New Year's Eve Day

My week's vacation has flown by - way too fast. Back to school on Monday even though it's a federal holiday. I think our school calendar could be improved. We have a teacher workshop on Jan. 27th. I'd rather have the workshop on Jan. 2nd --- No school for kids and a chance for teachers to get back into the groove before the kids. Instead we're all back on Monday. I am predicting a greater than average absentee rate because a lot of folks think that Monday is a holiday. We're the only district going back on Monday in our area too.

Of course, I didn't get anything approximating even a quarter of things accomplished that I'd set for myself. I guess I set my goals too high. I had planned to write 2 new social studies units, get my pullover sweater finished, finish painting the new entry/bathroom/laundry area, clean my house, get caught up on sleep, go to the movies, get the bookkeeping finished for my husband's company, visit friends, read and relax. I did get together one afternoon with a friend for a knitting session, and we figured out the resizing on the sleeves for my sweater. (I have shorter than average arms, and the sweater has dropped shoulders.) I also mapped out the rest of the year in social studies, outlined a new unit, and created a research project for my students. I also did the bookkeeping and some basic cleaning done. We did also do a day trip to CT to visit family. In between was a lot of church. I'm "head deacon" this month and had to be sure that people were welcomed, the sanctuary set up and then straightened up, etc. etc. at all the Christmas services, plus a big funeral on Friday. No rest for the weary!

This year was a difficult one for us. My mom died in August after a very long battle with colon cancer. I got out of school in very late June, and went out to Indiana to visit for what I thought was going to be 2 weeks. Instead I ended up staying the whole summer, caring for her at home until she died. My father died 3 years ago and mys siblings and I are having a tough time realizing that we're the oldest generation left. School started almost immediately after I got back home and it's been nonstop since then. Christmas was really hard for me, but we're getting through . . . .

A First Time for Everything

A snow day! Our first one this school year. It couldn't have come at a better time. I was seriously considering taking a personal day ---- but I couldn't bear the thought of writing sub plans. We got our first major snowstorm of the winter too - almost 18 inches in about 7 hours. I spent the day wrapping gifts and I actually made a first batch of Christmas cookies. And I'm trying out my first blog. . . .