“You know, you don’t have too much time before you go back,” my husband commented this weekend.
“I’ve got lots of time! I’ve got like three weeks!” I protested.
He looked at me. “Today’s the 9th. Tomorrow’s the 10th. Two weeks from then is the 24th. Don’t you go back the last week of August?”
“Um….Yes,” I replied hesitantly.
“Well,” he said, “That’s in about two weeks. “
“But…” My mind raced. How could that be!? I was stunned. I redid the math (several times). Every time the answer was the same. Dang it! He was 100% right.
“I don’t think I’m talking to you anymore,” I announced.
To be honest, I am not dreading school. I’m actually looking forward to meeting my new students and to seeing friends and colleagues. I’m just not ready to up the pace. After returning home from my final summer trip last week (I was traveling or away 29 days this summer–rich, rewarding and BUSY!), I’ve been enjoying slowing down, lingering, putzing, and generally being wildly inefficient. Days with nothing scheduled on my calendar are like unwrapped gifts. I’m actually avoiding making plans, even when they might be something I’d like to do. But now that my husband dropped that bombshell, I’m having to slowly adjust to the idea that school actually does begin in two weeks. Not three weeks. Two.
It’s going to be fine.
I’ll be ready.
Maybe I’ll even be talking to my husband again by then! lol
I start next Wednesday. 😳😱
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Good luck! I hope your year gets off to a great start!
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“Days with nothing scheduled on my calendar are like unwrapped gifts.” Golden line.
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Thanks! I feel that so strongly! Yesterday was one of those days 🙂
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haha…this was a cute story! Glad you enjoyed a delightful summer of traveling and hope you enjoy your last 2 weeks…that may feel like 3… taking each day one at a time. 🙂
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I try to remind myself that if I had two weeks off in the middle of the school year, I’d be ecstatic. lol
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That IS a very positive way to look at those two weeks! Enjoy them! 🙂
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What year in the classroom are you beginning in two weeks?The kids, their parents, and your colleagues are the winners in 2026-2027!
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I think my 19th maybe? Somehow I can’t keep track! lol And thanks for the vote of confidence 🙂
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Today was day 5 with students for me and I get that push and pull you described so well. Enjoy your last two weeks- it is up to you whether that feels short or long.
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I hope your year is off to a great start. I’m considering ways to enjoy every moment of these last days of flexible schedules and time for aimless wandering.
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I am enjoying getting first day pictures from my daughters and knowing I don’t have to go back. All my best for you enjoying these last two weeks to the fullest.
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I love that for you!
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Ha ha – good luck, Molly! And good for you for having some soul-productive no-agenda days mixed in with the busy ones. My daughter Morgan, in Georgia, has returned to the classroom again (with pre-K for her oldest and day care for the toddler); she welcomed her second-graders for the first day of school yesterday.
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Yay for teaching second grade! It really is a sweet place to land as a teacher.
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Perfect ending quip! “Up the pace” is a perfect description of the two weeks leading up to another year also! You’ll be awesome because you are (mostly) anticipating with joy rather than dreading.
(I have read Keegan’s book—long before everyone started talking about it. Love the peace it gives and reminds me of Niall Williams in many ways.)
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I have yet to read Niall Williams though I have one of his in my TBR pile–along with dozens of others!
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