'm over the moon for her!

Grateful for: Dad is getting stronger and recovering, I'm so relieved

Enjoying:  before it got too hot today, I enjoyed the lovely porch

Weather:  87° and mostly sunny

A quote I want to share: 

currently

 I am...

Reading:  The Queen of Wishful Thinking by Milly Johnson (in all honesty, I haven't been reading at all)

Listening to: the Hall & Oates station on Spotify

Thinking:  our side quest plans have been put on hold due to my brother-in-law's father's illness, but you know?  Family is most important, and I'd hate to be a few hours away on an overnight jaunt and have another emergency pop up

Feeling: relaxed, so relaxed 

Celebrating:  the birth of our Nation!

Grateful for:  the ability to stay in Virginia for a month

Enjoying:  we're going to play cards in a little bit--the grudge match continues! (I'm winning)

Weather:  81° and partly sunny

A quote I want to share: 

currently

 I am...

Reading:  The Queen of Wishful Thinking by Milly Johnson

Listening to: The Big Bang Theory on TBS

Thinking:  making plans with my sister and nieces

Feeling:  pampered

Celebrating:  no longer keeping track of what day it is

Grateful for:  time with my Virginia sister

Enjoying:  today I learned how to play Mexican Train 

Weather:  70° and mostly cloudy

A quote I want to share: 

currently

 I am...

Reading:  Good People by Patmeena Sabit

Listening to: Joss Stone's radio station on Spotify

Thinking:  I had quite the adventure getting to my Virginia sister's!

Feeling:  starting to relax

Celebrating:  keeping calm when things were overwhelming while traveling

Grateful for:  cell phones!  Being able to instantly reach out to my bestie and Virginia sister was a big relief

Enjoying: now that I'm here, ensconced comfortably, I'm relaxing and enjoying my family

Weather:  75° and mostly sunny

A quote I want to share: 

currently

 I am...

Reading: Whistler by Ann Patchett

Listening to: the fridge hum

Thinking: I have so much to do to finish up the school year and get ready for my month-long trip to Virginia

Feeling:  this cold has really kicked my butt!  I'm still without full voice and coughing and very tired

Celebrating:  there are two days of school left for me this year!

Grateful for:  I was able to make a nail appointment at a different salon. I'm relieved to get any appointment anywhere!

Enjoying: putting together a capsule wardrobe to hopefully prevent me from overpacking

Weather:  66° and mostly cloudy

A quote I want to share: 

currently

I am...

Reading: One & Only by Maurene Goo

Listening to: the Spotify Bruno Mars station

Thinking: I had a poignant day with my Advanced Placement Psychology seniors; not only the last day of class together but also the last day I will teach this course--due to a scheduling conflict, the course will not be offered next year, and after that I am retiring.

Feeling:  satisfied:  I did some of my most creative teaching with this AP Psych class this year.  Physically?  I feel horrible; this cold has me in its grips! I don't think I've been sick this year, so this is a doozie!

Celebrating:  the end of this school year is upon us! 😀

Grateful for:  I submitted a request for the last day of school off.  It was granted!  Traditionally, it is a "step-up" day for the underclasses.  It's an unstructured clusterfuck of a half-day, and I've always dreamed of taking the day off.

Enjoying: all in all, I have had a terrific school year

Weather:  47° and clear

A quote I want to share: 

currently

I am...

Reading: The Bodyguard by Katherine Center

Listening to: nothing--the power is out

Thinking:  I hope this is resolved soon

Feeling:  annoyed

Celebrating:  I've accomplished a lot today

Grateful for:  Memorial Day

Enjoying:  my couch

Weather:  54° and light rain

A quote I want to share: 

currently

I am...

Reading: Love, Mom by Iliana Xander

Listening to: birds chirping and calling

Thinking:  a former student, a favorite, died by suicide, and his obituary captures him perfectly--I got teary 

Feeling:   I feel like I'm darting from one feeling to another

Celebrating: I've been remembering funny stories about that former student's shenanigans and hijinx

Grateful for:  lots of great memories of teaching over the years

Enjoying:  how the end of this year is winding down--I feel like it's organized chaos

Weather:  63° and partly sunny

A quote I want to share: