I wish I were unflappable, but I’m not. I truly admire those people who can just roll with the chaos with a smile on their face but I am so not one of them.  This year the typical end-of-the-year chaos has been heightened by a high-school graduation and impending multitudes of visitors. So, I get overwhelmed and then focus on what’s overwhelming me. I don’t attack items in a strategic manner, I write long, involved and impossible lists. Then I talk about it…ad nauseum. I am boring myself and surely I’m boring others as well. Everyone has tons to do–some manage to do it quietly and efficiently. Clearly, I don’t. I do it with a lot of “woe is me’s.” Pathetic. I’m working on it, but it’s definitely a long-term goal.

At any rate, I woke this morning determined to “reboot.” I tightened up my lesson plans and admonished myself to get over it and get on with it. I deliberately slowed down the pace on my drive in to work and took time to appreciate it. Living in Maine has some challenges, but wow, it is just gorgeous!  I am so, so fortunate, but sometimes I forget to stop and notice the beauty that surrounds me each day. Here are some pictures that highlight my ride into work and back.  The drive in was a fair bit longer but I enjoyed every moment of it–Including two different deer sightings.  Ah, Maine!