Anne Boleyn, JFK, and me

As of the beginning of this school year I have just about 1000 days left before I can get the heck out of Dodge (to mix a metaphor) and retire.  That includes summers and weekends.  Work days until the big EXIT?  About 555.  That doesn't sound so bad when I write it down.  But I'm guessing the actual doing will be a bit more challenging.

The kids this year are mostly adorable and I continue to enjoy teaching science, but Mike and I are both looking forward to moving somewhere new and exciting.  Something a little like this:

Happy new year, teachers, moms and dads, and kiddos.  Hope it's a great one for us all.

Standing at the counter at the Last Chance Cafe

About this time of year I remember that line from "You've Got Mail" about a bouquet of newly sharpened pencils.  There's something a little energizing about mid-August when every store you go to has a section devoted to "Back to School."  As a kid, I was lucky to have a mother who sewed.  She made nearly everything I wore.  But each August we'd troop down to JC Penneys or Sears and spend a hot (no air conditioning in stores those days) afternoon trying on store-bought dresses.  I remember getting one, my sister would get two.  That's because they were on sale three for ten dollars and she was the older.  So I'd be growing into the ones she picked by next fall.  I don't even remember being jealous at only getting the one, just eager for her to clear out her side of the closet so I could have last year's picks.

Yesterday Kimmi and I went bra shopping - a necessary pursuit, but not nearly as enjoyable as sale dresses at Sears.  I did manage to pick up a cute pair of Skechers, though.  I guess this means school really will start next week whether I want it to or not.  So today I'm making cookies, emailing friends, and relaxing on the couch - things I don't have so much time for when I'm working.  Happy Back-to-School to you all.