School's Out for Summer!

Yep...that's definitely an Alice Cooper reference!  We've been without students for a week now and as of this past Wednesday, no more work days for me.  I am finally starting to decompress and relax!  With that being said, the question becomes: what's next for the coming weeks?  Well...quite a bit.

Although nothing is set in stone...and even if it were, I wouldn't post exact dates here...I will take a trip at some point.  It is time for the migration north and out of this hot Southern air to the cool, crispness that is New England.  Summer is a great time to visit family and friends, but this may be the last time I get to do that trip.  My parents are considering selling the houses they own up there and moving to the Charleston area for retirement.  I think it's a great idea...but it takes away a place to stay up there and a change of scenery from the usual, balmy South.  We have some prep work to do to put the houses in a state to be sold, thus the main reason for such a trip this year.

I also have a lot planned for the garden.  So far, we have fully harvested our radishes and turnips.  Both were very yummy!  But...there is still plenty growing out there.  Our patty pan squash is starting to look nice (good couple inches around), tomato plants are growing like wild fire, basil is getting large, potatoes are growing all over the place, and it is getting to be about time to pull the carrots.  But, the beats are still small and the okra...well, I'm just not sure it will produce anything at this rate!  So there is work to be done there.

We also have company coming to visit us on their vacation.  My brother-in-law and his boys will be coming from Germany and my wife is hoping to take them to a few places they haven't seen yet in this country.  Nothing too far...definitely in driving distance...but new at least.  Maybe he can help out with some work around the house too...he's more handy than I am!

On top of all that, I need to start prepping for next school year already.  I'm off the clock but a teacher's work is never truly done!  I have a new prep (Advanced Game Design) to build as there is no official curriculum yet, training to attend and a position to fill.  So...regardless of my paycheck, I will likely spend a lot of time focusing on work or running into school for one reason or another.

So, as you can see, there is a lot to do and a limited time to do it in.  It will be a very busy summer, but hopefully a relaxing one as well!  Hope everyone reading this has a safe and relaxing summer as well!

Bueller...Bueller...Bueller...

I know...I haven't made a single post all week.  Being a teacher, this time of year can be hectic.  We are officially in the throws of testing season.  Luckily for me, the majority of the testing for my students is completed and they did exceptionally well.  I like to think that this is because I am an outstanding teacher but I know that standardized testing is really just a game that anyone can excel at.  You see, the secret to students doing well at any state-made test is simple: memorization of vocabulary.  It is sad, but this is all we expect of our kids.  Understanding of larger, more important, concepts and hands-on skills has become a secondary characteristic of the top-notch student.  What seems to matter to those who set policy in place is not what you can do or how well you understand the larger implications of the material but can you identify the correct answer from a selection of four possible choices in a multiple choice test.  The future of both the student taking the exam and the educator who originally taught them the material is at stake.  I could rant on and on about the problems with such high-stake testing, but I am sure you can find plenty of people who are complaining about it elsewhere on the Internet.  On the other end of things, the nearing end of testing means that everyone can soon receive much needed regeneration and relaxation with the upcoming summer break.

A Day Well Spent

Today is Memorial Day, a day to give thanks to all those men and women who have made sacrifices both large and small so that we may remain a free nation.  As a veteran myself, I was one of the lucky individuals who served in a peaceful location (Germany) during wartime (Gulf War).  So many others are not so lucky and I do appreciate the sacrifices both they and their families made for us.  So, as you have been hearing all day, I give you a heartfelt thank you.

So, you might wonder, how did I spend my day?  Well...I spent it outside enjoying a beautiful sunny day along with my wife and working in the garden!  We got quite a bit accomplished today.  First, my wife finished securing our new picket fence while I spread pine straw around to help keep the weeds at bay.  Then, I put some flower seeds into some pots to add a little color around the vegetables and hopefully attract more ladybugs, bees and dragonflies.  I transplanted some kind of crawling vine from the side of the house to a hill in the hopes that it will take over that area and make mowing considerably easier.  Then we transplanted a tree to the same location.  If they both take, it will be a miracle but it was worth a shot.  Now, it is time to simply relax.  I enjoyed myself and the holiday, I hope you did the same!