With less than three weeks left of summer, the teacher anxiety begins to seep in. How many items have I crossed off my To-Do list? Can I still work in a trip to the beach? Have I read all the Quarter 1 core books yet? Completed my Compliance Training? Have I scheduled all my doctor and dentist appointments? Do I have an exercise/ socializing/ housekeeping plan in place that will work with my new fall schedule?
Wait! It’s not time to think about all those things yet! I’m watching the Olympics. I’m finishing novels that have nothing to do with school. I’m waking up at 6:00 am to go rowing before the heat sets in. I’m going to my high school reunion next week. I’m swimming at the new aquatic center. I’m attending live concerts and biking with friends. I’ve driven to New York City for the weekend.
Excepting the pandemic, this is the first summer in 11 years that I haven’t completed a big international trip. It has felt so unusual, so… relaxing! I’ve had consecutive days with nothing to do but read quietly in my favorite chair. It’s the first summer that I can remember feeling moments of boredom.
On August 19th, I start pre-service week at a new high school, where I’ll be co-teaching English 9 and English 12. I am looking forward to working within a larger ELD Department, meeting my new co-teachers, commuting a shorter distance, and experiencing a more collegial work environment.
But right now, I’m enjoying every sun rise, every sun set, and every single hour in between. There’s plenty of time to get everything done.
Getting ready to row under the full Buck moon, July 21
Dinner overlooking Central Park, NYC
Hawaiian Night at family reunion, June 2024
Eva K. Sullivan 