The best thing about summer is that I actually have time to do all those things that are impossible during the school year like, for instance, writing a blog. Also, actually having a semi-clean house, having time to exercise with my beautiful daughter, actually reading a book for fun WITHOUT falling asleep, and being able to be of use to my neighbors and family. Going to Costco on a weekday. Going outside. Taking vacations. Volunteering at the Arts Festival. Sleeping in (and by sleeping in I mean 6:00 instead of 4:45:)). Basically, doing whatever I want pretty much every minute.
This is the first summer that is really true. I've raised 5 kids, so doing whatever I want hasn't always been an option. But, my baby graduated from high school this month and can take care of herself if she needs to. I have always loved summer. Maybe it is because my birthday is in July. I haven't always been a teacher, so I don't take my summertime off for granted. Believe it or not, one of the things I love to do in the summer is work. I've been a teacher for 11 years now, and it is harder than I ever imagined. Like most teachers I know, I spend at least some of the summer taking classes, attending workshops, or planning lessons for the next year. I love the professional relationships I make and the pressure-free environment of exploring the many subjects I teach. Having the excuse to keep learning is one of the best things about being a teacher, but I guess I'll save that topic for my next post.
Feel free to let me know what the best things are for you, either on the topics I choose or some of your own. Thanks for reading!
