Friday, August 14, 2009

Saying Goodbye to Summertime

I’ve taken quite a break from the blog. Summer has had me in its seductive trance of sunshine, sleep, and the good company of friends. I’m slowly realizing that though it is one of teaching’s finest perks, summer is hard. Sure you get 2 months (and TRUST ME, teachers need them), but then just when you’re getting used to it and getting to think, ‘I could get use to this’, BAM, its over.

I’ve had a blast this summer. I have kept busy traveling and visiting. One of my friends from RCHS always asks, ‘So where are you this week Coley?’ I have been quite the little nomad. The summer started off with a trip to my favorite place on Earth: the Outer Banks. I hadn’t been there in a few years and it was wonderful to visit again. Then one of my best friends, Kelly, got married! She’s the first in our group to get hitched. The rest of the summer was spent visiting friends, quiet moments of relaxation, moving friends, decorating classrooms, another wedding, throw in some babysitting (‘cause it wouldn’t be summer without it), and another fabulous beach trip. I’m sure I’m missing some activities in there, but know that it was a great summer.

I was chatting with Case this past week and we realized that summer just isn’t long enough! We also realized (we’re both teachers) that this time of summer is ‘the calm before the storm’. It’s like you KNOW what is coming, but are just trying to wait it out, maybe it won’t be here so soon?? So here comes the time of summer where it starts to hit you. When you think…I guess I need to dust off the lesson plans and start to think about having students in my desks. It’s time to get back onto the saddle.

Don’t get me wrong…there is a part of me that is excited. I didn’t think I’d say that last year. I made it through one year of teaching and am anxious to see what this year brings. Will I improve? Will I accomplish the goals I’ve made for myself? Will I reach out to my students? I’m not sure. I am looking forward to it.

But…on the same token…I’m going to miss summer. Of course I’m going to miss the sleeping in, eating lunch whenever I want. However, what I’m really going to miss is being in the same town as my best friends. This summer I’ve really gotten to spend time with my best friends…it’s been really, really hard leaving them.

I know that this year, like last year, will hold many surprises. I’m positive that I will learn a lot. I’m sure that my students will offer me challenges, but also provide me with laughter. Because of all of this…there is some excitement.

I can only hope that next summer will be like this one. Full of friends, traveling, happy moments, laughter shared, and long walks taken. I hope that throughout this school year I get to see all my family and friends often. That’s what I’m going to miss the most. I’m excited to see my RCHS family again…but I’m really, really going to miss my family and best friends.

The House

Every time I walk to my bedroom, I look in the room that used to be my grandmother's bedroom.  I look for her bed and her laying in it ...