Summer Vacation

*Image & print by Vintage Beach

Today at 3:40 the final bell of the school year will ring.  I am counting down the minutes until freedom.  The last day of 8th grade this year will be bittersweet.  I am still waiting to hear back about my interview and am packing up my classroom as if I am not returning.  This would be a great time to leave this school, with a fantastic group of students leaving a better taste in my mouth.  I am so so ready for this vacation.  Seattle here I come!

Third

*Image & card by Sad Shop

Anyone who knows the story about how my husband became my boyfriend knows I like cake.  Boyfriend cake was pretty much the best cake ever.  Then, he baked our wedding cake and I got husband cake.  Now, I get delicious cake all of the time.  No, I did not marry my husband for the cake- that is the sweet bonus.  Happy Anniversary husband, may there be plenty of cake in our future.

Dive in

*Image & postcard by Quilt and Arrow Press

Last week of school!  I'm all in.  Only 3 more days left with 8th graders and I'm free for the summer?  I wonder who is more excited about that, me or my students?

Finals

*Image & print by BearAndRobot

Um.... yeah... finals.  Bummer.  But - after this it's summer!  (I have to keep reminding myself).

Relax

*Image & card by Two Guitars

Now that we have two furnished patios, I have no excuse not to sit outside and relax.  Yesterday I got to grade papers and read on the front patio while my husband worked away on yet another project.  Hopefully, he'll do more relaxing with me on the week nights.  I love having an outdoor space and right now it's the perfect weather.  Our summer isn't scorching us yet.  Only 8 more days of school and I'll be able to kick it out on the patio that much longer.  How do you relax in the evenings?

Interview

*Image via J.Crew

Tomorrow I need to get all spiffed up because I have an interview!  I'm excited and nervous, yet confident that I will present myself well and hopefully be offered a position to work in a high school next year.  Keep your fingers and toes crossed.  Now I'm going to break out the iron to make sure I'm looking crisp and polished tomorrow.  Wish me luck?

Author

*Image by Kartikay Sahay

Today is the Young Author's conference.  I'm excited and nervous to be presenting a lesson to kids from all over the district and to other teachers from all over the district.  It's no secret on my campus that I'm looking to transfer to a high school.  Now my fingers are crossed that someone with some clout might be in my room watching, and maybe they'll see something they like.  I hope.  I'm also excited that three of my students had their work chosen to represent our campus. One boy has been writing all year and his goal is to be published.  They are printing an anthology from the submitted student work pieces, so today that tiny bit of a dream will be one step closer to coming true.  How are you spending your Wednesday?

Frolic

*Image & print via Vintage Jane

After school these days it is all I can do not to run off campus toward home.  I am really feeling the itch of the end of the school year, almost as much as my rowdy kids.  There are two camps students divide into at the end of the year: the mature students you wish you had all year, and the pains in the butt.  Thankfully, most are evolving into the first group and are becoming freshmen before me, I do have a few more pains though.  I can't wait until there is no work for me to take home because the year is over and I can truly frolic into the welcoming arms of summer vacation.  What has you wanting to leave work early these days?

Close

*Image & print by JMBarclay

All of the light drizzle this week has really reminded me of Seattle.  I can't believe that I'm less than a month away from being back in town.  There are only 14 1/2 days of school left and I am so excited to be done with the year.  I'm sitting on my hands right now and am slowly packing up my classroom.  So close.  So close.  What are you anticipating?

Observe

*Image & print by Daleigh Designs

Currently, I'm in the middle of teaching my students about dystopia and the Holocaust.  It makes me more reflective of the choices I have and the freedoms I take for granted regularly.  I have to remember how good I've got it now and again.  Last night, I stood out on the patio and observed my garden while it rained softly, it was lovely.  (TX rain is usually torrential, so this was rather pleasant).  What little things do you need to stop and observe?

Quilted

*Image by Ross Pollack

Storms have been passing through town recently and last night I looked up into the sky and it looked like the clouds had formed a quilt overhead.  It was truly a beautiful sight.  I'm glad for all of the rain, our yard is greener than ever and looks fantastic.  This rain is making an impact on our small garden as well.  Our little cherry tomatoes are climbing the trellis and tiny little peppers are sprouting up too.  How has your spring started to bloom and grow?

Rafting

*Image by Nourart

In less than a month I will be in Seattle with plenty to do and many people to see.  One friend already signed me up for an afternoon of river rafting and I can't wait.  She is a river guide on the weekends and I get to be in her boat.  And I just thought I'd get to hang out with friends, now they're planning adventures for me!  Where will your summer travels take you?

Stacked

*Image & shoes via Piper Lime

Now that I have a dress I need the shoes.  The bride has requested a golden yellow.  The wedding will be outside so that means a thick heel or wedges.  I found these heels online and they are growing on me.  There is another pair with cute polka-dots that I also like, but I'm not quite sure that ruffles on a dress and ruffles on shoes will be complimentary.  How high is too high?

Ugly

*Image by mirsasha

Ugly dolls are the theme for a baby shower I'm helping to throw this weekend.  I love these fuzzy little dolls with their funny quirky back stories.  Perfectly imperfect, great for cuddling with kids.  I can't believe that this is my second baby shower since TX.  I just found out that a co-worker friend is expecting twins so there is at least one more baby shower on my calendar this year.  I have some ugly cupcakes planned just for a fun finishing touch.  I need to get my baking rear in gear!  Do you have a favorite Ugly?